Author's Note: This is the first time I've really done anything like this. I understand there are many flaws within the story itself, and I plan to fix them, I just wanted feedback on the idea of this story, and whether or not it should continue. End Note.
I entered yet another realm. The experience wasn't new, for I had done the same thing countless times before. The changes came naturally to me now, my body morphing before even setting foot, hoof, paw, or various other moving parts, on whatever surface the portal decided to throw me in. I was lucky to land on the ground this time, though it was from a high distance, and it hurt pretty badly on the landing. Immediately, I concluded I was unable to fly, otherwise, instinct would have taken over and at least soften my landing.
Another thing I notice was I had a clear line of sight. My peripheral was not blackened out and I panicked. Where was my mask? I needed that mask! The, realization set in. Again, this wasn't the first time this had happened. Often when I morphed to suit a new realm, my facial features would not be able to compensate a proper face piece. That meant it would become an icon somewhere on my body, and my hood would cover the most important feature: the eyes.
I did my best to find out what exactly I looked like, and as this happened, I found myself trotting around on four hooves. When I looked down, I still had my familiar grieves and pauldrons. This meant clothing had no rules that could be broken. I would be able to wear what I wanted as long as it would fit. With that said, I would be able to see exactly how much power still resided within me, just by looking at the hood I wore. But first, I had to find a lake.
It didn't take long. I trotted for only a few moments before a crystal clear lake entered my view. When I looked into it, I saw a perfect reflection of myself. I was a small equine creature, red fur by the color of my muzzle. The swirls that covered my sleeveless hooded jacket pulsed blue. I smiled. That was plenty of power to do what was needed to save this realm. I had hoped anyway. Now, I simply had to figure out how to use it. I turned away and trotted off to see if I couldn't find civilization, my arm guards making soft scrapes as they moved.
As I trotted, I looked to the sky and saw winged creatures. To my amazement, they were moving the clouds themselves. What a wonder! In all the realms I had been, only a few had this ability, and that was with the use of some power source. I wondered if the power that coursed through my body was what did this, until a small grey female with a blonde mane and crooked eyes crashed into me. As it turned out, they were Pegasus. Before I could ask anything, the female winged away. Oh well, I'll figure it out eventually. I decided to follow them.
It took a while, galloping after the winged ones back to their homes. Most lived in a castle made of clouds, but my luck stayed with me when some landed in a town where more of their kind thrived. No, not just them, but there were others without wings, and some even had horns. Unicorn! That must be where all my power was coming from, it was magic! I was ecstatic, hopping up and down. Magic was so much easier to use than science or faith. Magic simply took imagination, which I had plenty of.
My celebration was cut short when I was tackled to the ground. I had no idea what had happened. I was dazed, confused, and all I could hear was incomprehensible jabbering, words being put together in such a haste, my brain did not have time to figure out what was said before the assaulter galloped off in a haste. I think I heard something about a "really big party?" I didn't know. I got back up my feet quickly, looking around, trying to figure out the working of this world. I walked, hoping to find a place with information. It didn't take me long to come upon an out-of-place tree. It was obviously an establishment of some kind, but with all the other buildings, it seemed as if it didn't belong in the middle of town. However, I saw a small, purple and green, scaly lizard walk into it with books, so hopefully my luck would grant me what I seek.
Lo and behold, I found the holy grail of information. I must have stumbled on the library, for books stacked the cut out grooves of the tree itself. Here, I should be able to find out all the information I need, the history, science, economy, and most importantly, biology. I had to figure out how to harness my power before I could do anything. Just as I started to look, a purple mare walked down from the staircase. "Hey, who are you?" She asked. I knew I had to warn her, but I learned the hard way where that got me if done far too early. I told her my name was of unimportance, and that I desperately needed several books. She smiled in delight, and I thought I even heard a squeak. "Oh my gosh! No one ever wants to read anything in here!" She exclaimed. Before she got another word out, I quickly told her all the information I needed. I watched as she danced around. Apparently the town had little interest in information except for this one. How sad.
Regardless, she made a pack, full of books, and asked if I was new. I said yes, no point in being dishonest. I needed them to trust me as much as possible if I were to prepare them for what was to come. She asked about the hood. I could tell she was hungry for knowledge, not just mine, but anything she might be able to learn about. I politely told her no and took my leave before more questions were asked. I could feel here eying the glow of the clothing. She would find out eventually, but now was too soon.
I took the books out into a grove. Plenty of plant life and small animals abound. I started with the one of most importance, and learned that I too was a unicorn. I felt near my forehead and was a little disappointed in how small the horn was, but what was I going to do? As soon as I could, I tested out just how much power I had, expending it all into a single beam of harmless light, straight into the air. The glowing swirls in my clothing dimmed into a dark blue. I felt exhausted and slumped onto my flank, breathing deeply. "Oh dear," came a soft voice. I looked over, and in the blur of my eyes, I saw yellow and pink come my way, and after that, blackness.
When I awoke, I was greeted by a very angry bunny. His front paws were crossed, and he didn't look to please to see me on the couch. I heard him snuff and jump down. I was in a tree again, but when I looked out the window, I saw it was more out of the way than the library. "Oh good, you're awake." I look over to see the same yellow and pink smiling down at me. I smile back to be nice. It was yet another female, and I began to wonder what the male to female ratio was. This was sometimes scarier than most might think. However, she shied back a little bit, hiding behind her large, pink mane. She was a shy one, and it was sort of cute. However, I had to get back my studies. I bowed, and thanked her for the help, then excused myself. I now knew I held more power than I had thought. This was good. This was very good.
I went to a park bench. The sun was still high in the air, so I had plenty of time. I looked into history next, and was surprised to learn that, even though there was science and magic in this world, they still had deities. Not only that, but according to this book, they were literal beings. That disturbed me greatly. I never had a good record with living deities. Hopefully these two would understand what I had to tell them. What worried me even more, as I read, was that one had gone evil and been banished. This was always the worst thing to happen to any realm I enter. Nothing is worse than fighting a God. The more I read, the more dread filled me. These were tales of chaos roaming this world, massive creatures of mythical origin, swarms taking everything in sight. It wouldn't be the first time I read of this, far from it. The thing was, it was never good when these things existed... at all.
I had enough of history. If I read anymore, I might just tell them and hope they listen. I would have to leave quickly and leave them to their fate. I hated doing that, so onto science! Surely they were advanced enough to have weapons? But what i read was basic science and chemistry. I learned how the weather was operated, who was able to do what, and their main responsibilities. It seemed those without horns or wings drew the short straw, having to work the hardest to make a living. Lucky me, eh?
I continued, going into geography, economy, and every book that would help me live in this universe, however short a visit it may be. By the time I was done, the sun had set, and I had nowhere to go, so I went back the library and knocked. The same purple haired female opened, and smiled with hope in her eyes. I smirked and told her I was only here to return her books. She grimaced/, and I knew she wanted a look under the hood. I chuckled, "Not even your Deity will be able to look without permission, I'm sorry to say." Her eyes widened in surprise that I would speak in such a way. I used this to my advantage and trotted off to look for a tree of my own to sleep in.
As the moon started to rise, I came across an apple orchard. My stomach growled, telling me it had been far too long since my last meal. I told it to shut up. I'd gone longer without anything to eat, but why not indulge while I had the chance? Using a bit of magic, I plucked one from the tree, but before I could get it anywhere close to my mouth, a rope tangles around me and pulse me away. I was able to cut it with the edge of my arm guard, turn around, and grapple with the assailant. "What in tarnation?!" Came a female voice. She was pinned! I breathed heavily, adrenalin pumping, ready for more. "Gerroff me!" She yelled, using her hind legs to buck me a good ten yards away. Needless to say, it hurt. I saw her silhouette charge after me, so I quickly got up and galloped away as fast as I could.
I went deep into the orchard, getting away, and in turn, losing my way. I continued the way I was going, eventually making it to a proper forest. From what I read, this was supposedly the most dangerous place on the map. Good, this way, I'll be able to test the strength of the wildlife. My stomach growled again, and I resisted the urge to punch it. I was hurting enough. I continued, ignoring the growing hunger, and the hungry eyes that stalked me. I avoided all plant life, unsure of what was safe and what wasn't. The top of the trees blocked my vision of the sky, so I had no idea how long it was until I found yet another tree house. Was this some kind of theme this realm had? Because I'm pretty sure I saw a wooden barn at the orchard, and brick houses back in town. Anyway, I took a chance and knocked on the wooden door. I was greeted by a most odd sight. A zebra, of all things, I had honestly not expected. A lot of things could have been here, but this was different. “Why do you visit at this hour of night? Surely this forest fills your mind with fright.” And she spoke in rhymes. Perfect. I quickly told her I was lost, and new to the area. My stomach, spoke for itself. She let a hearty chuckle and welcomed me in with more rhymes. She introduced herself as Zecora. I was too immersed on the inside of the home she had. As I looked, I saw she was not from around this regional area. There was a large cauldron in the middle of the room, a sweet smell coming from it. Masks decorated the walls, as well as many things I only wish I could identify.
She poured me a bowl of whatever was in the cauldron. It was good, but I’ve had better. I could see, she too, was interested in what was hidden under my hood, but it took me a moment to understand the rhyme that what she was really looking at, were the dimly lit swirls that dominated the jacket. For some odd reason, I had a feeling that she already knew what they were, what they were for, and what they did. I also had a sinking feeling that she knew why I was here. It must have showed on my snout, because she then said, “Now that you are done with food, tell me about this impending doom.” The mood suddenly took a grim turn as I told her. There was no hiding it, she would have found out eventually with whatever she used to guess about my markings. I told her about what was coming, and saw the shock transition into fear, then grim determination.
“Stay with me, and tell no other,” she said suddenly, “For if you do, it will cause a bother.” At that point, I no longer had to worry about meals or a place to stay. I was more than happy to room with anything that wouldn’t bug me about anything. I stayed the night, haunted, as always, by the nightmare of what awaits me.
When I awoke the next morning, Zecora was nowhere to be seen. I imagined she was out doing something, possibly gathering or what not. I left the tree to go back to the town and see what else I could learn.
I went to apologize to the librarian, who I discovered was named Twilight Sparkle. I asked if she could give me more information than any of these books could. She gladly said yes, and proceeded to explain all the adventures she gone on with her friends, going into great detail and length about how they defeated Discord and Nightmare Moon. It brought me great joy that these “ponies” knew how to defend themselves. When she mentioned the Elements of Harmony, I became intrigued and asked more about them. “The Elements of Harmony Are that which make up Equestria. They are the powers my friends and I use to dispel evil.” This was new indeed. If such a power could be harnessed, then this realm had one of the best chances of surviving I have seen in a while.
I recognized two of the friends she mentioned, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. She wanted to introduce me to the others, but on one condition: “Show me what’s under your hood.” She smiled hopefully, but I shook my head. I told her that I cannot allow anyone to look into my eyes, afraid that they might see what I have seen. That is something I wouldn’t wish on the worst of people… or ponies. It felt odd that this was the first dimension where the inhabitants were referred to as a small horse. Something I would have to get used to.
She wouldn’t give up. She ducked her head, trying to get a peak, but I used magic to darken the shade. My eyes became completely blackened in the recesses of the hood. She pouted which I must admit, was tempting to give into, but I held, smirked, and offered something else. She grew a little more hopeful, and I told her why my garb glows the way it does and what the swirling runes meant. She seemed awed, to say the least. It made me glad to see an avid learner, especially after everything else I had seen. I only hope she and hers friends are ready to learn what true despair is.
Since Pinkie Pie was nowhere to be found, we went to go see Fluttershy, who seemed more bashful than last time. It must have been easier to have a guest while he was unconscious I suppose. However, she took me in and cared for me when I needed it, and that was what counted. She introduced herself, but my name stayed aloof. After much awkwardness, I asked that they simply call me Sir. They accepted, happy to put a name to my face. As we went on to the next house, I looked back at Twilight. She had her eyes on me, and she knew something was going to happen. That made me a bit uncomfortable, but I didn’t have time to voice this when I heard a shriek of terror come from a very large and lavish home.
It was a designers place, a boutique, a fine clothing mart. Whoever did this work knew what they were doing, and had a steady… hoof? I tried to ponder how a pony could be a seamstress when a stark white unicorn came running through a doorway, screaming her head off. “GET IT OFF!! GET IT OFF!!!” She was jumping up and down, and I couldn’t quite see what she was talking about. To end this nonsense quickly, I trotted over, but/ my hoof on her head, and looked for the problem. When I found it, it was hard not to laugh. It was a tiny bug that had settled on her nose. I gently wiped it off and shooed it out the door with a little magic. Rarity was breathing heavily from exertion, and then started to jabber on and on about how filthy bugs were. It was quite entertaining. Then she got a look at what I was wearing and squealed in delight. “Where EVER did you find such material? So soft and luxurious and that magnificent luminescence! And those pauldrons and greaves! What an ensemble! I never would have thought to make armor a fashion statement.” She went into the back of the house quickly. I don’t know what she was doing, but I could bet it would require metal and paint. When she came back, I gave her a foolish story of how my kind used glow worm goo to give our cloths this special glow. I almost died when she nearly threw up.
After we were done in that house, we moved on towards the outskirts of the town. “Heads up!” I heard it before it hit me hard in the head, another pony that was sky blue with a rainbow mane. There were many multi colored manes, but this one had the whole spectrum going on. It made me kind of want to take off my hood to see what color mine was. Oh well. “Heh heh, sorry about that.” She flapped her wings, a strong flyer to be sure, and most likely a fast one. As I dusted myself off (or rather Rarity did it just to see my clothes stay clean) I saw this Rainbow Dash quickly whisper something to Twilight. Twilight nodded, they both looked at me, Rainbow Dash covered her mouth then flew away. I could hear the echo of her laughter off in the distance. Something was up and I was growing fidgety. Only two more to meet.
I was taken to a barn, but more importantly, an orchard. I gulped and stopped in my tracks, not wanting to face whatever had kicked me with such force. “What’s wrong?” Twilight asked. I told her what had happened the previous night. “Oh, that was Apple Jack. Don’t worry about her, she’ll forgive you.” With that, they sort of scooted me along the rest of the way. I then met the one who gave suck a powerful hit to my chest. She was orange with a blond mane in a ponytail. She wore a cowboy hat, the first clothing, I noticed, that any of these ponies wore. Strange. “Hey, aren’t you the one that was taken mah apples in the night?” She asked, getting her face in mine and giving a suspicious look. I told her why I was taking the apple and she backed off and laughed. “Well shucks, all ya had to do was say so.” She bucked a nearby tree and multiple apples fell. One rolled to my feet and I ate it graciously. It was a quick meeting. These four seemed excited to get me to their final destination in a hurry.
I was growing fearful. They seemed nice, but I always kept my doubts about every creature I ever met. I’ve only been here for a day, and I wasn’t sure I could even fully trust Zecora. I did my best not to show my nerves, but they were getting the better of me. I looked around, I eyed every pony suspiciously, I kept a close eye on every window, door, or alleyway that we crossed. I would not be ambushed so easily. Before I knew it, we were at a very flamboyant bakery. Pastries decorated the windows, advertising what was sold. I looked back at the others and tilted my head in question. They all smiled and nodded at the door. I took a deep breath, and prepared myself for some kind of attack. It wouldn’t be the first time I was taken in by kind folk, just to find out it was a trap. So, when I was greeted with a loud “SURPRISE!” I quickly look for something to hide behind. It didn’t take long. I saw a table draped by cloth, so I used all my speed to get under there as quick as possible.
My first thoughts were that they were after me, so I had my magic ready for use. But what greeted me was a smiling pink face with messy, tangle hair. “Calm down silly!” She said with happiness. “We won’t hurt you.” She pulled me out, and I realized that this was the same pony that had tackled me on that first day. I looked around to see what this was all about. It was a party. I let out a relieved breath and let the magic leave me.
These creatures were readily accepting of complete strangers. From what I read, they are not afraid to fight back when the time comes, they will defend if threatened, though try to reason before violence. This would be tricky, but if I could get to their leader, I should be able to convince her to change their peaceful ways for a time.
The party continued for a while. I met many more ponies, learning names and faces, answering questions, sometimes falsely, but I had to keep the truth from them until such time they were ready. Eventually, it calmed down and ponies started to leave. I took my leave and asked a few of the ponies how I could meet this Celestia. Many were confused to this. They had all seen her, but only on the few visits she gave to this little town. It was Twilight who told me. “Usually you need an invitation up to Canterlot,” she pointed a hoof up towards a white city hanging off the mountain. “You also need a train ticket, but I’m sure if I send Princess Celestia a note, she would be fascinated to meet you.” She gave me a smile and called for spike. I thanked her and asked to be notified as soon as possible. After that I took my leave back to Zecora’s tree.
