Author's Note

Alright, I'm immensely sorry about the late chapter. I was caught up in writing Derpy's chapter since I had promised it a while ago. Hopefully you guys/gals still like reading this chapter from the length of it. Please understand. Tell me if there's anything wrong with it because I think I've messed up my writing along the way.

-Mr User

Unexpected Meetings

The towering model had come into full view, revealing her wondrous appearance. A colourful, flowing mane covered most of her white coat, luxurious, golden accessories for her hooves, large, gold neckwear with an amethyst in the centre. The same design had been made for her curved crown, accompanied with two more, smaller pieces of gems. She had also shiny, purple eyes to accompany her gentle smile.

Next to enter was a shorter mare with a midnight-blue coat, flashing, turquoise eyes and an ultramarine mane and tail. She had also been accompanied with the same sort of jewellery as the white mare but this time with a dark variant - a black and more curved crown but without any gems, and a waning crescent moon as her symbol on her chest.

The two had very noticeable cutie marks, both which contradicted with one another - a flaring sun and a crescent moon. Like Twilight Sparkle, the two had a horn and wings, presumably ponies-of-importance as she deemed herself Princess when they first met.

"Good morning, everypony, and I see you have met somepony new. Or should I say," The tall figure paused, "Somebody." She chuckled lightly.

"Please, sister. We must deal with the matter at hand." The seemingly younger sister replied to her nonsense.

"It's fine to joke once in a while, dear Luna." She continued.

The two had finished their chatting and they made their way to the small table which had been surrounded by chairs. The sisters had comfortably sat in one side whilst the other four sat on the remaining seats as Paul introduced himself. Beforehand, they had all bowed in respect and with Paul in the room, the princesses were delighted, curious and worried.

Fluttershy had asked why they had come here and their gazed pointed to Paul who then became threatened by their stare. Paul had trembled deeply inside, sweating bullets until the newly discovered name, Princess Celestia, had begun to explain their reason of coming.

The royal princesses had come to see the new edition to Equestria, Paul, the human. They had known of his existence but had paid no attention because of other duties. With free time, they decided to go meet the mysterious human.

They had presumed that Paul had come from the Crystal Mirror and somehow escaped unseen. Paul had questioned about this 'mirror' and he got a summary of its powers when Twilight and her friends came to the Crystal Empire and someone had stolen her crown. Paul had thought that the mirror would lead him home but unfortunately, that was not true - it would only work on ponies with Equestrian Magic.

"So how did you really get here?" Princess Luna asked as she angled her head forward.

It was time for Paul to exchange his story.

Obviously, you, readers, presumably know what happened so I'm just going to skip this part of the storytelling.

"...and now I'm here." Paul explained, leaving everyone intrigued besides Rainbow Dash who was slouching on the couch, napping.

"Oh, that's what's explaining the distorted dreams," She looked at Paul, "Sleeping around ponies has given me the opportunity to visit your dream but it has been difficult trying to observe it. Tell me, have you seen me in one of your dreams?"

"Uh," Paul paused, unable to recall a princess being in his dream, "No, was I supposed to?"

"No, it's fine, Paul. It shows that I can't possess control in your dreams."

"Is that a bad thing in this world?" Paul asked in worry.

"No, but I won't be able to protect you from nightmares."

"Uh," Paul stammered, "How do I get you in my dreams, then? Try to dream about you?"

Luna shook her head, "You must tell us about your species more, so I can access the dream with ease. That is how I can flow through dreams from pony-to-pony."

"I'll try to explain it. I don't think I'll be completely correct though."

As Paul attempted to drone on about their species' history, science and evolution, not that he knew much about it, Discord clicked some green tea on the table, ready with teacups of refreshing fluid. Fluttershy had stuck around for a little while until she had to commend to her brunch-feeding. The princesses were immersed in Paul's explanation in Human History even though some facts were incorrect.

Paul continued to talk, "In our world, magic isn't really possible, only in games and imagination, so all this is really hard for me to believe. I'm talking to ponies, an animal that can't speak fluent English in our world. But anyways, that's about it about our past."

"I see, your world has very distinct similarities to ours but there are some traits that we have come to own whereas yours does not, interesting." Princess Celestia examined.

"Like magic and talking animals, oh, that would be boring to live in," Discord regarded, "Why, I'd make it a little more... interesting." He rubbed his claw and paw together, revealing a mischievous smile.

"About that," Princess Luna mentioned, "Are you going to tell Paul about that magic?" She gave a blank expression to her sister.

A moment of silence had occurred for the princess of the sun to answer with a shake of her head.

"That's fine, I already know some basic stuff about magic, heck, I think you can just send me to the moon if you wanted to," Paul chuckle slowed into a more confused look as the princesses stared at him with a serious mask, "Wait, you can send me to the moon?"

"A subject I would not like to talk about." Princess Luna stared at the ground.

Her sister placed a gentle hoof on her shoulder with a calm smile, nodding to her way that everything was fine ever since the incident. Paul was unaware, of course, that clueless moron.

From the window, a small, yellow bird chirped in with a scroll cupped in its talons. Princess Celestia held out her hoof to receive the message and unrolled the scroll with her magic, dropping the red ribbon on the floor. She skimmed through the letter - a letter of a request to return to Canterlot.

Princess Celestia sighed, "I guess we have to return to Canterlot, sister."

Princess Luna turned her muzzle to Paul, "But what of our conversation of Paul?"

"He could come with us," Princess Celestia compromised, "If that's alright with you, Paul?"

Paul had a thought about this.

The thought of a request from princesses was an honour but a scary decision. But no one would want to decline a request from a princess, especially if they could control planets! He also wanted to spend some more time with Fluttershy. She seemed like a humble and nice pony to hang out with. There was also a lot of animals around the house that he could help with. Thinking about others, he turned his mind to Chrysalis, the changeling queen, a good friend to hang out with... if she wasn't drunk all the time. But with this thinking, also gained an awkward silence of Paul blankly staring at the princess.

"Is that a no?" Princess Celestia asked, tilting her head slightly.

Paul's conscious returned, "Oh, um, no. Uh, I mean, yes. Wait, hold on," He stopped himself from his ridiculous stuttering, "I think it will be alright if I come with you."

After those words, fluttering wings were heard outside, strutting next to the abode - scaring a couple of animals out of the way. Tailing the royal sisters, Paul stumbled upon a strange sight: four white Pegasi, wearing golden armour, strapped onto a chariot. Scratching his head, he inquired the somewhat example of their transport in Equestria - other than teleportation, of course.

Noticing his awkward waiting, he hopped onto the chariot sitting as far away from the princesses despite being a cramped ride. To Paul's surprise, the Pegasi were able to lift them off the ground.

Must have a lot of training and experience, Paul thought.

Do you think they weight-lift with their wings? Negativity returned.

Not expecting a nice answer, Paul thought, Probably, what are you thinking?

Negativity chuckled, Do you think they give handj-

Nope, stop. Now!

Nah, but do you think they do?

What? I don't know!

Paul then wandered his gaze over to the princess' wings, letting out a defeated sigh.

The new smell indicated a new place in the world. The distant streets were bustling with more colourful ponies and large, castle doors stood in front of Paul and the princesses. Golden guards were idle, standing at attention to the royal sight and their glorious hooves became unclean to step onto the ground. The clopping of hooves followed inside the castle and the unique sound of footsteps intrigued many ponies around, also giving worried expressions.

To Paul this was no big deal until someone whispered, "Is that a changeling?"

Paul's interest in the world had blossomed once more as he searched his brain for a solution of what a 'changeling' could be. Hearing it at the farm, he had no care in the world for that statement thinking of how judgemental those ponies were. He wanted to escape that situation.

In an instant, guard ponies powered their horns and sharply aimed at Paul, terrorising him.

"Cease!" Princess Luna ordered, causing Paul to shut his ears.

Powered horns became calm and Paul stood straight again. Princess Celestia gave a brief introduction about Paul and some ponies became slightly surprised and curious.

"A human in Equestria?" A pony with a light-brown coat yelled out gleefully trotted towards Paul, giving him a bright grin.

"Oh, Ball Point!" Princess Celestia exclaimed, "How are the papers today?"

"Ah, it's quite splendid princess," He bowed in their presence, "I just need approval for these new headlines and they'll be off. I think I have a new headline already for next month's!" He swiftly said, losing Paul in his speech.

"Let's talk about that," Princess Luna glanced at Ball Point and then nodded to her sister, "Sister, please take Paul to our guest room. I will talk with Ball Point."

The news-pony waved at Paul, "Pleasure!"

Paul had given a similar gesture, just not upbeat and mid-pitched.

His shoes squeaked along the cool floor and soon walked normally. He wandered with the princess for a few minutes until reaching their destination: the presumed guest room. It was bizarre for Paul in this situation. He had never been in a royal presence nor has he been invited to a special place, like a ballroom. He hadn't seen a spacious guestroom too - the place was massive! The walls were lined with wallpaper, a rare sight to see in modern houses, pieces of furniture fit for a study, proper tiles for flooring and a corridor leading to a bathroom for obvious purposes.

Paul scanned the room, fascinated by all the old-timey interior, normal in this age. Before Paul could doze more on his thoughts, Princess Celestia patted his shoulder.

"This is where you will be staying for your visit," She stated proudly, "If you have any enquiries about your room please don't hesitate to ask us."

"You're starting to sound like a commercial on television." Paul reminisced.

Princess Celestia chuckled, "I try not to but if I want to make my visitors feel welcome, I would do that."

"Well," He stared around the room, "I guess I'll make myself comfortable. It is a new city after all and a new place to stay at."

"I hope you enjoy your stay Paul. I will have dinner ready soon." She turned tail and proceeded right.

This left Paul to his exploration once again. Like the Apple's homestead and Rarity's boutique, he found portraits for ponies: some that were clueless to Paul and some that were plainly obvious. He finally connected two strings together and found out that the princesses were related or knew Princess Twilight Sparkle.

He ambled around the room, looking for more objects-of-interest before he found an unusual placement - an edged square in the wall. It was barely scathed but it was clear if it was looked upon closely. Out of curiosity, he pushed the wall, blowing out dust.

Thinking he had broken it, he pinched the wall and left it alone, now in-search of a new thing to fiddle with.

He had wandered his gaze from corner to corner until eventually giving away his efforts and falling to his back.

From boredom, Paul stared at the ceiling on the soft bed, thinking. The texture of the bed helped him out of his consciousness and into his world. The sinking mattress provided a floating feeling around him, slowly losing control.

Gradually, he ended his falling journey to the thought of home and how he had his last rest on a couch before leaving everything behind. But this mesmerising bed took him to a more special place - when he was a child.

A young child ambled slowly until he encountered a large tree towering on a small hill. The cool air whisked beneath his shoes as calm memories began to return to his mind. As he sat onto the tree, he looked outwards onto the wondrous landscape of his home. A large barn was the centre of attention with apple trees praising its existence and a small homestead humbly sitting next to a road, away from all of the hard work.

A tear ran down his cheek, remembering his day.

Terrifying memories flashed back in his mind, slowly losing meaning until a faint crack was heard between the trees.

The boy stood suddenly, hiding from the sound. The cracking became louder until a soft voice echoed from the coarse leaves.

"Hello?" She called out, tilting her head around the tree.

Defenceless, the young boy gave the young girl a worried look, "Hey, I'm not here to hurt you." She knelt on the flowing grass.

"What's your name?" She asked, giving a comforting grin.

"Paul." He said softly.

"That's a nice name," She held out her hand in introduction, "I'm Miki Harris. Do you run the farm over there?"

Paul shook her hand and nodded slightly, "You guys plant very tasty apples. Do you wanna play?"

"Um, okay." Miki took his hand and pointed up the tree.

"Let's climb! Race you to the top!" She had a head start before Paul headed after her.

Quick knocking broke Paul's thoughts, startling him before he stood up to open the door.

A guard pony stood proudly in front of him, "Paul Sevens, uh, did I get that correctly?"

"Yes, continue."

"Paul Sevens, you are needed by the princesses. We will give you an escort." He laid out his hoof, revealing two other ponies who looked exactly like the first.

"Okay, let's go."

Paul stood in the middle of the guards, one leading and two on his tail. The silence was too irritating and so he brought up a conversation about being the only human in the world.

He had asked a lot about this castle he had been in. Turned out that the castle was built after Princess Luna's ascension to the moon. The thought of being banished to the moon crippled his mind, thinking of way of how to not tick a princess to the brim. He had also been told that there used to be a massacre in broad daylight - three royal scientists.

"Kill scientists? Now who would do that?" Paul enquired, unaware of their answer.

"A pony from the name of Lyra Heartstrings," Paul's jaw dropped to the floor, "We interrogated her and we had some information of a guild. Turns out, they disbanded a while later they killed their targets. We sought to look out for the others but they were too good at hiding in the shadows." The guard explained.

"But she's fine now, right?" Paul warily asked, nervously rubbing his hands.

"Yes, but we're still trying to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. It just passes over our minds sometimes that we just forget."

Paul heaved a breath of enlightenment, hoping that her path has changed from those times.

After that regrettable conversation, Paul stepped forth to the princesses who were exchanging smiles at the table. He took a bow and Princess Celestia held up her hoof, signalling the guards to take their leave and for Paul to sit down with them. Paul had taken the only vacant seat on the longest table he had seen. The chair was laid out alone in the middle of the table whereas the sisters' faced one another at either ends.

Princess Celestia's horn glowed brightly, sending plates of food their way: a first wave of what seemed to be pancakes, the second being a large salad, and the final appeared to be a vanilla cake with chocolate extract. As well as food, a glass of water flashed in front of each attendee.

Paul sighed under his breath from the sight of green and gently took pancakes while Princess Luna swayed over some lettuce and tomato towards her. Princess Celestia, on the other hand, noted Paul's pickiness - the avoiding gaze was the key factor - but she kept smiling. She did not disapprove of her guest though and that was for several reasons.

The feast was laid out and Princess Celestia nodded her head, commencing what was the calmest dinner Paul had. The candles on the patterned table and ceiling provided a soothing atmosphere for the three, slowly munching down on their meal. Faint sounds of crunching escaped the silence and a gulp excreted from Paul.

"What are you planning on doing here," Princess Celestia sparked the flame, "Since you're technically living here now?"

Paul shrugged, playing with his fork, "I honestly don't know. First, I've got to get a job and I have no clue of how to do that here and then try to live on my own, slowly accumulating all the things I need. I... guess I have friends now and I've seen a town but that's all I've done so far, just introductions and sightseeing. There isn't much of productivity coming 'round other than the time I helped out the Apples. I'm kind of scared too."

"Scared of what, Paul?" Princess Luna intruded, carefully listening.

"The things I don't know in this world. Heck, I've heard there are griffons which sound cool and dragons that could tear me apart! I've been so attached to my home that I've never really imagined what it would be like in a world like this. And I'm a person-of-interest to you both?" He scoffed, "I haven't done anything, really."

Princess Celestia stopped her breath and cautiously thought. Something droned about in her mind that Paul quickly picked up - there was something important about him. The two had hesitated at Fluttershy's and now here. Something was definitely up with Paul, he just couldn't pinpoint the problem.

"We have some essential information about you, Paul, but we can't just say it now. You have to adjust with everything until we tell you what has been happening." Princess Celestia ensured.

"Why? What's so bad about telling me something about me? I can clearly note everything that me. Or do I have some kind of disease?"

"No, no," She quickly replied, "It's something that has never happened before that requires full attention. That's... part of the reason why you're here, for us to study you. However, we will not cage you - that would be wrong. We simply want to observe how you cope with these new changes and Twilight Sparkle has provided very useful information. We hope you trust us with this, Paul."

Paul's eyes scattered, thinking of solutions of what he could be but none had surfaced the ocean, "I trust you."

"Thank you, Paul. We will try our best to protect you in any way we can, that is unless you use our powers for evil." Princess Celestia concluded, ending their dinner.

Paul was escorted back into his room while the servants cleaned the table even though not much had been eaten. There he laid, staring aimlessly at the ceiling, comfortable on his temporary bed. He found it quite unusual sleeping on a proper mattress, seeing how he had been only been on couches ever since he came. Paul glanced around for a couch. Nothing. He fell back onto the soft bedding and his thoughts were back from before, before he got interrupted.

Miki surrounded his thoughts. She had been such a good friend to Paul until he left unexpectedly. He didn't want anything else except for a friend he can really trust. The Mane Six and the ponies of Ponyville, even the princesses were only acquaintances. Applejack was an exception from the fact that Paul liked her but they only met for at least three days.

Miki was a true, true friend to Paul and she had protected him from others. Despite their differences, especially Paul's, they were the friends they needed.

Paul's weary eyes, slowly drifted to a close and soon. The sinking mattress hugged him as he fell through an abyss of imagination. �{�k�