A clear blue sky. That’s all I can see. The wind whips around me, slicing at me but leaving no marks to say as much. I don’t really understand what's happening but I feel relaxed; I feel like I haven't been this relaxed in ages. Silly, right? I take a breath, trying to capture any scent I can manage. Nothing. Oh well. That just means I have the fresh stuff. I smile at that. I can feel the sun giving off a pleasing amount of heat. Maybe the great gaseous globe has come to swallow me whole. I chuckle. The great, gaseous globe graciously devours its guest. I wouldn't mind being surrounded by this warmth for the length of my existence. I stare into the blue expanse for what I wish could be forever. Soon enough I can make out voices behind me. I can't make out what they're saying but none of them sound very happy. If that's the case, I’d rather not get involved.

After a few moments, I’m able to make out certain strings of dialogue: “What is that?” “What's going on!?” The howling winds pick up once more and whisk away any other bits of speech. Is there some reason they’re all worried? Is there some sort of emergency? As these thoughts stumble throughout my head, my body registers a new feeling: like I’m being pulled by a bit of the universe itself. The sun is shining directly in front of me now.

There it is. Underneath my mirth, there had been a feeling of confusion. I'm aware of what's causing it now because I’m almost certain the sun shouldn't be parallel to my face. Am I falling?! That explains the howling and cutting of the air around me. That would also mean the voices behind me…

… are beneath me.

No sooner than this occurs to me, my freefalling form collides with the earth.

I take a breath. The air is musty and warm. I'm not dead. I inhale once more and the air becomes a bit easier to me to consciously breath. Eventually, I stop forcing myself to repeatedly inhale and exhale. It's much easier if I allow it to occur naturally. I open my eyes and gaze lazily about. I’m currently in a cubic room. I’ll assume that this room has a length and width of almost two of me lying straight on my back. That's alright I guess. Directly in front me is a large metal door and considering the lighting that's pretty much the extent of what I can see.

I open my mouth and attempt to speak, only to immediately cough violently. A small rectangle moves in the door and I am promptly blinded. The slot remains open so I attempt to speak again. “Hello?” This time it comes out as a raspy whisper. My throat is unbearably dry and simply saying ‘Hi’ hurts quite a bit. I take a deep breath, preparing to about but the slot shuts as quickly as it had opened. Behind the door, I can hear awkward shuffling followed by a series of muffled clops. I release a disheartened sigh and set about returning my vocal cords to working condition.

After minutes of conversing with no one but myself, my ears detect the sound of shifting metal. I stare, as the door before me turns on old hinges. The grinding is an assault on the ears and if I had the energy I would be trying my best to block out the noise. The door finishes it gruesome journey and in its place stands a four-legged creature with wings and a horn. I watch the creature as its hair blows in some unseen breeze. I stare for a bit longer but my interest quickly fades. I decide to speak up now.

“Excuse me. May I have some water?” Thanks to my grueling training my voice is a bit clearer than before. Speaking is still painful though. The creature nods in response. It’s horn glows and almost instantaneously a glass of water appears on the floor before me. I reach out with both hands and grasp it in my hands. I finish the beverage within seconds and give a sigh of satisfied relief. The tall white creature before me opens its mouth and speaks. “Since we have gotten that out of the way I believe introductions are in order,” it— or rather she I should say— says. “I am Princess Celestia, the current ruler of Equestria. And you?”

“I am…” Who? Who am I? That’s weird; I can’t seem to remember. I don’t know. Why hadn’t I caught on to this earlier? The supposed Princess notices my hesitation and gives me a concerned look. I squeeze my eyes shut in concentration but my name, my identity, continues to elude me. My frustration continues to build until a wave of forced calm comes over me- though I can still feel it niggling in the back of my mind- I come across a singular word.

Rowan.

It’s a familiar word and can very well be my name. I still can’t be sure so I give it a shot. “Rowan," I say, albeit hesitantly so I try again. “I’m Rowan.” This time it feels so natural. My name rolls freely and comfortably over my tongue. I smile giddily. “Yup. That’s me.” The Princess doesn’t stop with the look she’s giving me practically killing my momentary joy. I decide to change the subject.

“Where exactly am I?” She sighs. I’ll assume the Princess is aware of my pathetic attempt to divert her attention. She opens her mouth to answer regardless.

“You are currently within the dungeons beneath Canterlot. Would you care to know why?” I don’t really have a choice.

“Yes please,” I reply politely. She is a ‘Princess’ and the way she said it made it sound like the top rank.

She clears her throat. “I will give you a simplified version. A few days ago a Pegasus from the Royal Guard reported an object descending at a velocity that made it rather unsafe to attempt stopping and as such citizens were evacuated from the area of its predicted point of impact. Upon impact the object created a crater several times its own size, damaging the surrounding buildings. Later investigation showed that this object was instead a living being; one that should have died from a fall at that speed. Of course, this being was you. And this” —she says, motioning to the walls around us.— “was a precaution in the case that you proved to be a threat.” Not exactly ‘simplified’ but I wanted details anyway.

“Oh. Well, how did I fare in that aspect, Princess?” I’m legitimately wondering but she smiles gently and says, “I believe you have done rather well in proving you are docile if not harmless. I apologize for the chains but those were precautions as well.”

“What?” I say, noticing the obnoxiously loud chains for the first time. “Oh. Well, it's not uncomfortable. I didn't even notice them.” They’re actually pretty comfortable if I disregard the fact that they were made to restrain criminals and whatnot. Actually, no; they’re tolerable under any circumstances. Princess Celestia regards me with the smallest hint of confusion but she ignores the strangeness of my statement, proving to be rather kind instead of downright suspicious.

“Well," she says, moving as if to leave. “I have somewhere to be so if you would like to continue this conversation I must remove your restraints.” This last bit sounds as if she’s enjoying herself, though I can't really be sure.

“Not really. You could always just break the chains; I’m fine with just the cuffs”, I say, sounding far too cheery. Drat. The Princess seems thoroughly amused at my response, her smile growing a bit brighter. Regardless her horn lights up and I feel the chains holding me slacken. I stand up slowly, hoping my legs won’t suddenly give out. Once I’m sure I’ll stay upright I begin brushing off my pants which seem to be covered in dirt. I keep brushing until I reach my pocket in which something solid resides. After a few seconds of fumbling, I manage to retrieve the item. In my hand is a small rectangular object made of varying metals and plastics. The way it fits in my palm is all too familiar and yet its meaning is hidden from me. I sigh. One of many things I’ll end up adding to the list.

“Actually don’t you need these?” I inquire. It was my suggestion to break them after all. The Princess didn’t seem to mind, though.

“We hardly have any use for these cells anymore. If you wish to keep those than I see no reason to stop you.” With that, Princess Celestia turns away and I follow, cuffs hanging awkwardly on my wrists.

Celestia turns to address her guards, asking if her chariot was prepared to head off. Well. This is all fine and dandy but it’s probably a pretty huge event if ‘said-title-of-said-nation’ is attending. Why the hell is she letting some xeno show up at the great happening?

“Princess, where exactly are we going?” As I exit the cell the guards, within the fraction of a second I’m unconfined, flank me. Annoying.

“Ah, yes. We are heading to Ponyville for the Annual Summer Sun Celebration.” Really? The Equestrian Princess heading into Pon-. Oooooh.

“Ok. Princess, let’s ignore the fact that I don’t know what this ‘Summer Sun Celebration’ is. You’re a pony? Excuse me but you seem far too… large to be a pony. No offense or nothin’.”

We reach a flight of stairs at which the Princess decides to move in next to me instead of leading. The guards, in turn, bring up the rear. “No offense taken and yes; I am a pony. Though, to be more precise, an Alicorn.” We’ve come up out the dungeon now. The hall we’ve entered is huge with guards placed at set intervals. Strangely, they don’t seem to respond to my presence at all; just saluting as the Princess passes them by.

“What’s an Alicorn?” She looks upwards— I assume at her horn— and flares her wings. A suitable response to my righteously idiotic question. I guess I deserved that. We continue to our destination, Princess Celestia’s and her guards’ hooves making irritatingly loud clop sounds compared to my almost silent footsteps. “Well it seems we’ll be moving for a while so could you please explain some things to me?”

“So you’d like to learn more about Equestrian culture?” A bit specific. We don’t have that much time though.

“Yes and no. I was thinking more as to what this event is. I’ll be glad to hear of your culture later.” Maybe.

“If that is the case then I can explain after the Celebration; I’m sure you will have far more questions.” She’s implying something and I really don’t like how that sounds at all. We come… well, I can’t really say a doorway ‘cause there’s no door but it leads outside. An archway? Anyway, outside is a chariot. A legitimate gold (as far as I can tell) chariot. It’s a closed chariot. By that I mean it has doors on and a roof. I can’t really see from where we are and the chariot is facing away from us but I believe there are guards latched onto the front.

I guess that’s our ride then. It’s got wheels, right?

Our conversation comes to a pause as we make our way to the chariot. Again, I would consider this silence if their hooves weren’t so loud. No offense to the Princess, but hers are the worst. Those gold horseshoes—ponyshoes?— are killing me. We’re standing right next to the chariot and now. Princess Celestia’s horn lights up again and the door is surrounded by a similar glow. The door swings open and she gestures with a hoof for me to step inside so I do exactly that. I’d help her in too but I wouldn’t know how to really do that. Help a pony up without carrying them I mean.

The Princess spares me that trouble when she climbs in after, clearly not needing any assistance. Well that’s just perfect, isn’t it? She closes the door and the chariot begins to move forwards. On the bright side, this chariot has windows on the doors so I won’t be bored out of my mind.

Well. This was unexpected.

The chariot is lifting off the ground. I guess things have gotten a lot more boring. I was pretty intent on watching our surroundings from the ground. Ya know, where I would’ve gotten a much better look at things. I’m a bit more frustrated about this than I should be. Ok. Whatever. Deal with it, Rowan. Think about something besides the very real chance that the guards pulling this thing might accidentally drop us. I’m tired and hungry.

Well, one of those can be solved now.

“Princess,” I start, turning towards the being on my left. “I’m going to rest for now. So if you don’t mind, please wake me when we arrive.” The princess nods in response, not quite looking at me.

Another question for later then. For now, rest first.

I wake with my forehead in pain and probably swelling up. Unfortunately, I have no way of knowing what woke me up.

“Are you alright?” a voice asks. The Princess, I assume. “You hit your head rather hard.” Well, that explains that. Must’ve hit my head against a window or something.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m fine Princess.” I say, massaging my forehead. Definitely swelling up by the way.

“On another note, we have arrived, Rowan.” Thanks for dismissing my injury, minor as it may be. I look through a window and sure enough, we’re in a rather different location. I can’t really say what’s different I didn’t see any of the buildings in that other place but the moon is coming over the horizon so we must’ve been traveling for a while. The moon. The solitary stone soars silently through the sorrowful black sea.

Aaand has a horned pony on it.

Another question for later I suppose.

“Alright then, Princess,” I begin. “Let’s get going.” I try my best to stretch without hitting Princess Celestia.

“Oh. I meant for you to stay in here, but if you would like to attend as well…” I find myself sighing in relief.

“Well if I don’t have to go I’d much rather stay and sleep.” The Princess nods. Once again her horn lights up and the door, covered in the same glow, swings open. The Princess steps out and turns to me.

“Goodbye then, Rowan.” I nod to her and the door closes silently.

I lean back and exhale. I really don’t want to sleep but I’m starving and that’s the only way I can ignore it. I should’ve asked the Princess to bring me some food. Oh well.

I’m falling forwards. It takes me a second to comprehend this and another for me to realize I won’t be able to stop myself from hitting my head. And as such, I accept my fate. Ow. I rub my punished flesh… I’m never saying that again. The pain soon becomes a dull throbbing so I can ignore it now. Now I’m bored and in pain.

I suppose the Princess won’t mind if I show up.

I peer through a window and so far, I can’t really see anybody. Well, that makes this easier. I push the door open and step outside. Looking around there’s nobody out here. I take in my surroundings as efficiently as possible. The chariot is parked by a large building. This particular structure is considerably larger than the surrounding establishments so I assume it’s a rather important building located towards the center of town. It’s also the best candidate for where the Celebration is being held. I’ve already forgotten the name of it.

I walk towards the building, searching for an entrance. If I had to guess I’m probably towards the back. I begin walking around, trying to make my way to the door. I hear malicious cackling above so I gaze upwards. A cloud of starry blue smoke moves through and is quickly followed by a winged pony— Pegasus perhaps?— who quickly begins shouting something or other at the smoke. My gut is stricken with grief. I’m still starving but well aware that something rather dangerous is going on. Unfortunately, my gut has given up on food and wants me to follow that smoke. Best follow my gut then.

Luckily the Pegasus’ attention is caught by something else almost immediately. I take my chance and sprint after the blue mass. I immediately slow to a fast jog. Hunger truly is quite the beast. I run for a good minute before reaching the edge of town and I’m breathing hard now. The smoke is heading into the forest, therefore I can’t afford to stop running.

No matter how painful it is.

This situation; no matter what it is, I want to be in the middle of it. I'm tired of being bored out my mind. I wanna watch this spool of yarn uncoil, exposing itself in its entirety. I’d love to see the epic conclusion to this wondrous night, brought about by the absurdity of things such as chance and fate. I don't care if I die for bringing myself into such things; it wouldn't be fun if there were no risk. My gut is telling me to keep running so if that's what it takes to get some excitement, to gain some knowledge, to get some food then surely I'll—

Ow. Oh no. I grab at the ledge frantically, searching for some sort of grip. Dirt, grass, and pebbles; absolutely inadequate materials are all I can manage to grasp. My arms thrash about uselessly until a bout of morbid fortune allows one to coil around something stable. I pull myself up with a bit of effort. I manage to pull myself onto solid ground and try my best not to collapse. I turn around to see why on earth I just had to hold onto dear life.

A rope bridge. I zoned out and ran across a collapsing rope bridge. Looking into the chasm I feel a deep cold biting through me at the sight. I’m also a bit curious as to how I lost complete awareness of my body but I can worry about that later. Getting away from that is a priority. I glance back in the direction I was presumably headed. There’s a path so I’ll just follow it. I start to jog along the path, this time focusing on my constant pangs of hunger. I’d much rather not be caught unawares. The forest around me sings songs telling of the life within it. It is rather disconcerting being alone in this place. I’m enjoying it, though. No time to revel in it. Right. I must march on. I increase my speed.

My destination isn’t very far from the bridge. It’s a good few minutes— of bouts of jogging and walking— since I got moving and here it is before me; a large, deteriorating castle. Well, at least I hope this is my destination. I haven’t seen the blue cloud since before I zoned out and once I was over the bridge I couldn’t really turn around so naturally, I followed the path. I step through the archway and let my eyes take in the sight of the dilapidated ruins around me. My gut is telling me this is the right place.

“Then where is my target?” Odd way off putting it but it’s the best I can do. I rub my forehead in exasperation— still sore by the way— and close my eyes. When I open them I’m five feet in the air. Blink. I’m sailing through the air and holy Hell this is going to hurt. My back slams into a wall. If I hadn’t been expecting it I would’ve screamed in shock more than anything. Instead, I only let out a pained grunt. I search for whatever could have assaulted me. In my peripherals I can see the smoke seeping from the walls, wrapping itself around my body, trying to pull me through. It’s working. Now if I want to scream I can’t as the smoke encompasses my entire being, flooding my nostrils and mouth.

I want to say this space is black but even that feels wrong. Perhaps I cannot see here; wherever here is. I’m not in pain so that’s a plus. There isn’t any sound either and it’s frustrating beyond belief. This space is vacant; completely void of anything so I am alone with my thoughts.

Though, I guess I’m here so it really isn’t all that empty. I’m the only thing here and without laws and such I can mold this space in whatever way I wish. That sounds dangerous though. A space that bends to the mind of whatever resides within it. It's not as if it'd work though anyway. I sure as hell didn't create this place

…

Jeez, this is boring. I’ve been sitting (floating?) here for an indefinite amount of time and let’s face it; the thoughts of an amnesiac are either focused on who you used to be or how to get your memories back. Even I’m annoyed with myself. If this keeps up, I’ll—

Oh. It seems it’s gotten a bit less empty here. Now I know for certain that this place isn’t black; this undulating mass before me is black and doesn’t blend in. That, I suppose, makes this a colorless void. The dark mass shrinks— or maybe it’s compressing— and becomes a pulsating orb. I blink and a stagnant grey orb appears beside it.

I think I’m about to do the most idiotic thing in my short span of memory. I reach out and grab both. The darker of the two writhes in protest as the other seems to be absorbed into myself. It gives a warm feeling in that arm. The black sphere squirms in my grip so I use my now free right hand to hold it as well. Held between two palms it seems to give in and seeps into my pores as well.

For the first time since this encounter, I take a look around this bleak zone. It’s falling apart at the seams it seems. I let out a soundless laugh. I reckon I’ll come to regret absorbing whatever that was later but a wise man once said:

“There’s no time like the present.”

I’m on my hands and knees and boy does it feel great breath again. If I realized I wasn’t breathing while I was still in that place I probably would’ve panicked. In, out, in, out. Give me that precious oxygen. I roll onto my back and exhale loudly. From… somewhere I hear a collective gasp. Apparently, despite how ‘careful’, I was I’ve drawn attention to myself. Who in their right mind would come into the middle of a forest in the middle of the night though? Don’t call me a hypocrite because you know far too well that I am nowhere near my right mind.

Actually, this is pretty close to how you normally act. I think.

… Later. I’ll think about that later.

That’s probably for the best.

There is a second gasp, practically a perfect echo of the first and in my peripheral vision, there is a blinding white light. Thank the Powers That Be that I’m not looking straight at that. I can hear some garbled (I’m not really paying any attention) sounds that may or may not be voices so I focus and manage to pick up “Princess Celestia”.

That sounds like my cue. I roll onto stomach and— with more effort than it took to pull myself over that cliff— push myself up so I can rest on my knees. I look around. There are other ponies here but I only really to speak to the princess. I clear my throat loudly and those six random ponies jump in surprise while Princess Celestia simply turns in my direction.

“Oh. Hello Rowan,” Well she doesn’t sound peeved. “When did you arrive here?” Okay, she’s calm but the rest are eyeing me like I just threatened to eat their children. Well most of them. The horned purple pony is closest to the princess and looks really curious. There’s a pale yellow Pegasus(?) with a pink mane and tail; she looks frightened but still somewhat interested. The third is all-around pink and a mane like cotton candy; I’m not even sure if she’s registered my presence yet.

“I woke up right before hitting my head. Again. So I got out and—" hunger pang. "— Ugh. Ow.” I’d forgotten my ridiculous need for food up until now. I hold my stomach in starvation-induced pain.

“Rowan, is everything alright?” Thanks for your concern, Princess, but this is your fault.

“I’m hun-” My vision is filled with vivid pink. After a second of complete silence the castle is filled with various shouts of 'Pinkie Pie!' The pony who is presumably Pinkie Pie sticks a hoof into her mane and pulls out a cupcake. What?

“Here you go!” she holds out the cupcake to me.

I’m skeptical— reasonably so— but I take it from her regardless. 'Pinkie Pie' has the largest smile on her pink snout. “Thanks. I guess.” She hasn’t removed herself from her spot in front of me. So I’ve got to eat it huh? I bring the cupcake to my mouth and take a bite.

…I’m done. That was way too good to actually be real. The thing wasn't even covered in hair. I can feel myself starting to smile and if you tasted this you would be too. Pinkie Pie’s smile grows exponentially and that would probably be a lot more terrifying if I wasn’t basking in the afterglow of that culinary masterpiece. “Well. That cupcake was amazing but I’m done so continue explaining the situation, Princess.” She looks a bit… stunned but opens her mouth to address the rest. Somehow Pinkie is already sitting beside the other five.

Princess Celestia walks over and stands on my left. “This,” she says gesturing to me with a hoof. “is Rowan. She,”— Who? Oh, she’s gesturing to somebody else.— “is my younger sister, Princess Luna.” Hold up. Let me see this one. I look over Princess Celestia’s back. Sure enough, there’s a smaller Alicorn beside her. Now I feel bad for not noticing her before. Nothing I can do about that now. Pinkie Pie and co. all seem really surprised by that so I must’ve missed something important while I was in the wall. Well, I’ve heard enough of that.

So. Who are you.

I don’t think this is the time for that.

To hell with that. Answer me.

When you are a-l-o-n-e we can talk. Complications and the like will make it a long conversation. By the way, Celestia’s talkin’ to you.

“Hm?” How am I face down again? I push myself up. “What is it?” I hope I didn’t miss anything particularly important. The princess directed an amused look at me.

“As I was saying I’d like to introduce my student and her friends.” I’m holding back a snicker now. We can do that anytime. I don’t know why that can’t wait until we’re back in town but if she wants to do it now I guess we can. A perk to falling over (I guess) is that they wouldn’t be trying to talk to me while I stared into blank space.

I stand up and stretch. I feel a few joints pop but there’s sound to indicate such a thing happened. “Yeah. Okay. I’m Rowan, as you’ve heard. Now please, introduce yourselves.” Actually, for clarity’s sake, I better add something onto that. “Tell me what you are as well. I’ve been guessing for a while now.” The purple one steps forward diligently.

“I am Twilight Sparkle, personal student of Princess Celestia. A Unicorn. It’s a pleasure, Rowan.” I nod. Now that I’m standing these ponies look ridiculously short. Twilight, for instance, she’s just up to my gut and her horn reaches the base of my sternum. Pinkie Pie takes a huge breath like she’s about to say something really long-winded. I’m not allowing that.

“Hello, Pinkie Pie. I’m going to assume you’re a normal pony,” I hear about three different voices mutter ‘Earth Pony’. I reckon it’s the same thing. “That cupcake was great, by the way.” She still looks she wants to say something but settles for happily grinning and swaying about. I’m not willing to ask why she’s so happy that I complimented the cupcake she gave me.

A blue Pegasus flies into the air, likely to meet my height. I assume she’s about to introduce herself as well. Her mane though; it’s a rainbow. I feel that she would be a lot less painful to look at if her coat or mane and tail were monochromatic rather than… that.

“I am Rainbow Dash. The fastest Pegasus in Equestria!” That was a lot of things; helpful was not one of them. That means literally nothing to me considering one, I’ve only seen about… 5 Pegasi and two, I haven’t actually seen any of them fly. They could be like turtles for all I know.

“Uh huh.” This is going a lot slower than I thought it would. “Ok the rest of you, just give me your names.” Two of the remaining ponies look the slightest bit irritated. The timid one from before just reacts in a barely detectable fashion.

“Howdy, I’m Applejack.” This one is orange and has a blonde mane and tail; both tied into ponytails. At least she listened. “I am Rarity.” That accent is going to kill me. I turn towards the last. She’s practically cowering. Nothing much I can do about that.

“F-Fluttershy.” The previously introduced ponies (sans Pinkie Pie) look ready to groan, hearing her mumble. It’s a miracle I picked up her voice at all. “Well, hello to you too, Fluttershy.” She gives me the smallest nod. This one is making me feel like I did something wrong.

I twist, making my back pop in several places once more and yawn. “So we goin’ or what? I’m tired.” Princess Celestia nods and lights up her horn.

“Um. Princess, shouldn’t you…” Twilight gestures upwards with a hoof.

The Princess chuckles lightly. “My mistake.” Her horn glows brighter and the sun rises into the sky as she adjusts herself so her horn is pointed starkly skywards.

“Well, that’s just plain ridiculous.”

Author's Note

Ugh. ~~Let me know if you spot any typos.~~ I can't be bothered to check a fifth time considering the fact I have other work to do.
Actually. Don't let me know. Just joke about it in the comments. That'll make me feel better at least.
Also to those who won't understand, this chapter is acting as a prologue and as such will be the only chapter in present tense. The rest will be in past tense.
I bet you're thinking it should be the other way around but this is really for everyone's convenience.