Prologue : The Gate Appears (EDIT)
Prologue: The Gate Appears
Celestia's sun shined high above the thatched roofs of the peacefully quiet town of Ponyville bringing warmth to the cool autumn day. In a large tree that by some means had been hollowed out into a home and Library for the residents of the town. Inside Twilight Sparkle was doing her annual inventory and reshelving of the books in the Golden Oaks Library with the aid of her number one assistant Spike. She stood at the top of a tall ladder several heavy tomes floating in her purple magical aura as she scanned their titles to determine where they went while dusting the shelf. She was wearing shorts today with a light purple shirt over her purple fur her dark purple hair was pulled back in a ponytail which matched the one coming out the back of her shorts. As she had no plans to leave the library that day she decided to be comfortable and wear something that she didn't mind getting dirty. It happened suddenly her magic fizzling out and dropping the tomes to the floor drawing a surprised and pained 'Ow' from beneath her.
"Oh! Spike-" Twilight said as she rapidly descended the ladder to find her assistant rubbing his head "-I'm so sorry it was an accident."
Spike sighed rubbing his head where one of the tomes had landed, "It's okay Twilight," he said removing his claw and examining it for any blood. The young dragon was dressed casually as well but it was no different than his normal attire of cargo shorts and a green t-shirt with holes in the back to let his spines out, "My scales are tougher than they look," he said jokingly to alleviate his Mother/Older Sister's worry. "What do you think caused your magic to go out?" he asked as he started picking up the books that had fallen.
"That's the oddest thing Spike," Twilight began as she helped Spike testing her magic and seeing it had returned and seemed unchanged by whatever had happened. "Whatever it was just temporarily disabled my magic," she went on as she accepted the other books from spike holding them in her arms. "I should send a letter to Princess Celestia she might know what caused it," she finished as she mounted the ladder to finish her task.
Twilight Sparkle as the smartest pony Spike knew besides the Princess of the Sun if she said that Celestia might know why her magic glitched out then he knew she was right. So the young Dragon resumed his task removing books from the shelf and checking them against the incredibly long roll of parchment which was the inventory list. Looking up at Twilight who once again had the tomes floating around her he inched a few feet out from under her just to be safe that he didn't get another book to the skull. He fought off the sense of boredom the task of taking inventory brought as he pulled another book off the shelf and ran through the list before marking it and placing it on the stack next to him.
They had been at it for hours since before Celestia's sun cleared the horizon and were just making it to the back wall when the Dragon felt the warning signs of an impending letter, with a mighty belch of flames that twisted in the air producing a roll of parchment sealed with Celestia's cutie mark in wax upon it he called up to Twilight. "Twi! There's a letter from Celestia," he said which got her to drop the books once more in her haste to read her mentor's missive. She slid down the ladder and snatched it from Spikes open hand with a hasty thanks before breaking the seal and reading. Her purple eyes moving over the parchment rapidly.
My dear Student. I'm writing to alert you of an urgent matter that has just reappeared in Equestria. The Gate has returned. This event hasn't happened in two thousand years and we must prepare in case anything comes through this time. I wish for you and your friends to come to Canterlot at once.
Your Mentor Princess Celestia
Twilight finished reading the letter and rolled it back up tapping her chin in thought. She remembered when Celestia taught her about the mysterious Gate and all the times it had brought something through. First were the Minotaurs, then Griffins, followed lastly by the hated Caribou. The letter had said 'at once' so it was urgent and her curiosity at what could come through the gate was growing. "Spike can you run to Sweet Apple Acres and tell Applejack to come to the library?" she asked to which the Drake nodded. "I'll collect the others," she added as he headed for the door while Twilight headed for Rarity's Boutique closing the Library door behind her.
POV Celestia
High above Ponyville on the side of a mountain stood Canterlot the capital of Equestria the spires of the castle reaching for the wide blue sky above. The oldest solar Princess was standing on a balcony off of the throne room which had recently been cleared of nobles when she felt the arrival of the Gate. She stared out at the city that surrounded the palace the closest buildings being the rich homes of the Nobles many of them seeming to be competing in gaudiness as they flaunted their wealth trying to outdo one another. Celestia masked her worry with well-honed skill from centuries of ruling her peaceful realm. The Alicorn wore a white dress in a Roman-style gold weaved around the trim of her dress hugging her curves that any mare would kill to have and many a stallion would long to caress. Her ivory wings stuck out of the dress comfortably, her hair flowed in an unfelt breeze along with her tail. Stepping away from the balcony she strolled toward the large golden doors that led to the throne room and ignited her horn in its golden glow which appeared around the large doors as she opened them. The solar guards outside snapped to attention as she passed saluting her at which she gave them both a kind smile.
She moved through the Palace her mind a storm of thoughts and plans for what was to come. She remembered the war with the Caribou all those centuries ago when they arrived in Equestria before it was Equestria at least in the history books. She remembered the ferocious battles that pushed them out of her lands but not without a heavy cost of life that she still regretted to this day. So engrossed in her thoughts she didn't notice her sister till she touched her arm causing the solar monarch to slightly jump in surprise and look around quickly spotting Luna.
"Oh. Lulu, I'm sorry I didn't see you," Celestia said smiling apologetically at her younger sister. The shorter Alicorn mare was wearing a regal gown of midnight blue that sparkled like her mane which like Celestia's flew in a nonexistent wind. The younger mare smiled kindly up at her sister nodding slightly at Celestia's apology.
"Tis alright dear sister. We merely saw thou looking troubled and wished to inquire what it was that hath thee worried?" Luna asked as her smile turned to a frown of concern for her elder sister.
"The Gate is the cause of my worry sister," she answered resuming her walk with Luna falling in step beside her as they walked the deserted hallway.
"Ah. We see," Luna said nodding in understanding her sister's worry. "We also felt its return but we can handle anything that comes through, together," she said placing a hand on Celestia's shoulder comfortingly.
"Thank you sister," Celestia said wrapping her alabaster arms around Luna in a brief embrace which Luna returned with equal affection. "We've already alerted Twilight of the situation so she and her friends should arrive soon," Celestia continued as the brief hug ended. "We'll have to have an emergency Summit called to discuss what to do if anything does come through the gate," Celestia informed Luna who nodded agreeing with her sister's course of action.
"I assume even an invitation will be sent to the Caribou Empire?" she asked unable to completely hide her loathing of the word.
"Yes sister, even though we are not allies they do deserve at least to be invited," Celestia replied resuming her stroll.
"If thou sayest sister," Luna said her tone depressed but accepting of the choice.
POV Twilight
Back at the library, Twilight was walking through the front door of the library followed by Fluttershy and Rarity who she had caught outside the Spa just having finished their monthly treatment with Lotus and Aloe. The butter-yellow pegasus wore a green sundress with flowers along the bottom her wings folded behind her, her pink mane was still damp from her time in the hot tub. Fluttershy was aside from Pinkie Pie the more endowed of the group with her double D bust. Rarity was wearing a surprisingly simple blue dress adorned with a single blue gem that held the top together over her C cup bosom her own purple mane was dry and styled perfectly which was usual for the seamstress.
"Well, Twilight darling I'd like to know what was so urgent?" Rarity asked as she tossed her purple curls over her shoulder.
"Don't worry I'll explain when the others get here," Twilight answered.
They didn't have to wait long as the door to the library opened again and Rainbow dash stepped inside followed by Pinkie Pie with her usual bubbly smile on her face. She was still wearing the apron from Sugar Cube corner over her Pink tank top and jeans and that stretched to fit her wide hips. Her tank top was challenged to hold her Dcups inside. Her mane like her fur was just as pink but was its usual poofy style. Rainbow Dash was wearing her usual of track shorts and a tank top that showed off her toned abs and lithe body. Her prismatic mane was pulled back in a short ponytail to keep it out of her eyes as she flew, she crossed her arms as she leaned against the wall.
"What's up Twilight? What you need to talk about?" she asked her scratchy voice sounding annoyed at being interrupted in her training.
"When Apple-" Twilight started only to be interrupted by the door opening letting in Spike and Applejack.
"Hey, sugarcube," Applejack said in greeting as she closed the door behind them. "What's going on?" she asked. Applejack wore her usual jean shorts and a plaid button-up shirt tied in a knot over her breasts that were the same size as Rarity's but unlike the fashionista Applejack's body was more muscle from years of hard farm work. Her trademark stetson sat upon her head still as worn and weather-beaten as always atop her blond and braided mane that matched her fur.
"Well, now that we're all here I can explain," Twilight answered as she took a breath to collect her thoughts. "Princess Celestia sent me a letter telling me that the Gate has appeared again," she said receiving only confused looks from her friends except for Pinkie Pie.
"So that was the doozy," she said as her body started to vibrate, "I've been doing this off and on all day," she added her voice distorted by the vibrating of her body.
"Umm, Twi what exactly is this Gate thing?" Applejack asked taking her hat off while inside.
Twilight wasn't surprised that her friends didn't know, the Gate hadn't been seen in a very long time it had nearly faded from common knowledge. "The Gate is a magical doorway which a long time ago brought Griffins, Minotaurs and finally Caribou to our world. It comes and goes at random and has just reappeared, and we don't know what's going to come through," she said giving a short explanation which was unusual for Twilight.
"So what does Princess Celestia want us to do...if you don't mind my asking?" Fluttershy asked.
"She wants us to come to Canterlot as soon as we can," Twilight replied, "She said it was urgent so I figured we should make plans to leave town quickly," she finished.
"That's not good. I have a few orders I'm almost finished with and just in time for the deadline," Rarity said.
"And I still have some harvestin' to do at the farm," Applejack interjected.
"And I have to finish a big order of pies for the Cakes," Pinkie Pie added.
"I've got a new weather schedule to go over with the Weather Team," Dash said with her own previous commitment.
"I need to make arrangements for my animals in case we're gone for a while...If that's okay?", Fluttershy spoke up finishing in her usual demure tone.
"Alright, I'll send a letter telling Celestia to expect us in a few days," Twilight said getting grateful nods from the girls and with that decided they begin to leave the library. This left Spike and Twilight alone as they set to the task of sending a letter to the Princess.
POV Celestia
Celestia was putting the final touches on several letters when a cloud of green smoke appeared and twisted itself into a rolled-up letter with Twilights seal on it. Finishing her letters and adding them to the short stack already finished in her assitant Ink Well's arms she picked up the new arrival. Reading it quickly she sighed and set it aside while Ink Well left to send the letters via Dragon Lamp. It seemed the Elements wouldn't be arriving for some time which was fine if inconvenient yet she had to remember that they all had their own lives. Briefly, she felt a pang of regret for how she had severed her connection to the Elements so long ago. These thoughts were pushed aside as Luna arrived her hand clutching a letter with a look of utter disbelief on her face as she silently held the letter out for Celestia.
Celestia took the letter from Luna noting the Caribou Emperial seal alongside the Griffin Queen's and the Minotaur Republic's own seals. When she read the letter a cold wave of dread washed over her. In the letter were the details of an expedition force already assembling to enter the Gate and go to the world beyond.
"Celestia, what do we do?" Luna asked her voice mirroring the dread Celestia herself felt at that moment.
"We can do nothing at the moment but watch and pray," Celestia answered while turning her gaze out her window. "Pray and hope," she added under her breath.
Chapter One: Welcome to Earth...with open bar. (EDIT)
Author's Note
While I know it's a cliche but I only know American cities but I'm going with an Alternate Earth inspired by Big Hero 6 so say hello to San Fran Tokyo everyone. I think this will give a good reason for a Multi-national force going to Equis. I have a deep fondness for the Japanese culture and wish to visit one day which is why I've decided thanks to some commenters to go with this mix.
Also, Discord has a gift for our unknowing hero. I'm also still taking suggestions. I'm not that great at politics.
On an unrelated note...WHO'S PUMPED FOR CYBERPUNK 2077!!!!! Woooooo!!!!! Yeah! Now that would make a good MLP Fic. I see Twilight as a Net Runner and Rainbow Dash as some cool Cyborg Samurai.
Chapter One: Welcome to Earth...with open bar. (EDIT)
Chapter One: Welcome to Earth...with open bar.
Sunlight had long ago awoken Gabriel from sleep as it filtered in through the blinds and found its ways to his eyes. On any normal day he'd have just rolled over but he couldn't get back to sleep so he got up and went through his morning routine. He didn't bother changing out of his pajamas as he ate the last of his cereal and milk for a quick breakfast before sitting down at his computer to check out was on sale. His apartment was modest and meant for one person or a couple but he was single for reasons that currently surrounded him. The walls were covered in posters from what appeared to be hundreds of Anime from Harem to Adventure and bookcases carrying many copies of Manga or were laden down with multiple figurines of Heroines and Heroes from anime. His furniture was minimal with just a T.V stand across from an old couch that was deceptively comfy. The kitchen was small with a tiny stove, microwave and a fridge squeezed in there somehow. A very short hallway led to the small bathroom that housed only a toilet and shower stall that he could squeeze in if he made himself as small as he could. Across from the bathroom was his bedroom the covers tussled from his night's rest, a small dresser and bedside table were squeezed inside as well stuffed to bursting with clothes.
The minutes ticked by as he eventually the need to move and stretch his legs drew him from his work. Gazing at the clock on his computer he stretched till his back popped and he gave a sigh of relief. Looking towards his kitchen his stomach grumbled for sustenance but he knew he had nothing to eat and little money to spend if he wanted to keep his apartment. Even if the loss wouldn't be that terrible in his opinion.
"Might as well go out and see what I can scrape up for brunch," he muttered to himself as he pulled on more regular clothes which consisted of a clean T-shirt which showed off his love for a certain anime that no longer appeared on television. Jeans, wallet, and once his shoes were on his feet he took a deep breath and declared, "Showtime!" and stepped outside his apartment.
The city outside his apartment was a metropolis of towering skyscrapers and billboards advertising things from hair care to soda. San Fransokyo was bustling with its usual throngs civilians all going about their lives. Gabriel joined the crowd of pedestrians waiting for a bus and followed them on all the while absorbed in his phone unaware like many people were as a large mysterious gate appeared in the middle of an intersection somewhere in the city. Many people stopped in their tracks and marveled at the unexplained appearance. Their wonder turned to fear as creatures flew out of the gate followed by more. All in humanoid shape and a majority of them were recognized from old Greek or Medieval myths.
The flying creatures looked like humanoid Griffins wearing leather armor and carrying bows or swords in their talons with daggers at their sides, the edges of their wings had sharp looking blades attached to them. The second recognized creature wore much heavier armor many carrying shields or wielding two-handed weapons cloven hooves clattering on the asphalt. The last wasn't from any myth but their features had much of the people thinking they were some sort of Deer with their antlers. Silence filled the air as the creatures looked at the frightened civilians before the silence was broken by a horn blowing signaling for the attack to begin. The Griffins rained arrows down on the civilians as they fled their aim was to wound so they could take prisoners. The Antlered humanoids and Minotaurs rushed forward capturing anyone too slow to escape or injured.
Gabriel was leaving the small diner a bag with a burger, and fries in one hand while sipping from a chocolate shake in the other. Unaware of the attack currently taking place until he turned down a street where the sounds of screaming and gunfire met his ears. Years of training kicked in and he rushed toward the sounds passing many civilians as they fled whatever it was that was happening. He came upon a few officers shooting at airborne creatures he recognized as Griffins. One of the Griffins was injured and fell to the ground heavily injured but not dead it managed to stand and draw its dagger rushing at a civilian wearing the oddest suit Gabriel had ever seen. Fuelled by his training and the sudden situation he rushed the creature before it reached the man Gabriel throwing his milkshake into the creature's eyes blinding it. The creature had dropped its dagger when the milkshake hit its eyes with quick thinking, Gabriel grabbed the fallen dagger and stabbed the Griffin in the heart killing it.
Turning to the man he had saved he got a good look at his clothes one half of the suit jacket he wore was yellow the other brown. His pants were the same though one half was blue the other green, his socks were green with red polka dots which stuck out of a pair of mismatched shoes. The man's face could be considered handsome with the goatee he had but he had an overly long canine which stuck out when he closed his mouth. His eyes grabbed Gabriel's attention as they showed no fear at just avoiding death or at the situation at all but his smile gave Gabriel an uneasy feeling.
The other Griffins had left leaving Gabriel and the surviving police officers and the strange civilian he had just saved. The police officer's radio crackled to life as the dispatch operator was giving out orders for the police to head for a nearby convention center which had become their fall back point as there were too many civilian to evac before the hostiles would be on them. Unfortunately, the streets are choked with abandoned cars and it's clear they'd have to run for it. When Gabriel turns to inform the strange civilian he finds the man gone and nowhere in sight with no time to search he follows the police to the convention center.
Sometime later.
The Convention center had become a makeshift fortress as Swat and Police forces had barricaded the entrances with busses which doubled as bunkers for police to fire from. Snipers in the tall buildings sniped the flying creatures where ever they could. Civilians inside huddled together with weapons that had merely been collectibles now a last line of defense in case the enemy would breach the defenses. Gabriel revealed he was a soldier and managed to offer his help to the police who weren't trained to face down monsters from old stories. So he had found himself giving orders and keeping the people calm while they waited for the army to arrive and engage the enemy. But before that would come they had to fight off the creatures, with small arms and tear gas.
The first signs that help was coming were the sounds of helicopters approaching followed by the roar of machine guns as they opened fire on the Griffins that attempted to engage them gunning them down. It seemed everything was going to be alright as transport helicopters arrived on the heels of the attack, he'd learn later the invading force had been pushed back through the gate. While he was helping the civilians climb aboard the evac choppers he spotted the strange man again who approached him.
"I must say today has been delightfully chaotic," he said sounding like Q from Star Trek. "And I must thank you for protecting me earlier." he continued holding out his hand for Gabriel.
"Well you're welcome sir," Gabriel said taking the offered hand. He was unprepared for the death grip the stranger had as he was pulled in close and got a good look at the man's eyes. They were bright crimson and seemed to glow with mischief as his gaze made Gabriel very worried all of a sudden.
"Yes indeed and such an act can not go unrewarded my good human," the man said staring into Gabriel's eyes as he found himself unable to blink or pull away from that gaze that pierced his very soul. "I see. Mmmm, yes you will do nicely," the man chuckled the grip almost bone-crushing. "I can't wait to see what changes your people bring with you," he said chuckling while Gabriel found he could move once again. Blinking his eyes he felt odd as he stared around searching for the strange man who had once again vanished from sight. Climbing aboard the chopper along with the other civilians to be carried out of danger.
Six Days Later
Six days after the attack news outlets all over the world were reporting the same thing which involved the mysterious Gate and the creatures that came through. The military had constructed a dome over the gate and kept soldiers guarding it. World leaders held meetings as they discussed what to do how to handle the Gate and what lies beyond. While the world seemed more concerned with the Gate and what it meant for the world the people of San Fransokyo mourned the those lost in the attack or missing.
For Gabriel, the events had brought a little too much attention to him but it was to be expected as events. He had gone through the ceremonies and received medals for his acts of generally helping protect the people in the convention center. Now it seemed all that had blown over and he was ready to settle down and return to his apartment in peace. "Honey I'm home!" he said to no one as he entered his apartment. "Man I'm starving," he groaned as he collapsed face down on his couch, "I'd sell my soul for a Lemon Cream filled donut and a big glass of chocolate milk right now," he said snapping his fingers not seeing the items appear on his desk. "Maybe I'll get lucky and someone has made a donation," he grumbled pushing himself off the couch and looking toward the desk. "What the..." he started as he spotted the Donut and glass of cold chocolate milk. "I'm sure that wasn't there before," he muttered as he approached and picked up the donut. A growl from his stomach when it's sweet smell hit his nose once more overruled his caution and he took a bite tasting the lemon cream filling explode in his mouth making him inhale the rest of the donut with gusto followed by the cold milk. "I guess I sold my soul," he chuckled although it was still odd how the food had seemingly just appeared.
Before he could think too long about that there was a knock at his door and when he opened it there were men in suits standing there. Their suits were black as were their ties and they each wore an Earpiece in one ear. "Mr. Gabriel?" one of them asked and he nodded in reply, "Please come with us sir," the other said stepping aside to let Gabriel out of his apartment.
"Am I gonna need my toothbrush?" Gabriel asked but got no answer so he just went along with the two men. He was guided to a black car that was driven toward City Hall where he was taken to the Mayor of San Fransokyo. In the office wasn't only the mayor of the city but the President as well.
"Hello Mr.Gabriel," the president began before motioning for him to sit down as his guards took position flanking the door on either side. "Let me be the first to commend you on your swift actions during the attack a week ago. You're a credit to this country and our armed forces," he said.
"I'm no longer with the military, sir," Gabriel interrupted before the president could go on. "Why am I here, sir?" he asked and the President smiled at him it was a far less alarming smile than the man from yesterday.
"Right to the point, I like that," the President said then continued. "I'll be quick then. Since the Gate appeared we've sent forces of our own through and discovered an entire world on the other side this is an opportunity for all Humanity to spread even colonize an all-new world," the Presiden continued still smiling as he seemed pleased with the plan. "To begin we must, however, secure land for our people but the other nations aren't going to let America and Japan have it all for themselves," he continued beginning to lay out the plan. "So we've agreed to create an all-new Multi-National force to go to the new world and find a place for humanity to settle. You as a hero of San Fransokyo will be a part of this endeavor," Trump continued and made Gabriel sigh.
"Sir, I've been dishonorably discharged for striking a superior officer," Gabriel confessed shaking his head. "I doubt even the president can allow me to rejoin the army just like that," he said snapping his fingers. Meanwhile back in his apartment, another milk and donut appeared.
"This is a new force Mr.Gabriel your discharge from the military won't matter," the president said surprising Gabriel. "We need experienced soldiers to go through the Gate to this new world and help maintain order with the colonists that will arrive at a yet to be determined date," Trump went on before Gabriel spoke up again.
"This isn't going to be some rich man's escape right, regular people will be allowed through too?" he asked and the President nodded. "What would I be doing other than a soldier?" he asked.
"Scouting and if possible establishing relations with nonhostile natives," the president answered watching him.
"I hate politics," Gabriel said making the president laugh.
The rest of the meeting was just to secure his agreement and tell him where to be when the time came for the forces to move through the gate. He was returned home by the same guards and entering his apartment he noticed the milk and donut surprised to find the treat again. Looking around to make sure no one was in his apartment before coming back to his desk where the items sat, the milk was still cold and the donut tasted just as good as the first.
"I have a feeling this is just going to get weirder," he said as he finished the food and drink.
