No Need For Ponies

As soon as they entered the shrine, the first thing they noticed was their friend Twilight Sparkle resting in a futon. They all rushed to her for a closer look. “I’m relieved to see that all of you are fine and showing life. Don’t worry, your dear friend only went through a minor fever. She already recovered from it, so she soon will be opening her eyes by now.” The girls all sighed with relief after hearing that.

“Thank you so much for watching over her, kind sir. We were all worried about her condition. And you must be Tenchi’s grandfather, perchance?” Said Rarity.

“It’s no trouble at all, miss. My family and myself would never ignore young ladies such as yourselves in such distress. And yes, I am. My name is Katsuhito Masaki. I hope my grandson and his ill-mannered father didn’t gave you all too much trouble, did they?” said Katsuhito.

Applejack shook her head and said “Nope. Both of them are all fine people. Although one of our own is still doing her best to trust them.” She then looks back at Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow reacted by widening her eyes then responded, “Hey, you can’t be too careful. I mean, we’ve just met these humans.” Katsuhito blinked a few times with curiosity after hearing Rainbow Dash’s words. “Oh? I would have guessed that you’re not from this world, but from how you spoken it’s like you originally did not have those bodies.”

All the girls once again felt nervous from hearing that. Tenchi sighed and said, “It’s a long story, grandpa. We’re better off telling once this girl here wakes up.” As soon as Tenchi said those words, Twilight started to move her eyes and making waking sounds.

“Speak of the devil, looks like she is coming to now.” Said Katsuhito.

Twilight’s eyes were half-opened and started to mumble after waking up. “Mmm, what happened?” she muttered in English with little effort.

“Slowly now, miss. You were very weak from whatever you went through. But it’s all right now, you’re in good care. Wait, this is awkward. The rest of you were all speaking perfect Japanese, but your friend here is speaking English.” Said Katsuhito with his hand placed on her futon.

Twilight Sparkle rubbed her eyes then muttered “Ugh, all I remember is that I wanted to demonstrate my translation stones then…" she said then paused and looked around. The first thing she noticed was Katsuhito himself. Her eyes widen from surprise and jumped back. “WAAAH!!! Who are you? What are you?" she said with fright.

Twilight then noticed her hands, then her jaw dropped from sudden shock. “Huh?” she gasped then started staring at her own body. Tenchi might have guessed this would happen. If these girls were actually ponies as they claimed, it’s no surprise that their friend would be in such a baffled state after finding out she is in a different form. The girls couldn’t stand watching Twilight suffering from this. She trembled tremendously from her sudden discovery. “My body! What happened to me?” she asked herself as she starts feeling her face. She stared back at Katsuhito. “D-d-did you do this to me?” she asked as her words starts to break while crying into tears.

Katsuhito responded with a sad expression. With his long years of experience, he definitely understands the feelings of this sad yet scared girl but does not how to respond back to her since he does not know her language. He could only give her a sad expression. The others couldn’t take much more of this as they rushed for Twilight.

Not able to recognize in them an instant, Twilight crawled back into a corner and flinched. “Stay away! All of you!" she shrieked.

Rarity kneeled down, took Twilight’s hand and caresses it softly. “Shh, calm down, darling. It’s just us. Rest assured you’re in no such danger." Said Rarity now speaking in English.

Twilight slowly opened her eyes as she soon recognized Rarity’s voice. “Ra-rarity? Is that really you?" she said while sniffing after crying as she placed her hand on her friend’s cheek.

“It’s me, Twilight. Well, not fabulously 100% on the outside. But I’m still one and the same on the inside, nevertheless, plus we’re not a alone.” Said Rarity with a calming smile. With a wave of her hand, she presents the rest of her companions to Twilight.

“Even though, we’re not ponies right now…" said Fluttershy nervously.

“We’re still safe, sound, and once again together like friends should." Said Rainbow Dash with her fist raised up to finish off Fluttershy’s words.

“Everypony…" said Twilight Sparkle as she cries into tears. The rest bundled together as Twilight tried to place her arms around them for a group hug.

Tenchi and his grandfather witnesses a most precious moment they haven’t seen for quite some time: A reunion among close friends. The young man felt very proud and happy for bringing them back together with their remaining friend.

“Hmm, we don’t get to see such priceless moments like these very often. But Tenchi, I’m very curious how you managed to take care of these girls after they awoke.” Asked Katsuhito.

Tenchi sighed, crossed his arms and answered “It wasn’t easy. They definitely do not belong here from how they first behaved. Plus they claimed they’re not human to begin with. Call me crazy but I’m actually started to believe them.”

Katsuhito chuckled after hearing that and pats his grandson on the back then said, “Whether they’re human or not, letting you to trust them is definitely the most important action to do in this kind of situation. I’m proud that you handled it so well.” After that, they both continue watching the girls.

“I’m so sorry, all of you. You girls end up in such a horrible situation because of me wanting to test my translation stones." Said Twilight as she continues to sob.

“It’s all right, sugarcube. As long we’re fine and together like grapes on a vine, nothing matters more than that." Said Applejack while patting Twilight Sparkle’s head.

“Besides, being human isn’t all that bad. Not only that, your translation stones wasn’t a total failure." Said Pinkie Pie happily.

Twilight lift heard and stares curiously at Pinkie Pie after hearing what she said. “Huh? You mean my translation stones worked? And what do you mean being human?" asked Twilight.

Pinkie Pie pointed at Tenchi and his grandfather. “Actually, those two and one other are real humans. They were the ones who took care of us while we were knocked out. Me and Rainbow Dash were the first ones to wake up. It was really scary as we thought that boy there was a mean monster. Well, we couldn’t understand what he was saying since he spoke funny, but for some reason he wanted us to calm down and…" Pinkie Pie continued.

But Rainbow Dash placed her hand on Pinkie’s mouth to stop, then interrupted. “Let’s just say we had no choice but to trust him and we were surprised that he returned our translation stones. That’s when we were finally able to understand and speak with him once we wore them.” She said.

Twilight gasped but that awestruck soon turn to excitement and started squealing cheerful noises. “Yes! Yes! Yes! They work! They work!”

“Well, she seems very happy now. That was a fast recovery.” Said Katsuhito with a smile on his faces and his eyes closed.

“What’s that she is so excited about?” Tenchi asked Applejack while pointing at Twilight.

“That’s her usual self whenever she finds out any of her whatcha-ma-call-it inventions work. She happens to be the one who made those translation stones. I tell ya’, she is so obsessed in coming up with new stuff as much as her book reading. Well, I admit I’m an old-fashioned pony and just prefer things stay the way they are. But seeing Twilight this happy that her stones work is good enough for me, especially after everything that she’s been through.”

Tenchi chuckled then said, “That’s good to hear. But her love for inventing and search for knowledge kinda reminds me of someone.”

Applejack smirked, placed her hand on Tenchi’s back then said “I bet my apple trees back home that you’re thinking about one of your friends now. Am I right?”

Tenchi sighed and answered with a calm smile “Yeah…”

Katsuhito then took a closer look of Applejack’s stone. He rubs his chin then asked, “So you’re saying these stones that all of you are wearing gives you the ability to speak and understand beings speaking in a language foreign from your own?”

“Yup, you could say that.” Answered Applejack nervously.

“That’s very impressive. You should be very happy for your friend that she is so gifted.” Said Katsuhito.

“Don’t you worry about that, Tenchi’s grandpa. All of us already feel that way of her.” Said Applejack with a smile while rubbing the back of her head.

Twilight went on showing how excited she is then said “I must inform Princess Celestia about the news. Spike, write me…" She paused as she realized that whatever she just asked won’t happen, and lowered her head. Her friends knew what she just gone through now. She then focused on Tenchi and Katsuhito and asked, “Excuse me, I just need to ask of something from both of you."

Tenchi and Katsuhito look confused as they did not understood what she was saying. Twilight started to look more worried. Then Katsuhito thought of something as he placed his closed fist on his open palm as a gesture of realization. He then searches within one of his sleeves and pulled out a stone in a shape of what looks to be a star.

“I think this should help with our difficult language barrier. I kept it in safe keeping in case it belongs to you.” He said with a smile with his eyes closed as he returned the stone to its rightful owner. Twilight was speechless for a moment as she looks at her stone then looks back at Katsuhito. She smiled back then wore the stone around her neck as a pendant.

“Testing… One, two, three. Is it working now?” she asked.

“We can understand you very clearly now, miss.” Katsuhito answered. Tenchi nodded to affirm as well.

Twilight couldn’t help but to be excited once more after she was finally sure that her invention works, but she calmed down as she wanted to finally speak with Katsuhito and Tenchi. “First of, thank you so much in taking care of all us. It really means a lot me.” She said as she bows her head showing her gratitude.

“It’s no trouble at all, miss. We’re just relieved that you and your friends are well and good.” Said Katsuhito.

Twilight felt relieved that the two people in front of them are kind beings, then she asked, “I want to ask you something. By any chance you found anypony else besides us.”

Katsuhito and Tenchi looked at each other then he said to twilight “You mean ‘anyone else,’ right? No, I don’t think so. In fact, my grandson Tenchi here was the one who found all of you and your stones in the first place.”

Tenchi shook his head then said, “It’s true. There was no one else, just you six girls and your stones. Were you expecting someone else with you?”

Twilight lowered her head in disappointment and said, “I see…”

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie tried to comfort. “You must be worried about Spike…” said Fluttershy softly while stroking Twilight’s hair.

Twilight nodded then said “Yes. I mean, he was there when the incident happened. I thought he was sent here and physically changed like all of us.”

Pinkie Pie also comforts Twilight with her hands placed on Twilight’s shoulders and said, “Aww, it’s okay. But look on the bright side, Twilight. If they haven’t seen him, there’s a pretty good chance that Spike is still back home.”

“Thank you for saying that. I wish I can believe your words, but how could I if there isn’t any reassuring proof that he is?” Said Twilight as she tries to smile.

“Well, if Spike was here, it would be nice if you made a translation stone for him too so he have no trouble speaking with our new friends.” Said Pinkie Pie. With those words, Twilight gasped and covered her mouth with her hand from a sudden realization. “Oh no, did I say something wrong? If so, I’m really, really sorry.” Said Pinkie Pie with worry.

“No, it’s okay. In fact, you might be right about Spike still back in Ponyville.” Said Twilight assuringly.

“I am?” responded Pinkie Pie with her head tilted to the side a bit. Everyone else looked at Twilight Sparkle curiously as to what she just come to.

“When I was adding more magic to Pinkie Pie’s translation stone, she quickly took hers. But her rush from taking her stone separated the extra magic, which distorted the amplifying properties of her stone. That caused the magic power to multiply many more times until her stone affected the others, then hit the main source of the magic, which was me. That caused my Unicorn magic to go out of control and let out a powerful magical outburst, which then sent us here. Spike wasn’t affected by this because he wasn’t wearing a stone.”

“Does that mean my little squirrel friend is safe too?” ask Fluttershy.

Twilight chuckled from hearing Fluttershy’s response to that then said, “Yes, he’s fine too, Fluttershy. But there’s still some unanswered questions to this. When my magic goes out of control, its effects are unpredictable. But for some reason, it transported us here. It might have been the cause of our new forms. But the biggest question is why?” said Twilight while her hand was placed on her chin in deep thought.

Katsuhito started to laugh from witnessing this. “Miss, you sure have quite an imagination. I thought all of you are from a different world, and I was surprised at first after you mention all this talk about magic. Although I’m confused when you said ‘anypony’ instead of ‘anyone.’ It’s like you’re referring yourselves as horses.” He said.

As soon as the word “horse” was mentioned, all the girls gasped in shock. “Calm down, all of you. Nothing to worry about. You can’t blame my grandfather since he didn’t know.” Said Tenchi in panic.

“Hmm, did I say something wrong, Tenchi?” said Katsuhito nervously while scratching his cheek with his index finger.

Tenchi sighed then answered to his grandfather “It’s a long story, gramps.”

“I’m guessing my friends told you the truth about us, huh?” said Twilight.

“Mmm-hmm, although it was hard to believe that you’re all originally ponies at first until I witnessed their usual behaviors on how they were handling all of this.” Said Tenchi with a nod.

Twilight chuckled then continued. “I can’t blame you. But it’s amazing that you’re all actually humans. I thought they were only myths and legends back in our world.”

Katsuhito interrupted with the sound of him clearing his throat then said, “It’s not my business in interrupting, but we do have the right to know about what is truly going on, especially the ‘pony’ part of it.”

Twilight showed a nervous look on her face from being embarrassed then said, “I apologize for the inconvenience. I might as well introduce ourselves. My name is Twilight Sparkle. And these are my friends: Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack…”

She continued as she explained her story about herself and her friends. Tenchi knew about the part about the girls being magical ponies and that they come from a world where ponies and mythical creatures live together and that magic exists. But things started to sound more unbelievable as she went on. Twilight Sparkle was actually a pupil of the ruler of her home country Equestria, Princess Celestia, who happens to be an alicorn - a pony with all the properties of an Earth Pony, Pegasus, and Unicorn.

She and her younger sister, Princess Luna, rule together and that their magic is so strong that they control the time of day and night, with Celestia raising the Sun, while her sister does the same with the Moon. She also explained her story about Princess Luna once going rogue against her older sister, wanting the night to last forever, and taking on the form of the evil Nightmare Moon. She was sealed within the moon for one thousand years, until she was free from the magical seal, kidnapped her sister, and continued her goal of eternal night. But with Twilight and her friends being bearers of a magical power called the Elements of Harmony, they defeated her by freeing her from the dark power that was corrupting her. Thus, they saved Princess Celestia, as well as finally reuniting her with her younger sister. It seemed that the Elements of Harmony are the only line of defense against any dangerous threats in their world, and now that Twilight and her friends are lost in this newfound world, she was worried about her country’s safety while they are away. Twilight also explained of how all of this happened when she was demonstrating her magical stones that would help the wearer be able to speak and understand others that speak foreign to the wearer, when the stones properties were distorted and caused her magic to lose control.

“…So you see, it’s very crucial that we find a way to return our world. Of course, I feel that my magical outburst on the stones was the cause that sent us to your world and transformed us into humans.” Twilight continued. “But the only question is why? My magic has never done something like this before. It was close to the powerful magic used by an evil being that we know in our world as Discord.”

Katsuhito look serious as he was in deep thought with his arms crossed, after hearing Twilight’s story. “Hmm, this is definitely a serious predicament that you’re in. We will try to help you and your friends in any way we can. I think it’s time that you should hear Tenchi’s side of his story. Would you kindly do so for these ladies, boy?” he asked.

Tenchi complied and started explaining everyone where they are and about him and the girls that went missing. It is a surprise for this lost group to end up in a world ruled by humans, but it is more shocking for them to find out that their sun and moon are raised on their own. Magic rarely exists in this world, which is why humans mostly rely on science and technology instead. That fact did definitely intrigued Twilight Sparkle’s interests. Tenchi continues and informed that they are located in a country called Japan, specifically in an area of Okayama composed mostly of mountains and nature. He does go to High School in the city limits, same for his father who goes to work as an architect. His grandfather runs the family shrine as the Masaki clan belongs to a long line of Shinto priests.

Tenchi then explained about the story behind the missing women who happened to be alien beings not from their planet. Ryoko was the first to meet Tenchi, who crash landed on the Masaki’s property. As she recovered, she claimed she was being chased by a mean space pirate, when the said space pirate arrived riding in a mech suit and ended up chasing them. But soon the mech suit had revealed the pirate to actually be a tanned blonde girl named Mihoshi, who happens to be an officer of the Galaxy Police (GXP). She was in the middle of duty arresting Ryoko, who was actually the real notorious Space Pirate. Ryoko tried to keep her innocence by asking Tenchi not to believe her, until Mihoshi revealed an actual wanted poster of her. Well, that lead to Ryoko chasing after them as she was going to kill them, but it all turned out as an act since she was just teasing them and decided to give herself in. Mihoshi was making her arrest until she messed up remembering her arrest codes. With both of their spaceships destroyed, they were stuck on Earth living with Tenchi until rescue could come.

That didn’t end there as more alien girls end up staying with Tenchi. There was Ayeka and Sasami, a pair of sisters who happened to be the princesses of the planet Jurai. Ayeka arrived first after responding to Mihoshi’s distress beacon. It was revealed that Ayeka knew Ryoko for long time, as they often meet each other by random fate as longtime enemies. But during her time with the Masakis, Ayeka found out she was falling for Tenchi and just couldn’t stand having Ryoko in the way with her flirting with him all the time. Sasami soon arrived to pick up her sister, but she also decided to stay with Tenchi as well and become the house cook. After that, they met up with Washu, who was freed from her 700 year seal at the cave behind the Masaki Shrine. She happened to be a infamous scientist who claims to be “the greatest scientific genius in the universe,” but it turns out she was expelled from the Galactic Science Academy for creating dangerous inventions. Finally, Kiyone arrived as the last of the group. She was sent to Earth by her superiors at GXP HQ when they found out her partner Mihoshi might still be alive (as they first thought she was KIA during her chase with Ryoko). Mihoshi isn’t the best partner she could have because of her bubbly, “dumb-blonde” personality and being accident prone, but she was her longtime friend, nonetheless. After the confirmation of Mihoshi being alive & well, GXP HQ announced that the two were assigned to this part of the galaxy to continue their duties.

Mihoshi moved out from Tenchi’s home and now lived with Kiyone in an apartment within the city limits of Okinawa, though they continue to visit him from time to time. Tenchi and the others had some great moments and many misadventures together until a serious matter arrived from Ayeka and Sasami’s home planet: The Jurai Military had arrived to arrest the princesses for treason, and arrested Ryoko as well in the process for her past crimes. Tenchi and the others fought back to save the three of them, and ended up all becoming fugitives as a result. While on the run in deep space, they set course to Jurai to find out the reason behind the treason. They learned that news had spread that the legendary warrior of the Juraian royal family, Prince Yosho, had returned to his home planet to take the throne and become its rightful ruler. He also happened to be Ayeka and Sasami’s long lost older brother. Stories were heard of him being a skilled swordsman with a kind heart to match. But how could a man that is known for this trait decide to arrest his own sisters?

As they continued their journey, Katsuhito was still giving his training to Tenchi for the battle ahead. It was at that point he decided to finally reveal a secret that he kept for so long from him and the others: The man who claimed to be Yosho back on Jurai happened to be an imposter. Turns out Katsuhito was the real Yosho all along. The reason he was away from his home world was because he crashed landed on Earth more than 700 years ago, and ended up in feudal Japan. But during his time on Earth, while witnessing the vast beauty of the land, he fell in love with a Shinto priestess, and gave up his reasons to return home.

The identity of the impostor was none other than his old friend and rival, Kagato, who was thought to be dead after an incident that occurred between the two. Kagato had grew jealous of Yosho being a far better person than him and next in line to the throne, thus starting the coup. With the two royal guards of Jurai, the original Asaka and Kamidaki, revived and a plan set up, they pushed through the security and military power of the great planet until Tenchi was the only one to confront Kagato. It became a tough battle for him as he was facing a more experienced fighter than he was, but somehow he managed to pull through and defeat him. With Kagato’s last moments of life, he imagined Tenchi being the same as his old friend Yosho and regretted the wrong he had committed.

Thus, Sasami and Ayeka’s parents return as rulers of Jurai, and the coup ended. After finding out Tenchi having Juraian royal blood from his grandfather, he became a possible heir to the throne. But he decided to stay home on Earth, just like his grandfather did, until he considers it. The rest of the group went on their separate ways after their long adventure, and Tenchi thought their time together was just like a carnival that would last forever. But as time passed by after his return home, all of the girls he knew came back. Once again, the carnival had started once more.

Once his story was told, he explained the incident that occurred the night before of how his girls disappeared after Washu’s machine malfunctioned during the harsh argument. Twilight and the others showed different reactions of their own after hearing Tenchi’s story, but nevertheless they believed everything he has been through.

“That was such an amazing story. It made me so excited-nervous after hearing it.” Said Pinkie Pie as she squealed in excitement.

Applejack concurred, “Hoo-wee! You sure had a humdinger of an adventure. Although it’s still hard to believe that you actually went into outer space with most of what you said happened there.”

“Oh my, it must be very frightening to venture somewhere you don’t know.” Said Fluttershy nervously while holding Ryo-Ohki very closely.

“I’m surprised as much as all of you from what I experienced. But everything was fine as long as I had my friends with me.” Said Tenchi with a flattered look while rubbing the back of his head.

“Mmm-hmm, ain’t it the truth.” Applejack replied with a nod. She then focused on Rainbow Dash and asked, “What do you think of his tale, Rainbow?” Rainbow Dash seems quiet with her head down and was shaking a little. “You okay there, partner?”

“I’m okay…” she answered, then raised her head with tears in her eyes and continued, “It’s just that his story is so awesome…”

“Whoa, didn’t know you enjoyed it that much.”

Rarity then came forward to Tenchi. He looked at her with curiosity from her sudden approach. She then held his arm and leaned her body on him as she presses her chest against him. “And after all the endeavors you went through, like running from the authorities and facing a horrible ruler, I never knew you’re such a rebel, Tenchi darling. But in the end you saved an entire planet, maybe even the galaxy, and in the end you found out that you have royal blood in you, making you a prince.” She giggled a bit as she continued, “It’s like something out of a fairy tale. You don’t know how long I wanted to meet a real prince.”

“But you already met Prince Blueblood back at the Grand Galloping Gala. Didn’t he count as a prince?” said Pinkie Pie.

But then her mouth was quickly covered by Rarity’s hand. “I thought I politely asked you and the others not to speak of his name ever again.” She said to Pinkie through her teeth.

I’m guessing this girl had some sort of bad experience, thought Tenchi. He then notices Twilight Sparkle doing some sort of awkward pose in front of him. She was on her hands and knees, lowering her head and upper body, as if she is trying to bow down to him.

“Umm, Miss Twilight? What are you doing?” he asked.

Twilight looks up to Tenchi with a smile and answered. “I’m bowing. Isn’t it the formal way when you’re in the presence of royalty? Unless, it’s different for you humans.”

“You really didn’t need to do that.” He replied nervously while waving his hand up and down repeatedly to gesture Twilight to stop. “Sure, I may be a Juraian prince and I don’t often admit it. But I’m still a normal everyday person.”

Katsuhito chuckled then placed his hand on Tenchi’s shoulder and said jokingly, “Well now, Tenchi. It looks like you have a subject, and a very cute and mannerly one at that too. Although, she needs to practice on how to bow properly…well, at least the way our people do it in our country.”

Tenchi shrugged and said to his grandfather, “Not funny, gramps!”

“Um, excuse me?” asked Twilight to gain Tenchi and Katsuhito’s attention. “I hope you don’t mind me of intervening, but it really concerns me of how your friends disappeared. You explained that they all vanished after some sort of machine malfunctioned. I’m curious of how it runs. Is it magic powered?”

Tenchi chuckled nervously then answered, “Well, I don’t know how it runs since I’m no good with science and inventions. But Washu, the scientist I mentioned from the group, made that machine. All I know is that all of her inventions are weird but the technology of our planet is nothing compared to hers. But I could guess that most of her inventions might have used a large power source.”

Twilight holds her chin in deep thought and asked, “Do you know what the purpose of the machine that sent your friends away was?”

“Well, originally it was supposed to change reality or create a new one by the user’s will.” Answered Tenchi once more.

A loud “What!?” was heard in the shrine shouted by the girls. Tenchi and Katsuhito flinched from their loud reaction. For beings who claim to belong in a world filled with magic and mythical creatures, they didn’t expect these girls would be surprised to something like that.

“Impossible! There’s no way this Washu person would be able to build a machine that could do something like that! If she did, then she would be powerful as Discord!” Exclaimed Twilight while having a hard time to process everything she just heard into her head.

“I can understand it’s kinda farfetched,” he replied, “but you have to believe me. Nothing is impossible for Washu. Plus that machine had caused such a difficult problem in the past. The first time it was used was the first time it malfunctioned, and it sent us into various realities my friends created from their input. Washu took care of the problem by going through each reality then delete them, one by one.”

The others started to have mixed feelings about what Tenchi said.

“Shoot, if Washu was the one who made this infernal contraption, I’m starting to wonder why you and your friends still have such a dangerous person around.” Said Applejack.

Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement, replying “If what you said is true, then all of this might have been avoided if she didn’t built that machine in the first place.”

Fluttershy gave a stern look at both Applejack and Rainbow Dash and said, “Applejack and Rainbow Dash, you shouldn’t say such awful things to one of Tenchi’s friends. That’s not nice at all.” Ryo-Ohki meowed with an annoyed tone at the two, showing she agreed with Fluttershy.

“I admit Washu overdoes her work and rarely realize the dangers of her inventions, but she is responsible enough to take care any problems they would cause. But some of her work did help us out at times. With that said, she isn’t all that bad.” Said Tenchi nervously while rubbing the back of his head.

Twilight sighed then said “You’re right. Sorry for doubting on your friends. But wait, you said ‘originally’ when you mentioned about that reality-changing machine. What she did do with it?”

Tenchi looks up, taps his chin, then said “She did some modifications on the machine and explained that it would now be able to transport users to other existing realities. Still, I started to think she was crazy after hearing her theory about there being other parallel worlds.” Tenchi checks Twilight to see how she responds.

She looks surprised but seems fascinated by the idea. “Well, that I can certainly believe! Your friend is definitely on to something. Us ponies never thought about traveling to other worlds, but it’s certainly a possibility. Trust me, I know two who actually have done it before.” Said Twilight then turns her head to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. The two girls looked nervous with their heads turned away from Twilight’s focus on them. “And now that we’re all here, that counts everypony else too. We just didn’t expect there will be some side effect during this ordeal.” She looks at one of her hands and turns it back and forth since she is still curious about her current form. But then she froze for moment as if she comes to another realization. Twilight quickly turned her head to Tenchi and asked “Tenchi, could you repeat to me when we arrived here?”

Tenchi was off guard from her sudden question which caused him to flinch, but he answered. “Actually, you guys appeared the instant my friends disappeared.” Tenchi flinched once more.

The others flinched as well as soon as Twilight yelled “That’s it!”

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath then looks annoyed at Twilight and said “Don’t do that! I hate it when you go all Egghead happy like that! Anyways, what is it that you got so excited now?”

Twilight had a confident look on her face and said, “I can’t confirm this since, as it’s only a theory, but this is a very assuring one of how we ended up here.” She then lifts one of her index fingers and continued “After hearing how powerful the machine that Tenchi’s friend, Washu, used and what it can do, my magic outburst must have synced with the power of her machine, hence causing my magic to send us here.”

Everyone else started to look at each other as they try to comprehend what Twilight said.

Applejack stepped forward and spoke to Twilight for the others. “Are you sure about that, Sugarcube? Of course, your unicorn magic is powerful, but I doubt it actually sent us here. Tenchi did said that this Washu feller’s contraption went crazy. That might have sent us here instead. Sorry for being a naysayer though.”

Twilight lowers her head a bit and crosses her arms as she said, “It’s alright, Applejack, but I still support my theory. There could be no other explanation. But it’s not just that. The most incredible part of my theory is that both the machine’s malfunctioning and the stone’s amplifying my magic happened all at once – at the exact same time. Both of them were at a stalemate. Washu’s machine was supposed to transport to other realities, but since it malfunctioned, it had no information where it was sending Tenchi’s friends. My magical outburst is strong, but it’s too unpredictable since I had no control over it. However, both events happening at once, and somehow linked our worlds, causing the stones to detect the power behind the machine, then amplified my magic just enough to send us here. Which means, it also could be the same in Tenchi’s end. Having no designated location to transport your friends, Washu’s machine might have detected my magic back in our world, so in other words…”

Twilight paused at that moment of her theory purposely to let everyone else try to guess where her theory is leading. Tenchi was curious of why Twilight stopped her theory from there, but soon realized what the rest of her theory was. He gasped with shock, placed his closed fist on his open palm then spoke “That the machine might have sent the others to your world!”

“Exactly!” Twilight responded, then continued with a smile “I’m impressed you noticed that quickly, Tenchi. You must be a quick learner.”

Tenchi chuckled a bit as he rubs the back of his head from being flattered by Twilight’s words. Finally, he found some relief after hearing Twilight’s theory of how all of this happened. At least for now he has a good guess of where the rest of the girls were sent to. For moment, he thought of how they are doing in a world ruled by mythical creatures and magic. Of course, he’s confident that they can hold on their own. The only thing he was worried of was how they would treat the inhabitants and vice versa.

Rarity with her arms crossed under her chest and said “Well, your brilliant mind shows no bounds so far, darling. And it’s awfully nice of you to give comfort to poor Tenchi here with your theory. But let’s not get our hopes up too much. It is as you said, it’s only a theory. Plus you still haven’t figured out why we’re transformed into humans after we arrived here in the first place.”

“I know but I can’t think of any other explanation. My theory has a high probability of being true although not proven. But yes, I still like to know why we end up in these forms.” Twilight responded.

Just then, a loud growling can be heard within the shrine. Everyone reacted from the growl with a flinch, but the girls knew where it came from. Pinkie Pie held her stomach and smiled nervously with her tongue out while the other hand rubs the back of her head. “Sorry about that. I’m still hungry ever since we got here. Can we head back to Tenchi’s home and eat now that we’re all together again?” she asked with a chuckle.

Rarity wasn’t amused from what Pinkie Pie did. She went toward her, placed her hand on Pinkie’s shoulder and said “Pinkie Pie, that is very rude. We’re all ladies here so at least show some dignity and act like one. A lady doesn’t allow herself to be uncouth by making such bodily noises.” After saying that, Rarity’s stomach lightly growled as well. Pinkie Pie did a broken smile as she tried to hide her laughter. “Oh dear, well that is embarrassing. I guess its natural even for a lady to show some sign of hunger.”

Everyone in the shrine laughed after witnessing this. “Well, I’m glad all of you are well and good.” Said Katsuhito, then focused on Twilight and continued “Miss Sparkle, you are one very intelligent girl. I appreciate for sharing your theory and give us some relief for us of finding out where the other girls most likely are, besides assuming how all of you arrived here. But what’s important now that you girls are finally reunited. I understand you gone through such a struggle. For now, you’re welcome to stay at our home until we figured out how your group and our friends can return to their designated worlds.”

Twilight was speechless. This is only the first time she met Tenchi’s grandfather, but she didn’t expect him to be such a nice yet caring person. It is as if he reminds her of someone she fully respects and admires. She was about to make that weird bow but quickly stopped and might have guessed how a human properly bows. “Thank you so much. We’re very grateful for your care and hospitality.” She said while bowing her head.

The rest of the girls noticed how Twilight thanked Katsuhito and followed as well by bowing their heads while leaning their bodies toward a bit. Katsuhito smiled as he witnessed how they show their gratitude and somewhat impressed how Twilight might have guessed on doing the proper bowing.

“Tenchi, if you will, please escort Miss Twilight and the others back to the house. They should be quite famished, so I expect that you and your father will give them a proper meal. Tenchi nodded and went for Twilight. She looks up to him curiously as he offered his hand to her then showed a friendly smile with his eyes closed. Twilight placed her hand on Tenchi’s, then slowly tried to get up from her sitting position. As she tries, she staggered from having not acquired her adjustment of being two-legged. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie quickly went for her and caught her before losing her balance.

Twilight looked flustered with her cheeks puffed up. “Ugh, how you suppose to move with these legs?” she said.

“Simple, just put one hoof…I mean foot in front of the other. Even little ol’ happy me can do it.” Said Pinkie Pie with a smile.

“Easy for you to say since you already got the knack for it. I’m still trying to this new walking thing and I barely managed it.” Said Rainbow Dash.

“I know it’s difficult now. But remember you just recovered from a light fever. For now, you need to gain your strength before you try walking.” Said Tenchi.

Twilight wasn’t too happy but, she had no choice. She sighed and asked Tenchi, “If that’s the case, is it alright that you could piggyback me to your place?”

Tenchi didn’t expect to hear such a request from her. The others also felt the same way as well. Tenchi muttered nervously in a bit of gibberish. The only person that felt different about this was Rarity. It seemed that she was feeling a bit jealous. Fluttershy was first to have help climbing up the stairs by him, and then Twilight was next in a different method with more contact.

As a true lady that she is, Rarity had been wanting that kind of treatment from a man, so there was only one thing she could think of. She then collapses on the floor and rests on her legs. “Oh heavens, for some reason my legs gave in. It must have been from climbing those dreaded stairs. Tenchi, could you be a dear and help me.” She said in such a manner of distress.

“Don’t worry, I gotcha’.” Said Rainbow Dash as she takes Rarity’s hand and was about lift her up.

Rarity got annoyed and quickly went into a scuffle with her. “Rainbow, I did not ask for YOUR help.” She said as she turns her head away from Rainbow Dash and quickly moved her hand off from Rainbow’s hold.

“I know, but didn’t you said before I was being jealous of Fluttershy being helped by Tenchi? Looks like it’s you who is feeling that same assumption.”

With that said, it struck a nerve on Rarity. She suddenly bites the nail of one of her thumbs. “As much as I don’t trust the guy, I’m giving him a break to help Twilight since she needed the help…more than you do, heh-heh.” said Rainbow Dash with a satisfying snicker.

“One of these days, you obnoxious hussy, you’ll rue the day that you bother this innocent yet beautiful lady.” Said Rarity through her teeth, then she blinked and noticed she was gnawing at her nail. “And why on earth I’m biting on this hard part of my, ummm... whatever-it-is.”

Pinkie Pie pointed at Rarity’s thumb and said, “That hard part is called a nail, Rarity. And that big finger is a thumb. Guess the first thing we need to do after we eat is learn how to act more human while we’re here.” The rest of the girls were shocked to hear that, as if it was rare to them to see & hear Pinkie Pie make sense.

“Agreed, but at least we should learn some manners while we’re at it as well. Especially, for some which I will not mention.” Said Rarity, then turning her head to Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie.

“What?” the three said in unison, looking oblivious.

Tenchi and Twilight witnessed seeing the girls in their usual engagement.

“Your friends sure are an interesting bunch, Miss Sparkle” said Tenchi with a nervous smile on his face.

“True, but rest assured I can’t have anypony else but them as my true friends.” said Twilight in response.

“Right…” said Tenchi with a nod, then continues watching the others bickering.

Twilight couldn’t help but notice how calm he was watching her friends. She cleared her throat gaining his attention. “Umm, a little help? I still can’t get up on my own, you know. Well, not just yet.” She said.

Tenchi flinched noticing he forgot he was about help her. “Oh! Sorry about that. Got caught in the moment, heh-heh.” He said, then turned his attention to her and squatted, readying himself to carry her. Twilight hesitated for a moment but finally built some courage and placed her arms around Tenchi.

“Good, just make sure you hold me real good. Now, bring me your legs.” Said Tenchi with his hands ready. Twilight then slowly moved his legs one by one until Tenchi got hold of them. Now Tenchi is the one hesitating as the feel of her legs got to him. For a girl who look somewhat weak from a slight fever, he didn’t notice how thick her thighs are. Not just that, he also had a slight feel of her hips pressing against his wrists. Even though she is wearing Washu’s short pants in its largest size, they are still a little snug but that didn’t hold down her hips to stretch out. The others were oblivious of what’s going on but they were watching them in case anything bad happens. His hesitation was just for a few seconds, but gain back his focus and finally lifted himself with Twilight on his back. He heard a slight sound of worry from Twilight. “You okay back there?” he said in response.

“Yes, I’m fine.” She answered.

“Good. Girls, let’s be on our way.” With that said, everyone went out.

The girls and Katsuhito were the first to exit out from the shrine, followed by Tenchi and Twilight. The light of the sun caught Twilight Sparkle off guard as she turned her head away with her eyes close. But as soon as she opened her eyes again, she was entranced by how amazing and beautiful the outside in this world looks. She was like in a trance as she starred at her surroundings. The stoned grounds of the shrine, its gate, the trees outside of it, the birds flying, even the beautiful blue sky… everything Twilight sees she couldn’t do anything but watch.

“I’m guessing you’re surprised with the surroundings.” Said Tenchi.

“More than that, I’m just completely in awe.” Answered Twilight. “It’s so beautiful and detailed. There’s more than that but the atmosphere is so overwhelming that it’s making it harder for my mind to process.”

“Guess that’s egghead talk for speechless. But yeah, we all kinda felt the same way when we first got out of Tenchi’s house.” Said Rainbow Dash to Twilight with a confident smirk.

But then Pinkie Pie intervened. “Except for me, I still miss that papery look back home. But I give an ‘A’ for effort for whatever reason Tenchi’s world looks like this…maybe too much effort since it looks like so much work was put into it.”

This is the second time Tenchi heard Pinkie Pie mentioned the different views between his world and hers, but still couldn’t understand what she is saying.

It still left him oblivious but then Twilight noticed and decided to clear this up. “Looks like you’re a little confused. Don’t worry, this is normal since Pinkie Pie usually does that. But I might have an idea on what she is talking about.” Twilight then continued as everyone went down the stairs. “Here’s an example: You understand how you see differently if you’re seeing a painting or a pencil drawing, correct? It looks totally different from the way you look at the world around you. I guess Pinkie Pie is trying to say that your world looks totally different than ours, but nevertheless they both exist… I think.”

Tenchi chuckled a bit and said, “I understand now. Still, if your world looks different than ours, now I wonder how my friends would react now that they’re in your world.” Everyone moved on to the stairs but Twilight went silent after hearing his previous words.

As they go down the stairs, Twilight thought about something in Tenchi. It’s only been minutes since I met this human but I’m already astounded of how he behaves. Since I met him, he’s only been thinking only about his friends and those around him. He really seems like a nice yet caring guy, she thought as looked at Tenchi with a smile. She also feels relieved noticing how all of her friends are coping. She knew they would worry and panic being in a world not of their own, but they somehow managed to calm themselves and adjust to the situation without her help. It was all thanks to Tenchi and his family. She really wished she could repay them in some way for their help and hospitality. They finally reached the bottom of the stairs as Twilight continued to browse the area and enjoy what this world can offer. Then she took notice of the Masaki residence.

“Wow, is this your home?” Twilight asked in awe.

“Isn’t it marvelous, darling? Its looks like a small mansion. The best part is that Tenchi’s father designed the house himself. Not only is he an architect, but a charmer as well with his words. You should definitely meet him.” Said Rarity with such enthusiasm.

“It’s definitely big, alright. Maybe then bigger than my library home back in Ponyville.” Twilight continued.

“Wait, you live in a library?” Said Tenchi with surprise.

“Uh-huh. Not just that, Twilight and Spike runs it for Ponyville too. In fact, reading and studying is pretty much what she does most of her day.” Said Pinkie Pie with a smile, not thinking ahead of the outcome of her words.

“Hence why I call her ‘egghead’.” Said Rainbow Dash. Twilight lowered her head and was silent for a moment as her cheeks turn red from embarrassment.

“Oh come now, dear. It was all in good fun. You know very well how these two behave, even though they should be a little more considerate towards others.” Said Rarity while comforting Twilight.

“And this is why my brother Big Mac always tells me, ’If you can’t think ahead before opening your muzzle, then you’re better off keeping it shut.’ You get nothing but trouble if you ignore his words.” Added Applejack with a serious nod.

“Anyway, let’s hurry inside. Don’t want all of you starving to death.” Said Tenchi as he opens the door to his house.

As soon as he took a step inside, he froze as he realized something. He look to his new guests and remembered that they were all barefoot when they first got out of the house. He also felt embarrassed for not realizing sooner now that they already dirtied the floors of his grandfather’s shrine when they first came in to check on Twilight.

“Okay, what is it this time?” said Rainbow Dash with a shrug.

“I think you girls need a good rinsing on your feet before entering the house.” Said Tenchi nervously while tapping his index finger repeatedly to point at their feet. The others look down at their own feet and noticed they were covered in dirt and mud.

“Great… Now you’re all picky like Rarity.” Rainbow Dash replied with a huff.

“Oh dear. This is embarrassing. I was so excited being in this world that I completely forgot how exposed our …How you called them again? Oh right, ‘feet.’ How exposed our feet were. No wonder I had such an icky feeling while walking on these messy grounds. Also, may I add to Rainbow Dash that there’s nothing wrong if Tenchi is concern about keeping the floors of his home clean.” Retorted Rarity.

Rainbow Dash turn her head away from Rarity. She then tilts her head back and forth from the sides and mimics how Rarity said her words, mocking her in frustration. Tenchi left Twilight on the couch and was introduced to his dad. She then introduced herself to him while Tenchi took care of rinsing the dirt off from their feet with a bucket of water as each one step on the cement platform that was in front of the door to take their turn then enter the house after drying off.

Twilight was already standing on her feet, as she immediately wanted to learn to stand her own while she waited for the others. But she was amazed from staring at the inside of Tenchi’s home. She was then welcomed by Tenchi’s father after coming out from the kitchen as soon as he heard his visitors arriving.

“Why, hello there. You must be that Twilight girl the others kept mentioning.” He said with a humble grin.

“Uh, yes, I am. And you must be Tenchi’s father I presume?” asked Twilight.

Nobuyuki placed his hand on the back of his head. “Right you are, little missy. You’re definitely mentally quick on your feet. Still, you must be very lucky to have such caring friends. Even after they woken up, they were so worried about you once they knew you weren’t around the house.”

“Believe me, I’m truly am. I wouldn’t know what I would do if anything bad happened to them. But I’m grateful for the hospitality and care you and your family have given us when we’re only just mere strangers.” She said while bowing slightly to show her gratitude.

“Well, don’t you and your friends worry. You’ll be safe with us in our home until we figure out how we send you all back to your world. I’ll put my honor as a man on the line to make sure of that.” He said with confident look on his face with a slight snort from his nose while he places his closed fist to his heart.

With that said, Twilight smiled, seeing already that Tenchi’s father was a very loyal yet caring parent.

Everyone else finally entered the house with their feet all clean and dried, with Rainbow Dash being the last person to enter. The others couldn’t help but chuckle about what happened between Tenchi and Rainbow. Both of them look flustered at each other. Twilight just turned her head toward them and wanted to know what was going on. “Umm, did I miss something?” she asked.

“Sure did, Twi’.” Answered Applejack. “Let’s just say Tenchi had a little trouble cleaning Rainbow Dash.”

“It’s just a little rinsing and cleaning. What’s wrong with you?” argued Tenchi.

“I’m sorry, okay? I just get a little pressured when someone is touching me.” Answered Rainbow.

“A little pressured!? Afraid is more like it. You couldn’t even stay still for me as soon as I try to take hold of one of your feet.. Seriously, you didn’t have to kick me just for that.” He retorted.

“Augh, how many times do I have to tell you? I said I’m sorry!” she yelled out of embarrassment with her cheeks turned red.

“Let me guess. Her fear of others having close contact with her kicked in, didn’t it?” said Twilight with a sigh.

Rarity giggled. “I apologize for my rudeness. Still, you must admit that it’s amusing yet adorable at the same time. Somehow, those two look cute together.” Said Rarity but then her amusement soon turns to something else as she continued. “And yet, why do I find the sudden urge of jealousy when I see this?”

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie gotten in the way of everyone and shouted with her arms raised, “Enough chit chat! I want to eat now! If I wait any longer, I might starve to death!” She then curled up expressing how serious her hunger is.

“Settle down now. I expected how hungry everyone was, especially the pink one here. Because of that, I made sure I cooked breakfast for all as soon you return. I got your meals all ready by the table.” Said Nobuyuki, while waving his hand up and down repeatedly to gesture them to calm down.

As soon as Pinkie Pie heard that, she showed a great big smile, ran towards Nobuyuki and hugged him. “Ooh, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! You really are a really nice guy, Mr. Tenchi’s Dad!” She replied with great delight.

Nobuyuki was definitely caught off guard by the pink-haired girl’s behavior, but it did make him chuckle a bit with such flattery. “Actually, I don’t think you have to praise me that much until you try the food. I might be somewhat rusty since it’s been so long the last time I cooked. Well, hurry to kitchen now. Don’t want your meals to get cold.” He said.

With that said, every one headed to the kitchen. They all have taken their seats but Nobuyuki decided to be a gentleman and present Rarity’s to her. “And here’s your seat, my lady.” He said with a smile.

Rarity bowed very lady-like to Nobuyuki and took her seat then said “Oh, you’re such a considerate sweetheart, Mr. Masaki.” She then placed her hand on Nobuyuki’s cheek and rubbed it gently.

“No need for the title, Miss Rarity. Call me Nobuyuki.” He insisted.

“I wouldn’t dare call you by your first name. I mean, you’re Tenchi’s father and all, plus you’re the owner and architect of this wonderful home. It be so embarrassing if I did.” Responded Rarity, all flustered.

“No, I insist. It be honor to hear it from such beautiful mistress.” Said Nobuyuki calmly with a bow.

Rarity giggled with delight and said “Oh, Mr. Masaki you have such a way with words. You’re making me feel bad from taking all this praise.”

Everyone else looked nervous from witnessing this scene. Rainbow Dash places her index finger in front of her open mouth and gags. “All this lovey-dovey stuff from those two is just making me sick. Are you two trying to make this harder for us to eat?” she said.

Tenchi definitely understand what Rainbow Dash is going since he knows how his father overdoes to just grab a woman’s attention that he likes so much. But then the girls look down at their meals. They look curiously at it as it is compose of a bowl of steamed rice and a cup of miso soup. Applejack didn’t look so happy since the meal isn’t much for her thanks to her large size.

“Um, Tenchi? What’s this?” she said out of curiosity.

“It’s steamed rice and miso soup.” He answered.

“I can see this here is rice but not sure about the soup.” She said.

“Well, miso soup is made of a certain type of bean broth.” He explained.

“If you ask me, I don’t think I would have my fill with just this.” She retorted.

Then the others showed mixed feelings to this. “Well, at least you humans eat healthy. I was worried about hearing the legends that you also eat…” said Twilight Sparkle nervously but was interrupted by Nobuyuki as he realized something.

“Oops, forgot one more thing to add on the meal. Wait just the sec.” he said, then got up from his chair then went to the stove. He then took out a plate of grilled fish. “Can’t be a complete meal without the grilled fish.” He said with a grin.

The girls gasped as they heard what Nobuyuki said except Twilight who finished her sentence with “…Meat.”

“Okay, girls, dig in” said Nobuyuki with a smile. The others hesitated from eating as soon as they see their grilled fish in front of them. But the one suffering the most of all is Fluttershy as she froze right on her seat. She stood there silently for a moment, took a deep breath, then shrieked with such fright.