Close Encounters of Pony Kind

Chapters

Prologue - Leaving Equestria
Chapter One - Shooting Star
Chapter Two - A Shocking Discovery
Chapter Three - Waking Up

Prologue - Leaving Equestria

Somewhere in the galaxy far away is a beautiful, Earth-like planet known as Equis. This planet is inhabited by sentient and magical creatures thought to only exist in fairy tales by humans. They are Pegasi, Unicorns, Alicorns, Gryphons, Dragons, and Minotaurs, including Earth Ponies and Zebras. These creatures lived in peaceful harmony and tranquility, never at war or hostility.

However, that peace is shattered as Canterlot, the capital city of the largest nation named Equestria, is under attack by an evil force led by an ambitious Unicorn of Darkness...

"The Dark Army has breached the city perimeter! Don't let them reach the castle!!!" one of the Royal Guards yelled to the others, firing long arrows from their crossbows.

A loud explosion was heard as a black ball of magical energy smashed into a house, knocking off all the pegasi on it, rendering them unconscious or killed as they hit the ground. Luckily, all the Canterlot townsponies have been evacuated to cities far away. Another explosion impacted and killed the front line of unicorns.

"There are too many of them, Captain!" called out a panicked pegasus Guard, "We need to fall back!"

"NO!" snapped Shining Armor, "We need to hold them off to buy the Princesses more time to send the Elements off!"

As he said those words, he thought about his sister, Twilight Sparkle.

"Twily." he muttered worryingly, then snapped out of his thoughts as he fired a magic arrow at a black, wolf-like beast as it lunged at him, killing it instantly. He was already nearing the limit of his magic, as his horn is smoking from killing fifty of them. If Shining wasn't married to the Royal Sisters' niece, Princess Cadence, the Alicorn of Love, he would've only killed half the number and succumb to exhaustion.

"Captain! We can't--- AAAH!!!" one Guard screamed in anguish as one of the Dark beasts shredded him with its claws.

Buck! the captain swore in his thoughts, then called to a pegasus who impaled the same beast with her spear, "Lieutenant Simmerwind, keep them at bay as best you can! I will head back and check on the Princesses and their progress!"

The pegasus saluted before bucking another beast in the face with her back hooves. Then, Shining galloped off in the opposite direction, towards the castle.

Princess Celestia, I hope you know what you're doing. he thought, I don't know much about this 'human' world that Cadence told me about, but this is my sister and her friends you're sending away.

He killed more beasts as he continued.

In the throne room of the castle stood the alicorn Princess of the Day. She remained there for what seemed like hours, as if in a meditative state. Distant explosions were heard, and she fought the verge of tears as she felt the pain and cries of her subjects in the battlefield.

"Auntie Tia." said a calm voice behind her.

She turned her head to see Cadence coming up to her and nuzzling her. Celestia regained her composure as she returned the gesture.

"Don't worry, I will be fine." she said with a smile, though she is really not.

Then, the door on the other side opened, and they turned to see the familiar Princess of the Night. The door closed and locked quickly as she entered.

"Lulu." Celestia greeted as the blue alicorn approaches, "I hope it was successful?"

Luna nodded. "Yes, dear sister. We have put the Elements to sleep inside the magic pod. They will not wake until they safely land on Earth. The pod is now ready to launch at thy command."

At this, Celestia nodded back. "Good. Now, we wait."

But Cadence feels concerned. "I hope my sister-in-law and her friends will be all right. Humans are unpredictable at heart."

Celestia turned to her and smiled. "I can assure you they will, Cadenza. My faithful student is an alicorn, after all, as well as the Element of Magic. She and her friends can take care of themselves."

Cadence smiled, but still unsure. Celestia looked out through a stained-glass window. Though it is still daytime, the smoke from the burning city darkened the skies, giving it a scary impression of nighttime. She was abruptly snapped from her thoughts as a voice outside the door screamed,

"The last line of defense has been breached! The Dark Army is approaching the---"

Whoever spoke was cut short as the doors burst inwards with enough force to knock them off its hinges and smoke filled the room. After the smoke cleared, the alicorns saw a certain white unicorn with a shield-like Cutie Mark on its flank lying motionless on its side. Bruises and cuts were seen on its body.

"Shiny!" cried Cadence, recognizing the downed Captain.

She was about to run to help, but Celestia raised her wing in front of her. Cadence glared at her, but stopped as she noticed the Sun Princess staring past the unicorn. She looked in her direction, and gasped.

Slowly approaching the throne is none other than the feared black Unicorn of Darkness, King Sombra. His red eyes with black slits met with Celestia's magenta-colored gaze, and a small smirk appeared on his muzzle. He stopped his approach, near the injured Shining.

"Celestia." he said coolly, "It's been a long time."

"Sombra." the Sun Princess replied calmly with a hint of venom.

The king cackled, unfazed by her tone. "You remembered my name! I'm flattered!"

He stopped laughing and looked down at Shining.

"How weak." he growled, "If he wasn't so busy fighting my minions, we would have made a decent duel."

He looked up to Cadence, who gave him a death glare, which did not faze him.

"You are lucky I'm not in a killing mood, Princess of Love. Otherwise. your little Shining Armor would've breathed his last."

With that said, he fired up his curved, black horn and lifted up the captain in his magical aura, eliciting a groan from the latter. Then, Sombra tossed him to the side, slamming him into a wall. Cadence galloped to him, this time Celestia made no attempt to stop her. She tried to comfort the unconscious Captain, saying "Everything will be okay" softly in his ear. Ignoring them, Sombra turned to the other two alicorns and continued his slow approach, still smirking evilly as he looked around.

"I have to confess, Canterlot truly is a magnificent city, though not as grand as the Crystal Empire, but nonetheless." he said calmly, "A city fit for a king, is it not?"

"THOU WILL NEVER HAVE OUR CITY, CRETIN!" boomed Luna in the the Royal Voice, "THOU WILL TAKE THY ARMY AND LEAVE WITH THEE!"

Unflinchingly, Sombra stopped near the steps of the throne and looked at the Lunar Princess, then grinned.

"Ah, Princess Luna, the one known as Mare in the Moon. Finally by your sister's side after your thousand-year banishment as Nightmare Moon." he sneered as Luna flinched at the sound of that name. He sighed and shook his head. "If only I came back at the time of your release. We would have made great rulers of Equestria, with you bringing the Eternal Night."

"WE WILL NEVER JOIN THEE!"

This made Sombra chuckle. "Of course not. It's the Elements of Harmony we have to thank for that."

Luna flared out her wings and ignited her horn, ready to attack, but Celestia stopped her, which Luna reluctantly complied. Sombra only grinned slightly.

"Why are you here, Sombra?" hissed the white alicorn, thought she already knows the answer, "Why did you attack us?"

Sombra's grin turned into a devious smile. "The answer is simple: To overthrow you and rule over Equestria." He puffed out his chest and raised his chin slightly in a proud manner. "I grew tired of trying to make the Crystal Empire mine. All it did was keep sending me back to Tartarus. Realizing this, I've decided to change my ways: To go from ruling an empire to ruling an entire nation!"

He turned and walked a few steps away, then reared up and raised his forelegs in the air. "Imagine! All of Equestria under my rule, bidding to do as I please. Not only will I have Canterlot and her cities..." He paused as he looked at Cadence and Shining, and grinned. "...but also the Crystal Empire."

After finishing his speech with a cackle, Celestia spoke in her usual calm manner, "You know that you stand little chance against us alicorns, especially alone as a unicorn, yet you believe to defeat us?"

Sombra went back on all fours, then turned to her with a smirk. "That is true. I, alone, cannot match you magic-wise." His smirk turned into a smug smile. "Which is why I was hit with a revelation!" He approached them again as the two gave him a curious glare.

He continued, "After learning you and Luna are no longer attached to the hallowed Elements of Harmony, but they are now attached to six of your subjects, I knew I have the upperhoof."

He stopped again at the steps, still grinning. "With the Elements, my magic will be powerful enough to defeat you, and bring this pathetic nation under my rule."

This time, Celestia used the Royal Voice, which she rarely use, "YOU WILL NEVER USE THEM! THE ELEMENTS HOLDS THE POWER OF LIGHT AND PEACE! DIRECT USE WILL ONLY DESTROY YOU!"

Still unfazed, Sombra cackled, "Who says I will use them directly?"

Celestia did a double-take. He merely smiled. "You forget that my powers can instill fear and manipulate my victim's heart, allowing me full access to the pony's mind. With said power, I will control the Element Bearers and use them against you." He stopped smiling and stared at her.

"Which brings me to my final question." he snarled as he stomped with one hoof, causing the ground to quake, "WHERE ARE THE ELEMENTS?! MY PATIENCE WEARS THIN WITH YOUR STALLING!!" he roared.

After a moment, Celestia closed her eyes and a tiny smile appeared on her muzzle, receiving a confused look from the Dark King.

"You are already too late." she replied softly.

Before anypony could react, she fired up her horn. A low rumbling was heard as the magic pod slowly ascended into view from outside through the glass window. Sombra noticed this and went to get a closer look. To his horror, he saw the sleeping Element Bearers and Twilight's assistant, Spike, inside, with their Elements on them.

Before attempting to stop it with his own magic, the pod immediately flew skywards at breakneck speed, before vanishing with a faint flash.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!" Sombra bellowed as he turned to the Sun Princess.

Celestia smiled. "I have sent them away... far, far away and out of your reach."

"WHERE?!" he roared venomously.

No response, and Sombra huffed in anger. "No matter. I still have my army! When they get here, you will die, and I will rein supreme over Equestria!"

Then, Cadence and Shining, the latter who finally regained consciousness and his wounds fully healed, appeared at the Sun and Moon Princesses' side.

"Bring it on, Sombra!" countered the unicorn as his horn glowed, "We won't give up that easily!"

As if on cue, snarls and growls were heard as the Dark Beasts breached the castle walls. Sombra's evil laughter echoed as he vanished in a black and purple mist.

In slow motion, Celestia closed her eyes as Luna, Cadence, and Shining clashed with the oncoming Dark Beasts, the castle as their final stand.

Twilight Sparkle. she thought to herself, May you and your friends be in good hooves until we see each other again... soon.

With that thought aside, she joined in the fray.

Meanwhile, in the deep vastness of space, the magic pod continued its breakneck pace, leaving a streak of light as its tail.

Inside sleeps the Mane Six and Spike, completely oblivious as their ride made its way toward their destination:

Earth.

Fimfiction.net proudly presents...

A "My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Fan Fiction" novel

Close Encounter Of Pony Kind

Valiant Hearts

Starring

Justin as Narrator (Other)

Princess Twilight Sparkle

Applejack

Pinkie Pie

Rarity

Rainbow Dash

Fluttershy

and Spike

Guest Starring

Princess Luna

Chapter One - Shooting Star

I'm not good at introductions, so I will tell you a little about myself quickly:

My name is Justin and I'm 22 years old. I have black hair, brown eyes, and white skin. I wear glasses and hearing aids, the latter because I'm hearing impaired. I'm not muscular like you see the jocks in MuscleFlex Magazines, but I am a little well-toned. I was raised in Houston, Texas, of the USA. I'm also a student of Houston Community College, and it's my second year there. I major in mathematics and computer programming. These are my favorite subjects because of my obsession of my favorite things to do at home: video games. I grew up playing games most of my life because I was impressed by the numbers and graphics in them.

Then one day, my friends and mother asked me, "Why not turn your obsession into a career?" I gave that question a long thought. Then, a few years later, I was enrolled as a video game designer and programmer. I was happy with my choice, and if only my mother was still here. She would be so proud of what I've accomplished...

But enough about me. This story is mainly about my encounter with another race from another universe.

Anyway, it was six in the evening as I was driving in my blue Ford Mustang GT to my mansion, which was fifteen miles from HCC. The mansion is located in the grasslands near a forest just on the outskirts of the city. Though I was raised in the city, I'm more of a peace-and-quiet type of guy, not wanting to deal with the hustle-and-bustle. The only time I enter the city is when I go to college or do some shopping.

...There I go again, talking about me. Sorry about that. (Clears throat)

I finally made it home. The mansion is big, about the size of a football field, with countless acres of grass and forest stretched far and wide. The latter is behind my home. I finally parked inside the garage and went inside through the front door.

The room I entered is a large square hallway with a set of stairs in the center leading to the second floor. There are four doorways, two on each side of the hall and another on the right.

The room on the left is the dining room, and the door next to said room leads to the kitchen. The opposite room is the library/living room. The door next leads to the basement.

The second floor has six doors. One door leads to my bedroom, located to the left. The next door is the guest room, in case my friends decide to stay over for a few days. The third is the bathroom/sauna. The fourth is my Game Room, where I have the WiiU, Playstation 4 and Vita, Nintendo 3DS, some classic arcade systems such as Pac-Man, etc., and a huge HDTV that covers one whole wall like a theater. I have a couple desktops in case some likes to play some free online games or chat on Facebook.

...Yes, I'm a HUGE game freak, so just keep reading.

The fifth room leads to my personal office. No-one is allowed in there but me unless they have my permission. Finally, the last room leads to the attic.

If you're wondering how I was able to afford such a high-quality mansion, let's just say it was my lucky day when I had a matching Mega-Millions Lottery number and won $300 million. It cost me nearly ten million to buy this palace of a home, plus another hundred thousand to upgrade it to fit my taste. Afterwards, I sent 1 million to Charity for Children, then 288,850,000 to my bank, leaving me with 50 grand in my possession.

I may not look it, but I'm very generous at heart. I love children, and I want nothing more than to see them with bright smiles and better futures in this godforsaken world.

"Whew, what a day." I said aloud with a heavy sigh as I hung my suit jacket and tie on a nearby rack, then placed the car keys on the table next to it.

I just came back from a long meeting about a game-in-progress, and I'm tired -- my stomach growled -- and hungry.

Time for an early supper. I thought with a grin, then headed for the kitchen.

I turned on the kitchen TV to hear the Channel 13 News as I prepared a sandwich. I adjusted my glasses and increased the volume of my hearing aids as I listened to the weather forecast:

"The evening will be without a cloud in the sky, and it will be low in the 70's, so we expect to have nice, cool weather."

I smiled. I never liked the rain at night, for it leaves a depressing feeling. Plus, when I fee like it, I would go out and do a little stargazing from my patio behind my mansion. It soothes me and helps me forget any troubles I had during the day. If there's any nights that are clear and the stars are shining, I wouldn't miss it for anything, and tonight is just perfect for that event.

At nine in the evening, I went through the back door of the kitchen that led to the patio. With a bottle of Coca-Cola in hand, I let out a contented sigh as I sat on a chair facing the house and stared at the night sky. Tomorrow is Saturday, and I don't go to HCC on weekends, so I don't mind staying up a little late.

I began to make formations in my mind by connecting the stars as dots. I let out a small smile as they twinkled faintly, but my smile left as one particular star twinkled continuously. I adjusted my glasses and squinted my eyes for a better look.

Hmm. That star is getting more brighter by the second, almost as if-- My thought trailed off, and my eyes became pinpricks as the realization suddenly hit me.

"HOLY SHIT!" I yelled and fell backwards with the chair over me as said star grew bigger and flew over me, missing my mansion by mere inches, leaving a streak of light.

I flipped to my hands and knees, watching with shock and awe as the star-turned-comet vanished over the forest. A distant explosion indicated it crashed somewhere within the forest from here. Finally, silence filled the air once more.

Still shocked, I got up slowly, and stared off into the woods.

The comet... crashed... right close to my home..... was the one thought that came to my mind.

Snapping out of my stupor, I turned and was about to call for emergency, but stopped before reaching the doorknob, and looked back towards the impact's direction again. While one part of me tells me to play is safe and call the authorities, the other wants me to go check it out. I thought about it, and soon, curiosity won. Besides, I have never seen a comet in my life, let alone been up close to one.

I shook my head and chuckled. Damn you, Justin, for being the curious type. It's going to get you killed someday.

After finishing my soda and throwing the empty bottle in the trash, I grabbed a light jacket, locked the door, and took off towards the crash site.

Chapter Two - A Shocking Discovery

It was difficult trekking through the forest. I received cuts and scratches from brambles and bushes, but I pressed onwards, a million thoughts going on in my head.

After ten-fifteen minutes have passed, I reached the crash site. The area looked like a large clearing, but what really caught my attention is a huge crater a few yards north from where I stood.

Holy crap! It must be a really huge comet to cause a crater this big!

Then, there was a faint glow coming from inside. Taking caution, I slowly approached the crater, tension causing my heart to race. The glow became brighter as I inched closer. I finally reached the edge, and I peeked inside. I was awestruck when what I see is not a meteorite, but a giant, glowing orb.

When the glow completely faded, my jaw dropped. The orb now looks like some sort of escape pod that I saw in Star Wars: A New Hope, but the top half is made of glass.

I hope the pilot is alright. I need to get closer.

Though I do not know what awaits inside, and it could be a trap made by aliens so it can do some experiments like I've seen in movies. I dismissed the thought instantly, believing it's my imagination overreacting.

If that was the case, then they wouldn't kill one of their own just to do so. Besides, that was a really really hard crash, hence the size of this crater.

Careful not to slip, I slowly descended towards the pod-like craft. I finally hit flat ground, with the pod within arm's reach. I peered inside, hoping to see the pilot, but the glass is like a mirror, so you can only see out, not in. I searched around the solid bottom half, looking for an emergency open switch, only to find none. Frustrated, I placed my hands on the glass helplessly, only to yelp and jump back with surprise when the glass glowed from the touch before it vanished, leaving only the bottom half. Slowly, I approached it and peered inside, only to gasp with shock.

Instead of seeing little green men or robots, I only saw seven beings, all lying on their sides, probably knocked cold from the crash. But when I looked closer, they almost looked like...

Ponies?!

But they weren't just ponies. Their coats, mane, and tails were of many different colors. The mane and tail looked almost human. There were also strange-looking tattoos on their flanks. They looked so surreal. Soon, something else grabbed my attention when I looked at the purple pony. There was something sticking out through its dark violet mane. Upon closer inspection, I immediately did a double-take: the appendage looked like a horn.

A unicorn? Okay, now I'm seeing things.

It got more weirder when I noticed another set of appendages on its back.

A winged-unicorn. Now I'm going crazy.

When I looked at the other five, I saw that one of them is a unicorn and two are pegasi, but the rest doesn't have wings or horns. When I looked at the seventh being, I noticed it was not a pony. Instead of fur, it had a scale-like body with claws and a pointed tail. Its head resembled that of an alligator. I stepped back a little now, utterly speechless.

Unicorns, pegasi, and a dragon?! I think I worked too hard today. I sighed and rubbed my hurting head as I tried to process this sudden discovery.

Normally I wouldn't do this, but something tells me to check to see if they're all right. Hesitating a little, I leaned in and slowly reached out with one hand, placing two fingers on the purple unicorn/pegasus's neck. I let out a relieving sigh when I felt a pulse. I did the same on the rest, albeit was difficult to find one on the little dragon because of its scaly body. They are still alive. There were no cuts or bruises on their bodies, so I assumed they were in stasis on the way here. Standing straight once more, I scratched my head as I looked at the passengers.

Unicorns, pegasi, and dragons are only creatures of myths and legends, yet I'm seeing them right before my eyes.

Continuing my examinations, I noticed all but the dragon were wearing accessories. While five wore necklaces, the lavender pony wore a tiara. Each were adorned with a gem that matched the color and shape of each pony's tattoo. They glittered softly from the starlight above.

Suddenly, the dragon shifted in its sleep, and I noticed what looks like a scroll gripped in one of its claws.

It must be some sort of message.

Though I did not wish to do anything to stir the passengers, the scroll seemed important, hence the way it was gripped tightly. Again, curiosity got the better of me. Slowly, I reached for it and carefully unfolded it's claw-like fingers.

It shifted again again, and I froze with fear. After a second, it stopped moving as a mumble left its muzzle, and I continued until I successfully held the scroll without waking it up. Further inspections as I held it up shows it gave the impression that the scroll came from the Middle Ages, hence the way it was rolled with a red ribbon and gold medal with a C insignia wrapped around it. Undoing the ribbon and let it fall to the ground, I unrolled it and, sure enough it was a letter, began to read silently:

If you are reading this letter, then I am relieved to know that my little ponies have reached Earth safely.

  Our planet, Equis, is now in danger, and our nation, Equestria, is under attack.  We are currently in a life-and-death struggle as we fight off our enemies, though I pray the latter will not come to pass.

  I sent these six ponies, and dragon, here because the enemy wishes to use their powers to overthrow us and take over Equestria.  I could not allow it.  They are very dear to me, more important than the rest of my subjects.

  They will explain more to why they are here when they wake.  Treat them kindly, and they will treat you in return.

  Please, keep them safe... until the time comes when they can return home once more.

  Sincerely,

Princess Celestia

  P.S. Tell them not to worry for us.

The letter ends there, but I remained glued to it. Normally, I would think this is some sort of prank set up by my colleagues to get a rise out of me, but I waved that thought away because they wouldn't do something like this, let alone send a pod filled with mythical creatures and cause a crater this big.

Come to think of it, we don't have any kind of technology such as 'creating living, mythical creatures'.

As I reread the letter multiple times, I then looked at the sleeping passengers.

And no-one else has ever heard of a planet called "Equis", or a nation called "Equestria". If anything, these beings might've come from-- My thought trailed off, and I facepalmed.

Although I'm somewhat skeptical, the answer is right before me: they came from another universe. That unnerved me.

I moved my hand from my face through my hair, unsure what to believe now.

What should I do now?

I was snapped out of my stupor when I heard sirens in the distance, which seems to pick up. I started to panic as a million thoughts raced through my mind.

I've seen many movies where humans begun experiments on extraterrestrials, and it wasn't pretty. Although they weren't real, it's the thought of it happening that plagues my mind like a disease, and imagining these creatures getting dissected filled me with dread.

They are not out of danger! If this "Celestia" character wants them safe, then I must get them out of here!

Determined, I tried to grab the pod by the sides and lift, but the added weight from the passengers made that highly impossible. I tried to shake them awake, but they only mumbled wordlessly in their asleep. No success.

My heart raced with fear. My house is five miles away, and the sirens were getting louder and closer. If I tried to carry one of them, it would be too late for me to save the rest, and the government will have a field day.

"DAMN IT!!!" I swore out loud, helpless once again.

Suddenly, the gem on the winged-unicorn's tiara started to glow softly, and I watched with wide eyes and curiosity. Then, it suddenly brighten, causing me to cover my eyes. I yelled out in surprise as I felt the light engulf me, the pod, and the creatures.

Silence filled the air as the crater is now empty.

After the sudden light show, I felt like I was floating in space. I tried to see, but the light blinded me, and I shut them. It wasn't long before the sensation left, and I hit solid ground hard on my back, prompting a pained grunt from my lips. I was seeing spots and my ears were ringing from the sudden change of weightlessness. I sat up, rubbing my eyes and eyes to clear them. When they did, I looked around, and noticed the familiar room.

I'm back inside my house, inside the main hall. I thought with shock.

When I looked straight, I noticed I was not alone. The pod with its passengers was only a few inches from me.

I got up, albeit getting dizzy in the process, and walked to check on them. The gem on the tiara glowed faintly before completely fading away, leaving me stunned.

Magic. Though it's hard to believe, it's the only explanation to how we got here.

I realized I was still holding the scroll during the teleportation, and I put two and two together.

Is this the reason why Celestia sent them here, to keep their enemies from using this incredible power?

The thought crossed my mind, more pressing than the millions of questions going on inside. I was snapped from my thoughts when I noticed movement from the lavender pony.

I remained paralyzed as it slowly raised its head, its eyes half-closed and glazed. After looking from the right, it saw me when it looked left. Its body was positioned towards the front door to my left. I remained still as I stared back, but realized it couldn't clearly see me, hence its brows furrowed and the constant blinking.

It must be still under the effects of stasis.

Working up the courage, I slowly walked up to it and inhaled.

"Do not worry." I cooed softly, "You are safe here. Just rest. I will watch over you."

As if understanding, its face relaxed and a wide and quiet yawn escaped its muzzle, before resting its head once again and back in sleep's embrace. I couldn't help but chuckle at the cuteness coming from the sleeping ponies and dragon. But it was short-lived, and my expression turned somber again.

Placing the scroll on the desk and sat in a nearby chair, I sighed heavily as I eyed them, thinking about the huge responsibilities that awaits, as well as keeping their presence from going public. I leaned back and looked up towards the ceiling, staring at nothing in particular.

I may have to stay here this coming week if I have to. I can't leave them alone until I know I can trust them. They may seem like sentient beings, but still... I paused. I wonder how I am going to explain to my friends at HCC why I can't go?.

I averted my gaze to a clock on the wall above the front door as I checked the time. It was three in the morning, and I sighed again.

I guess I won't know right now. I'm glad this happened on the weekend, so I have plenty of time to get some answers...

My thought trailed off as I felt sleep take over. My eyelids fluttered before closing, and I was soon off into the world of dreams.

Chapter Three - Waking Up

(General P.O.V.)

"Twilight, we need to get you and your friends to someplace safe." spoke the voice of Celestia.

In the distance, more explosions were heard and smoke filled the air.

"When will I see you again?" cried the purple alicorn.

"Soon... very soon..." the voice slowly faded as darkness and silence flowed into the room.

"Do not worry. You are safe here. Just rest. I will watch over you." spoke a soothing male voice.

Twilight slowly awoke from her sleep. She still feel groggy, but no longer sleepy. Whatever sleeping spell Princess Luna put on her sure was potent. Slowly opening her eyes to adjust to adjust to the sunlight emanating through the window, she looked around. There was silence saved a little chirping from outside.

"Where am I?" the alicorn muttered, "This doesn't look like any places I've been to in Equestria."

She suddenly felt movement underneath her, as well as light snoring. Looking down she noticed her dragon assistant, Spike, snuggling up to a sleeping Pinkie Pie. She also noticed her other friends with her as well.

Why are they here, and why do I feel so cramped up?

Twilight slowly begin to get on all four hooves, despite her aching muscles' protest. However, as she noticed the round interior of the pod, she gasped. She also remembered the voice of her mentor and the unfamiliar male voice she heard in her sleep.

Was it all a dream?

Twilight yelped and held a front hoof to her head as pain shot through her sharply. As memories pour into her, she finally remembered Princess Celestia saying that Sombra planned to take over Equestria by using her and her friends' Elements. Celestia plans to send the Elements to a world of humans called "Earth". That was all she remembered before they were put to sleep by Luna.

After her head cleared, Twilight looked around again. She realized they are in somepony's house.

Is this... 'Earth'?

She couldn't help but feel a little tense. After learning from Cadence about humans, which she called as "hairless, bipedal creatures that always wear clothing", known to be unpredictable, who wouldn't be nervous?

I hope I can find something that can confirm my question.

With that thought in mind, she slowly exited the pod without waking the others and looked around. Thought still nervous, she would love to learn some things about humans. After all, her special talent is studying, reading, and learning new magic spells. She soon saw a picture hanging on a wall at the left of the room, and went to examine it.

What she saw was a human male wearing what looked like a graduation robe, with a serene smile and holding a diploma scroll in his left hoo-- hand, as Lyra Heartstrings called human "paws" with five little appendages known as "fingers".

Would Lyra have a field day if she came with us. she mused with a chuckle at the thought of the pony-anthropologist's reactions.

What relaxed the alicorn a little is the human's smile. It was as serene as Celestia's. Then, she became saddened as she thought about her mentor.

I hope you and Luna will be all right, as well as all of Equestria.

Her thoughts were interrupted when a loud yawn came from the pod.

"Ugh... Twi?" spoke a familiar voice with a southern accent.

"Applejack." replied the alicorn, who went to the groggy, stetson-wearing farmpony.

"Where the hay am I, an' why do Ah feel a might sore?" complained the Earth pony as she stretched her body.

"We're on Earth, and from the looks of this place, we are inside a human's home. As for your soreness, you've been sleeping in a tight pod with everypony else, the pod that brought us here."

Adjusting her stetson and clearing her eyes of the sleep, Applejack gave her a frown. "Did y'all jus' say 'human'?"

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie shot up like she never really was asleep, waking up Spike at the same time.

"Humans?!" she cried in her usually cheerful manner, "We're on Earth?!"

"What the hay, Pinkie?" whined the purple dragon, "I was having a nice dream about a huge and delicious gem. I was just about to eat it, too."

Twilight ignored him and addressed to Pinkie. "Yes, Pinkie. This is Earth, and we appear to be inside a house."

Pinkie let out a loud gasp, then started bouncing up and down rapidly with her usual face-splitting smile. "Then, we should throw a 'Welcome to Earth' party for us! It would be the most exciting, superrific, stupendous party ever!"

Twilight sighed and shook her head. Typical Pinkie Pie. Always likes to party in the most difficult situations.

"Honestly, can't a lady get her proper beauty sleep?" whined another voice with a light British accent.

All turned to look at Rarity who was frowning, mostly at the pink ball of energy. Twilight stifled a giggle when she saw the fashionista's unkempt mane.

"And what's this I hear about Earth and humans?"

Twilight nodded. "I will explain everything once everypony is awake. For now, let's wake up Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy."

At this, Rarity moved to shake the cyan pegasus with the rainbow-colored mane, who instantly shot up in the air with fire in her eyes.

"Where is Sombra?!" she barked, posing in her battle stance, "I should teach him a thing or two for messing with Equestria!"

She stopped when she noticed the others staring at her. When Dash began scanning the room, she couldn't recognize anything.

"Something tells me we're not in Equestria, right?" she asked sheepishly.

Everypony nodded, and her determination vanished as she landed next to Applejack, who chuckled.

"Always the loyal-type, eh, pardner?"

Dash huffed. "Well, I am the Element of Loyalty, AJ. I wouldn't let anypony try to hurt my friends."

When Fluttershy was the last to wake, she became frightened when she noticed the surroundings, but became calm as Rarity soothed her.

"Everything will be all right, darling. We're all her to keep each other safe."

Fluttershy nodded, and the two slowly stepped out of the pod until everypony were in a circle. Twilight begin to fill them in on where they are and how they got here. When she mentioned about humans and their unpredictable nature, however, everypony felt really nervous. Fluttershy, on the other hoof, instantly flew back into the pod and hid behind her front legs. Dash went back to soothe her.

"Well, what can we do, Twi?" asked AJ nervously, "We can't jus' stay an' do nuthin'. Ah rather go back to Sweet Apple Acres where mah fam'ly's at. They're prob'bly a might worried sick about me."

Twilight sighed. "I know, and I'm worried about them, too, but Celestia told us that we must stay until they defeat Sombra. Hopefully they will." Then, her expression turned to one with determination. "But right now, we must tread carefully while we're here. We do not know how humans will react when they see us."

Everypony nodded in agreement, but Rarity interjected, "I will not go anywhere while my mane is like this, and my coat is dirty. I must take a shower first."

AJ scowled at her. "How can y'all think about takin' a bath at a time like this?"

The ivory unicorn returned with a glare. "Unlike you, darling, I don't work on a farm, buck apples, and--" She made a face by sticking out her tongue in disgust. "--sweat. Sweat is sooo disgusting. A lady must look clean and beautiful in public."

"I still think you're beautiful." Spike cooed dreamily to his "not-so-secret" crush.

Applejack, however, felt insulted. "Unlike you, Rare, Ah like the feel of dirty. It proves jus' how hardworkin' us Earth ponies are, an' y'all don' know a thang er two about hard work."

This made the ivory unicorn angry, and it soon escalated into a heated argument.

"Stop it, you two!" Twilight piped in, "This is no time for fighting!"

"Ooo! Fighting! Sounds like fun!" cheered Pinkie.

Now all four started exchanging heated words while Dash, Spike, and Fluttershy watched, the first two snickering at the scene...

"That's enough!" boomed a voice.

Everypony froze in silence and fear at the tone. It was male, calm yet loud enough to hear over the exchange. Everypony turned to the direction of the voice, and stared in shock. They saw what looked like a creature sitting in a chair, watching them through his eyeglasses. He was resting his head in one hand, the elbow on the chair's armrest like a bored position.

Twilight instantly recognized this is a human, hence the strange clothes he wore. From the way this human is looking at them, Twilight could tell he was tired, and wasn't happy to be disturbed.

(Justin's P.O.V.)

I was having a dreamless sleep, and it wasn't long until I was hearing multiple voices.

Huh? Why do I hear talking? I don't recall having anyone over.

I opened one eye a little to find the source, only to discover the ponies and dragon up and about, which snapped me out of sleep. I was stunned when I heard the lavender pony talking, but I remembered reading in mythology that there are some unicorns and pegasi that can speak our tongue just perfectly. I relaxed a little as I listened, though a little surprise that the dragon and the normal-looking ponies can speak as well. I learned that all but the dragon sounded female. They were completely oblivious to my presence, but when the stetson-wearing pony and the ivory unicorn started arguing, as well as the purple and pink pony joining in, I knew I had to intervene before it gets worse.

Now, all was dead silent as seven pairs of colorful eyes looked at me as I stared back. It was cute-looking, I'll admit.

I sighed. "As much as I find it amusing to see you at it, there will be no arguing in my house."

They did not respond, only continued staring. When I turned to the yellow pegasus, she hid behind the cyan one, only her eyes and mane visible. The tension between us began to rise during the silence, and it's starting to make me feel uncomfortable. Since no-one wants to speak, probably out of fear, I decided to break the silence again.

"Sooo--" I began, but trailed off when I was instantly tackled by the cyan, pink, and orange pony out of the chair onto the ground.

I was surprised by the sudden attack. I tried to struggle, but was soon pinned down on my back. My legs were held by the two normal ponies while the pegasus sat on my torso, facing me while giving me a glare. My arms were held out sideways by an unknown force. When I looked, they were enveloped in a transparent purple field. I was completely immobilized, saved for my head. When I saw the lavender pony approaching, her horn is glowing the same purple aura, which explains the field restraining my arms. When she stood over me, I glared at her.

"What's the big idea?!" I demanded hotly, "Why did you suddenly attacked me?!"

She glared back. "I'm sorry, but this only necessary based on our reasons."

I raised an eyebrow. "What reason?"

"Humans are unpredictable. You could be dangerous from what I know."

I was stunned at this. I tried to argue, but I realized she's right: We are unpredictable at heart without even knowing about it. I sighed and looked at the cyan pegasus, then back.

"You are right about us being unpredictable, but I assure you I'm not as dangerous as you might think."

The purple pony raised an eyebrow. "Why should I believe you?"

I gave them all a hard look. "Because I'm the one who saved all of you, okay?!"