Pony Persona Project: Wait, what?

I wake with a start. A nightmare I can't recall, squeezing my heart with an icy claw. The sun's already up and I can hear shuffling downstairs. Sweetie and Apple Bloom must have stayed the night. I guess they're having breakfast still.

This is weird. I don't feel cold or clammy like I usually do after a nightmare. I don't smell any body odor either. In fact, I smell completely different. Hold on, why am I wearing pajamas? I don't remember changing and I'm a pretty light sleeper. At least my clothes are nearby. They’re folded as well. I guess my comfort zone has decided to take a vacation.

Focus, Leroy. I need to head over to the library today. Twilight seems like one of those punctual types so I shouldn't take too long before I head over.

Cheerilee and the Crusaders greet me when I enter the kitchen. I'm not exactly paying attention to their conversation. I ask but they're also confused about the pajamas. They say they've never seen them before. Cheerilee tries to tempt me with hay pancakes but I pretend I don't hear her and swipe an apple from the fruit bowl. It's probably the best apple I've ever eaten. Apple Bloom smiles and gives a spiel about how the apple came from her family's farm. They apparently grow the best apples in Equestria. I wonder how much competition they actually have.

“Where’s the bathroom? I didn’t think to ask before and I’d like to wash up for the day.” Why are they giggling? Is this a girl thing or a pony thing? They’re both confusing.

“There’s one right across the hall from your room.” Oh. Well, I feel silly. I wish them all a good day and take my leave before I embarrass myself further. Why are they still giggling?

[Golden Oaks Library]

Twilight and Spike are busy with the mirror when I arrive. They didn’t even notice me come in and barely say hi when they finally realize I’m here. I watch Twilight run back and forth taking some kind of measurements while Spike writes it all down. I just stand off to the side, pulling at my collar. These clothes should not feel this fresh.

The mirror’s pretty disappointing to look at. Yeah, it’s pretty big but there’s no flare or decorations except for some rotating badge thing at the top of the frame. I just kind of stare at my reflection.

Holy crap, it’s got yellow eyes. Same with Spike and Twilight.

“What’s up with the eyes?”

“I don’t know! I’ve tried every identification spell I can find but I keep turning up nothing. None of the enchantments on this thing should cause this. I don’t even know what materials it’s made from because this most certainly isn’t glass. It’s so frustrating!.” She goes to scour the shelves.

“Does she usually get like this?” I ask the only other guy. He sends me a deadpan stare.

“This is actually pretty calm for her. She used to be worse until the ‘Pinkie Sense’ thing.” What? “You’re better off not knowing.” That’s not ominous at all. “Seriously, don’t question it if you value your sanity.”

"I wasn't that bad." Not sounding very sure of yourself there, Sparkle.

"Yes, you were. You still get pretty bad."

"She does?"

"Not including Smartypants? As soon as she heard about you, she started jumping around yelling 'Yes!' over and over again."

"That doesn't sound too bad." Personally, I find the thought adorkable. Don’t judge me.

"She panicked and tried putting the entire town in a giant quarantine bubble once she found out you were in the hospital. Med-suits, big black X’s on doors, the works. She was even shaving squirrels by the time the princess showed up." Oh my god. The image that inspires.

"Details, Dragon Dude." You can't just leave me hanging like that.

"Don't even think about it, Spike. We promised never to talk about that." Jeez, that glare could be a lethal weapon. Now I want to know even more. “Now if story-time is over, I would like to remind you we have a potential Doomsday weapon in our house with no idea how it works.” She shouted the last part out. She’s scared but she’s trying to hide it. At least I assume she is. I don’t exactly have any experience reading alien lifeforms. Time to put my Child Psychology degree to work. (Did the entire course while working as a camp counselor.)

(Oh my, that must have been dreadful with all those children to watch over. How did you ever get any work done, Darling?)

(The tests were a cakewalk, I only needed three of the six essays for the course, and the practical experience scored me a fair bit of extra credit.)

(You used Child Psychology on me?)

(Only a little.)

“Listen to me, Twilight.” I grab her shoulders. She stares at me in confusion. “Don’t get worked up over this. If anyone can figure this out, then it’ll be you.”

“You barely know me. How can you sound so sure?” The girl has a point. I have no right to say any of that.

“I’m just following Spike’s example. The two of you are obviously close. So if he believes in you, then why shouldn’t I?” I'm lying to make her feel better but said dragon accepts it at face value.

“He’s right, Twilight. I know you can do this. And if you need any help, I’ll be here for you.”

“Ditto. Even if I am new to this world.” It's not like I have anything better to do.

“You two.” A light sigh, a shake of the head, and ending with a smile. “Thank you.” She’s determined now.

"So, where do you need me?"

"Well, Spike and I were just finishing up the baseline tests when you arrived. Speaking of which, how's it looking?"

"Everything matches up." Why is he saluting?

"Great! Now for the second step. All we need to do is establish a timeline and we’ll be done for today." That’s a pretty light workload. “We do have a party to go to, after all.” Oh, right. Forgot about that. Wait a minute.

"Timeline?"

"It's where we track the history of object by analyzing the history of the region." I think I get it. Maybe.

"That would let you know the resources and manpower they had back then as well as narrow down the materials that could've been used in the mirror's production." Her smile says I’m right.

"Exactly! I already have a theory on what could've been used, too. As I said, that is not glass we're reflected in." The three of us sit around Twilight's notes. "Translating the King's notes will take some time though, so we won't be getting very far." Spike groan as she says this.

"How bad is it?" If I didn’t ask, they probably wouldn’t say anything.

“Old Unicorn Script is rather roundabout in their descriptions. It was tactic mainly used to protect important documents from the other tribes. At least it isn’t as annoying as Ancient Pegasi.”

“Roundabout?”

“Okay, that’s not the best description.” She hums to herself. “I suppose the simplest way to describe them would be with the term: Sesquipedalian Loquaciousness. Instead of mountain, they would say solidified, geological protrusion of extreme mass and intense vertical stature.” I’m not entirely sure, but I don’t think that was used correctly. Either way, holy crap, these guys were windbags.

“Seems like they just wanted to sound smarter. Though, a cipher would be a valid way to protect important documents.”

“Except they used it for everything!” Spike buts in. “It shouldn’t take six pages to say that you told somepony ‘Good Morning’. Sorry, ‘engaged the prerequisite exchanging of vocalities of post-dawn commute’. I don’t even think that’s a real word!” He cocks an eyebrow in confusion. “Is vocalities a real word?” Surprisingly enough, yes it is.

“That’s not really the point, Spike.” Twilight huffs. “Then again, there are plenty of ‘scholars’ from back then who didn’t use words correctly or just made some up. They should have at least put some effort in literary accuracy.” Someone’s mad. “It’s what makes translation such a difficult field. It’s almost as bad as determining scale and direction from Pegasi writings. How does ‘three clouds from the left’ mean ‘seventy miles southeast’?”

“I’m wondering how we managed to switch topics to the nuances of written words.” Seriously, I’m confused here. I wouldn't even be surprised if I started it. “I wouldn’t mind talking about it later though. We were kinda in the middle of something, after all.” The Seinfeldian talks can come later.

“Oh, um…” Twilight’s embarrassed for some reason. “I was still working while we talked.”

“How far did you get?”

“Far enough to confirm my theory. The mirror’s made from mythril and a unique type of crystal found only in the area where the fabled Crystal Empire once stood.” Okay, hold up.

“How the hell is something that plain-looking made out of mythril?” It’s a complete outrage! A crime aimed at all proud blacksmith! It's supposed to look enchanting, a symbol of skill for the smith and glory for the owner. I stand and march towards the mirror. “The only thing remotely special about this is the stupid emblem!”

“Wait, Don’t touch that!” I ignore her and yank the damn thing. The reflection disappears with a ripple and I’m launched back by a concussive force.

“Woah!” Spike’s more impressed than worried.

“Shit!” And I just broke a table with my back. This is what I get for acting on my D&D instincts. I blame Fred and her munchkin techniques for that addiction.

“I warned you not to touch it. It’s part of the defense matrix. There’s no telling what it could do to retaliate.” I tune her out, my attention stuck on a silvery tendril snaking out from the mirror. And I see where it’s going.

“Spike, Move!” I’m up and running before the words leave my mouth. He freezes when he notices it. I tackle him out of the way just as it strikes, wrapping around my leg and hoisting me in the air. The door to the library opens as I’m slammed into the ground. Seven shocked faces watch as I’m dragged through the mirror.

[???]

With all the colors, I kind of feel like a Stargate character going through the gate for the first time. It certainly feels floaty enough. Okay, it’s done.

I’m in some kind of hotel lobby. Just without the walls or ceilings or anything else hotel-like. It's got elevators though. And a sky that reminds me of the last Xemnas fight in Kingdom Hearts 2. That should count for something, right? Except none of the elevators work and the only one with open doors just leads to an empty shaft.

Well, I am officially stuck. There's no path forward and the way back(a duplicate mirror) is being a bit violent right now. There's also a giant wo- "Holy Shit!"

Really big wolf thing. With three heads. On fire. It even has an arcana mask on it’s chest. How did I not see that before?! Oh fuck, it's staring at me. And it's growling. Oh God, I’m hyperventilating.

"French me in the Alps." Its paw jerks up and smacks me across the lobby. I barely keep myself from falling into the shaft. I don’t even have time to react before it tackles me inside and we both plummet. The wolf shows no reaction to our mutual predicament. All it cares about is trying to bite me. I’m dodging it pretty easily. How the hell am I doing this anyway?

We're not falling anymore but sliding across a linoleum floor. I go straight through an open door while mister wolf slams into a wall.

"Ha! Serves ya right, Jackass!" I'm not being petty, it’s just the adrenaline high talking. It howls through the doorway. "I meant it in a good way! Oh shit." It bashes a hole in the wall and breathes fire through it. "How the fuck is that fair?" I'm being hunted by a three-headed hellhound and I'm stuck in a dead end room reminding me way too much about that time I blew up half the science lab my freshman year.

Do not worry.

"What?" The wolf tears at the wall with flame and claw.

I am right here.

"Who's there?" It’s almost through.

Call for me, so my strength becomes yours.

“How?” Memories force their way to the surface. Igor, the Velvet Room and the contract. Any trace of doubt is squashed in an instant. This is the answer. I look at the card now resting in my right palm.

“Persona.” It escapes my mouth in a whisper and I crush the card. Power rushes through me, feeling new and old at the same time. The thing I now know as a Shadow ignores the aura surrounding me and sends another blast of flame towards me.

I am thou and thou art I.

The room ices over instantly, freezing my attacker and its’ assault completely. I look behind me as a figure materializes.

Through the sea of thy soul, I emerge.

He’s a tall sumbitch. Taller than any of the other ponies I’ve met. His right leg is an obvious prosthetic and his left is clad in wintry gear. A cloak wrapped around his upper torso hides all but his left arm, with a bracer and thick glove, and a massive ax on his back with a chunk of its’ blade gone. His face is covered with a mask like Kakashi, his left eye ablaze like Black Rock Shooter and his right eye covered by his shaggy black mane. All this crowned by the fractured horn on his head.

I am Sombra, father of the Crystal Kingdom.

Wait. What? This guy is King Sombra? I thought he was supposed to be an evil tyrant...and whole.

Nay, the vile sorcerer is but the last to share my name. A son of my house many years since my demise.

“So he’s your descendant?” He simply nods and disappears. A subtle chill settles in my heart. “Okay then. That happened.” I walk over to the pupsicle and kick it over. I feel incredibly satisfied when it breaks over the floor. I even start to smile when the chunks turn to black goo. Of course, I lose that smile when goo forms two flaming wolf things. Thankfully they only have one head each and are significantly weaker than the Cerberus wannabe. I take them out with Bufu and Cleave respectively.

An elevator dings open at the end of the hall. I don’t remember it being there earlier. Looking at the room again, I spot a book completely untouched by ice. I decide to take it with me and ride the elevator. I’m not surprised when I wind up back in the lobby I started at. I’m definitely happy to see the entrance cleared up. I’m practically skipping over to it. I can’t wait to get out of here and take a nap.

Of course, the universe decides to remind me I’m not allowed to be happy. So just as I’m about to step through, a tugging at my raised foot informs me my shoelace came undone and I fall. This second trip through the mirror can be summed up with a simple phrase. Speedy thing goes in, speedy thing comes out.

[Golden Oaks Library]

I somehow exit with enough force to flip in midair and crash back-first into the same table as before.

“Ow.” Didn’t mean for that too sound so bored. A yellow and pink blur obscures my vision.

“Oh my goodness. You’re bleeding.” I am? I am. Three thin scratches across my torso. I really should have felt those earlier. Whoa shit, these things are deep. How many times did I almost die in there?

The blur clears to a pale yellow pegasus with a pink mane who starts checking over my injuries. The green sweater and quiet voice makes her seem a bit like a wallflower. She worried for me. I can see it in her eyes. She’s about to ask for something but is stopped when a pink earth pony with a poofy-pink mane immediately hands her a medical kit. She's kind of dressed like a kid who never grew up.

Wait, haven’t I met her somewhere? Oh yeah! She snuck up on me yesterday. So mysteriously confusing. I think I’m going to like her.

She winks like I just complimented her and somehow carries everything but my boxers, no idea how, off to another pony I haven’t met. This one is a white unicorn with an elegantly curled, dark purple mane. She doesn’t even touch my clothes when they’re handed to her. She simply sniffs, levitates them, and casts some kind of spell to remove the blood and inspect the scratches. She looks like the nicer version of a fashion snob from back home.

The last new additions are speaking near the wall. At least I know these ones. Applejack and Rainbow Dash, I lost count of all the stories I’ve heard about these two. What the fuck is Rainbow wearing? Is it supposed to be some kind of sporty two-piece or something? I’m pretty sure the top doesn’t need that many zippers either. Rainbow’s trying to look mad at me but keeps slipping to concerned. I silently pray she isn’t tsundere and promptly ignore her.

And I just now realize I can’t hear anything. Not even ambient sounds. The look in Twilight's eye says this is her spell and Spike is doing a crossword. I watch him belch out a scroll and Twilight reads it three times before they’re all okay with it. My senses suddenly return full force.

“Ow.” Twilight apparently numbed me too. Don't know how I should feel about that but I'll start with tingly.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Are the bandages too tight?" She's done already? Hot damn she's skilled.

"I'm fine. I've been through worse."

"Now, now. Ya don't need to act tough for us, Partner." The farm girl is treating my like a child.

"My name is Leroy and I am twenty-two years old." A near-silent 'eep' and Miss Yellow is suddenly hiding behind Spike. He just rolls his eyes and goes back to his puzzle. Just what kind of shit does he normally put up with around here to be that unfazed?

"Why are you so short?" Wow, Fashionista just broke my expectations.

"Jeez Rarity, most ponies expect that from me." Thank you Rainbow, I could not have said that better. Also, her name is Rarity? Where the hell does that make sense? Who names their child that? Is it supposed to be an insult or some weird motivational technique?

Hey, that yellow one is the only one who's name I don't know now. Shit, I just missed their conversation. Plan D!

"My height is actually on the lower side of average back on Earth." And now they think I'm mad at them. Spike just smirks. He must get sidelined quite a bit. "I'm not actually angry."

"Sorry, Leroy. We shouldn't have talked like you weren't there." So that's what they did. I see Pinkie practically vibrating in place. I blink and she's suddenly beside me and dragging me to the door.

"Talk later, party now!" I try to put up a struggle and get my first taste of Earth Pony strength when her return tug lands me face-first in her bosom. This is the first time that my height works against as I have to struggle more to get air. She quickly lets me go as I gasp for breath.

"First off..." I point straight at her rack. "...those things are lethal weapons." She just giggles and intentionally bounces them. "Secondly, I'm not going anywhere when I'm barely dressed." A flash of blue light ends that argument. I turn to stare at Rarity who gives a prideful smirk.

"Did you really think I'd let you go out like that? It would've been a crippling wound to my pride to hide a fabulous outfit like yours away. Although, I'm sure I could make you something better. If that's alright with you, anyway."

"I'd prefer this to be the fanciest I get outside a tux but thanks for the offer."

"It's no trouble at all. I'll even do it for free." I try to retort but Pinkie wraps me in a hug, face full of boob.

"We're gonna be late. The Guest of Honor can't be late for their own party. That's Super Duper not okay!" I can't really make out anything after that since Pinkie jams my head into her cleavage. At least I can tell that it's Applejack that gets everyone moving. I'm snatched from Pinkies' grip and hoisted over a cyan shoulder like a mail sack. I'll be a bit clearer. Rainbow's carrying me now with Spike snickering at me as our group moves through town. Miss Yellow's the closet to me since Twilight and AJ are keeping me out of Pinkies' reach and Rarity seems to have Spike at her beck and call.

"Thanks for fixing me up. You do really good work." She blushes at the praise but doesn't move away. "Though, I'm afraid I didn't catch your name." I can't make out her whispered response. "I'm sorry. Could you repeat that?" It's barely louder than last time but I still can't understand it. "One last time please." I think I got it this time. "You say your name is Fluttershy?" She smiles and nods. "That's a cute name. Pleased to meet you."

"Oh. Um, it's nice to meet you too." Wow, she's really quiet. I could have sworn she was louder in the library. She's also blushing a lot harder now that I've smiled at her. I almost ask if she's alright but a sudden pain silences me. Fluttershy freezes, eyes wide in shock. Everyone stares at the mare carrying me.

"Did you just spank me?" I can't keep the shock from my voice. Why did she do that?

"I don't know." She's teasing me?! "Did it feel like this?" She laughs as she smacks me again. Is this some kind of flirting or are all ponies this forward?

"Rainbow Dash! You should know better than to tease him like that." I find myself yanked away from Rainbow and walking with Fluttershy. She's holding my hand and draping a wing around me. While it's adorable to hear Fluttershy admonish someone, I really hope this wing-thing doesn't mean anything. Ugh, knowing my luck, and the way Rarity is glaring, it probably does.

"Yeah Dashie. You can't spank Stallions without a safe word." I find myself questioning where Pinkie keeps her brain. Because that statement just gives horrible thoughts.

[30 Minutes Later, Sugarcube Corner]

The party's in full swing and I'm honestly surprised that I'm enjoying myself. This is the first party I've ever enjoyed being at. Food, drinks, music and plenty of sources of information. You'd never find anyone on Earth as nice as these ponies without a loaded wallet in your pocket. Big Macintosh, who Applejack introduced as her older brother, is definitely the most patient though. Spike comes in at a close second with the personal info he's scrounged up. Treat either of them the way you want to be treated and they'll return the favor. Speaking of Applejack, she's trying to get me to drink hard cider.

"I think I have enough stress without drinking." I suppose I'm lucky she hasn't shoved the mug in my face. She probably saw Pinkie do the same with her vanilla cupcakes. Delicious but rude since I was talking to the Crusaders when she did it. Where did they get off to anyway? Scootaloo had a weird look in her eye before I lost them and I don't like the feeling it gave me.

"It's just one. It ain't gonna hurt ya any." She's pouting at me as she speaks. It isn't working and she knows it. "Fine." She sighs and holds the mug above her. Rainbow glides over and chugs the thing then ruffles my hair. I glare at her until her breath hits my nostrils. I take a closer look at her eyes before she floats over to dance. She's already drunk and enjoying every second of it.

I spy Vinyl at her turntable and give her a nod. She smirks in response while switching up the tunes. I can't really get into any of it though. I prefer songs with lyrics most of the time.

"You alright Partner?" Applejack wraps an arm around me. "Yer looking like Mac when the pie's gone." I guess I should have believed Spike when he said AJ wasn't that good with analogies.

"Just feeling a little homesick." I shrug her off. "I'll get over it." She just looks more worried than before. "I'm fine. It's not that big of a deal."

"Well I think it is. I can't imagine what my kin would do if I up and disappeared like that."

"I don't have to worry about that." She's shocked.

"But what about yer family? Or the friends you left behind."

"The only people I ever called friends are already dead and I haven't spoken to my mother since she disowned me." Applejack looks like she wants to hug me and never let go.

"That just ain't right." I don't want to stay on this subject.

"Where'd Big Macintosh go?" She relaxes when I ask. I guess she wasn't comfortable with the conversation either.

"The Crusaders are staying at the farm tonight so he came to take em home." Now that she mentions it, it seems a lot roomier than earlier.

"Is it that late already? Just how long was I gone for?"

"You were only in there fer an hour or two." Wait, what? "It's been a pretty slow day since everypony's trying to be careful and not do too much today." Seriously, what?

"But Cheerilee and the Crusaders were eating when I woke up."

"Didn't they tell you? School's closed fer a couple days on account of Rainbow crashing through the roof yesterday. And Applebloom ain't allowed to stay with her friends on a school night." They probably slept in too. Oh My God. That's why they were laughing at me. Children are jerks.

"Is Rainbow alright?"

"That girl can crash headfirst into a mountain and come out fine. That schoolhouse never stood a chance going up against her thick skull."

"Ouch." She punches my arm. Damn, that hurts.

"Didn't mean it like that." We're both smiling. "I should be gettin to go too. Granny'll tan my hide if I'm late for supper again."

"I'll talk to you later Applejack." I get distracted as she's leaving. Watching how pony legs work is a disquieting experience. They look like don't suit a bipedal form but still work just fine.

"Like what you see?" Vinyl's snuck up on me. Why am I not startled by this? "I can't blame you. It's not often you see a mare with a flank as built as that." And now I'm confused. (This is the part where I need all you readers to ignore that I corrected myself in an earlier session. Thank you.) The hell is a flank? Did she even use the word right?

"Did you just sniff me?" Twilight was sniffing me, Rarity sniffed my clothes and now Vinyl is joining in?

"Maybe. Yes." Unapologetic in the truest sense. "I can't help it. You just smell good."

"Still creepy." I didn't hear it before but the music's over. "The party didn't last very long."

"That's because Mrs Cake cornered Pinkie before she got too excited." My confusion is evident. "Pinkie doesn't normally talk about sex stuff." Still confused here. "She's in heat, moron."

"That's actually a thing?" My voice was just a bit too loud there.

"Yes, it's a thing." She hisses. "Don't give me that look. It just makes it a little harder for us to stay in control of ourselves. And since Pinkie isn't all that great at self control normally..." Yeah, she doesn't need to finish that one. "And we're not supposed to point it out like that. So keep your voice down."

"How was I supposed to know that? I'm new here."

"I know that. That's why I'm warning you."

"I get it. No one likes having their secrets aired."

"Good. You'll get a lot of friends with that attitude."

"Huh?"

"It's like this. Ponies like to talk about their problems." Okay. "They aren't just going to talk to anyone. Well some of them might. The point is, if you take the time to help these ponies out then your reputation will improve. A better reputation means better rewards like a couple free items from a shop, access to special areas and invitations to certain events. There are even some ponies who won't look at you without a great reputation."

"You kind of sound like a tutorial NPC right now." I may not be able to see her eyes, but I can certainly feel her stare. I really screwed up here.

"You should work on your charm too." I'm gonna need some ice for that one. "Anyway, if you ever want to check your reputation then head over to Rock and Roll's shop. I'm usually there when I'm not busy with something and they can help you when I'm outta town."

"Thanks."

"No problem." She turns to look at the room. "Well it looks like the party's over." That's a bit of an understatement. They've almost completely cleaned up. "I need to pack up my gear and get home." She lifts her glasses and looks me in the eye. "Come find me if you need anything. I'll hook you up." I nod and she replaces her glasses. "See ya later. I'll tell Pinkie you said the same."

"Thanks...again." She just waves me off. I'm surprised when I yawn. I'm completely exhausted. How did I not notice this earlier? Probably because I didn't actually do anything after exiting that mirror world. (And this is the part where I go straight back to the house and go to sleep.)

(Is something wrong?)

(What's with the colors?)

(Colors? Oh, you mean those.)

(Is this why Luna bribed me to let you cast the spell?)

(Don't be so hard on her, Darling. She's just trying to show you she cares.)

(We're done here.)

(Leroy. Please wait.)

(Let me go.)

(She just wants the chance to earn your forgiveness. Can't you just hear here out?)

(Fine. Just turn that thing off first.)