'A Change of Pace' Chapter 1
It was a humid, cool night in Tennessee, US. Normal for those who lived there. One of the many residents who was still awake at this time was a beautiful Tennessee Walking horse, called High Step, whose black coat shimmered like a wild arabian mare.
‘Why can’t I sleep?’ High Step thought to herself ‘I have a lot of work that master wishes me to do tomorrow and I need to sleep’ She continued. Suddenly, just as High Step was about to list her chores for tomorrow, a circular myriad of colour appeared in front of her.
‘What the-’ she started but she blacked out.
***
When she awoke, she found herself in a-
“What the hell?!” High Step exclaimed.
-You think a pony would let you finish a goddamn sentence but okay. She found herself in a cartoon room. That sort-of looked like an oddly shaped house; the proportions were all wrong.
“Where am I?” High Step mumbled. “Wait! Did i just?” She continued. She then proceeded to scream at herself.
“How… How can I... Talk?” She stared at her hooves that she was removing from her mouth.
“Why are you so shocked, may I ask?” a mysterious pony said as they walked in through an empty doorway. “I hope you didn’t suffer a concussion” the pony continued. ‘Is that something on her head?’ High Step thought to herself.
“Oh, my apologies. I have not introduced myself. I am Sea Spell” the unicorn announced.
"What is that on your forehead?" High Step inquired, curiously.
"It's my horn silly, have you never seen a unicorn before?" Sea Spell replied, sarcasm evident in her voice.
"As a matter of fact, no. I have never even seen a unicorn before, let alone even been able to speak like this to one..." High Step admitted, shyly.
"Well I am glad that I am to be your first unicorn friend." Sea Spell smiled and draped her hoof on her new friend's shoulder.
As time went on, the ponies decided that it would be best for them both to go back to sleep as it had been the middle of the night when High Step awoke.
***
Sea Spell was the first to wake up in the morning, she decided to let the earth pony sleep
"I forgot to ask that pony her name. Oh well, I'll ask her when she wakes up."
Sea Spell then decided to make a nice breakfast for the earth pony, so at least then they can both have something to eat and a place to have their conversation. Just as Sea Spell had finished making breakfast, High Step came down the stairs.
"Good morning" Sea Spell chimed
"Morning Sea" High Step replied, not so happily. As she didn't sleep well in new places and this was all very new.
"I made breakfast" Sea Spell said, still a bit too optimistically for High Step.
"Thanks" High Step replied.
They both sat down and started small talk, Sea Spell seemed to ramble for a bit. About where she used to live with her family and how her and her sister moved to Ponyville.
"What about you?" Sea Spell said quickly
"Me, well I... Um..." High Step mumbled nonchalantly
"Shall we start with your name?" Sea Spell urged, encouragingly
"Oh, yes. My name is High Step." High Step replied 'At least I can answer that' She thought to herself.
"And I'm guessing you're not from around here" Sea Spell said and she gave High Step a knowing look.
"What, how did you know that?" High Step panicked.
"Easy, silly. You're not the first pony to come from the human world." Sea Spell replied, as if it only happened yesterday. "Also, next time" she whispered " try to make a less flashy entrance into my house"
"What do you mean flashy?" High Step inquired.
"Follow me" Sea Spell said with a hint of anguish in her tone.
They both soon got to a room upstairs. Sea Spell opened the door. All you could see was glitter, sequins of every colour covering the floor, ceiling, cupboards, everywhere.
"See? Flashy" Sea Spell said in a slight matter-of-fact tone.
"I am so sorry, please let me clean it up." High Step offered
"No need" Sea Spell replied as her white horn shone a bright aqua blue and, seemingly without effort on Sea Spells part, the room was spotless.
"What? How? Huh?" High Step was speechless. Sea Spell just pointed to her cutie mark. It was a blue aura around a black star. The aura was almost exactly the same as the Aqua aura Sea Spell produced only moments ago.
"My special talent is anything to do with magic, High Step. I've been learning from other ponies for years" She then looked downcast "but it seems as though I'll never be good enough to be taught by the royalty in Canterlot."
“I do not understand, what is magic?” asked High Step.
"Wow, you really are from the human world. Magic is a force that causes certain things to happen, those who are especially talented can learn all manner of things. Every unicorn has some form of magic, but that's usually to do with their destiny. My talent is magic in all forms, much like Princess Twilight Sparkle. Although, I'm no where near her level of skill."
"Wow, she must be amazing" High Step exclaimed. Sea Spell smiled.
"Maybe you'll get to meet her someday." Sea Spell said "She does live here in Ponyville after all".
“Twilight Sparkle is another Unicorn like yourself?” High Step asked.
“No, She is an Alicorn”, Sea Spell Replied.
“What is an Alicorn?” High Step asked.
“An Alicorn Has a horn like mine and wings, it is this that sets them apart from the others, you have to understand there are three classes of Ponies, the Earth Pony like yourself, the Pegasus, they can fly, and the Unicorn, like myself, the Alicorn is unique as they have the qualities of all three, which makes them special.” Sea Spell explained.
“So, the… what did you call it? the Cutie mark? Indicates a special talent like the way I canter when walking?” Asked High Step.
"Yeah, but..." Sea Spell paused "I can't see your cutie mark"
"So?" High Step queried
"You just scream 'other-world-pony' at the moment... Wait" Sea Spell magicked up a paint-brush and painted a bright white hoof. "There" she said, pleased at her work.
"What did you do that for?" High Step practically yelled, sad that her prized coat was ruined.
"It's to make you fit in, I want to take you to Princess Twilight Sparkle. Maybe she knows what to do" Sea Spell started walking "Come on then" she shouted, not looking back as High Step followed. She wore a sad expression.
"It's fine, it's just coloured coat-conditioner" Sea Spell said, seeing High Step's glum expression
“I will trust you in this then, Sea Spell.” High Step said, the gravity of the situation was expressed through the serious tone in her voice.
As both ponies walked through Ponyville, you could see the wonder and amazement on High Steps face. Whereas Sea Spell was focused on their destination; The Castle of Friendship.
"We're nearly there" Sea Spell said to no one in particular.
Sea Spell suddenly heard the muffled chuckles of ponies through the door of the castle as she and High Step approached it.
'Did I just hear my name?' Sea Spell thought to herself as they got to the door of the monumental Castle of Friendship.
"Really, I can't believe Sea Spell could do such a thing?" Sea Spell heard from inside the castle
'They're making fun of me, great. Even Twilight Sparkle thinks I'm ludicrous for thinking I have any talent in magic' Sea Spell thought, a frown appeared on her face.
“What’s wrong Sea Spell?” High Step asked, concern for her new friend was evident in her voice.
“Nothing, let’s knock” Sea Spell said, raising her hoof.
“Okay… if you say so.” High Step replied.
They both knocked at the same time and the chatter stopped. AppleJack answered the door.
“Are you here y’ung’uns lookin’ for Twiligh’ by any chance?”
“Yes we are, may we see her?” Sea Spell asked, desperately.
“Ah, sure sugarcube.” AppleJack replied with a concerned smile that was a bit too forced. “Righ’ this way sugarcube” she said gesturing towards the hallway.
The earth pony and the unicorn entered...
As Sea Spell and High Step entered the Castle of Friendship, they notice that the hallway was immensely gargantuan. It. Was. Huge.
“This way sugarcube.” AppleJack said, taking the earth pony and unicorn out of their gazes.
She guided them both shortly forward towards a large set of double doors, similar in decor to the front doors of the palace.
“We’re all through here havin’ a nice chat’ ‘bout nothin’. Y’all won’ be disturbin’ us anyway.” AppleJack mentioned, obviously trying to calm the other two ponies
“That’s comforting to know.” Sea Spell murmured, remembering what she’d heard earlier.
As all three of them entered the hall, Sea Spell and High Step saw the high ceiling and six, tall thrones each with the respective Cutie Mark of each pony. All were seated, besides AppleJack’s of course. The other five stared at the ponies as they entered
High Step’s Nervousness became more and more evident by her iris and pupil quickly shrinking as her ears drooped.
“Hi, I hear that you both wanted to meet with me?” Twilight said.
“Um...” Sea Spell started as she looked over to High Step “Yes, we are. This here is High Step and I’m Sea Spell-”
“You’re Sea Spell?!” Twilight interrupted, loudly.
“Yes, May we talk about my friend please? She’s not from ‘around here’” Sea Spell said using air quotes.
“Oh, of course. After that however, I would like to speak to you in private Sea Spell. It is important.”
“Sure, but first. High Step, can you explain what happened?”
High Step was still frozen in place, she couldn’t move a muscle; let alone speak.
“High Step, calm down. Everything’s fine, the princess will help” Sea Spell whispered to her.
At the mention of a Princess, High Step bowed “Your Highness” she stated.
“I come from a Place called ‘Earth’ where I am from, horses cannot speak, indeed, I am owned, I am a show horse, one evening colors appeared in my stall, and I passed out, to awaken in my friends ‘house’, and could speak. I do not know what happened, and I am sure my owner is frantic to find me.”
“Wow, i have a lot of questions. Firstly, you were a horse in the human world? I didn’t know they had horses” Twilight inquired
“Yes. They are usually held away from civilisation as, by nature, we are very nervous creatures.”
The questions seemed to never end as Twilight had more and more about horses in the human world until finally, High Step asked.
“Is there a way to get me home?”
I do not know but i am planning to send a letter to the other Princesses and Princes letting them know of your dilemma. We will convene a conference and see if there is any way in Equestria that we can help you.” She stated. “I do hope that there is a way, and that this is of some comfort as the conference may not be held for a few weeks at least.” Twilight continued, the sympathy of being away from home evident in her facial expression.
“I understand.” High Step, surprisingly, answered.
“Now, i have to talk to Sea Spell, in private” Twilight asked looking to her friends and High Step.
“Of course, darling. We understand.” Rarity said, shuffling everypony out of the Hall.
“Now that everyone’s gone, i can talk to you. I’ve noticed your talent with magic is-” Twilight started but was interrupted.
“Lower than average, I know but-” Sea Spell started
“No, I was going to say that you seem to have a natural talent for magic. Who have you studied with?”
This conversation went on for a while, Sea Spell talked about the few travelling Wizard ponies who had been willing to teach her small tricks but, nothing major. Twilight sat there, fascinated at the initiative the Unicorn in front of her took to learn all these spells, as well as the knowledge behind them. The conversation took an abrupt turn when Twilight Sparkle said
“Do you want to study under me? Along with the other Princesses of course” Twilight asked as if she’d asked for a carrot at the market
“What?” Sea Spell replied, shocked at Twilight’s question and her casualty on the subject
“I think you show great promise, maybe even more than i did.” Twilight praised
“Really, wouldn’t the other princesses be too busy?” Replied, anxious that she’d be imposing
“Yes, which is why i suggested you learn mostly under me, It will mean you coming with me to the conference though.” Twilight added. Sea Spell thought for a moment. A moment that seemed to drag.
“I understand if you want some time to think about this-” Twilight started
“I accept, but only if you let High Step accompany us” Sea Spell interrupted. Not realising she had as she was deep in concentration.
“Of course” Twilight replied. ‘Yes, i finally get my own pupil to shape into a model student and pony.’ Twilight thought to herself.
They both exited the hall to join their friends.
***
High Step suddenly looks at the one called Rarity “Forgive me” High Step said. ”I have never seen a pony so beautiful.”
“Oh, thank you, darling.” Said Rarity.
“Who does your mane and tail?’” High Step asked.
“I do my mane and tail myself.” Rarity replied.
“Someone always did my mane and tail for me, I just stood there” High Step then said.
This idle chatter carried on for some time until High Step noticed Sea Spell and Twilight walk out of the Castle towards them. Just as High Step was about to bow again, Twilight interrupted.
“There’s no need to bow, really. We are going to be seeing a lot of each other now, High Step. I don’t have my friends bow to me.”
“I’m your friend?” High Step tearily asked, sensing it a great honour to be a friend of royalty.
“of course.” Twilight replied. “I best leave you and Sea Spell to get home and pack” Twilight continued as she and the other Main Six walked into the Castle.
“It is a great honour Twilight, to be your friend.” High Step said to the closing door.
“Wait, pack?” High Step then realised what Twilight had said.
“Yes, that’s what Twilight wanted to talk to me about. I’m going to be her student and i said only as long as you can stay by my side.”
“Really? I don’t know what to say…” High Step blushed as she said this.
“Yeah, Twilight accepted immediately. Let’s go, i have a lot to pack and we need to shop for you.” Sea Spell mentioned.
“Okay, fine.” High Step decided not to argue as it was getting to the afternoon and they didn’t have much time.
As the ponies walked home they realised that it would be dark if they shopped later so they decided to shop first and pack later.
“What shop do you want to go to first?”
“Um…I guess we would need a tack shop, or… sorry… I guess you do not use saddles or bridles here.” High Step said.
“No, we don’t. I guess Rarity’s Boutique is out of the question then… How about we just get things like a keyboard or something”
“I’ve always wanted to play the Keyboard, maybe Pinkie Pie could teach me, or Spike.”
“okay, so we’ll get you that.”
Both ponies shopped for nonsensical things after the keyboard which was going to be delivered to the Castle tomorrow morning.
As time went on both ponies noticed how it was getting quite dark, they decided to head home and pack what they had.
As they packed, High Step spoke: “I suppose I should take this halter off now?”
“Oh goodness, i completely forgot about that, people must have thought you were weird.”
High Step unfastens her red halter and sets it amongst her belongings.
“That’s better.” Sea Spell started “Let’s get that conditioner off you” Sea Spell then proceeded to do just that.
“I am looking forward to learning to play my keyboard, but how will it work with hooves?” High Step asked.
“It’s quite easy for some. Hey, you never know, maybe you’ll get a Music Playing Cutie Mark” Sea Spell answered with wonder in her eyes. “Then you could play your Keyboard whilst I play… something else”.
“That sounds like it would be fun, perhaps you could even learn a marching tune and we could do a show with my ability to high step.” High step said.
“Sure, that sounds like it could be fun” Replied Sea Spell.
“I guess we should turn in, big day ahead of us” High Step said.
"Yeah, I guess so"
Both of them then went to bed and slept well. Little did they know that some beady eyes were glaring through the window as they slept. At one pony in particular. High Step.
