Chapters It was the middle of summer. So freaking hot that even a dip in the Nile wouldn't help.
"Isis!" my mother called. "We need more water!"
I picked up my knife and a large bucket and headed out to the freshest part of the river. I bent over the water and some sort of rift that defied the laws of time and space like the ones in my science-fiction novels opened up directly in front of me. This was a chance for the adventure I've always been looking for! Part of me had always openly believed in aliens, espers, time-travelers, parallel universes, rifts between two worlds, and everything else like that. But I also had always been a girl of reason ever since I could think and knew deep down that they didn't exist because that went against everything I had ever learned about the laws of physics. But that was all wrong. I was still a girl of reason and now wholeheartedly believed there were those things out there. Without anymore hesitation, I climbed through the mysterious rift, eager to start my adventure.
On the other side was grass. Lots and lots of grass. And six ponies and a dragon? Two unicorns, two regular ponies, and two pegasi.
"Oh my!" the white unicorn with a blue mane exclaimed. "What is that thing? The clothes it's wearing are absolutely fabulous! Fluttershy, what is it?"
"I'm not sure, Rarity," the shy-looking yellow pegusus with a pink mane admitted. "I've never seen anything like it."
They were confused, so very confused. I laid down to try to look a little less threatening.
"Twilight? Dash? Pinkie? Applejack?" the white unicorn asked.
"I say we should go ask Princess Celestia," the dragon suggested.
"How will that work? I'm not even sure if she can understand us."
"I can understand you," I said finally. "And I'm a she, not an it. I'm a human. And I'm glad you like my outfit."
"Oh, yes, I love it! Where did you get such a lovely outfit?"
"Back home in Egypt. The place I was just at. I made it myself, so I could make you one if I measured you and had the right materials. You can have this, though." I took my circlet off and placed it on the unicorn's head. "If you want it."
"Are you sure? I mean, this is yours and I could just make one myself and--"
"Don't worry. It's made of pure gold and turquoise. It's very valuable. I'd like you to have it. Would you mind introducing your friends? My name's Isis."
"Not at all. I'm Rarity, that one's Applejack," Rarity pointed to an orange earth pony with a blond mane, "that's Pinkie Pie," she pointed to a bouncing pink earth pony with a pink mane, "that's Fluttershy," she pointed to a yellow pegasus with a pink mane, "that's Twilight Sparkle," she pointed to a purple unicorn with a purple mane with magenta streaks, "and last, but not least, Rainbow Dash," she pointed to a sky blue pegasus pony with a rainbow mane. "The dragon is Spike."
"We're going to take you to Princess Celestia now," Rainbow Dash announced. "Have you ever been very high up?"
I stood up, surprised that I matched Rainbow Dash's height exactly.
I shook my head. "Never higher than my house."
"Then hop on! Get ready for the most exciting ride of your life!"
"Won't I be too heavy for you?"
"Too heavy for me? No, never!"
"Well, okay then."
"That was awesome!" I exclaimed.
"Isis, darling, take your circlet back while you meet the princess," Rarity instructed. "It'll make you prettier."
"That's okay," I replied.
"Will you just wear it for this time and this time only please?"
"I'm good, Rarity. It's okay."
"Fine then."
The six ponies lead me to a a large room in the palace. Twilight Sparkle knocked. "It's me."
"Twilight," came the reply, "I am so sorry, but I'm very busy right now."
"It's very important, Princess. We have a huge problem."
"Okay then. But try to make it quick, please."
Twilight Sparkle opened the door. "Well, I brought a human with me today. She fell through some type of portal."
The princess just stared at me.
"Um, Celestia?"
"Oh, sorry! It's-- I mean she's --very different from anything I've ever seen. Can you bring her back some other time when I'm not so busy?"
"Yes, of course."
The eight left the palace as Princess Celestia had requested.
"Ooh! I have an idea! Let's give Isis the grand tour of Ponyville!"
Spike nodded. "Good idea."
And so the grand tour began.Author's notes: Hope you like it! I'm not the best at coming up with long chapters...Whatever. I honestly do wholeheartedly believe those things. Time-travelers, espers, aliens, rips in the fabric of space and time, other dimensions, and all that stuff. An imbalance of negative and positive energy between two dimensions would honestly result in a rift between the two that would last either until some force of magic made it close (that wouldn't last very long though) or the imbalance was fixed. I do believe rifts like this have opened up. Take the Burmuta Triangle for example. Rifts must appear much more often there. The people who got sucked in have never returned because the imbalance fixed itself and trapped them in the other world, they fixed it and decided to stay there, saw it was closing but decided to stay, tried to fix it and accidentally got trapped inside the void between the dimensions, or got out and drowned. Amelia Earhart disappeared over the Burmuta Triangle, too, I do believe. One of those six things happened to her. Anyway, black holes, too. They're rifts in outer space leading to other worlds, too.
"That was a lot of fun," I breathed, lying back on Twilight Sparkle's bed.
"I have some questions for you, if you're able to answer them," Twilight said.
"Okay, I can do that. Ask away."
"Are there aliens or time-travelers or anything on that in your world? Have they ever visited your world? Are you a person of reason? How did that open? Why did it open? Why did it open in that exact spot and not on the opposite side of your planet? What does the void between the two dimensions look like? Can you get between the two dimensions? What caused the portal to open? Why did you come through?"
"Is that all?"
"Yes. I'm sorry if they all just poured out of my mouth. I didn't want to risk forgetting them."
"It's okay. I've always been a girl of reason, yes. I've always openly believed in aliens, espers, time-travelers, other dimensions, and stuff like that while the other half of me knew they didn't exist. I found the rift and wholeheartedly believed in all that stuff and am still a girl of reason. Not to other people, though. They haven't ever visited, as far as anyone knows.
"The rift between the two dimensions opened up because of an imbalance of positive and negative energy. The cause of the imbalance is usually never found out. The gap between the two dimensions isn't any wider than Dash's wingspan, but it goes on forever in each direction. I's pretty difficult to get in, but it's full of voidstone, a rare and undiscovered mineral that is only found in between two dimensions. If you go venturing in, be very careful not to go too far out or you could get stuck in the void forever.And if it opened up in the Burmuta Triangle, a place all the way on the opposite side of the planet, it wouldn't drop down here, but instead in a whole different world.
"I ventured off because I could prove, at least to myself, that all these things I've been believing all these years are actually true. And now I know they are."
"Fascinating. Where did you learn all this?"
"I really love science-fiction. Anyone else have any questions?"
"Me!" Rainbow dash called out. "How does...how does reproduction work on your planet?"
My cheeks turned red, and I was suddenly very quiet.
"I don't think she's comfortable answering that question, Rainbow," Fluttershy commented. "Maybe it's best if you ask a different one."
"I know, I know. I did that on purpose. But I don't have any questions."
"Why did you make an outfit tomorrow and for tonight and what are those peculiar garments for?" Rarity asked.
I wasn't wholly comfortable answering this question either, but it least it wasn't the same one Rainbow Dash asked. "Well, on my planet, humans have...certain places...they need to cover up. Guys and girls are plenty different, so that we can...reproduce. And this," I held up one of the "peculiar" garments, "is called a bra. It goes over me breast. And the other the others are panties. Does that answer your question?"
"Yes. I guess I shouldn't have asked that, sorry..."
"Don't worry, it's okay."
"Do you have many different animals?" Fluttershy asked.
"Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, elephants, wombats, koalas, alligators, crocodiles, and lots and lots others."
"Do you have lots of fun there where you live? Are there many parties?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"I love parties, but don't attend very many. And I have lots of fun where--"
A shrill "MEOW" and the voices of children interrupted her. Applejack raced down the stairs and opened the door.
"Hi, Applejack," a white little pony with a lalac and pink mane said. "We found this cat and we don't know who she belongs to."
"That's mine," I said, walking down the stairs.
"Who's that?" a yellow pony with a red mane wondered.
"What's that?" an orange pony with a magenta mane squeaked.
"I'm what you'd call a human," I replied. "My name is Isis."
"This is my sister, Apple Bloom, this is Rarity's sister, Sweetie Belle, and this is Scootaloo," Applejack explained.
"We form the group called the Cutie Mark Crusaders," Apple Bloom said.
"Cutie Mark Crusaders? What's a cutie mark?"
"It's a special mark that represents our special ability. The thing that makes us unique."
I yawned. "Don't you guys think you should be getting to bed?"
"But we're not tired!" Scootaloo protested.
Fluttershy flew down. "You guys need to get your rest or else you aren't going into the Everfree Forest with Isis tomorrow."
"Okay, Fluttershy." Sweetie Belle nodded. "Can we have a sleepover?"
"I don't think Twilight has enough extra beds for that."
"Aww..."
"I could always sleep on the floor," I stated.
"Are you sure?" Fluttershy asked. "The floor is made of wood."
"I sleep and a dirt floor every night, so yes, I'm sure."
"Well, okay."
The Cutie Mark Crusaders and the six ponies and I had a sleepover.
What adventures will tomorrows bring? I wondered as I drifted off to sleep.
One of Isis's Natural Talents
I woke up early and decided to make breakfast. I hummed the tune of my favorite song, "Real Life."
Sweetie Belle came hopping down the stairs along with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. "Pretty song. Can you sing it to us?"
"Uh, me?" I asked.
"Of course you! Who else?"
"Well, I'm a pretty awful terrible singer, so you probably don't wanna hear me sing..."
"Aww, come on! You can't be that bad!"
Well... Okay then.Create a place through shapes and shades. Build a blinding stage where beauty's made. But when your colors fade Everything will change. I'm tryin' hard to imagine better. Daydream him, I'll wait forever. I'l pray that our paths blur... Together. It might not be true, But it's the best I can do. It's only to keep a little piece of you. I can't keep it inside. I'll have to shout it out loud; All of the thing I couldn't live without. And I'm pouring my heart, And I'm spilling my soul, And I'm takin' a breath, And he's giving his all. And I wanna walk out of the trouble I'm in Cuz I'm really not sure where it begins. And if fakin' it will make it better, Better than it was before, Then lies could bring us close together so I won't be lonely no more. Pretending it doesn't matter Could help me pass the time. In make-believe he'll hide forever. This is real life. This is real life. This is real life. Oh, oh, oh. This is real life. Oh, oh. "
It took me until that point to realize that Fluttershy was sweetly humming along to the song.
It's time to see the real life. Paint your full of tones. Write the story so you know how it goes. But my heart's alone Till he comes home. He'll make a decision, He'll have no choice. And I'll hold him close, He'll hear my voice. And I'll pray we're together... Forever. Take a deep breath, Go for a walk, Wish you were here cuz we've got to talk. I can't keep it inside. I'll have to shout it out loud; All of the thing I couldn't live without. And I'm pouring my heart, And I'm spilling my soul. And I'm gaspin' for air Cuz he's giving his all. And he wants to wake up From the dream he's been in And start it all over so we can relive. And if fakin' it will make it better, Better than it was before, Than lies could bring us close together So I won't be lonely no more. Pretending it doesn't matter Could help me pass the time. In make-believe he'll hide forever. This is real life. This is real life. Oh, oh. This is real life. Oh, oh, oh. This is real life. It's time see Now he's taking the steps And he's making a stand. He's pulling down walls and doing all that he can. He's through with black and white And drawing the lines Between make-believe and real life. This is real life. This is real life. This is real life. Oh, oh, oh. This is real life. Oh, oh, oh. My real dreams And real love Believe the thing things that you can't touch. This make-believe is not enough; It's time to see the real life."
"You're not a bad singer," Apple Bloom said. "That was beautiful!"
"Can you sing us another one?" Sweetie Belle begged. "Just one more?"
"Okay, fine," I agreed. "Just one more.My son, let my voice Fill this room one more time. I'll rehearse this line for line Until I'm out of time. My son, can't you see That our troubles have run high? This is where we draw the line, This is where we say 'Good-bye.' You know what want? What I want, believe it or not, I've already got. And I know I've got to go away. But I know it's all going to be okay Cuz I know we'll never be apart And all this is is a brand new start. And you'll wake up, my darling, With a light on your face. And my tears will all dry up When you see the change. As you grow up, you'll realize This is your time to shine. You'll be the light of my life, The the light of my life... The light of my life!"
"Those are a couple of sad songs," Fluttershy commented "That was beautiful. What are they called?"
"Thanks, Fluttershy. The first one is 'Real Life' and the second one is 'Light of My Life.'"
"Where did you hear them?"
"My video game actually. I think I can play the original ones for you." I pulled out my Kindle Fire and hit the Browser app. "No Internet access? Stupid thing, you're a wi-fi hotspot!"
"What does that mean?" Scootaloo asked.
"Well, this is a Kindle. A wi-fi hotspot is something that allows access to the Internet when the object that can use the Internet is hooked up to it. The Internet is something that lets me search anything and look up anything I want. There is a Browser shortcut on my Kindle. My Kindle itself is a wifi hotspot, so it can pick up a wifi connection from itself. But right now it's not connecting itself." I looked back down at my phone. "Stupid, stupid, STUPID! Connect to yourself already!" I tapped the Wi-fi Connections app and manually connected it to itself, which I shouldn't have had to do.
I went to YouTube and typed in "dtl real life w/ lyrics." I pressed the fourth one then the "play" button, full-screened it and held it up for the Cutie Mark Crusaders to see, quietly singing along to it.
Next I typed in "dtl light of my life w/ lyrics." She chose the second one, pressed play, full-screened it, and held it up.
"Can you explain to me what they mean?" Fluttershy asked.
In day I'd been there, Fluttershy had proven that she was very sensitive and quiet, so I was almost sure "Real Life" would make her cry, but I showed both the videos with the original slide-shows anyway, hoping that after it was over one of the others didn't come walking down the stairs.
After it was over, Fluttershy was crying, just as I had expected. Unfortunately, Rainbow Dash came racing down the stairs.
"What did you do?" she demanded.
"Nothing," I promised. "I swear."
"She just showed me a sad little slide-show, that's all." Fluttershy said.
"Oh, really?" Rainbow Dash didn't seem very convinced. "Let's see this slide-show."
I pressed "replay" and held it up for her. "See?"
"What is this garbage?" Rainbow demanded.
"My favorite song ever."
"It's trash! Where did you come across such vulgar filth?"
"My video game. I think I know a game with a sound track you'd like."
"Really? What?"
"Rage Quit!"
"What? What kind of game is that?"
"A game I bought for ninety-nine cents in the App Store. It's so frustrating that it makes you want to rage quit. I'm on attempt seven thousand, eight hundred sixty-two and still on level one.
"Let's hear it then."
Author's notes: I don't own those songs if that wasn't made clear when Isis said she heard them on a video game. I HAD NO CLUE HOW TO END IT. Yes, Rage Quit... Watch a vid for it, and I'm sure you'll think, "What a ridiculously easy game." It's called the "Impossible Game" for a reason. Please note that most the Rage Quit videos contain VERY strong language. And I do think that song with the slide-show would most definitely make Fluttershy cry at least a little. It's so sad! That's all.