Episode V

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Have you ever had one of those moments when you think something's going to happen, but it doesn't? Maybe something completely DIFFERENT happened, but not necessarily for the better? Well, let me tell you what really happened when I went to Equestria for the first time...

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When I heard the cracking of the portal, I expected it to be like usual. She opens the Astral Gate, and either steps inside, or checks to see if I'm ready to begin whatever the plan is... in this case, me doing the stepping.

But what I didn't expect... was for the portal to suddenly grab me, and pull me directly into Equestria... or more specifically, Twilight's basement, which also couples as a science lab.

So now, here I am, sitting on a chair, ice pack on my forehead, and an apologetic-looking Twilight smiling sheepishly at me, and apologizing profusely.

I, of course, wave her off, telling her that it's alright. Apparently, even she didn't expect the portal to pull me in like that. Luckily, she closed it before it could make a mess of things, and pull more than just myself into it.

... I'd hate to explain how our entire house was suddenly dragged into Equestria, let alone inside my unicorn friend's basement... which might've been crushed or perhaps blown up if that were to happen.

If anything, I'd imagine it would be my house that were crushed, since... eh, magic tree house. I'm sure it can take quite a beating.

But, I digress. Now, it's time for me to inquire more about this plan of hers.

Or, more specifically, "How in the hell she expects to sneak a six-foot-tall human into a land full of little, colorful ponies."

Her response? Well... magic.

... Why do I get the feeling that will be the answer to 90% of any questions asked in this world?

Regardless, though, this form of magic is something I didn't really expect. I figured she would just use her horn and "poof" me into a pony in a fashion similar to a pair of odd fairy parental figures... but nope. Her method involved a little bit of alchemy, enchanting, jewel crafting, and transfiguration... in the form of a black necklace with a circle on it, and a coin within the circle that has the engraving of a pony on one side, and a hand on the other.

I hold it in front of me, eyeing the coin curiously. Upon closer inspection, there's a barely noticeable arrow pointing at the hand. The other side, however, lacks said arrow, but has a small cage-like contraption that can flick open and closed if enough pressure is applied to it.

"So, you mean to tell me that your plan is to sneak me around by... making me wear a magic necklace?" I ask the unicorn who, as I've just now noticed, is wearing a blue starry robe with a goofy mage's hat and beard.

Star-Sparkle the Bearded Mare nods her head, motioning towards a mirror.

"That's right! The idea is to have you wear it tonight, while it gets used to your body. According to the book, once a user wears the necklace long enough, it would be able to transform him or her into a pony without the need to wear it... eventually, though."

I rub my chin in thought. Examining the necklace, it seems pretty obvious how it works... now that she's given me the explanation.

"So I slip it on, unhook the coin, flip it to where the pony and arrow meet, and then clip the cage piece back over the other side?"

She seems genuinely impressed... apparently. "Maybe she didn't expect me to pick up on it without an explanation?"

Regardless, however, she nods her head and smiles widely at me. "That's right! How'd you figure that out so fast?"

I shrug my shoulders, slipping the necklace over my neck. "Eh... just a theory. The symbols make it seem pretty obvious, actually."

Taking a deep breath, I decide to speed things along. Unhooking the cage piece, I rotate the coin. To my relief, I hear a click before and after I move it, indicating that it at least has a little bit of a safety mechanism, should the cage come undone, so it's not like the coin can just spin around like a coin being flipped at the flick of a thumb.

"So, there isn't a risk of me transforming a hundred times a second if I were to drop the necklace... good." My subconscious assures me.

With the pony face clicking in place, I close the back of the necklace.

The arrow above it suddenly glows green, and before I could even blink, a white flash covers my eyes.

My ears are ringing loudly, and my brain feels as if it's been poked by a failed acupuncture treatment. What's more, I'm lying on the ground, and my vision is completely blurry.

Letting out a low groan at the splitting headache, I bring my arm up to my forehead to rub the pain... only for a horn to block my... hoof? I look at my hoof, only to find it tan colored... almost like my skin tone.

"Well, at least I don't have a black coat... no offense to the black-coated stallions out there. I'd rather not look like an emo in this colorful world."

I look up, and dark brown covers the upper half of my vision, which thankfully doesn't take long to clear back up.

"Brown hair... nice! So I'm still pretty much myself, and..." looking at my back, I'm relieved to find the lack of a pair of wings.

"And I don't have to worry about being the center of attention for being some random Alicorn, at least."

According to Twilight, Alicorns are a rare species, fated to be rulers of this world. And cool or not to be able to fly and use magic, I really don't feel like going through that kind of complication.

Furthermore, as I look around, I notice that the world seems taller. I see Twilight, and notice that we stand eye-to-eye, now!

Furthermore, she appears completely shocked, as her open jaw would point out.

"Heh... like there was any doubt her idea would work without a hitch!" I think to myself, internally laughing at my subconscious that, otherwise, sensed that something was going to be off.

"Huh... Looks like it worked, Twi-"

My hoof suddenly claps over my mouth-snout. "Why did I sound like a... oh, no... oh, HELL no!"

I look at a mirror conveniently placed to my left and, sure enough, my fears are confirmed.

Dark Green eyes looking back at me with its mouth agape, the figure in the reflection speaks in-sync with my own words.

"I'm a MARE?!"

Everything's been a blur. First I see my reflection... only to find out that I'm a mare.

Or, y'know, that I'm disguised as a mare, as Twilight clarified... after pouring a bucket of water on my unconscious form. Never been a fainter, to be honest... must be a side-effect for the sudden increase of hormones, and the decrease in testosterone.

Regardless, though, I've come to terms with this after asking her why I was a mare, instead of a stallion.

Long story short, it boiled down to her taking that hair sample from me last week. As it happened, the hair was only to get my color patterns, while a different sample was required in order to get the body shape... one that involves chromosomes and basic genetic makeup.

I would've asked her what sample she used, but seeing her face turn red at the word "different sample" pretty much said enough... and might've caused me to shift my eyes away from her, brushing my hoof against the floor, and trying to ignore the sudden burning sensation in my cheeks.

"Well, now... that's an image I'd rather not be thinking about... Wait a second!"

"Did you at least wash-"

"Yes... yes, I did." she interrupts before I could even finish that sentence. I sigh in relief.

While normally I would be bugged for not being able to finish my sentence, this particular subject I am more than willing to skim past.

On the bright side, at least I don't have to worry about being shunned from society... I just have to blend in. Play it cool.

Act natural.

Thankfully, the necklace altered a bit of my brain patterns temporarily... perhaps what that inner brain probing was that I felt beforehand... err... beforehoof?

Screw it. Just calling it "before".

But in other words, my anatomy still feels natural, despite my hind legs bending backwards, and my hooves no longer being hands.

This, of course, means I don't have to worry about learning how to walk again.

... And yet again, I digress.

"So! Are you ready to celebrate Halloween... Equestrian Style?" she asks, grinning at me in anticipation.

I sigh, weakly and nervously smiling back at her. "Of course, Twilight... just as long as I don't have to get involved in some sort of end-of-the-world scenario."

She scoffs at my comment, waving a dismissive hoof. "Oh, pfft, come on, it isn't that dangerous here!"

I, of course, respond to her with a deadpan. "Giant space bears, manticores, hydras, dragons, diamond dogs-"

"Okay, I get it," she rolls her eyes, stuffing a hoof in my mouth, "it isn't that safe here, either! But trust me on this, Justin... you're safe as long as you're with me... and Spike, too, of course!"

I nod my head, before a thought occurs. "Speaking of Spike... where is he, anyways?"

"He went over to Rarity's, so she could help him with his costume." she replies.

As if on cue, the front entrance to the library opens up, revealing said dragon. His costume is... a... dragon?

"What the hell is he even dressed as? Himself?"

Regardless, though, he steps inside, while a pair of little fillies follow him, being chaperoned by a red stallion that stands behind them.

The fillies are an orange pegasus and a yellow earth pony. The red stallion appears to be wearing a top hat and a black jacket... probably dressed as some sort of vampire character, or... something.

In-sync, the fillies yell in a sing-song tone, "Nightmare Night! What a fright! Give us something sweet to bite!"

"Oh, joy... the day even comes with its own song... ah, well. Kinda suits them. Colorful world needs its colorful songs, and what-not."

...

"And oh, holy crap, those little fillies are adorable!"

I can't help but smile at the sight of the group... and more specifically, their silly little costumes.

"Oh! Well hello there, Scootaloo! Apple Bloom! Big McIntosh! Happy Nightmare Night!" Twilight says, before magically floating a piece of candy into their bags that were already starting to be loaded up with candy.

"Heh... even got the whole candy at the door thing going. This'll be easy!"

The yellow earth pony filly, who I'm guessing is Apple Bloom, nods to Twilight in appreciation for the candy.

"Thanks, Twilight! Big McIntosh an' I are 'bout to be doin' the hay ride! An' we was wonderin' if Spike would like ta join us?"

Spike opens his mouth to reply, but Twilight quickly covers it with a hoof and shakes her head, smiling sheepishly. "Actually, I'm afraid he and I will be too busy at the moment."

The fillies tilt their heads in confusion, while I raise a confused eyebrow. "Too busy for a hay ride? Just what are you planning to-"

As if reading my mind, Apple Bloom takes a couple steps inside. "Busy? What're y'all talkin' about? Busy doin' what?"

Twilight then turns towards me, and replies, "Well... I have a, umm... Pin Pal who just recently visited from... a land far away from here... and, uhh... she might need some help getting, umm... acquainted with everypony?"

As she says that, her expression grows more uneasy. I, of course, smile at her and shake my head.

"What's got her tail in a knot? It's not like she's offending me, or something... though gotta give her credit for at least trying to be subtle... even if she's using the worst poker face I've ever seen."

It's at this point when I realize that they didn't even recognize me standing here until just now. I look away from Twilight, and my smile drops for a brief moment.

As all eyes focus on me, a small sense of nervousness builds up within me. Nervously smiling, and with my head slightly slumping down my shoulders, I wave at the group, while I notice Big McIntosh staring at me with... oh, crap.

"I hope that look he's giving me isn't what I think it is... wait, crap! Do I look like I'm shyly waving at them?!"

He shyly turns his head away, but damned if I don't see the pink on his cheeks.

"STOP WAVING AT HIM LIKE THAT, YOU IDIOT! YOU'RE GIVING HIM THE WRONG IDEA!"

His eyes drift towards me again, and his lips form a small smile.

"It was at this moment, that he knew... he fked up." my inner thoughts taunt me, as I slowly back up, the lab door mere inches away from my hind legs... but to my unfortunate case of bad luck, the fillies decide to approach my nervous form, clearly oblivious to my discomfort.

But it's the pegasus that speaks to me. Thankfully, she doesn't seem to be looking at me like a potential predator would to its prey.

"Well hey, there! I'm Scootaloo! This is Apple Bloom, and that's Big McIntosh, Apple Bloom's older brother! Though you can also just call him Big Mac if you want. Most ponies do."

I follow her hoof's motions, and feel even more disturbed by the looks that the earth ponies are giving me; Big Mac for his infatuated looks, and his younger sister, who seems to look like a kid who finally found that one toy they were looking for weeks ago, after seeing that advertisement on Television.

As for why she is looking at me like that, I haven't the slightest clue... unless...

Realization dawns on me.

Younger sister. Older brother. No signs of their parents in those memory crystals. She was more than likely raised with him being a father figure to her.

This must mean that, since the closest thing to a mother is her older sister, her brother must be single... which means he... and with her being a child... playing matchmaker... oh, hell no!

The look on her eyes says it all, though. She's probably going to try hooking me up with her brother!

AND I JUST GOT HERE, TOO! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS FILLY'S PROBLEM?!

"Find a happy place, find a happy place, find a happy-"

"Are y'all single?" the filly asks.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

As if hearing my internal screaming, Twilight comes to the rescue. Scooting in-between the curious fillies and I, she chuckles nervously. "Well, anyways, I think we better get going! Don't wanna be late for that hay ride, do you?"

Thankfully, the fillies get the message loud and clear.

With a gasp, they quickly rush out of the library, while Scootaloo tells the curious stallion, "Hurry, Big Mac! We've gotta get going!" They then turn back to us and wave. "Thanks, Twilight!"

But Apple Bloom brings up a question that I'm actually thankful she asked. "By the way, what's yer name, Miss?"

Twilight quickly closes the door before she could receive the answer, though.

With a tired sigh, Twilight looks at me and smiles sheepishly. "Sorry about that, Justin... didn't realize that would happen."

I scratch the back of my hair- mane, and shrug. "It's fine, Twilight... let's just... not talk about this, again... ever."

"Agreed."

Spike, on the other hand, looks at me in bewilderment. "Wait... you're Justin?!"

I raise another confused eyebrow, before internally mouthing an "oh" in realization.

"He wasn't here when I transformed... of course he wouldn't have noticed."

"Yes, Spike... it's me. Please, don't ask why I'm a mare."

Luckily he takes the hint and waves a hand dismissively. "Don't worry, buddy! Your secret's safe with me!"

"Secret? What secret?"

As if he were hearing my mind, he idly shrugs, and starts walking towards the kitchen. "It doesn't matter to me if you were curious what it feels like to be a mare. Heck, I sometimes ask myself the same thing."

"THAT'S NOT THE... GAH! WHAT THE HELL'S THAT EVEN SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!"

I decide to just stare wordlessly at him as he moves out of sight. This leaves me in the living room with Twilight.

With a sigh, and newfound conflicts I'm likely going to have to deal with, I plant my face on my hoof, and groan.

"Great... so not only do I have to pretend I'm a mare, I also have to deal with a bunch of stallions flirting with me, and children trying to hook me up with their dads... or their brothers... or both... ugh..."

She pats my shoulders, winning my attention once again, and coos, "Hey, it's alright! Just stay close to Spike and I, and we'll keep you safe from that kind of thing... or, if you want, you could stay here and just watch over the library, while Spike and I go do Nightmare Night."

"What? But... that's not what I had in mind!"

"Besides, this is a lot to take in. I honestly wasn't expecting that necklace to turn you into a mare, either. Trust me... if you want to relax, and just get more accustomed here on your own time, I'll understand completely."

Though tempting the idea sounds, I find myself inclined to at least humor them.

"Ah, well... it's not like I'm going to be staying here forever, anyways... perhaps a few nights every other week, or so." I convince myself.

"Although, we might want to consider bringing you over to Rarity, right quick. That way, she could work out a costume for you!"

At her sudden suggestion, my thoughts snap back to reality.

"Costume? Wait, she doesn't have one I can just throw together at a moment's notice? I have to go out there in all my unnatural glory?!"

Once more, I rub my chin, deep in thought. The unwelcoming feeling of unease begins to build up once again as soon as I look at the front door, hearing the laughter of fillies and the voices of parents outside; all of which tempting me to just call this whole thing off, and try again another day, while I curl up in a fetal position by the nearest corner, keeping my anxiety in check.

"... But think of the benefits, dude!"

On the flip side, however, I did make it clear to her that I'm still quite curious about things up here a few weeks back... and sure enough, the thought of being the first human to explore an alien planet gives me about as much bragging rights as Neil Armstrong.

Of course, the bigger question is if I can even handle the pressure of being flirted with by a particular red stallion... or any stallions for that matter! While I don't hold any offense towards those that swing that way... well... I don't swing that way, and I don't want to leave a bad impression on these inhabitants.

... Come to think of it, I'd even be disturbed by a mare approaching me like that! But damned if it's a male of any kind that... I digress again. Moving on!

"I don't know, Twilight... I mean, I wouldn't want to burden your friends like that. Are you sure it's a good idea? Can't I just throw a sheet over my body and call myself a ghost?"

She, of course, laughs at my expense and shakes her head. "Come on, Justin! It'll be fine! Besides, don't you want to meet all our friends?"

I deadpan at her. "Umm... they're your friends?"

"Not after tonight! They'll be both of our friends, then!"

Before I could retort, I feel her magic grip my necklace, and pull me towards the door. Spike follows along, eager to claim more candy than I believe he's ever been allowed to get in his lifetime.

His childish giggles actually calms me down a little.

The door swings open, and the three of us are about to leave, when another group of fillies accompanied by an elderly green mare blocks our path, singing the traditional Nightmare Night song.

"Oh! Hello, fillies! Happy Nightmare Night!" Twilight looks up at the elderly mare and nods her head respectfully. "And Happy Nightmare Night to you, too, Granny Smith!"

The elderly mare groans, replying, "Ah should've been asleep five hours ago!"

"There, see? You aren't the only one doomed to suffer! Perhaps the locals won't even have time to notice you!"

I can't help but smile at my conscience, though I direct my eyes to the fillies, who each happily accept the single pieces of candy that they receive from the bearded unicorn mare.

"Maybe it won't be so bad... maybe I'm just exaggerating things... blowing it all WAAAY out of proportion."

"Thanks, Twilight!" the fillies say, before a fourth one appears from behind them, dressed up as a pirate.

"Yar-har! I'm 'ere to gather me treasure! 'Oof o'er your candy, Missy! ... Um, please!" the pirate states, making his little voice as gruff as his tiny throat could muster up... and I mean tiny, as in... he's probably the smallest colt in the town! Does his parents even feed him?!

"Yeesh... I bet he has it kinda bad with the locals... but- oh, wait. Nevermind. They're just treating him as their equal. No prejudice for the little guys... bonus points! I think I'm gonna like it, here!"

The elderly mare clears her throat, catching my attention... and I realize she, too, has noticed me, now.

"Well hello, Missy! What's yer name?" she asks.

I open my mouth to reply, only to pause.

"St! I haven't thought up a name, yet?! What do I say? How do Equestrian Names work?!"

Thinking back on the conversations I've had with Twilight, I've taken an internal note that, apparently, most of their names are either colors, inanimate objects, animate objects, or a mixture of the three, in two different phrases, with one and three-worded names a bit rare, though possible.

"Cutie Mark! What's your Cutie Mark?!"

My gaze moves towards my flank, and I'm slightly baffled to find that, apparently, I have one of those!

And it's a... blue star.

"Blue Star?"

"Blue Star, Ma'am." I reply, smiling in relief that I was able to come up with a name.

However, Granny Smith tilts her head, and gives me a bit of a confused look, before clearing her ears out with her hooves, and turning her head to where they are slightly closer.

"Ah'm sorry. Did y'all say y'alls name was 'Blue Star'?" she asks, to which I nod my head.

"Yes, Ma'am. Blue Star is my name!"

She squints in my direction, before slightly snickering to herself.

"Fer real? Why'd y'alls parents name y'all that? That's a dern colt's name!"

"Great... I'm being teased by an old nag... literally!"

And like that, my smile's gone. I sigh and look away, feeling my ears pressing on the back of my head.

However, I notice an old, wrinkly green hoof pat me on the shoulder. Looking up, I see her smiling warmly at me, all of a sudden.

"Ah, don' worry, Miss! Ah'm jus' messin' around! Ah can tell y'all ain't from around 'ere, so maybe it's a normal thing 'round yer hometown."

I scratch the back of my hair, and open my mouth to reply, but she cuts me off.

"Besides, y'all look more like a 'Starry Blue', if anything!"

"... Idea! Just roll with it!"

"Well, my friends usually call me that. It's just... well, my parents expected a colt, and already had the paperwork signed. In the end, though, they were in for quite the surprise, when they saw a filly popping out, instead. So now, I live with that miscalculation as an, um... embarrassing reminder... though only by formal means do I ever really address myself as such... it's actually why I took so long telling you."

She shakes her head and chuckles. "Well, if'n it's alright with y'all, Ah'll jus' stick with 'Starry'. Ah don' want y'alls visit here ta be a problem, after all. Jus', umm... don' worry about lettin' 'em know yer real name, though. It'll save ya from the embarrassment that much more, dearie!"

I find my smile returning to my features. Giving her an appreciative nod, I reply, "Right... thanks for the advice, Misses Smith."

"Please, Dearie, jus' call me Granny Smith. Ain't no need fer them formalities most Nobles use 'roud Canterlot!" she then heads back out the door, while the fillies, Twilight, Spike, and I join her... I wager the group will be split by the time we reach Rarity's place.

"Guess my faith in this place is restored... and in less than a minute! Wow, either this feminine body has me going through a bunch of mood swings, or this place truly might be a whole lot better than I thought..."

"Speakin' of colts, by the way... have y'all met my grandson, Big McIntosh, yet? Y'all might have a lot in common, given yer shy nature! How 'bout Ah introduce y'all to 'em?"

...

"I fking hate this place, already..."

Author's Note

I had to go through quite a few idea changes here, thus the huge delay. Have a few long-term ideas planned for this, though, so the next few updates will come a lot quicker, so long as I can get a decent schedule working!

Anyways, the first idea was that I be transformed into a horse similar to those on Earth, but with a few Equestrian twists, such as facial structure, and what-not. It would've made me still stand out like a sore thumb, as I'd still be towering over everyone, including Princess Luna during her inevitable arrival (which will be next chapter!)

I then decided to go with "Blue Star", an Earth Pony stallion who wins Twilight's attention, and stirs up competition between her friends, as well. (Hence the "Romance" tag... which is still staying, despite my plans resulting in this.)

Finally, I asked myself, "What have I not done, yet? Write in a female's perspective!"

So, instead of write a new story based on a female character, I turned myself into one (sort of), and decided to make life screw me over, but in a lot more of a comedic way than my real one has been doing.

This way, I can at least overcome my anxiety, depression, and other problems by laughing at them, and turning them around.

So, here we go! "Starry Blue, the mare who's actually a man and an illegal alien, who's about to meet the Princess of the Night, while also enduring a bunch of stallions flirting with her(him).

How will this turn out, one might wonder...?

Anyways, for those of you curious about how "Starry Blue" looks, here's a Pony Maker pic with a few edits here and there:

I know, no necklace. I'll make that later, if anyone asks.

Decided to speedily post this, so expect a few errors here and there. Lemme know if you find anything, and I'll work on fixing it!