Ozymandias

by Film Falm Brothers

Rating: mature
Tags: Main 6, Gore, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Other, Sex, Princess Celestia, Human, Sad
Length: 16065

My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair

We see what we are shown. Behind every mural of ageless kings and shining cities stands the horrors of history untold. We see nothing but pleasure from the inside, they see nothing but horror we have gone blind to on the outside. Reality is what we except, without exception. What we may call science is magic to another; our reality is another's dream. We wish to go where we see harmony, but what if harmony is a lie? What if our world is the utopia, and what we see on the screen a horrible nightmare? A traveler is forced to see Equestria not from behind a screen, but first hand.

Rated M for eventual depictions of sexual acts, violence, political upheaval, and other possibly upsetting situations. You have been warned. Set before Alicorn Twilight.

Published 2015-02-24 23:30:02 UTC
Last updated 2015-03-30 17:46:10 UTC

One

I have always not liked dreaming. An odd thing not to like, I'm aware. It just felt odd to me, thinking that your own brain can create whole new world on its own. The mind creates whatever it feels like creating, regardless of your own, hell technically its own will. Terrible recurring nightmares in which you have no choice but to see all those you love and care about stripped away by myriads of nameless, almost Lovecraftian horrors; erotic sequences where buxom women of countless body types do countless pleasurable things to your imagined body; bizarre hodgepodges of mental leftovers from the conscious world thrown together into what could barely be stated as coherent images...

A dreamless sleep was always preferable to me. A time where the mind and body could forget everything of life, could decompress, de-stress, and relax; it is what sleep is for, in my mind. A time where nothing can go wrong, where life is at its simplest. I never understood why people always seemed so damned eager to share whatever weird dreams they had had the night before- it wasn't real, and it interrupted your resting, so why bother? When the topics of dreams arose in conversation, I always stayed silent. A sound, restful nights sleep was always good; add on top of this a night free of dreams and you have my perfect nights sleep. Plus, the tendency for dreams to be a prelude to something bad happening, at least in popular fiction, helped put me off of them.

Which makes the fact that I had a dreamless night before my... incident that landed me here that much stranger. It was a cold night, and I had had a long shift at work. Not a particularly stressful one, mind you, but a long one none the less. Not that working at a used bookstore could be all that stressful to begin with. A pretty standard night- walked home to my apartment, made myself dinner, browsed the internet, and went to bed. No crazy gypsy women cursing me, no run ins with questionably deific beings, none of the cliched happenings that may have foreshadowed my personal trip down the rabbit hole. But enough set up on my part- the story, while quite an unbelievable one, is definitely interesting.

* * *

My first impression that something was off was the fact that a leaf landed on my face. Definitely not a terrible, horrible, evil omen to be awoken to, but odd enough that it caused my eyes to shoot open (well, not shoot open perhaps, but I hope you take my meaning). The source of the chlorophyllic intruder was, appropriately enough, the large maple tree I seemed to be laying beneath.

"What?" I asked myself groggily. Hearing that one word come from my own lips, my eyes popped even more open, as the sound of my own voice was, well, not my own. It was far too high pitched, and could without a doubt be deemed feminine. My voice was by no means the perfect description of masculine, but it was very indeed male. This was very indeed not. My monosyllabic muttering was evidently not so disturbing to others, however, as a pair of birds sitting above me in the tree did not so much as ruffle a feather. They simply continued on, chattering their care free conversation above me.

It was at this point that I felt the discomfort in all of my limbs. While they were not in pain, they ached as if I had tried stretching them all just a bit too much and were still complaining about being in that aggravated state. Oddly enough, though, when I focused on feeling my limbs, they seemed to be in the right places, sprawled around me since I was on my back. Yet they seemed to protest that. Pulling them all in, a wave of panic and horror washed over me as I felt all four of my joints go the wrong way: my elbows bend like my knees should have, and my knees bend like my elbows should have. Panic taking hold of my actions for just a split second, I forced myself into a sitting position, which led to two new discoveries: one, that sitting like a normal human was very uncomfortable, and two that I seemed have the legs of a horse.

The legs, or more appropriately my legs, were oddly smooth. The color of a perfectly toasted marshmallow, or perhaps the goal skin tone of a tan, my legs seemed to be covered completely in a layer of short hair (or given what information I know now, fur), with the hair tapering off right before large hooves of nearly the same brown color, only a shade darker. I'm by no stretch an artist, but I would say that it was closest to a tan color.

Ohshitohfuckohshitohfuck... My mind raced, symultaneously trying to deny what I was seeing and come up with a logical explanation for what was happening. I thought it was a dream, and ironically I would have prefered a dream, but this was much too real. But that reinforced the impossibility of the situation. People don't simply turn into animals in real life; I thought myself to be a decent writer, but I was in no way capable of copying Kafka so closely, even switching his beetle with a more benign animal such as a horse. Placing a hand at my heart in hopes of calming my nerves, I looked down when I felt a far too weighty thud come from the contact to be caused by even a fist. My hands too, it seemed, had been replaced with hooves. Okay okay okay... I'm a horse, I thought to myself, placing my hand (hoof) on the ground to steady myself in my increasingly uncomfortable sitting position. My mind was still racing, along with my heart, the barrage of strangeness and panic assaulting me still, but I at least retook hold of my mental facilities to some degree. Now what? A good question. Feeling a mounting pain in my tailbone, I decided that my first order of business was to stand up in a way that didn't hurt like hell to my new body: on all fours. Bracing myself, I finagled my now equine body to a standing position.

The feeling of standing on my four feet for the first time was... interesting. It was much more easy than sitting or laying on my back like I had been doing, and I could feel relief rushing to my legs. It also felt natural, like it was what I was supposed to be doing, but I feel that really goes without saying. But of course, after 20 some years of bipedal living, it was odd standing quadruped. I struggle to put into words what it felt like, but since I was in the body of a whole new species I feel being caught without the proper description is not the greatest sin. Hoping it would take some of the situations oddity out, not to mention help cover my ass should I pass out from panic, I leaned against the maple tree I was underneath.

Now that I had a second to look around, it was a marvelous day wherever the hell I was. Flowers were out in numbers, birds like the ones above me were calling and flying from tree to tree, and I even saw a few insects zip by, off on some simple yet urgent errand. I must have been in a park, as I saw a few horses (or as I was later informed, ponies) walking down well tended gravel paths, and even one laying on a bench a few hundred feet off. I thank my stars that none of them happened to look at me, under the tree up on a hill, or else they may have wondered why I was staring at everything so intently I could have burned a hole in something had I not moved my piercing eyes elsewhere every few seconds.

A slight breeze blew what I automatically thought was another leaf into my eye, but seeing it remain impeding my vision determined that it was my hair (mane, since I might as well begin using this worlds vernacular). Crossing my eyes to try and see it, I managed to grasp that it was a deep, almost grass green before I had to return my vision to normal. Blowing it back to the side, it did not occur to me for several seconds to think that it was odd I had such long hair. Huh... guess I have a mane. A green mane. Thinking how odd everything around me was, a green mane was the least of my concerns. It did, however, make me curious to see what this new body looked like. I was still hoping this was going to be a temporary thing at this point, so I decided to get a look at what I looked like while I could. Turning my head side to side, I spotted a stream running through what I assumed was a park. Swallowing to steel my nerves, I began walking towards the stream.

Much like standing was an odd experience, walking in a four legged stance took some getting used to. It definitely didn't help that I had to walk down the small hill that the tree was on top of, but I managed to get to its bottom without incident. Cutting across the path, I tried to covertly look at a horse who happened to be walking down the path. Most likely my attempt at being sly failed miserably, but thankfully his back was turned. The horse (stallion, if I may revert to common vernacular again) looked to be decently taller than myself, and had short, cropped blonde brown hair. What intrigued me however was what appeared to be a tattoo of what looked to be a birdhouse on both of his hips. Just another addition to the growing pile of questions I had about what was going on, but I couldn't help but ask myself why the hell someone would choose to get that particular image displayed so prominently in such a visible spot. As a matter of fact, how is that even possible? How can you tattoo something that has that much hair on it? Tabling that curiosity along with all the others, I continued on to the stream, stopping at the edge of the water, and looked at my reflection.

And almost fell face first into the water.

What shocked me was not the fact that a horses face was looking back at me, as I had expected that, nor was it the fact that I had very large, human-like baby blue eyes. What caused me to almost faceplant into the water was the undeniable fact that I was female.

The gentle curve of my mouth (snout?); the long, shining mane of carefully maintained hair hanging from my head; long, prominent eyelashes; the overall feminine look of my face. I was no veterinarian, but I could see that I was a mare.

"Okay... shit." I tried taking it in, but honestly at this point my mind was not taking in any more ludicrous information, especially that on top of my species apparently changing, so had my gender. Looking back on it now, the feminine voice I had uttered immediately after waking up should have been a decent clue to my sex change, but hindsight is 20/20, isn't it? "Uh... shit." It wasn't eloquent, but really it was all I had to express myself in the moment. It must have been a few minutes that I just stared into the stream, just trying to come to grips with the fact that I was very much female. I must have looked like a psychopath, just staring into a river like that, because what finally broke me out of my stupor was someone yelling at me.

"Hey lady, you okay?" Jolting my head up, my heart skipped a beat as I scanned my surroundings for the source of the sound. A different stallion, this one a rusty orange, was stood on the path, a confused look on his face. Struggling for words, my brain reconnected to my tongue after a few seconds.

"Y-yeah. I'm fine!" I shouted back, my high pitched voice still coming as a shock to me. Being called a lady definitely didn't help my racing heart, either. Apparently that satisfied the stallion however, as he walked off down the path without any further complaints, shrugging what would be his shoulders. As I was returning my gaze to the stream, I did a double take towards the stallion. I had thought I was hallucinating them in my panicked state but... Yep, those are most definitely wings on him. Shaking my head, I decided a low profile was what I needed at the moment, so I walked up to a long bench next to the gravel path, and laid down to collect my thoughts.

In order of importance, here was what I was able to gather: I was certainly not in Kansas anymore, and most definitely not even on Earth; I was a talking female horse (pony); these ponies seemed to be the inhabitants of this new world; and this certainly did not feel like a dream. Which only left that this was real. Somehow. I don't know, still trying to sort that one out. Sitting there for what felt like 15 minutes or so, I watched as several more ponies walked past me. Some seemed to have what looked like a unicorn horn, and some with what looked like oversized bird wings. I feel almost confident I saw a few of these later ones fly overhead at one point, but that may have just been some very large birds. The majority of those that walked past, however, were 'normal' ones, with no horn or wings. All of them, however, were colored like they had chosen a crayon from the box and colored themselves in. Almost all of them, all of the adults now that I think on it, seemed to have the tattoo like markings, with only the small, child-like ones, lacking them. Including myself, actually. During my thought collection, I further analyzed my new form. It appeared that for whatever reason, I had a pencil on both sides of my hips, which were very feminine.

Okay, lets focus on some positive. You survived whatever brought you here, which is a great start. Nobody knows that you aren't actually a horse, so your covers not blown. These things also seem decently friendly, not to mention civilized, I assumed that the horses were responsible for the park, as I had yet to see anything else that could be, so that must mean that they are the dominant species. Which means civilization. That's a start.

While sitting and collecting my thoughts was helpful, and let me calm myself down somewhat, it was not the most constructive use of my time. I had to make a game plan of what I was going to do, and how I was going to get myself out of wherever I was. Fortunately, my suspicions that these horses were civilized were confirmed quickly. It seemed that there was some sort of town nearby, as I could see the tops of buildings and a smokestack here and there. Deciding that would be my best option for gathering information, I headed off that way. The several other ponies that I passed on my way into the town gave me brief nods, which I returned hoping not to draw attention to myself. While I was walking I looked around the park, taking in more of the beautiful scenery around me. It was a beautiful day out, with barely a cloud in the sky and the sun shining down, making me a tad warm in my newly acquired fur coat, but not uncomfortably so. Not a terrible alien world to be stuck in, I have to give it that. A pony playing fetch with what looked like a border collie ran in front of me at one point, and I noticed that the orange mare had a large hat on. Hmm. So that's one less thing to worry about,I thought to myself, sighing in relief. Mainly because I had noticed something a bit... concerning while I was walking.

I am not what most would consider a pervert. I had a decent sex life back home, nothing to brag about. I am most certainly not a sex addict, nor do I think that I have a terribly dirty mind. But as I happened to be behind another mare for part of my walk before she took a separate path, I noticed that, well... to put it terribly bluntly, that I could see everyone elses privates. Not that I looked purposefully! It was just that as these ponies walked their tail tended to sway, allowing me a view that showed a little too much than was family friendly. It was off kilter with the almost cartoon like vibe I was getting off of much I was seeing, especially considering I didn't have my twigs and berries with me. In all honesty, I do have to admit, I had to control the urge to check my own undercarriage, simply out of curiosity. But I could feel my... changed sex as I walked, adding yet another feeling I had to get used to. Thankfully, I did not get many glimpses of a stallions genitals. My new bodies sexuality was not something I was eager to explore, or even consider, right off the bat. The orange mares hat was a good indication that there were clothes available here, even if no one else seemed to be wearing them. I guess being naked is the status quo for these things.

Eventually, more and more of the town came into view for me. It looked to me to be a decently sized town, with many of the buildings looking like two storied, wood and stone affairs with what almost looked like straw for roofing. Approaching the town from across a river, the main building seemed to be a very large, almost conical looking building in a large circular plaza, with reddish tiles covering the roof, and a flag waving high above. Pausing on a stone bridge, I took a moment to look around and try to figure out what the hell I was going to do. The town itself was much busier than the park I had just exited, with much of the streets filled with ponies going this way and that. I saw several what looked like stores mingled in with residential looking buildings, some sporting signs and large windows to show off what was inside.

Crossing into town and going up to one of these stores, I looked up at the wooden sign hanging above the door: Bountiful Bonnets. In the window were several mannequin heads sporting several styles of hats: some seemed very dressy and frilly, while others seemed more practical things. All of them had hanging tags attached, displaying what I assumed was their price, as they showed a number preceded by a capital B. Okay, monetary system. That's a good sign. Sidestepping as a white mare stepped out of the store, a large, almost ridiculously fancy hat upon her head, I continued into town.

Keeping to myself, I tried to take in as much of my surroundings as possible, but I simply couldn't take in everything. I passed by what resembled a cafe, with several tables and chairs outside of it, where several ponies were in various stages of eating. The streets of this town were not filled enough to inhibit my speed, but I maintained a slow walk (trot. I have to get better at using this worlds speech patterns) throughout town. In addition, I saw what looked to be a large tree in the middle of town, with a large sign of an open book before it. Restraining myself from going into what I assumed was a bookstore, I continued on my way. I paused for a moment to gaze at a building that was made to look like a real life gingerbread house, and saw several ponies exit the place with boxes of assorted sweets. It most definitely stood out, especially compared to the residential buildings. The houses of the town were pretty homogenous things: almost all of them were white with brightly colored doors and window sills, with the straw roofing. The other ponies in the streets, however, were much more varied.

It was like looking into a tropical fish tank: vibrant yellows, blues, reds, even some purples and pure blacks. Each and every pony also sported similarly vibrant hair, with some having stripes of different colors, and at least one being a full rainbow! Many of them simply went on with their business, but some talked animatedly to one another as they walked, and on multiple occasions greetings were shouted out. Yet another odd thing about this world was that it seemed to be dominated by females: for every male I saw, there was easily ten or more females. A relief, in at least I was not forced to catch many glimpses of their undercarriage. Not that seeing so many uncovered... female parts was helping any, but this new body seemed to not react like it may have if I were a stallion. Before I could really ponder if having such a disbalance in the gender ratio was a good or a bad thing for this world, I walked into view of the market place.

What looked like to be two or three blocks was taken up by a veritable bazaar of differently colored tents, stalls, and in some cases blankets laid on the ground. This section of town was much more congested, with ponies leaving barely enough room to walk by each other. Again deciding to scout out this world first hand, I wandered into the crowd.

The number of stalls spoke of the variety available: some stalls sold fabric and clothing, another displayed mirrors of varying quality, yet another seemed to consist of nothing but large pictures of sofas (and also several containers of feather quills, for some reason). In the noise of the market, I overheard several conversations between buyer and seller.

"... not yet. I get a shipment in next week..."

"... yes, I'm sure that it costs 20 Bits. No, I'm not trying..."

"... demand a refund! The last sofa I bought from you fell apart..."

"... 12 Bits. Thank you, come again!"

From these snatches of conversation, I ascertained that these Bits, which seemed to be small gold coins, were the money of this world. Most of the ponies on my side of the stall seemed to be keeping them in pouches strapped to their sides, but a few held small coin pouches directly in their mouths. Well, I guess I'll have to get some money. And something to keep it in. At that I began glancing at the ground once in a while, hoping to profit off of someone's misfortune of losing a coin or two. As I continued to get deeper into the market, I came across the heart of the place: the food section.

About a full block was dedicated to stalls that showed off various food stuffs: apples, cheeses, fresh baked bread, assorted vegetables. Breathing in the scents, I felt my stomach rumble in hunger. I jumped a little at the sound, getting a slight blush on my cheeks. I guess its been two or three hours. I hope nobody heard-

"You there young lady! I can hear a hungry customer, and you dear are one!" Eyes going a tad wide, I looked to who had spoken. A stallion, wearing what looked like a straw hat, was waving me closer to the stall he sat at, which displayed several baskets of watermelon, whole and sliced. Not knowing what else to do, I approached the stall, "No need to be shy my dear, I can promise neither myself nor my product will bite!"

At that I uttered a weak laugh, more to appease the stallion than because I thought it was particularly funny. Feigning interest in the watermelon, I looked them over. They did seem to be fresh, and I could smell the faint aroma coming off of them, but really didn't plan on buying anything. How could I, anyway?

"Yes sir, the freshest melon this side of Canterlot. I can personally promise you they're as fresh as physically possible, and twice as refreshing. Two bits a slice, ten for a whole one." The stallion leaned in a bit, clearly awaiting how much I was going to buy.

"Uh, well, I don't actually have anything on me right now." I replied. Almost instantaneously the stallions face flattened out to a slightly annoyed look.

"Oh. Well, on your-"

"Now now there, that's not very nice, is it?" The shopkeepers eyes went wide at this new voice. Looking to my side, a mare in what looked like a police uniform had walked up, a smug looking grin on her face, "Nice deed like giving this young lady a free sample might just help certain someponies from, oh I don't know..." The police mare lowered her sunglasses, and shot a knowing look at the stallion. The shopkeeper, now visibly shaking, nodded his head so fast his hat fell off.

"Y-y-yes ma'am," In a fury of movement the shopkeeper was handing two slices of watermelon my way, "H-here you go miss! Have a wonderful day!" Glancing at the police officer, who nodded with the same smug grin on her face, I awkwardly accepted the fruit, taking the slices in between my teeth.

"Ah, ank ooh?" I said, raising an eyebrow at the officer. Chuckling, she returned her gaze to the stallion.

"How charitable of you. Looks like you'll get to stay in business after all. Pity." Turning away, still chuckling, the mare went away from the stall. Well that was weird as fuck. Not wanting to make the odd situation worse for the man, who was already sweating, I turned and left the stall. Concentrating on not dropping the watermelon, which at this point was dripping juice onto my legs, I got a far enough away from the stall to be able to stop and try and figure out how the hell I was going to eat this. I smelt something fishy about the whole police thing, and my mind was torn as to whether I had just witnessed something bad, but free food was free food, so I saw no reason not to eat it. Carefully raising a hoof to catch the food, I took a big bite off of the slices, its juice running out of my mouth a bit. Jiggling the remaining part on my hoof, I managed to get both of them down to the rind after a little bit of struggling. Taking the trash into my mouth, I looked around for a trash can. Spotting one at the edge of the market, I made my way over to it, squeezing my way through the crowd, and deposited my trash.

No longer burdened by the fruit I looked around the market, and noticed two things: one, that none of the carts seemed to be offering any meat products at all; and two that they were all seemingly closing down. Curtains were being drawn down, tents were collapsing in, and many of the vendors were removing their wares from their places. Looking up at the sky, it shocked me to see that the sun seemed to be setting. How the hell did that happen? Did I wake up at like four? It must have been about three hours at this point that I had woken up, but I was beginning to feel tired. Being transported to an alien world apparently took a lot out of you. Not seeing what there was to do about it, I decided to look for some place to spend the fast approaching night, and made my way back into town.

* * *

Long story short, I couldn't figure out a plausible way to get a roof over my head that night. I could always hope that someone would take pity on me and let me stay with them after hearing my story, but I decided a low profile was the way to go at this point. I couldn't pay for a room anywhere, so I decided a night outside was my only option. Continuing my walk about of the town, I learned that this place was called Ponyville, appropriately enough, in the country (or world, I wasn't quite sure which) of Equestria. A clear majority of the inhabitants of this Ponyville were what were called Earth Ponies, with Pegasi and Unicorns making up about a fifth the population each; and about 90% of the town seemed to be females, like my new body. Thinking of my switched gender, I debated whether or not it would be safe for me to roam around after sunset. Trusting the fact that males were the minority to keep me safe, I saw no reason to alter my plans. At this point it was night, maybe around eight.

Hoping no one would question me for doing so, I decided to return to where I had awoken in the part. If no one woke me up in the afternoon, no one should wake me up in the middle of the night, I thought to myself as I made my way back out of town and into the park. Finding my tree again, I settled down for the night. Before I even attempted to fall asleep, however, I ran through everything that had happened to me, from my reflection to everything that I had learned about this new world. Gradually, as I thought more and more of what had happened to me, the realization that I was alone, trapped on an alien world, possibly the sole member of my race (at least mentally), dawned upon me. I thought that I may never see my family again, that I would live the remainder of my life in this Equestria, trapped in a strange world in an even stranger body. My emotions running high, I finally let the mental strain I had been stuffing away break out through, and let tears of both sadness and frustration run down my furred cheeks. Eventually, after how long I don't know, I tired myself out enough to fall asleep. A peaceful, dreamless sleep.

* * *

Echoes of hooves reverberated off the stone walls of the tunnel. A pony, a unicorn with blonde hair broken with one stripe of orange, walked briskly down the long tunnel. Ignoring the several rough wooden doors carved into both of its sides, she walked straight on, stopping only to knock at a large wooden door at the end of the hallway.

"Come in." A muffled voice answered from the other side of the door. Entering the room, the unicorn stopped a few feet away from a large wooden desk, which had piles of paper stacked on top of it. Some of these looked to be maps of some sorts, with red markings obscuring decent portions of the information. On one of the walls hung a sword, a dull stain on its blade, its leather handle cracked from use. Behind it sat a stallion with dark blue hair, and a large scar across one side of his face, "What is it?"

"We have a new comrade. Came in around four this afternoon just outside of Ponyville." The unicorn said, a wide smile plastering her face, one that was quickly mirrored by the stallion. Spreading his forelegs out, the stallion laughed.

"Excellent. Welcome to Hell, whoever you are."

Two

Funnily enough, another thing I am not overly fond of is being kicked in the ribs by a damned horse. A much more common thing not to like, so I won't bore you with the details as to why I'm not so fond of it. Unfortunately for me, this was how I was awoken after my first night in this new world.

"Wake up, ya fucking bum!" These were the words that accompanied the swift kick in the chest which woke me up, and knocked my breath away. What - OW OW OW!

"I'm up! *cough* I-I'm up!" I managed to get out, sucking in the air to try and recover. Opening my eyes, I shifted my head up to see my attacker. A mare, this one a pale blue with darker blue hair, stood above me, a forelimb raised ready to kick me again, "and I'm not a bum."

The mare scowled at me. "Then why in Celestias name are you sleeping in the middle of a park like one?" Good question. Uh... Taking a few seconds to scan the mare some more, I saw that she seemed to be in some sort of uniform, resembling a janitor or garbage mans. In addition, a trash stick (really just a nail embedded in a long stick) was resting on her side. Kind of glad she chose not to poke me awake with that, now that I think about it.

"I was, uh, walking here last night and sat down to take a break. Must have fallen asleep." It was as likely a story as any that would explain why I choose to sleep outside. The mare hmmed at me, clearly not entirely buying it.

"Well, get up. Sonnova..." She turned and muttered incoherently to herself, taking the stick up in her mouth and continued on her way, swiveling her head this way and that. Massaging my side where the mare had kicked me, I looked around.

It looked to be early morning now, most likely around six, if that. The garbage mare was the only other pony that I could see, the park empty this early in the morning. It was shaping up to be another clear day, with the occasional lone cloud in the otherwise empty sky. It seemed the natural world was also asleep, as I did not hear any insects or bird calls. Sighing, I pushed myself up, careful not to move too fast and upset what felt like was going to be a nasty bruise on my side. Deciding not to push my luck and loiter in the park anymore, I headed back to Ponyville, two goals set in mind: research as much about this world as possible, and get a roof over my head.

Alright, so. Easiest way would be to rent like an apartment or something. But that takes money, I though as I walked through the park, happy to be alone with my thoughts for the moment, and that's something I don't have right now. How to get some, then... I walked, head down in concentration across the stone bridge and into town itself. Glancing around, I noticed that the space where the market had been yesterday seemed to be close by, and seemed to be empty. Deciding my plan to pick up as much money off the ground as possible was a good way to start, I looked around for something to hold the money in. Seeing what looked like a small cloth bag in an alleyway between two homes, I looked around to ensure no one saw me take it. Geeze, loitering first and now theft. Hell of a way to begin a new life, I smiled to myself, sincerely hoping that I was not doomed to actually spend the rest of my life in this place. Blowing the dust off the bag, I took it in my mouth and made my way to the now empty field.

Yet again, the fact that it was very early morning helped ensure no one saw my shady activities. For about half an hour I walked aimlessly through the field, placing whatever I found on the ground into the sack- along with half a dozen coins, I scooped up a feather ink pen and an empty jar with a picture of a beehive on the label. Growing more and more self-conscious that I must have looked like a homeless person, I jumped when I saw a Pegasus pony fly over head. While he seemed to pay no attention to me, my anxiety at that point was overwhelming, so I stopped with my quest and headed into the heart of town.

By this time it was seven (I happened to pass by a large clock, otherwise I would have had to guess the time) and some ponies were filling the streets alongside myself. Many of them seemed to be parents, walking alongside children, or dragging them along in a few cases, while others looked to be going to whatever their job was. Should probably get one of those soon, too, I thought, although what kind of job wasn't quite clear. I had not seen any newspapers or magazines yet, and didn't know if there were many other openings for someone with an English major in this world. There has to be more than back home, I dryly thought, remembering the impossible task of finding a job after graduating from college. But I had settled for a retail job back home, and I thought I could settle for one here.

Deciding to focus on what I had actually come into town to do, I wandered around a bit more looking for someplace resembling a library. Picking up another coin or two when I spotted them, I roamed aimlessly for a bit too long before a memory from yesterday came jolting to my mind. The tree! That must have been a library! Or else that sign outside of it was totally misleading. Deciding that was my destination, I aimed for that building. Thankfully, it was kind of hard to miss a large tree stuck in the middle of town like this one was, so I managed to find it without problems.

Golden Oak Library was proclaimed on the sign, letting me give a sigh of relief that I was correct in my assumptions. Pulling open the red door, I felt shivers run down my spine as a wonderful aroma assailed my newly equine nostrils: the smell of books! It spoke of how little of a social life I tended to lead back home that this was one of my favorite smells, and came with an archive of fond memories from growing up. Stepping inside, I glanced around the room: it seemed that the main reading room was here in the entrance to the building, a large wooden statue of a horse head dominating a round reading table. Shelves seemed to be carved directly into the wood of the tree. How the hell is there a building inside of a living tree? At the very least all the walls should be oozing sap, shouldn't they? Shrugging that off, I approached one of the bookshelves, tilting my head slightly to read the spines of the books. Daring Do and the Ring of Destiny, Daring Do and the Sapphire Stone, Daring do and the... Shaking my head, as I did not want fiction, I looked around further, noticing that there seemed to be no filing system for the books. Sighing in frustration, I made my way over to a small room off shooting the main one. Here, the books seemed to be much thicker, and the shelves much more dusty. Grinning, as I knew the signs of the history section of a library, I pulled a book at random. Treatises on the Relationship Between the Northern Griffin Kingdoms and Equestria, Volume Five. Shelving that one, I scanned the spines for what I was looking for: history of this Equestria place, and anything describing it in modern times.

After a few minutes searching, I sat at the small desk in the tight room with my books, and cracked open the first one, Creation Myths of Ancient Equestria. Just skimming it, I read about the legends of multiple societies and what their oral traditions and religions claimed to be the beginning point for the world. Almost all of them seemed to fixate on the sun and moon being divine beings, for some reason. The tales of the Nhorse people told that the universe began in ice, until the spark of life was created alongside the sun; according to the tribes of Girafferica the sun and moon, in an epic clash in their never ending war in heaven created the world. Oddly enough there were several mentions to "daughters of the Sun and Moon" being tasked to ruling the world, to ensure the sparks of life did not rise to the heavens themselves. Intrigued, but not getting much practical knowledge, I turned to Equestria: An Abridged History.

While I was skimming through this volume, which was much more readable than the rather dry myths, I heard what sounded like someone in clogs going down a flight of stairs. Not bothering to look up from my reading, assuming it was another early rising patron of the library, I jumped a little when a voice range out.

"Can I help you?" Glancing up, I saw the voice belonged to a purple unicorn, who was standing at the doorway to my room. It also appeared that she had not had time to brush her hair (mane) straight. Now that I think about it, that's something I should probably do. Might help people not think I'm a hobo.

"No thanks, I'm all set." I returned my gaze to the book, hoping to avoid any conversations that might force me to think on my feet. Thankfully, the unicorn muttered an okay and returned up the stairs. Reaching up and running a hoof through my hair in hopes to remove any knots or twigs that it may have, I returned to my reading.

Going from the union of the three tribes of ponies (Earth, Pegasus, and Unicorn), through the reign of a mad king called Discord (who was depicted as a hodgepodge of various animal parts, hopefully via artistic license and not because he was actually some kind of monster), the book told the story of the kingdom of Equestria. Which conflicted with my last reading, which referred to the planet as Equestria. Skipping ahead to the last chapter of the book, as I wanted to get the most crucial info, I saw that the ruler of this place was someone named Princess Celestia, shown as a pony with both wings and a unicorn horn. On top of her strange appearance, she was often referred to as the Ruler of the Sun. And here I thought these things were civilized. But I suppose a monarchy, even a deific monarchy, isn't the worst thing, I thought.

This Princess intrigued me, however. The book spoke of her as if she was a perfect, benevolent ruler, but in flipping through the pages of the book I found more than enough evidence against that claim just in the illustrations. In one she held a sword to the neck of what looked like a Griffin in what I would call Mongolian clothing, in another she sat atop a great chariot at the head of a great army of ponies, rushing against another equally large number of ponies. In a large, two page spread, it showed this "Benevolent" ruler banishing her own sister, referred to both as Princess Luna and Nightmare Moon, to the moon, never to be seen from again.

"Maybe I was too quick to think this wasn't such a bad world to be stranded on." To make matters worse, even after going through every index I could not find one single mention of humans. Apparently we were as mythical in this world as unicorns were in ours, but we weren't even in myths! Taking all this information in, I pulled another volume out and idly flipped through it, not paying much attention to even the pictures. Drifting off into my own mind, I was brought back to reality when the front door to the library opened, and in walked another unicorn, this one white. In fact, it was the same one I had had to dodge yesterday at the hat store. Looking out the window behind me, I saw the sun was at a much, much higher position than it had been when I came in. Rushing up and out of the room, I approached the mare.

"Excuse me, but do you have the time?" I asked. I certainly hadn't meant to spend so long here! The mare smiled at me.

"Or course dear," Suddenly, a pale blue aura came from her unicorn horn. Holy shit. Before I could react any more, a pocket watch floated to the mares face, it too enveloped in a shimmer of what I knew to be magic, "About 11:30, dear."

"Th-thank you." Stammering, not wanting to cause a scene because I was freaked out at seeing magic, real magic, be performed in front of me, I quickly made my way out of the library and into the streets.

* * *

"Well that was certainly odd." Rarity said aloud to herself, watching as the door to Twilight's library closed behind the strange mare. Before she could further react, however, the sound of hooves on stairs preceded Twilight Sparkle down the stairs.

"Hi Rarity! Ready to go to lunch?" She said, her saddle bags pack with money for the meal and some 'light' reading.

"Yes darling," Rarity said, "who was that mare, though? I don't think I recall seeing her in town before."

Twilight raised an eyebrow, "The one who was sitting in the history section? She left?" Rarity nodded, "No idea. She was in here when I woke up. Been in there all day." Looking at the small room, Twilight harrumphed at the sight of the unshelved books. Making way to them, she lifted them up. Curious about what had the stranger so enthralled, she examined one of the books. Why in Celestia's name was she so interested in this? It's basic history. Shaking her head, she levitated the books back to their proper places on the shelves, and rejoined Rarity, "Sorry. Let's go!" With that, the two unicorns made their way to lunch.

* * *

That was kinda awesome, now that I think about it, I thought after I had calmed myself down. Considering everything that was happening, I was dealing extremely well, but seeing that magic was real in this world had just been the straw that broke the camels back. Rushing away from the library, I had slowed to a walk after a minute, and had been strolling around for a while, getting my nerves settled back down. I had known that magic existed, it was mentioned extensively in all of the books I had read, but that was something else. While I wanted to think about how useful magic must be, especially with no hands, my body had other ideas. I felt a stomach rumble almost reverberate through my entire body. Lemme guess, watermelon guy is around.

Thankfully, despite waiting a beat for the stallion to show up inexplicably, he did not. I was just hungry. Obviously, given I had only had a snack since entering this world. Thankful that I had found the money I had, even if it was so little, I decided to actually buy some food for lunch. Not seeing any restaurants or food shops, I resume walking. Hmm, if that guy was selling a whole watermelon for ten doll- Bits, I guess, so what can I buy with, I tried to remember how much I had on me, I think I actually have ten. So that might get me a loaf of bread, maybe some cold cuts. Wait, that's right, we're vegetarians. Well, I guess if my body doesn't know what it's miss-

SMASH!

Jumping at the sudden sound, like some big glass object breaking, I looked around for the source of it. Thankfully, it was almost immediately followed by someone, a stallion, yelling.

"I can't believe you! You're crazy, no one believes that type of shit!" Running up to the sounds, I saw that a pair of ponies were standing across from one another at an outdoor restaurant, a large pitcher broken on the ground amid a newly formed puddle. A pegasus stallion was staring daggers at a pale pink mare, who looked to be on the verge of tears. The only other pony around, what looked like a waitress for the place, was heading inside, a panicked look on her face.

"Y-y-you don't know what y-you're saying. Th-the Prince-"

"SHUT UP, YOU RETARDED BITCH!" At this point, the stallion was leaning on the table, his weight causing it to tilt slightly towards him, making two water glasses fall off of it, adding to the broken glass around the two. Feeling the fight or flight instinct about to kick in, I drew in a breath. Don't get involved don't get involved don't-

"Hey jackass, leave her alone!" I think the words surprised me more than it did either of the two at the table. Almost without knowing it, I found myself marching up to the stallion, my eyes narrowed. Shit, well, now you're involved! Damn it! Snorting almost like a bull, the stallion glared at me.

"Why don't you get lost, you-"

"No," I cut him off, "why don't YOU get lost before I cut your dick off, then see if the police want to even deal with your worthless ass!" Again without thinking, I swooped my head down, grabbed the largest piece of broken glass I could with my teeth, and stepped up to him. As I get closer he backed away, eyes wide.

"Y-you- all you mares are crazy!" Turning his eyes from me to the mare, he continued, "it's over, y-you psycho." At that he returned his gaze to me, still advancing on him with the glass shard, and turned tail. Spitting in the direction of his former companion, the chocolate brown stallion galloped off and around a corner.

Okay, that went we- ow! Son of a bitch!Feeling a prick, I opened my mouth and let the glass fall to the ground. Moving my tongue to where I had felt the pain, I tasted a small bit of blood coming from my upper lip. No shit Sherlock, you fucking held a piece of glass in your mouth.

The mare, who seemed to have watched that exchange in stunned silence finally spoke up. "Th-thank you so much miss!" Standing, she began to approach me, but backed away, "You, uh, should probably get off the glass."

Looking down, I saw that I was standing on top of the pile of broken glass. The mixture between the adrenaline and the having hooves must have let me not feel what I was stepping on. Backing off, breaking the glass into smaller pieces in the process, I stepped around the table towards the mare. "Y-you okay?" Looking her up and down, she certainly looked okay: her hair, which was a much darker shade of pink than her fur, was a tad messed up, and left over tears were still streaming down her face, but other than that she looked none the worse for wear. At least physically.

"Oh, yes yes. He didn't do anything but yell," the mare said, "you got here so fast it was like a miracle! Oh, I know, I should pay you for helping me." Digging into a bag she had at the foot of her chair, I shook my head at the mare.

"No no, no need. You don't have to pay me anything. I was just doing what I thought I should." For a second the mares face looked defeated, but it quickly picked up again.

"Then at least let me buy you lunch. I insist!" Not believing my luck, first that I had come out of that whole thing with only a minor scratch on my lip (at least from what I could tell by my tongue probing the wound), and that I now had someone to pay for my meal. Again not denying free food, I assented.

After the staff of the place came out and ensured that no one was hurt, and that the mare didn't want to press charges, they simply cleaned up the glass and sat the two of us at a different table. Being careful not to sit on my newly acquired tail, I wondered what she may ask me so that I could start formulating a response.

"Thank you so much again. That was so brave of you!" The pink unicorn said, smiling at me.

"It's not a problem." I replied, glancing over as a waitress brought over two menus and a pitcher of water, carefully balanced on her back. Well that's impressive, I thought at I opened the menu and pursued the options. Daisy salad, bean salad, melted cheese sandwich, apple burger... I suddenly became aware that the mare was talking, and focused in on what she was saying.

"... and really I don't know what got into him. He never got that upset when we talked about it before. Oh, I absolutely forgot," she extended a hoof towards me, "I'm Peony Bloom, but please, call me Peony, Miss...?"

Shitshitshit! Uh, think of a name... uh... "Sonnet, but you can call me Sona." I said, returning the gesture and shaking hooves with her, mentally wiping the sweat off my brow.

"Pleasure to meet you! Oh, I recommend the salads, they are really good here!" Opening her menu with magic, Peony scanned it rather quickly before closing it again, "I eat here all the time, so don't feel rushed to pick something."

"Oh, don't worry about it!" I began to look up and down the list of salads, looking for something that I thought I could actually eat. It seemed 80 percent of the things on the menu had hay or some other oat that I didn't want to risk eating on my first meal, "so, uh, how do you know that guy, anyway?"

"Oh, he's- well, I guess now he was my coltfriend for the past few months. He was always- he never- we always... well I guess I could have seen this coming, now that I think about it," Peony said, stopping her sentence short a few times as she seemed to reconsider what she was saying, "but at least he was good at paying his half of the rent. Now I have to find somepony to share my apartment."

Oh, you have got to be kidding me. This day is just shaping up perfectly. "Well, I uh don't want to take advantage of the situation here, but I'm, uh, new to town and I need a place to live, so-"

"Oh by Celestias good graces, that is perfect! I thought that I didn't recognise you from around here. I would love to- oh, sorry!" Peony stopped short, noticing that the waitress had come to our table, and looked to be waiting for us. Peony ordered the hay burger, while I ordered a salad that seemed to have food I was accustomed to from back on Earth. Once our orders were placed, Peony continued on, "Anyways, I would love to share my apartment with you. As long as you're not some kind of crazy axe murderer, of course! Hahahaha!"

"No, I'm not." I laughed along with her, "but I actually got here today, so I don't have any money for a little bit."

"Oh, darn it! But I'll think of a way to help cover it for the first month for you. Lemme think..." Peony stared at the table, a thinking face on. Racking my brain for ideas as well, a metaphorical light bulb went off, and an evil grin came to my face. You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch!

"Well, since that guy-"

"Dumb-Bell." How fitting, I thought as I continued on.

"Since this Dumb-Bell is clearly a real jerk, let's get revenge and some cash in one fell swoop. We should sell off all his stuff!" Shocked, Peony stared at me for a few seconds, before breaking out into giggles.

"You are evil! Evil! Let's do it." I smiled, getting a feeling that I was going to like this Peony.

Over the remainder of the lunch, we talked about me moving in with her and the living conditions. Saying that I was having my stuff shipped via train (as I recalled a train station on the side of town), we worked out that we were going to sell off whatever we could that day, which had the final benefit of freeing up some room for my (nonexistent, of course) things. Peony eventually went onto telling me this Dumb-bell guys life story, and how she had only started to date him because they had been friends in highschool. Apparently there were some major warning signs Peony didn't really pick up on, but I wasn't going to berate her for being an airhead. She kind of was, to be honest, but I felt that wouldn't be a great way to start off our new relationship.

Once the food came out, the topic shifted to more mundane things, like what time I usually woke up, how loud I could be at certain parts of the day, and the general things people usually discussed before moving in together. It sounded like the apartment was pretty small, but it was in the good part of town, and wasn't a wallet breaker, at least according to Peony.

"Moh! Ah," Peony paused to swallow her mouthful of burger, "I totally forgot to ask you. What do you do for a living?"

"Me? I'm a writer." I said without thinking. It was true, I was a writer, but that was back home on Earth. Hoping she let it slide, I sighed as she just nodded her head.

"Cool. I work at a flower shop in town. See?" Maneuvering herself so that I could see her flank (and thankfully showing nothing more risque considering I was eating), I saw that her ass tattoo was appropriately enough a white peony bloom, "I think my Cutie Mark knew that it'd be weird for me to have a different flower than my name. Imagine if I had gotten something like a daisy!"

"I can't imagine." So these things are Cutie Marks. Well, better name than ass tattoo that's for sure.

Finishing lunch, Peony paid and led me to the apartment building. Located near the center of Ponyville, it looked to me a three-story building, with a small wooden sign outside that said Ponyville Apartments. Leading me in, Peony continued on down a side hallway, stopping to open door number 105.

"Home again home again!" Peony chirped, stepping into the room. Following her, I almost stopped dead as she stepped to one side, and I saw it.

It was a shrine, and a rather large one at that. Mounted on the wall seemed to be a large oil painting, at least two feet tall and a foot across, of who I recognized to be this Princess Celestia, looking down so that she would be staring at someone who was right in front of the shrine. Around the painting was a wreath of flowers of all colors, drawing even more attention to the painting itself. On top of a small table stood two candles, one dark blue, the other white. Between them sat a worn out looking book, opened with a ribbon resting in between the pages. Uh Oh. I wasn't about to bash on someone for being religious, but having a full blown shrine in one's home generally did not speak well of them.

"Something wrong?" Realizing I had been in almost a trance, I quickly looked away from the shrine and glanced around the room.

"Just taking it all in." I realized that I seemed to be getting better and better at coming up with lies on the spot, but I suppose what that spoke of my character was not important. The rest of the room was mundane, especially compared to the shrine: a few paintings and photographs on the walls, a large plush couch on top of a rug, a potted plant in the corner, bookshelves dominating one wall, and a bay window looking outside.

Peony nodded, and stepped further into her- our apartment. Her horn glowing, I watched as several flattened cardboard boxes floated into the room from what look like a kitchen. Levitating one to me, Peony smiled, "Well, let's get to work then! Don't want him to have any of this stuff, do we?"

The next few hours were a blur of activity: packing boxes full of Dumb-Bell's belongings, deciding what to sell things for and organizing them by price, and finally getting the impromptu yard sale arranged and underway. The activity was helpful, but everytime I moved through the main room of my new apartment, I couldn't help but let my eyes wander over to the shrine. Debating whether to bring it up or not, I decided to keep my mouth shut and focus on selling the jackasses stuff ASAP, all the while hoping that he did not return and catch us in the act. Thankfully, he never showed up, and at the end of the day we got most of his things sold off, and what we didn't we kept in boxes to throw away the next day. We got about 400 Bits out of the whole thing, which Peony assured me was more than enough to pay my half the bill for the first month. Eating a light dinner of carrot soup, I slumped over onto the couch and was on the edge of sleep before I woke up to what sounded like praying coming from behind me, and what looked like candle light.

"-hear my prayers, Oh High Celestia, and bring harmony to myself and my new friend Sonnet in this time of great change. You who are our God made flesh, make our passage through this mortal life smooth and bless us with your holy light eternal." Not making a move, I listened on as Peony prayed, hoping she didn't figure out I was awake. Thankfully, she quickly blew out the candles and went to her bedroom, leaving me to my mind in the darkness. Not sure what to think, I tried to put the shrine that was just behind me out of my thoughts, but I could feel the paintings eyes, Princess Celestias eyes, looking down on me, judging.

That night I had a dream of being chased by a great ball of flame, and being caught by it just before I woke up.

* * *

"So Jacob," the stallion said across his desk, shuffling around various papers strewn about it, "have we had any luck finding our friend in Ponyville?" The unicorn mare shook her head.

"No, Ma'am. Whoever it is, they managed to keep their head down so far."

"Good, good. We don't want an incident like the last time one of us spoke up immediately. What else?" The stallion pulled at his collar, the clothing tight around his neck.

"One of our local supporters, a pegasus, almost blew his cover in a public argument in Ponyville today. What makes it worse is that a mare leapt to the defense of his Celestine girlfriend, threatened him until he ran off."

At that the stallion ran a hoof through his mane. "Hmm, odd. Sounds like something-" Suddenly the stallion slammed a hoof into his desk, making the unicorn jump, "Quickly, bring me this stallion. I think," a grim smile spread across the stallion face, "that we just found our comrade..."

Three (NSFW: Sex)

"Good morning!" The greeting pierced the silence, and I bolted upright out of my not-so-restful sleep.

"Huh wuh- oh, morning." I relied once I saw that it was just Peony walking through the room, her mane already brushed and a chipper smile on her face. I always hated being around morning people; it seemed ungodly for someone to be so damn energetic and ready to tackle the day straight out of bed. I rubbed my eyes with a hoof. And it certainly didn't help that the last few days had been stressful to say the least, what with the being on an alien planet and all. Silently waking myself up, I watched as Peony bustled around the kitchen for a few minutes, all the while humming to herself.

"First day with my new roomy, so excited," Peony said aloud, her overly chipper voice emanating alongside the sounds of her preparing something, "I just wish that I could stay home and make sure you're all settled, but can't make the bossman mad and not show up!" Walking out, Peony held aloft two bowls, one of which she levitated to me.

"Thanks." I halfheartedly said, placing it on my lap. The bowl emanated warmth and the smell of honey. Lifting a spoonful of its contents, I examined it to see if I wanted to try my luck with any Equestrian cuisine this early in the morning. Thankfully, it looked to be oatmeal. Placing the spoon in my mouth, I noticed that Peony was looking at me, "Can ah help you?"

Peony giggled. "No, no. You just look so scared of the spoon. Like you'd never eaten with one before." Easy for you to say, Miss Magicface over there. We continued to eat in silence, I looking around the room, Peony looking at me, her smile not going away. Finishing before her, I took the bowl in my teeth and made my way to the sink. Depositing it, I turned hearing the door open, "I'll be right back, I need to get you a key before I leave." With that, she exited and closed the door.

Sighing, I suddenly felt a very concerning feeling emanate from my nether regions: the expression having to piss like a racehorse was an understatement. Putting the pedal to the metal, I managed to get to the apartments bathroom before I remembered something that I had noticed yesterday, but not put much thought into: these ponies still used chamber pots. GrossgrossgrossbutIhavetoGOGOGO, I thought as I positioned myself above the pot and let the waterworks begin.

Thankfully, I managed to not make a mess, even with the new piping system that I had yet to test out and not wanting to actually make contact with the thing. A wave of relief washed over me, along with the odd and new sensation of actually using my new equipment. Sighing, I finished and washed my hooves in the sink. Catching a look at myself in the mirror, I debated whether to use the hairbrush Peony had left on the counter or if that was too much on the first day of living together. Deciding for the latter, I simply ran a hoof through my mane, taking out a snag or two before returning to the living room. It was actually a miracle that I hadn't had to use the bathroom at all in the two days I had been in Equestria. Thankfully not having any more urgent bodily functions to take care of, I waited in silence for Peony to return, very purposefully not looking at the painting on the wall. Eventually my new roommate returned, a key held in her teeth.

"Ere you go." She said, placing the key on the couch besides me. Rushing to her bedroom, she quickly returned with a saddlebag on her waist, "Sorry to rush out on you! Have a good day!" With that, she ventured back out, closing the door behind her in a glimmer of magic.

"Bye..." I said aloud to no one, knowing that she couldn't have possibly heard me. Looking around the now empty apartment, I pondered what my next move was going to be. I had gotten a roof over my head with almost miraculous luck, but I had the feeling getting a job and possessions was going to be much more challenging. Perhaps it may have signalled that I had already given up all hopes of going back to Earth, but in the moment I rationalized it by not knowing for certain how long I was going to be here, and that I needed to act as normal as possible. Maybe I should try and spy on some people, see how I should be acting here... I ruminated on the idea, knowing it certainly wouldn't have been the oddest thing I had done so far, and most likely wouldn't be the weirdest thing I did while in this world period. Deciding to head out and one look for a job and two learn the local manners, I walked towards the key. Accidentally, I happened to bump my hindquarters on the arm of the couch in a way that the fabric brushed against the outside of my newly acquired pussy.

A wave of ecstasy like I had never quite felt back in my male, human body washed over me, making me shiver in pleasure and every on my body hair stand on end. Seeing spots, I immediately froze in place, my mind going blank. Breathless from the totally unexpected pleasure, I stood still as a statue for a good minute, just letting my body ride the aftershocks of the touch. Did I just cum... from rubbing against a couch? Breathing, panting almost, I looked around the apartment despite knowing full no one was there. I was alone, and I had to discover my new body at some point... Feeling the familiar wash of lust and warmth creep into my chest, I decided to make my way to my new bedroom, a devious grin on my face from the knowledge of what I was about to do. Even the glare coming from the painting did not hinder my increasingly lusty mood.

The room was about a 12 foot square, with a glass ceiling light really being the only decoration other than the couple of boxes left over from the yard sale the day before. A small, bare bed was shoved in one corner, a layer of dust on top of it due to neglect. Taking in the musty smell of the room, I slowly closed the door and locked it behind me just to make sure I had ample time for this. I could feel the heat building up in my nether regions, the complete newness of the situation only making it all the more pleasurable. Making my way across the room, I hopped up on to the bed, rolling on to my back and sitting up, legs spread wide.

The cool air just hammered in the point that I was hot and bothered, the heat coming off my inflamed pussy enough to almost radiate out. I could see from my propped up position that in was swollen something fierce, almost bulging outwards. You are living every teenagers fantasy out right here, I thought to myself, not taking into consideration that while I was about to be the first man to experience the female orgasm first hand, I was doing it with a horses body. The primitive side of my body taking control, I extended a hoof to my nethers, and lightly brushed my swollen clit.

The wave of pure ecstasy that washed over me would have been enough to make some small countries cum. "Huhh-!" I gasped as if electrocuted, my mind again swimming in a sea of lustful pleasure, expelling all sentient thought. The walls of my pussy unconsciously squeezed shut, and I could feel how wet I must have been. Moving my hoof further down, so I just barely grazed the surface, I could feel the moisture positively radiate off my sex. Shuddering at even the lightest touch, I brought my hoof back towards my face. Seeing its edge shine with my own lubricant, my mind gone at this point, I inhaled the scent of my own desire deeply. The musk only further increased my desire, so much so that I could almost feel my excitement leaking out onto the bed. Not caring about how I was going to clean up my mess, I thrust my hoof back down, going at it like a teenager trying to finish before his parents got back from the store any minute.

Lost in my lust, my mind began to wander. An image of my new body, draped over the edge of the bed and being pounded mercilessly by some stallion filled my head, making me clench in pleasure, almost feeling every vigorous thrust of my imaginary partners throbbing cock as it slid in and out of me with ease. My own juices gave his thick cock a glorious sheen, it positively glimmering every time it emerged for a second from my aching nethers, only to be thrust in again with a wave of pure passion accompanying its tremendous girth. I could almost feel it at this point, its flattened head pounding against the entrance to my womb, his balls slapping against my body with a wonderful hearty wet smack at every thrust. I could feel his weight pressing me into the bed, sandwiching myself against his body, the scent of unbridled lust filling my nostrils. Not caring in the moment that I was imagining myself getting fucked by a stallion, I moaned in pleasure. "Faster, faster!" I heard myself say aloud, pleading my imaginary partner to fuck me, fuck me hard and fuck me fast. My hips shivering from the stress of being held aloft so long, I let them come down to a rest, the impact giving my hips a vigorous shake and sending my hoof into my opening.

"Ahhh- fuuuuck!" I moaned, the ecstasy of my own touch disconnecting my grip of reality. I lost all sense of what my hoof was doing: I slid it up, down, across, around, every which way, every movement sending a new shock to my system, not caring about the almost embarrassingly feminine moans of passion emanating from me, "oh oh oh." Feeling the damn about to burst, I furiously swirled my own hoof on my pulsing pussy, the hard feel of the hoof increasing the soft tenderness of my pussy. Feeling it approach, I was totally unprepared for the sheer power of the orgasm. "FUCK OH OH OH- AHHHHhhhhh-" My body froze for a split second, before I felt a gush against my hoof and a wave of pleasure wash over again, electrocuting every muscle, standing every hair on end.

For a few minutes I just lay there, gasping for breath, convulsing as several aftershocks rolled through me. Too spent even to move my hoof, I could feel my pulse coming from my pussy, feel my cum roll down my body onto the bed. Eventually, after what felt like hours but was much more likely five minutes, I managed to gather myself enough to push myself over into a laying position, and looked down. A wet spot nearly the size of my new head adorned the mattress where my pussy had been. A sheen of reflected light came off of my crotch, my entire area coated with a nice layer of cum from my clit to my asshole, and even some at the base of my tail.

"Whoo." I sighed, stretching my legs to return some feeling to them. Slowly getting up, my vision clouded for a second from the sudden rush of blood back to my head. Wobbling even on all fours for a second, I shook my head and looked again at my handiwork. Hmm, that's gonna take a bit to get out, I smiled to myself at the sight of my sex stain. I probably should have placed a towel or something underneath me before I began, but my lust addled brain hadn't been so forward thinking. Walking back to the bathroom, the odd sensation of my soaked vagina making me walk a tad funny, I managed to get enough toilet paper to wipe my crotch and base of my tail down enough to where I didn't think anyone could tell what I had been up to, hoping no one would be able to smell my musk when I was out and about. Wetting a washcloth in the kitchen sink, I vigorously rubbed at the stain on the mattress, hoping that since it had worked for me on sheets in the past, it would work this time. Not that I tried to hard, mind you. It was still that dumbass Dumb-bells bed, so I didn't care if the stain set or not.

Hoping that my efforts of cleaning up after myself were adequate, I began to ready myself to leave the apartment and look around town again. Taking the opportunity to borrow one of Peony's saddlebacks, which she thankfully left near the door, I took some of the leftover Bits from the yard sale, locked the door behind me, and began walking out. Since our room was on the first floor, and pretty close to the front door of the apartment complex, I was quickly in the main lobby. Glancing to my side, I saw that a mare was sat behind the main desk, reading what looked to be a newspaper. Can't hurt to ask, I thought to myself as I approached her, hoping to not waste much time finding a bookstore or other place I could get a job to start out with. Looking at the newspaper, I tilted my head a bit to read the main headline: Royal Guard Raid on Baltimare Resistance Base, Killing Three. I do not like the looks of that, I thought, but was not able to think much more of the concerning article as I came up to the counter and the mare lowered her paper.

"What can I do for you?" The mare, looking to be in middle age with a few grey streaks in her otherwise jet black hair, said.

"Hi, I was wondering if you could tell me where I could find a place that was hiring right now? I just moved in yesterday and-"

"So you're that Peony's new roommate she was so excited about a little bit ago," the mare interrupted me, shuffling her paper and offering me a section, "Well, no better place to start than the help wanted section."

"Thanks!" I said, stuffing the section into one of the bags and nodding goodbye to the mare. Continuing on, I exited the apartment complex.

It seemed the weather had had enough perfect spring days over the time I had been in this world, with the sky filled with gray clouds that just promised rain storms. It was still pleasantly warm out, though, and everyone else in the streets seemed to not be prepared for rain. Shrugging it off, I pondered where I could go to read the wanted section in privacy, before noticing that I could see the top of the tree library from where I was standing. Deciding that I could kill two birds with one stone, read the paper and research ways to get home, I headed that way. While I was walking, I noticed that my back legs, specifically my inner thighs, felt much more relaxed, as if I had relieved a great stress from them. Smiling like a naughty school boy, I thought to myself that I would have to do that more often.

When I got to the library, I was once again the only patron, the main entrance empty like it had been. Knowing that I would have to ask where I could find books on the subject I was interested in, I lightly knocked my hoof against the ground, "Hello?"

"One moment please!" A voice shouted from above, followed by a loud crash and the sound of hurrying hoof clops. The same unicorn from the last time soon rushed down the stairs, a pair of reading glasses on her face, and her mane unkempt, "What can I help you with?"

"Um, yes, where could I find something on... interdimensional theory? I know it's an odd request-"

"No, no worries!" The unicorn said quickly, a hoof going to her jaw in thought, "Let me see, the advanced magic area is down the hall, first doorway on the left." Following her pointed hoof, I thanked her and began to make my way over there, but she spoke up again, "If you can't find anything tell me, and I'll see if the Princess can send me anything."

Turning, I raised an eyebrow, "You know the Princess?" Oh great, another fanatic. There'll probably be another shrine in the back room, I just know it.

"Yes! I'm her pupil, actually!" At this she seemed to beam, "But you look new in town, so there would be no reason you would know that, Miss...?"

"Sonnet." I quickly replied, intrigued. Why the hell would a librarian be the apprentice to a near deity to these people? "That actually sounds great, thank you." Again, I made my way to the back room, hearing the librarian walk back up the stairwell.

The room the librarian suggested was even smaller than the last one I had used, this one simply one wall of books and a small step stool in the corner. Scanning the books, I looked and I looked, but couldn't find anything suggesting it was what I was looking for based on its spine. Beginning to draw books at random, I eventually stumbled upon a thin, leather bound book with the faded title Theories, Practices, and Possibilities in the Realm of Travel Between Worlds, by an unknown author. Cracking the small book, barely more than a leaflet, open, I scanned the numerous lists of materials, diagrams, and schematics for possible ways to initiate planar travel. While most of it was inane technical babble about the magic behind it, I keyed in on one paragraph in the very last chapter:

"In practicAl applications, the Materials and knowledge to initiate proper planar travel are too costly to allow for practical travel between the planes, even if one was skilled enough to accomplisH it. Unfortunately, Most scholars agree that the lArge magical discharge that would accompany a successful plaNar shift, of even one object as small as the common pony, Would go to waste as wEll as contaminate sAid object with Residual magic. This contamination would causE Severe problems with The way magic, even the most mUndane, would interaCt with the transported, essentially kicKed out of its Home plane, object. It is for this rEason that i must conclude that the successful planaR shift would be only one way: if an object was shifted in a planE, it would never be able to accomplish the feat again.

I felt my heart sink: if what this author was saying was correct, there was no way for me to get back to Earth. Whatever magic had taken me here, and I could only assume that it was magic from this place, had in the same instant transported me and trapped me here. The good, airy feeling I had had since my stress relieving session early quickly left, replaced by a crushing sadness that came with the realization that my fears had just turned into reality: I was never going home. I was never going to see another human being in my life. I was going to die surrounded by strangers, all of them totally different than anything I had ever encountered. Sighing, I replaced the book onto the shelf and made my way out of the room. As I was making my way out, a voice spoke up from behind me.

"Did you find what you needed?" It sounded like a male voice, almost like a preteen, but I was too dejected to even turn around.

"No, but thanks for the help." With that I exited the library. Appropriately enough, it had started to rain.

* * *

"Huh. Weird." Spike said to himself as he returned upstairs to Twilights room, where she sat surrounded by books, researching for one of the Princesses projects, "That mare just left, Twilight. Said she couldn't find what she was looking for."

"What? She didn't even let me see if-" The unicorn was interrupted by her dragon assistants cheeks bulging out slightly, followed by a loud belch of fire. With practiced skill, Spike caught the letter that had appeared alongside the fire, "Well, maybe we can hold some books for her. What's Celestia say?"

Clearing his throat, Spike read the note aloud, "Twilight, this is a grave matter. Describe this mare, down to the last detail. Leave nothing out." Twilight continued to look at Spike, expecting more. The baby dragon shrugged at her, "That's it."

Twilight scratched her head, and adjusted her reading glasses. "That's not like Princess Celestia. Well, let's see. She was pale brown, with-"

* * *

The heat of the sun radiated off of the Princess, who sat glaring at her desk. This was infuriating! This one was crafty to have gotten so close to finding out the truth so quickly. She had to have her raids pick up the pace; she had grown complacent since her sisters return, and these things were taking advantage of it. A crackle of fire came from Celestias mane, which itself had transformed into a burning inferno to suit her rage. The double doors slammed open behind her, the Captain of the Guard galloping in breathlessly.

"Y-you called your Majesty?" Seeing Celestias rage, Shining Armor stepped back several paces, knowing full well what rage could do to his fair Princess. Gulping in fear, Shining removed his helmet and saluted.

"Put out a warrant of arrest for a mare in Ponyville. You're sister is sending me everything she knows about this mare. I want her brought to me! Double- no, triple the guard in Ponyville, and make sure every one of you knows her face better than your own mothers." Celestia replied, barely restraining herself from shouting. Her eyes stared at the spot where the letter would appear, willing Twilight to write faster.

"And, wh-what will be the charge, your Majesty?" Shining asked, his heart racing at the sound of his monarchs rage.

"Heresy," Celestia said, stressing every syllable, "against the crown."

* * *

Dejected, I walked down the streets of Ponyville, not even paying attention to the rain that was pattering off of my back. Several ponies spoke out and advised me to cover myself up, but I steadfastly ignored them all. The knowledge that I was alone in this world now, for good, was weighing my head down, and countless times ponies had to walk around me to avoid butting into me head on. Eventually, it dawned on me that I had forgotten to actually read the newspaper and see what jobs were available. I suppose that I might as well accept it, I thought to myself, as a drop of rain (or a tear, I wasn't sure which) rolled out my eye. Surveying my immediate surroundings, I stepped into the closest shop, Sugarcube Corner.

The scent of baked confections assaulted me as I opened the door, the scent contrasting oddly with my mood and the gloomy atmosphere outside. Inside, however, the place was abuzz with chatter and laughter. Looking around, a long line of ponies stood in front of a counter, on top of and in several showcases were various confections and candies. The several tables inside the place were all occupied as well, with many of the occupants chatting and eating amongst themselves. Spotting a table with only one pony at it, a yellow pegasus with pink hair, I made my way over.

"Is this seat taken?" I asked, nodding over to the seat opposite the mare. Emitting what sounded like a squeak appropriate for a mouse, she seemed to attempt to form a sentence before giving up on that and nodding her head yes once. Sighing, I shed my bag and placed my now sopping newspaper section on the table. Blowing on the paper, hoping to dry it out faster, I scanned the room lazily. It looked like to a pony everyone else in the room had a smile, especially the pink pony behind the counter, whose laugher I could hear clearly above all the other noise in the place. Sighing, I returned my gaze to my table partner who was looking away from me, her long mane covering much of her face.

"Lovely weather." I stated blandly, watching as even that made the mare jump. Well aren't you a bundle of fun, I chuckled mentally, knowing that while it shouldn't poking fun at others tended to help cheer me up.

"y-yes..." I could barely make out what the mare said, she whispered it so quietly. Gingerly, she pointed a hoof at the paper, "a-are you new in town?"

"Yeah." I said, my normal speaking level sounding like shouting as compared to the other mares voice. Seeing her flinch at that, I tried to continue on in a more forgiving tone, "Look, I didn't mean to yell. I've just got a lot to deal with."

"L-like what?"

"Oh, I don't really want to talk about it," I said, then realized that I kind of had to since I had brought it up, "Well. I just got some bad news, and on top of being here with no friends, well other than my ditsy roommate, and no family, I'm not feeling so hot." I sighed and opened the paper up, turning it to the correct page. Beginning to scan the columns of help wanted ads, I was surprised when the pegasus replied.

"Y-you don't know anyone in Ponyville." I shook my head, "w-well... I'm Fluttershy." I looked up and saw that she was offering me her hoof. Deciding not to be an asshole and spread my bad feelings to other, I took it.

"Sonnet. Good to meet you." Despite my piss poor mood, I genuinely smiled. This girl was nice, and not in an overbearing kind of way like Peony was. She kind of reminded me of an ex-girlfriend I had back home.

"Can I, uh, buy you a drink? A-as a kind of welcome to Ponyville gift?" I snorted at that, my smile staying.

"You know what? I'd like that."

With that, me and this Fluttershy began a long conversation in the corner of the shop. She bought me what tasted like butterscotch hot chocolate, and over the course of the next hour we chatted about a lot of things: what we did, what books we liked, really chatted like a pair of old friends, not strangers. While I did most of the talking, I could tell that Fluttershy was actually listening, and not just playing along like so many people I knew. I even got her to start talking about herself a bit, mainly about how she seemed to raise an entire forest of animals from bunnies to owls to even a bear. Listening to her talk, I almost felt like her Cutie Mark should have been something about how damned kind she was, and not the (kind of girly) butterflies that she had.

"...Oh, Angel can get into so much trouble. One time, I even caught him- oh! I'm so so sorry! I lost track of time and kept you from looking at your paper." The mare seemed genuinely upset, but I just laughed it off.

"It's no problem. I was kind of dreading the job search anyway, I don't have any of my identification on me anyway."

"Oh, I'm sure you'll be fine. Actually," She motioned for the paper, and pointed to a job ad, "I know the owner of this store. I'm sure if I go with you she'll give you a bit to get the official stuff done."

Not believing my luck was continuing for so long (well, other than the whole being trapped on an alien plane for the rest of my life thing), I followed Fluttershy to Terrific Tomes. It was a small, dusty bookstore nestled in between two larger stores, its position causing it to be much cooler inside the store than on the streets of Ponyville. A small register was almost shoved up against a wall, so as to allow for even more space to be taken up by the almost obscene numbers of books in the store. Shelves went from floor to ceiling, with almost every shelf looking full to bursting with all sorts of books, all in various stages of use and age. A wizened old mare, her mane a dusty gray, looked up from the register, her face creaking into a near toothless grin as Fluttershy walked inside.

"Oh hullo dearie. I haven't seen you in seems like ages." The mare said. Fluttershy quickly returned her smile.

"Sorry Pageturner, I just have been oh so busy lately to stop by. But," the pegasus motioned a hoof at me, "I brought you something to make up for me ignoring you: somepony to help you with the store."

"Oh did you now?" The mare said, her gaze turning towards me, "well, why don't you come to the office, and we can get this done all official like." Sighing, I followed the mare to a back room, and proceeded to give perhaps the best interview of my life. Not twenty minutes later, I walked out of the book store with a smile on my face, a stack of papers in my bags, and a new job in this new world.

"You are amazing! I've never seen someone get a job like that so quickly. I thought you were going to have to wait a day or two just to interview." Fluttershy beamed a smile at me as I jokingly told her that while I was good, I sure as heck wasn't that good. We continued to chat as I walked home to the apartment complex in the rain, where the two of us shook hooves again and split up. Heading back into my apartment, I filled out what parts of the paperwork Pageturner gave me that I could for a bit before Peony came home. Managing to convince her that the train that had all my stuff had been delayed, the evening was filled with us chatting about our respective days (with me leaving some of the more shocking details out, of course), eating a dinner which Peony cooked for us, and relaxing until we went to bed, Peony praying at her creepy shrine before wishing me good night. Sighing as I nestled into the couch, I tried not to dwell on the negative parts of the day, but the fact that I was becoming more comfortable in my new body, and that things were going almost too well for me. Again trying to ignore the stare of the painting on my back, I managed to fall asleep.

* * *

"So what you're saying is that she saved this Peony pony?" The brown pegasus nodded vigorously, his entire body shaking in disbelief that he was actually there; he was actually in the Headquarters! The black earth pony adjusted his collar once again, trying to keep a level head, "Son, I should have you reprimanded bad for that outburst of yours. But," again he paused, taking time to make sure he had his followers full attention, "I need you to do something for me. For the Cause."

"A-anything sir- I mean Ma'am! I'll do whatever you need me to do for the Cause!" Dumb-bell said, saluting once again. His band, which showed an outstretched, five digited hand, slid down his leg as he saluted, but was quckly returned to its rightful place by the nervous stallion.

"Good. Because I need you to find this mare ASAP. You see," the stallion smiled at what he was about to say, "she's a human, and we can't let the Princess get to her before we do..."