I was curious upon Twilight Sparkle's return, her report about that world intriguing. A world full of bipedal creatures, unlike minotaurs. Sister had to pull me aside; to tell me to cull my eagerness for new information. I have only been back for three years; I wanted to know as much as possible about Equestria today.

I had poured over records in the Crystal Castle's library for hours whilst our newest princess was away, looking at the other strange objects. I had made a list of such items, and where they could be found.

Sister would not be happy, but she has ruled these lands without me for decades, what would a mere few days do? But the portal to that world had closed for thirty moons... so I looked elsewhere. After a month of research, I found it! Another mirror portal, which was deep in the mines of Canterlot! I could not believe it, a doorway to another place below our home!

I commissioned a team of worker ponies to excavate the mine, and the progress was good. Then, several weeks ago, I was called down. The forecolt led me to where they had broken through into a cavern, which had tiers of stone seats in descending rings to the centre, and we were stood atop stone stairs, the way down clear.

I had to await the arrival of Twilight Sparkle, who was taking a justly deserved long vacation in Baltimare. I know I shouldn't have disturbed her, but Sister had informed me that she was diligent in her research, normally coming up with other ways to look at things. I hid my disappointment from her when she couldn't figure out the symbols, it being clear that this was not a gateway to the same place.

Sister finally found out what I had been doing three months later, and approached me in the cavern, staring listlessly at the stone monolith before me. She chided me for my thoughts, saying that Twilight only went there because a former student, called Sunset Shimmer, had stolen her crown, which was her Element. I do not remember the argument, suffice to say it ended in tears for the both of us.

A few kind guards brought me water and food each day, but could not stay, saying they did not feel safe in the cavern. Then, on the fifth day after Sister had left, it happened. A glow started to form in the middle of the stone. Unlike the one Twilight went through, I could see into this one.

There were buildings, taller than Canterlot Mountain, and on the streets, I had found them, ha! Twilight Sparkle knew nothing!! This had to be the same world! I gave a glance around me, and nodded to the lone guard brave enough to remain. He would deliver the news once I was on the other side.

I placed a hoof on the portal, and it slid through as if I was pressing down on water. With a deep breath I pushed on through, and then the blackness hit.

I woke up shivering, it was cold, so cold. I went to wrap my wings around me, but opened my eyes in shock. My wings were gone! I tried to summon my magic, but then to my horror I discovered my horn had been removed as well. My fur should be keeping me warm, but it wasn't working!

I glanced down, finding my beautiful blue coat had been replaced by pale skin, my fore hooves now had claws, and... and... I had done it! I made it to the world Twilight visited! Ha! Sister will be so jealous! Now to return home victorious! I slowly stood on my hind legs and turned, but there was no shimmering portal behind me, just a dull red brick wall.

I began to panic, my... things running across the bricks, trying to find a way back. I stumbled along, not knowing that I had just left the safety of the alley. I turned around as a hushed whisper formed behind me, seeing these bipedal creatures. Their skins were a multitude of colours, and all rather large.

I assumed it was an extra layer of fat due to the snow on the ground. It must have been winter here, no wonder I was cold. I slowly moved back into the alley, searching desperately for the way home. It caught up to me then, the words Twilight said to me. “This has nothing about returning... it's one way...”

I felt something drip down my cheeks, raising one of the things and wiping, the limb coming away wet with tears. I fell to my flank and pressed into a corner, grabbing a cardboard box to hide under. And then he came. Like a light in the shadow, one of the creatures slowly approached. He knelt down in front of me, a small smile on his tiny muzzle. I looked to the entrance of the alleyway and saw a few more, all with the same coat colour.

My gaze slowly drifted to the one in front of me as he moved slightly closer, and I shrank into the corner as much as possible. It stopped it's movement and smiled, then spoke. “I'm not going to hurt you, I'm here to help. Take my hand and we'll get you somewhere safe.”

I just stared at the limb, this hand, noting that is what I had at the end of my forelegs. It shifted again, the hand reaching back to the neck, and a metal object there. I nearly screamed in horror as it seemed to tear it's own skin off, but then I realised that it was a jacket. “Easy now, we don't want you to get hypothermia. I'm going to put this around you.”

The male, for he certainly was not a stallion, slowly moved closer, the coat being pressed towards me. I stopped moving as best I could as it slipped around my shoulders, my body shuddering from the chill of the evening air. I could just make out the sun going down at the end of the alley.

I dropped the cardboard and pulled the jacket tight, savouring the gift. Another of the creatures approached, this one different. It stood slightly smaller, and it's chest was much larger. It had longer hair as well. It reached into a bag on it's back, producing another garment, similar to what was on their rear legs. “Thanks, Char.” The one I believed to be female smiled at him “Okay... now, I'm going to put these trousers on you.”

His hands lifted one of my rear legs up, slipping it in, and doing the same with the other. I shot one of my own limbs out and gripped the top, quickly pulling it up. The simple act of clothing myself helped with the cold, but not a lot. All of us looked to the alley when a blue light started to flash, creatures in bright yellow coats entering. “Which one of you made the call?”

“I did, over here.” That was the one closest to me, still looking at me with that soft smile. The two new ones crouched behind him, glancing over at me. “It's okay, they're not going to hurt you. We need to see if you're injured.” He turned to the two who had just arrived and nodded. “Go ahead guys.” The two in the yellow coats stepped forward, but I pulled back. They moved closer still, and I shut my eyes feeling one about to touch me...

“STAY BACK!” There was a collective gasp, and I reopened my eyes to see the group staring at me in shock, except him, he was grinning like an idiot, much like my nephew did. Never did I think I would miss Blueblood...

“So she can speak? Does she have a name?” I met his gaze once before staring at the floor between us and nodding. “That's good. And what is her name? It would make helping her so much easier...”

“L... Lu... Luna...”

“Luna, huh? Nice name. Now why don't you come with me? We'll get you somewhere warm and safe.” I looked at the hand once more being offered to me, the rest of them stepping back. I lifted up one of my forelegs and extended it, placing my hand in his. He slowly stood, taking me with him, guiding me along the alley.

I pressed close to him when we emerged, a whole host of them being kept back by more in yellow coats, but marked different to the others. Two dressed in black approached, but I didn't like the look of them, so I tried to return, but the raised hand of the one next to me got them to back away. He led me over to a large, yellow, box shaped carriage, the doors open at the back. There were no stallions in front to pull it, so they must have had magic.

I was gently picked up and then set on a bed, his hand pressing against my shoulder as he pushed me down, covering me with a few blankets. I heard a door in another compartment shut, and of the first two came in with us, followed by one of the black clothed ones. I felt a hand squeeze mine gently, looking back up at him. “You'll be fine now. They'll help you.”

He walked towards the doors and jumped down, slowly shutting one. His hand rested on the other as he glanced at me, and I worked out what was going on. “NO! No no no no no no no no no!!” The door slammed shut, and the one in black held me down as the other picked up a needle.

I tried to resist, but she was too strong for me. I felt the sharp tip pierce my skin, and my limbs soon went limp. Next was my vision slowly fading, as if Discord had pranked me with sleep powder once again...

I stood watching the ambulance take the young woman to hospital, where she'd get the help she need. I reached into my bag and pulled out a civvy jacket, slipping my beret off my head. The police officer finished writing down what I had just told him, and he flipped his notebook shut. “Anything else to offer?”

“I... don't think she's homeless. She looked too clean and well fed to be.”

“Okay. Well, thanks for your help, and enjoy the rest of your day.” He walked off and jumped into his car, pulling away with his blues and twos on, going in the general direction of the hospital. I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned around, looking to my fellow trainees. “I'll see you guys back at camp. Gotta get my jacket back or it'll be cold in the morning. I'll get your trousers as well, Charlotte.”

“Okay, well tell sarge what happened. See you later.” I nodded as the ten of them carried on to the shopping centre, my Christmas shopping having finished early for the night. And there was just something about that woman... Sighing, I headed towards the multi-storey car park, grumbling as I paid the extortionate amount they charged in this city.

Pretty soon I was a few miles over, getting out of my car in the hospital car park, grumbling once more as I fished around for loose change. How the hell could they charge so much? Once the ticket was displayed, I walked over to the entrance, noticing one of my old training buddies. “Hey Alec, over here!” I smiled as she waved at me, finishing her coffee and walking over. Heh, still remembers that I don't even like the smell. “So, what you doing here?”

“Not much, Kat. You're looking good. Anyway, we found a naked lady in town, think she got brought here. I've come to get my jacket back.”

“Naked lady? Oh, her! Come on, I'll show you the way.” I followed along as she guided me down the hospital corridors, where we stopped outside a room that had security guards at the door. They gave me a concerned glance as Kat opened the door and waved me in, closing it but remaining outside. I heard her chatting to the guys out there as I looked to the bed.

The woman was resting peacefully, now dressed in a green gown. I spotted my stuff on the chair in the room, walking over and picking it up. I slipped into my jacket, noting the smell coming from it. There was no way it came from her... did it? I slowly walked over and smiled, glad to see she had some help.

Checking the coast was clear, I bent down and sniffed her, and it really was the same smell. I pulled away a little and then jumped in shock, her light cyan eyes staring at me. I just gave her a weak smile and waved. “Hi...”

I heard sniffing around my muzzle, slowly coming awake. It must have been a doctor. It was a rudimentary check to see if I was alive, but I could not fault them for doing so, especially if it was an earth pony or pegasus. My eyes slowly fluttered open to reveal him standing above me, his... face really close. He pulled away a little and stopped as his eyes met mine. “Hi...”

I tried to move away, but my forelegs and stomach were restrained the bed. He jumped back as I tried to break free, desperately trying to summon my magic. I glared over at him, and sucked in a deep breath. “WHY HAST THOU RESTRAINED US? YOU WILL RELEASE US IMMEDIATELY!”

“UH... I can't, I don't have access to the keys.”

“WE DO NOT BELIEVE THOU! YOU WILL RELEASE US, OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES!!” I then felt it, something building around my heart. I looked to the door as it burst open, three more of them entering. The two larger ones came over and held my shoulders down, whilst the other approached with a syringe. “NAY, LEAVE US ALONE” They rolled me over and exposed my flank, leaving me facing him. “Please... help me.”

He walked over and placed one of his hands on my cheek, smiling softly at me. I felt the sharp needle point pierce my skin, and the feeling in my chest exploded, blinding me in a flash of light. I opened them to find just him and I in a small room, the syringe still in place, but alone.

I was still restrained on the bed, and he stood up, shaking his head from the obvious disorientation of a first time teleport. I started to giggle, my magic finally returning, and trying to release the locks. I failed in that attempt, and my mirth turned to sorrow. I couldn't stop the tears from falling down my cheeks, letting a sob loose.

He walked over and stroked me cheeks again, smiling softly down at me. “Please... let me go.”

“I... can't. I need to get you back to the hospital. You could be ill.” He turned and walked to a door over at the side of the room, opening it to reveal rolling hills, the ground covered white in the moonlight. He was about to step through and leave me here.

“NO, PLEASE! Don't take me back there!” He stopped and glanced over his shoulder, closing his eyes with a sigh. The door was shut and he walked back over, hands running over the restraints. “I... just want to go home.”

“Well, the authorities can get you back to America, after they find out how you got here.”

“What is this 'America?”

“It's... where you're from. I mean, you've got an American accent, so...” I just blinked my eyes in confusion at him. Was it possible that this world had a country where they had a similar speech to my own? “Look... just wait here okay? I'll be right back.” I heard a internal door open and thuds on some wooden steps, followed by rummaging around under the floorboards. I closed my eyes and thought of my home, and my sister, attempting to summon my magic once more.

Nothing happened, and I opened my eyes when I heard metal scraping against metal. There was a strange tool in his hands, similar to one of our drills. It was placed one of the restraints around my foreleg, and he was turning it. “What are you doing?”

“You can't stay like that, so I'm getting you out. Now remain still.” After a few minutes I was almost free. He had separated the restraints from the bed, but they still remained around my forelegs.. and what I believe to be my waist. Before I could sit up I heard some locks snapped shut, looking down to see the brown fabric cuffs now attached to one another, and glanced up at him with a confused look. “I... can't let you go, not yet.”

“But...” his face told me there was no use arguing, and I would just have to trust him. He pulled me off the bed and along an internal corridor, up a flight of stairs and into another room. He walked over to a chest of drawers and pulled out some strange looking clothing. One was picked up, and he walked back over to me.

He went behind me and slid the gown down my arms, leaving me naked. He kept his gaze on his task as he unlocked my right foreleg, keeping a tight hold and exchanging one garment for the other. I tried to resist him locking it in place again, but he was much stronger than he looked, doing the same with my left. The new item was slipped up and over the items on my chest and secured around my back.

He then got the other garment and bent down, lifting my rear legs into it and sliding it up to my flank, covering that area as well. This was followed by a longer garment which covered nearly all my legs, with the exception of the strange limbs at the bottom. He then went about the same process with my top half, a larger garment than before covering most of the pale skin.

I must admit it felt... right to be clothed in this body. He then stepped away, towards the door, but he stopped me by holding up a hand. “Wait here for a few minutes, I need to check a few things.” He walked out of the door, closing it behind him and I heard a muted click. I tried the handle, finding that I was locked in there. I placed my ear to the door when I heard his voice, straining to hear his words. “...no, I don't know where she went. I was sent to my holiday cabin, so she might've gone the other way. No, I don't understand it either. One minute I'm giving her comfort whilst they sedate her, the next I'm over a hundred miles away... yeah, okay. Yeah... okay, tell sarge I'll be back tomorrow... sure, bye.”

I backed away as the door was unlocked, and he motioned me to follow with a wave. He took me back downstairs and into what was obviously a kitchen, seating me at a table. He started rifling through the cupboards, groaning as each one was empty. My stomach then decided to let us know it wanted attention, and he glanced over at me. “Yeah, I know. I'm looking for some food.”

He gave a triumphant shout when he opened what I believed to be a refrigeration device, pulling out a few items, and then turning back to me and placed them on the table. I reached up as best as possible and wiped the ice away, looking over the meals. They all looked like leftovers in clear plastic tubs, and they all had... “Is this... meat?”

“Huh? Oh, are you a vegetarian? Sorry, I should've asked. Uh... let's see...” He picked up a tub, wiping the sides to reveal black ink there. “Cottage pie, no... Shepard’s pie, no... ah, quorn lasagne! It's a meat substitute, so you don't have to worry about that.” He opened the lid and turned the tub upside down, tapping the bottom until the frozen food fell to a plate with a thud.

He placed it in another device, one which I had seen in the castle but never used, pressing a few buttons and making it beep. With one final push, the device lit up and began humming, the plate spinning inside. I watched the timer on the side count down for five minutes and the device started beeping once more. He opened the door on the front, steam emerging, and he picked up the plate with a thick gloved hand, setting it down on the table.

I must admit, it smelled divine. A knife and fork were placed to either side of the plate, and I tried to reach for them, but my restraints did not allow me to. He gave a sigh, walking behind me and unlocking the padlocks. It was my chance to escape, but I did not know when I would be able to eat again, fumbling slightly as I used my hands for the first time. The food tasted delicious, and I stopped with my third mouthful as I heard something click. I looked down to find he had locked me to the chair on both side, but I just carried on eating.

He selected one of the other tubs for his meal and placed it in the heating device, turning to a sink with two glasses and providing me with a drink. He sat down and began his meal whilst I finished mine, draining the fluid. We stared at each other as he ate, and then collected the plates and put them in the sink. “Why won't you let me loose?” His head dropped as he stood with his back to me, his hands on the side.

“I... can't trust you. An hour ago we were in a hospital, and then we are a hundred and fifty miles away, in somewhere you have never been to my knowledge. And the police are looking for you... if I let you go... they'll find you, and I believe you don't want that to happen.” He gave a sigh as she walked over and unlocked one of the padlocks. I gave no resistance as he slipped it through the d rings attached to the cuffs on my forelegs and snapped it shut, using the other to keep them attached to the front of the belt. “Come with me.”

He stood me up and led me into another room, one that looked like a study. There was a large couch to the side next to a window, which had a view of some cliffs above an ocean. He left me there as he walked behind a large desk and sat in the admittedly looking comfortable chair. I walked over and stood in front of it, staring at him. “What are you?”

“What am I? I'm human, like you. It's weird, you're clearly intelligent, and don't seem to have amnesia, yet know nothing of your own species. Here, take a look at this.” He reached up to the bookshelf behind him and brought down a large tome. He flipped it open and I looked at the figures, recognising none.

“I do not know this writing. Now please... release my forelegs.”

“Forelegs? You've only got two, and none are your 'forelegs'. Why don't you tell me...”

“I can not.”

“Then I can't help you. I'll let you get some sleep, and then take you to the local police station in the morning.” He stood from the chair and walked towards the doorway, looking back at me. “Well?” I instead walked over to the couch and sat on it, staring at the wall opposite. He came back and brought his chair around, which I saw had wheels on the bottom. He placed it in front of me and sat down, a notepad and pen in his grip. “Make a start then.”

“My name is Princess Luna, the immortal alicorn of the night, co-ruler of the land of Equestria with my elder sister, Princess Celestia. I raise and lower the moon each and every day, and I do not normally look like this. I look like that.” I nodded to a poster on the wall, where it showed white dogs jumping a hedge, more of these creatures dress in red, riding something that resembled our larger cousins from the south. He turned his gaze back to me and raised an eyebrow.

“A dog or a horse?”

“DO NOT CALL US SUCH A THING! WE ARE NOT A MARE OF THE NIGHT!”

“Huh? They're names of animals. You think I just... called you a hooker?”

“Pray tell, what is a hooker?”

“Nevermind. So... you're an equine...”

“Indeed I am. Now as royalty, I demand that you release me and return me to where I entered this world, so that I may go home!” He instead stood and walked out of the room, returning moments later with a bottle filled with clear liquid. “What is that?”

“Vodka. You are a pony princess from another world, and my mind can't take that right now. Next you'll be telling me you're a unicorn and can use magic.”

“Nay, I am an alicorn, a mix of all three races. My good friend Rarity is, however, a unicorn.” He just stared unblinking at me as he unscrewed the lid and took a large swig, grimacing as he pulled the bottle away. “But I can also use magic.” The feeling in my chest was stronger now, and I concentrated on the bottle. A blue glow wrapped around it, pulling it away and letting it drop with a smash to the floor.

“How the fuck did you do that?” I stood smugly, walking over to him and staring down with the best regal glare I could.

“I used magic, now feast your eyes upon this!” I focused the feeling once more, three mechanical clicks following. The restraints around my forelegs and stomach dropped away, and I brought up a leg, kicking him between the his. He fell to the floor with a groan, and I bent down, quickly restraining him in the manner I had been.

I stood back from him, turning towards the rest of the building, searching every door until I found the outside, taking my chance for escape. I do not know how far I made it before the biting cold forced me to find shelter, pressing into a large outcropping of rock. I crouched there shivering for what felt like hours, trying to focus my teleportation magic into the alley, but the biting downpour of snow that had just started broke my concentration.

My vision started to narrow, and I kept snapping my eyes open as my head dropped. And then there was a shadow in front of me. It came closer but my vision refused to reveal it. Something was then wrapped around my shoulders, and I was picked up, being carried back through the snowstorm. I had no idea where we were going until I saw a faint light.

After five more minutes of walking, a two storey wooden cabin began to appear. I looked up to see him, a strange device over his eyes. I couldn't help but press closer, and he took me into a sitting room, setting me gently on the floor. I remained shivering on the cold wood as he thudded around upstairs, returning moments later with dry clothes and a pile of towels.

I gave no resistance as he removed my current garments down to the under ones, and then he began to gently rub me with the towels. “Can't heat you up too fast, it's not good for your body.” I could only whimper as my shivering began to abate, letting my head rest against him. Once he was satisfied I was dry he once more dressed me, in slightly thicker clothes, and then set me on a very comfortable couch in the room.

It was still cold inside, and I took a good look at him. He was wearing a thick jacket, and the strange device was now over his forehead, showing his worried face. He then left the room, leaving me in the cold for an indeterminate amount of time. I heard grunting soon after, and he walked back in, a pile of logs in his arms.

He made his way over to a hole in the wall, which I realised was a fireplace, stacking the wood inside with a few spares. He then removed his coat, revealing that he had removed the restraints. Two cups were on a table, and had steam coming off them, so he picked one up and passed it to me. I savoured to warmth it brought to my hands, ignoring the liquid inside as he struck a match and set the kindling alight.

Large flames soon sprung up, warming the room. He took my wet clothes and blankets to one side, and then wrapped me in a larger one. He stood to the side as he stripped off, with his back to me. I couldn't help but watch as he dried himself down and then redressed. He sat on the opposite end of the couch with a large blanket around his shoulders, taking a sip of his drink. I copied him, relishing the warm liquid as it graced my throat, smiling in thanks for the cup of cocoa. “How did you... find me?”

He gave a chuckle, taking the strange item from the table and pressing a button on the side, passing them to me. “Military stock. When you've got a friend in stores, things can go... 'missing' from inventory. Put them to your eyes, and then wave your hand over the front.” I did as he said, the wall opposite turning dark grey, and a white glow went up the image as I lifted my hand. “You left footprints in the snow, so it was easy to see where you were heading. That's how I found you amongst the rocks. Thermal imaging goggles, handy for hunting in winter.”

I took them away and put them on the table, finishing my drink. I looked over at my possible captor turned saviour, knowing I would need his help in getting home. “Tell me... about you.” A raised eyebrow was not what I was expecting, nor the confused stare. “I mean... of your species... and your world.” He gave a nod and stood, leaving the room.

He returned a few minutes later with a stack of books, finishing his drink in one long swing, before sitting back down. I gave slight shiver feeling the cold once more. The memory of being stuck in the snow with Celestia when we were fillies popped into my head, and I cautiously scooted along the couch. He didn't notice until I was right next to him, and he whipped his head up in shock, his face softening as he saw my small shudders. His upper limb wrapped around me and pulled me close, his blanket wrapping around the both of us.

I looked to the book and saw it with an image of a planet, and her opened it to reveal maps. “Princess Luna of Equestria... welcome to Earth. My name is Alec.” Alec... I now knew his name, and could converse with him properly. He spent half of the evening describing the world, informing me that his country was experiencing an early and very cold winter. The rest was spent describing my new body and the difference of his own.

His cheeks turned an adorable shade of red when I asked him for a demonstration, and I couldn't help but giggle at his flustered state. Another thought, bid from nowhere I know, entered my mind, and as I looked as he as he continued, I couldn't help but agree. He was pretty cute. Eventually he stopped, looking at a device on his... arm, I think it was. “Come on, time for bed.” He stood up and pulled me with him, leading me upstairs.

I was led into the same room as earlier, watching as he placed a pile of thick blankets on the bed. Alec bid me goodnight and closed to door, so I slipped under the covers. It was warmer under there, but not by much. I would have to make do for now.

I couldn't fall asleep, every creak of wood making my eyes shoot wide open. It sounds silly, but the dark room was scaring me. I selected the thickest blanket, sliding out of the bed and walking over to the door. He hadn't locked it this time, so I stepped out into the darkened hall, seeing another door further up with a light coming from the gap underneath the wood.

I knocked on the entryway, hearing him shuffle over, and then the door swung open, Alec standing there with only a small garment covering his middle area. “Can I help you?”

“I... can't get to sleep. That room is... creepy.” He stood back and to the side, allowing me to enter. I looked around, the room being extremely simple. There was a chest of drawers, as small wardrobe, a bed that was bigger than a single and smaller than a double, and a bedside table with a candle on it. “Thank you.”

He walked over to the bed and lay down, covering himself with the blankets and lifting them up on the other side. I kept the blanket around my shoulders as I slipped in, but soon threw it away as our bodies combined heat provided enough for comfort. I heard the sound of snoring, giggling quietly as I settled down.

He then shifted, rolling over to his side, his sleeping face in my direction. I was still slightly chilly, so rolled to my left, matching him. I started to shuffle back, my flank... ass... gently pressing against his hand. In his muzzy state his arm came around my waist and pulled me closer. He was bigger than me, his head resting upon mine.

Just the sound of his breathing was enough for me to ignore the creaking in the wood from the storm raging outside. I placed my hand over the one laying across my stomach, squeezing gently, to which he returned with his whole arm. Pretty soon my eyes began fluttering closed, and I drifted into slumber.

Author's Note

Well... this took a while to finish! I lost a whole day of writing yesterday. Normally that would be bad, but...



Can't wait for the 9th of November to arrive!!