The Bright Equestrian Moon

The first thing Luna and I decide to do when we leave the throne room is to go grab my phone and wallet to leave my previous bedroom as it was when I first arrived. Once I have my stuff on me, I turn to Luna. “So, any ideas on what we could do to pass the time?”

She smiles and nods, becoming excited. “Yes, it seems that the castle has a small theatre that can be used to view wondrous things called movies. They are like plays that are captured in pictures and audio, then put into motion.”

I chuckle a bit. I guess that movies are fairly to new Luna since they would have probably been invented while she was exiled on the moon. Her excitement and wonder for movies is pretty funny and also a little cute. “I know what movies are, they’re pretty popular on Earth.”

Luna blushes a little. “Oh, of course. Would you like to see one?”

I give her a joyous smile. It’ll be pretty awesome to see what movies are like here in Equestria. “I’d love to, is there much of a selection?”

Luna wraps a wing around me and begins leading me down a few halls. “Most definitely, the catalogue of movies is rather expansive. What movie genres do you like?”

I place a hand on her withers and walk with her. “Mainly action, adventure, fantasy, and sci-fi. Although, being here in Equestria is almost like being in a fantasy movie myself. I wonder if fantasy is just considered adventure here, since most things in fantasy movies actually exist in Equestria.”

Luna gives me a look of curiosity. “Oh? What do you mean by that?”

“Well, generally fantasy as a movie genre is considered purely fictional. It usually has stuff like magic, mythical creatures including dragons, and is often set in medieval times. Most of the things considered fictional in fantasy aren’t fictional in Equestria. In fact, you’d be seen as a being of fantasy; magical alicorn princesses are fictional on Earth. I’m glad you aren’t fictional though.” I stop walking and give Luna a hug.

She hugs me back with her forehooves and wings. “And I am glad that you appeared in Equestria.” Luna then lets go and finishes leading me to the castle theatre. She may have described it as small, but the room and screen still look very big to me. As big as perhaps the rooms and screens that are at proper movie theatres.

I gaze around the spacious room and then at Luna. “This doesn’t seem small to me by any means, it’s actually pretty big. Only actual movie theatres are able to have set ups this big.”

Luna tilts her head a bit. “Truly?”

I nod to reinforce my statement. “Yeah, there are only a few movie theatres that are bigger than this.”

Luna looks around the room for a moment. “The theatres I am used to could accommodate for hundreds of ponies. However, that may be due to me being used to plays and musicals.”

Now that would explain why she thinks this is small. “Ohhh, that makes more sense, those types of theatres are seriously massive though. Movie theatres all around aren’t as big as stage theatres.”

Luna gives me an inquisitive look. “Oh, so it isn’t just this theatre that is this size?”

I smile and take in the sight of the big theatre once more. “If there are movie theatres in the city or other places in Equestria, I’d say that they are most likely either the same size or smaller than this one.”

Luna smiles. “I see…” She then takes me to the best seats in the room. “Now, would you like to have a look at the list of movies available?”

I take a seat and notice that it is able to recline. It’s so comfy, just like every cushioned or padded furniture in the castle. I then refocus and shake my head to Luna’s question. “Nah, you choose something, I’d be clueless when it comes to knowing what Equestrian movies I’d like. Just try to pick some sort of action adventure movie.”

Luna nods. “Very well, I have a movie in mind that you might enjoy. Just wait a moment while I ask for it to be displayed.” She heads over to a room near the back and enters. I guess that’s where the projector operator is. Just after a minute or two she comes back, sitting down on a chair beside me.

A grey unicorn mare with a brown mane and tail walks in with a notepad and quill. “Would you or your guest like any snacks or drinks during the movie, Princess?”

“Yes, I believe that popcorn is rather enjoyable during movies, and perhaps a chilled cola soft drink to go with it.” Luna then looks to me. “Do you wish to have anything, Travis?”

I smile and nod. “Yeah, perhaps some small chocolates or sweet snacks. And I don’t know if you have them in Equestria, but on Earth there are things called choc tops. They’re basically ice creams in cones that have chocolate frozen around the outside of the ice cream, which is the flavour of the person’s choosing. I’d like the ice cream to be mint.”

The unicorn jots down our requests on the notepad. “I’m sure that can be arranged, Sir.” She then looks back at Luna and recites our order. “Is that all, Your Majesty?”

Luna gives the mare a nod. “Yes, it is, thank you.”

The waitress, or servant, or whatever she is leaves with the notepad and quill. I then look at Luna. “So, what movie are we going to be watching?”

She smiles and wraps a wing around me. “It is the first of a movie adaptation series of a set of books. The book series is called Daring Do and it is about an adventurous mare that recovers ancient relics and saves the world. I myself have not yet read the books, but I have heard good things about them, and this movie.”

I smile as well and put an arm around Luna in return, softly snuggling into her side. “Sounds pretty cool.” Just as I reply, the lights go out and the projector turns on to display the movie. As soon as I see who I assume is the protagonist, Daring Do, I can’t help but think of Indiana Jones. Daring Do is pretty much the Equestrian equivalent of him.

After a few minutes, the mare from before comes with our popcorn, drink, snacks, and my choc top. She seems to blush lightly at the closeness between Luna and I. “Here are your orders, Princess and Sir.”

We thank the waiter and get our stuff. I start eating my choc top while it’s still cold and Luna starts with the popcorn. Luna and I share the drink and keep close together as the movie goes on. At one point, we both go to sip the cola at the same time, resulting in an awkward bump which then turns into a soft kiss. We smile and blush softly, before getting back to paying attention to the movie and eating snacks.

By the end of the Daring Do movie, the popcorn and snacks have been finished between Luna and I. Soon after it ends, I get up and stretch a bit, offering Luna my hand. She smiles and places her hoof in my open hand, getting up as well. We share another brief kiss as she gets to her hooves. “What did you think of the movie, Travis?”

Well, I must admit that it was pretty cool, so much like Indiana Jones. “It was awesome, Luna. Interestingly there is a similar movie series back on Earth called Indiana Jones. Instead of a pegasus mare though, it’s a human man, and the antagonists are different too.”

“I am glad that you enjoyed it, and it is indeed interesting that there are yet more parallels between our worlds.” Luna then looks up at a clock at the back of the theatre. “We should soon be on our way to the dining hall for our meeting with Twilight Sparkle and Rarity.”

I look up at the clock too and notice that it’s ten to one. “Yeah, we probably should.” I pick up the rubbish left over from snack packaging and stuff, and put it in a bin.

Luna giggles a little. “It is nice of you to put away the waste, but a servant would have come to clean it.”

I give her a mock look of disapproval and smirk. “That’s just lazy, besides, it doesn’t hurt to make the servant’s job just a little easier.”

Luna shrugs. “I have simply not known any different. Now, let us go to the dining hall.” I nod and we head off to the dining hall, close to each other, but not so close to arouse suspicion. Then again, that waiter at the theatre probably noticed us anyway, hopefully she doesn’t gossip about it.

As we’re walking, I can’t help but ask Luna about the waiter to be sure. “Uh, I was thinking… Is that waiter that was at the theatre sworn to secrecy like the guards?”

Luna absent-mindedly replies as we walk through the castle halls. “No, I do not believe so.”

I stop for a moment. “Oh… Luna, I’m pretty sure that she noticed how close we were with each other… What if she gossips about it?”

This causes Luna to stop as she grasps why I asked the previous question. “I… Do not know what we would do if she does… We could hope that she stays quiet about it, but gossip is rather popular amongst the waiters and servants of the castle…”

Damn, that is not what I wanted to hear. “I see… I guess we’ll just see how it pans out. Although that kind of gossip would probably spread like wild fire. I suppose that might ruin our plans of slowly introducing me to the ponies of Equestria.” I shake my head a bit. “Let’s try to forget about it for now and just get to this meeting.”

Luna nods and we continue on our way. “Indeed, there is no use worrying about it now. We should focus on our lunch with Twilight and Rarity for the time being.” We soon make it to the dining hall with a few minutes to spare.

Sitting down at the long table is a couple of mares. One is a white unicorn with a purple fancy styled mane and tail, and bright blue eyes. The other is a lavender alicorn with a straight cut mane and tail varying between purplish-blue and pinkish strands, and her eyes match her coat. I assume she’s the princess, Twilight Sparkle. The unicorn then I deduct, must be Rarity.

Luna and I take our seats across from them. Luna begins the introductions. “Good afternoon, Twilight Sparkle and Rarity -” She softly gestures towards me. “- meet Travis Blackbourne, the new human.” Luna then gestures towards the alicorn and unicorn respectively. “Travis, meet Twilight Sparkle, princess of friendship and element of magic, and Rarity, fashion designer and element of generosity.”

So, it seems that my deductions were correct. I nervously smile and shake their hooves over the table firmly, but gently. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you two.”

They both smile back; Twilight looking intrigued and excited, whilst Rarity appears more reserved. Twilight is the first between them to speak. “Hi there, it’s great meeting you too! This is so exciting! You’re a sapient being from another world or universe that has come to Equestria by your own means! I can’t wait to get to know you and do all sorts of scientific tests!” Oh man, I don’t know if I like the idea of being the subject of scientific testing.

Before Twilight can continue, Rarity interrupts. “Ahem.” Twilight stops and looks a little sheepish, letting Rarity speak now. “It is indeed a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Blackbourne. I apologise for Twilight’s little outburst. She tends to get excited over occasions such as this.” Twilight blushes nervously at the comment. “On another note, I have been told that you require clothing to be made for you. I will be more than happy to make you clothes, after all, it will be rather enjoyable to tailor attires for a never before seen species.”

I acknowledge Rarity’s more reasonable greeting first. “Uh, yeah, thanks. That sounds good, Rarity, I really do need more clothes. I only have what I’m wearing now, and humans – my species – tend to wear new clothes for each day of the week. Oh, I was also hoping for the new clothes to be fairly casual.” I then look towards Twilight. “And, do you actually need to perform tests on me?”

Rarity gives me a confident smile. “You’re rather welcome and I’m sure that I could come up with a suitable variety of outfits for you, despite not usually creating in a casual style.”

Twilight is a little more nervous with her smile. “Oh, sorry, sometimes I really do get carried away with things like this. Anyway, yes, I do need to perform some tests on you. Don’t worry, they won’t hurt. They just need to be done to make sure there aren’t any harmful side effects to Equestrian magic and other Equestrian things on you.”

Hmmm, so far I’ve been alright, and Luna used her magic on me before, I should be pretty good. “Well, I don’t think that there are any side effects, at least, not immediate. The food has been fine, although I must admit that I would prefer more meat… And Luna has carried me with her telekinesis before…” I blush as I think of being lifted towards Luna’s bed.

Twilight thinks over my statement before she replies. “That’s good to hear, although why was Luna carrying you, were you injured?”

I blush more and look over to Luna who is blushing a little as well. “Um, no… I wasn’t injured… Perhaps Luna would prefer to explain since she knows you better…”

Luna gives me a slightly annoyed look for putting her on the spot, but she nods and provides the explanation with a strong blush. “Very well. Travis and I have developed feelings for each other…”

Rarity’s eyes open wide and she lets out a squeal, grinning wide. “Oh my! A romance between a princess and an alien from another world! Oh, do tell us the juicy details!”

Luna and I blush more heavily, before Luna continues explaining. “Early in the morning in the dreamscape, I found Travis having a nightmare about his family. I aided him and allowed him to take control of his dream.” Rarity nodding and paying intense attention as Luna speaks. “We danced through the skies in his dream and settled on a mountain. After a little while, Travis and I agreed to be a couple.”

Rarity grins more and nearly swoons. “How romantic! What happened next?”

Luna blushes with a smile and resumes her account of the morning. “After waking, Travis visited my chambers and I lifted him towards me so that we could cuddle a bit.”

Rarity squeals and covers her mouth. “You two didn’t do what I think you did, did you? Just imagine how scandalous it would be to the nobles…”

Luna and I shake our heads firmly to the question, Luna answering. “No, not at all, banish the thought from your mind. We simply cuddled… And kissed… Nothing more.”

I nod in confirmation. “Yeah, it’s way too soon for what you were thinking… Besides, I probably wouldn’t be so comfortable with that yet… Due to being different species…” I blush nervously.

Rarity calms down and smiles. “Of course, I must admit that I have read a few too many romance novels.” She then looks at Luna. “I’m happy that you’ve found a special someone. When will you tell the ponies of Equestria?”

Luna smiles back. “We were thinking of introducing Travis as a new resident first, and waiting a short time before we announce our relationship.”

I smile too and add to the answer. “Although, we watched a movie before we came to see you. The servant bringing our snacks saw us being pretty romantic with each other. So, it might get out early as gossip.”

Rarity giggles. “I hope for your sake that it stays secret until you make an official announcement, but I will be keeping an eye on the newspapers for any gossip.”

Twilight finally speaks up again as she smiles at Luna. “This is pretty big news, although I’m happy for you as well.” She then looks back at me. “Now back to the conversation at hoof, I will still perform the tests to be completely sure. You can never be too safe. Also, some magic tests may help me figure out where you’re from and how to make a portal that can take you back.”

Oh, a way back home, that’s right. “Oh, of course, that’s why Celestia contacted you in the first place. While I would appreciate being able to go back to tell my family about this, I hope to stay here in Equestria. I mean, I have no intentions of leaving Luna at all.”

Twilight gives me a happy nod. “That’s fine, besides, it’ll be so fascinating to make a portal leading to another world with a civilised species. Even if you choose to stay here, making a portal back to your world could lead to great technological advancements. If not that, at least we could become friends with a whole new species to Equestria.”

I nod slowly. “I see… Go ahead if you want… I don’t think you’re missing out on much though in terms of friends when it comes to Earth. I have a feeling that humans would only corrupt Equestria and dirty it. From what I know, Equestria is a very peaceful and innocent land. Even when there are massive threats, they are dealt with the magic of harmony, friendship and love.

“Humans don’t deal with threats like that. They wage wars. They kill. They imprison. They oppress. Most human technology has roots in being made for militaries so that they could be more effective in war. If you’re still interested though, go ahead, you’re a princess of Equestria.”

Twilight looks a little put off by my description of human technology, but she still seems enthusiastic enough. “I’m sure that we could figure out a way for our two civilisations to be great friends without negatively affecting Equestria. You don’t seem to have a very positive outlook of your own species. Do you mind if I ask why?”

I shake my head, although I’m not all that pleased. “I guess I don’t mind. I’ve just always been different from other humans. I’ve struggled to socialise with them. Almost as if I’m another species. I feel kind of like an outsider to human society, despite being human. To be honest, as a human specimen to you, I’m probably a poor representative. I’m not indicative of the average human, at least in terms of way of thinking.”

Twilight nods quietly for a moment. “That’s alright, Travis, I understand. My personal assistant Spike is a dragon, but he doesn’t behave or think like most other dragons. A couple of years ago he had a choice to live either with dragons or with ponies, and he chose to live with us.”

I nod, then look around the table to focus on Luna. “I have more to say about myself, and I haven’t even clearly told you about this, Luna. I don’t completely see myself as human.” Am I really going to talk about this? I probably should. “Yes, I accept that I physically am a human, but I don’t feel human. I actually feel like I’m a wolf inside.” There we go, it’s out now. “Most humans either call me a freak, childish, or crazy if I tell them. It’s part of the reason that I was such an outsider.” I look down nervously. I hope they don’t think the same.

I feel Luna’s hoof gently rest on top of my hand. “That does not change my love for you, Travis. The ones who belittled you were wrong. Please do try to be yourself, as that is who I love.” She then gives me a comforting nuzzle, which I happily return.

Rarity blushes a little and smiles. “Awww, you two are so sweet together. Anyway, I would have to agree with Princess Luna, those other humans shouldn’t have treated you in such a way.” She then takes out a notepad and quill, jotting down some notes. “Besides, wolves can be majestic creatures, as long as they aren’t of the wooden sort. I’ll try to incorporate a wolfish feel or theme to the clothes I make for you.”

I give Rarity a smile. “Thanks, that sounds awesome, just don’t make it too flashy. Remember that I’d like it to be casual.”

She waves a hoof. “Oh, of course, I will try. Keep in mind however that I will still add my own personal touch to the clothes I make. It doesn’t turn out well if I cater too closely to what someone wants their clothing to appear like.” Rarity then gives Twilight a funny look.

Twilight giggles and nods. “Yeah, our other friends and I were really overbearing that one time with our dresses, and they really turned out badly. Our dresses were much better when we let you design them how you thought they should be.”

I look between Twilight and then Rarity. “Alright, I’ll trust your judgement with my clothes, Rarity. You are the professional in tailoring and fashion after all. Although I can easily say that I’ve never been a fashionable person, since I’ve never had any interest in fashion, no offence.”

Rarity gives me a polite smile. “None taken, fashion doesn’t interest everyone.”

The doors to the dining hall open and a white unicorn stallion waiter with a black mane and tail walks in to take our orders. Twilight orders a sandwich, Rarity a fancy soup, Luna a wrap, and I ask for a burger not made of hay. Water is ordered for everyone.

When the waiter leaves with our orders, Twilight speaks up. “While we wait, would it be all right if I perform a magical scan of you, Travis?”

I nervously nod. “Uh, sure, go ahead.” I wonder what getting a magical scan is like? Will it feel strange, or unnoticeable?

Twilight smiles and gets up from her seat. “Could you please stand up for me?”

I nod again. “Okay,” I then get up off of my chair and stand in front of Twilight. “Ready when you are…”

Twilight’s horn glows, then the glow of her magic surrounds me. At first I don’t feel anything, but shortly after I begin to feel a soft buzz throughout my body. “Hmmm, fascinating.” Twilight mutters as she scans me. The buzz gets progressively stronger until it finally stops.

I shiver a bit and then relax again. I wonder what she meant by ‘fascinating’. “That felt interesting… Anyway, what was fascinating?”

Twilight looks up at me after seeming deep in thought. “Oh, it’s just that you have an interesting magical signature. Also, that wolf part of you that you mentioned isn’t just something in your head. I felt something lupine about you, but it isn’t in your physical anatomy, as if it blends into your magical signature.”

I have a magical signature? Do humans even have magical signatures? And that thing about detecting my wolf side is awesome. “Woah, that’s crazy. I never knew humans had magical signatures, although I guess I shouldn’t be surprised considering how I got here in the first place. And the wolf part of me is connected to my magical signature? Does that mean I could transform or something?”

Twilight taps her chin. “Hmmmm, if human magic is based on rituals – Celestia told me that you arrived here via a ritual – then your magical signature is not characteristic of humans. Your magical signature matches a species that uses active magic rather than rituals. And yes, your wolf side is connected to your magical signature, but I don’t know what type of magic that would allow you to perform.”

This is so insane. Apparently I have magical power, but I’ve never noticed it before. And my magic is an unknown to the element of magic. “I’ve never noticed having any magical power or ability before now. Is it possible that I received my magic upon arrival in Equestria or Mundus as a whole?”

Twilight smiles and nods. “That’s a possibility, but it wouldn’t explain your wolf side being connected to it. Let me check again.” Her horn glows and I’m encompassed in her magical aura once more, the buzzing returning for a moment. “Yes, there is a slight hint of Mundus magic, but not enough to be your whole magical signature. Most likely the presence of magic in the environment of Mundus has sparked or activated your own magic.”

Well, this is interesting, although I still never noticed any differences when I got here. Also, I’ll have to see if I can find a way to develop it. “Is it possible to have active magic and not notice? Because I didn’t feel any different when I got here, other than feeling lost. Also, how could I develop or train it?”

Twilight thinks for a moment before answering. “It is rare, but occasionally unicorn foals don’t have any magic outbursts until adolescence, unless remedied by a wizard or unicorn doctor. During this time, they have no sense of having any magic, despite actually being magic. It isn’t unthinkable that other species could have individuals with magic that don’t notice.

“As for learning how to put your magic to use, I’m a little unsure as I’ve never come across a magical signature of your kind. Your best bet would be to experiment with various methods until you get results.” She smiles softly at me.

I smile back. “All right, thanks for the explanation. I’ll have to try to find what works for me later on. So, do you have any more tests or scans to perform on me?”

Twilight nods. “Yes, there are tests that are more based on your physical features and internal chemistry, as well as to trace a way back to your world or universe. We’ll do them after lunch.”

“Sure, that sounds good.” I then look over to Rarity. "I’m guessing that you’ll take my measurements after lunch as well?”

She gives me a polite nod. “That is the plan, unless you’d rather that I take your measurements another time?”

I shake my head. “No, I’m fine with that, I mean, it is why you were invited here with Twilight.” I then look around the hall idly, unsure of what to speak of now.

Luna ends up discussing something with Rarity about some new clothes shop that Rarity opened recently in some city called Manehattan. I quietly laugh to myself about how it is a pun based off of Manhattan. After some more small talk between Luna, Twilight and Rarity, a couple of waiters walk in with our lunches and water. One is the waiter stallion from before, another is a waitress mare that I’ve seen around the dining hall previously.

My burger isn’t hay, just as ordered, but it isn’t meat either. I’m not surprised though. It seems to have a vegetarian patty. Despite it not containing meat, I still enjoy it well enough. Although I am seriously beginning to crave the chance to eat red meat. The others seem to be satisfied with their meals. Not many words are spoken between us while we eat.

After lunch, we get back to our conversation from before. Twilight speaks to me first. “So, now that we’ve had something to eat, would you like to come with me to have the tests and scans done?”

I give her a slightly nervous smile. “Yeah, let’s get this stuff out of the way.” Even though she said earlier that they won’t hurt, I’m still nervous as to what they might be.

She gives me a more excitable smile. “Great, just follow me. Celestia had my lab kept clean and neat as I left it when I first moved to Ponyville.”

I let out an anxious chuckle. “Cool, a lab. Where else would one perform tests on another species?” I ask nobody under my breath as I follow Twilight.