And Then... My Life Changed

Chapters

Chapter 2: Midnight Conference (EDIT)
Chapter 3: Canterlot Market District.
Chapter 4: Dinner Time
Chapter 5: Dinner Time part 2
Chapter 6: Train of Thought
Chapter 7: Train of Tought Part 2
Chapter 8: Home Town.
Taste of Things to come: Overwhelming Appetizer
Chapter 10: Hospitality
Chapter 11: Part 2
Between the Innocent and the Beasts (Edited)
Chapter 11 Pt 1: Taste of things to come: Bitter Main Dish

Chapter 2: Midnight Conference (EDIT)

Chapter 2: Midnight Conference

I woke up in the middle of the night feeling tired. I could see that a day had gone by while I slept. My earlier actions had haunted me in my sleep and I felt worried. Really worried. What would the creatures here think of me after my actions? I was starting to miss my home, and I began to wonder how much time had gone by back on Earth.

A quick trip to the bathroom left me refreshed; but I was still incredibly worried. What will happen to me now? I thought. Will I be able to return? What do the ponies from this country think of me? And why ponies?

All of those thoughts assaulted me at once. I pushed them aside; they weren’t helping me at all, so I decided to look at my messenger bag and make an inventory of the things I had brought with me.

1 “Five Stars” messenger bag.
3 magazines (2 “Time” magazines: 100 People Who Changed the World & 100 Greatest Images: history’s most influential photographs and Play Boy Magazine Mexico edition from April 2011)
3 books (Halo Evolutions, Architect: the work of the Pritzker Prize Laureates in their own words, Toda Mafalda)
3 new boxes of cigarettes and one with half of its original cigarettes.
A lighter.
My cellphone and charger (I took notice that it was nearing 50% of its charge and had no signal, so I turned it off)
My wallet with my bus money and documents.
2 sets of clothes (1 “The Legend of Zelda” hoodie, 2 long sleeved shirts, 1 blue levis pants, 1 levis black corduroys pants, 2 sets of underwear, one pair of socks and my brown leather shoes)

Half my clothes, including my socks and shoes, are bathed in blood; I will need to change that as soon as possible. I dressed up completely except for my shoes and I took a couple of slippers that are obviously not my size (or meant to be worn by a human for that matter). Is this a castle or a hotel? I ask myself just before I wrap my bloodied clothes in a towel.

I left my room in hopes of finding the laundry room and the kitchen. I was starving, and I would like to ask the Queen of this country a thing or two.

Wait, is she a queen or a Princess? I found myself thinking. She did say her name was Princess Celestia, right? … Is that her title - and if so, where is the queen and king of this country?

As I kept on thinking I managed to make my way to… somewhere. I was lost - at least I could tell that much - and the huge corridors look almost the same for someone like me.

Finally I could hear some sort of steps and I willed myself to get near them. When I was nearing the corner of the corridor, I saw a pretty blue horse with light blue, almost white hair dressed as a maid taking a turn in my direction.

I approached the best way I could. “Hello there,” I said, hoping she would not run away from me. Luckily she didn’t. Instead, she just looked at me with some curiosity and fear. An awkward silence followed. “So… eh, I am Luis Corte, what is your name?” I asked in hopes of getting an answer. She just stood there completely unfazed, staring. “Ok, can you at least tell me where is the laundry room, and the kitchen?” She just stared at me. I was kind of hoping she would either talk or turn around and start running in fear. This was getting a little awkward.

She snapped out of her trance and talked to me. “S-sorry about that… I guess you are the Princess’s new guest.”

I felt troubled by her reaction a little bit, but I guess I would be like that if I were in her position. So I let it slide. “Yes, I think that would be me.”

“I guess I should apologize again by my previous reaction. I was told that you were different, I never expected you to be so…”

I let her be silent for a couple of seconds until she could find the right word… which she didn’t. So I helped her out. “Unique.”

“Excuse me?” she asked, looking at me quizzically.

“The word you might want to use to describe me is ‘unique’, as opposed to ‘weird’, which is the more obvious and insulting choice.”

“Ah,” she said, deeply blushing (that was just outright cute!). “I suppose you are right. Anyways, what were you asking me?”

“I need to know where I can find the laundry room; my clothes and shoes are…”

“Stained with blood aren’t they?”

I took a moment to calm my nerves there. “Yes they are… so if you could tell me where it is, maybe I can fix that.”

“Sure thing sir,” she responded. “Follow me.”

I just stood there for a second while she walked away. She turned to me once she noticed I wasn’t walking with her. “Is there a problem?” she asked quizzically.

“Well, it’s just that…”

“It’s about what happened this morning is it not?”

I stood silent, becoming more nervous. ‘Then word really has gotten out,’ I said to myself.

She got close to me. “You seem troubled.”

“Who wouldn’t? I mean, the first thing I did when I entered this country is murder 4 creatures… I am honestly surprised you did not run away from me.”

She lifted a leg and touched my chest with her hoof. “We also know that you saved the life of six mares, one of which was our Princess’s prized student. It doesn’t matter if you had to kill those diamond dogs; maybe you had no other chance, but you stood up against several enemies for all the right reasons - and for that you get my admiration. You are braver than I could ever hope to be.”

I looked at her and saw sadness in her face. I position myself to look at her eyes. “Hey, please cheer up, else you want to spoil your attempt at cheering me up.”

“You… are right, here let me guide you to the laundry room. Maybe you want me to clean your clothes.”

“No thanks, I think I can manage.”

“You know you can order me to do so, right? You did not need to ask me. I work here as a maid, you could have ordered me.”

“Maybe, but it is rude to order your friends to do your laundry, don’t you think?”

She stopped. “Friend? Why would you consider me a friend?”

“First, you did not run away from me; also you wanted to cheer me up. That achieves a friendship status in my book.”

“… Thanks.”

“So… my name is Luis Corte, how about you?”

“Lulamoon.”

“Well, Lulamoon, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too, Luis.”

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We arrived at the laundry room, and I was amazed at the sheer size of the room and the quantity of machines it held. I decided on taking two of the nearest ones. ‘I really hope they can be used after this’

I separated my clothes like this: pants, underwear and shoes in one machine and the shirt and socks in the other.

As I was looking at the controls, 2 bottles came into view in the corner of my eyes, both seemed to spark in a bluish light. When I looked around, Lulamoon’s horn was emitting a similar glow.

I sat on the floor confused and amazed at this display before me. Lunamoon obviously noticed me watching. “Is there something wrong Luis?”

I snapped when she talked to me again. “Lulamoon just… tell me what how are you doing that?”

She looked at me as if I had asked if she was a girl or a boy. “It’s magic of course, but you knew that already… don’t you?”

My silence was the only answer she got. “You didn’t? But how is that possible?”

“Simple,” I started answering “in my world there is no magic… at least not like that.”

“Explains your surprise… wait your world?” Now it was her time to be surprised.

I let that slip. Well, it’s not like I planned to keep it a secret for long, I thought. “I have meant to explain this to the Princess, but I don’t think this is my world.”

“Why would you say that? I mean for all that I know you just come from an unknown country.”

“Well, it is like this… first of all, we have no Unicorns or Pegasuses-”

“Pegasi.”

“… Pegasi?” I asked “is that how you say it?”

“Yes it is, now why else you don’t think this is your world?”

“Well, there is no magic, the air does not feel as clean, nor do the colors feel so bright,” I said as I finally worked up the will to lift myself from the floor.

Lulamoon looked at me as if I was lying. “Let’s say I believe you and you do come from another world. How did you managed to appear into this world?”

“That is the mystery to solve. I would like to know how I got here and how to get back…,” I tried to deviate our discussion. “So… what else can you do with magic?” I asked as she poured the liquid from both bottles in the washing machines.

“We unicorns can reshape some objects, create illusions, grow facial hair and the most powerful of unicorns can teleport.”

Wait… teleport? I began thinking. If that is possible, then that must be how the Princesses appeared in a second.

“Thanks for the explanation Lula…. Can I call you that?”

“Mhhh… only if you I can call you something else then.”

“Call me Foraneo, Fora if you like to keep it short.”

“Foraneo?”

“Means foreigner, a title fitting my situation, and my personal nickname back in my world.”

“Very well. From now on I will call you Fora… is there something else you would like to do? Something you want? I will let you know I am a mare of many talents.”

“Well I have something in my mind but… I don’t know if you would want to do it.”

“As long as it’s not illegal, you can count on me.”

I whispered my wishes to her ears.

“… Ok, I don’t see any problem doing it.”

I smiled at her willingness.

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-

Princess Luna trotted through the hallways in order to reach the laundry room of Canterlot Castle. She felt her curiosity and excitement had reached their peaks as soon as she left her sister’s room. ‘I need to know as much as I can from him. A new species never heard of appearing here in Equestria… It’s so exciting!’

She found herself in front of the laundry room and stopped when she started hearing a conversation coming from inside the room.

“Ok Lula, you can start” said a male voice.

“I hope you don’t regret this” A female voice was heard now.

“Please Lula I want to do this, I mean *sigh* it has been years since I did this and I can feel the strain tearing me apart. You’re not having second thoughts now, do you?”

‘Now what is going on here?’ Luna thought, ‘What are they talking about?’

“No, it’s just that… I’m a pony and you are a human, I don’t know anything about your body what if… if I hurt you?”

“Silly, I trust you. I know you would never hurt me and even if you did it would be an accident and it would be my fault either way”

“If you are sure then please lay down on the table.”

‘Lay down on the table?’ Luna thought.

“Lay down on the table?” the male voice asked.

“It will be easier if you are lying down and I am on top.” the female one said.

“If you say so…”

The sound of somepony settling over a table was heard.

“Now… relax let me handle everything.” the female voice said in a cooing tone.

‘This is not possible.’ the regal of the night thought ‘This is outrageous!’

“Oh yeah, that feels good, are you sure you haven’t done this before?”

“Please stop that *giggle* you are going to make me blush.”

“I am serious, you are so good *moan* you could do this the Princess” (Note from the editor: Hah!)

“Maybe I will work up the courage to ask Princess Luna, I know she would like it” (Another note: Psshh… Hahahah!)

Luna felt that was enough, the ones inside were practically insulting her so she opened the door violently with her magic and addressed to the ones inside with her royal Canterlot voice. “HALT YOUR IMP-udic acts…”

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-

Princess Luna expected to find the human having his way with a mare, she found a mare giving the strange creature a back massage and both of them were looking at her in fear and surprise.

Lulamoon was quick in jumping from the table and bowing to in front of her royal highness, I was quick to follow and whispered to her ear “I was about to ask you who this Princess Luna was.”

“Shush” she answered.

Princess Luna walked carefully nearing the strange new guest and the maid who spoke apologetically “Princess Luna I am deeply sorry for this shameful spectacle, I never meant to for this indecency”

I looked at Lulamoon “Indecency? You were just giving me a massage, granted it was out of place but I think it hardly qualifies as indecent.”

“I told you to SHUSH.” the maid told me with a piercing glare.

“Please rise up… Also… he is right” The Princess intersected, “I had been listening to your conversation behind the doors of the laundry room earlier and I thought the worst, but now I see that you were doing something completely harmless.”

“Do not apologize Princess, I see that our conversation could be misleading, I am to apologize for I was the one who suggested such a thing.” I said to the Princess, “Let me introduce myself. I am Luis Corte, at your service”

“And I am Lulamoon.”

“It is nice to meet you both. My name is Princess Luna” she told me “so… you are the ‘human’, if my sister is telling the truth.”

I was in the process of getting my shirt when I looked at her, “You mean Princess Celestia?”

“Precisely. She told me about you earlier tonight, and I wanted to meet you personally and have a little talk with you. Would you mind keeping me company during breakfast?”

I looked at a clock that was perched on a nearby wall. It read 12:20. I wanted to eat something right now, not wait for breakfast later so I answered “Princess, I would be delighted to have breakfast with you when morning comes, but I would also like to have some late night dinner now, seeing as I have yet to eat something besides breakfast yesterday morning.”

The Princess looked at me surprised, “I can see you have little to no knowledge of Equestria.”

“The fact that no one seems to know about my species might be a giveaway, but you’re talking about something else are you not?”

Lulamoon stepped in “Princess Luna here is in charge of the night council. She is up all night, so when she says breakfast she means a meal right now”

“Ohhhh…” I must have had the dumbest expression in the world because Princess Luna was laughing at me. “Sorry for the lack of knowledge, but I must ask, why would her Highness have council meetings at this time of day?”

“Because Equestria is an immense place, and our people will always require some sort of assistance. Besides that, I am the ruler of the night of course.” Princess Luna answered.

“Ruler of the night? How does that work?”

“It works in the way that I am the one that calls forth the moon and night. It means that I have a responsibility to my country and subjects.”

“Waitwaitwaitwait… You bring the moon and night? How is that possible?”

Princess Luna was surprised to say the least, “Why are you asking such a thing? How do you think the sun and the moon travel back and forth around the world then?”

“They don’t.”

“Why wouldn’t they?”

“Simple, it is because…”

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-

After a short explanation on how the sun, moon and earth work from my part I had gotten a really awkward silence from Lulamoon’s part and Princess Luna was analyzing carefully all the information that I had given her while she sat down.

“Princess Luna? Lulamoon? Is something wrong?”

Again, just silence.

It took a while but their silence was broken when they heard my stomach grumble. Never had I heard it growl so loud.

Princess Luna shook her head and looked at me apologetically, “I must apologize once again; I have neglected you as a guest in our kingdom, would you like to come with me to the dining room?”

“No need to apologize your Majesty, I would be honored to come with you and I would also like for my friend Lulamoon to share the meal with us.”

“Wait, what?” Lula looked dumbfounded.

“Please Lula, I really would like to have a friend with me, I would be more comfortable that way.”

“But you just can’t ask the Princess t-”

“I agree, I shall allow Miss Lulamoon to keep you company during our meal.”

Lula began, “You see? Somepony like me would never share the same table with… the… prin…” Lula fell silent for the briefest of moments “Excuse me Princess, did I heard correctly?”

“Indeed you did Miss Lulamoon, you are allowed to keep our guest company.”

“But-but why?”

“Because, My little pony, I know how hard is to be alone in a world that you do not recognize, it was the same for me not long ago and that is why I would like you to be there for him.”

Lulamoon looked at the Princess with a shocked expression, and Princess Luna looked at her with a sweet and melancholic gaze, they communicated with just their eyes.

“I will gladly do so My Princess.”

“Excellent, now please follow me to the dining room.”

We followed Princess Luna to a great hall, about as impressive as the rest of the castle, we had a good breakfast (dinner) and we talked some more about Equestria and its inhabitants, mostly because I needed to know how this world works, and also to let me know that she and her sister were planning a dinner in my honor.

“Princess, I don’t think that a dinner in my honor is necessary.”

“It is Luis, besides I think my sister would like to talk to you, seeing as she couldn’t do so earlier.”

“… Very well, I hope to see you tonight then. I am sure you are late to your council then.” with that, I took my leave.

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-

Princess Luna took a seat on her throne ready to have a boring council night as it always did. “Let us start tonight’s session, the first theme in our agenda is…”

“Princess Luna, if I may,” a deep voice said from the front rows of the council chamber.

“Chancellor Goodwill,” the Regal of the moon said, attempting to hide her annoyance. “Is there something the matter?”

“Yes my Princess. I would like to address the council on a most important matter.”

“If you think this is important then do so; Could you please tell us what is this pressing matter?”

“Glad you ask Princess. It involves Princess Celestia’s new guest.”

*** Author Notes Initiated ***

First and foremost I want to thank GuyFace and RandomExpert781 for taking their time to help me edit this story, I would also like to address all of the 13 viewers that were patient enough to see this come to light, I hope to put up some more chapters in the near future.

Also I want you to know that Lulamoon is actually Cannon in the tv show, I shall wait and see how long does it take until you figure who she is.

*** Author Notes Finalized ***

Chapter 3: Canterlot Market District.

Lunch with Princess Luna was really enlightening. Who would’ve known that the Pegasi here controlled the weather? I really need to learn a little bit more about this world. That is why I have some basic books about Ponies; from anatomy to history.

As Lulamoon and I were nearing my room we saw Arcane Knowledge in front of the door with a serious expression in his face ‘That is odd’ I thought ‘better ask what is wrong’

“Hey Arcane, why are you here?” I asked the unicorn.

He looked at me with a serious expression.

“Arcane… is there some sort of problem?”

Finally he spoke “Hey Luis how was your night?”

“Fine, I guess. Meet Lulamoon, my new friend, Lulamoon this is Arcane Knowledge, the guard that led me to my room earlier. He also helped me when I was feeling sick like I told you.”

“Nice to meet you miss Lulamoon.”

“Likewise.” Lula said

“Now that introductions are out of the way” I said “did something happen?”

Again Arcane fell silent for a moment “Come in and I will tell you.”

We followed Arcane to my room and saw that I had made a horrible mistake; I left all of my things ordered over my bed and now there was one of them was out of place. Over the floor there laid one of the ‘Time Magazines’, ‘100 Greatest Images, history’s most influential photographs’ it was opened at page 82 and 83, the photos shown were “Saigon Execution” and “My Lai Massacre”

“Chingada Madre!” I said.

“It was like this when I entered. I was looking for you to see how you were doing, I heard the sound of someone looking through the pages of a book and tough that you were reading but then it was the sound of somepony taking a photograph and the fluttering of wings,” Arcane stopped to breathe deeply.

He continued “I barged in and saw a darkly-clad pegasus taking a photo of those pages, the spy escaped and then I looked at this, care to explain?”

Lula had seen the image and backed away as soon as she saw them ‘Great, this is getting better and better’

“Did you read the dialogue in them?” I asked him as I took a seat on the floor.

“Couldn’t do it, those images are kind of … strong.”

Lulamoon had rounded me and was looking directly at me “Foraneo, are those humans there… dead?”

“Indeed they are Lulamoon, which is why this book is here for, those are images that have literally shaken our world… allow me explain this one, please?”

I explained some aspects of my life and the time those photographs and how the situation was then and now, also the foot notes on both Photographs… They seemed to take things better than I expected and they even got warmed at some of them.

“So this is how human babies look like…” Lulamoon said.

“Yes, at least before they are born.”

“That is amazing, your kind is an impressive one, are you sure you do not use magic?”

I laughed at the comment “Good one Lula, we are adept in the usage of technology and tools thanks to our opposable thumbs. As a result of tens of thousands years of evolution, we have developed items and tools such as fire all the way to vehicles like trains and automobiles that allow us to travel great distances by land without walking, or pulling our carts.”

“Even so,” Arcane Knowledge interrupted “That man we saw still rubs me the wrong way, how can you just kill your kin like that?”

Again that damned photo. “There are many factors at play here which I won’t repeat. I hate to make my opinion of someone’s choices or methods of leading without an acceptable background. Granted, I think what he did was bad but I will not judge him based on the photo alone.”

“Still…” he wanted to continue.

I raised my hand to stop him from carrying on “I know what you want to do, you want to voice your opinion and I would love to hear it but that will lead us to discussion and it will lead us nowhere and you do NOT want to discuss that with me. I am very passionate when I do, so let us drop the subject. What do you think?”

Arcane thought for a moment “If that is what you want, so… why did you bring those books?”

“Ah yeah those… I need to know the essentials of this world at the very least before a dinner tonight. It seems I have to see the Princesses and talk about where I come from and how I ended up here… Hey, would you like to come with me?”

“Why would you want me there?” Arcane asked.

“I will need a friend (besides Lulamoon) to be there with me to, at the very least, create some kind of conversation in the case I have a mental block.”

“Friend? You consider me a friend?”

“You helped me when I was liberating my breakfast when I arrived. If you don’t want to then can you at least be there to talk to the Princesses.” I said locking my eyes to his.

“Hey, I never said that I didn’t want to be your friend, I just wanted to know why you considered me a friend when we’ve barely met. But sure, I will go to the dinner with you. You could use some help if you get sick again”

I chuckled at his comment “Thanks.”

“Don’t thank me yet, I still have to tell Princess Celestia or Luna about the breaking and entering and what I saw…”

“No problem, it is your job.” ‘That will lead to an interesting conversation… Puta madre’ I thought “So, if you want to you. Can look at the only other books I have, or the magazines if you want. I need to start studying.”

“Sure, I’ve been eying that architecture book for a while now, see yah.”

I saw him walk to the book in question and noticed Lula had taken the Time of the 100 most influential people. I decided not to disturb her and opened the book of anatomy. I will need to know the exact parts of a horse’s… pony’s body so I can avoid misunderstandings, knowing the language is important, I learned that reading a book on curse words of the world.

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-

After about 2 hours and a lot of skimmed pages from the books of anatomy, history and alcoholic beverages of Equestria (I drink moderately and only vodka shots, surprisingly enough they do have vodka here). I noticed a presence in the room.

When I looked up Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had entered the room and they were reading over Arcane Knowledge’s shoulder and neither he nor Lulamoon had noticed them at all.

Quickly I kneeled as I had done before and the sound I made snapped both my new friends out of their trances “What the hay are you doing Luis?” Arcane asked.

“Watch your language soldier!” Princess Luna said sternly at the stallion that had lost a lot color from his face… literally.

Lula gasped and Arcane pushed my brother’s book aside so he could kneel beside Lula, I was quick to speak “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, so good to see you both!”

“I wish we could say the same Luis.” When Princess Luna said that I knew that whatever had happened in these past few hours spelled doom for me.

“I guess something happened in your court my liege”

“That would be a correct assumption mister Luis,” Luna said “and please rise.”

“May I inquire as to what is it that has made you both upset?” I said lifting myself.

Princess Celestia floated a folded piece of paper and she gave it to me, opening it I saw a photo of those damn pages “Princess Luna, may I inquire who gave this to you?”

Princess Luna looked at me with some reserve. “Why would you like to know his name?”

‘Para estrangular a ese cabron!’ “To see why he would have to spy-photograph my things, as Arcane Knowledge will certainly tell you later.” I replied.

Princess Celestia took a step forward. “We will be sure of that, now returning to the photographs”

I picked up my magazine prepared to have another long chat. “Please allow me to explain then.”

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-

After a long explanation I manage to get myself out of serious trouble and I got some points in my favor with the unborn child photo.

The Princesses confirmed the time for the dinner and left with Arcane to ask about the details of the breaking into the guest room as I was left with Lula once again.

“Lula, now that we are alone here, would you please finish that massage?”

“I don’t know…”

“Please? I really need it, besides, I will need to go for my clothes and that way maybe I can catch some sleep before the sun rises.”

“I could always use a sleeping spell on you”

I looked at her with the same glee a child looks at his Christmas presents “You can do that?”

Lula lifted her hoof pointing at her horn and rolled her eyes “Well duh.”

I quickly gathered all my stuff and hid it beneath my bed and was about take off my clothes when I remembered the fact that there was a girl in the room “Lula…”

“Yes?”

“Could you please… turn around?”

She looked at me with some confusion but finally understood what would happen. She turned around and I got undressed and under my bed cover “Ok, you can use the spell now.”

Lula got close to me and prepared her horn to do the spell “See you tomorrow before dinner!” I say before she uses her magic on me.

“Good night Foraneo.” she managed to say before I fell asleep.

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-

I woke up to the sound of a door opening “Foraneo, are you in there?” it was Arcane Knowledge at the door with a pair of bags over his back.

“Hey Arcane,” I said groggily as I lifted myself from the bed “What are you doing here? And what time is it?”

“Almost noon, have a good night?” he asked me while approaching me.

“Yeah you could say so, excuse me.” I went to the bathroom just a quick visit to the mirror to wash my face.

“Finally done?” Arcane asked me.

“Just a minute,” I said to him “What are you doing here anyways?”

“Princess Celestia thought that you could use a visit to town to get a nice suit for the night and a pair of shoes”

“Shoes? What’s wrong with my current pair?”

“Lula showed your clothing to the princesses and saw they were bathed in blood, they even got me the addresses of several leather workers and we can go there and see what they can do”

He had a point “Speaking of which, where are my bloodied clothes?”

“Over the chair near the entrance”

“Thanks” I walked to the chair and saw my shoes over my other clothes, took the shoes and then walked back to put my other clothes on when it hit me “Hey… how am I supposed to pay for anything?”

“The princess wants you to have this...” he levitated his bags and gave them to me inside them was a just a bag of coins not any kind of coins, gold coins.

“No putas pinches mames!” I said out of surprise.

“What was that?” Arcane asked me.

“You use gold coins as… (What was it again? A yeah I remember) you use gold coins as your currency?”

“They are called ‘bits’ and yeah we do”

“Amazing” I said and looked at them for a while “Before we set out let me get my things and we can share the load, that way I can keep everything in check to avoid any more rummaging thru my stuff”

“Sounds reasonable”

We got my things and we set out to the city of Canterlot. It is a bustling town, and its architecture is so diverse, so impressive and yet so unnatural ‘My brother must come here one day, maybe he could get Princess Celestia to finance one of his designs… Nah that would be pushing it’ I thought to myself.

After a while I started noticing quite a few ponies glancing at me, ‘Now this is something I recognize’. The feeling I recognized was the feeling of being judged by my appearance. Since I am Mexican, I remember once going to the U.S. when the swine flu was making big news and felt the same kind of stare they are giving me. The difference is that in this world that feeling goes to a WHOLE new level.

“Hey Arcane” I said to my friend who is walking by my side.

“Yeah Foraneo?”

“How long until we get to the leather worker’s shop?”

“The closest one is the building over there, why?”

“I need to get out of the spotlight, I hate the attention.”

“You are the nervous kind I imagine.”

“*sigh*… Yeah”

We entered the shop and we were greeted by an old and seriously sweaty dark yellow earth pony (by now I know the different kinds of ponies). “Welcome to Patchwork’s leather shop, I am Patchwork how may I be of service?”

Arcane took hold of the conversation here “Hello mister Patchwork I am Arcane Knowledge and this here,” he said putting his hoof over my arm “Is Luis Corte. We are here because we need something done specially for him.”

Mister Patchwork looked at me “And just what in the fair name of the Princesses is this…”

I sighed before I interrupted him “The word you are looking for is person or man and I am a Human.” I lifted offered hand as a sign of goodwill.

He gave me his foreleg and I shook it “Well met young man. What business you have in my fine shop?”

I quickly got down to my knees and took my shoes off “I know you work with leather and I wanted to see if you could make something like this for tonight if possible” I give him my shoes for him to inspect “What do you say?”

He eyed them carefully “Well boy, I will give you a straight answer, yes I could make these eh…”

“Shoes” I said completing his sentence.

“Shoes then, I could make them but…”

“But…?” I repeat.

“In order to do so I would need some measurements and the plastic in the soles have to be ordered and that will take several days at best and the design of the leather is complicated as well, it would take me a while to reproduce it”

“Actually, the sole could also be made from hardened leather and the heel from wood, and the design can be much simpler, they do not need to be so complicated”

“Wood would most certainly make things easier but the leather work itself will be complicated. I have yet to do something so new for my tastes, sorry but the earliest I could have it is for tomorrow morning” with that he walked to the back of the store.

I looked at Arcane “Are you sure Princess Celestia told you this was a good place to get leather garments?”

That caught Patchwork’s attention “Wait. Did I just hear that Princess Celestia mentioned this place?”

I saw his expression; it was easy to see he was elated that the Princess had mentioned him as if he was someone of importance.

“The Princess gave-“

I stopped Arcane from talking “The Princess said that if I wanted some leather garments I should come here, I guess she has heard of this store.” I said fighting hard to stop a smirk from appearing in my face.

“I… had no idea that Princess Celestia knew of my place… young man come with me for a second so I could measure your hooves.” Patchwork said.

“Feet” I corrected him.

“Sorry.”

We followed him and after a while he told us that it would take him at best 4 hours to complete my work, I asked him if he could make them black and if he could paint my other shoes in the process and he agreed to it.

We paid 100 bits for the pair of shoes (would have been more had I not mentioned the Princess earlier) and we were making our way to a boutique called Hoity Toity’s.

“Why did you do that?” Arcane asked me.

“Do what?” I answered.

“Lie to him like that, that’s what.”

“Ok first of all, Princess Celestia did tell you about the shops right?”

“Yes, but that’s not an excuse.”

I lifted my hand to stop him from ranting at me “I only said what we knew, the Princess told you about the place, she gave you the list and the fact that the store was in the list makes true my claim that she knows of the store, am I wrong on that?”

“… No.”

“You see? I only stretched the truth; he was the one who wanted to believe that Princess Celestia had sent us, I never did I lie to him.”

“Tell me; have you ever studied to become a lawyer or a politician?”

“Don’t you dare say that again. I was studying journalism, why do you ask?”

“Because you have a gift with words, that’s why.”

I decided to drop the conversation there, we arrived at the store to find a familiar face “Lula, how are you?”

Lula turned around to look at us “Arcane, Foraneo how are you?”

“I’m fine Miss Lulamoon.” Arcane replied

“I feel great, thanks for the spell by the way.”

“You’re welcome Foraneo”

“So Lula, what are you doing here?”

“Getting my dress ready for tonight.”

“Glad you decided to come with me to the dinner.”

“But of course I would, you will need every kind of help you can get.”

“That goes without saying.”

“I guess you are here for the same reason.”

“You are right Lula now… who is the manager?”

A gray bluish, flashy stallion appeared in front of me “That would be me!” he said “The name is Hoity Toity! Who might you be?”

I stared at him stretching my arm “Luis Corte at your service mister Toity”

Hoity Toity gave me his hoof to shake “Nice to meet you young…” he became entranced looking for the right word to come to his lips

“The word you are looking for is ‘man’.”

Hoity Toity shook his head out of trance “Very well young man, now let me ask you what business might you have with me?”

“I am currently staying at the Canterlot Palace as a guest of Princesses Celestia and Luna; tonight I have dinner with them both and they told my partner here that this will be the place to get myself a nice suit for the occasion.”

Hoity became surprised “Oh my, a guest for the Princess then let us make haste I will need you measurements, and also if you could give me an idea how a race like yours has their suits done, it would really help.”

After a few instructions on how to make a suit on my understanding Hoity made a design that was both to his and my liking. With this approval he began working my measurements and said that after 2 full hours he would have my suit ready. I paid him 250 bits leaving me with 100 bits that I hoped to return to Princess Celestia.

Arcane, Lula and I left the establishment to grab lunch. Following lunch, we wanted to look at the other stores that made up the market district when after a couple of hours I noticed that Arcane was glancing at every mirror like surface, not looking at his self but at some pony behind us.

“Arcane, is there a problem?” I asked.

He just offered a somber look in response. “Somepony is following us.”

“The one guy back there?”

“They are actually 3, but he is the least subtle of the group.”

“What’s wrong?” Lula said getting near us.

“Arcane says that we have some ponies following us.”

“Is that true Arcane?” asked Lula.

Arcane started walking and we followed him, “Yes Lula, there are 3 but they do a really shabby job if you ask me.”

“It does not look like they are professionals at all.” Lula inquired.

“You’re probably right, they look like amateurs.”

“Amateurs,” I repeated. “Then we are being followed by at least one other pony.”

Both my friends looked at me. “EH?” Lula managed to say.

“It is an old trick I had heard of back in my world. Any professional would use a bunch of amateurs to follow someone perceptive so he may go unnoticed. I bet they are following me and doing this trick because you are with me Arcane.” While looking at the stores in the streets I saw a black door with an open sign in an alley and decided it could be a good spot for hiding, now we could use a distraction.

“I understand the logic in there.” Arcane told us. “Do you have an idea on how to get rid of them?”

“I actually do.” I said to him with a smirk in my face.

“Spit it out!”

“There is an alley behind us. There is a store over there and if we can enter unnoticed, we could try getting outside through the back door or something.”

“Ok first, how would you even get there? They will spot you in no time.”

“I could always use a smokescreen.” Lula interrupted.

“You can?” Arcane and I asked.

“Well duh.” she said pointing at her horn. “I did say I am a mare of many talents.”

We smiled and hid Lula behind ourselves as she literally worked her magic. Only the ponies near us (with that I mean all of those that were not running away from me) noticed and before I knew it we were enveloped in a sparkling smoke that went a couple of meters into the air.

In the midst of the commotion we slipped away to the alleyway I had talked about before, we entered the door and we found ourselves at a reception, there a black earth pony stallion greeted us.

“Good afternoon Sir, Madam… Miscellaneous.” that comment immediately got me laughing.

“Is there something wrong with your friend here?” the black pony asked my friends.

“Beats me, this is the first time I have seen him laughing at all.” Arcane told him.

After a few more laughs I composed myself… kind of. “S-sorry sir, *chuckle* I laughed because you were really funny.” I breathed deeply to control myself. “My name is Luis.”

“My name is Leather Strap. I am the owner and manager of this fine shop. Now I will need some kind of identification please.”

I stood silent there for a moment trying hard NOT to make fun of his name and I gave him my ID so did Arcane and Lula. “Why would you need our ID’s?” I asked.

“It’s not an establishment for children… what kind of ID is this one?” he asked me when I handed over my documents.

“The one we use in my Country”

“If this number means anything, then you are 18 years old.” Leather said.

“23 actually, I had this one taken a few years back.”

“23? Hmm… I am not really sure about that but the hay with it. If you pass for 15, then you are welcome to my shop. Please do come in.”

We entered the place and I bet Lula and I were wearing the same shade of red as soon as we figured what kind of establishment was, it was a sex shop. “A sex shop? Seriously?” I asked the manager.

“Well boy what did you thought this place was?”

“I thought it would be a bar but now your name makes sense… Sorry if I insulted you, but I guess I shouldn’t complain… What is a good book to read about sex or erotic stories?” I asked.

“The clopfiction section is around here if you would follow me.” He guided me to the stands on the far left.

“… Clopfiction?”

“Mature content sir, you know for clopping?”

“I guess you’re referring to masturbation.”

“I guess you are not from around here.”

“Your guess is accurate. So which ones do you recommend?” I asked him looking at the sheer amount of titles and editions on the stand.

“The best-selling ones are these compilations” He said handing me 2 thick tomes, one from a Raging Semi… I am so grossed out by the name alone, but I will give it a shot and finally one from a Velvet Heart. “If you buy them both the store will get you a gift for your patronage.”

“Really Foraneo? You are going to buy those magazines?” A mildly un-amused Lulamoon asked me.

“Do not look at me like that. I want to see the writing styles, compare them and maybe get me some ideas so I can write my own stories in the near future.”

“You write?” she asked me.

“Sometimes I do. Most of the time they’re sad stories that is why I intend to go for more sexual content.”

“You don’t say… maybe this one will help you out.” the owner of the store said giving me a hardcover leather book. I looked up the author.

“Reform School Fillies by Rose Papillonne?”

“Rose Papillonne is one of the best-selling authors of erotic content nowadays. The only problem is that he/she can’t write a good ending even if his/her life depended on it, this is her one of her best works to date.”

‘Meh. What is the worst that could happen?’ I thought to myself.

I bought all 3 books paying 50 bits for all of them “And here sir is a gift.” The stallion said giving me a couple of bottles. “This one here is strawberry scented massage oil and this is a normal odorless lubricant.”

“Woah, thanks I guess… I really hope to see you again someday.” I told to him.

“I do as well sir.” with that we carefully got out of the establishment and made our way to the stores I had commissioned my clothes to.

After some waiting in the leather working shop I finally got my new shoes and the old ones looked like new. We made our way to the palace in just a few hours. We were all set up by dinner time. We arrived to the royal dining room were the Princesses were talking to one another.

“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna” I said taking a deep bow to my hosts. “I appreciate your invitation, and I hope that we can make ourselves acquaintances.”

“Please take a seat.” Princess Celestia looked at me. “I hope that we could all discuss more about your situation.”

“All?” I asked her just mere seconds after I said that, the doors of the room opened as we were taking our seats. Then I saw them.

*** Author’s Log***

Once again my thanks to FrieD195 for the amazing work he made in editing chapter’s 1, 3 and soon to be uploaded 4 if you have time please check out chapter 1.

I thank you reader for sticking out with me and waiting so patiently, also on that note I want to tell you that I am a slow writer so I apologize for the inconveniences.

***Logging Out***

Chapter 4: Dinner Time

As I saw the door opening, I recognized the 6 mares that were standing just on the outside, the same 6 mares that I saved just yesterday from certain death.

When their eyes met mine, all I could see was disgust and fear, most of them but 2 started pleading to the Princesses so I could be removed… that hurt me deeply.

“Elements of Harmony stop this nonsense at once!” Princess Celestia finally said with a stern voice. “I called you here so we may have a conversation and so you may confront this young man that, if I might add, saved your lives by risking his, besides he is not as bad as you make him out to be.”

Reluctantly the mares took seats opposites to mine and my friends leaving me at Princess Celestia’s right side and the mares at Princess Luna’s left side. “Now let me introduce you all. They are, in the order they are seated: my faithful student Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Fluttershy. Girls he is Luis Corte, a human” Soon after the mares were seated, one of them, the sky blue pegasus with a rainbow mane looked at Lulamoon and she became enraged for some reason.

“You!” she yelled just as she leapt from her seat in order to strike Lula, I wouldn’t allow that, so I took Lula in my left arm and grabbed the blue one’s foreleg pulling her into a new direction making her land on her face over the floor. “What the hay is your problem, you monster?”

I had had enough with that term “FIRST,”I yelled at her at the top of my lungs with rage filling my voice which made her take a step back in fear after that I calmed myself. “You dare to attack my friend by tackling her. Second: I have had enough of you calling me a monster. Now explain to me why you would attack Lulamoon if you would be so kind.”

The rainbow one floated to her seat. “Are you all right Lula?” I asked my friend.

She just looked at me blushing “Yes-yes I… ehm” I decided that now would be a good time to change subjects.

“Now that you are seated,” I began. “Care to tell me why did you decided to attack my friend Lulamoon here?”

“Lulamoon?” The rainbow pegasus asked. “Her name is the lame and weak Trixie.”

“Trixie? Why are you calling her that?”

“Because that is my name… my whole name is Trixie Lulamoon, though I dropped my first name out of shame.”

“And you should be ashamed!” The Rainbow one said.

She was really getting on my nerves. “I am getting sick of this; would anyone beside this Rainbow Dash here care to explain why she is so angry at my friend?”

All the mares looked at each other and the orange one with a cowboy hat spoke up “Well mister Luis let me tell yah wha’ we are so angry at this little filly here.”

“Get on with it.” I said and I listened to her tale.

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-

To say that I was impressed was an understatement. All of the events that had been described to me were completely unbelievable… ‘So does this whole place. So who am I kidding?’ I thought.

When the cowgirl… Cowpony finished her tale I had just one question in my mind “Why then are you blaming her for the incident?”

“Well boy you do not seem to have listened at all” The orange mare said.

“I listened, the question is, why do you blame her completely for the incident?”

“Had it not been for her bragging the Ursa would not have come to town at all”

“Ok cowgirl here is the thing, bragging and deceiving is part of an entertainer’s job, so what if some stupid children thought it was a good idea to bring a giant, astral bear to town? That does not make her guilty of anything, besides she stood up to the damn thing when she could have easily turned tail and let the Ursa destroy the whole town and kill those (what was the word again?) Colts!”

“Also notice that she has changed, even if it hurts you to acknowledge this, she has shown me more hospitality than you or the idiot that had somepony rummage through my things and make spies follow me thru the City of Canterlot.”

“Finally you should give her another chance. I am sure that you all will find that she has changed. From what you are telling me, she is not the same mare you once knew.” I entered philosophical mode. “Forgiving someone that insulted you before can open the gateways to a new friendship, but it can also mend long lost bonds. Believe me as I have been through that”

The purple mare that had been sitting at the side of Princess Luna looked up to me in surprise which was something unexpected. Almost as if I had said something much more important than I realized. Princess Celestia did as well which was getting pretty unsettling.

I started noticing a weak sobbing at my left “Lula, what is wrong?”

Lula calmed a bit before answering. “You are being too nice to me. You really think I deserve to be forgiven? I can’t think of a time I have been so happy.”

“Lula, please calm down.” I tried to say to her as I began thinking ‘Oh great now she is crying! Why is it so hard to deal with crying women?’ I looked at the Princesses with pleading eyes hoping they could help me.

Before neither of the Princesses could say anything, Lula spoke up. “I am sorry Luis, but you can… no I ask you all to call me Trixie. I cannot run from my past anymore!” Lula said with confidence. “First of all, I want to apologize profusely to all of you. It was horrible how I treated you in the past. I take full responsibility for my actions and I shall endure whatever punishment you see fit as well.”

“Lu… Trixie what are you doing?”

“Taking matters into my own hoof Luis, that’s what.” She turned to the six mares that were at the other end of the table and bowed. “Will you accept my apology?”

All of the mares looked at Trixie without making a sound, which ended when Rainbow Dash decided to talk “You think we will simply forgive what you did? Fat chance loser! Don’t you agree with me girls?”

“Not on this one RD.” said the cowgirl.

“See that… wait, what are you talking about?”

“What ah’m sayin’ is that Trixie here really do look like she has repented. A’ don’t see no reason not to forgive her though Ah think she still has to take responsibility fer all the damaged houses, but we can discuss that any other day”

“I am willing to forgive her if Applejack does. Even after what she did to my spectacular mane.” The one named Rarity spoke. “I do believe in second chances.”

The others just nodded in acceptance… except for Rainbow Dash who just stared at Trixie and huffed. With that they finally calmed down but I still had some feelings of dread.

Princess Celestia cleared her voice “Now that we have gotten that issue out of the way, I guess I can start asking Luis here where he comes from and why he’s here.”

“If that is what you wish Princess Celestia…” I sat there gathering my thoughts “First of all: my name Luis Corte, but for my friends I am Foraneo, I live in Mexico a country in the northern part of America.”

“Where did ya say you came from? I ‘ave never even heard of a country with that name.” the cowgirl asked.

“… I have talked to Princess Luna and Trixie about this before; I don’t think I am from this world at all.”

“Care to explain in more detail Mister Luis, about your world and how you arrived here in Equestria?” Princess Celestia asked me, her voice so soft and understanding.

“Yes Princess Celestia, I shall start with the moment of my arrival; it was a typical Saturday for me, I was finishing up a second chance test up on campus. I am studying Journalism in college in Mexico”

“So anyways, there I was waiting for a friend to come out of the test when I heard… the voice of a girl so sweet and frightened, she was calling for help and I just… had to look for her and before I even realized I was making my way up the hill near where my school is located.”

“Wait a minute… your school is located at the base of a hill?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Mountain actually, and it is halfway up.”

“Why the hay is your school halfway up there?”

“First would be because the whole city was built between mountains, a close second will be bad urban planning or so my dad, my brother and my former architecture teachers used to say.”

“Oh that explains it… hey you said you were studying journalism.”

“I am. I changed careers a while back. Now moving on; I was making my way up the mount trying to locate the source of the voice and then I found this little cavern that was said to be a ‘lover spot’ of sorts. I ran inside and got lost in the darkness. After a while, I saw the exit of the cave. I ran as fast as I could and once outside I saw all of you there surrounded by those… dogs.”

“And that was when you appeared like a ruffian.” the one called Rarity said.

“Excuse me but, why would you think that?”

“Please, you appeared out of nowhere and started killing the Diamond Dogs in such a bloody fashion. You then smiled when you did it. That’s absolutely horrid!”

“… Is that true Foraneo?” Trixie asked me in shock.

I was sitting there locking my gaze with that of Rarity’s when I decided to speak up. “Yes, I smiled. But never was it a smile out of satisfaction of killing a living being. Let me ask something to all of you, have you ever outshined someone at what they did best? Outperform someone that has had more experience than you?”

Rainbow Dash and Arcane Knowledge spoke up to that, I looked at the other mares when my gaze finally locked itself to that of Applejack’s “My smile was not one born out of the joy of killing, it was because I thought I was actually more capable than those who appeared to be knights or guards of some sort… That was proven wrong shortly afterwards after when I noticed their lack of coordination (what a bummer) and apparent training and the fact that I remembered they had outnumbered me and that you weren’t going to be any help. My eagerness then became dread over your lives and mine.”

“If you have it in you, please forgive me for the way I seemed to act. It was never my intention to look like a murderer of sorts, neither was scaring and or traumatizing you in any way. Do you think you can forgive me?”, still looking at the cowgirl… pony.

Applejack smiled at me “Well boy you need not ask. Ah can see you are speaking the absolute truth. Even so sugarcube, care to tell us wa’h did you came ta’h rescue us?”

“I was about to turn back and leave actually but I had fixated my gaze on your faces, so afraid and helpless. I knew in that instant that you were waiting for a miracle to happen and so I decided to be true to that hope. I made a promise to my heart once and I willed myself to go help you”

“E-excuse me.” a soft voice said.

“Did someone else hear that?” I exclaimed.

“O-over here,” A voice said. When I turned it was the yellow pegasus that had spoken.

“Oh hello, you must be…”

“She is Fluttershy.” Princess Luna informed me.

“No offense, but I have never encountered someone whose name has been more fitting to themselves, besides Princess Luna here. Moving on, did you have a question?”

“Oh yes of course Mister Luis. C-could you explain to us what you meant (if it’s not much of a bother) with that promise thing?”

I was feeling a little stifled and a tad melodramatic, so I took the chance of getting up and walking to one of the glass doors that goes to the balcony of the room. “It is something I once read in a book entitled ‘The Alchemist’.”

“What is an Alchemist?” Applejack asked.

“They are people of myth. Think of them as scholars whose sole purpose in life is getting to combine science and magic. It was said that they could turn glass into silver, create potions of various types and effects and finally create the mythical philosopher’s stone”

Princess Luna took an interest to this one particular item, I could tell by her expression “Before you go asking, it is a stone that, when used correctly it could turn lead into gold and a master Alchemist could use it to brew a potion that could extend your youth and lifetime as long as you kept drinking it”

“Oh boy does that stone sound mighty useful and mighty dangerous”

“In the wrong hands maybe Applejack, but as I had said before, it is just legend and myth. My world is devoid of magic even when there are people willing to believe there is. Most of the time it’s just illusions, smoke and mirrors as we call it, let me now conclude my story.”

I leaned to the glass door and looked to a side as not to look at them and so the moonlight would reflect directly over me. “The scene of the book went a little something like this:”

And as the young shepherd and the alchemist were walking under the scorching sun of the desert, the alchemist began to speak to the boy;

“Boy, let me tell you the most important thing one should ever do in their lives.”

“What is it master?” asked the young shepherd.

“Remember to always listen to your heart and to do what it tells you to do.”

“But why master? Why should I listen to my heart?”

“Because boy… if you don’t do what the heart tells you to do, you will live your life filled with regret and no man should live a life like that.”

I finished the story and looked upon the ones sitting in the table “The reason I went and helped you was that book. I promised myself right after reading that passage that I would help those in need and not to avert my eyes from them… I helped you because if I had not done such a thing, not only would I have been stranded in this world, I would have to live regretting my cowardice the rest of my life.”

With that all of the present looked between themselves in some sort of silent agreement, 5 of the mares stood up from the table and started walking in my direction and I saw their teary eyes, then all of the sudden the pink earth pony jumped and hugged me.

“I am so sorry!” she said.

Wow, she was strong and she smelled so nice. “No offense but, you smell nice.”

That comment made her laugh a little. “Why would I be offended silly?” with that she jumped and settled in the floor.

“Sorry for bein’ so harsh on you sugarcube.”

“No problem Miss Applejack, you were afraid.”

“Darling I fully regret my past statements, could you forgive me?”

“I already have Miss Rarity.”

“Hey… I am really sorry about how I treated you. That was so uncool of me”

“I understand Rainbow Dash, but you have another apology to make.” I told her pointing at Trixie to which she went not without some reservations.

I looked at the butter colored pegasus cowering nearby and told her. “You don’t need to say anything. It was a pleasure to have cleared my name to all of you.”

That is when I noticed the one that was left behind was sobbing I think her name was Twilight Sparkle. I walked up to her side where I kneeled and placed my hand in her shoulder, “Hey, what’s wrong?”

The only response I got was a full-fledged crying and once again I was facing the bane of my existence: a crying girl.

She pressed her head to my shoulder. “Please stop crying, you don’t need to cry.” I was rewarded with a louder crying. “Oh please. Look, it’s not that bad.”

The crying quickly faded to sobbing and finally I heard her voice. “I am sorry.” It was not possible, that voice.

“No way, it was you!”

She separated her face from my shoulder and looked into my eyes. “Yes… it was me.”

My mind was running in all directions at a hundred kilometers per minute trying to understand on how the hell she could call me from another world. Princess Celestia voiced some of my questions.

“Twilight Sparkle, you told me that you were exhausted and had no magic left in yourself.”

“I know, I know and I still can’t believe it happened.” Twilight Sparkle turned to her mentor separating herself from my grasp which filled me with joy. “How was that possible Princess?”

“I don’t know my faithful student, this is confusing to say the least.” as she tapped her chin with her hoof. Princess Luna came up with an idea.

“Tia, could it be the Elements doing?”

All of the present looked at her. “How could that be possible Luna? She didn’t even have it on when they were trapped.”

Princess Luna looked at the table pensively. “Maybe. But what if she somehow used the power of the Elements without having them?”

“That would make a convenient plot twist.” said a certain pink pony.

We all looked at her and Rainbow Dash said “Pinkie Pie, you are so random!”

By this time I had collected my thoughts and I decided to speak up “Princess, I know this might be out of place but… what are these Elements of Harmony?”

Everypony in the room became silent after I asked that question. “Luis,” Princess Celestia asked, “Do you really not know about the Elements?”

“I never saw them in any history book… might have to do with me skipping over some pages and not reading it in its entirety. My question remains the same though, what are the Elements of Harmony? Also, I would like to know what you all were doing there if that is possible.”

The Princesses looked at each other and Princess Celestia spoke up. “Take a seat then.” I took seat beside Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy with Applejack and Rainbow Dash on the other side of the table giving my new friends some sort of company. Princess Celestia began the tail of the elements of harmony and how these mares ended up surrounded by those assailants.

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-

As I sat silent after having listened the story of the Elements of Harmony; of a guy named Discord and of Nightmare Moon and how those mares got into so much trouble. My mind gave me the only logical response but I still needed some information from the Princesses.

“Princess Celestia…” I began.

“Is there something the matter Luis?” She asked gently.

“You said that magic rules your world and that is found in each and every creature, right?”

“Yes indeed, every creature of this world has some form of magic. It is on par with what you would call a life force, why do you ask?”

“Because I may have a theory on my arrival.”

“Is that so? Would you kindly share this theory with us?”

I remembered the game Bioshock but I think it was just a coincidence. “You said that your student here is the living representation of the Element of Magic”

“You think my sister’s theory is correct, don’t you?”

“Kind of…” She looked at me confused so did the rest of the guests. “My theory is this: Miss Twilight Sparkle here was in a state of desperation. When she began asking for help maybe she did not consciously use her magic nor did use the power of the Elements of Harmony.”

“Then what did Twilight use?” Asked Rainbow Dash.

“Simple… she did nothing; someone else did it for her, the world did it for her”

“EH?” Was the answer I got from all of the present, they were confused and that made me smirk.

“Simple, as she faced the certainty of death she must have wished for a miracle to happen, she asked for help and because she is the element of Magic she must… no she has to have a link with this world in and of itself. The world must have heard her plea. Then the world tried to bring in a miracle…”

“But if that is the case, why you?” Princess Luna asked me.

“I think the world must have brought someone willing to answer to such a cry for help, had it not been me it would have been someone else, I just happened to rush to her aid without having a second thought.”

“Then why did it not bring me instead? I also heard her pleas for help.” Princess Celestia asked.

“I said it was a theory, it is flawed but I think it would be because of your status as Ruler. You need to be political about it so you can keep the peace, peace that this world loves. So instead of bringing you and starting an international situation, it opted to bring outside help, thus bringing me. And as I said, it was pure chance.”

All of the present said nothing trying to dispute my theory. “I wish to keep my options open. Even if your theory comes with a lot more credibility than what my sister and I have come up with.” Princess Celestia said to me.

“It does not matter, the best thing I can do is waiting here until anyo…pony can figure out a way to send me back… in the mean time I can enjoy the place. Maybe find a job around to sustain myself until then.” I said giving her a smile, I wanted to grin but my teeth are not something I like to show to the general public.

“Ya’h certainly look pretty laidback fer a guy stranded in unknown territory.”

“Miss Applejack,” I began. “I am just following something a writer once said: Reality is the only thing that even if you stop believing in it, it won’t disappear. Or so it goes, right now my reality consists on being stranded in this world until someone can send me back. There is really no point in doing anything else but enjoy my time here. I will also need to come up with a way to explain to my parents were have I been once I finally get back. No need to tell them I was in a dimension of colorful girly ponies… My brother would laugh at me.”

“I am glad that you can focus on what is truly important, even if we are not sure how long it will take for us to get you home.” said Princess Celestia.

“I shall wait until that time comes. Now if it’s not too much to ask, how about some dinner? I am starving!” The Princess chuckled at my comment.

“Very well, let me call the royal waiter so we can order our meal, I am quite hungry myself.”

And thus began what had become the most interesting dinner I have ever attended.

***Author's Log***

Thanks Again to FrieD195 for the job on edditing this tale, hope you like it.

***Logging Out***

Chapter 5: Dinner Time part 2

Chapter 5: Dinner Time part 2.

From the doors appeared a pony wearing a waiters’ uniform and one with a chefs’ hat who started speaking in a Italian accent “Good night everypony and… what is that you call yourself?” he said as if unsure what to say I chuckled.

“You have been the only pony apart from the Princesses that have actually asked what my species is called and I thank you for that, my name is Luis and I am a human male you can call me man and/or person” I said looking at him.

“Very well, my name is Cuoco I will be your chef for the night, anything you wish I can make it, this is Garcon who will be your waiter and now what would the guest like to order?”

Princess Celestia looked at me. “Luis, as our guest I would like you to order first” She gave me a reassuring smile.

I really did not know what to order, and since I have yet to eat any kind of meat I opted for another solution. “Princess, I am not familiar with your world’s cuisine. So I will pass the opportunity so you all can order, then I will most likely have my choice”

Princess Luna wore an inquisitive expression. “Are you sure, Luis?”

“Very sure Princess Luna, and you are not going to change my mind” I smiled softly to reassure her.

“Very well, if you insist…”

I sat there hearing all the orders and quite frankly… I need to come up with something simple and that does not require any meat else I am doomed; I will never go for a simple salad or a soup right now and do not make me started on the hay.

Before I even knew what I wanted to order I had everypony looking at me. “S-sorry Mister Cuoco, do you know how to make a pizza?” I didn’t want to get my hopes up but they did have alcohol, so I might as well try.

“Why of course I know; it’s just dough, marinara, cheese and the toppings. Any topping you have in mind?”

“Pineapple pieces and cherries would be appreciated” I wore a smile as soon as my request was made which made Cuoco raise an eyebrow as did everypony else.

“Pardon me but, pineapple and cherries? Are you aware of what you are asking?”

“You ask me as if you’ve never had a pizza with those ingredients before; I mean they are by far the best toppings you could choose.”

“I am deeply sorry but I have yet to come across such a… unique combination.”

“What can I say? I am unique myself.”

“Very well, it won’t be long before I have your dinner ready, if you could just wait a little longer.” With that the cook and waiter left us to ourselves.

Pinkie was quick in striking up a conversation with me. “Your pizza sounds yummy! Did you used to eat a pizza like that when in your world? What was it called?”

I laughed a bit “Yes I have had a pizza like that; it is known as ‘Hawaiian’ pizza, though now that I remember there was only one place where I could get it with cherries on top, but it went out of business. My mom now has to buy a large jar of cherries so we can put them in our pizzas”

“It does sound lovely” Said the Princess of the Moon. “Though why does it feel that thou meals feel incomplete?”

That caught me completely off-guard. “Thou? Shouldn’t it be ‘thine’?” I was so trying to avoid this subject.

Everypony just stared at me wide-eyed. I could tell that Princess Luna was surprised that someone had the bravery of trying to correct her; but more than anything, happy. Although I don’t know why. “It is wonderful to finally find someone acquainted with ancient Equestrian even when our knowledge falters. When referring to a second pony or person, one must use ‘thou’. ‘Thine’ is when you must to talk to your superior in this case Celestia and I”

“While I appreciate your correction, I must admit that ‘thine’ is the only knowledge of the language that I have, on that note, did you say ‘Equestrian’? Surely you mean ‘English’.” I thanked Princess Luna for bringing me a new subject with which I could avoid her questioning. Even though she seemed sad when I told her of my lack of knowledge.

Princess Celestia on the other hand or hoof had taken another interest “Excuse me Luis, but why do you call it English?”

“Because that is what the language is called” I face palmed there. “I forgot this is another world, sorry but yes we call this language English” I said in a British accent.

“Wait…” Twilight Sparkle interrupted. “Why did you suddenly change your accent to that of Trottingham?”

Trotingham? Are you fucking kidding me? She can’t be serious about that name. “Trottingham? Is there a place called Trottingham in this world?”

“Yes there is, now stop avoiding the question.”

“Ok Twilight Sparkle, I can call you that right?”

“Twilight is fine, you were saying?”

“You see Twilight, much like your Equestrian civilization, there are several versions to our languages. English comes in American and British and a few others as far as I know. The weird part is that they all come from different countries. I studied my English in schools that specialized in British and American accents.”

“But then that would mean that your native language is not Equestrian, but another one?” Princess Celestia said.

“Yes of course. My native language is Spanish since I live in another country.”

“How does Spanish sound then? Would you care to give us an example?”

“Con mucho gusto Princesa Celestia será un placer.”

All of them just stared at me. “I said ‘Gladly Princess Celestia, it would be my pleasure.’ in Spanish” they all sported an understanding ‘Oh’.

“I actually find it hard to comprehend that you do not know Spanish by now.” I said to Princess Celestia.

“Why do you find it hard to comprehend, young Luis?”

“Please just call me Luis, and to answer your question I will refer our attention to your sister’s name.”

“What does my sister’s name have anything to do with your language?”

“Because Luna is, as far as I know, a word in Spanish that means ‘moon’.” I looked at questioning gazes of the mares and stallions, all looking at me. “And again it seems that you did not know about that, let me tell you I find a little myself homesick at the mention of her name.”

Princess Luna looked at me concerned. “Do tell us why my name makes you homesick, we… I do not think it is only because of the translation.”

I decided to ignore that ‘we’ as I did with the rest them and politely answered. “Princess Luna…” I started. “The name of my country, ‘Mexico’, when divided to its original roots, it can mean ‘the place in the bellybutton of the moon’ that is why I find your name nostalgic Princess.”

Princess Luna was surprised at this. “What you are saying is that the moon hath been important to your people at some point?”

I measured my answer the best I could. “To be sincere here; yes the moon held an important place in our history, there is even a pyramid dedicated to the moon and the sun in our most important cultures.”

Princess Luna was so happy I swear I got a smile myself just looking at her innocent and giddy expression.

“Hey, I have been meaning to ask you about something you said when we found each other in the room earlier, but I forgot what that was.” Arcane said for everypony to hear, I am so dead if I have to translate that. “What did you say?”

“Chingada Madre.” Interjected Trixie.

I looked at her wide eyed. “You remembered?”

“I have an eidetic memory, more commonly known as photographic memory, except that I can recall everything I or others around me say.”

“Also, when I picked you up at noon you said something else. I can’t recall what exactly but there was a ‘mames’ there, I don’t rightly know what it means.”

“Thanks Trixie, Arcane… I am glad you remembered.” I said sheepishly.

“Now that thou mention it…” Princess Luna said. “There was something else you said. I think it was ‘Para estrangular a ese cabron’ If I recall correctly.”

I paused for a moment. “Wait, I said that out loud?” I was sure I had thought that one not said it out loud.

Princess Celestia looked at her sister with a glare. “Luna, you did it, didn’t you?”

Princess Luna did not meet her gaze; she just sunk in her seat. “Sorry.”

I was really confused at the moment. “Sorry for what?”

Princess Celestia stopped glaring at her sister and directed her attention to me. “I must apologize in behalf of my little sister Luis; it seems she overstepped her authority and has done something we swore not to do unless we thought it was completely necessary. When we were in your room, she read your mind.”

I could not believe this. “Excuse me Princess, but care to explain to me ho... no wait I know how. More importantly, why would you do such a thing?”

Princess Luna slowly and hesitantly met my gaze. “It was when my sister and I arrived at thou quarters for interrogation, do you remember that?” I nodded. “We started reading into your mind when you finally addressed us, we just wanted to make sure that you were speaking the truth and that you were not a threat to our country, will you be able to forgive me?”

I will never regret what I am about to do. “Princess, I am not a very forgiving person I must admit that but I will forget this transgression under one condition,” I just casually said sporting the most malevolent grin I could come up with.

I swear I heard Princess Luna swallow deeply. “And, what would be thou conditions?” she asked hesitantly.

My smile faded and I looked into her eyes. “I must say that most of the words I said before have no literal translation to… Equestrian and that most of them are insults. So in an effort for you all and me to understand each other, I will give you a translation and explaining on how they are used and you will teach me the curse words of this world that match them. That way we can compare our languages. We might even come to understand each other better. Do we have an agreement?”

The Princesses looked at each other, worry evident in their faces, and nodded. Once again they looked at me and Princess Celestia spoke. “Very well Luis My sister and I accept your conditions; it will be interesting to hear something new even if they are insults.”

It was then that the food arrived so I decided to leave things right there. “Princesses, I think it would be wiser to eat first, then we can carry on with the conversation. Shall we?”

The Princess just nodded in approval.

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-

Dinner was uneventful; the pizza was incredibly good (even though it really needed some ham). The rest of the ponies loved it, even the Princesses. All of that was forgotten as soon as I started translating my insults from Spanish to Equestrian; along with every detail of what they meant and how to use them. Rainbow Dash was kind enough to teach me Equestrian insults.

Now we were talking about what would happen to me, Princess Celestia had voiced exactly what I expected to hear from her. “Luis, I am terribly sorry to say this but; you will have to stay here until we can find a way to return you to your world. I hope that is not that big of an inconvenience for you.” I rolled my eyes.

“Princess Celestia, You and I both knew I would be staying here. I just hope to be gone by the end of summer… I still need to make up an excuse for my absence.”

“Sugarcube, why would you need to make up an excuse for where you ended up?”

I deadpanned at her. “Since you are a girl you would not understand but please hear me out: *Ahem* Hey dad, guess what? I was suddenly transported to a world that a 6 year old girl would love to go to! It is filled with pastel colored ponies that are ruled by 2 magical pony Princesses!” I paused a moment for my ranting to sink in.

“He will most likely question my sexual orientation and mental health… In that specific order. So yeah, I need to come with something not only plausible, but also a little manlier than that, maybe I could hit my head here have a nice looking scar and just shrug it off as amnesia… Nah, too clichéd.”

“Sugarcube, Ah dun rightly know how ya’ll git along with you father, but why can’t yah just tell the truth? Ah am sure that yah can bring evidence of your stay and he will see just what happened.”

I looked at her trying to understand just how she could just nonchalantly say such a thing but I remembered one little fact. “Applejack, I am going to be brutally honest with all of you, so please do not interrupt me; THAT is a horrible idea for 2 reasons: one is the fact that once I get back I will be assaulted by reporters and so I will have to tell them where I was all this time.”

“Two: I am not going to tell the inhabitants of my planet that we are not alone in this universe because I know my race. Humans, in general, are horrible creatures and if they know of the existence of this world they will want to come here to study your race. They will see magic and will try to get it and weaponize it. They will endanger your planet and I am sure you do not want that.”

All of them looked at me with fear and confusion except for the Princesses, Trixie and Arcane. “Sorry to have been so blunt but… It is the truth. The talk Princess Luna mentioned? It was because of a set of photographs that shows what my race is truly capable of. But you have nothing to fear, I am not like that and even if my world is filled with hate, war and death. It is also filled with loving, caring and good-natured people”

“I have actually something here in my backpack and those saddlebags to show you. I just hope you can endure it.” I got from my seat so I could go to the perch were I had left my things when my messenger bag floated on its own.

I looked around and saw that Twilight was levitating my things to my seat. “Thanks Twilight.” I pulled out the bit pouch Princess Celestia gave me. “Princess, thanks for the money. Here is what remains from the bits you gave me earlier. I used most in my clothes and I am left with 50 bits… sorry”

“There is no need to return the money, Luis.” said Princess Celestia. “I wanted you to look your best, whatever remains is yours to use as you see fit.”

“That is too kind of you but I must return this, I don’t feel like I deserve them.”

“Once again, I must insist that this be your reward and I will not take it back.”

I gave up there… it was not worth fretting over it and I needed to take my things out. After getting most of my stuff out, I located my magazine as all of the Elements of Harmony surrounded me. “In this magazine there are some disturbing images as well as emotional ones that not only describe the way we have lived through almost 2 centuries, but also how we have evolved in aspects like technology.”

I started pointing out the photos from the dreadful pages that were shown to the Princesses which made Fluttershy cry… I feel like I had just committed a horrible crime. I don’t know how but Pinkie Pie’s mane deflated almost completely and I swear that it became grayer; I apologized with the photo of the unborn child.

“Your species is amazing I would really like for you to come to Ponyville with me so you can teach me more about your technology. I really want to know what other machines you have at your disposal!”

“Sure Twilight. I mean, while I am not a scientist I can tell you how our tech works with my limited understanding. Now besides these cameras, we also have airplanes that allow us to travel from one place to another in a matter of mere hours”

“Just how fast can these planes go?” Rainbow Dash asked me.

“I have heard of planes that can break the sound barrier though I don’t know at what speed they do break it though, besides…”

“Besides… What?”

“I meant that maybe planes are not the fastest thing, we also have space shuttles”

“Space shuttles?” asked Twilight. “What are those?”

“They are like planes but can travel outside our planet’s atmosphere and into outer space using chemical engines that produce incredible speed and power.”

“That is so exciting! Tell me just how far have humans traveled in space?”

“The farthest have been to the moon and back. There are photos taken on its surface in here.”

“WHAT?” Everypony yelled at me.

As soon as the yelling stopped echoing in my ears, I felt the sensation of vertigo and no wonder, I found myself floating over the table right in the middle of both Princesses.

“SHOW US! SHOW US! SHOW US!” Luna commanded me like a kid that wants to see what her father is reading in the newspaper curious about it.

“Fine… everypony else come closer so you may see.” Being in the middle of such powerful beings is frightening at best but at the same time it is incredibly soothing which is giving me mixed sensations but I swallowed my fears and showed the pictures.

They were awed by them asking me a lot of questions which I answered to the best of my ability after the Q & A round I managed to sit back “Luis, I almost forgot! Tomorrow, we need you to come to the day council with us.”

I looked at Princess Celestia “I am not going to like the reason why, am I?”

“You are mostly right… The stallion that most likely (though Luna and I know for a fact that he was responsible) sent spies to trail you, Councilor Goodwill, wants to have a meeting to dictate if you are a menace to Equestria and its neighboring countries.”

I raised an eyebrow “Neighboring countries? Did that guy actually say that?”

“Indeed he did.”

“What is wrong with that guy? What did I ever do to him?”

“I must apologize on his behalf, he is doing what he thinks is best for the good of Equestria. Do not hate him. He doesn’t do this out malice, he is simply misguided.”

“A ‘jerk’ was my choice but I will take your word on that one… Can I ask you a favor?”

“What is it Luis?”

“I would like to give you part my luggage as a gift. I do not want any more troubles because of it and, if you’d like to, you can use it as you see fit, either hiding it away for safekeeping or allow your scholars to study it. But please do call me so I can explain things in more detail.”

“I gladly accept these gifts then Luis.”

I pulled out everything but the “Todo Mafalda”, the “Halo” book and the Architecture book. “The architecture book is my brother’s I will lend it to you in case you want to look at the buildings inside and the architects themselves.” I said nonchalantly but I realized who I was talking to and corrected myself. “Though I will appreciate it if you would be so kind as to give it back to me when the time comes for me to return home, my fair Princess.”

“… You almost forgot that you were addressing me, did you not?”

I lowered my head “Sorry Princess, I forget sometimes to show proper respect to others… One of my many faults”

“I pay it no mind Luis. It was refreshing to hear someone talk to me like an equal, though I would like to ask you to restrain yourself from such outburst. At least until we know each other better.”

I bowed from my seat “Very well Princess. I shall follow your command.”

“Please look at it more like a favor I am asking as a ruler to a guest.”

“Very well… Now Princess, if you do not mind, I would like get back to my quarters to prepare for tomorrow (who knows what I’ll be up against). I would like to prepare a speech just in case. Will it be alright if my friends come with me?”

“We would be delighted darling! It would be the least we could do after how this evening started.”

“I am afraid that only Arcane can enter the council, Miss Rarity; and only as part of the royal guard. This hearing will be considered private.”

“Is that normal?”

“No Applejack it isn’t. A private hearing is only used if there is a threat to disrupt peace or the subject is particularly touchy.” answered Twilight to her friend. “But we can wait for him outside of the chambers. I am sure Arcane can come out and give us an update from time to time.”

“You would wait outside for me?” I asked in disbelief.

“Of course we will, Silly-filly-who’s-not-a-filly!” yelled Pinkie Pie. “And after the hearing, I’ll throw you a ‘Welcome to Equestria! Thanks for saving our lives!’ Party!”

“Is there going to be a lot of chocolate and cake involved?” I asked the hyperactive pink pony and she nodded in response. “Then I will do everything in my power to make it as short as I can. Princesses, Trixie, Arcane, girls, I will see you all tomorrow then.” I bowed and took my leave.

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-

The human had taken his leave from the dining room leaving the ponies all sitting on the table leaving it in a state of tranquility “Cheerful fellow, isn’t he, Tia?” stated Princess Luna.

“I am glad he is taking it so well… but tomorrow, all of that could change.” said Princess Celestia looking down to the table.

“Wha are yah in such a mood Princess?”

“It’s because of Councilor Goodwill, Applejack.” Twilight Sparkle informed her.

“Is that guy so bad?”

“You don’t even know the half of it, Rainbow.” Twilight said “That pony is the only one I have ever even come close to actually hating in my entire life”

“Darling, listen to yourself! I am sure he can’t be that bad.”

“You are right, Rarity… he is worse.”

“Whoa. If Twilight can say that with a straight face, then this means trouble.” said Rainbow Dash. “Care to enlighten us on just how bad this pony is?”

“As you wish…”

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Authors Notes -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Thanks to my great editor FrieD195 that gives his time editing this story and let me put his notes here.

****************************************************************************************************
Editor’s Notes:

I was able to see a slight improvement in your use of run-on sentences. However, I see that you are still frequently forgetting to use any sort of punctuation at the ends of at least half of your sentences. The only times I’ve seen punctuation have been when the sentence is a question(?) or an exclamation(!). While those are simple enough to correct, it leads me to believe that you are typing these chapter up in a hurry and not entirely paying attention to some of the more minor details.

As for overall chapter content, it was a little emotional. I can see why he was so regretful after showing those bad photos. I hear that in some places in this world, it is a class 4 felony to make Fluttershy cry like that. Since I’ve edited chapter 6 before this chapter, I can say that you set up the encounter with Cunt-cilor Not-so-Goodwill very well. I don’t know if the story is close to ending, but at the rate things are progressing, I will guess that there are at least another 13 chapters left before the story is over. But then again, that’s only my guess. All in all, great work! Keep it up!

Again I would be lost without him.

Author Logging out.

Chapter 6: Train of Thought

Chapter 6

I heave in my train seat looking at the scenery pass me by. I’m entranced by the beauty of the dusk’s work over this planet’s nature, relaxing for the first time today. “Who would have thought that trains could be this soothing” I state crossing my arms.

“Aren’t trains back in your world this relaxing?”

I looked to my right to see Trixie sitting next to me. “I couldn’t really tell you Trixie; this is the first train I have ever ridden.”

“It is a shame that you had to take this train from Canterlot under such circumstances.” Said Twilight who now had taken a seat in front of me. “I would have never thought that councilor Goodwill could lose his cool or that you would not be able to contain yourself from insulting him.”

I smiled at her. “You are right, maybe I should have behaved better but a person can only hold on to anger for so long before snapping at the one responsible.” I leaned back in my seat and started thinking in the events that transpired in the better part of the day.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

I entered the giant wooden doors with silver and gold inlaid with the symbol of Equestria in its middle. I looked back at my friends who were sitting in the waiting room behind me. All eight will kept waiting there for me to get out or so they had said.

I entered and saw the Princesses behind a big marble desk in the far side of a giant rectangular room.

The council room was wide not because there were many councilmen (there were about one to 3 creatures from each of the races) in all I counted 10 different sentient species in order: Ponies (Divided in the different species) Diamond Dogs, Zebras, Rams, Minotaurs (who were hitting on the next councilors), Cows (there goes my chance at a hamburger in this kingdom), Buffalos, Donkeys (seriously? Donkeys?), Gryphons and finally Dragons… I made such a fool out of myself there.

I looked at the massive reptile in front of me; he was liberating smoke from his nostrils. I knew deep in my mind what he was but it shouldn’t be possible. “Sir.”

The giant light brown lizard looked at me directly and huffed at me a mouthful of smoke that made me cough. “You must be the reason I am awake, you are very gutsy to come speak to me while I am in a foul mood.”

“My name is Luis Corte, I am a human sir and I have only 2 questions for you. I was wondering, are you a dragon?”

“Yes I am a dragon. My name is Sand Scale representative of the many dragon tribes in Equestria. You had 2 questions if I heard right.” I nodded affirmatively. “Then speak before I decide to end this meeting immediately.”

I saw in the corner of my eye Princess Celestia rising as he made his treat “Can I have your autograph mister Sand Scale?”

Councilor Sand Scale blinked as if confused. “Did I… hear right?”

“Yes you did sir; I would very much like an autograph from you”

“… I am speechless”

“Why sir?”

“You do not seem afraid of me. How is that possible?”

“Do not misunderstand sir; I am incredibly afraid right now. But I am even more excited to see a talking dragon for the first time in my life so my request still stands. Will you be so kind to give me an autograph?”

He stood silent for a few seconds just staring at my locking my gaze with his. “HA-hahaha. AAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA” his laughter filled the entire room and I am certain that the rest of the castle as well.

"I like this boy Princess Celestia! Perhaps waking me up wasn't such a bad idea."

Princess Celestia looked calmed even after such outburst so I sighed for both of us.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

I settled out of my trance, looking for the autograph book in my bags that now just hold my clothes and my new books.

'From Sand Scale, member of the Dune Drake Clans'

"I can't believe you actually asked an un-rested dragon a favor."

"I did say I was a unique person yesterday, Twilight."

"Please just promise us never to do that again."

"Fine... I won't talk like that to a dragon that hasn't fully rested unless in case of an emergency"

"Promise accepted. Now if we could only change that temper of yours..."

She was right I was lucky to have come off lightly from the hearing.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

The councilmen started the 'hearing'. It felt more like a trial thanks to who I recognized as council member 'Goodwill' who had demonized me since the beginning of the hearing.

He had the tendency to exaggerate everything bad I had said about my home planet and ignore the good things.

"That is why I say we should expel him from Equestria; if his race is as violent as he said we could be facing a war with heavy casualties for all of our countries" Goodwill stated for the third time today.

"There will not be a war if humanity never learns of the existence of this world. I will never speak of this world to anyone." I stated once again.

"The promise of a murderer holds no weight here!"

That motherfucker! "May I remind you that I saved the life of 6 young mares, Mister Councilor."

"And how do we know your intentions were to save them and not to eat them?"

He was taking advantage that my status as omnivore had appeared earlier. "I would never eat another sentient being councilor."

"You have no qualms in killing them, then?" this guy is getting on my nerves.

"And it seems your parents did not impart gratitude onto you!" I tell him snapping at his comments.

He merely replied "I am an orphan." as if that was supposed to stop me.

"Woah. They didn’t even bother raising you? No wonder you are so stuck up!" the silence that followed my statement was dreadful as was his expression.

The councilmen and Princesses sat in silence waiting what was coming next. Who was going to speak next? What would he say? I spoke first.

"Princess I have a proposal to make to this council but it requires the presence of your Personal Student, if you don’t mind”

She snapped from trance looking at me sternly. “Arcane Knowledge, please bring Scholar Twilight Sparkle to the room.” Arcane shot a disapproving glance at me and walked outside the room.

“What is it that you want to do, human?” Goodwill asked but I refused to meet his gaze or answer his questions. “Ignoring me now? How foalish of you.”

I rolled my eyes and sighed. “I have no reason to talk to you right now so sit tight and wait.” Soon Twilight was inside the room she stopped to greet the council members and stepped at a cautious distance from me.

Princess Celestia looked at me once again. “Now that my student has arrived, would you be so kind as to what this idea of yours is?”

I put up my best cunning smile just for her. “As you wish.” I bow in front of her and then turn around to the council. “Council of the nations of this planet. I stand before to ask your permission to live in the beautiful lands of Equestria until I can be sent back to my world. I shall stay under the constant watch of Scholar Twilight Sparkle and of the fair Princesses of Equestria!”

“In exchange I promise to share what little knowledge I have on the history of my world and of some of the technologies we use so you may try to reproduce them for your own benefit.”

“Why did you say some?” called the obnoxious voice of Councilor Goodwill from his seat. “Why won’t you share your full knowledge with us?”

“Because I do not know if all of your races value peace. I bet you take it for granted, and in order for peace to continue to permeate this world, I refuse to talk about any and all kinds of weaponry because I know how countries are always trying to be above the others in terms of firepower. I refuse for that to happen to this world.”

“Or perhaps you want to bring your people here and take our world without much resistance.”

If only I could… “Princess I am going to show you something from my world, but I fear that I will have to repeat it several times for everyone here to see…”

“If you want to be seen by us all then let me help you.” the Princess lit her horn and a giant image of me appeared hovered in the middle of the council room.

I thanked her properly and began.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

“I am still impressed by the signs you showed.” said Twilight. “I never expected to see a language done by people with that kind of handicap, and a song too!”

“What language? What kind of handicap? What are you talking about?” Pinkie Pie asked appearing at my side from what seemed to be thin air.

“Hijo de la… Pinkie when did you take seat here?”

“I’ve been sitting here all along.”

“That’s not t-…” I was stopped by a purple hoof in my mouth.

“Believe me when I say this. Don’t question her.”

I stared at her for a while when Trixie interrupted “Don’t avoid the question. What Language?”

“It’s a sign language used by mute people in my world, that way they can communicate with other people. Though what I did was just a song.”

“And it was quite the sight.” A red mare joined. “Why don’t you do it again for everypony here to see?”

I was sincerely confused here. “I will gladly do it again but… how do you know about it? You weren’t even there. In fact who are you?”

“It hurts that you don’t recognize the one who helped you in pouring your stomach in the toilet 2 nights ago.”

“… Arcane?” Asked Rainbow Dash who had come close.

“Eyuup”

“You are a girl? How?”

“I guess that except for a few here, the rest of you don’t know about how royal guard armor works. Am I right?”

I nodded as did Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. “You see Royal Guard armor is imbued with an illusion spell to hide the differences between mares and stallions”

“Quick question here…” I interrupted. “Why would you do that?”

“Miss Sparkle if you may?”

“Very well Arcane. Unlike Equestria that is matriarchal most of the other races are patriarchal and have more respect towards male figures. That is why our royal guard have to keep the appearance of being male in palace grounds”

She lost me. “If that is the case then why do they seem to at respect Princess Celestia? Wouldn’t they be all like ‘I won’t listen to some girly Princess!’ ”

“Would you go against the one who has enough power to move the Sun across the sky?”

“… Point taken… Wait, if that is the case then that would mean that there are more mares than stallions in this world.”

“You are right on that one Luis. The birth ratio is one colt per every 9 fillies”

“That is not as unsettling as I thought it would be…. Anyways you did want to see the signs right?” They all nodded. “But you will have to forget the singing part”

“I can do that.”

“You remember the song Twilight?”

“Trixie is not the only one with a prodigious memory.”

“You are not the Princess’s Student for nothing.”

“Come on and stop stalling for time.”

“Fine.”

"This is 'My Valentine' from Paul Mcartney"

What if it rained?
We didn’t care.
She said that someday soon,
The sun was gonna shine.
And she was right,
This love of mine,
My valentine.

As days and nights,
Would pass me by.
I tell myself that I was waiting for a sign!
Then she appeared,
A love so fine,
My valentine.

I ended the signs just to loose myself in my memories once again.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

I had ended my little presentation and faced the council.
“Is that supposed to mean anything?” Goodwill spoke breaking the silence.

I ignored him for a bit. “Council members what I have shown you just now is a sign language used by handicapped people, people who have never spoken a word since birth, either by a hearing impairment that would never allow them to hear a sound in their entire lives or to speak at all.”

“If my race was as violent as Goodwill thinks then why would we even take the time to create a language for those who can’t speak? Or a writing system for those who are blind?”

“What Councilor Goodwill has been doing all day long is ignoring everything good my world has done!” I began tearing as I speak. “As of now he has literally being treading callously upon the memories of some of the greatest minds of my world!”

“Like Ludwig Van Beethoven who, after losing his hearing in his forty’s, managed to create some of the most beautiful orchestral music pieces ever heard in history!”

“Or how about Gaby Brimmer who could only move her left leg with the aid of a table and the letters of the alphabet and a friend, was able to write some of the most beautiful poems my country has ever heard?”

I dropped to my knees. “Members of the council once again I speak to you as a humble man who has been stranded in a world that is not his. Grant me a chance to live here, share my knowledge and if you see fit, allow me to eventually go back to my world.”

“You think that some tears and dropping to your knees are going to get you anywhere?”

I stood facing Goodwill. “No, but is the only way I know to show my respect to all of the worthy council members. But you mister Goodwill, you are the kind of … colt that only hears what is good for him and ignore everything else, YOU who don’t look at things with an objective eye. I say you are unfit for having a seat in this very room”

I looked at Princess Celestia square in the eye begging her to end that charade once and for all. She understood and nodded.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

“It was beautiful Luis!” Fluttershy told me. “It is great that you could come with us.”

“I am glad as well but do you think the peo… ponies in your town would accept my presence?”

“Thanks to you, they have no real choice on the matter. Just don’t antagonize them, even if they get insulting” Twilight told me.

“I can’t make that promise Twilight.”

“Why?”

“Because even I know to not to make a girl a promise… if I know I can’t keep it.” I stretched a little and yawned. “You say we are supposed arrive tomorrow morning, correct?”

“Yes we are bound to arrive at 7 A.M. sharp.”

“Then I think I will get some sleep before my presentation tomorrow. Who else wants to come to the sleeping car?”

All of the mares hooves rose up to their hooves and we went to our respective rooms Twilight bunkered with Rarity and Arcane, while Rainbow roomed with Pinkie and Applejack. That left me with Fluttershy and Trixie.

“Good night girls. See you in the morning.”

“Good night Foraneo.”

“Good night Luis.”

I slept soundly that night.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Author logging in. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Once again FrieD195 you are a life savior you impress me and I don't use your real name out of respect just your alias.

And yes I learned that part of my valentine out of my own volition.

more chapters coming soon... I hope.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Author Logging out _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Chapter 7: Train of Tought Part 2

Chapter 7

I woke up on my own in my bed in the sleeping car. I looked at outside the window to see that it was still very dark and my roomates were asleep. I attempted to walk as quietly as possible from the room.

I walked out to the seating cart we had occupied before, just to find myself staring at a pair of light blue eyes that caused me to yelp.

"Pinkie Pie! What the hell are you doing here?" I asked the pink mare.

She giggled "I was waiting for you silly!"

“How-why-when- ok ok ok…” I rubbed the bridge of my nose. “Since when have you been waiting for me?”

“Five minutes ago”

“… Five minutes? How did you know I was going to wake up at…? What time is it anyway?”

“It’s 4:27 A.M.” She said nonchalantly.

“4:27? And you have been waiting for me for five minutes? How did you know I was going to wake up?”

“My eyelids were fluttery.”

I drew a blank there unable to answer she talked. “It’s part of my Pinkie Sense.”

“Pinkie Sense?” she is losing me faster than my public opinion teacher.

“Yes. It’s like a set of spasms my body has whenever something is happening like… when my tail is twitching; something is going to fall. When my back is itchy, it means it's my lucky day. There are also combos.”

“Combos?”

“Like when I have ear flop, then knee twitch, then eye flutter. That means the sky is about to be graced with a beautiful rainbow!”

“Ooh, that sounds amazing.” I stated leaning against the door.

Pinkie started “Wait I feel a combo coming up… Ear flop, eye flutter, knee twitch!”

“Hey, how are we supposed to see a rainbow in the dark? (that is a damn good song)”

Suddenly the door disappeared from behind me making me fall over something squishy that complained all of the sudden.

“Would you get off of me?” asked my new cushion.

I got up with haste and saw that I had fallen over Twilight Sparkle and I helped her get up. “Sorry Twilight… what are you doing up so late?”

“I was woken by you two talking… now that we are on that topic. Why are you up so early?”

“My eyes where Fluttery which means that somepony has trouble sleeping and is going to wake up soon.”

“I don’t believe you Pinkie.”

“Why?”

“Your Pinkie sense said that there would be a rainbow.”

“No. I said that an ear flop, knee twitch and eye flutter means the sky is about to be graced with a beautiful rainbow. I had an ear flop, eye flutter, and a knee twitch, that means to be careful around doors”

I sincerely can’t believe her. “Believe me.” said Twilight. “I learned a long time ago to just accept her for who she is.”

I can’t believe she is letting it go like it was nothing… I think it is better if I let it go. “I think I woke up because I am accustomed to doing so.”

Twilight and Pinkie arched their respective right eyebrows “Why would you be accustomed to doing so?” asked the pink mare.

“It’s because I have to wake up at least at 4:15 to make breakfast so I can take a vehicle at 5 A.M. sharp just to get to school early.”

“That sounds way too early.” The purple mare said.

“I rent an apartment with my brother since we are from another state. We need to live somewhere close to public transportation so that it can bring us to our respective schools”

“And yours is so far away that you need to wake up at this hour?”

“I know it sounds awful Twilight but it isn’t that bad... Ok it was, but I managed"

"If you say so." she replied and I just shrugged it off as I made my way to a seat next to a window.

Looking now at the night scenery I noticed a town in the distance. "It's too early for the dining cart to be open, is it not?" I asked my companions.

"No it isn’t, Luis" said Twilight sitting right next to me. "But I don't think they have any meat on board"

"Please forget that I eat meat for as long as I am near you. Some Humans can survive well enough without meat. I am sure that I can as well."

"S-sorry" Twilight said seepishly. "It's hard not to think about it... Tell me Luis what do you usually do to pass the time when you can't sleep?"

I sat there pondering for a bit, trying to think of a good answer for that obviously distracting question. "I usually grab my cellphone and play music until I fall asleep again."

"What is a cellphone?" asked Pinkie.

"It's a device that allows people to talk from werever you are to other people that are in another city or even another country."

"That sounds amazing! You have to tell me more!" said Twilight in a manic tone.

"Some other time. It will take a lot of time because of the sheer amount of background I’d have to cover. Bottom line, we usually end up using our phones to listen to music or other things."

"I wish you could show us." said Twilight.

"Wish no more!" was heard and from next car came Trixie, Rainbow Dash (who was carrying my bags), Applejack and Fluttershy.

"Hey girls... we woke you up didn't we?"

"No... What made you think that?" said Rainbow handing me my bags.

"Sorry girls, I didn't expect you to wake up." I apologized while looking through my bags.

"Don't be Foraneo, I was restless as well."

I pulled out my phone and turned it on. "Sorry to hear that Trixie"

"Don't be. It ain't your fault... Anyways is that your cellphone?"

"Indeed it is. Right now it's turning on. Let me tell you all that it’s nearing half its electrical charge so I might need to turn it off later"

"Are all of your devices electrical in your world?"

"Most of them."

"Could you let me have a look?"

"Sure, I guess…" I reluctantly gave her my cellphone and she started using her horn on it.

“What are you doing?” I asked her.

“Just a simple analysis spell to see if I can understand the electrical system and it seems to be a more compact version of a DJ turntable.”

“… Wait DJ turntable? You have DJ’s here?”

“Yes we do. I find it amazing the little square acts like a battery of sorts. Now let me just enchant this…”

I feared those words. “WAIT A SECOND!” I yelled.

She dropped my phone which luckily had its hard case to avoid any kind of serious damage.

“Why did you stop me?” Twilight asked me.

I picked up my phone from the ground. “For the safety of the world.”

“HUH?” all of my new friends said.

“Look… Magic in my world is only a myth. One that has spawned innumerable works of literature and a thing called video games…”

“You have video games in your world?” Rainbow said.

She said what I heard she said? “You have videogames here?”

“Pfft, yeah, why?”

“Then you must have televisions and that means TV stations and programs… Maybe I can learn what kind of programs you have and I will have some means of distraction.”

“What’s a TV?” asked Twilight.

She just crushed all of my hopes. “You mean to tell me that you have Videogames, electricity, but not TVs?”

“We use some kind of electricity but it’s just in the form of a jewel that contains an electrical spell that powers up most of our instruments like the screen of a video game or the rotors of a zeppelin.” explained Twilight.

“… Remind me to tell you how we handle electricity and what a TV is. For now lets return to the issue at hand.”

“The reason I stopped your spell is the fact that the story of one of my video games called ‘Tales of Phantasia’ tells the story of a group of people that tried to combine magic and science.”

“They didn’t know that every time they activated a device with magic, the energy that the magic normally uses in a spell would restore itself. Over time, the overall supply of magic would be depleted little by little.”

“I know that in my world it’s fiction but… what if it happens here? I don’t want to take any chances.”

Twilight looked at me funny and she laughed at me. "Pffft, hahahahaha!"

"What are you laughing at?"

"The-the *snort* fact that you would believe that magic *chuckle* would be depleted so easily!"

"Hey, I am only looking out for the wellbeing of your world!"

"Heh a haha aaah, sorry but it just sounds as ridiculous as believing that you are dead even though you’re sitting right next to me."

Then I remembered that conversation.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

I was walking up the stairs that lead to my room in the castle with Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and my friends following me.

"I can't believe that you would dare to insult a member of the council like that. Goodwill none the less!" Princess Celestia said scolding me.

"He deserved it. Besides I think he is the kind of guy that no one stands up aginst and he is used to that." I replied entering my room.

"What I did, was give him a dose of reality... I really hate guys who use the guilt card like that."

"Excuse me Princess Celestia but... What are you talking about?"

"If you must know, my dear student..."

After a short recap of my little exchange, everypony was... surprised to say the least. "YOU DID WHAT!" Twilight more so than the rest.

"If you must... I laughed at him because he grew up an orphan." I said nonchalantly while taking out my stuff, though I stopped and took out the rest of my books. "Princess, I think it would be best if you keep these. They will be safer here."

"How can you say such a thing Foraneo?" Trixie asked me.

"I already said that he was treading on thin ice with me. Besides it is not every day that I get to antagonize with a high ranking member of a foreign government."

"Mister Luis, even if Councilor Goodwill was being rude to you, it does not give YOU the right to insult back!”

“You know Princess Luna, I would have taken that scolding a little more seriously if you weren’t smiling so smugly.” I said to the Night Princess.

All eyes focused on Princess Luna, who currently had a devious smiled engraved in her expression. “Luna, I would really appreciate if you could hide your personal feelings a little better.”

Princess Luna changed her expression to an apologetic one. “Sorry Tia. I promise I will try harder.”

I just sat there trying to think of a reason why Princess Luna had that smile. “Princess Luna if I may be so bold… do you have some kind of…” I made a circling motion with my index and middle finger looking for the appropriate words. “Quarrel with councilor Goodwill?”

Princess Luna’s expression became really dark at that moment sighing heavily. “I do Luis. I regrettably do”

“Luna if you don’t want to…”

“No Tia. They all have the right to know. When I first returned from my… banishment, I found myself with minor concerns from some of the families of the Canterlot Royalty and few members of the Council.”

“Tia defended me from all of their attacks, except from those of Goodwill. He was restless and ill-bent on having me banished once more. In the end, all of the Council members but him saw that I was no longer Nightmare Moon but Princess Luna of Equestria.”

After the story we all stood silent unable to speak. “It seems that… he’s put you through all kinds of hell. Has he not?”

Princess Celestia looked at me quizzically. “Excuse me Luis but, What is that ‘hell’ you talk about?”

“It is the place where all of those who have sinned in life go to be punished by bathing eternally in the fires of the underworld.”

“Oh, you mean Tartarus?”

I wish I had misheard that. “I think I misheard Princess Celestia. I thought you said the word ‘Tartarus’.”

“Indeed I did Luis. Tartarus is the place containing the greatest criminals and threats that have ever existed in our world. It is located in the deepest part of the Everfree Forest”

“A few hours west of Canterlot and next to Ponyville, where you are heading. Why do you ask of it?”

“Because it shouldn’t be possible for it to exist. This ‘Tartarus’ is only a myth in my world. It’s supposed to be the deepest part of hell where only the worst of the worst are imprisoned.”

“And you say that the entrance to it is here! In this very world… I am beginning to think that I died and was brought to hell… AC/DC was right!”

“What’s an AC/DC? And what were they right about exactly?” Princess Celestia asked.

“A music band from my world. They said that hell is not a bad place to be… THEY WERE RIGHT!”

All of the present stood silent.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

“Ok. Not my finest moment, but still…”

“Luis. I assure you that your fears are unfounded. But if you are still afraid, I will only apply a little charge and monitor it.”

I was sincerely doubtful about this… experiment, but as long as we could pull the plug when things got dangerous, I had no problems. “Ok Twilight, I will let you do it.”

“Thanks Luis, I’ll get right on it.”

“One more thing girls. Could you just call me Foraneo? I would feel more comfortable if you used my nickname.” one by one they agreed while I made mental notes to get them new nicknames.

“No problem Sugarcube!” Honest Applejack. I shall call her AJ.

“Fine by me.” Rainbow Dash… somehow she reminds of my brother, but I doubt she would like to be called Teddy… RD shall suffice.

“If-if it’s not a problem.” Fluttershy… I will call her by her name for now.

“Yeppers!” the ever-hyperactive Pinkie Pie. Just Pinkie will be enough.

“Sure thing!” Twilight Sparkle said… I will call her Twi just so I won’t have to see Vampires every time I speak her name.

“It’s ready Foraneo.”

That was fast. “Thanks Twi. You don’t mind if I call you that, right?”

“It’s ok. I don’t mind. Now what kind of music are you planning on playing first?”

“This is music form a video game. It’s titled ‘Roar of the Departed Souls’ I hope you enjoy it.”

I pushed play in my smartphone

“It’s so cool!”

“Haha, I knew you’d like it Rainbow.”

“Of course she would like music, that sounds so loud!”

“Hey, that sounds really cool.”

“Rarity, Arcane you are awake.”

“Thanks to you we are… would you please stop that music? It’s getting to my nerves.”

“Oh come on!”

“What if I put something equally as good but a lot more... what’s the term I’m looking for? SOFT! That’s it!”

“Aww noooo!”

“Don’t worry RD, I know you will like this one as well.” I reassured Rainbow while I was looking for the next song to play.

"This is 'With a Litlle Help From My Friends' the Joe Cocker version"

After hearing the song, we listened to some more until we were nearing the incredibly crowded station. “Twi… would you mind telling me what is going on over there?”

She looked at me with a worried expression. “I sincerely don’t know. Why would the mayor call for a town meeting here? It’s really strange.”

I sighed heavily. “It seems that they came here for me then… I hope we can work this one out.”

“We will Foraneo, we will.”

I looked at Twi, then again to the growing crowd at the upcoming station and just hoped for the best.

Chapter 8: Home Town.

Spike was a little cranky waking up at 5am when you are merely a ten year old baby dragon can do that to you, though he could not complain.

He had woken when a letter from Princess Celestia arrived. At first he had thought it was for his caretaker/adoptive mother/boss, but since she was in Canterlot with the rest of her friends, that could not be.

The letter was addressed to him with a specific set of orders from Princess Celestia for him to make mayor Mare and to gather all of the villagers of Ponyville in front of the arrival deck of the train station.

There were no other instructions other than to tell the driver to turn off the engines once the Friendship Express arrived and tell Twilight to wait for Princess Luna's arrival.

There were a lot of questions that needed an answer and as the train was nearing the station with Twilight, and by Celestia’s flowing mane, she would answer.

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-

I closed the blinds to all of the windows before reaching the station. I didn’t wanted Ponies freaking out at my sight and all the while all I could think was a way to escape.

“Foraneo, stop freaking out!” Trixie told me in an unusually calm manner.

“Why should I stop freaking out Trixie? The whole town is out there and you want me to calm down?”

“Twilight already told you that everything will be all right.”

“She ‘hopes’ Trixie. But you are right, I should calm down…The back of the train is how many carts long again?” I asked

“You run away and I will personally turn your clothes into dust!” Twi threatened.

“How are you going to do that?”

“Magic.” She stated with an air of security that will put most car salesmen to shame.

“… FINE! I won’t run but I won’t go out until you have explained everything.” I told her. It was then that I noticed something. “Hey why has the train stopped?”

It was then that a little purple lizard appeared from the entrance of the cart. “Twilight, I came to…” His eyes looked at me and his expression transformed from one of annoyance to one of pure rage.

“YOU!” he yelled at me and he took a deep breath.

I was confused and my body refused to move. The moment he took a breath I knew that he, being a dragon, was about to unleash his fire on me and I also knew that if I moved my friends would end up enveloped in his flame.

I opened my arms and closed my eyes ready to take the full force of the flame as he released it. The flame never arrived. I looked up and saw a purple half-bubble stopping the green fire that the infant dragon breathed.

When he stopped Twi ran in front of him. “SPIKE STOP! What do you think you’re doing?”

“THAT’S what I was about to ask YOU. I remember how you described the monster that killed those diamond dogs and I remember full well how scared it left you all. Why are you defending it?”

“Spike I’m sorry… I should have sent you a letter explaining everything.”

The little Dragon crossed his arms. “Yeah, you should have. But now that we are here, would you care to do so? At least before I decide to deep fry it for scaring you for life?”

“Don’t call him ‘it’ like that Spike. HE is Luis Corte or Foraneo, and he is our new friend.”

“FRIEND?! How is that possible Twilight?”

“It’s a long story, but I promise you that I will tell it to you later, but for now; What is it that you wanted to tell me?”

“I don’t like it when you leave me in the dark about things like this, but if you insist… Princess Celestia sent me a letter this morning telling me to gather everypony in Ponyville at the station.”

“She also told me that you should wait for Princess Luna to appear and make an announcement before you get out. I did not know why but I suppose that HE is the reason.”

“That explains the crowd. Ok Spike, I think it best if you go outside and wait for Princess Luna to arrive”

The little dragon walked up to the door but he stopped; he turned around to look at me and huff in disgust before walking out.

After he had taken his leave I relaxed, dropped to my knees and released the unknowingly held. Twilight turned around to look at me. “Foraneo, I am so sorry for this. Are you all right?”

I looked at her. “So he is the famous ‘Spike’ I presume, you also said that I had an attitude problem.”

“Please don’t judge him like that. He was only trying to protect me”

“For as much as I would like to agree with you, he almost killed me and that huge flame would have enveloped the car and all of our friends in it” I said slightly… ok completely annoyed.

“But you are right. Who knows what I would have done if I was in his place. *Sigh* Whatever.”

“Thanks for understanding.”

I grunted in response. “I wonder how long until Princess Luna arrives.”

A set of trumpets were heard. “Now my dear villagers I present you, Princess Luna of Equestria!”

My hand decided to greet my face at that moment. “I walked into that one didn’t I?”

“Shhh! She’s going to speak!”

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-

Princess Luna walked up to the stand where she would give her speech looking confident and in control. Not counting the disaster of the last Nightmare Night.

“Dear citizens of Ponyville!” Princess Luna started. “You may wonder what I am doing here during my sister’s day to talk to you.”

“It is my belief that you have been informed of the events that took place in the western mountain range a few days ago where the Elements of Harmony were attacked by a group of rouge Diamond Dogs who sought to end their lives.”

“The Elements would have perished had it not been for a strange creature that had cometh to protect them. He calls himself a ‘Human’ and claims to be from another world and now finds himself stranded in our own.”

“My sister and I have personally seen that he means no harm to ponykind and he seeks a way back home. Since my sister, Princess Celestia, and I have no knowledge on how to take him back to his world, it was decided during the day council that he would remain in Ponyville under the care of the Elements of Harmony.”

“We ask you with all our might to make him feel welcomed in your community.”

“Without further ado. We present you the human: Foraneo!”

Princess Luna pointed the door of the train that remained unopened.

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-

“Aren’t you going to step outside Foraneo?”

I was far too afraid to move, sweating profusely from my arm pits and forehead. “If I could move Trixie I would but…”

Once again vertigo consumed me as Twi levitated me out of the train.

“No wait Twi don’t…” Too late she floated me out the train exposing me to the townsponies.

She undid her magic slowly so I could stand facing the villagers. There were hundreds of ponies; mostly mares and a few dozen foals that were staring at me, so did I in return.

Princess Luna broke the silence. “Now that you have seen, him I would like our guest to take the stand and greet you all.” She stepped aside I just looked at her, then at the crowd and I said the first thing that came to my mind.

“Bah weep grana weep ninny bon..” Maybe I should have put more effort into it… a LOT more effort.

“THE HORROR!” A mare screamed in the far back crushing my mood.

The yell created a rouse between the villagers. As I was losing hope of having a nice and quiet stay in this world, Princess Luna took a step in front using what I came to know was the ‘Royal Canterlot Voice’.

“CALM DOWN DEAR SUBJECTS!” all of the villagers calmed down finally and started to pay attention to the Princess. “How can you act like this to the hero that saved the life of this country’s most outstanding citizens? Somepony who faced the certainty of death in order to protect the life of creatures he knew nothing about?”

“May I also remind you that you are acting like you did on Nightmare Night? Do you really want that to happen again?”

All of the ponies looked down in shame and the Mayor neared me. “In the name of Ponyville; I apologize for our behavior.”

I smiled at her. “No need to, I just hope we can get along.” I gave her my hand in signal of friendship. “You can call me Foraneo.”

She gave me her hoof. “Mayor Mare at your service.”

“Likewise Mayor, I think it would be better if you call off this meeting. I am feeling a little tired and I am sure if somepony wants to ask me something I will be here for quite some time.”

“I concur Mr. Foraneo”

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-

It took little for the crowd to disperse. I found myself walking through town with my friends when I saw a three with windows in the distance with an all too familiar dragon child in front of it.

“Looks like this is where we part… at least for now.”

“Sure Twi, see you later.” Once she left I realized something. “Now I need a place to go to wash my clothes.”

“You can come with me to my Boutique darling.”

I looked up to Rarity in surprise. “So you are a tailor?”

“Seamstress darling, the term is seamstress, and I am at your service.”

“Thanks Rarity.”

“I think I need to go as well, I need to work on the weather schedule for the next few weeks."

"An ah hafta get back to the farm, see you tonight!"

"See you later RD, AJ."

As they left, I marveled at how nice and quiet this town was.

Pinke interrupted my thoughts. "*GASP* I almost forgot!" She zipped away in a very familiar fashion just to return with an incredibly colorful wagon.

Rarity disappeared without a sound though I didn’t notice because I had only one thing in my mind; “What are you going to do Pinkie?”

“I am going to sing you 3 your ‘Welcome to Ponyville!’ song!”

“Wait, sing us a song? Wait a second then…” She nodded so I pulled out my cellphone and set the video camera on. “Continue.”

Pinkie pushed a button

Her song was so upbeat and cheerful I was smiling all the way through it.

“Pinkie that was great!”

“Wait, there’s more?”

“More song?”

“Nope!” It was then that the little oven in the wagon dinged baking a bunch of streamers, then the pipes in the back shot something gooey up in the air. I hid my cellphone in my pocket just as the gooey thing hit me and my friends.

Pinkie smiled from below the unknown substance. “Oh so sorry! I must have put the cake batter in the stream cannon and the streamers in the oven… AGAIN!”

Wait she said cake batter? I wanted to confirm so I licked my lips and wouldn’t you know it? It was sweet. “Yummy!” I said with my best are you kidding me? Face.

“Hihihi, sorry!”

Rarity appeared from who-knows-where and I noticed her lack of cake batter suit. “You could’ve warned us Rarity.”

"And ruin Pinkie's surprise? I would never do that darling."

"*grumble* Thanks to that, WE are going to need a shower." I said licking my fingers.

"You are coming with me dear Foraneo, though I don't know about Arcane and Trixie."

"Trixie can come with me. If she wants to of course."

"Thanks for the offer Fluttershy, I think I’ll take it."

"What about me?"

"You can come with me Arcany."

"If there is no problem of course."

"Why would there be a problem, silly filly?"

"That means we part ways here, see you later then."

"See you Foraneo."

"See ya."

After waving them goodbye, I walked Rarity to her boutique. "Is that your store?"

"Yes it is. Welcome to Carousel Boutique where everything is chic, unique and magnifique!"

"Catchy."

"Thank you darling. We should enter from the back door, that way you can get rid of your clothes."

I did as told and got myself down to my underwear while Rarity brought a bucket of water to wash myself with.

"Darling?"

"Please, call me Foraneo."

"Yes Foraneo, as I was saying how many pieces of this... underwear and socks do you happen to have?"

"2 pairs of boxers and one pair of socks, why?"

"I was thinking that maybe I could make you a few sets of clothes for you to use. Since, and let's be sincere here, you might be staying for quite some time."

*sigh* Rarity is right I don’t know how long I will be staying or if I will even be going back home at all. "How much would it be to have a dozen of both, 7 pants like the one I have and a dozen short sleeved shirts?”

Rarity looked thoughtful for a moment. “I will gladly give you the first for free but for that many… I shall give you a discount for everything. I think 50 bits shall do.”

“50 bits? My suit from Hoity Toity was over 200 bits! How do you plan to stay in business like that?”

“Oh, I knew that suit of yours had something special nevertheless the reason is that Hoity Toity is a high class tailor and sales pony. I sometimes send dresses to him so he can resale them but yes he will mark up the prices since he’s located in a shop in Canterlot.”

“That explains everything… how much would it have been if it was full price?”

“150 bits taking into account work hours and materials used.”

“Now I don’t want that discount, I want to pay full price”

“Nonsense! I won’t take all of your money.”

“I don’t want you to go bankrupt because of me.”

“I won’t take more than 50 bits and that is final. You’ve got to take care of the money Princess Celestia gave you.”

“I will be fine; I will be living with Twilight and the only expense I will have to do will be for my food.”

“You saved my life and that is your final price!”

Our exchange went like that for about 15 minutes until we agreed on 75 bits, after setting the price we managed to get my measurements. We made small talk and she explained to me why Ponies use leather.

“I am not so sure about my history knowledge but I think it was around 700 or so years that Cows became as sentient as the other races. It was agreed that the gryphons and dragons would stop their attempts at eating them.”

“Anyways, gryphons had always had used for leather and after some debate, it was decided that cows will give pieces of themselves when they want and not only will they be compensated, we the ponies and the zebras would aid in their recovery.”

“Let me tell you, the potions that the Zebra’s make are miraculous!”

“That actually sounds convenient… and not as sickly as I thought it would be. Although, it is very unnerving to know that you use leather."

"I felt the same way when I was younger and I still do. I rarely use it in my designs."

I nodded to her in understanding as she was making finishing touches to my new set of pants.

"Tell me Foraneo what would you prefer to see on your pants, rubies or saphires? I was thinking rubies to contrast with the blue of the pants"

… Wait, what? “One second there Rarity, rubies?”

“While of course Darling, how else would you to stand out?”

“I hate to tell you this but, how do you think I would look like if I got a job here and appeared using rubies in my pants?”

“Well it does seem a bit much. *sigh* How about I leave the jewels aside and only charge for the use of the drapes? That way the original price cuts down to 100 bits.”

“Ok, but you need to explain me how it is that jewels are so cheap then.”

“Well if you insist.” Rarity said giving me my pants. “As for your question, gems are quite easy to find, more so with my gem locating spell.”

“You have a spell to locate gems? That is so cool!”

“Thanks Foraneo.” Rarity put a hoof on the side of her head.

“Anything wrong?”

“No Foraneo, I am just a little tired with waking up at such beastly hour and all.”

“I am feeling a little tired as well… how about we take a nap?”

“Sounds lovely! Come with me please.”

“Why?”

“I need to give you a room of course and the only one available right now is my sister’s room.”

“You have a sister? What’s her name?”

“Her name is Sweetie Belle, I hope you get to meet her later.”

“I bet she is as pretty as her elder sister.”

Rarity flushed a little. “Are you perchance trying to woo me?”

I smiled at her. “I am just being honest, besides I wouldn’t like to break your or anyone’s heart if the council does allow me to get back home.”

“Either way thanks for your compliment Foraneo. This is the room I am at the end of the hallway. I will wake you up in a couple of hours.”

“See you then Rarity.”

I entered the room and it wasn’t as pink as I thought it would be and as soon as I saw the bed I said. “To hell with it.” and tucked myself inside it.

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-

“There is something very wrong here.”

I had woken up in a bench located at my university and everything seemed like before I left except for one small thing… All of my friends were here, ALL OF THEM.

My friends from college where talking ever so calmly with my new friends from Equestria, though 2 pairs stood out from the rest. My best friend from High school “Lauro” was talking with Rarity while drawings of suits and clothing were floating around them and “Levi”, whom I befriended recently, was hitting on Fluttershy AND Rainbow Dash.

“This is not possible!”

A very familiar pair of light blue eyes appeared before me. “Of course it is silly! You know this is a dream.”

“AAH! Pinkie!”

“That’s me!”

“That’s not what I… you said dream?”

"Well DUH! How else do you explain us being here?"

"If this is a dream then how are you talking to me like this?"

"That's easy. I was so drowzy earlier I decided on taking a power nap. And while I was dreaming that Gummy (that's my pet alligator) and I were saving Princess Celestia from a rabid horde of ant-ponies I slipped and landed in here.“

I face-palmed "Of course you did." this was getting ridiculous.

"Maybe for you, but it’s normal for me"

Wait did she just…

"Read your thoughts?"

My palm met my face once again. "I want to wake up now…"

"Don’t worry, you will soon!”

I looked at her. “How can you even know that?”

She did not have to answer that as a shaking pulled me from my dreams.

After opening my eyes with a grunt I opened my eyes and I saw a blurred giant marshmallow shaking me. “Foraneo darling, please wake up!” Nope sorry it was just Rarity.

“Hey Rarity, what gives?”

“So sorry Foraneo, it’s just that we have slept for 3 hours and we have to get you some more clothes.”

“Let me just get myself cleaned up please.”

“Of course Foraneo, there are some towels in the shower and once you are done I will be downstairs.”

“Sure.”

One good shower and a few hours of measurements later, I got myself some more clothing and Rarity said she would have the rest in the next few days.

At about 8 P.M., Rarity said that we had to get back at Twilight’s Library. Right at the entrance, we found Arcane who was wearing a form fitting and somewhat sexy set of armor that showed her… Cutie Mark (damn that sounds so girly) and Trixie.

“Hey Trixie. Arcane you’re looking nice.”

“Why hadn’t you worn that fabulous armor before? And why are you wearing it now?”

“Please, you are going to make me blush, about my armor… It’s my personal one when I am off castle patrol duty.”

“You definitively look better like this, maybe you should be out of the castle from now on.”

“No thanks, I actually like working near my boyfriend.”

“Aw, and here I wanted to ask you on a date.”

“Are you serious?”

“I was joking.”

“You sounded quite serious there.”

“One of my many faults, either way… don’t you think it is a little too quiet?”

Arcane and Trixie looked at the library that was completely dark on the inside. “Let’s get inside either way.”

As we reached the entrance we heard a little rustling when suddenly the lights turned on showing most of the adult ponies from town who yelled at the same time. “SURPRISE!”

Pinkie appeared hanging upside down from the… air? “Hey, welcome to your ‘Welcome to Ponyville and Equestria!’ Party were you surprised? Wereyou?Wereyou?Wereyou?”

I saw her body turn and land safely, then her head straightened over her body. “I am definitely surprised…”

She bounced off to the middle of the library yelling. “YIPEEE!!!” and I just stared at her as she bounced away.

I rubbed the bridge of my nose once again muttering. “This place is going to be the end of my sanity!”

And so the party began full swing, there was a DJ, cakes, punch and lots of friendly ponies that made the evening pass by quickly. Before I knew it, I had already passed out from exhaustion.

It was indeed a great night.

_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-_-_-_-_- _-_-

Somewhere in the depths of the Everfree Forest, a group of dark clothed Ponies were gathering around a small fire chanting obscure spells in tongues all but forgotten when a big, white-coated Earth pony Stallion approached in a rush.

“You better have a good reason for stopping our ritual Marble Frame!”

“Sir Shadow Rune, I bring favorable news!”

“Speak up then.”

Marble Frame retold the details of Ponyville’s town meeting along other details. “Because of the incident, the Equestrian army has moved to the western borderlands and they have left the town unprotected. This way we may be able to do the revival!”

Shadow Rune tapped his chin with his hoof smiling pleasantly at the information he had just been given. “Marble Frame, you will be rewarded for your efforts.” He turned to the rest of his companions. “Bring forth all of our assets from hiding, we strike Ponyville in a week’s time.”

Shadow Rune turned to the general direction of the little town. “Soon our queen will rise once more to take her rightful place as ruler of this land.” he whispered. “Very soon.”

Taste of Things to come: Overwhelming Appetizer

Chapter 9: Taste of things to come: Overwhelming appetizer.

‘Princesses Celestia and Luna:

It has been a week and a half since I came to Equestria and I could not be more relaxed even if I tried. This country is so laid back and quiet that it almost makes me want to turn into a pony so I can live here the rest of my life.

I wrote ‘almost’ because even though the inhabitants of this town and both of you fair Rulers have been very kind and accepting, I still feel that I need to go back to my world at some point and I have heard nothing from the council.

I don’t mean to be rude nor impatient, but if you have any updates on the situation please contact me as soon as possible.

Your newest subject: Foraneo.’

I sighed heavily over the letter as memories of home begin to crawl back to my head. It annoys me as every day when I see something that reminds me of home.

First it was Ditzy Doo at the welcoming party, whom I kept staring at and smiling. She thought I was making fun of her but after explaining how she reminded me of the times I used to donate eyeglasses to charity and the numerous times I had to deal with people with Strabismus, she and I managed to become friends.

Then it was Rainbow Dash’s loyalty and Applejack’s workaholic attitude that reminded me of my brother enough to make my first day at work in Sweet Apple Acres downright moody.

Over the rest of the days it was just the mere sight of foals with their parents that made me feel all sad. With all this brooding I am starting to feel like a straight version of Cloud Strife right now.

My thoughts were interrupted by the voice of my landlady or mare to be more precise. “What are you writing Foraneo?”

I turned around to see her. “Oh, hello Twi. It’s just a letter to the Princesses about my situation.”

“Why? Princess Celestia promised to let you know when the council has decided on letting you go back to your world.”

“I know she did Twi.” I stood up straight. “But that was a week ago.”

“And you think that a decision like that is going to be easy to make?”

“*Sigh* No it won’t be, but what am I supposed to do meanwhile?”

“Maybe you could come with me to watch the Sister Hooves social event this afternoon”

“What now?”

“It’s a competition done here in Ponyville where mares and their sisters compete in pairs in a set number of challenges to determine which sisters work better together. Last year Rarity and Sweetie Bell won the race and this year they are going against AJ and Applebloom.”

“That sounds so cool.” I stated.

“Did somepony mention Rarity?”

I looked up to see young Spike in the bedroom doorway. “You are so predictable.” I told the young dragon. It’s funny how the first time we met he tried to obliterate me, but after hearing how I stood up against Goodwill, he came to accept my presence here in the library.

“Hey, shut it pal or you’re gonna get it!”

“I want to see you try.”

“Guys stop now. Now that you are here Spike, would you like to take the day off and come with us to the Sister Hooves Social?”

“If Rarity is there, sure I will!”

We laughed at him a little and we made way to our destination talking all the way. It might seem weird but Twi and I are getting along; she is smart, sweet, sometimes a little nervous, in the end she is a great friend.

As we were about to enter the apple farm our idle chatter became interrupted by the growl of a beast.

“Oh no…” Twilight muttered. “It can’t be!”

“What is it?” I asked her as I didn’t understand what she was saying until I saw a huge creature in the distance; it was a serpent-like creature that had 6 heads, walked on 4 tiny legs that looked like… No it can’t be. “Is that a Hydra?” I said turning my head to see Twilight in look for an answer.

I saw Twilight running off to the farm. “YES AND WE NEED TO GET EVERYPONY TO SAFETY NOW!!!!” That was my queue to run behind her wishing that we had seen Arcane or Trixie on our way here.

“FORANEO!” “FORANEO!” Two very distinctive voices yelled and at my sides the two mares ran at my pace in the direction of the event.

“Girls where were you?”

“We were fixing our new home when we saw you and Twilight coming here so we decided to follow you.”

“Glad you are here Arcane, but if that thing comes any closer we are going to need some combat expertise; maybe that wall of smoke could come in handy Trixie.”

“If you say so.”

We managed to get halfway through the apple fields when the ponies form Ponyville went rushing past us and we heard the screams of the beast even closer. “Where are they going?”

“To mah barn sugarcube.” The accented voice of Applejack interjected. “We should be safe from the Hydra until the guard can get here.”

The roar of the beast was even closer now that it had appeared before and as I turned my head I could see that the beast had already arrived to the farm’s entrance. “How is it possible? That thing is faster than it looks!”

The reptilian behemoth saw all of the ponies running away and gave chase throwing his heads in wide arcs trying to gobble up any pony it could come across, I didn’t want to sit there watching but getting everypony to safety was first.

It was then that I noticed the rest of my friends distracting the monster; all except for Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, they are supposed to arrive this afternoon from a trip up to Cloudsdale they had to take.

After looking for a while the girls were starting to look tired and I knew that if kept like this the beast would eventually claim its meal so I got closer to Twi. “Twi this is getting dangerous”

“I know, but there is nothing we can do. If only Fluttershy were here, she could tame this beast in a jiffy!”

I wasn’t about to contradict her as I had seen the yellow Pegasus using her stare. “There has to be something…” Then an idea hit me. “Can you encapsulate me with your magic?”

Twilight looked at me as if I was crazy. “What for?”

“So he can swallow me”

“ARE YOU INSANE?!”

“Yes I am, but that’s neither here nor there.”

“But what are you going to do inside of him?”

“You’ll see.” I turned to look for Arcane when I spotted her. “ARCANE I NEED YOUR SWORD!!!”

Arcane hearing my plea ran to meet me leaving the rest of the girls to distract the monstruosity as she arrived though. “What are you planning?”

“There is no time to explain, just give it to me now!”

“You are planning something crazy, are you not?”

Before I could answer Twilight told her my plan. “He is planning to get swallowed up by the Hydra.”

“WHAT?!” was Arcane’s reaction.

I was losing patience, seeing how time was of the essence. “It’s just as you heard Arcane, I need that thing to swallow me so I can defeat it from the inside.”

“I won’t let you; you are going to get yourself killed!”

“If we don’t hurry then it will be our friends who will be swallowed up!”

“But that is the same as suicide.”

“Our friends are in danger and so is the town.”

“I won’t…” I couldn’t let arcane end that sentence.

“HE IS GOING TO EAT OUR FRIENDS AND IF WE DON’T DO SOMETHING HE COULD VERY WELL EAT THE WHOLE TOWN!!!” I yelled at her without thinking, I calmed myself down and talked to her in a more calmed tone. “Sorry but what I am about to do is very dangerous but I see that this is the easiest way to deal with it… besides I don’t want Fluttershy mad at any of you so please thrust me”

I looked at Arcane expectantly and she understood she gave me the sword by the hilt the sword resembles a roman sword but the hilt is covered in layers of cloth in case a pony needs to use it with their teeth and the blade is barely longer than the hilt. “Just come back to us okay? I don’t want the Princesses to think I failed my task of protecting you.”

I took the weapon and looked at Twilight who adverted her eyes knowing what was about to happen. “Be careful please.” was the only thing she said.

“If everything goes as planned, then you need not worry. Remember to encapsulate me once I wave my left arm.” with that I ran off to meet the beast.

“GIRLS GET OUTTA THE WAY!!!!” I yelled to my friends looking at me confounded.

“DO AS HE SAYS! WE HAVE A PLAN!” Twilight yelled as well and so my friends made a tactical retreat.

Once they were out of reach I faced the hydra, which I must tell you it is huge, judging that I am at least 1.72 meters high and the fact that Twilight Sparkle’s head reaches my chest when on all four hooves, that leaves me at the size of a smurf compared with this damn reptile.

I hope this plan work…

I am SO fucked.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

The rest of the elements of harmony and Trixie had retreated to where Twilight and Arcane where and after explaining the plan. “IS HE BONKERS?!” the Pinkie Pie yelled.

“I know this is a crude plan but we need to thrust him.”

“Crude plan? Tha boy is gonna get himself killed”

“Please Applejack I… want to thrust him.”

“Now Arcane Ah don’ mean no offense but that is no plan; that is suicide.”

At the same time they looked at the human that had been running around the hydra barely missing several attempts at executing his plan that was until he saw a fast approaching head that seemed impossible to avoid.

“There’s the signal” Twilight said and with that she used her magic quickly trapping the human just at the nick of time when the hydra head swallowed him.

All of the mares saw as the magic capsule went through the elongated neck of the beast all the way to its stomach.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Inside the Belly of the Beast

You know, maybe being swallowed by a giant serpent-like beast wasn’t such a good idea I should make a mental note so I can avoid it in the near future. *SPLASH*

EW! I landed in his stomach juices… When the capsule dissolves I am in for a nasty bath.
After a while of floating in the remnants of what appeared to be a crocodile and a rabbit (stupid wabbit hehehe) I finally saw the capsule disappear.

After floating a bit trying to get my bearings I noticed the stomach moving “Great now he is moving…. Shit he’s moving, I must act fast!” I don’t know why but I feel the need to narrate my actions right now.

“Ok now the front should be in the entrance’s general direction or at least I hope it does” I reach the ‘wall’ that is below the end of the throat and put my hand and ear to see if I could listen to the Hydra’s heart.

“… Shit it isn’t here.” I sincerely didn’t know what to do. I had hoped that the heart could be in the chest but then again this is a reptile not a human or pony so I have no idea where anything is.

Then I notice that the back part of his stomach is swelling pushing the stomach juices towards me “What is he” I didn’t finish my sentence for the DAMN hydra roared which completely took me by surprised and I am quite sure broke my eardrums as I am now hearing that damn piiiiiii sound you get when air pressure changes drastically.

“FUUUUUCK! THAT! IS! IT! YOU ARE SO FUCKING DEAD!” I was pissed at the damn thing and so I made my way to where his lungs are, easy to spot when the inflate that much.

Finally I managed to get where the lungs are supposed to be, I level the sword and see that he is taking air once again, I don’t want to hear him scream again so with all my might I drive the sword to the stomach wall and embed it down to the hilt.

Bad move, the air in the hydra’s lung was so pressurized that it sent me flying backwards stomach juices entering my mouth, ears and eyes. I surfaced trying not to vomit now for I need to escape.

Getting to the wound I created I took hole of the wound and widened it with the sword eliciting screams of pain from the beast, once I created a void big enough I jumped outside its stomach to see that his organs are all messed up.

Both lungs are behind the stomach and the heart is nowhere to be found. “Maybe I should’ve asked Twi if she knew anything about hydra anatomy…”

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Arcane Knowledge found herself running from the hydra, drawing it away from the farm alongside a certain lavender mare. “Say what?” Arcane asked Twilight.

“As I told you before, nopony knows how the hydra’s internal system works since they have the tendency to die where other predators roam, hence the reason I didn’t want him to go there in the first place.”

“I hope he can deal with the hydra before the hydra deals with us then” Once again the Hydra wailed in pain completely stopping its movement to vomit whatever it had in its stomach.

Looking at the content of the Hydra’s stomach Twilight noticed the lack of a certain individual. “Why is he not in the content of the stomach? What happened to him? Did he…?”

“Calm down Sugarcube, ah know he must be just fine and dandy, like Arcane said before; we should thrust him.”

“Y-you are right Applejack I should have more faith in him”

From a side Rarity and Pinkie Pie got close to their friends. “Darlings, look!” said the alabaster unicorn to the group seeing how the Hydra was silent just before falling to the ground in in a lifeless heap.

“YAY, HE DID IT!!!!!” The Ponyville’s premier party pony yelled in celebration. “Nowweneedtogethimoutofthereandthenwecanbringponyvillehereandhavethisawesomeerrificthankyouforbeingbaitandkillahydraandsaveponyville-“

Her rant was interrupted by an orange hoof.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

“Where the hell is your heart?” I said to no one in particular. “Come on, my eyes and skin are both burning a little.” I then heard it, something that I missed before in my turmoil and desperation.

Looking up I saw it, the heart of the Hydra was right next to the entrance of the stomach in the upper part of the body… Why? No time for questions I need to get up there.

I take myself ahold of the ribcage that protects the whole roundish body structure of the hydra until I finally meet the damn muscle. I need to do this in an epic fashion… “Hasta la vista, Hydra!” Arnold can suck it.

With that I let my borrowed blade pierce the heart causing it to bleed out. Then after a few seconds, I finally hear the last wailings of the beast and shortly after, I feel it drop to the ground.

I lay there over the organs of the Hydra for a while until I decided to get out of there by making a hole in at the base of the throats.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

The girls all saw the appearance of the sword making a wide arc at the place the throats of the hydra connect and ran to take a closer look just when they arrived the human took a step outside of the corpse of the beast; he smiled and then threw up.

“I need a doctor” was the last thing he said before passing out.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Later that day, somewhere in the Everfree forest:

A very angry Shadow Rune was interrogating his spy. “You mean to tell me that this hydra just walked in to town by itself Marble Frame?”

“Y-yes sir Shadow Rune; It just appeared in the distance and when it walked all the way to the farm, the human jumped into the hydra’s body and killed it from the inside.” The colt knew he could die if he tried his master’s patience so he spoke hastily but with as much detail as possible.

Shadow Rune could not lose his cool now, as it would ruin his plans. “So afterwards, they took the ‘human’ back to the hospital and Princess Celestia and the royal guard arrived correct?”

“Yes sir, they did and after that, the Princess announced that she would put a team of guards to investigate ‘Froggy Bottom Bog’ as to try and see why it drove itself from its habitat.”

“This will set back our plans until the guard leaves but that is ok; we still have to prepare a few things for the ritual. You are dismissed Marble Frame.” with a bow the earth pony left his leader alone.

Shadow Rune sat on his haunches meditating what he could do in case the guard decided to stay longer than his patience could accept. “If only I could get rid of them in a quick and efficient manner…” That’s when an idea struck him.

“My soldiers are ill-prepared for quiet killings, but those other 2 can… I just need to contact them and see if they are willing to help, but assassins like them are just so unpredictable, though very worth the risk”

With that Shadow Rune took some parchment and wrote a letter in his own blood. After finishing it, he opened a flask of dark blue liquid and poured a drop to a candle making its flame burn the same sickly color as the liquid. With it he burned the letter and instead of burning, it popped out of existence.

“I wish I didn’t have to look for them, but desperate time’s call for desperate measures.” With that, he sat inside his new dark, lonely room that sat atop of the only remaining tower of an ancient castle that had seen better days.

Chapter 10: Hospitality

Princess Celestia stepped into her chariot heading toward Ponyville. It had taken her a while, but she managed to excuse herself from her court with the excuse of assessing damages and gathering information on account of a certain incident involving a hydra venturing too close to the town in question.

But if she was to tell the absolute truth; she wanted to see if her student was truly safe and to check on the human that lay in the local hospital as stated in the latest letter that Spike had sent.

It was a short flight from her castle to the town square of Ponyville and though she wanted to run straight for the hospital, she still had to put up a mask and listen to the eyewitness accounts before doing so to avoid getting frowned upon for showing any favoritism.

An hour had passed before she could make way to the hospital herself leaving the guards to carry on with the rest of the work.

Princess Celestia entered the hospital, in no time she was in the reception area of the medical facilities and after a short inquiry she made her way to the room where the human was located.

Upon entering the room she saw that the only bed in the ample room was being used by the one who called himself Foraneo; around him the Elements of Harmony, the baby dragon, Arcane Knowledge, Trixie, Lulamoon and a zebra she had never met.

The zebra was applying some ointments to his skin and Twilight Sparkle some drops in his eyes, as soon as they finished, the element of Honesty noticed her presence in the room “Princess!” she half-yelled and bowed, the rest of the occupants soon followed.

“Arise, my subjects.” they complied. “It is good to see that you are all safe and sound. Now, before I inquire as to what happened, I’d like to make introductions, I am Princess Celestia of Equestria it is an honor to greet a member of the zebra tribes. If I recall correctly from my students’ letters, you are named Zecora.”

“The honor is mine to meet and the fair Princess to finally greet.”

The princess managed to quell a chuckle in her throat at this display but she formed a smile. “It seems that Twilight’s letters weren’t exaggerating, when she said you liked to rhyme when speaking.”

The zebra smiled and excused herself so she could make way to her home.

Once the zebra mare left the room Princess Celestia looked at her student. “Twilight, your letter was short and explained little. Can you tell me in more detail what happened?”

“Of course Princess. The day started with me finding Foraneo writing a letter…”

The tale of the actions the human took to ensure the safety of the ponies of her kingdom impressed her, mainly for how foolish and rash those actions were but it filled her with happiness to see how far he would be willing to go for the safety of those around him, even when he was not bound to this world nor its inhabitants.

“And after bringing him here, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash arrived. Applejack had gone to find Zecora to see if she had anything to fight the acid burns in and on his body (Though since the Hydra threw up, his internal injuries are almost non-existent)… I wish to say the wounds in his eyes are going to heal completely, but it is far too soon to tell.” Twilight Sparkle finished her tale and looked down to the floor with a heavy sigh.

Princess Celestia saw this and it broke her heart. She was about to say something when somepony, or rather someone, beat her to it. “Twilight…” the now conscious human said in a coarse voice. “I can tell even without looking that you are incredibly sad. Please don’t be.”

Twilight Sparkle’s face lightened up like flashlight and she turned her head to the human. “Foraneo! You’re awake!” She then leapt to hug the sick man.

The human deadpanned. “No, I am actually reaching you through telepathy. What you are hearing are my thoughts.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Very funny.”

“You walked into that one, but enough of that. How is everypony else?”

“We are all fine, unlike you Foraneo.” The show mare answered as she made her way to the human.

“Trixie! Glad you *SLAP*” He was cut off by a hoof making impact on his cheek. “What is wrong with you?”

“YOU! That’s what! I mean did you even consider how dangerous that was? What do you think I-we would have felt if you had died out there?!”

Even with the bandages, Princess Celestia could see the human had a regretful expression on his face. That expression soon transformed into one of annoyance. “Right back at you! You were all getting tired and that hydra was not! It would have eaten all of you had I not gotten myself between him and you!”

“THAT DOES NOT EXCUSE THAT FOALISH ACT!”

*EHEM* Princess Celestia had listened for quite a while and she did not need to see a romantic drama at the moment (she had had her fair share of them in the millennium she had been living without her sister).

“While I do not approve of physical harm, Miss Trixie is right. Mr. Luis, you almost didn’t survive and you have quite a few chemical burns on your body, now would you care to tell me what transpired inside the body of the hydra?”

“Yeah about that, remind me to study the digestive system of any other creatures that could actually swallow me whole without chewing. I am willing to bet the longer I stay in Equestria, the bigger the chances I will have of getting eaten alive…again.”

“Anyways what happened was…”

(Shameful cut of a useless scene here)

“And that is how I got myself out of the body… I could have asked Twi where its organs were but I heard her saying that no pony has ever studied a hydra from the inside.”

Celestia was astonished at how detailed he was, the other mares in the room where getting kind of sick, Fluttershy was crying with Rarity and Rainbow Dash were trying to console her after the gruesome tale.

“So…” The human said. “I was thinking of doing something with that dead hydra.”

Princess Celestia’s ears perked up. “Why would you think you have rights over the corpse?”

“Simple hunting law Princess, whoever gets the kill is the owner of the body and now that I finally get myself into some meat I am NOT passing up that chance. I am sorry if you don’t like it, but spinach and peanut butter for protein just don’t cut it for me.”

“I didn’t know you were having a hard time without meat, why didn’t you tell Twilight to send me a letter so I could have sent some from the castle?”

The human and the ponies looked baffled except for Arcane Knowledge and Fluttershy who was shivering in fright. “You mean to tell me that you have meat in the castle?!”

“Of course we have, what else do you think we feed the Griffin, Diamond dog and Dragon ambassadors? I even told Fluttershy to tell you so we could avoid you trying to hunt animals”

It took a moment for the human to register that information but when it did. “FLUTTERSHY!”

A ‘meep’ escaped the butter colored mare’s mouth as she tried to get out through the door of the room when the golden aura of Princess Celestia’s magic enveloped her and brought the shy Pegasus’s eyes to meet a stern looking princess. “Now young Fluttershy, what do you have to say in your defense?”

“I… I-I just wanted him to avoid the meat, I thought a vegetarian diet would allow him to live better I… I’m sorry.”

“Fluttershy.” the human said with a scornful tone in his voice. “While I appreciate that you are looking after my well-being and all that jazz, I will seriously need some meat sometime soon and it would have been good to know I could get it that easily.”

“But in the train you said-“

“I said I could live without it yes, but matter of the fact is. It would be dangerous for me to not have it if I end up going back home.”

All of the mares in the room minus the librarian and the Princess looked at him puzzled. “Look, when someone in our world of omnivores turns vegetarian for a really long time, they need to readjust to eating meat else there would be consequences, such as ending up in a hospital for three days in intensive care.”

An understanding nod was given by all of the mares in the room, “That is why I told Flutershy to give you my message in case you wanted some meat, now let us go back to the body of the hydra; you did say you wanted the meat, anything else you want to do with it?”

“Princess Celestia please call me Foraneo, now since we have established that the hunters have rights over the prey I have thought of quite a few things:”

“First: It will the cutting of the meat; if you could get a chef from any other country that eats it to cut it you can give them a share of it in exchange for some other kind of meat or recipes.”

“Second: The skin and scales; I can see that catching a hydra has been next to impossible for your kingdom, so the skin and scales could go to a leatherworker so I can get myself a set of clothes made with them, I am not giving any reasons for this. I just know they will look good in a cowboy, I mean cowpony suit; you know, the vest, the Stetson, jeans and boots.”

“Third: The body; I want your scholars checking what remains of the body so you can get your facts correct about its body structure. The skeleton would look great in a museum and I will need the skull of one of the heads intact for myself.”

“Princess Celestia, if you do not like any or all of these points, I am sure that in all of your wisdom you can come up with some other kind of arrangement, what do you think?”

Perplexity invaded Princess Celestia’s expression. “I think that is a somewhat noble thing that you donate most of the body for science but do let me ask, what are you going to do with the skull?”

“Proof that I killed a giant snake, and it will make a great stage decoration also a great story for a certain show mare that needs to go back to business” the human answered nonchalantly.

“What?” Trixie half-yelled. “Are you serious?!”

“Of course I am Trixie, I really want to see you performing and as of now you need a true story, so what do you say?”

“But-but I…”

“No need to answer now, just… keep it in mind and answer me once I get out of the hospital… speaking of which how long am I supposed to be stuck in here?”

Twilight Sparkle spoke to him. “The doctors said 2 weeks but after giving you the medicine from Zecora I believe you will be out in less than a week.”

“WOW! What kind of pony is Zecora? I would like to thank her.”

“She is not a pony per se… she is a Zebra that lives in the Everfree forest, she got you the eye drops and ointments for your burns which we applied to you…” Twilight Sparkle shoved her hoofs in her mouth quickly.

“Wait… you covered me in ointments? Please tell me you did not see anything…private.”

“Do not worry Foraneo, I already explained to the girls how humans are unlike ponies here in Equestria, how your kind is ehhh, unsheathed all of the time and that your –hum- member is standard size seen in humans.” said Twilight forming a sheepish smile that the human could not see.

The human’s blush was well hidden from the eyes of all of his friends behind the redness of his chemically induced injuries, to all but Princess Celestia who could very well see it and an urge invaded her; something she enjoyed doing every once in a while.

“Do not fret young Foraneo, for even if you feel poorly endowed in this world you must feel proud of your heritage for it is a gift from your world and your parents as well.”

Now the blush in the human’s face was completely visible to all of the mares who were sporting blushes of their own. “If you all are done blushing I was thinking on relocating Foraneo to the Canterlot Hospital for the rest of his recovery and I think there are some reports Arcane has to complete.”

“Do you agree?”

The human looked in the general direction of the Princess with a cocked eye. “Why? I can certainly be healed here.”

“Yes but the griffin cooks are in Canterlot thus making it easier for them to serve it in your meals, what do you think?”

“LEAD THE WAY!” the human just exclaimed. “Oh! Before that, Trixie would you like to come as well?”

The show mare looked at the human. “Why would you want me to go with you?”

“Simple, this way you can help me write a story that is now creating itself in my mind, nothing erotic mind you and that way you can keep me company.”

“Fine, but if I am going then I refuse to stay in a hospital, I want a room in the castle with comfortable cushions and food delivered to the room”

The human just scratched his head. “If the Princess is okay with that, then so am I.”

The Solar Princess looked at the ceiling for the briefest of moments before answering. “I see no problem; it will indeed prove more effective having you at the castle now that I think about it, so let me send word to the hospital staff to bring the airborne ambulance to the entrance. We can leave once it arrives.”

As soon as the Princess closed the door the human spoke. “Why don’t you guys go and bring some stuff for the travel and Twilight? Could you bring me some clothes please?”

“Yes I think that would be best, see you around Foraneo.”

“See you around Trixie, Arcane, Twi.”

After the three unicorns exited the room Rarity got closer to the human. “Foraneo, I was thinking about what you said of using the hydra scales and I want to try my hoof at it if you’ll allow it.”

“Are you sure Rarity? It will be quite gruesome work.”

“I know, but I sometimes work with the scales of young Spikey-wikey and using a hydra’s would be not much different.”

The human hesitated. “If you are sure you want to, then tell Princess Celestia how much you’d like of it. Now I think I am going to fall asleep, I am really tired. Bye girls!”

“Bye Foraneo”, “Sleep well sugarcube.” “G-good night.” “See you soon hydra slayer.” “Sleep tight darling.” the mares said as they left leaving a sleeping human in the room.
-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

A week later outside the Ponyville train station 5:05 P.M.

It was a lenghty ride in the train but we are finally back; it’s been one long week at the castle, with all those doctors measuring me, checking me and the unpleasantness of… Never mind, but now we are finally back and boy does it feel good.

“Hijo de tu put –crack- aah that feels better”

“Eew, Foraneo why do you have to crack up your spine?” Twilight Sparkle asked me.

“Because it feels great.” I answered. “Besides, all that time in the train was tiring as hell.”

“Again with your ‘hell’.” a familiar voice called.

“Yes again with it Arcane, it’s an expression that it is-“

“’Widely used in my world and I want to feel connected with it.’” The voice of the new Great and Powerful Trixie announced interrupting him. “Seriously that is like the fifth time you have said that same speech in the time you have been living in Equestria. It’s getting kind of annoying.”

“Leave me be! Oh Great and Powerful Trixie!”

“And stop mocking me already or I’ll start stabbing you with my horn again.”

“Nuh-uh I got stabbed enough times when in the palace I won’t allow anyone to do it again. Remember that I have a sword and I am not afraid of using it!”

“I still can’t believe the Princess allowed you to have a sword of all things” the voice of my guardian said.

“She and I knew how useful it would become if something else happened… I really hope nothing like that happens again.”

“Please Foraneo, have a little faith. It’s not like there is some form of disaster every week here in Ponyville.”

“I think it’s better to be prepared. Now I want to get to the library and have a quick shower.”

“Let’s go then, I need to check if Spike has been doing his chores.”

After a short trip we arrived at the library and after a few words with the infant dragon I got myself into the shower. 15 refreshing minutes under the running water and a quick shaving and I was once again in my best mood. “I need some dinner.” I said to myself.

Getting out of the bathroom I noticed that it was completely dark inside with a very familiar rustling and movement in the library. “Wait a minute… is this a party?”

The lights went on and a pink blur stepped in front of me. “Hey, how did you know?”

I smiled at her. “You already made one party and it started just like this, what surprises me is how you could get everything prepared and stuff everypony in here in less than 15 minutes and without making a sound, no less!”

“I have my ways but now it’s time…” Pinkie Pie inhaled deeply and I covered my ears. “FOR A PARTAYY!”

I uncovered my ears and strolled downstairs to see what the theme of the party was and surprisingly enough the banner read. “Thank you for saving the town and surviving getting eaten by a hydra Party!”

I looked at the banner for a second or two before saying. “Incredible, she fit all that text on that small banner.”

“She always had neat hoof-writing sugarcube.”

“Hey AJ, how have you been doing?”

“Fine Ah guess, now start enjoying your party” The farm pony slapped my back for encouragement.

“*Chuckle* ok AJ I will.”

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Five dark clad ponies stood in front of the now loud library. “Now lads, remember to do things as we planned, I want to do this as fast as possible and if we are lucky we might be able to achieve more than our main objective.”

The remaining four ponies nodded in approval and two of them took off to the air circling the library and getting lost behind the giant tree.

“Now boys, let’s crash this party!”

Chapter 11: Part 2

A hoof stroked the back of my head. “WATCH YOUR MOUTH MISTER!” It had been Pinkie Pie chastising me for the sudden use of an insult… maybe I shouldn’t have thought them what those words meant in the first place.

On the other side of the shield the leader spoke to his group, I needed to think of something but what? “Girls…” I start saying uneasily. “We better get back inside and prepare”

We all entered the library. “At the very least they still think that Twilight is still here…” I managed to say quietly. “Now we need to see if we can keep it like that”

“How are we s’possed tah do that sugarcube? Them cultists seem pretty d’termined right now”

AJ was right; we needed to think of something. Before that I could start thinking a yell came from outside. “HEY!” The voice said. “Somepony talk to me!”

I signed my friends to stand down. “Let me handle this” I stood up and looked through the window. “What do you want?”

“Where is Twilight Sparkle? I didn’t see that damned unicorn when we arrived”

‘Wait a minute…’ I thought, realizing that I may not have to make an effort to fool them. “She would have been here had it not been for you stupid Earth Ponies!” I said using the venom and wish to hurt feelings I had learned from my youth. “Maybe if you had put two unicorns to do the job she wouldn’t be recovering from her injuries”

My friends all started asking what I was doing until Arcane stepped in and calmed them. “I think I know where this is going so please don’t interrupt him”

“TAKE THAT BACK!” the cultist group leader yelled. “WE, EARTH PONIES ARE THE DRIVING FORCE OF EQUESTRIA!”

“No” I said. “You are just the farmers and workers; you really should come to terms that you are nothing more than the peons of Equestria”

He just needed a little push. “Maybe you should help your unicorn break this shield, because being honest you Dirt Ponies stand no chance against us”

“THAT’S IT!” He yelled. “We don’t need no stupid unicorns to take you down and I will gladly make sure your head becomes my next trophy… But first” he said as he turned around facing his unicorn companion. “I will show you the might of the Earth Ponies”

With that he did something unexpected, he used his forelegs to hit the unicorn mare relentlessly, and soon enough she laid on the ground with her face covered in bruises. “We don’t need your help, you are dismissed” he then stood facing me and from his garments he carefully withdrew a vial with a strangely looking crimson liquid. “I bet you are wondering what this is…”

“An explosive” I said calmly.

He looked flabbergasted, not knowing what to say. “I am currently living in a library you fool, checking out a book of weaponry and dangerous materials was a must in my to do list… just beside your mother of course”

“Keep laughing you Minotaur wannabe, I will make sure to make you beg for your death” with that he slowly backed up.

I knew that I had little time before all Tartarus broke loose. “Arcane check the knock out spell and redo it, after that throw this guys down the basement, Trixie barricade everything and hand out the swords for everypony to defend themselves, you and Arcane are going to have to defend the rest of Twilight’s friends with everything you got, Swift Strike you are with me fighting outside, we must make sure to defeat as many as we can as fast as possible”

Then an explosion came, the shield shimmered and started cracking. “HURRY!” I told them and they began preparing.

Then another explosion came and the shield shattered completely, Swift and I hurried outside to confront our aggressors.

Once outside the door we stood in front of the library and once the smoke dissipated we saw the cultists taking positions. “Remember boys, that thing is mine” the leader said. “The rest of you take care of the Pegasus and the fillies inside and do not harm the element of magic, she is necessary”

“Let Arcane take care of the other 2 earth ponies” I told Swift, he nodded.

We saw the enemies take up battle positions… and so it begun.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Battle start: Foraneo’s Side -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

I ran to my left getting some distance between me and the other ponies, but the leader was actually faster than I had thought, but it did not matter, I had gotten myself away from the rest and that was what I wanted.

We stared at each other for a few seconds and then he ran to confront me; I stood waiting for him to strike and thinking to myself ‘How am I going to survive this?’ last time I had been lucky to have Twilight to help me but now…

He parried and retaliated advancing one step after another as all I could do was retreat little by little, it took me four steps to notice that he was trying to corner me against a wall. I locked swords with him in an effort to drive him back but he is stronger than me.

We fight for every inch of distance between ourselves and the wall behind me, he pushes me back and I can only hold out for so long. I suddenly got an idea; in our struggle I spin my body to my right sliding his sword and in the surprise he slid as well, with my left elbow I hit the back of his head and try to stab at his haunches but a bolt of magic threw my sword from my grasp.

I saw that the unicorn of the group had woken and was starting to cast magic bolts, but her beating left her groggy and she could not shoot a direct shot, at least not immediately as she was taking aim and charging another bolt.

I staggered for the briefest of moments and then remembered that I was fighting alone, turning around I saw the leader turning to look at me, I clenched my right fist and jumped at him hitting him in the eye as hard as I could, I then heard the bolt being shot.

He barely noticed my fist connecting with his eye and that made him whip around his head; I immediately jumped above him and hid behind him using him as a shield.

“WAAHHHHHHHH!” he wails in pain as I pushed him and allowed the bolt of magic hit him in the place I was going to stab.

In the midst of his pain he released his blade from his grasp; taking that as a sort of an advantage I delivered a quick punch to his other eye and I grabbed his blade sprinting in the direction of the unicorn as fast as possible.

If memory served me right, no weapon is able to withstand a magic bolt unless it has been properly enchanted and seeing how my sword did not break the moment it was hit means that had I had a better grasp on it then it wouldn’t have bounced off my hand.

I just hope their swords are enchanted as well.

She just stared at me and shot as many bolts as she could many missing their mark due to me dodging as quickly as I could with my lack of physical condition. All of the sudden I tripped with my own feet, the unicorn took notice and shot at me.

I could only use the blade in my hand in hopes of fending off the magic attack; maybe it was sheer luck, but the sword did indeed reflected the magic attack back at her, she tried to use a shield but with her constant use of magic she had exhausted herself and the moment her shot and her shield met each other they overloaded and pushed her back a few feet behind.

I rose to my feet and ran to her as fast as my feet would allow me; she was shaking off her dizziness and was starting to rise to her hoofs just as I was reaching her, she saw me and began preparing her magic but she was too late, the blade I took sliced her horn cutting it cleanly, she wailed and yelled in pain and horror as she realized her horn was cut, blood flowed from the stump on her forehead until she entered a state of shock and passed out.

I saw the horn falling to the ground and without a thought I picked it up, I looked back at the unicorn and started reaching for her but I stopped myself from checking on her as I ran to the library. “Please be alive, please be alive” I muttered as I ran hoping my friends made it out ok.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Battle start: Swift Strike’s Side -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

The human had taken off to run to his left after he told him to leave the earth ponies for Arcane to take care of… Both of them knew she was capable, but she is defending the Elements of Harmony and Swift Strike didn’t know if they were going to be any help, though he had no other choice but to thrust the human, the Pegasus in front of him seems like serious business and it would keep him busy.

He rose up in the air leveling himself with the cultist; they were little more than 12 hoofs up in the air facing each other. For a moment none of them said a word… mainly because both had their mouths occupied with their respective swords but even then they literally had met at that moment so it’s not like they had anything to say to each other.

In a blur both of them clashed their respective blades and stared at each other, anger and impatience clear within the eyes of each other. They separated and clashed again and again each time in a different angle which at a distance it could be mistaken by a frightening and yet mesmerizing choreography.

Both then started flying side by side reaching at each other and separating with the sound of metal clashing, circling the area surrounding the library. ‘This guy is no pushover’ Swift Strike thought. ‘And I really don’t have time for this shit’ he dodged downwards to avoid a stabbing movement that almost took him for surprise.

‘Damn that was sloppy, I need to focus’ he looked back at the offender flying trying to match his pace, Swift could easily out-speed him but maneuvering had been one of his weaknesses when flying at high speeds but he wasn’t trying to outrun the cultist, he just needed to get in a good slice to the wings or a sudden stop for the royal guard to show the real meaning of his name.

Unfortunately his opponent’s awareness was top notch and so the fight dragged on for what seemed like an eternity; with none of them gaining the upper hoof then from out of nowhere a sword flew in between them nearly decapitating the guard, the cultist who didn’t seem to have any training at all foolishly looked to the direction were the sword came from and Swift Strike took this as his chance to end the battle.

He flapped his wings as hard as he could and in less than a second the distance between the two pegasi became non-existent; before the cultist could react, Swift Strike started doing what he knew best: martial arts.

In a flash Swift Strike used his hoof in the solar plexus of his opponent knocking the air out of him; it was then that time slowed for the guard, in a blur he used his right hoof against the cultist solar plexus yet again beating the air out of his lungs and sword from his mouth, then a barrage came down like a downpour on the cultist’s body who at first felt pain but soon enough it is just a numbing sensation that overtook his body before he passed out.

Unceremoniously dropping the unconscious pony in the middle of the street Swift Strike sped up to the library just in time to see the earth ponies sprawled on the outside of the library with deep hoof marks on the sides of their bodies and faces.

Swift Strike Glided down to see everypony alive and well, even the human to some minor dismay, but it was still a welcomed sight.

“What took you so long?” the human asked.

“Rookie mistakes, nothing mayor” the guard answered. “Had any trouble?”

“My sword flew from my grasp mid-battle and I need to retrieve it”

“Here” a new voice said and we all turned to look.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Foraneo’s POV

There in front of us stood a young stallion with three horseshoes in the flank with my sword on top of his back. “I think that is my sword, thanks for bringing it here… your name is?”

The stallion rolled his eyes. “Caramel, and this thing here flew through my window and I thought you could need it”

I nodded at him. “Thanks”

“You are welcome, though I need to ask something”

I walked up to him and took my blade. “Sure, what did you want?”

His expression turned serious. “Why was Twilight Sparkle taken?”

The question took me by surprise. “She…” I sighed unable to respond to such a simple question. “What you need to know is that the town needs to form a perimeter, there are a few more ponies inside the library and they are dangerous, we need to put these mares” I motioned at the elements of Harmony “Under heavy protection as soon as possible”

He looked at me warily. “That doesn’t answer my question”

“And I don’t have much time right now so that will have to suffice” I look away from him and look at the still unconscious stallion in the middle of town and see several citizens looking at me expectantly, I sincerely can’t take all of this shit happening at the same time.

I still needed to go find Twilight and to make sure to enter the castle without being noticed and scurry through the forest without being seen, I needed an antidote, I needed a plan… I needed help.

I huffed and look up to the sky above as if waiting for an answer to come to me… and then it hit me.

Everypony jumped back a little when I whipped my head looking at the ever free forest and then back at the clouds above. “Rainbow Dash I need your assistance”

She stood before me. “What did you want?”

I explained my plan as quickly as possible.

27 minutes since the poison was injected.

I hope I can make it in time.

Author's Note

So this is a pre edit version of the chapter that I have decided to divide in several others... mainly because my blocking and work won't allow me to write at a more hurried pace.

Hope you like it and I will be sending more as I can write them.

Between the Innocent and the Beasts (Edited)

Between the innocent and the Beasts

My mind is a special thing. For you see, it makes me do the most embarrassing and sometimes foolish things; sometimes I will end up talking alone, sometimes I imagine stories to write, but most of the time… I stop looking at reality and only see my own fantasies, wishes and desires. One such fantasy I am currently experiencing.

I am there at the bottom of this cliff(?) (It might as well be a ravine I am not sure), a simple spear in hand, defending six innocent creatures. The corpses from 3 attackers littered the immediate area. I had managed to take them by surprise. They were not trained very well at all, even if they had armor. I tried to put on my best brave face (even though I’m scared shitless AND pissed off) as the rest of the offenders slowly advance towards my position.

Now I find myself wondering… How the fuck did I get myself into this? I look back and see the terrified expressions of these colorful horses, all looking at me; I cannot believe that I actually jumped in to this situation to save some weird creatures.

I shifted my gaze back as these… dog people, approaching ever so slowly. There were 6 individuals; 3 ‘soldiers’ that wore a chest piece, helmet and a spear like mine and 3 that just wore clothes. Obviously the leader of them stood at the rear of the pack, smiling like this was a game of sorts with us being the prize.

“Strange creature,” the leader started “You should surrender, that way your death will be swift!” he ended clenching his paw.

I spit to my side (one of my many stupid habits), “You are a terrible negotiator!” trying to be a troll was another one (I say try, as I don’t consider myself good at it).

He laughed at my comment “Not from where I stand.”

It was my chance to mock him “Behind your soldiers? You are such a fearless leader.” there I go again; I should stop being such a smartass.

He did not take that last comment well, “Kill them all.” he ordered.

All of the sudden the soldier at my right threw its spear at me. It was about that time I thanked having played so much ‘Soul Calibur 2’ and ‘Dynasty Warriors 6’ as I tried to maneuver my spear as the characters in the games did, my gaming experience had served me well.

I deflected the spear with my own and saw that the soldier on my left had actually begun to charge at me. He was close by, but again I seemed to have more knowledge than him. My spear collided against his and I sent him to the side. I delivered a swift kick between his legs. Luckily it had the desired effect as I enjoyed the sweet sound of pain in the form of a howl and a whimper.

I hit him in the eye with the blunt end of my spear and proceeded finish him off by stabbing at his throat. He rudely drenched my shirt with his blood. I could feel the horses cringe behind me at the sight of the dog dying from the spear lodged in his neck.

The rest of the beasts had just about had enough as the rest just made a run at me. They wanted to finish this and I stood there waiting for them. I knew I would die there, it was not possible to take them out at the same time and in my mind I half quoted a western I once saw a few years back, ‘I will die here of that I am sure, but I will send to hell as many of you as I can before me!’

A small sun ignited nearby making me close my right eye. I blocked the rest of the light with my arm. As soon as it faded I was able to discern two figures; one was an old dog person clad in a robe wearing a rather large crown.

The other one however left me dumbstruck, it was another horse. Not your average horse mind you, she looked… beautiful. I call her ‘she’ because she had feminine features; a nice figure and a pure white fur. She also wore a crown and some pieces of gold over her hooves, but the most astounding features were the combination of a horn and wings.

It was then that she spoke, and it took me by surprise “Halt your efforts Diamond Dogs!” she said, with an amazing voice, it was soothing, almost godlike and even then I could hear a rising anger.

I dropped into a kneeling position with my right fist over my heart on instinct. Her appearance and her royal regalia had simply compelled me to do so.

The elder dog spoke “Rover, stop this foolishness at once”

“What are you doing here? And do not dare patronize me!”

“I came here to stop you. Why are you doing this? Don’t you see that this is wrong?”

“You old fool! Ever since those ponies left with our gems, everyone has labeled me as ‘weak’! How am I supposed to stand it?”

Those? then I noticed that the hors… ponies had gone to the royal Pegasus (?) Or is she a unicorn? Whatever she was, the six ponies had rushed behind her as a group of Pegasus soldiers appeared all clad in golden armor, as well as some dogs with armor of gold but far more ornate. ‘Ok, I have officially been drugged or something, this is too damn weird’

“You should have ignored it. Now even I can’t save you from the Princess’s judgement!”

“So weak you have grown, that you won’t help those of your own kin!”

“No Rover, you are the only one being taken away, your soldiers will go back with us.”

“You are such a coward!”

“*sigh* My son, you have carved this path yourself. You must take responsibilities for your actions”

“So what?” Rover replied “No matter what prison I am locked up in, I will escape and I WILL have my revenge!”

He meant that, his eyes said so. He was dangerous. I then did what I am very much famous for with my family members, “Why don’t you exile him to a deserted island in the middle of nowhere?” I said without thinking and I cringed as I realized that Fuuuuuuuuuu! .

The white horse spoke as she got close to me. I can see her shadow looming over me, I dared not look up. Her presence was overwhelming, “King, I think it is great idea, that way I can be sure that your son will not try to do anything against my subjects and maybe you can go and visit him after some time has passed.”

“If that is what you wish to do.”

“Very well, guards!” The small squadron of Pegasuses dove and put the dog in shackles and onto a prisoner cart. The King of Dogs signaled his own guards to take hold of the other assailants and then departed.

Then she spoke to me “You may rise.” I complied. “I am deeply sorry for having ignored your presence.” she began “I am Princess Celestia of Equestria, who and what might you be?”

‘Ok, time to play it cool… why is my mouth quicker than my mind?’ “My liege, my name is Luis Corte, I am a Human.”

“Human?” she said, “I have not heard of such a creature before, where have you come from?”

“The country where I come from is called Mexico.”

“Mexico? Is it a new country?”

I had hoped this was not the case, All those years dreaming on travelling to a new world, and I am freaking out? “Then it happened…” I spoke absentmindedly.

She looked at me quizzically “Excuse me?”

I sighed heavily “Princess, it would take far too long to explain and I am sure that you would like to see to your subjects, maybe when you have more time…”

The princess looked at me assessing me, “Very well, it seems that you are tired after all. I will have the mares that you just saved tell me all about this incident. If you wish, you may take my carriage back to my castle. There you will be given a room where you can get some rest.”

“You are too kind, my liege.” I bowed one last time, then I left for a nearby cave; the place where I appeared and took my messenger bag with all the things I had been transported with. I went to the carriage that had settled when the squadron arrived, then it hit me… the ones pulling the carriage are Pegasuses, and I hate flying.

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After my incredibly awkward and long flight, we arrived at a castle. It awed me at first because… well I had my eyes shut for the entire flight, “This is so beautiful” I said, and indeed it was.

“Welcome to Canterlot.” a dark red unicorn said to me “I am Arcane Knowledge. It is nice to meet you.”

“Hi, I am Luis Corte, nice to meet you too.” I answered.

“Well met, it seems that Princess Celestia has taken you on as a guest. I am here to lead you to your room. If you would please follow me.” he told me as he walked over and I promptly followed.

It looked like a castle made out of the most amazing materials. Even though I had gone to architecture school for one semester, my younger brother is still studying architecture, and my dad is an architect as well, I could certainly get the feeling that it should not be able to stand on its own. The dimensions were exaggerated, it felt out of proportion, almost in a cartoon-like fashion.

I was led throughout the castle making idle chit-chat with my guide. We ascended a tower, at the top there was an immense door made of incredible-looking wood with a golden handle. “Is this gold?” I asked him.

“Of course it is. This is Canterlot, the capitol city of Equestria after all.”

“Canterlot? Weird…”

“What is it?”

“The name reminds me of a city. Specifically it reminds me of city called Camelot. Even the looks of it make me think this might be that city.”

“Weird indeed. This is the room Princess Celestia told us to give you. You should get yourself accustomed to it and while you are at it, you might want to take a shower. If you’d like, we can have a tailor come fit you for a new set of clothes seeing as your current set is drenched with blood”

As soon as he stated that, I looked down to confirm and what he said was right; my clothes were ruined. My old jeans (which were once a deep blue) are now a deep red from both thighs all the way down to my shoes. My crisscrossed blue and white long sleeved shirt was stained with blood as well, it sickened me as my knees and hips started giving out.

Arcane was quick to put himself below me “Whoa, careful there boy.”

“Sorry… the blood made me sick.” I said trying to lean against the door.

“Are you sure that you killed four Diamond Dogs?”

The mention of that word did not help “I need to go to the restroom, please.”

Arcane helped me inside and once there I managed to go to the toilet, which was bigger than those I had seen in my lifetime and hurled what little breakfast I had in it. Arcane helped me the entire way, it felt almost motherly.

Soon after I asked him to leave so I could take a shower. As I took my clothes from my messenger bag, he gave me a set of robes and towel from a drawer and left.

It took me a while, but I finally managed to rid myself of all the blood, dirt and grime that had collected on me. I was tired and sickly, when I finally managed to finish I dragged myself out of the shower, dried myself up and took the second set of clothes I had from my messenger bag. I put my second set of underwear on and dragged myself to bed and proceeded to cry myself to sleep.

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That night, Princess Celestia arrived at her quarters pondering on everything that she had been told by her personal protégé and her friends and sighed.

“Tia? Is there something wrong?” Celestia’s sister, Princess Luna asked her. She had been waiting for her inside her room as she usually did when she caught wind of an emergency that had occurred during the day.

“Luna, so good to see you, how are you doing?”

“I am fine, but do not stray from the question, is there something wrong?”

Celestia stood silently and decided to tell her sister what had happened.

“It started out like this…”

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“After talking to his guide I went to his room and saw that he had been crying; his pillow was soaked… I don’t know what to think anymore. In one hoof he appears to be a ruthless killer by Twilight’s account, now it looks like he is ashamed and sick of having killed those Diamond Dogs according to Arcane Knowledge. What must I think Luna?”

Luna thought of her answer very carefully “Sister, it has been long since I saw you doubt yourself like this. I think it would be best if you were to ask him over some sort of meal tomorrow, with the Elements of Harmony and myself.”

“Why would I want to do that?” asked the Day Ruler to her sister.

“That way he can explain his actions… and seeing as how he’s left you so confused, he has piqued my interest.” the Princess of the Night said smiling.

“Do you think that is good idea Luna? The Elements of Harmony are scared of him”

“But we need to know his true intentions, and surely you do not want me to read his mind.”

Celestia finally decided to agree with her sister, it would be best to do as she suggested. Then just as midnight struck, a soldier appeared outside her quarters.

“Princess, I came to inform you that the guest has woken up and is currently in the laundry room”

“Thank you Swift Strike, you may retire.” Celestia told the soldier and she looked at her sister. “Well Luna, it seems that you will have your chance to meet him. You may go and speak with him. I am feeling tired.”

“Ok Tia, see you tonight then.” Princess Luna said as she trotted out of her sister’s room.

“Sure, tonight.” Celestia said as she saw her sister leave, then she closed her doors and finally went to bed leaving the hardships of the day behind.

*** Authors notes starting ***

I must thank my new proofreader and editor FrieD195 for taking his time to correct and now it is uploaded and corrected, I use the word Pegasuses because I intend to keep my lack of knowledge of mythical creatures to a minimum here that is until the next chapter, hope you enjoy this as I advance, thanks for reading.

*** Authors notes Terminated ***

Chapter 11 Pt 1: Taste of things to come: Bitter Main Dish

Chapter 11: Taste of things to come: Bitter Main Dish.

The party had gone for a good for a few hours and it was filled with words of gratitude and cheering, though something was nagging at the back of my head. My friends had yet to be congratulated because of their efforts and I wanted to correct that.

I spotted them sitting in a corner talking so I walked up to them. “Hey girls, how have you been doing?”

“Hey Foraneo, we are alright, do you like your party?”

“Just fine Trixie but I know how to make it a little better”

“What do you mean?”

I picked up a glass and I started hitting a spoon against it. “May I have your attention please?”

All of the attendees stopped what they were doing to look at my direction. “I know that this party has been a blast, but now I must ask you to turn your attention to those who helped me in this event and who without their valiant efforts I probably would not be here today”

“Let us give a big cheering to; Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Arcane Knowledge, Trixie Lulamoon and Twilight Sparkle. Hip Hip!”

All of the ponies yelled with me. “HOORAY!”

I gathered some air and yelled the cheering a little louder. “HIP HIP!”

“HOORAY!”

Just as I was going to yell the last cheer I was interrupted. “Hooray” a voice called that prompted the turning of the heads of everypony in the party. “Oh I’m sorry, I spoke too soon did I not?”

He was a dark cloaked unicorn stallion with two more dark clad ponies to his sides. “Who are you?” I asked the pony.

“My name is No Consequence” He said levitating a sword from beneath his cloak causing most of the ponies to gasp at such a display.

I chuckled. “I think you meant ‘is of no consequence’ dude”

“No I did not, you see my name is actually No Consequence but we are not here to talk about my name. We came here because we want something…”

My body grew cold and my stomach started tumbling and I saw RD preparing to pounce on the party pooper, the only thing stopping her was Twi holding her shoulders.

I voiced a question to the apparent leader of that pack fearing the answer. “And what is it that you want?”

Even beneath the cloak I could feel his wicked smirk. “We just wanted you to hand over the mare named Twilight Sparkle immediately, and if the rest of the Elements of Harmony could forfeit their lives as well it would be appreciated”

That is weird… “How curious of you” I said.

He looked at me questioningly. “What is so curious about me?”

“You want to kill the holders of the Elements yet you want Twilight alive, what do you want to do with her?”

“That is of no concern to a monster like-“

“It is” I interrupted. “If we are talking about my friends…” I placed my hand over my sword. “And I advise you to go back to where you came from or else things are going to escalate VERY QUICKLY!” I said as I unsheathed my blade especially forged for my own use.

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I shifted into a battle stance

The ponies at the door readied their stances. “If that is how it’s going to *oof*” he didn’t finished his sentence because a dark yellow Pegasus with royal guard armor tackled him making the ponies at the party to yell and run in all directions.

RD quickly shot out to bash the smallest of the clothed ponies making them both get out of the library in a cloud of dust, I made my way to the other pony that took out a sword of his own ready to stab the Pegasus Guard and I clashed my blade against his.

The Royal Guard started punching with his forelegs trying to stop the evil unicorn from concentrating until he started to retaliate with his own shoving the guard aside glancing quickly at his sword trying to levitate it and bring it to himself.

Suddenly various ribbons and streamers from the decoration flew around the stallion distracting him long enough for one of them to trip him over. In a fit of rage he started firing magic rays at random directions making us all to duck so we wouldn’t be hit.

Arcane had started using a shield around my friends so the magic shots would not hit them though the deflected attacks landed on the bookshelves. “THE BOOKS!”

“Forget about them Darling, look” the unicorn had burned out the decorations and was leveling his blade when the orange royal guard parried it with his own, the sound of clashing metal and grunts filled the air inside the three-house.

The clashing of both stallions went on as neither showed signs of relenting until a force pushed the unicorn’s sword out of his magic range, looking at a side Arcane Knowledge had lowered her shield and a lasso landed perfectly in the villain’s neck pulling him with such force it nearly broke his neck (or at least he felt it that way)

When he landed he was at the mercy of a fairly strong and certainly pissed off farm pony that raised the rope and hog-tied him she then hanged him like a piñata and used her back legs to give him a well-placed buck in the head leaving him unconscious.

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Meanwhile...

On my part I dodged the magic bolts while swinging my blade against the pony in front of me, clearly an earth pony stallion for his sheer strength. What made it more difficult is that his sword was shorter than mine giving him a clear advantage defense wise but leaving me out of his own reach.

That changed when he jumped back a good distance and then jumped in my direction, I tried to block him with my sword but he deflected with his own pinning me down on the floor with both forelegs over my arms and as he was ready to give the finishing blow a wooden carving of a horse head floating in a purple glow impacted with the side of my attacker’s head one, two and three times making him take a step back.

I took advantage and I used my legs as leverage and pushed him away from me, I picked myself up and charged at the attacker who after shaking off his dizziness retaliated parrying my attacks, he tried to repeat his trick a second time but I had learned from his last leap.

I made a mad dash as he jumped and I threw my blade at him, he deflected it but I positioned myself below him and hold him between my hands in order to slam his head on the floor, I immediately sat above him and started punching his neck making him spit his sword because of the pain and lack of air.

This gave me a chance to join my fists above my head and bash his head with my hands, it felt as if I was slamming a stone floor when hitting his face and forehead, he resisted and punched my gut although weakly since the sensation of the punch to his neck still lingered. I kept hitting knowing he could end my life if I let him have a chance.

The wooden head still encased in a purple glow joined my efforts and after a few good hits from both of us, he was unconscious.

On the other hoof the unicorn found his own self being strangled by a rope and hanged upside down in the middle of the library, I got close and heard him breathing.

I looked up to Twilight to thank her but I was interrupted.

Outside we heard the crack of a thunder and the flash of a lightning before we heard the dull thud of a body hitting the floor followed by a grunt of pain, I ran as fast as possible to the entrance with Arcane Knowledge and the Pegasus guard by my side.

It was a dark robed Pegasus pony that had fallen unconscious besides the earth pony that RD attacked earlier, looking up the multicolored mare was sitting up a cloud making it obvious that she used the electrical charge in the cloud to finish off the other attacker.

I noticed that both had been mares and the Pegasus was waking up, my legs moved without me thinking and my foot struck that Pegasus in the right temple with enough force to knock her out for the night.

I turned and saw a battered Rainbow Dash on top of a cloud smiling at me. “Thanks for finishing the job there”

“You did most of the job though and where the hell did that mare came from?”

“From behind the library it seems that she was waiting in case they needed support” she leaped from the cloud and glided to the floor. “A better question would be who the hay is he?”

I had forgotten about the other royal guard completely, I turned to face him. “I can’t thank you enough for your timely arrival. What would be your name?”

The stallion took off his helmet. “Swift Strike” He said saluting. “At your service” then he extended his hoof.

I extended my hand shaking his hoof. “Foraneo, likewise”

“Nice to meet you Sir Foraneo”

I cocked an eyebrow at the mention of the title. “Sir? I do not recall having myself knighted recently”

“That would have been Princess Celestia’s doing, since you requested a sword and you have shown not once but twice complete disinterest of your own life in order to protect that of others you have been deemed a knight”

“Of course in your case your knighting ceremony was postponed until later thanks to some… restraint from the council but your title is official in paperwork thus it is why I have called you Sir”

I was surprised and there was no real danger looming so I sheathed my sword and sat down tired and shaking a little. “That’s the adrenaline flushing out of your system, you would have felt it after the battle with the Diamond Dogs but I think your mind was somewhere else”

I looked up and saw Arcane looking down at me she put a hoof on my shoulder and smiled. “Good job Foraneo” she nuzzled me.

I started feeling better. “Let’s just tie these ponies before they wake up”

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After tying the cloaked ponies with some rope that Pinkie had lying around (I still don’t know what could qualify as a rope emergency besides this situation… and maybe some S&M but perish that thought) we were left with four unconscious ponies and a lot of questions.

“Ok” I started talking. “First things first, Arcane make a shield around this library especially around any door and or window. Afterwards I am going to need your assistance”

My friend asked me a question with her eyes. “I will need you to restrain the unicorn while I interrogate him”

Arcane looked at me expectantly. “Just interrogation, right?”

I rolled my eyes feeling a little hurt. “Yes just interrogation, though I will have to resort to limited pain it will be something like a slap or things like that don’t worry”

No one said anything but I knew they thought I would torture a pony in front of them. “Now please just do as I said so I can start interrogating”

After Twi, Arcane and the new guard, Swift finished checking the library and had finished setting up a barrier around it, we were left with four disarmed ponies and so I reached the living piñata and slapped him in the face.

He woke up looking surprised trying to look at his surroundings until it found my face leveled to his and his expression turned to one of anger, I saw his horn starting to glow and I positioned my blade to touch it.

He tried to move so I positioned my fingers in his nostrils and pulled him down and spoke to him with the most threatening, low tone voice I could muster and that only he could hear. “Before you try to use any spell I must warn you, I like collecting parts of animals as trophies and your horn would look great as a necklace. Got That?”

His expression became one of fear so he dropped the magic. “*Gulp* W-what do you want?”

“Information” I told him in a more audible voice. “Just your reasons as to why you decided this to be a good night to kidnap my friend here”

“You meant foalnAAAAA!” I had pulled his nostrils down to interrupt him.

Again I lowered my voice a little saying in a very menacing voice. “Did I ask you to correct me? No I did not now you will tell me what I want”

I released his nose waiting for him to readjust and then I pushed his snout upwards so I could place my sword at the base of the horn so it would cut itself down if he tried to whip-it, he just glared daggers at me. “I will make you beg for your death”

I rolled my eyes and started scrapping the edge of my blade up and down his horn talking in a playful manner as if causing harm means nothing to me. “I am not hearing what I want”

The sound and feel of the scrapping made him shiver and looking at my face he thought better than to make me even angrier. “I came here on a mission”

I rolled my eyes. “I know that, but you have yet to tell me what I want”

“My mission was to take Twilight Sparkle and bring her to our main quarters, my master also asked me to kill any of the elements of harmony if the opportunity aroused all for the sake of our goal”

I arched an eyebrow. “Do tell, what is this goal?”

He closed his eyes for the briefest moment and then looked at me with hate filled eyes. “To revive the true ruler of Equestria! To revive Nightmare Moon!”

All of the ponies gasped in surprise. “Wait a minute” I said. “Nightmare Moon was Princess Luna and she was purified by the elements”

“HAHAHA! How foalish you are. The essence of Nightmare Moon is a separate entity and it still lives, we just needed a new vessel”

I looked at him in mild surprise. “Thus you want Twilight for it; if the Element of Magic is Nightmare Moon then she could become impervious to the Elements”

“Exactly, COULD! That is why we were asked to eliminate at least one of the other Elements of Harmony so there would be no chance of destroying its essence” He was hiding something else, I could also feel a serious flaw in his plan but I can’t put my finger on it.

“Destroy the essence?” Twilight asked.

“There is not much left of what our master calls ‘Miasma’. It is weak but it can be restored and once it does you will all bow before her!”

“Yeah that is nice and all but… with the four of you here, how are you supposed to do that?”

He used his eyes to look for his peers and once he saw them he counted them. “One, two, three…” He smirked in such a way that it made me shiver and then it hit me... It was so obvious.

I made a sawing motion with my blade at the base of his horn, just enough to trickle some blood. “How many of you were? HOW MANY!?”

“FORNAEO WHAT ARE-“

“THIS IS FOR THE BEST ARCANE!” I yelled at her making me feel guilty. “Now tell me how many more of you were and what were you planning to do to Spike?”

Twilight and Rarity gasped and asked in unison. “WHAT!?”

“HAHAHAHAHAHA! You figured it out huh? It was simple; we needed him dead as well so Princess Celestia wouldn’t know about our attack so soon, which is why we were advised to kill the cyan fillyfooler as well. Thus ensuring our victory”

“Take that back!” Rainbow yelled but I kept on with the interrogation.

“How many more of you are out there?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” I glared at him and he just looked at me with that stupid shit-eating grin of his, just the sight of it was making me angrier by the second, I even thought of cutting his horn right then and there but I thought better of it and let go.

“Arcane *sigh* knock him out”

“With pleasure”

In a flash the unicorn was out cold but we weren’t any less preoccupied. “Where is Spike? I haven’t seen him all night long now that I think about it”

“He is at the farm sugarcube; he said that he was convinced by the crusaders to have a sleep off with him and some friends from school”

“From the piñata here I can sense that they didn’t know about Spike not being here, but if that’s the case… how many more of them are out there? And where are they?” I was very worried, what if they somehow had captured him?

I sighed in resignation. “Now going outside is out of the question since we don’t know how many more of them are still nearby, and it is possible that they would send another team if they hear nothing from this guys in a few hours”

We were wondering just how long it would take us to be sure to go outside until a female voice called for us from the outside of the Library. “COME OUT! COME OUT WHEREVER YOU ARE!”

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And then they appeared

Before I could groan at the stupidity of the cliché my friends ran to the windows in the front of our little fortress and what we saw chilled my blood. It was a trio of ponies; one of them was the missing pony from the unconscious group at the library, he was carrying Spike in his back. The others were something else though, they had darker cloaks with a much more menacing dark red pattern and while the other ponies still had the color of their coats unaltered this two were pitch black beneath them.

Twilight was first to get out in a hurry approaching the edge of the shield with tears in her eyes, she had to be stopped by Swift Strike before she could get out of it tears flooding her eyes yelling the name of his assistant/son in desperation.

We got out as fast as possible just in time to restrain Twilight from doing something rash like getting out of the shield.

“Well, well, well” the cloaked pony said. “It seems that the whole gang is here, that make our jobs much easier”

We all turned to look at her. “O ho ho ho and here I thought this couldn’t get any better two members of the royal guards and the strange new creature as well, this must be our lucky day”

Swift Strike was impassive and had serious look on his face. “Surrender the young dragon named Spike now and you will be spared”

That elicited a chuckle from the darker mare. “Come on you can’t be THAT thick. From where I see it we are the ones holding all of the cards here”

He gritted his teeth at her mockery. “Then what is it that you want?”

She smiled at the guard. “We just want the element of magic to step out the shield and we will be on our way”

“And if we refuse?” Swift Strike said.

“AHAHAHAHAHAHAH” *snort* “WOW just wow, you really must be a ‘by the text book’ royal guard to spout such nonsense, why don’t you relegate the hostage trading to somepony that knows what to do alright?”

As I saw from the sidelines I could hear Twilight calming down and muttering the name of her little baby dragon over and over, now she was nervous and if the inexperience of the guard was any indication she will most likely lash out on desperation at any given second.

I looked at Twi in the eyes and gave her a reassuring smile just to walk out to where the guard is. “You better go check on how are the other prisoners” He glared at me.

“Just what do you think you are doing? Do you have any experience on hostage situations?”

I do recall a couple of movies so… “I think not first ha- err hoof experience but I do know how they work and ‘by the text book’ isn’t working right now soooo…. Shush”

His glare intensified but he relented and left with a huff. “Now that he is away mind if I start with introductions? My name is Luis but you can call me Foraneo and pray do tell what the name of such a lovely mare is?” I paused a moment to look at the other two.

She giggled. “Why if it isn’t the ‘human’ such a gentlecolt but I must tell you I am already taken” she said nuzzling the earth pony that matched her cloak. “You can call me Silent Dagger”

“I knew that you were using matching clothing for a reason. It is an honor to meet you misses Silent Dagger, and your name will be?” I said directing my attention to the other concealed pony.

“Dashing Blow, at your service… for the right price of course” now that picked my interest.

“I take it you are hired…” the term slipped my mind as I tried to recall snapping my fingers. “Assassins?”

“Mercenaries darling but assassin is a little more accurate though” said Silent Dagger. “It is his talent by trade and mine by heritage”

Interesting piece of information he just gave me. “Sooo… In the case that I needed your services, I would need to do what?”

“AHEM” we three turned to see the other pony at their side trying to get our attention.

I completely ignored him. “As I was saying how should I contact you and how much do yo-“

“AHEEEM” He was getting annoying. “If you can recall, we are on a mission and we need to get going”

I turned back to the assassins. “He is getting quite annoying”

“I know sweetie but he is right we are on a contract and we are already late, I suppose it must be because of you”

I waved my hand dismissively. “Nah I had plenty of help” I said pointing out at my friends and the guard behind me. “Say care to explain to me why would you take a job that will most certainly kill you?”

Silent Dagger looked at me with a saddened expression. “I know this is suicidal but I haven’t had a good job in a while and I was bored out of my mind, besides if we kept up without doing any serious exercise our abilities would start getting dull and nopony would hire us again”

I nodded understandingly. “I see… And there is nothing you can do?”

She shook her head in a negative fashion. “I am sorry; even I must have a work ethic, so I will side with my employer… even if the job he gives me is a boring one”

The gears in my mind started to move. “What if…” I stopped myself there, a plan (or what appeared to be one) entered my mind it was risky and I don’t know if it would work but considering the alternatives we do not have that many choices here. “What if you give us Spike here and you take Twilight Sparkle?”

One word was shouted. “WHAT!?” all of the ponies said, including the ones outside of the barrier.

“Listen to me here, I am sure you do not want to die in either a freezing wasteland nor in a scorching he- Tartarus, am I right?”

The Pegasus guard shoved me aside. “What the hay do you think you are doing?” he said in an angered tone.

“Hey let him finish” said the voice of Dashing Blow.

I ignored Swift Strike. “I am sure that you do not want to kill an infant seeing that you have a work ethic so how about this” I cleared my voice trying to put my thoughts in order. “You give us Spike here alive; we will then give you Twilight Sparkle unconscious, you following me here?”

They both nodded. “Now you can take her to your employer, but why don’t you take the scenic route? Spike here doesn’t seem to wake up at any time soon so getting the Princesses is out of the question at the moment. That will allow me a chance at either stopping you from taking her or rescuing her from this here cult….”

“Night Dwellers” Silent Dagger said.

“Eh?”

She huffed. “They are called ‘the Night Dwellers’ though I call them nut-jobs”

“HEY!” the cultist said.

“Ok Night Dwellers. So what do you say?” I said sporting my best half smile.

Silent Dagger and Dashing Blow stared at each other and nodded in affirmation at the same time. “I like it but I want to make it more interesting. That is if you don’t mind”

“OH HAY NO!” the cultist spoke. “You are not betraying us; we have waited far too long for this to happen. I am NOT going to let you ruin it because you are getting bored you bit…“ The sound of a blade piercing the wind came and in the blink of an eye there was a knife embedded in his throat cutting off whatever he was going to say.

I was getting really afraid of her; this was the first time I had caught a glimpse of a competent combatant, the fact that I hadn’t seen how she threw it until I noticed her moving her wing to grab the handle of the blade and I noticed a strange contraption over her wing.

“Now as I was saying” she continued. “As you may have noticed the dragon infant is asleep and that is because I have used a strong sleeping potion so he would cooperate and won’t send a letter to the Princess. He will be out of it for a couple hours at most, but that is not my point”

She took something from below her cloak, it was a syringe. “Do you remember how I mentioned that I am an assassin by heritage?” I said yes. “My family specializes in poisons and they passed that down to me, now I want to make this a little more interesting”

I was getting really nervous and I was on the way of hyperventilating she picked that up right away. “In here is a poison that in the right amount it will kill you instantly, but if I only use 10ml it will take at least nine hours to get through your system and kill you”

I gulped. “But if you are in constant movement it will go down from nine to six hours, what makes it noticeable is that all of the time you are feeling pain and it just worsens as time goes by. I want to inject you this and if, only IF you manage to rescue Twilight Sparkle will I give you the antidote”

She paused for the briefest of moments. “Do you agree to my terms?”

I was nervous; on the one hoof-hand if I did agree to that it would become a race against time, if I didn’t agree then Celestia knows what are they capable of. I looked back at Trixie and Arcane, both staring at me in disbelief and fear. The rest were getting sick of the display of blood in front of them.

I took a decision. “Fine” I managed to say. “But you inject me first and then we trade Twilight Sparkle with Spike”

Finally the Pegasus had had it with me and he tackled me to the ground. “Are you insane?” he almost shouted at me while pinning me to the ground. ”if you let her do that how are you going to make sure she will keep her word?”

I used my knee against his stomach and then I shoved him to a side. “And what else are we supposed to do? They could as easily call for those other cultists and I am sure that they will take whoever they want from their homes and kill them one by one in front of us until we give up”

“This way at the very least we can have a fighting chance… I don’t like this any more than you do but the facts are there” I said preparing myself if he wanted to attack.

He got up quickly. “What facts?”

“The fact that they are far more experienced in the arts of killing than any of us here. If they had come to help those other guys that are in the library from the very beginning none of us would be here in the first place” he eased his stance a little. “You could see it; she is probably more than our match even if we go at her all together”

He looked at me dejectedly knowing full-well that what I was saying was truth. “And how do you know she will keep up with her word?”

I was at a loss of words but I didn’t want to relent, this was for the safety of others so I said the first thing that came to my mind. “Because I feel I can thrust her” I told him with all the seriousness and calm I could muster.

Every pony present at the time looked at me as if I had developed a second face or something like that. All except for Twilight Sparkle who seemed to understand the implications of denying them their objective. “I’ll do it” she said.

All of her friends gasped and that was followed by a barrage of no’s, you can’t be serious and then some but Twi would hear none of it, she was determined. “Sorry guys but Foraneo is Right… *sigh* even if I am not sure this idea will work I” She started choking in her own tears and mucus. “I need to make sure Spike will be alive. Please let me go I will be fine I promise”

All of her friends including Arcane and Trixie gave up and decided it was best to let her go. “I’ll be back, I promise” with that she walked to the edge of the shield and looked at me, her eyes radiated confidence not in the plan but in me on the promise that I would bring her back. “Let’s do this”

I nodded and allowed her to raise the shield for a second and I stepped out and nervously extend my arm. “Do it” I said, uncertain if her words were indeed truthful but I gave her my arm as well.

“You know” she said to me. “I only do this so you won’t cheat on me”

I gave her an understanding smile and a nod and she injected me the poison, from the very beginning I could feel pain, maybe not pain but a slight discomfort coming from my arm. “I guess we should carry on with the exchange”

She nodded and let me pick up Spike from her back, at the same time Twilight stepped out and Silent Dagger used a drenched ha-hoofkerchief to put her to sleep and let her mate carry the Lavender unicorn. “Hey” I told Silent Dagger. “Where are you taking her?”

She looked at me and smiled. “That Foraneo is for you to find out, I will start interrogating the Pegasus, I saw that her resolve is wavering and she would be your best bet if you need any kind of information”

She looked at my friends. “My orders where to help if I deemed necessary and I must tell you without this 5 there are at the very least 19 more cultist ready to kill the rest of the elements on sight. I would advise you all to remain where you are and let him hoofing this situation”

I thanked her and she took on full gallop with her mate in the general direction of Sweet Apple Acres while I stepped in the bubble shield that protected the library. As soon as I got inside Rarity took Spike into her magic and I ran inside the house as fast as I could.

“Arcane, wake her up” I told my friend. “We need to know exactly where Twilight is going to be taken”

She looked at me with disapproval. “Then what Foraneo? If she was telling the truth then we would need at least a dozen more ponies to storm their base, even if they are separated in teams we would still need strategies against their pegasi troops forget that who knows where they are and trying to even reach any destination at night is neigh impossible”

*SIGH* she was right; there is no way we could take them head on. “Let’s worry about that later, I literally don’t have much time”

With a glow of her horn the mare woke up startled by me. “I don’t have time for games right now so I will be straight” I told her as gravely as I could. “I want to know where you are planning to perform the revival of Nightmare Moon, if you choose not to tell me” I took my sword and I used it to create a gash in the wing of the pony in front of me making her scream a little.

She had a pain and fear filled expression unsure how to react. “I will be forced to remove your wings” I started saying. “And use them as an example to the rest of your partners here just after I kill you, is that understood?”

She had understood and after swallowing a healthy amount of saliva she spoke giving me all the information I needed. “Thank you for sharing everything with us” I said nodding to Arcane so she would knock the cultist once again.

I sighed and looked at a clock to see it was 9:13 P.M. “At what time was I injected?” I asked my friends hoping that they still wanted to be my friends.

“You were injected at 9:02, why?” Trixie said with worry heavy in her voice.

I held the arm that I had been injected with. “Because it actually hurts… Not a lot but it’s progressing”

Fluttershy got closer to my wound but before she could examine me a voice from outside interrupted us. “COME OUT! COME OUT WHEREVER YOU ARE!” I slapped my face so hard it actually stung.

“This can’t be happening” I murmured.

Moving quickly we went outside and saw a group of one pegasi, one unicorn and three earth ponies a few meters from the barrier. “Now will you look at that, it seems No Consequence couldn’t hoof such an easy job” The earth pony said. “Now do you see why they shouldn’t have let a Unicorn do the work of an earth pony?” he asked the unicorn beside him who just scoffed.

“Now boys prepare yourself we have to capture the Element of Magic and kill some mares, we aren’t leaving until they have exhaled their last breath”

I just couldn’t hold it any longer. “POR QUE NO SE VAN A CHINGAR A SU MADRE!?” I yelled with every ounce of energy in my body. I yelled those words in the hopes of relieving some stress which didn’t happen but it stopped the ponies where they were standing… this was going to be the longest night in my life and it had barely begun.