A New World

Facing the changelings in the alley when Melodic Attraction and I went to rescue Fluttershy was a perilous task, knowing the risk, I stayed behind to ensure that her escape with Melodic was successful, though I nearly died. I didn’t think that this would get me turned into a pony or better yet, a guardian of Equestria.

To be honest, I am actually liking it here in Ponyville, the ponies here are actually very friendly.

All I can really say is… I am proud to call Equestria my new homeland.

The day was just beginning as I was in my bed sleeping away, until the sun peers through the window.

Just as I open my eyes, “AGH, SON OF A…” I shouted as my eyes are assaulted with a face full of the suns rays, sending me to the floor as I roll out of bed blinded by the sun.

I stand up, continuing to rub my eyes with my forehooves to recover from the undesired blinding from the sun, I then began to walk out of my room when I smelled something being cooked. Whatever it was, it really smelled enticing, so I headed downstairs.

When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I was stunned by what I saw. there were stacks of pancakes like I have never seen before, a full pitcher of apple juice, and a generous amount of hayfries.

Just as I was about to take my place at the table, Twilight appears at the top of the stairs, apparently she had the same awakening as I did, as she was rubbing her eyes after a long nights rest, her mane was a bit unkempt at the time but it didn’t seem to bother her at the moment.

Before she took her place, she teleported to her bathroom to comb her mane which was relatively easy because of how she styled it. Twilight returned in a flash looking good as new.

“Hey Mist, how was your night?” Twilight asked,

“It was happier than most.” I replied, a hint of sadness suddenly taking over my voice.

“Is something bothering you?” she asked worriedly.

“Yeah, there is, it’s just that… back on Earth, when I was human, I had a family that loved me, they were praying that I would get to come back home, but now they think I am dead and I never wanted them to think that, I want them to know that I still live, to know that they just… won’t be able to see me anymore, but we can’t really do anything about that now.” I said, stifling a sob.

After saying this, Spike entered the room apparently just finishing his own breakfast preparations.
Silence, that was all there was while we ate. Spike was the first to finish since he had a lighter meal that Twilight and I.

“Hey Mist, Melodic came by earlier, wondering if you could help him with something, told me to tell you to meet him at Fluttershy’s.” Spike said.

“Thanks for informing me, I’ll get going as soon as I am done here.” I said as I looked down at the dog tags that still hung from my neck, noticing the glowing emblem looking like a shield that was etched into it “Hey, Twilight.”

“Hmm?” she responded.

“What’s this emblem etched into my tags?” I asked.

“I don’t really know, but it has to be important.”Twilight said “We will need to bring this up to Princess Celestia as soon as possible.”

“Well I can’t keep Melodic waiting, I’ll be back soon.” I said as I headed out the door.

While I was walking I heard some angry chanting and looked for the group that was making the noise, only to find that it was around the corner, and in the middle I saw the victim of their chanting, Amanda, I began walking over to the group to see what their deal with her was only to notice that these weren’t just regular everyday ponies, they had her cornered, threatening her, apparently they still thought she wasn’t welcome.

Upon seeing this, I was heated more than I thought I could ever get and shouted “ENOUGH!” with a surprising volume, but not enough to put the Royal Canterlot Voice to shame.

The ponies surrounding Amanda turned and looked to see who had shouted, turning to face me they realised who I was and what I had done as a human, glancing at one another with fear of what I would do to them if they hurt her, they tucked tail and ran.

I looked at Amanda, who was shocked by my shout and by the fear invoked upon the ponies that surrounded her just moments ago.

“How did you scare them off so easily just by shouting?” Amanda asked.

“I’ve done it before to stop several happenings like this. You see, I was feared by those that wouldn’t dare mess with my family and friends, before I died and came here, just because of how loud I could get when I shouted. I even put the drill sergeants to shame with my shouting, I was a very intimidating figure on earth. anyone that I shouted at either stopped in their tracks when they ran from the law or took off running when they threatened me and my family. I even scared people to the point that they changed their ways with my shouting.” I replied

“Anyways, thanks for getting rid of those jerks for me, they’ve been harassing me ever since I showed up here in Ponyville on my first day.” she stated

“Don’t worry, next time it happens I won’t even shout, I will take them by surprise and haul them to the police for harassment.” I stated, Clearly annoyed that even some of the ponies here would harass others “I have to go meet with Melodic to help him with something, I’ll see you later.”

“Thanks again, c’ya ‘round.” Amanda replied.

I trotted off in the direction of Fluttershys cottage, where I was asked to meet Melodic today after breakfast, once I got there I knocked on the door hard enough to get somepony’s attention on the inside. The pony behind the door was Melodic.

“You wanted to see me for something?” I asked, accidentally using my formal military voice.

Melodic looked unfazed at the forcefulness of my voice.

"Yes, yes. Come in." he said, beckoning me inside.

The interior of Fluttershy’s home was peaceful, it resembled a serenity that I had never before been given the luxury of, it was the most delightful place I had ever been in which had made me feel comfortable, maybe more comfortable than I ever have been.

“This is quite the place you and Fluttershy live in, is it always this beautiful here?” I asked, admiring the endless beauty of the cottage.

"It's only beautiful because of the ponies who live in it." said Melodic, winking at Fluttershy who blushed profusely.

“Oh, don’t be so embarrassed. It truly is a beautiful home you have, even I wish I could live in a place like this.” I said to Fluttershy.

“Y-You mean it, you really want to live in a place like this?” Fluttershy asked curiously.

“Of course I do, I have always wondered what it would be like to live in a cottage, but where I came from they didn’t have them.” I stated “Oh listen to me rambling like an old stallion. Let’s get back to business shall we, Melodic?”

“Yes, lets.” Melodic replied. “As you know, many Changelings appeared in Ponyville and attempted to kidnap an Element of Harmony. While the changelings have been detained and questioned, their purpose for their actions is unknown. Princess Celestia thinks this is part of a bigger plan, possibly planned out by queen of the Changelings: Queen Chrysalis. Though she was destroyed years ago, it is possible that she has returned. Celestia has informed me that we, the guardians of Equestria along with the Elements of Harmony, should be on high alert for anything out of the ordinary.” He stopped to take a breath. “With me so far?”

“I’m with you all the way.” I replied “Although, something has occurred that concerns me.”

“Something that… concerns you? Do tell.”

“It’s this shield that had been engraved in my tags that I wear around my neck, would I have to talk to Celestia about this or do you know what it meant? It had this strange glow about it this morning and hasn’t stopped glowing.” I stated showing Melodic my dog tags and the emblem engraved on them.

He looked interested and examined my dog tags closely.

“I would guess this signifies that you are a guardian of Equestria… however I never received anything like this. This is possibly a gift from Celestia herself, so I guess it has some sort of magical power. If you have to, you could ask her about it, but don’t expect a straight answer.” said Melodic.

“Then I will speak to Celestia about this, as soon as I possibly can. I will also be on the look out for any Changelings disguised as a pony and although they can be hard to find, they will be found.” I replied “I guess I should get going if I am going to speak with the princess herself shouldn’t I?”

“Hold on a second.” said Melodic, trotting around me. He examined me a little closer and gave a small laugh.

“I’m surprised at your…” Melodic stopped to find the words. “Your ability to just accept all of this. Talking ponies, magic, changelings, you yourself being turned into a pony. How do you do it? How can you just accept these crazy things?”

“I’ll just say this, when I was given orders, I did not protest in the slightest and when someone recommended that I do something about something that had concerned me, I took their recommendations before using my own solutions and your recommendation of speaking to Celestia falls into line with my solution and how do I accept the things that have happened to me. I understand that this is my new life; my second chance at life, and I am willing to accept any chances given to me.” I explained.

Melodic smiled. “Sound reasoning, but sometimes, orders are made to be broken.” he said, in a voice which implied that he had broken a few rules in his lifetime. “Now, if you are going to go to Celestia, you might want to leave now. She’s not overly busy right now, so you should be able to gain an audience with her.”
“Then I must go, until next time my friend.” I said and waved as I exited the cottage “Unless you plan to travel with me.”

“I think you’ll be fine.” replied Melodic. “I have something I need to attend to anyway.”

“Well, we should find a means for me to get there as I haven’t learned how to use my wings yet.” I pointed out.

“Not a problem.” said Melodic, his horn glowing brightly.

Unaware of what he was doing, I only prayed that I would be in one piece afterward.

Light emblazoned around me and I found myself at Celestia’s castle before I could blink. I shook my head and blinked my eyes few times to clear my head and ensure that I was really In front of Canterlot’s castle gates before advancing through the gates and onward to the castle.

“Maybe he should warn me the next time he’s going to do that.” I said to nopony in particular “I thought that something terrible might have happe…” I was cut off in the middle of my sentence when I didn’t know that I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going until I ran into somepony.

Little did I know that whom I had just ran into was none other than Princess Celestia herself, I immediately bowed before her “I apologize, your highness.” I said instantly “I wasn’t paying attention.”

“It is quite alright, Mist.” replied Celestia.

“I was actually on my way to speak to you about something that has me curious, now that I am here and with our accident I guess I should go ahead and speak, or is there something you want to discuss first?” I asked.

Celestia paused. “What has made you curious, Mist?’

I revealed my dog tags to her and showed the shield engraved on them. “It’s the shield that has been engraved into my tags and they are glowing for some reason, I can’t seem to figure it out.”

Celestia looked at the tags for a second. “Ah, yes. I enchanted these while you were asleep at the hospital.”

“So, let me guess, by the design of the engraving it is some sort of defensive enchantment or something like that?” I asked.

“Exactly that. It shall protect you and any pony in a 10 hoof radius from you.”

“I am going to say that the only catch is that it only works when in my possession, right?” I asked, curiously looking at the tags again “Is there anything else I should know about the enchantment you placed on them?”

Celestia smiled a little. “You are correct. It will only work when it is in your possession, since I only intended it to be of use to you.”

“I can also see the benefit that this will bring to the bearers of the elements of harmony, which would be quite effective in assisting them in their encounters.” I stated as I allowed the tags to hang from my neck freely as they normally do. “It would provide the protection that all allies within a 10 hoof radius of me need while facing any threat that Guardians, such as myself, cannot repel alone. it would also be a great aid in combat if such actions are called for.”

“You can use it however you want, Mist.” said Celestia.

“I also came to discuss the presence of changelings in Ponyville.” I stated “There haven’t been any sightings of them since I last dealt with them in the alley where I rescued Fluttershy with Melodic’s help, and I owe it to him for saving my life back there, if it weren’t for him I would have more than likely died there, I was merely a distraction so that he could get Fluttershy out of the alley and to safety. But we are concerned by this event, is there a possibility that the changeling queen was physically destroyed but not spiritually and has found a way to manifest herself?”

Celestia sighed. “There is the possibility of that. That’s why I’m worried.”

“Is there anyone that you know of that could confirm this possibility?” I asked.

“None that I know of. The only thing we can do is wait and find out.”

“In the mean time, would it be possible to have a detachment of guards sent to Ponyville in case an invasion does happen?”

“Hmmm… I’ll send a small group of guards to Ponyville, just in case.” replied Celestia.

“Thank you, your highness, I will continue to search for any changeling activity within Ponyville and it’s surrounding environment.” I said as I bowed once again. “I will also consider getting some flying lessons, I haven’t even learned how to fly yet.” I stated, chuckling at the thought.

“That would be ideal.”

“I should get back to Ponyville to inform Melodic of what has been discussed here, then I will seek out any pony who would be willing to teach me.” I stated as I began heading towards the gate to make my way to the train station.

As I made my way to the train station I noticed that the surroundings were more elegant but not as peaceful, ponies were bustling about left and right. Some even approached me only by recognition of my deeds, so there’s not much room to say that the news of my ascension to the status of Guardian had not been spread.

Finally, I reached the train station after what felt like hours of walking, I paid for the ticket to Ponyville and was aboard the train in no time, thus I was on my way to speak with Melodic, and to begin looking for a willing pony who would give me flying lessons, but more over than that I was on my way home.

When the train pulled up to the station in Ponyville I saw Melodic, Spike, Twilight and her friends there waiting for me. As soon as I was off the train Melodic was the first to step forward.

“Manage to get an audience with the princess?” Melodic asked me.

“I actually ran into her just inside the castle gates.” I answered.

“That’s good.” replied Melodic.

“We now know that the reason for the shield engraved in my tags, they are enchanted with a protection spell that protects me and any pony within a 10 hoof radius, the only catch to it is that it only works while in my possession.” I stated “I also discussed the changeling appearance here in Ponyville.”

"And what did the princess have to say about that?" asked Twilight.

“I brought up the possibility that Chrysalis may have been physically destroyed but her spirit remained and has found a way to manifest herself, which worries the princess greatly, it worries me to think that such a thing as this may be possible.” I stated, shuddering at the possibility. “On another hoof, we will be receiving a small group of guards, should an invasion occur, so that we will be prepared and can evacuate the town if necessary.”

A shiver went around the group at the mention of the changeling queen.

“Oh, and Melodic?” I called out.

Melodic was still slightly out of it at the name Chrysalis.

“Hey, you still in there?” I said, looking at Melodic with concern.

Melodic shook his head slightly and tried to rearrange his face into a less worried expression. "Yeah?"

“I owe you for saving my life after getting Fluttershy to safety.” I said, then turned to face Rainbow Dash. “I also mentioned getting flying lessons, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind teaching me, would you Dash?”

"No, I wouldn't mind. It'll be fun." replied Dash.

“After all… I’d love to learn from the best flier in Equestria, and there’s only one with that title that I know of and she is here before me.” I stated, smiling at Rainbow.

Rainbow Dash blushed and twirled a bit of her rainbow mane around her hoof. "Well, I guess that's true."

“So, Melodic, is there anything I might be able to do to repay you for saving my life?” I asked turning back to Melodic.

The alicorn thought for a minute. "You don't have to do anything for me, Mist."

“You’re absolutely certain that there’s nothing I can do to repay you for saving me after saving Fluttershy?” I questioned.

"I'm sure."

“One hundred ten percent sure?” I said, giving a questioning look.

"Completely."

“So, Dash, how soon do we begin?” I asked, turning once more to the cyan mare.

"Whenever you want." replied Dash. "I don't have anything else on today."

“I have nothing better to do for the rest of the day, so how about we get some lunch and meet up in an hour.” I said.

"Sure! I'll see you later then." Dash said as she took off from the ground.

“So, Twilight, should we head to the library and figure out lunch there or do you have something else in mind?” I asked, looking at Twilight for suggestions.

It wasn't Twilight who responded, but a bouncy pink pony.

"How about going to Sugarcube Corner?!" she asked.

I smiled before responding, “To Sugarcube Corner it is then.”
Later that day, at Sugarcube Corner.

I had just received my food and began eating when Twilight looked at me with a look of either concern or interest, it was hard for me to tell at the time. “Is there something you want to ask me or is there something on your mind?” I asked.

“Oh, nothing.” said Twilight, blushing slightly.

“You sure about that?” I said, looking her in the eyes with a determined stare.

“It’s just… you. You’re so interesting. You came from another world and Celestia made you into a guardian of Equestria. I’ve been thinking… why you?”

“You know something… I’ve even asked myself that same question, is there anything else you’d like to know about me?” I asked.

“Well… how was your life before you came here?”

“Well, it wasn’t as good as this life is, Bullets flying over my head wasn’t a fun thing to experience. I had a wife and kids, but now I can’t see them again because I have already been pronounced dead from a sniper wound to the chest. I was feared by criminals and thugs alike even people who tried to threaten my family and friends feared me.” I replied.

Twilight shivered. “Sounds scary.”

“The bullets flying over my head, yeah, it was scary.” I said. “I was just a private when I was deployed for the first time.”

“Private? Is that some sort of… ranking system?”

“Yeah, I was actually a Master Gunnery Sergeant when I came here.” I replied.

Twilight blushed. “And… how good was that?”

“I was highly respected, and such levels of respect don’t come easy.” I told her.

“It must have been really hard to get to such a rank.” Twilight said. “So, what do you think of living here in Ponyville?”

“It was hard to earn the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant but it was worth the effort.” I replied. “Living in Ponyville, it’s peaceful and I really like it that way, gives me something to truly appreciate in life. Now I’m not saying I didn’t appreciate having a family back on earth, I miss them a whole lot, but I believe it’s time to move on and start anew with the life I’ve been given.”

Twilight nodded. “I hope you enjoy it.”

“I’m loving my life, it’s been a more peaceful life since I came here, but I still look out for any changelings that may be here in Ponyville.” I stated.

Twilight nodded again. “Usually they stay away from us… Why are they mobilizing now?”

“I don’t know, that’s why I fear the worst.” I replied as I got up to head out paying for the meal before leaving. “I gotta go meet up with Rainbow so, I’ll see you at home tonight.”

“Alright Mist. Good luck.” Twilight called as I left.

I was just heading out the door to find Rainbow Dash so that we could begin my lessons, when I got just outside the town I found Rainbow waiting for me there. “Hey Dash, I’m ready to begin if you’re ready.” I said as I walked up to her.

“I’m always ready for flying.” responded Dash.

“I’ll try not to disappoint.” I said. “So what’s first on the list.”

“Well first, we’ve got to find a good place to actually practice. I’ve never taught anypony before, so where do you think we should go?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Maybe the local running track, that might be a good place to go, but you’re the teacher so I’ll let you decide.” I said.

“How about…” Rainbow thought for a second. “There is a park where we take our pets out to play on a weekly basis. That would be a good place to start.”

“The park sounds good, so let’s head over to the park so we can begin.” I said, eager to begin my lessons.

“Then follow me.” said Dash launching herself off the ground and flying away at top speed.

“W-Wait!” I called after her but she was already gone. I sighed. Then somepony landed behind me.

“Pretty fast, huh?” came Dash’s cocky voice.

I tuned and looked at her. “Yeah, pretty fast. But make sure not to leave me behind.”

“Sorry.” Dash blushed again. She trotted away and she motioned for me to follow.

Once we arrived at the park, I followed Dash to an open area in the park, leaving enough clearance for my lessons.

“Okay. First, we’ll just practice hovering in midair. Flap your wings enough so you get airborne and then make sure you flap them enough to stay both airborne and in the same place.” explained Dash. “It’ll take you a few tries, but you’ll get there.”

Extending my wings for the first time, I did as instructed. flapping them just enough to get off the ground even though it was only for a few seconds. “I have to admit, it’s harder that it looks.”

“For somepony who hasn’t grown up in Equestria, you’ve done quite well.” commended Rainbow Dash.

“But I need to keep trying.” I said just before I made another attempt at hovering.

“Yes, that’s all you need to do. And once you’ve done it, we can move on.”

After about an hour and a half of hovering, I was able to hold it for at least two to three minutes. “Alright, should I keep going or do we try something else?”

“I think that should be enough. Usually you would be moving, not just flying in place. And that’s what you are going to try next.”

Dash moved a few meters away from me. “Just hover over to me. It’s going to be harder to move in a direction than just staying still, but just keep trying.”

Doing as I did before I lifted off the ground and leaned forward to apply as much of a forward influence to my hovering as possible, it was slow and tedious and had to start over multiple times, but I knew that I would eventually get there.

“You’re doing well, Mist. Just keep trying.”

It took a good bit of time, but I eventually got to where I was progressing further without having to land every ten seconds. "You know something, Dash, you make an extremely awesome teacher." I complimented. "Is there anything else that needs to be done?"

“Well, lots. There is a lot more to flying that just flapping your wings.”

"That much is clear to me, but there is still so much for me to learn and I want to learn as much as I possibly can." I said in response.

“Well… I don’t want to overload you with information, so we’ll meet again tomorrow, if thats okay.” said Rainbow Dash.

"I suppose I do need to get some rest even after getting as far as I did, it wasn't much but it was something and as long as I keep practicing I'll get better." I replied.

“I’ll meet with you tomorrow… after lunch?”

"Same time, same place?" I asked.

“Sure. Have a little practise now and then, okay?”

"Got it." I replied immediately.

“See ya later, Mist!” called Rainbow Dash and she flew away.

I began my walk home when I noticed just how sore I was from today's lessons. "Guess I'll just have to get used to the pain." I said to no pony in particular as I continued walking.

It took about an hour and a half to get from the park to the library where I am currently staying with Twilight. Once I arrived, just to be safe, I knocked and waited for a reply.

Twilight opened the door after a few seconds. She brightened as she looked at me. “Hello Mist.” she greeted.

“Hey Twi, before you ask how the lessons went, I’ll go ahead and tell you, they are worth the pain.”

“That’s great.” replied Twilight.

I know there’s more to learn about being a pegasus than just flying, there is as I know for a fact the proper care for the wings, which I have yet to learn what it is called and how to do so.” I stated.

“Well, I’m sure Rainbow will teach you in due time.” said Twilight. “How was she as a teacher anyway?”

“One hundred twenty percent awesome if you ask me.” I replied.

“She’d be pretty glad to hear that.” said Twilight.

“I’d also like to, even though I’m not a unicorn, learn what I can about magic, just so I can understand it.” I said.

“Maybe tomorrow.” answered Twilight. “It is pretty late and we should get to sleep.”

“Right, I’ll see you in the morning then.”

Twilight yawned and left, heading up to her bed.

Yawning myself, I headed for the guest bedroom where I've been sleeping and laid down pondering over the events that had occurred since my arrival here before, finally, I closed my eyes and dozed off.