Unto Thy New Worldby Epsilon SierraChaptersAct 1, Chapter 1: DismayChapter 2: Unto Thy New WorldChapter 3: ReturnAct 1, Chapter 1: DismayFalling. My first sensation was just pure falling. Space and time seemed to slide past, each offering conflicting emotions to my befuddled mind. "Nocturne! Get up! We need you!" A distant voice was screaming, getting closer and closer. Suddenly everything rips into focus. I looked around. Sun, stars and the moon seemed to whirl in a dancing inferno of beauty. I became aware of two entities in front of me. One emanated sadness, emptiness and death. The other was seemingly as empty, but seemed slightly better. "Please Nocturne, I need you!" The darker one flared and reached out, as if to burn me. Instead of the light of the fire I expected, a deep black overcame my being... I wake up screaming. Just another bloody dream. Wiping the cold sweat from my face, I sat up. Back in the same shithole apartment, back into my miserable life. I spent most days at home, sitting at my desk and typing away at the keys, scheduling job interviews or writing up job applications. Nights were either spent doing the same thing I did during the day, or out wasting the night away at a pub. I'm twenty-two, and the bartender is a long-time friend of my father's, and he knew what I was going through, and thus chose not to step in, and also was one of my only friends. Pathetic, aren't I? But apparently, I am a genius. I have a major in human psychology and medicine, and a minor in chemical engineering. Shouldn't be too hard for me to find a job, right? Not quite. In this quaint little town, there wasn't really a need for psychologists, psychoanalysts, or biochemical engineers. And apparently two doctors are enough to handle the small clinic two blocks down from the small apartment I live in. My parents are long gone. My mother took her own life six years ago and my dad succumbed to lung cancer two years back after smoking a pack a day for close to a decade. I don't miss him. He used to beat her, and ultimately drove her to taking her own life. All those nights that I overheard shouting, all those bruises and cuts that marred my mother's perfect but scarred skin, each and every time he abused her, she inched closer to making the ultimate decision, one that no one should have to. And when she finally snapped, he blamed it on me. Even so, upon his death, I had him buried next to my mother. She would have wanted that, even after all that happened. She always was very kind and forgiving. Every weekend, I would drive down to their grave, under the old tree we always had picnics under, or at least when the times were still good. Stepping out of the shower, I looked around this dark, dank dump that I call home. Books and magazines piled up in a corner, clothes unfolded and stuffed in the closet, the whole place in a mess. The second I move to a city, I would be able to find a well-paying job and have the easy life, but I decided against it, seeing as to how I would not be able to keep up with taxes, considering that the starting pay is somewhere around two thousand. Two thousand dollars per month, and I have to pay rent, taxes, food and transportation. I'd never survive for long. Also, there were the issues of crime, noise and pollution, which did not really bother me that much. But lastly, I would not be able to look up into the night sky and gaze upon the stars and the moon with the same amount of clarity. Stargazing always was one of my favorite pastimes. As a child, I spent most nights lying out in the fields outside the family-owned farm, staring up at the diamonds in the sky, wondering if there was anything more out there than life on earth. I always preferred night to day, mainly because of the mystery that it concealed, and the beauty it emanates. Then, something caught my eye. A roll of brown parchment sat on my desk. Upon closer inspection, I realized that the paper was far thicker than normal paper, and felt as though it was traditionally made, or even from the Middle Ages itself. 'Wow. This really is weird.' Oddly enough, at the center of the roll of paper, there was a small cloth bag, and upon inverting it over the table, a small blue crystal fell out. It was approximately one inch long, and half an inch across. The shades of blue grew darker as it neared the center, and in the core, a small light shone, not unlike a star in the night sky. "Dear Raphael, You are probably surprised to find this, but let me explain. My name is Princess Luna, and I live in a kingdom called Equestria. You certainly are a unique individual. Your intelligence, your hardships, and somehow, you are still able to maintain that calm and stoic façade. I have noticed your hardships, and seen what you have been through. I have seen the way you make yourself out to be less than you really are, and I want to show you a world where kindness, happiness and trust rule over the principles of yours. I have chosen you to be my personal royal subject. A friend, if you will. You have been through far more than you should, and I offer solace. You might think that this is nonsense, but I can assure you, 'tis not. Enclosed is an artifact, one of similar type to the one I used to send you this letter. The second it makes contact with your skin, you will be transported into this realm, unto thy new world. This world, you will find familiar, but with a twist. One that is so different from yours, but yet so alike in other ways. Hopefully, I will be seeing you soon. Yours truly, Princess Luna" PS: You can take anything you want with you as long as you keep it close" 'SHE MUST BE INSANE!' I shouted internally. The only logical conclusion is one, I have a stalker, or two, this 'Luna' is just some deranged madman/woman. But in the back of my mind, there was a small voice nagging, screaming the small possibility of escaping this dreary life I lead, and that this Luna person is actually real. Thinking the last option to be naught more than a fantasy, and the voice a longing for escape, I ignored it for the time being and continued on my daily routine. Hours Later… "No new offers…" I mumbled under my breath. Not surprising. I've practically applied for every available job in town. Slowly climbing out of my seat, I put on my favorite suit. It was a gift from a close friend, though he isn't much of a friend now, considering his last words to me were "You're doomed to fail". He got me this suit a couple of years ago, when he still thought I showed a great potential. I always was thin and tall for my age, standing at about approximately six-foot-two, but weighing a measly 140 pounds (63.5kg). Hypothyroidism had plagued me for almost my whole life, meaning that no matter how much I ate, I would gain little to no weight at all. Slipping on the blue undershirt, tucked it into the black dress pants and pulled on the black jacket that completed the set. Considering the fact that it's autumn, I also slipped on a pair of black leather gloves. 'It's about time I make a trip to their graves. Maybe it will help clear my mind…' I lightly brushed my silver hair back, and stepped out of the small apartment. Settling into my car, I sighed and started to consider the legitimacy of the outrageous letter. 'Maybe the blue crystal really would mean salvation?' 'Nonsense. I thought you were smart, Raphael. Never thought you'd be so stupid and gullible to put stock into such folly!' Cringing slightly at the cruelty of my conscience's words, I drove off, to the old oak tree near the farm, about eight miles down the road. I pulled over, and stepped out of the second-hand Chevy I bought with my parents inheritance and insurance money. I stepped up to their graves, and dropped to my knees, saying a short prayer and following the routine. What do I have to lose? I might as well try it, maybe she is actually telling the truth… The autumn wind blew around me, causing the red-orange leaves of the oak to fall and envelop me as though it were a conscious being that tried to surround me. Standing up, I promptly climbed back into the car and drove home. I'm gonna do it. I had nothing left to lose. Quickly gathering my things, which included a second set of clothing, my cello that I had kept since I took it up at the age of seventeen, and the locket that my mother had given me a year before she took her own life. I took the small blue crystal out of my pocket with a gloved hand. Well, this is it. I thought to myself, removing the glove from my other hand. Brushing the crystal lightly with my bare hand, I couldn't believe my own eyes. I surrounded by bright light, and it formed a cocoon around me, and then there was nothing but a blinding darkness. Chapter 2: Unto Thy New World(Note: besides names of games, italics are thoughts, shared thoughts or stressed points) 'Where am I? What happened?' As I tried to force my eyes open, these two questions plagued my disorientated and confused mind. It felt like a hangover, but unbelievably, ten times worse. Taking a deep breath, all I could detect was the faint smell of roses. I forced my eyes open, blinking countless times in the first two seconds, due to the sudden change in light level. Poisoned. Drugged. Concussion. Accident. Dead? The countless scenarios raced through my mind, but then I remembered. The letter, the crystal, everything. I sat up, realizing that I didn't have a shirt on. Looking around, I saw what looked to be a large bedroom, dark blue, black and purple paint scheme. This looked so royal. Wait. I looked back. 'An Xbox?' It immediately grabbed my attention, seeing how its white color scheme couldn't have possibly blended in. 'Hooked up to a 55" HD LCD TV. How wonderful.' I told myself, half sarcastically. Next to it was an impressive pile of video games. Halo, Call of Duty, Dead Space, Forza Motorsport, etc. The two items really stood out, polar opposite of the regal-looking room. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the small backpack and the cello case I chose to take along with me, sitting in the corner. I heard something in the background go "click-clack" on the apparently marble floor. 'Okay. Just to recap, I am apparently in a kingdom called Equestria. Deriving from 'Equine', meaning horse. So this 'Luna' is a horse? Sure seems like it. But then how does she play video games?' Time seemed to slow down as the sound of hooves impacting on marble drew closer. From the corner of my eye, a midnight blue horse stepped into view. "Horn? Wings? Whaaat." "Ah! Finally you are awake!" "How is this possible? How can you talk? Who are you?" I interrogated this dark, slender winged unicorn who stood before me at eye level as I sat there, motionless. Without speaking, it, or rather, she walked up towards me, climbed onto the bed on which I sat, and brought her horn, which now glows, to my forehead. I tried to back away, but considering how she could have easily killed me when I was out cold but didn't, chose not to resist and steadied myself. When the tip touched my forehead, it felt like someone had poured ice water over my head. The wave of cold enveloped me and dissipated. 'Greetings, I am Princess Luna.' "Okay your'e in my head. How-" She put her hoof to my mouth before I could utter another word. 'Remain calm, human. I have observed you for the past year, and I will explain everything in due time. Seeing as how you are here, you chose to leave what once was your life behind, and to seek refuge from your cruel world in mine. What I have just done to you is a telepathy spell. We have to remain quiet, as my sister is asleep, and nopony else knows you are here.' I slowly nodded, pulling down her hoof with my right hand. Her coat felt soft, and only now did I realize the black crown she wore above her horn, and the slippers on each hoof, colored a pearlescent light purple that fit in just perfectly. Her ethereal blue mane, always in motion even during the absence of any wind whatsoever. The way she walked around made it seem like she felt a sense of awkwardness. "Why did you 'invite' me here?" I questioned, moving over to the edge. "How do you even know who I am?" "Pardon. I was in the Royal Canterlot Library slightly over a year ago, and chanced upon a book. A book that spoke of another world much like ours, a world where humans, thought by all to be only a myth, thrived. The book was always considered nothing more than an old mare's tale, but I put stock in it, using the old spell the book contained, and long story short, I acquired the crystal and now you are here." She rattled on, words firing from her mouth like bullets from a machine-gun. She was deliberately avoiding eye contact, looking down. She was… shy? I unknowingly chuckled, finding her insecurity cute. She tried to mask her shyness, and tried to retain her royal stature. "I beg your pardon?" "Um, Princess Luna-" "Please, there is no need for formality. Do address me as Luna." She cut in. Rudely, might I add, if not for her royal position. "Luna, how long have I been here?" I asked rather timidly. "Three days." Three days, huh? I climbed off her bed, slipped on my dress shoes and put on my shirt without buttoning up. "So what now?" I asked cautiously. She closed her eyes for two seconds, and stated with a sigh, "My elder sister is on her way. She insists on seeing you." The obsidian door slowly swung open, a figure, slightly taller than Luna stepped through. She was immaculately white. Her mane was an series of hues in pink, blue and green, and like Luna's, seemed to be constantly in motion even during the absence of any wind. A golden crown, as opposed to Luna's midnight blue, seemingly black under the rather poor lighting condition. On her flank was a sun, while Luna's was, predictably, a crescent moon. Conclusion: Luna is the princess of the Night, and this one is the princess of the Day. Considering the size difference, Luna is probably a few years younger than this other princess. The white mare trotted up, seemingly unfazed by the appearance of an unusual creature in her sister's bedroom. Unusual for them, anyway. Acting on instinct, I bowed, submitting to the entity larger than myself, taking note of the regality of her actions. "State your name and intention," she commanded, "and rise." I did as instructed. As I told her the truth, introducing myself in the process, she cringed, slightly, quickly returning to her stoic expression. "Very well. Since she was the one who brought you here, she will be in charge of you. You will listen to her orders, and she will teach you Equestrian history, customs and in turn, you will obey every command to the letter. Have I made myself clear?" She stated matter-of-factly as I rose to my feet. No emotions detected. It's almost as if this is normal for her, or she had been rehearsing this. I nodded hesitantly, cautious of her actions. She turned and left, leaving me quite confused as to why she handled the whole situation as calmly and coldly as she did, seeing as how I apparently am the first human heard of and most likely seen, ever. "Luna, why is she… larger than you?" I asked, brimming with curiosity. "Also, how did she know that I'm here?" She turned, facing me with a puzzled expression. "It is because I was imprisoned on the moon for a millennia past, and did not age because I was not in this form. One thousand years ago, I grew jealous of our sister, bitter at how our subjects played during her day, but shunned and hid in my beautiful night. I made some mistakes, and our sister banished us to the moon. But not a year ago, I returned with the same intention, once again taking up the mantle of Nightmare Moon, but we were saved and redeemed by a young mare by the name of Twilight Sparkle, who lives in a small town, Ponyville. Since then, we have spent our days trying to adjust to modern life, and now, you have joined us in Equestria." Through her monologue, she showed little emotion, but I could see through her stoic facade, and see her regret, sadness, bitterness and loneliness. She was royalty, and possibly even the goddess of the Night, watching over the others as they sleep, but they showed no gratitude. Looking outside, I saw a sight that not many see. The absence of pollution here made the night sky extremely clear, and I realized how beautiful the night sky really is. "How she knew of your presence is because she detected my elevated vital signs, namely pulse rate and breathing. Can't blame me for being excited to talk to someone from another world." She said with a half-joking tone. "Luna, in my world, there are stargazers who look up to the heavens and admire its beauty, but pollution has made our sky mask the true beauty of the night, a beauty that I am fortunate enough to be able to witness as I look out now." I said, staring far into the sky, admiring it in all its celestial beauty. "The stars burned brighter in centuries past. During our ironic thousand-year-long exile on the moon, we relied on the stars to keep us alive. The magic and energy I use is compatible with the stars. After all, they are, in a way, my children. Staying alive on a pressure-less, airless environment without food nor water required a lot of magic." She explained, much to my interest. After all, I did love the night sky. We spent the night conversing on our own lives, and I realized how much hardship she has had to go through, being shunned by the people, being antagonized by legends, and still holding the same position she did before. She also explained the whole idea of Equestrian Magic. Apparently there are many kinds of magic in this land, ranging from elemental, life, and Pegasi Magic, Earthen Magic and Unicorn Magic. She said that Pegasi Magic is what allows the pegasi to walk on clouds, and fly at such high speeds with less of an impact on their bodily functions. Unicorn Magic is the easiest to harness and manipulate, which explains how unicorns can levitate objects, change their appearance and more, or so I've heard. Earthen Magic is apparently the least well-understood, and also the hardest to utilize. It supposedly gives Earth ponies, that is, ponies with neither horn nor wings, the ability to be undertaking tasks such as farming or mining so successfully with relatively little training. Additionally, Luna also mentioned the magic of friendship. It is what keeps the three factions from warring with each other, and apparently also makes their tasks easier. Alicorns, which are what Luna and Celestia, her sister, are, are supposed to be a hybrid of all three races, and are supposed to be their rulers, or deities. They are nigh-immortal, but not invincible. Their magic outshines any other type, being far more potent and plentiful, due to the extremely small number of Alicorns. "At the beginning of Time, there were two Alicorns, Tempus and Caelus. They were our parents. Tempus is time embodied, our father. His mane was pure white energy, and he could manipulate time at will. His coat was grey, like dust that would collect over time. Caelus, our mother, was the creator of space. Her mane was a dark blue, seeping out as though it were gaseous. Her coat was white, brighter than Celestia's. It represented purity, immaculate. "She created the Universe with the help of our father, for Time means nothing without Space. Tempus and Caelus raised us in a world not unlike Equestria, though it took on a form of a large expanse of land with a large tree growing in the centre, towering over a crystal clear pond. They gave us the power to create, and told us to let our child-like imagination run wild. The pond under the tree was our Universe, our playground. We created Terra, the world, in this universe, and gave it a sun, bestowing all its powers upon the shoulders of our sister. As for myself, I spent years designing the night sky. Guided by our parents, I created every star, every constellation, named them and breathed life into them.I took on the responsibility of maintaining the night, ensuring it would help future travelers find their destination. Our parents gave their lives to populate Mundus with Pegasi, Unicorn and Terran alike, and our responsibility was to watch over them, to maintain peace." She narrated, telling the tale of Creation, as I sat there, awe-struct at how amazing their story of creation was. "Unfortunately, when they were first created on Terra, they did not get along. They despised each other, and none would accept us, because each saw us as a traitor for possessing the traits of other races. Their disharmony manifested into a corporeal being, Discord. Their hatred of each other intensified, blaming each other for the creation of Discord. My sister and I spent years alone, discovering the magic of friendship with those who chose to be separate from the rest of their races, and the Elements of Harmony came into being. We utilized the Elements to defeat Discord, and brought harmony and peace to Equestria." Chapter 3: ReturnIt has been about four weeks since that day princess Celestia set the rules, and frankly speaking, I have not seen her much. Not that I really mind, but she came off as cold and manipulative versus Luna's warm and caring personality, quite the opposite of their roles as Day and Night respectively. Over the past few weeks, I have learnt much of Equestria's history through our nightly meetings, usually lasting the whole night unless there was Night Court scheduled, which was rather rare, or an emergency. I was given a guest room, not too far from Luna's bedchamber, and though it was a guest room, it shared many similarities with Luna's room, and possibly Celestia's as well. It visually appeared the same, save some minor details, although it had been scaled down by about thirty percent. Also, Luna cast a spell on me that made me almost sort of invisible to the guards and other ponies. I think she called it a 'perception filter'? I don't know, but it's kind of cool. Unless I scream and shout, I'd pass unnoticed to anypony except somepony who specifically wants to see me. It has been getting slightly colder these past few days, and according to the deep blue mare, fall is arriving. Luna has advised that I find a tailor soon, and have them create some clothes for me. After all, I can't go on wearing the same two outfits everyday for the rest of my life. Though the whole getting-a-new-outfit situation poses a problem. The public still are unaware that I am here, even after the past month. For one, I usually spend most of my time in Luna's room, studying or chatting with her, when we're not stargazing. When I do eat meals, however, minimal staff is present. However, lately there have been some strange occurrences. Things in my room shifting around overnight, with no apparent cause, seeing as to how Luna cast a magic seal on my door that makes it so that only her or I can open it. There was a glass door leading to the balcony, but its sealed with a the same spell that makes it so that only either Luna or I can open it. I haven't told her about moving stuff though, but I do plan on telling her soon. Looking out from my balcony, I got a good look over Canterlot, and how it is organized. Almost directly below was the outer perimeter of the castle, with white and grey Pegasi or Unicorns, donning the golden armor of the Solar guards. Looking further ahead was the edges of the Nexus. The Nexus is the area that just surrounds the castle, surrounded by an iron fence, and is also usually where the guards are trained. Further up was the Inner Complex, comprised of boutiques, fine dining restaurants, spas, and a few bars. The boutiques supposedly sell high-quality clothes at an equally high price, and the restaurants and bars are for the posh, up-tight ponies who didn't mind spending more to have a marginally better atmosphere than the bars and eateries downtown. Then there was the Outer Ring. This is where things take a step down from high-class, and looked like an average neighborhood. Bars peppered the streets, their neon lights clashing with the beautiful blues, oranges, yellows and reds in the sky, caused by the setting sun. Bar fights and small crimes are common in this area. Canterlot is basically comparable to most cities, besides the castle. As per usual, I threw on my usual semi-formal attire, the blue undershirt and donned the jacket, not buttoning it up for once. I pulled the dark oak door open, and walked down the hallway to Luna's room. I made up my mind, intent on telling her the strange occurrences that happens when I sleep. Walking past the two ashen grey stallions in metallic purple armor who stood guard outside of Luna's room, and being on the receiving end of their untrusting and wary glares, I knocked, and after receiving her consent, pushed open the onyx door and entered her room. She sat in front of her desk, upon which rested a large vanity mirror, with her metallic collar resting on the table with her crown, and her four slippers arranged neatly next to the desk. She looked so different without those, almost like she's naked. Well, she is naked, but you get the point. She turned to face her unexpected guest, surprised to see me. "I've only just woke up…" She mumbled, dazed. Clearly, her linguistics lessons have borne fruit. She speaks normally now, with minor slip-ups when she is nervous or tired. Her mane took on a physical form, taking on an azure shade, going around her horn and slightly curling at the tip, with the rest behind her ear. She looked so innocent like this, with the back somewhat messy, which made her look adorable. "And thanks for knocking. In my eyes we're equals, and to me, there is no need to knock. But still, it's better than Celly, who just barges in." Her voice sounded out again, and I responded with a small chuckle. "Listen, Luna… I have something to tell you." She quickly turned to look at me, eyes fully open, giving me full view of the cyan orbs that they were. Her ears perked up and there was a slight blush. After a few seconds of awkward silence, I broke the tense-ish atmosphere. "Anyways, lately the stuff in my room has been moving around, sort of like there's ghosts. That is, unless someone or somepony has been visiting my room after dark." Upon hearing this, she turned back, combed her mane down and put on her uniform, as it were. Without another word, she walked out and to my room, with me following behind. "This room reeks of magic! Somepony has been using magic in your room, and excessively, at that." She suddenly blurted out as soon as the door opened, drawing the attention of the two Solar Guards who stood motionless outside of my room. "I thought you said that the only people who can enter my room are the two of us?" I questioned, but to no avail. She suddenly appeared in front of me, and inhaled, sniffing loudly. "IT'S YOU! Wait, how is that possible? You obviously are neither a unicorn nor an Alicorn, so how in the name of the Night can you use magic?" She exclaimed, both excited and confused. Also, apparently she can smell magic. She leaned forward, closing the distance between the tip of her horn and my forehead. She was going to access my memory, something she had done before, with my consent, of course. I felt the familiar icy surge of another consciousness probing the nooks and crannies of my mind. You DO have the ability to manipulate magic. You have been basking in the magical energies that Alicorns utilize. Apparently, you were unconscious for the first three days because you were still adjusting to the unfamiliar background energy, as it were. I just didn't think to look for that until now! She half spoke, half yelled into my mind. Nodding sheepishly, I tried to accept the fact that I was apparently the one who made all of my stuff move when I was asleep. "Um, Luna, I haven't asked you before, but is it possible for me to go back to my world?" I just realized what I unknowingly implied, and tried my best to clear that doubt from Luna's mind while it was surfacing, "NotthatIdon'tlikeithere, but I can't survive on only two articles of clothing forever. Plus, there's some things I might or might not have to take." The first part of that sentence came out as one word instead of seven, and the half-frown that I unwillingly caused melted away to a neutral expression, which in turn, curled into a slight smile. "Sure you can. The portal is in the Obsidian Hall, the hall that I can call mine. One thing I have that Celly doesn't." She turned and walked out, her shoed hooves click-clacking on the floor. I tailed behind her, as she cast a spell on me that changed my appearance to that of a midnight blue stallion with a grey mane that reflected my hair color my 'cutie mark', or the image reflected on the flank was a music note, owing to the fact that I occasionally played my cello for Luna, after she had soundproofed her room with a spell. The magic always amazed me. After a ten-minute walk, we came to a halt in front an obsidian monolith, towering at least five meters tall, and strangely enough, no guards watching over it. Her dark sapphire horn glowed, with an azure glow surrounding it, and the door responded by turning translucent, Luna walking through it as though it were not there, leaving me with my jaw halfway to the ground. Snapping back to reality, I quickly ran through the now ethereal door, catching up with the dark blue mare, while absorbing the sights of the room beyond. It was extremely large, probably twenty five meters across, fifty long and fifteen high. About half of the room's height was paved in black marble, with the remainder in white. At the far end was a fireplace, almost five meters wide, which suddenly blazed with fire, as though automated. In the centre of the room, there was a ten-meter wide, three-tiered depression, in the middle of which sat a rune that had a conical pillar in the centre, covered in an ancient script, all of which glowed a light blue, near unnoticeable. Looking along the walls, I noticed that some had writing on them, in the same ancient runes, carved into the black marble. There were three doors on each side of the room, each colored onyx, with nothing to distinguish them from each other. "How-?" I questioned before being cut off. "How does this large, magnificent hall fit into the the castle without sticking out?" she spoke up, with me nodding. "Basically, it's dimensionally transcendent. Meaning that the amount of space it is supposed to occupy doesn't actually mean anything." "Bigger on the inside?" I asked sheepishly. "Yup", she replied, slightly smiling at my curious remark. She trotted up to the conical pillar in the center of the rune, tapped it with her horn and backed off. The faint blue glow of the rune intensified, got brighter and melted into a blue mist, which began to swirl. In the whirlpool of the mist, I could see faint images, reflections of the mundane world I lived in. It all seemed so distant, after having come accustomed to living in a magical world with sentient ponies and magic. Luna walked up to me, tapped her horn to my forehead, and yet again, I felt the icy rush, as though a blizzard swept through my mind. However, this was followed by what felt like a firestorm. I hissed out of pain from the last part, drawing Luna's attention. I quickly shook it off, and she explained that it's supposed to be something like a panic button, or safety word. As soon as I vocalize "Nocturne", I get teleported back immediately. Huh, she's being a bit overprotective. I mean, I'm only going back to take some stuff. "Well, I'll see you later then." I said, taking a step forward into the blue swirl, falling through the portal, and stumbling out of a portal smack in the center of my living room. Great. Quick check: doors still locked, nothing gone, everything normal. Uh, suitcase. I immediately grabbed some more useful clothes for autumn and winter. The crimson frock overcoat that I bought in Romania as a souvenir. The white undershirt and red cravat I was given during an event. I folded it and put the clothes into the suitcase, also adding a brown trench coat. Among clothes, I also brought some other miscellaneous things. Soundblaster headphones, iPhone, charger and that's about all I need or want to bring. Out of sheer boredom and not wanting to let good things go to waste, since I'm not coming back here, I took along the two bottles of wine I bought the night I had reached the legal drinking age. They were high quality, but nothing too fancy. Closing the suitcase, I realized that there wasn't a portal anymore. It closed right after I got through. Oh well. Only one way to do this now. "Nocturne…" I whispered under my breath, and held on tight to the suitcase as I was enveloped in a blue flame. I felt the all-too-familiar cold surge and squeezed my eyes shut, feeling the torrents of cold air swirl around my body, and tried to open my eyes after feeling it die down. When it was completely absent, I felt the handle of the suitcase slip from my grip, and opened my eyes to find a familiar face staring me in the eye. Luna was standing over me, making sure I was unharmed. "Took you long enough. It's dusk now, and I wondered if maybe you would have wanted to have dinner with me?" She said excitedly, as I chuckled at the notion. "And I brought back some wine to go with that." Her lips curled, into a smile that could make anyone's heart melt.
Act 1, Chapter 1: DismayFalling. My first sensation was just pure falling. Space and time seemed to slide past, each offering conflicting emotions to my befuddled mind. "Nocturne! Get up! We need you!" A distant voice was screaming, getting closer and closer. Suddenly everything rips into focus. I looked around. Sun, stars and the moon seemed to whirl in a dancing inferno of beauty. I became aware of two entities in front of me. One emanated sadness, emptiness and death. The other was seemingly as empty, but seemed slightly better. "Please Nocturne, I need you!" The darker one flared and reached out, as if to burn me. Instead of the light of the fire I expected, a deep black overcame my being... I wake up screaming. Just another bloody dream. Wiping the cold sweat from my face, I sat up. Back in the same shithole apartment, back into my miserable life. I spent most days at home, sitting at my desk and typing away at the keys, scheduling job interviews or writing up job applications. Nights were either spent doing the same thing I did during the day, or out wasting the night away at a pub. I'm twenty-two, and the bartender is a long-time friend of my father's, and he knew what I was going through, and thus chose not to step in, and also was one of my only friends. Pathetic, aren't I? But apparently, I am a genius. I have a major in human psychology and medicine, and a minor in chemical engineering. Shouldn't be too hard for me to find a job, right? Not quite. In this quaint little town, there wasn't really a need for psychologists, psychoanalysts, or biochemical engineers. And apparently two doctors are enough to handle the small clinic two blocks down from the small apartment I live in. My parents are long gone. My mother took her own life six years ago and my dad succumbed to lung cancer two years back after smoking a pack a day for close to a decade. I don't miss him. He used to beat her, and ultimately drove her to taking her own life. All those nights that I overheard shouting, all those bruises and cuts that marred my mother's perfect but scarred skin, each and every time he abused her, she inched closer to making the ultimate decision, one that no one should have to. And when she finally snapped, he blamed it on me. Even so, upon his death, I had him buried next to my mother. She would have wanted that, even after all that happened. She always was very kind and forgiving. Every weekend, I would drive down to their grave, under the old tree we always had picnics under, or at least when the times were still good. Stepping out of the shower, I looked around this dark, dank dump that I call home. Books and magazines piled up in a corner, clothes unfolded and stuffed in the closet, the whole place in a mess. The second I move to a city, I would be able to find a well-paying job and have the easy life, but I decided against it, seeing as to how I would not be able to keep up with taxes, considering that the starting pay is somewhere around two thousand. Two thousand dollars per month, and I have to pay rent, taxes, food and transportation. I'd never survive for long. Also, there were the issues of crime, noise and pollution, which did not really bother me that much. But lastly, I would not be able to look up into the night sky and gaze upon the stars and the moon with the same amount of clarity. Stargazing always was one of my favorite pastimes. As a child, I spent most nights lying out in the fields outside the family-owned farm, staring up at the diamonds in the sky, wondering if there was anything more out there than life on earth. I always preferred night to day, mainly because of the mystery that it concealed, and the beauty it emanates. Then, something caught my eye. A roll of brown parchment sat on my desk. Upon closer inspection, I realized that the paper was far thicker than normal paper, and felt as though it was traditionally made, or even from the Middle Ages itself. 'Wow. This really is weird.' Oddly enough, at the center of the roll of paper, there was a small cloth bag, and upon inverting it over the table, a small blue crystal fell out. It was approximately one inch long, and half an inch across. The shades of blue grew darker as it neared the center, and in the core, a small light shone, not unlike a star in the night sky. "Dear Raphael, You are probably surprised to find this, but let me explain. My name is Princess Luna, and I live in a kingdom called Equestria. You certainly are a unique individual. Your intelligence, your hardships, and somehow, you are still able to maintain that calm and stoic façade. I have noticed your hardships, and seen what you have been through. I have seen the way you make yourself out to be less than you really are, and I want to show you a world where kindness, happiness and trust rule over the principles of yours. I have chosen you to be my personal royal subject. A friend, if you will. You have been through far more than you should, and I offer solace. You might think that this is nonsense, but I can assure you, 'tis not. Enclosed is an artifact, one of similar type to the one I used to send you this letter. The second it makes contact with your skin, you will be transported into this realm, unto thy new world. This world, you will find familiar, but with a twist. One that is so different from yours, but yet so alike in other ways. Hopefully, I will be seeing you soon. Yours truly, Princess Luna" PS: You can take anything you want with you as long as you keep it close" 'SHE MUST BE INSANE!' I shouted internally. The only logical conclusion is one, I have a stalker, or two, this 'Luna' is just some deranged madman/woman. But in the back of my mind, there was a small voice nagging, screaming the small possibility of escaping this dreary life I lead, and that this Luna person is actually real. Thinking the last option to be naught more than a fantasy, and the voice a longing for escape, I ignored it for the time being and continued on my daily routine. Hours Later… "No new offers…" I mumbled under my breath. Not surprising. I've practically applied for every available job in town. Slowly climbing out of my seat, I put on my favorite suit. It was a gift from a close friend, though he isn't much of a friend now, considering his last words to me were "You're doomed to fail". He got me this suit a couple of years ago, when he still thought I showed a great potential. I always was thin and tall for my age, standing at about approximately six-foot-two, but weighing a measly 140 pounds (63.5kg). Hypothyroidism had plagued me for almost my whole life, meaning that no matter how much I ate, I would gain little to no weight at all. Slipping on the blue undershirt, tucked it into the black dress pants and pulled on the black jacket that completed the set. Considering the fact that it's autumn, I also slipped on a pair of black leather gloves. 'It's about time I make a trip to their graves. Maybe it will help clear my mind…' I lightly brushed my silver hair back, and stepped out of the small apartment. Settling into my car, I sighed and started to consider the legitimacy of the outrageous letter. 'Maybe the blue crystal really would mean salvation?' 'Nonsense. I thought you were smart, Raphael. Never thought you'd be so stupid and gullible to put stock into such folly!' Cringing slightly at the cruelty of my conscience's words, I drove off, to the old oak tree near the farm, about eight miles down the road. I pulled over, and stepped out of the second-hand Chevy I bought with my parents inheritance and insurance money. I stepped up to their graves, and dropped to my knees, saying a short prayer and following the routine. What do I have to lose? I might as well try it, maybe she is actually telling the truth… The autumn wind blew around me, causing the red-orange leaves of the oak to fall and envelop me as though it were a conscious being that tried to surround me. Standing up, I promptly climbed back into the car and drove home. I'm gonna do it. I had nothing left to lose. Quickly gathering my things, which included a second set of clothing, my cello that I had kept since I took it up at the age of seventeen, and the locket that my mother had given me a year before she took her own life. I took the small blue crystal out of my pocket with a gloved hand. Well, this is it. I thought to myself, removing the glove from my other hand. Brushing the crystal lightly with my bare hand, I couldn't believe my own eyes. I surrounded by bright light, and it formed a cocoon around me, and then there was nothing but a blinding darkness.
Chapter 2: Unto Thy New World(Note: besides names of games, italics are thoughts, shared thoughts or stressed points) 'Where am I? What happened?' As I tried to force my eyes open, these two questions plagued my disorientated and confused mind. It felt like a hangover, but unbelievably, ten times worse. Taking a deep breath, all I could detect was the faint smell of roses. I forced my eyes open, blinking countless times in the first two seconds, due to the sudden change in light level. Poisoned. Drugged. Concussion. Accident. Dead? The countless scenarios raced through my mind, but then I remembered. The letter, the crystal, everything. I sat up, realizing that I didn't have a shirt on. Looking around, I saw what looked to be a large bedroom, dark blue, black and purple paint scheme. This looked so royal. Wait. I looked back. 'An Xbox?' It immediately grabbed my attention, seeing how its white color scheme couldn't have possibly blended in. 'Hooked up to a 55" HD LCD TV. How wonderful.' I told myself, half sarcastically. Next to it was an impressive pile of video games. Halo, Call of Duty, Dead Space, Forza Motorsport, etc. The two items really stood out, polar opposite of the regal-looking room. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the small backpack and the cello case I chose to take along with me, sitting in the corner. I heard something in the background go "click-clack" on the apparently marble floor. 'Okay. Just to recap, I am apparently in a kingdom called Equestria. Deriving from 'Equine', meaning horse. So this 'Luna' is a horse? Sure seems like it. But then how does she play video games?' Time seemed to slow down as the sound of hooves impacting on marble drew closer. From the corner of my eye, a midnight blue horse stepped into view. "Horn? Wings? Whaaat." "Ah! Finally you are awake!" "How is this possible? How can you talk? Who are you?" I interrogated this dark, slender winged unicorn who stood before me at eye level as I sat there, motionless. Without speaking, it, or rather, she walked up towards me, climbed onto the bed on which I sat, and brought her horn, which now glows, to my forehead. I tried to back away, but considering how she could have easily killed me when I was out cold but didn't, chose not to resist and steadied myself. When the tip touched my forehead, it felt like someone had poured ice water over my head. The wave of cold enveloped me and dissipated. 'Greetings, I am Princess Luna.' "Okay your'e in my head. How-" She put her hoof to my mouth before I could utter another word. 'Remain calm, human. I have observed you for the past year, and I will explain everything in due time. Seeing as how you are here, you chose to leave what once was your life behind, and to seek refuge from your cruel world in mine. What I have just done to you is a telepathy spell. We have to remain quiet, as my sister is asleep, and nopony else knows you are here.' I slowly nodded, pulling down her hoof with my right hand. Her coat felt soft, and only now did I realize the black crown she wore above her horn, and the slippers on each hoof, colored a pearlescent light purple that fit in just perfectly. Her ethereal blue mane, always in motion even during the absence of any wind whatsoever. The way she walked around made it seem like she felt a sense of awkwardness. "Why did you 'invite' me here?" I questioned, moving over to the edge. "How do you even know who I am?" "Pardon. I was in the Royal Canterlot Library slightly over a year ago, and chanced upon a book. A book that spoke of another world much like ours, a world where humans, thought by all to be only a myth, thrived. The book was always considered nothing more than an old mare's tale, but I put stock in it, using the old spell the book contained, and long story short, I acquired the crystal and now you are here." She rattled on, words firing from her mouth like bullets from a machine-gun. She was deliberately avoiding eye contact, looking down. She was… shy? I unknowingly chuckled, finding her insecurity cute. She tried to mask her shyness, and tried to retain her royal stature. "I beg your pardon?" "Um, Princess Luna-" "Please, there is no need for formality. Do address me as Luna." She cut in. Rudely, might I add, if not for her royal position. "Luna, how long have I been here?" I asked rather timidly. "Three days." Three days, huh? I climbed off her bed, slipped on my dress shoes and put on my shirt without buttoning up. "So what now?" I asked cautiously. She closed her eyes for two seconds, and stated with a sigh, "My elder sister is on her way. She insists on seeing you." The obsidian door slowly swung open, a figure, slightly taller than Luna stepped through. She was immaculately white. Her mane was an series of hues in pink, blue and green, and like Luna's, seemed to be constantly in motion even during the absence of any wind. A golden crown, as opposed to Luna's midnight blue, seemingly black under the rather poor lighting condition. On her flank was a sun, while Luna's was, predictably, a crescent moon. Conclusion: Luna is the princess of the Night, and this one is the princess of the Day. Considering the size difference, Luna is probably a few years younger than this other princess. The white mare trotted up, seemingly unfazed by the appearance of an unusual creature in her sister's bedroom. Unusual for them, anyway. Acting on instinct, I bowed, submitting to the entity larger than myself, taking note of the regality of her actions. "State your name and intention," she commanded, "and rise." I did as instructed. As I told her the truth, introducing myself in the process, she cringed, slightly, quickly returning to her stoic expression. "Very well. Since she was the one who brought you here, she will be in charge of you. You will listen to her orders, and she will teach you Equestrian history, customs and in turn, you will obey every command to the letter. Have I made myself clear?" She stated matter-of-factly as I rose to my feet. No emotions detected. It's almost as if this is normal for her, or she had been rehearsing this. I nodded hesitantly, cautious of her actions. She turned and left, leaving me quite confused as to why she handled the whole situation as calmly and coldly as she did, seeing as how I apparently am the first human heard of and most likely seen, ever. "Luna, why is she… larger than you?" I asked, brimming with curiosity. "Also, how did she know that I'm here?" She turned, facing me with a puzzled expression. "It is because I was imprisoned on the moon for a millennia past, and did not age because I was not in this form. One thousand years ago, I grew jealous of our sister, bitter at how our subjects played during her day, but shunned and hid in my beautiful night. I made some mistakes, and our sister banished us to the moon. But not a year ago, I returned with the same intention, once again taking up the mantle of Nightmare Moon, but we were saved and redeemed by a young mare by the name of Twilight Sparkle, who lives in a small town, Ponyville. Since then, we have spent our days trying to adjust to modern life, and now, you have joined us in Equestria." Through her monologue, she showed little emotion, but I could see through her stoic facade, and see her regret, sadness, bitterness and loneliness. She was royalty, and possibly even the goddess of the Night, watching over the others as they sleep, but they showed no gratitude. Looking outside, I saw a sight that not many see. The absence of pollution here made the night sky extremely clear, and I realized how beautiful the night sky really is. "How she knew of your presence is because she detected my elevated vital signs, namely pulse rate and breathing. Can't blame me for being excited to talk to someone from another world." She said with a half-joking tone. "Luna, in my world, there are stargazers who look up to the heavens and admire its beauty, but pollution has made our sky mask the true beauty of the night, a beauty that I am fortunate enough to be able to witness as I look out now." I said, staring far into the sky, admiring it in all its celestial beauty. "The stars burned brighter in centuries past. During our ironic thousand-year-long exile on the moon, we relied on the stars to keep us alive. The magic and energy I use is compatible with the stars. After all, they are, in a way, my children. Staying alive on a pressure-less, airless environment without food nor water required a lot of magic." She explained, much to my interest. After all, I did love the night sky. We spent the night conversing on our own lives, and I realized how much hardship she has had to go through, being shunned by the people, being antagonized by legends, and still holding the same position she did before. She also explained the whole idea of Equestrian Magic. Apparently there are many kinds of magic in this land, ranging from elemental, life, and Pegasi Magic, Earthen Magic and Unicorn Magic. She said that Pegasi Magic is what allows the pegasi to walk on clouds, and fly at such high speeds with less of an impact on their bodily functions. Unicorn Magic is the easiest to harness and manipulate, which explains how unicorns can levitate objects, change their appearance and more, or so I've heard. Earthen Magic is apparently the least well-understood, and also the hardest to utilize. It supposedly gives Earth ponies, that is, ponies with neither horn nor wings, the ability to be undertaking tasks such as farming or mining so successfully with relatively little training. Additionally, Luna also mentioned the magic of friendship. It is what keeps the three factions from warring with each other, and apparently also makes their tasks easier. Alicorns, which are what Luna and Celestia, her sister, are, are supposed to be a hybrid of all three races, and are supposed to be their rulers, or deities. They are nigh-immortal, but not invincible. Their magic outshines any other type, being far more potent and plentiful, due to the extremely small number of Alicorns. "At the beginning of Time, there were two Alicorns, Tempus and Caelus. They were our parents. Tempus is time embodied, our father. His mane was pure white energy, and he could manipulate time at will. His coat was grey, like dust that would collect over time. Caelus, our mother, was the creator of space. Her mane was a dark blue, seeping out as though it were gaseous. Her coat was white, brighter than Celestia's. It represented purity, immaculate. "She created the Universe with the help of our father, for Time means nothing without Space. Tempus and Caelus raised us in a world not unlike Equestria, though it took on a form of a large expanse of land with a large tree growing in the centre, towering over a crystal clear pond. They gave us the power to create, and told us to let our child-like imagination run wild. The pond under the tree was our Universe, our playground. We created Terra, the world, in this universe, and gave it a sun, bestowing all its powers upon the shoulders of our sister. As for myself, I spent years designing the night sky. Guided by our parents, I created every star, every constellation, named them and breathed life into them.I took on the responsibility of maintaining the night, ensuring it would help future travelers find their destination. Our parents gave their lives to populate Mundus with Pegasi, Unicorn and Terran alike, and our responsibility was to watch over them, to maintain peace." She narrated, telling the tale of Creation, as I sat there, awe-struct at how amazing their story of creation was. "Unfortunately, when they were first created on Terra, they did not get along. They despised each other, and none would accept us, because each saw us as a traitor for possessing the traits of other races. Their disharmony manifested into a corporeal being, Discord. Their hatred of each other intensified, blaming each other for the creation of Discord. My sister and I spent years alone, discovering the magic of friendship with those who chose to be separate from the rest of their races, and the Elements of Harmony came into being. We utilized the Elements to defeat Discord, and brought harmony and peace to Equestria."
Chapter 3: ReturnIt has been about four weeks since that day princess Celestia set the rules, and frankly speaking, I have not seen her much. Not that I really mind, but she came off as cold and manipulative versus Luna's warm and caring personality, quite the opposite of their roles as Day and Night respectively. Over the past few weeks, I have learnt much of Equestria's history through our nightly meetings, usually lasting the whole night unless there was Night Court scheduled, which was rather rare, or an emergency. I was given a guest room, not too far from Luna's bedchamber, and though it was a guest room, it shared many similarities with Luna's room, and possibly Celestia's as well. It visually appeared the same, save some minor details, although it had been scaled down by about thirty percent. Also, Luna cast a spell on me that made me almost sort of invisible to the guards and other ponies. I think she called it a 'perception filter'? I don't know, but it's kind of cool. Unless I scream and shout, I'd pass unnoticed to anypony except somepony who specifically wants to see me. It has been getting slightly colder these past few days, and according to the deep blue mare, fall is arriving. Luna has advised that I find a tailor soon, and have them create some clothes for me. After all, I can't go on wearing the same two outfits everyday for the rest of my life. Though the whole getting-a-new-outfit situation poses a problem. The public still are unaware that I am here, even after the past month. For one, I usually spend most of my time in Luna's room, studying or chatting with her, when we're not stargazing. When I do eat meals, however, minimal staff is present. However, lately there have been some strange occurrences. Things in my room shifting around overnight, with no apparent cause, seeing as to how Luna cast a magic seal on my door that makes it so that only her or I can open it. There was a glass door leading to the balcony, but its sealed with a the same spell that makes it so that only either Luna or I can open it. I haven't told her about moving stuff though, but I do plan on telling her soon. Looking out from my balcony, I got a good look over Canterlot, and how it is organized. Almost directly below was the outer perimeter of the castle, with white and grey Pegasi or Unicorns, donning the golden armor of the Solar guards. Looking further ahead was the edges of the Nexus. The Nexus is the area that just surrounds the castle, surrounded by an iron fence, and is also usually where the guards are trained. Further up was the Inner Complex, comprised of boutiques, fine dining restaurants, spas, and a few bars. The boutiques supposedly sell high-quality clothes at an equally high price, and the restaurants and bars are for the posh, up-tight ponies who didn't mind spending more to have a marginally better atmosphere than the bars and eateries downtown. Then there was the Outer Ring. This is where things take a step down from high-class, and looked like an average neighborhood. Bars peppered the streets, their neon lights clashing with the beautiful blues, oranges, yellows and reds in the sky, caused by the setting sun. Bar fights and small crimes are common in this area. Canterlot is basically comparable to most cities, besides the castle. As per usual, I threw on my usual semi-formal attire, the blue undershirt and donned the jacket, not buttoning it up for once. I pulled the dark oak door open, and walked down the hallway to Luna's room. I made up my mind, intent on telling her the strange occurrences that happens when I sleep. Walking past the two ashen grey stallions in metallic purple armor who stood guard outside of Luna's room, and being on the receiving end of their untrusting and wary glares, I knocked, and after receiving her consent, pushed open the onyx door and entered her room. She sat in front of her desk, upon which rested a large vanity mirror, with her metallic collar resting on the table with her crown, and her four slippers arranged neatly next to the desk. She looked so different without those, almost like she's naked. Well, she is naked, but you get the point. She turned to face her unexpected guest, surprised to see me. "I've only just woke up…" She mumbled, dazed. Clearly, her linguistics lessons have borne fruit. She speaks normally now, with minor slip-ups when she is nervous or tired. Her mane took on a physical form, taking on an azure shade, going around her horn and slightly curling at the tip, with the rest behind her ear. She looked so innocent like this, with the back somewhat messy, which made her look adorable. "And thanks for knocking. In my eyes we're equals, and to me, there is no need to knock. But still, it's better than Celly, who just barges in." Her voice sounded out again, and I responded with a small chuckle. "Listen, Luna… I have something to tell you." She quickly turned to look at me, eyes fully open, giving me full view of the cyan orbs that they were. Her ears perked up and there was a slight blush. After a few seconds of awkward silence, I broke the tense-ish atmosphere. "Anyways, lately the stuff in my room has been moving around, sort of like there's ghosts. That is, unless someone or somepony has been visiting my room after dark." Upon hearing this, she turned back, combed her mane down and put on her uniform, as it were. Without another word, she walked out and to my room, with me following behind. "This room reeks of magic! Somepony has been using magic in your room, and excessively, at that." She suddenly blurted out as soon as the door opened, drawing the attention of the two Solar Guards who stood motionless outside of my room. "I thought you said that the only people who can enter my room are the two of us?" I questioned, but to no avail. She suddenly appeared in front of me, and inhaled, sniffing loudly. "IT'S YOU! Wait, how is that possible? You obviously are neither a unicorn nor an Alicorn, so how in the name of the Night can you use magic?" She exclaimed, both excited and confused. Also, apparently she can smell magic. She leaned forward, closing the distance between the tip of her horn and my forehead. She was going to access my memory, something she had done before, with my consent, of course. I felt the familiar icy surge of another consciousness probing the nooks and crannies of my mind. You DO have the ability to manipulate magic. You have been basking in the magical energies that Alicorns utilize. Apparently, you were unconscious for the first three days because you were still adjusting to the unfamiliar background energy, as it were. I just didn't think to look for that until now! She half spoke, half yelled into my mind. Nodding sheepishly, I tried to accept the fact that I was apparently the one who made all of my stuff move when I was asleep. "Um, Luna, I haven't asked you before, but is it possible for me to go back to my world?" I just realized what I unknowingly implied, and tried my best to clear that doubt from Luna's mind while it was surfacing, "NotthatIdon'tlikeithere, but I can't survive on only two articles of clothing forever. Plus, there's some things I might or might not have to take." The first part of that sentence came out as one word instead of seven, and the half-frown that I unwillingly caused melted away to a neutral expression, which in turn, curled into a slight smile. "Sure you can. The portal is in the Obsidian Hall, the hall that I can call mine. One thing I have that Celly doesn't." She turned and walked out, her shoed hooves click-clacking on the floor. I tailed behind her, as she cast a spell on me that changed my appearance to that of a midnight blue stallion with a grey mane that reflected my hair color my 'cutie mark', or the image reflected on the flank was a music note, owing to the fact that I occasionally played my cello for Luna, after she had soundproofed her room with a spell. The magic always amazed me. After a ten-minute walk, we came to a halt in front an obsidian monolith, towering at least five meters tall, and strangely enough, no guards watching over it. Her dark sapphire horn glowed, with an azure glow surrounding it, and the door responded by turning translucent, Luna walking through it as though it were not there, leaving me with my jaw halfway to the ground. Snapping back to reality, I quickly ran through the now ethereal door, catching up with the dark blue mare, while absorbing the sights of the room beyond. It was extremely large, probably twenty five meters across, fifty long and fifteen high. About half of the room's height was paved in black marble, with the remainder in white. At the far end was a fireplace, almost five meters wide, which suddenly blazed with fire, as though automated. In the centre of the room, there was a ten-meter wide, three-tiered depression, in the middle of which sat a rune that had a conical pillar in the centre, covered in an ancient script, all of which glowed a light blue, near unnoticeable. Looking along the walls, I noticed that some had writing on them, in the same ancient runes, carved into the black marble. There were three doors on each side of the room, each colored onyx, with nothing to distinguish them from each other. "How-?" I questioned before being cut off. "How does this large, magnificent hall fit into the the castle without sticking out?" she spoke up, with me nodding. "Basically, it's dimensionally transcendent. Meaning that the amount of space it is supposed to occupy doesn't actually mean anything." "Bigger on the inside?" I asked sheepishly. "Yup", she replied, slightly smiling at my curious remark. She trotted up to the conical pillar in the center of the rune, tapped it with her horn and backed off. The faint blue glow of the rune intensified, got brighter and melted into a blue mist, which began to swirl. In the whirlpool of the mist, I could see faint images, reflections of the mundane world I lived in. It all seemed so distant, after having come accustomed to living in a magical world with sentient ponies and magic. Luna walked up to me, tapped her horn to my forehead, and yet again, I felt the icy rush, as though a blizzard swept through my mind. However, this was followed by what felt like a firestorm. I hissed out of pain from the last part, drawing Luna's attention. I quickly shook it off, and she explained that it's supposed to be something like a panic button, or safety word. As soon as I vocalize "Nocturne", I get teleported back immediately. Huh, she's being a bit overprotective. I mean, I'm only going back to take some stuff. "Well, I'll see you later then." I said, taking a step forward into the blue swirl, falling through the portal, and stumbling out of a portal smack in the center of my living room. Great. Quick check: doors still locked, nothing gone, everything normal. Uh, suitcase. I immediately grabbed some more useful clothes for autumn and winter. The crimson frock overcoat that I bought in Romania as a souvenir. The white undershirt and red cravat I was given during an event. I folded it and put the clothes into the suitcase, also adding a brown trench coat. Among clothes, I also brought some other miscellaneous things. Soundblaster headphones, iPhone, charger and that's about all I need or want to bring. Out of sheer boredom and not wanting to let good things go to waste, since I'm not coming back here, I took along the two bottles of wine I bought the night I had reached the legal drinking age. They were high quality, but nothing too fancy. Closing the suitcase, I realized that there wasn't a portal anymore. It closed right after I got through. Oh well. Only one way to do this now. "Nocturne…" I whispered under my breath, and held on tight to the suitcase as I was enveloped in a blue flame. I felt the all-too-familiar cold surge and squeezed my eyes shut, feeling the torrents of cold air swirl around my body, and tried to open my eyes after feeling it die down. When it was completely absent, I felt the handle of the suitcase slip from my grip, and opened my eyes to find a familiar face staring me in the eye. Luna was standing over me, making sure I was unharmed. "Took you long enough. It's dusk now, and I wondered if maybe you would have wanted to have dinner with me?" She said excitedly, as I chuckled at the notion. "And I brought back some wine to go with that." Her lips curled, into a smile that could make anyone's heart melt.
