Chapters Author's Note
This is an alternative timeline/world from my story Why me? .
You don't have to read it to know what is going on. I'll add a little bit of background that I used in my other story to help plug in some backstory on the relationship between the MC and Celestia.
~~This won't be updated all that much as this is just a side project of mine. This story is something for me to just go do so that I won't get bored with my other story, or maybe it might take a life of its own who knows?~~
Wrong lever...
It was dark, oppressive, mysterious, yet calming. Night had settled in the castle or whatever was left of it. Stone walls are cracked or covered with green vines. A cool and gentle breeze blew past me. Grateful that I was wearing my blue and red letterman jacket along with my black sweatpants. My faded and worn brown hiking boots created a dull clack as I walked down the empty halls of the Castle of the Two Sisters.
Yes, I’m in Equestria. The magical land of talking, singing, flying, and dancing pastel-color ponies. How did I get to Equestria you ask? Well, it started about a month and a half ago when Princess Celestia appeared at my home asking for a place to stay. Cool right?
Not at first.
After a mental and reality check, I agreed to allow her to stay while she charged her magic so that she could go home.
It was an interesting time that's for sure. As if having a four-legged pony princess join your family for Christmas could be anything but interesting, but boy did I enjoy my time with her. For the first time in a long while, I could be myself. Something I couldn’t do in college. Part of the reason why I came home after graduation, and how I was able to meet with Celestia.
Talk about great timing.
Eventually, it all came to an end, because like all good things they have to end.
The time for Celestia to go had come. It was a tearful farewell and deep down I didn't want her to leave. I also hoped that she would invite me to come along. Childish, I know but how wouldn't want that?
It was that moment when everything changed for me.
I gathered my courage so I could ask Celestia if I could come with her. I reached out to grab her tail to stop her even though half of her body had already passed through the portal, but I tripped on something and fell through the portal. The last thing I remember seeing was my family’s shocked face before my vision blew up with a rainbow of colors. The next thing I knew I found myself in the ruins of this castle. It didn't take me long to figure out where I was thanks to the banners of the sun and the moon with two alicorns circling around them.
Nightmare Moon plastered on the moon was a good indication as well.
With no idea which part of the castle I was in I decided to walk around. It was better than just sitting around. This leads to my current predicament.
Hands in my pocket, I wandered through the broken castle. The air was crisped yet heavy with the lingering feeling of past memories. The sorrow of the battle between two sisters ripped apart by dark emotions grasped my spine like a cold dead hand
I shuddered, “I should find a place to hunker down for the night,” I said softly to myself, as my pace quickened, but also with care. Memories of when the Mane Six came into the castle at night came to mind. Particularly when they tripped the numerous traps scattered throughout the castle.
Yea, I do not want to spend the night being thrown around by secret buttons, trap doors, and whatnot. Which by the way should not be operational still!
In the corner of my eye, I caught a glint of light and I paused in my walk.
I turned my head to see a dull painting. The colors had faded and the frame had cracked and rotten away. One step forward later and I was able to decipher some details of the painting. There was a good layer of dust over the picture, but I was able to see that there were four figures. Two of them I could barely recognize as Celestia and Luna, but they looked odd because they looked humanoid.
That can’t be right. Celestia was definitely a four-legged pony. Perhaps this is one of those weird interpretations of the sisters because artists are weird like that. Who are the other two I wonder, their parents?
I reached out and grasped the picture frame, pausing at the sound of a crunch from the frame.
“Okay,” I whispered as I held the picture gently, “gently now,” slowly I lifted the picture off of its hook.
There was a loud resounding click.
The low rumble that came caused me to stop and for a single word to leave my deadpan gaze.
“Fuck.”
The ground below me vanished and my stomach fell before I did.
I only felt the feeling of weightlessness only for a moment before I hit the stone ground, but my journey wasn’t over. My body began to slide down as gravity reasserted its control. I tried to reach to grab something to stop my descent but was unable to do so. Slowly I began to pick up speed and my attempts to stop proved futile.
A chorus of expletives sang out of my lips as my body began to spiral downwards. The wind screamed in my ears as I traveled down the slide. Unlike the slide of my youth, this one was not fun.
Like at all.
The spider webs didn’t help either.
I pulled what must have been the twelfth cobweb out of my face when the light shined at the end of the tunnel. As it zoomed over so the closer I prayed that I wasn’t heading to my literal end.
Although the pain I felt when I hit the ground made me wish it was the end.
Gingerly, I picked myself up and pushed through the pain. The room began to sway and become blurry. Closing my eyes I laid back down.
Slowly the abyss took me.
The night began to set over Equestria. Ponies all over began to get ready for bed. The exception is the Metropolis such as Manehattan, Baltimare, and Fillydelphia where the ponies worked into the night.
Even the capital of Canterlot was winding down for the night. Located at the heart of the city was Canterlot Castle, the city’s pride and joy. White walls created a protective barrier between the city and the inhabitants of the castle.
The same color scheme was used on the main building except for the roof of the towers where purple and golden trims were the name of the game. The towers reached high in the sky and gave the residents a bird-eye view of the entire city, but as of now, the room lay dormant.
Within the walls, a large garden decorated the outer landscapes. In this garden, there were flowers of every species and were in colors that came from the rainbow and everything in between.
In the garden, a sole occupant walked through the grassy path. Her pristine pearl white hooves were wrapped with golden shoes. Her pale blue, green, and pink hair waved in the wind that wasn’t blowing
Princess Celestia took a deep breath before she looked to the night sky and onto the moon where her sister, corrupted by Nightmare Moon, was banished. "It's been almost a thousand years since I've seen you, dear sister," the princess whispered. Her eyes began to mist and she lifted a hoof to wipe away the tears that threatened to fall. "But that is okay," she continued with a sniffle, "We'll be reunited soon, Luna."
Soon memories of her time in the human world began to flush through her mind. A small smile tugged on her muzzle as she remembered a certain human. With a deep breath, she let out a content hum of satisfaction. Celestia looked around her garden at the beautiful flowers that decorated the ground. Her personal favorite was the Solar Lilies, small white lily flowers that absorb the sunlight during the day and at night have a slight glow to them. The palace gardener caught wind of that and she had a couple of dozen planted throughout the palace.
Sean is an interesting individual for sure. Humans were interesting to study altogether, but something about this particular one tickled her fancy. Perhaps it was the way he reacted to her sudden appearance or the face he made when she used magic to prove to him that she was, in fact, real. Or perhaps it was because he treated her like an equal, not a goddess.
Before she could reminisce even further the back of her mind tickled. Celestia’s eyes widened as she recognized the sensation. It was an alert spell.
One that was set for the Castle of the Two Sisters, her old castle.
With hardened eyes, Celestia disappeared in a flash of light.
The first thing I did when I woke up was wipe the spider webbing off my face and body. I’m not arachnophobic or anything, but I am afraid of possible life-threatening bites. I had to be careful. If I got seriously hurt or sick then I’m pretty much fucked since I have no idea where Ponyville is, much less Fluttershy’s cottage. Out of all of the inhabitants, she is the most likely the only one who would be willing to help as the others might be too scared or rash to be of any help.
After I was sure that I didn’t pick up any passengers I looked around the room I was in.
Darkness was all that I saw, a pure black abyss. Alone in the dark, I began to lose my courage. I have never been afraid of the dark. No, there's no reason to be so.
It’s what’s in it that scares me the most.
My skin began to prickle and felt something shift in the air around me. The moldy air began to burn my nose and throat as my hands began to get clammy. I was about to lose myself in despair when suddenly a flare of light caught my eye and my head snapped to meet it. What I saw was...strange
There, sitting on a stone pedestal was a small bright orb illuminated with a rainbow-like glow. It couldn't be any bigger than a softball and it looked like it was made out of a crystal-like substance yet it was smooth like skin. The way the light reflected off its surface was hypnotic and I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. Despite a part of me screaming at me to run and get as far away from this…thing as I could. There was something drawing me in clouding my sense of judgment and I couldn't help but slowly walk towards the orb.
That turned out to be a huge mistake.
When I touched the orb some force grasped my arm and I felt my veins burn with liquid mercury. My vision turned sky blue before streaks of red, purple, violet, light blue, topaz, and lime green sailed through my eyes before a black curtain fell once again over my consciousness.
Outside the Castle, there was a loud pop and a flash of light. Standing there Celestia looked at her old home in distaste. It wasn’t that she hated the place, she just didn’t like what it represented and the memories that it held.
The princess looked around and found that nothing obvious was happening. No sign of travelers, animals, or ponies. So it wasn’t an earth pony or any other ground-based creature. Pegasus were rightfully wary to fly over the forest as the air itself was tainted with chaotic magic. That ruled out a winged intruder so that was only left a being with magic.
Celestia reached out with her magical senses and found that there were magic particles left behind from a teleportation spell, but it was odd. It felt like her magic but different, almost alien-like. With a hum and narrowed eyes, Celestia walked into the ruins of her old home, her hooves clocking onto the stone floor.
I let out a gasp and my eyes snapped open. With a look around I saw that I was back in the main throne room proper. My brows furrowed as I wondered how this could be.
“I was in a cave wasn’t I?” I asked myself as I slowly got up. My right arm began to tingle like pins and needles, but when I looked I found nothing. I rotated my arm and massaged it as I got to my feet slowly. My back tensed up as the pain of my deteriorating disk chose that moment to flare up.
A grunt of pain uttered from my lips as I slowly straightened my back. “Shit,” I said softly as I looked around. The soft howling of the wind blew past me, the chill caused me to shudder. Instantly I wished I had my jacket, no I wished I was home where it was warm.
I let my head hang back and closed my eyes.
Okay, there is no point in sitting around whining. I need to figure out a way to survive the night. For that, I need a fire and something to cover myself.
With a nod, I straightened up my head and opened my eyes to look around. “So I need things that can burn,” I muttered to myself. I wondered if perhaps I would be able to explore outside for things to burn. There have to be trees or something, I mean what castle doesn’t have a garden of sorts? My eyes then wondered towards the tapestries that hung loosely. “I may be able to use that as a cloak of some sort or maybe a blanket, perhaps both?”
Clop
I paused at the sound as it echoed through the room. Something was coming.
Clop.
Should I hide? But where?
My head snapped around to find a place for me to hide as the clops became louder.
Shit, there is no time!
I looked around my feet and found a rock the size of a softball. “This will have to do,” I muttered as I reached down and picked up the rock. With the weapon in hand, I moved towards the wall and waited with my rock behind my head. Ready to throw at whatever threat that was coming toward me, I stood there.
Clop, Clop.
Wait a moment those sound like hooves, but there were only the two of them. Shouldn't there be four clops before they repeat? The sound of two means that whatever is coming is bipedal, like me.
Then a flicker of pale blues, greens, and pink mane passed through the door and relaxed a bit. “Thank god it's you Celes-” I was cut off when I came out from my hiding spot and Celestia came into the room.
But it wasn’t Celestia.
No, what stood before me was a bipedal version of Celestia. This one stood on her feet, or rather hooves, and towered over me just a few inches with her horn adding another foot. She was dressed in a long flowing white dress that resembled a sundress from back home. The dress hugged her curvy figure. On her hooves were golden shoes that covered the bottom of her hooves with strands going up to her leg. The same gold material was on her wrist, and I was surprised to see that she had a hand like mine but only thick with fur and she only had four fingers. Around her neck and on her head were her golden royal regalia as well as her slim waist.
Celestia’s pink eyes widened at me, “Sean,” she whispered and took a step forward.
I raised my rock again and stumbled backward, “Stay away from me!” I yelled.
Princess Celestia paused and looked concerned. “Sean it's me, Celestia,” she said, her voice cracking. “Don’t you remember me?”
“I remember Celestia,” I said, my breathing getting faster as I walked further back, “And you're not her!”
Celestia cocked her head to the side. Her fluffy ears flickered as her eyes danced in confusion, “What do you mean?” She asked. Puzzled at her behavior I stopped but I held up my rock ignoring the burning sensation in my shoulders.
“I came to your house,” Celestia said slowly, “It was just before Thanksgiving. You were sleeping and I tried to wake you up but you just looked at me and…”
“I said nope,” I finished slowly, “before turning around and going to sleep.”
Celestia nodded, “And I had used my magic to prove to you that I was, in fact, real.” Celestia brought a hand up to cover her lips and giggled. “The look on your face...”
The rock slipped from my hand and crashed to the ground with a loud clatter, “How…” gasped out. Celestia stopped giggling and slowly walked toward me, her hands up in a non-threatening manner. “I don’t understand,” I whispered as I backed into a pillar and slid down.
Celestia walked up to me and slowly got down to her knees. She pulled her dress to the side as she rested on the ground. When she was settled she began to speak, “I think I know what happened,” she rested her hands on her lap. “If you can fill the gaps I can maybe be able to figure out what caused this.”
Wordlessly I nodded my head.
Celestia slowly nodded her head, “Okay I think it is safe to assume that I came to you,” she began, “That I wanted to study humans.”
I nodded my head, “and while you were there we became friends. You opened up to me and cracked through your walls. While you did the same to me. I helped you through your loneliness and your sister.”
Celestia smiled, “That’s right and I helped you…”
“In the end when it was time for you to go,” I started as I rested my head in my hands.
“I offered to take you with me,” Celestia finished and I heard her walk over and sat next to me. “But you refused, saying that your place was on Earth.”
“But I was pushed by Jinx,” I said softly, “And I fell in.”
I heard Celestia shift next to me and let out a hum, “I can only guess what happened at this point,” she said slowly. “I think that somehow when your Celestia opened her portal she did so at the same exact time I did which weakened the barriers of our universes. Causing them to temporarily overlap.”
“You mean,” I said as I raised my head to look at the princess, “That the multiverse theory is true?”
Celestia nodded and brought up a hand and rubbed her chin, “Yes, when you fell into the portal you didn’t have anything tethering you to the destination like the other Celestia,” she explained.
“So it was a stroke of bad luck then,” I mumbled, “And I’m going to take a wild guess and say that you won’t be able to send me home.”
A warm hand rested itself on my back. I flinched slightly but eased into it. “I’m sorry, truly I am,” Celestia said and slowly I leaned into her. Her hand moved from my back to my shoulder so that she was hugging me. Her other hand went to my right arm, “Come on,” she said as she gently applied force to get me up, “I’ll take you to the castle and we can figure things out in the morning.”
Wordlessly I nodded and allowed Celestia to guide me around, “Princess…”
Celestia chuckled, “There is no need for formalities,” she said as we slowly made our way toward the center of the throne room. “You might not be the same exact one that I knew, and I might not be the same Celestia that you know.” I looked up to see Celestia smiling down at me. “But I hope that you will consider me your friend.”
“I…” I started when the pricking in my hand began to come back. it was subtle at first but it then grew. Then a burning sensation gripped my arm. “Agh!!” I screamed as I grasped my arm back. I heard Celestia scream but it was drowned out by the feeling of acid as it traveled up my arm and into my chest. Black dots danced across my sight just before I clenched my eyes shut and let out another scream of pain.
Then darkness.
A groan escaped my lips and my eyes fluttered.
Then another groan escaped as I realized that whatever I was laying on was so damn soft. It was like laying down on a cloud. Then again knowing the power of the pegasus it was possible.
Wait, what happened? I remember…Celestia, yes. Yes, an anthro Celestia, because apparently fuck me right. I mean seriously what the fuck is magical bullshit. I’m no scientist but I’m sure wormholes don’t work like that.
I let out another pleasurable groan as I turned in my bed.
My god this bed feels so good, and it's massive! God, I have got to get myself one of these it would do wonders for my back. Now that I think about it.
Slowly I sat up and noticed that the normal strain and tensed muscles were no longer there. In fact, my back seemed perfectly straight. There wasn't a slouch or anything.
I looked down at my chest and saw that I was dressed in a simple white shirt and loose pants. I lifted my shirt to see that my chest was slightly more hairy than normal. The amount of chest hair on my chest grew and had a brown tint to it. Not that much of a change but then again… I held up my hands and saw that there was a bit more tanner than normal. When I flipped my arms around. I found that the normally lighter skin tone matched so that they were just a single color. An even tan. I looked back to my stomach and saw that the pudge of fat was gone as well. I didn’t have any muscle tone but at least the fat was gone.
With a rush of excitement, I brought up my left arm and saw that the freckles were gone and so was the road scar on my wrist or the scar on my middle finger. My hands went to my neck which felt smooth and I found no trace of the moles. I jumped out of bed and looked at my new body.
Was this because of that magical orb I touched? Did it fix and improve my body?
I quickly ran through three sets of ten squats…
…and instantly regretted it.
“Okay,” I muttered as I sat down on the bed, my legs burning. “So I still have to work out and I did not turn into an Adonis.” Even with this little caveat, I was still happy. Slowly I got back to my feet and was drawn to the fluttering of the certain.
My bare feet glided across the smooth carpet and I wiggled my toes. I let out a hum of pleasure my feet were tickled with a silk touch. With my eyes closed, I slid my feet until I bumped into something hard. I jolted at the sudden touch and I opened my eyes to look down to see my shoes and socks.
Psh, obviously.
I reached down and began to put on my socks and shoes. While I did so I ran through the facts.
Okay so Celestia came, then some magic bullshit reason why I’m in My Little Anthro, then pain.
Right okay, so where am I? Canterlot?
I stood up and walked to the fluttering curtain. The tall window was cracked open and I gently pushed it open.
What greeted me was a bird’s eye view of modern-style homes. Most were painted in either gold, purple, white, or a mixture of all three. The normal colors depicted royalty or noble status. I stuck my head out and looked around and spotted tall white spires that were capped in gold. I brought my head back inside.
Oh yea, I’m definitely in Canterlot, more specifically Canterlot Castle. Celestia must have brought me here after healing me or whatever happened to me.
There was a soft creaking sound and I spun my head toward a set of tall red doors as one of them opened. I watched as a pale blue unicorn walked in pushing a cart full of domes. She was dressed up in a black dress and had a white apron on with the ends full of frills. On her head was a gray mane that was wrapped in a bun with a maid hat with Celestia’s sun stitched on top. The unicorn’s purple eyes widened as she looked at the bed.
“Oh, sweet Celestia!” She gasped as she ran towards the bed and lifted up the sheets. “Where is it?”
“Right here,” I called out with amusement laced in my tone. The unicorn jumped at the sound of my voice and she spun to look at me. I waved at her while she goldfish at me. She then let out a small “Eep!” Before she dashed out of the room.
“What the fuck was that?” I wondered with my hand still in the air. “Has she never seen a human before?”
I shrugged my shoulders and went over to the cart. Assuming that this was for me I lifted the dome. Under it was a plate with a sandwich with a side of fries. On the side was a glass of water. My eyebrows raised at the sight. I set the dome down to pick up the sandwich and peeled back the bread. “Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions with some kind of cream sauce,” I muttered to myself putting the bread back on.
“I hope it's to your liking,” Celestia said suddenly behind me. I jumped in the air before I spun around to face the princess.
“Jeez, don’t do that,” I told her before I picked up the sandwich and took a bite. As I chewed I realized just how hungry I was. “So what happened?” I asked before I dived into the sandwich again.
“I was hoping you would tell me,” Celestia said and I looked over to see that she was looking at me disapprovingly, her arms crossed under her breast. I looked away and dug into my sandwich. “Did you find something in my old castle?” She asked.
I said nothing as I chewed my food.
“Maybe,” I answered vaguely before I drank my water.
There was a sharp pinch on my left ear before it was lightly yanked.
“Ow!” I cried out as I lurched towards the pulling.
“That’s not an answer,” Celestia answered with an unamused look on her face, muzzle.
The pressure disappeared and I immediately reached toward the sore ear. Instead of skin, I felt short thin hairs that I followed until they reached a point. Confused, I looked around the room to find a reflective surface.
There, across from my bed was an ordinate vanity.
How did I miss that?
I rushed over and stared at the large mirror. My human ears were replaced by long Elven-like ears that were dipped in chocolate, the same color as my restored hair. No longer was my hair thinning, but it still seemed that it retained its curly mess
Thankfully, it seemed that not all of my hard work straightening was a loss as only the tips maintained their curls. My hand went down my cheek as I traced the sharp lines that formed my jawline. I twisted my head around to see that my cheekbone was more pronounced. It seems as though I looked more elven-like than I originally thought.
“Sean,” Celestia's voice snapped, “Focus.”
I looked up and saw Celestia’s concerned look.
Right focus.
“Do you understand the danger you could be in?” Celestia chided me.
I bit my lip as I contemplated this information.
I didn’t think about that.
“There was this orb,” I said slowly as I finished off my sandwich. I quickly lost interest in eating and stopped chewing for a moment. The half-chewed food sat in my mouth as I sat there.
“Sean,” Celestia said softly and I heard her soft footsteps as she walked over to me. I felt a hand placed on my shoulder. Quickly I swallowed my food and looked at Celestia and continued.
“I found this orb while I was exploring the castle,” I set the sandwich down, “It was somewhere deep underground, I remember…I remember being pulled by its colorful lights.”
“And when you touched it something happened didn’t it,” Celestia finished.
I looked up at her, confused, “You know what it is?” I asked.
The princess sighed and walked over to my bed to sit down. “In my and my sister’s earlier years, before we ascended to Alicorns we were adventures,” she said with a wistful smile on her lips. “Luna and I traveled across the world diving into whichever cave or ruins we came across.”
“And that orb was an artifact that you found,” I finished for her. My mind already came to that conclusion. “Do you know what it does?”
Celestia closed her eyes for a moment and let out a deep breath, “We know that it had something to do with pony magic but apart from that we didn’t know for sure,” she said as her eyes opened. “It wasn’t long after we found that when Starswirl located us and took us on the quest to stop Discord.”
The princess then turned thoughtful, “Although I did wonder if perhaps it was that orb that turned us into Alicorn in the first place.”
My mind went to my ears. “Are you saying,” I said quickly, my heart fluttering and beating against my chest hard. From fear or excitement, I don’t know. “What, I'm going to become an Alicorn now?”
Celestia looked almost amused, “No,” her voice wavered with a slight giggle, “But you did pick up some characteristics I’m afraid,” she said.
“No kidding,” I muttered as I walked over to her and sat down next to her. “The ears were a huge giveaway.”
“Oh,” Celestia said, amused, “and all of your disappearing imperfections didn’t raise any alarms.”
I snorted, “Bitch I was already perfect what the fuck are you talking about?”
Silence.
My eyes widened.
Ah, fuck what did I do. I’m going to die now. This is it. I’m dead. Off to the gallows with me. No, that'll take too long. She'll just toss me out of the room’s window. Or she’ll just burn me to ash.
My internal debate on my departure from this mortal realm was interrupted by a loud trill of laughter. I looked over to see Celestia holding her hand over her muzzle and her other one on her stomach. Her body was shaking with laughter and small tears were starting to form in her eyes.
What the hell is wrong with this chick?
“Uh, Celestia?” I asked slowly.
Celestia took multiple deep breaths as her laughter died down, “Oh, sorry,” she said in between breaths. Before another fit of laughter hit her.
I crossed my arms in slight annoyance, “You know it wasn’t even that funny,” I said slightly relieved that I wasn’t going to be executed for my insolence.
“Sorry,” Celestia said as her laughter died again, “I’m not laughing at you,” she said and took a series of deep breaths. Once she was down she rubbed her cheeks, “I’m mostly laughing at myself.”
I raised an eyebrow and waved for her to continue.
“You see,” she began, “I was worried when you didn’t seem to recognize me. More so when we found out that you had crossed from another variation of our worlds.” I nodded as she went on, “After I ‘healed’ you,” she air quoted, “I had to return to my duties.”
Celestia’s lips pulled up to a smile, “And the entire time I was worried that you would be different than the Sean that I knew and that you would treat me differently.”
Ah, it seems as though this Celestia had the same relationship with her Sean as I did with my version of Celestia. Talk about luck.
“But it would seem as though all that worrying was for nothing,” Celestia said as she rested her hands on her lap.
I nodded before I fell back onto the bed. “I was worried for a moment,” I said, “It felt like I was with the other Celestia and all that just came out.” The bed shook as Celestia copied me and lay next to me. I turned my head to look at her. “I thought that I just signed my death warrant.”
Celestia giggled, “I wouldn’t do that, but I suggest that you don’t do that in front of certain nobles or my guards,” she warned with a smile, “They might not take too kindly to your crass manner.”
I shrugged my shoulders, “Meh, I give them some of the love too, you know equality,” I said with a fist in the air. My arm flopped back to my side as I chuckled and Celestia giggled.
After that died down I got serious again, “So I’m part pony then? Which race?” I asked.
Celestia’s lips became thin and she turned to look at the ceiling, her mystical hair still flowing and sparkling. “I don’t know for sure,” she said slowly as if she was mulling the words in her mouth. “When you started changing I worked my magic to try and revert the enchantment but as you can see,” she nodded towards me, “I wasn’t that successful.”
“Well, I’m not a pastel pony so you didn’t completely fail,” I pointed out.
A snort came from Celestia, “As for the possible race well…I can’t be sure,” she said. “As I said, Luna and I never really got a chance to study that artifact, and once Discord was defeated we were so busy rebuilding that it just sorted, slipped our minds.”
My brows knitted, “Then how did it end up in the castle?” Something didn’t seem right to me.
“I don’t know to be honest,” Celestia said with a shrug of her shoulders. “It’s possible that over centuries the container deteriorated, or that it was damaged during transit to my old castle, and through some series of events ended up in the bowels of the castle.” Celestia shifted into a more comfortable spot, “That would explain why it was still there and not locked up here with the rest of the artifacts.”
“You should fix that,” I pointed out, taking a tone as if I was scolding her, “Who knows what would have happened otherwise.”
Celestia nodded her head absentmindedly, “Yes, it would seem as though I do need to comb through that old place,” she said in her tone soft and whisper-like, “Who knows what other magical items were left behind.” Her face lit up a moment later.
“Well, I’ll have Raven add that to the schedule,” she said as she got to her feet with a jump. “But for now we need to get you situated.” Celestia turned around and held out her hand to me. I grasped and pulled myself up just as she yanked me up.
Unprepared not only by the sudden maneuver but by the strength of Celestia I ended up stumbling towards, and right into her. Caught off guard by this, Celestia let out a squeak as I crashed into her and we fell to the ground. My vision went black as my head was covered in warmth and furry softness. I heard a muffled ‘oof’ coming from Celestia.
Slowly I pushed myself up and I realized just where I landed. Smack dab in the middle of Celestia’s breast.
Oh, sweet god.
Celestia’s eyes blinked up at me as a blush fought its way to her cheeks.
“OhmyfuckinggodI’msorryIdidn’tmeantoo,” I spat out quickly.
What the fuck is this? Some ecchi manga bullshit.
The princess let out a giggle as one of her hands went down my chest, “Oh my Sean!” she said with a husky tone, “At least buy me dinner first.”
My body responded appropriately but words did the opposite. “Piss off,” I spat.
Yes, I was at a loss for words so sue me! My mind is busy with something else right now.
The room's door crashed open and I and Celestia looked up to see two golden armored guards burst into the room. “Your Highness!” They shouted. Their tones confused me as they looked male but their voices had a feminine tone underneath the rasp. One looked around the room, “Are you alr-,” the other began as his or her eyes landed on us. The guard broke off at the sight before them with the other one joining soon after. Their jaws dropped at the two of us.
I looked down to see that my hand was right by her head and the other one next to her waist. Celestia’s hand was resting on my chest.
All around me are familiar faces
Welp, I’m fucked.
“You FIEND!!” One of the guards shouted as they reached for the sword on their waist.
Quickly I got to my feet as the guards stepped towards me. My hands went up in surrender, but it seemed as though they weren’t dishing out any mercy. One of the guards went to Celestia's side while the other slashed their sword. Celestia cried out her horn glowed yellow.
My hands moved to stop the blade.
Futile, I know but it was instinctual.
At least at first.
There was a tingling feeling in my fingers that grew up in my arms. My eyes widened as a pale blue aura began to manifest on my arms. I watched as a round blue shield formed just above my skin. The sword hit the shield and bounced off.
The guard was confused but only for a second before they readjusted their angle and swung again.
“Stop!“ Celestia shouted as a gold dome blasted my vision and I found myself unable to move. “There seems to be a misunderstanding,” Celestia said as she got to her feet and straightened herself up. Her hands crossed and rested in front of her.
“Gleaming Shield, Blaze,“ Celestia addressed her guards. “Thank you but you need to stand down, Sean is not a threat.”
The guards let out an affirmative grunt. They were still glaring at me as they sheathed their swords, yet their hands never left the hilts.
Celestia nodded “Thank you mares,” she said as she wiped the dust off of her clothes.
Huh, so they are girls. Then why are their voices masculine? Perhaps some kind of spell?
“Sean,” Celestia said and I looked at her to see that she had positioned herself as a princess. Her back was straight, her hands resting on her front, and her head slightly tilted up. “We should get you to the doctors,” she said, her tone proper and commanding.
I nodded and allowed Celestia to lead the way out of the room. When the guards didn’t follow, I quickly walked behind Celestia as I felt the cold blade of killing intent rest at the back of my shoulder. I couldn’t meet them in the face so I kept my eyes on the ground as we walked.
Good job Sean you fucking clutz. Couldn’t help yourself, could you? Dumb motherfucker.
A warm hand was placed on my shoulder and I looked over to see that Celestia was looking at me with motherly comfort. Her smile calmed me and I nodded my thanks as I turned to look around me.
The halls were clean and the sun shone off its surface. Walls were decorated with royal purples and banners depicting Celestia’s sun on red cloth. Luna’s moon strangely missing.
I looked at Celestia and pointed at the banners, with a look that spoke of an unasked question. Celestia's hand tensed before it was lax and started to fall. Her face dropped slightly. I picked up the change in mood and I decided to return the favor.
Quickly I brought up a hand and placed it above hers. Her eyes widened slightly at my smile. “Don’t worry, Your Highness,” I said, aware of the tense guards behind me. “She’ll be home before you know it.”
For a moment I thought I saw a tear in Celestia’s eyes but just as quickly as it came it went only to be replaced by a smile. “Thank you, Sean,” she said.
The moment was over, I gave the furry hand a rub before I dropped my hand. Slowly her hand left my shoulder.
“So why the doctors?” I asked to break the silence and to quench my curiosity.
Celestia let out a hum as we walked down the hall. “Well while I did my best in healing you and stopping the enchantment,” she began, “I am not completely sure what other effects it may have had on you.”
I held an arm, the same arm that created a shield a while ago, “Like, able to use magic,” I pointed out with a wave of said arm.
“Yes…like magic,” Celestia said slowly.
That didn’t sound ominous at all.
“You don’t think that something is wrong with me do you?” I asked Celestia as I turned towards her.
“No! Of course not!” she said vehemently and quickly as she spun towards me, her eyes wide. It was so sudden that I even took a step back. A flash of worry danced across her face before she took a moment to calm herself. She then put back on the mask of the princess. I couldn’t help but wonder what the fuck was that all about. What was she thinking? Should I be worried?
Celestia coughed into her hand, “I don’t think so,” she said more calmly as she started walking.
I turned towards the guard with a confused look to which they did not return. They only looked ahead, but they looked less tense. I guess that’s a plus. With a shrug, I fell back in step with Celestia and we continued with our journey to wherever we were going.
Soon we came up to a pair of large red doors. With a double tap, Celestia announced our arrival before she pushed open the doors and motioned for me to follow. I began to feel as if the world was collapsing on me. Like I did when I was a child and I was going to meet someone new. I stayed close to Celestia as we entered a large room. The room’s walls were painted a light blue color. The windows ran the length of the wall and sheer white curtains were billowing in the wind as the windows were cracked open. In the center of the room was a hospital-style bed and near it were two ponies.
One was a male unicorn who had a dark blue coat and black mane/tail. Over his green eyes was a pair of brown glasses. He was wearing a doctor's coat over a white shirt and dark pants while his feet, or rather hooves, were bare. The stallion was looking over a clipboard as he was talking to the mare next to him.
The mare was a pegasus with creamy brown fur. Her hair was that of snow and it was tied up in a ponytail with a few strands falling on the side of her face. She was wearing clothes that a regular person would wear. A gray sleeveless turtleneck sweater and a blue pencil skirt and much like the stallion next to her, she wore no hoof covering at all.
It must be a pony thing.
“Sean,” Celestia said, catching my attention. I looked up as she motioned to the ponies in front of us. “This is Dr. Cure,” she pointed at the stallion who bowed. I quickly bowed in return, “and this is Sunny Smiles,” Celestia said as she waved to the mare who smiled and waved.
Awkwardly I waved and ‘smiled’ back.
“They’ll be in charge of the assessment,” Celestia said as she placed a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see her smile at me. “Don’t worry you are in good hands,” she reassured me, “Once you are done you’ll be escorted back to me and we can discuss the next steps.”
“Okay,” I said. I realized that I didn’t actually say it, or at least I didn’t say it loud enough. “Right, yes,” I said quickly.
I watched as Celestia nodded to me before she turned to the other two, “I leave him in your capable hooves,” she said before she turned to walk.
“No worries your highness,” Sunny said with a bow, “We’ll have the results for you as soon as possible.”
“Yes,” Dr. Cure said as he readjusted his glasses, “Do not worry Princess, we'll have him back to you as soon as possible.”
“Thank you,” Celestia said as she reached the doors, my eyes following her. I heard her say, “Lt. Shield please wait here and assist them in any way possible. When they are done, escort Sean to me.”
There was a snap of metal and, “Yes your highness!”
Celestia turned to look at me, our eyes met and I looked at her lips as they pulled up. She nodded before her horn glowed goldenly and the doors glowed the same color before they closed with a click.
“Well then,” Dr. Cure said and I turned to him to see him motioning towards the bed. “Shall we get started?”
I nodded and made my way to bed, eager for this assessment over as quickly as possible.
The warm water of the shower washed over my body, soothing and relaxing my body.
Four hours.
Four fucking hours.
I have never done a physical that was that long. It wouldn’t be so bad but the problem was Sunny. The number of questions she asked, Jesus Christ! My physical was done pretty quickly, to be honest, maybe half an hour the rest was Sunny and her questions. Some of them were weird too. Like, “Are there times when you feel as though your senses are overwhelmed?” and “How angry do you get when things don’t go according to plan?” I mean what kind of questions are those?
Considering that she was a psychologist or psychiatrist of some kind. Oh, I picked up on that real quick with just a few questions. It was confirmed when she began to pry into my childhood. I’ll give it to she was completely professional besides a wide eye here or there. The entire time she showed only compassion. There might have been sympathy but she didn’t act on it, she only confirmed that what had happened was bad and that she apologized that it did happen. Basic stuff, things I’ve heard many times.
Even Dr. Cure didn’t interrupt but he did pause when I got into a particularly dark experience. I could have sworn that the good doctor was going to snap a pencil once or twice. He did say that we had to test my endurance at the end of the questions. Sunny interjected to tell me that I didn't have to if I didn't want to, and the test could be rescheduled if I liked. Of course, I agreed to do it right then and there like a moron. They took me to a large field on the castle grounds. It was obvious that it was a garrison for the guards. The training dummies and training guards were a huge giveaway.
When I walked onto the ground I was definitely the center of attention as everyone turned to look at me. I tried my best to put them out of my mind and look/think about other things. Some of the training dummies actually looked like robotic ponies. They were made up of some kind of wood and had training swords in their hands. I watched for a moment as they moved to attack their guard opponents. It was interesting the level of tech and made a note to ask about them.
I was quickly brought to a running circle and told to run/jog as long as possible.
Human endurance for the win.
Humanity 1 Pony 0
I don’t know how long I was there but they were surprised, to say the least. My legs felt like jello afterward and thankfully I slowed down at the end to give my legs a chance to cool down. At least it was enough for Dr. Cure. Once I was given the go-ahead I was escorted back to my room in order to wash up for dinner.
Yes, that is how long it took. Fuck me! FOUR HOURS OF TESTS!!!
So here I am, standing in my massive bathroom washing the sweat off. As steam rose to the air and thickened the air I looked around at the bathroom that was too big. I mean for fucks sake I have a shower and a bathtub. Like they were separate! The tub was placed into the ground which is actually pretty cool but it is the size of a damn hot tub! I mean seriously! Who the hell needs that much space?
“Fucken rich people,” I muttered as I dunked my head under the water flow. At least the sink was normal. The mirror was pretty big, but whatever. It allowed me to figure out what changes I had undergone.
All in all, not that much. At least nothing that I haven't already noticed. Well, there was one thing, but well…confidence wouldn't be an issue.
Water passed through my hair as I looked at the ceiling of the bathroom.
Equestria…
This is real. I’m really here, but also…
I looked down at my hands as I remembered the magical shield from earlier came to mind.
“I have magic,” I muttered as my lips split my face wide open. Speaking of which, I wonder if I should grow out my beard. Perhaps a goatee? Sure, then I could bead it up once it's long enough. Yea that would look cool.
With this plan finalized I wrapped the towel around my waist and left the bedroom, where I was met by the maid that had come in earlier. The one that freaked out and bolted. Her head was down and her arms were folded in front of her. “I’m sorry for my earlier behavior,” she said, her voice soft. Her horn was glowing a light green color which matched the folded clothes that were floating next to her.
“It,” I said soundlessly, “I, it's fine,” I spat out eventually. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
The maid’s head began to rise. I made sure to look at her lips. “The fault was my own,” she reiterated.
“Are those for me,” I said, feeling that she was going to go on and whatnot. I didn’t want to deal with wearing only a towel. A towel that I currently had a death grip on.
The maid jolted and levitated stack towards me, her face slowly darkening realizing that I was practically naked in front of her. “I-I-I-I’m so sorry Lord Kirk!”
I nearly dropped the clothes at the title, “Lord!?” I gasped out as I balanced the clothes over on the bed. “I’m not a lord,” I told her as I studied the bed to see if it was one of those fancy ones with the curtains. There on one of the poles, a knot tied in with a rope. I reached over and easily undid the knot. The curtain on my side and close to the maid fell. Now fully hidden away I looked through the clothes to find a pair of white silk undergarments. Quickly I slipped them on under the towel and dropped the towel on the bed.
“So why the Lord title?” I asked as I picked up a pair of smooth black birches? Trousers? No breaches. Seems as if they are going full medieval fashion-wise. I slipped on the pants and used the strings to tighten them. A little snug for my taste but it will have to do.
“I’m sorry,” the maid mumbled, “I just assumed that with you being friends with the Princess you were a dignitary.”
Oh wait, the shirt is more Renaissance. It was white with frill sleeves and there was a frill of sorts coming from the collar. It reminded me of what Will Turner and Jack Sparrow wore. “Nope, just your average joe I’m afraid,” I told the maid as I slipped the shirt on. I let out a grunt when the cloth touched my ears and caused them to tingle a bit.
“Sir are you alright?” the maid asked concerned, her voice getting closer.
“I’m good,” I said as I moved to grab the curtain and pulled it back to the bed pole, “Just not used to the ears,” I told her pointing at one of them before I reached out for the other half of the curtain.
“Oh, please allow me,” the maid said as her horn lit up and the curtains pulled themselves towards the pole, and the rope tied itself around the curtains holding them to the pole. I quickly was distracted by the freedom my wrist felt as the frills swished through the air.
“Thank you,” I said as I moved to the bed and picked up a pair of socks. I sat down on the bed and slipped them on afterward I paused, realizing that I didn't have any shoes. With a hum, I stealthily looked around to see if I could spot mine anywhere. Unconsciously I looked over at the maid whose gaze I felt burn into me.
It would seem as though she was deeply interested in my feet. She must have caught on because her head snapped towards me and I shifted my sight away. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to stare,” she mumbled.
I let out a chuckle, “Is your name Apology?” I asked heartily, “You seem to say I’m sorry a lot.”
She blubbered out more sorries as she did this weird dance of bows and waves. It almost got to the point where I thought she was going to start crying.
“Relax, I’m joking with you,” I told her as I stood up and looked around the room. Where did I put my shoes? “What is your name?”
“It's Hazel Star,” the maid mumbled.
“Sean,” I said as I walked around the room again. Where the FUCK are my SHOES!!
“Are you looking for these?” Hazel said as she held up a pair of brown boots. I frowned at them.
“Those aren’t mine,” I told Hazel as she floated the boots over to me.
“Princess Celestia crafted them for you,” Hazel explained, “She crafted all of your clothes.”
I was taken aback by this as I grabbed the boots. They felt nice and sturdy. On one side there were three buckles and on the other was a zipper. The length of the boot would definitely go up to my mid-shin.
“She also sent your measurements to the castle’s seamstress,” Hazel said and I was only half-listening as my hand grazed the surface of the boot. “You’ll have more clothes for you in the morning.”
“I’ll need to thank her,” I whispered as I went over to my bed and sat down to put on my boots. I spent the next few minutes adjusting the buckles, but after a few minutes, I stood up, comfortable. They were nice. I didn’t feel cramped in them at all. Obviously, they were a bit stiff but nothing that won't go away after I broke them in.
“Um sir,” Hazel said and I looked at her. “It's time for supper, Princess is waiting for you.”
“Ah shit that's right,” I said heading towards the door. Before I opened I paused and I made a realization. I turned towards Hazel and opened the door. Motioning her forward I said, “Lead the way, ma’am.”
“Of course sir,” Hazel said as she walked by me.
“Please just Sean,” I said, as I exited the room and closed the door with a snap.
Author's Note
Sorry about the delay but I got hit with a bunch of life stuff, and putting together a storyline for this plus other stories.
Chapter 3
Celestia sat down in front of a long table as the castle servants walked around setting the table for supper. The room was large and open. It could easily fit hundreds of if not thousands of her little ponies in this room. It was the very reason why she used it for large galas and other such parties. Long narrow windows gave the occupants a glimpse of the gardens. Red curtains decorated the windows were tied up with golden decorative robes with thin tassels at the end. At the top of the windows laid the banner of her sun. The same red that was used on the curtains was also used for the carpet under the table. It allowed the table's occupants to keep their hooves warm from the white tile.
The Princess of Equestria let out a soft sigh as she turned to look at Dr. Cure and Sunny Smiles as they stood in front of her.
“Are you ready to present your findings?” Celestia asked.
Both ponies nodded their heads.
Celestia turned away from them and called out, “Can you please give us the room?”
The servants turned to their ruler and bowed before exiting the dining hall. Celestia then turned to the earth pony guard at the door, “We are not to be disturbed,” she said.
“Yes your Highness,” the guard said as she turned to exit the room.
Once the room was clear Celestia motioned towards Sunny, “Mrs. Smiles I know that you have many clients to take care of tomorrow so you can give your report first,” she said with a mother's smile on her lips.
“Thank you, your highness,” Sunny said as she held up her clipboard full of notes. She glanced at them, her face falling just a bit. “I've done as you asked and assessed Sean the human.” The psychologist let out a sigh, “And just as you suspected he does have a form of Autism.”
Celestia closed her eyes as her heart sank. It was just as she thought. She had her suspicions when she first met Sean in his home, and it appeared that the one she found in her old home had some of the same symptoms, but she couldn’t be sure. Celestia wondered if he knew. If his world was like the one she went to then it is possible that they missed it as well. She brought up her arm and pinched the bridge of her nose. His country's healthcare system could only be described as barbaric. Advance her ass.
“How bad,” Celestia said simply as she slowly opened her eyes and dropped her arm.
Sunny shrugged as she browsed her notes, “To be honest Your Majesty, I would need to conduct further exams. I can’t be certain what it is like in humans, but by pony standards, he would be what we would call High-Functioning Autistic.” The psychologist lowered her clipboard and looked at Celestia, “It is easy to miss because ponies with symptoms like this are normally written off as just shy or anti-social.”
“From what I could gather humans are similar as well,” Celestia said, letting her knowledge slip. She didn’t want it to get out that she did slip off somewhere outside of their world again. In this case though, the more the medical team knew the better. Besides, they were already sworn to secrecy. The rest of the staff have been told likewise. She needed time to set things up to prepare her ponies for the human's arrival, and she also needed to get Sean prepared for it as well. Get him ready to defend himself against the political games that were bound to tie him up.
“I see,” Sunny said as she looked at Dr. Cure.
“What are your suggestions?” Celestia asked the psychologist.
Sunny turned away from Cure to look at Celestia, “Well first thing is you need to tell him,” she said. “Something like this needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.”
Celestia nodded her head, “I agree.”
“This needs to be handled delicately ,” Sunny said stressing the fact, “Within my assessment, I found out about a lot of trauma he has dealt with growing up, which is probably why he hasn’t been assessed for autism yet. People around him properly thought that the trauma was what caused his symptoms.”
That got Celestia’s attention. “Trauma? What kind of trauma?” she asked quickly, her head snapping straight and her ears going to their highest point and aimed towards Sunny.
Sunny bit her lower lip and looked at Dr. Cure. The doctor looked at the psychologist and nodded his head. “Well Your Highness, I can’t tell you the exact details because of doctor-patient confidentiality, and plus it's his right to tell you the details, but I can tell you that it was mental, physical, and,” Sunny leaned back as she finished, “…sexual.”
The temperature in the room skyrocketed as the smell of ozone began to burn the air. Celestia let out a huff and steam escaped her nostrils.
The princess closed her eyes and took a deep breath, and the temperatures dropped back to their normal levels. “I see,” she said slowly.
“He seems to have made peace with it, as well as most of his trauma which tells me that he has gotten help already,” Sunny said looking at her notes briefly, “He gave the details of that instance readily and was opened to discuss it as well as the other physical and mental trauma.”
Celestia’s shoulders shuddered at the thought, “How bad was it?” she asked.
Sunny held up her clipboard as spoke, “It seems to be mostly bullying during his younger years, probably because of his undiagnosed autism, but that was about it.” Sunny skimmed through her notes quickly, “No family violence,” she said as she flipped the paper over, “but apparently they, at least his father’s side, played a lot of mental games, and the rest, well you would have to ask him.”
“Oh Sean,” Celestia whispered as she closed her eyes again, her heart began to break for the human.
Sunny took a cautious step forward, “Your Highness,” she said softly and got Celestia’s attention, “I’m only telling you this because as of now you're the closest thing he has to family here.”
Celestia took a moment to herself before she nodded and looked at Sunny, “What is needed of me?” she asked.
Sunny bowed to Celestia, “Well like I said you need to tell him about his Autism. I can be there when it happens to help guide him through this,” she reassured. She then held up a finger, “Keep in mind that he will go through a roller coaster of emotions from acceptance to denial.”
Celestia nodded, “Okay.”
“He's going to need you,” Sunny stated, “He’s going to need you to affirm that there is nothing wrong with him and that he is loved.”
Celestia let out a sigh as the weight of the world began to rest back on her shoulders, “That’s going to be difficult, I do have to run a county.”
“I know Your Highness,” Sunny nodded understandably, “I'm willing to help as much as I can. Thankfully he is High-functioning so he can take care of himself, it’ll be the social issues that he’ll have to struggle with. Any pony in his position would already have difficulty, but add Autism to that...”
“It makes things extremely difficult,” Celestia finished.
Sunny nodded her head. She then took a few seconds before she spoke wanting to make sure that she worded this correctly. “Exactly,” Sunny said slowly, “I’m not sure how close you are to him, but I suggest that you set some time just for him. At least for a few days to see how he is doing, and you can schedule an appointment with me at any time.” The psychologist then bit her lips hoping that she didn’t overstep herself telling the princess what she needed to do.
Celestia stared off to the side as she contemplated her next moves. With a sigh she turned to Sunny and gave her a smile, “Thank you Mrs. Smiles for everything,” she said as she stood up. “I know it was a lot of trouble having to drop everything on such short notice.”
Sunny gave a bow to the ruler, “Anything for the crown,” she said with a smile that lit up the room. “Thankfully I have other psychologists under me to pick up the slack.”
Celestia nodded her head, “Well I won’t keep you, unless,” she motioned towards the table, “you would like to stay for supper, it is the least I could do.”
Sunny shook her head, her smile still on her muzzle. “Thank you so much for the offer your highness, but I should get home, my herd is waiting for me.”
“Of course,” Celestia said, nodding in understanding. With a wave of her hand, she motioned for the psychologist to follow her to the doors. Just as the duo reached the doors Sunny turned to Celestia.
“Before I go,” she said, “I would like to give one more piece of advice.”
“Yes?” Celestia said her ears perked up once more.
“Find something for him, it would help him settle into his new life,” Sunny said simply. “On the plus side individuals on the spectrum tend to find something that fascinates them and put everything into it. In fact, many become leaders or masters in their field.”
When Sunny finished Celestia nodded her head in understanding, “So if he finds something he likes, encourage it.”
Sunny nodded her head before she raised a finger, “As long as it is not destructive to him.”
“Thank you again,” Celestia said as she used her magic to open the door, “Have a good night my little pony.”
“Good night, Your Highness,” Sunny said with a bow before she exited the dining room.
Celestia closed the door and turned to look at Dr. Cure. “I hope you have some better news?” she asked as she returned to her seat.
The doctor held up his clipboard and waved it around. “Well from what I can tell he is perfectly healthy,”
Dr. Cure looked at his clipboard as he listed off his findings. "His organs, while similar to ours, are slightly different in size," he said before he pulled up a piece of paper to look at the back, "but everything seems fine and in working order." He let go of the paper and let it fall down, "His reflexes are faster than the average ponies. His senses from what he has told me seem to be sharper than normal humans, but after testing they seem to be at the level of a pony."
"Based on his teeth and from my scans of his organs his dietary needs are that of an omnivore. So it appears that his original human physiology has assimilated perfectly with that of a pony’s, mixing just right with aspects of a pony. To be honest Your Highness it is a medical miracle that we haven’t detected any abnormalities. I won’t know for sure until I get his blood work back tomorrow."
"So he is alright?" Celestia asked slightly relieved as she sat back down.
"Oh yes, very healthy, and his stamina whew!" Dr. Cure let out a crazy sigh, "Humans are a scary bunch that’s for sure."
Celestia fell into her seat and let out a sigh, "What about magic?" she asked.
Dr. Cure let out a hum as he went through his notes, "It's…strange, and I’m not sure I can describe it correctly."
"Try your best," Celestia encouraged the pony.
"Well as you know every race is connected to the magic of the land in some form or fashion," Dr. Cure began, "Earth Ponies tap into the magic with their hooves and use it for agriculture."
"Pegasus use their wings to tap into the magic in the air and use it to manipulate the weather," The good doctor then tapped at himself. "Unicorns are able to tap into the very essence of magic, but we are limited to only excel in one area of magic. Like mine is connected to medicine."
Dr. Cure tucked his clipboard under his arm as he went on, "From what you have told me his kind has zero connection to magic and has no affinity for it. With that being the case one of two things should have happened. One: His body should have rejected the presence of magic like a virus, which should lead to either a sick-prone body or…"
Dr. Cure gulped, "…death. But since that didn’t happen we don’t have to worry about that so that leads to the second outcome. Magic resistance, like he would cancel out magic together."
Wanting some clarification Celestia asked, "Meaning?"
"Meaning he would negate any form of magic," the doctor said with an arm slicing the air. "For example, if there was a magical lock his touch would just remove the presence of the magic and the lock would become undone. It just would be repelled by his presence."
"So, what has happened?" Celestia asked.
"Well," Dr. Cure said as he looked through his notes once again, "whatever change Sean’s body has undergone it was done in such a way that it has integrated a magic absorption much like a unicorn. This has allowed him to tap into the magical aether, but because of his human nature, it doesn’t seem to be tied to a particular aspect."
Celestia began to connect some of the dots, and her eyes widened, “Are you saying that…"
"He’s like a blank canvas," Cure said releasing the papers before tapping them, "it's possible that magic is his element. There is only one pony I have seen that could even come close, and she’s your student. We all know what kind of power potential she has."
"So you're saying that he can become a powerful magic user?" Celestia inquired formulating possible teachers and tutors for her human friend.
"I’m saying that it's a strong possibility," Cure clarified, "It's possible that he could become as powerful as you if not more, or he could be tied to one aspect of magic and get a Cutie Mark for it. He might not even reach the level of a unicorn filly. I don’t know at this point. That’s the problem, because he is human with some pony in him anything could go."
"I see."
Cure sighed as he folded the papers away, "My professional opinion is that we watch him." The doctor's horn glowed a slight green as he copied his notes. "Have him come to me every so often for a check-up and see if there are any issues. At the very least for the next few months, after that, we will play it by ear." He then sent the copy over to Celestia which she took and teleported them to her room. "This way I can also build up a portfolio so that way if something happens we can have something to go off of. If he is to practice magic then it should be under the watchful eye of a professional just in case. "
"Okay, then that’s what we’ll do," Celestia said with a nod, "I’ll talk to him and see what he wants to do about the magic aspect. For the medical, give me a day or so and we can meet up in order to set up a schedule."
"As you wish Your Highness."
"Thank you, Doctor," Celestia said with a slight bow of her head.
"Of course Your Highness," Doctor Cure said as he bowed before his princess, "I live to serve."
"I’m sure that your mate is missing you."
"Yes, she is," Cure said with a small smile on his muzzle.
"Then send her my love and gratitude," Celestia said with a regal wave of her hand to dismiss the doctor.
"Of course Your Highness," Doctor Cure said with one last bow before he turned around and departed.
Celestia let out a sigh as the doctor walked down the halls. “You always go big don’t you Sean,” she murmured. She turned to the guard next to her and said, “You can allow the servants back in to finish setting up dinner.”
“Of course,” the guard said as she turned to the unicorn maid next to her and gave a nod. The maid gave a curtsy before her horn glowed and she walked back into the dining space. Celestia returned her gaze to the dining space but stopped when she noticed three ponies coming her way. She paused and looked down the hall to see that one of her maids and a human were coming toward her. Next to them was the guard she assigned to the human.
Hazel Star and Gleaming Shield had their heads pointed forward. Sean on the other hand was looking around him as he walked. Celestia smiled when she saw the childlike wonder in his eyes that didn’t seem to match his regular thin lip expression. The human’s head continued to swivel until it snapped toward her. His lips curled upward when he saw her and gave her a wave as he sped up towards her.
“I can’t believe the size of this place,” Sean said as he came up to her, Hazel and Gleaming trotting up to them. “Seriously,” the human said as he came to a stop in front of Celestia. He waved around, “Why do you need so much space?”
Celestia giggled before she waved him inside. “Well, one can’t have too many rooms,” she answered before she turned to Hazel and Gleaming. “Thank you two, you are dismissed.”
“Oh right,” Sean said as he turned towards the ponies. “Thank you for all of your help.”
Hazel curtsied to them and said, “It wasn’t a problem at all,” before she turned and walked down the halls. Gleaming just bowed her head before she turned and followed.
“I think she’s still mad at me,” Sean muttered as he watched the retreating guard.
“Just give them time to warm up to you,” Celestia said as she placed a hand on the human’s back. "Did you learn anything about your magic while we were apart?" she asked
"Not yet,” Sean said as he held up his right hand. He then wiggled his first two fingers together rapidly. “I mean I feel…something,” he said as his eyes narrowed at his fingers as they danced. They slowed for a moment and Celestia used that moment to ask.
“What do you feel?”
“Something…new, I guess? It's hard to explain but it's like there's this presence around me, floating. It's just waiting for…” Sparks began to dance around his fingers. With a jolt, Sean flung his hand as if to rid himself of a bug.
With a chuckle, Celestia said, “That?”
“Yeah," the human said as he rubbed his fingers, "that.”
“Why don’t we discuss over supper?” Celestia said as she motioned the human to a seat next to her. Sean nodded his head and went over to sit down. “Although I would appreciate it if you didn’t try to use magic while we are eating."
“Right," Sean snorted with a smirk, "Don't want it to blow up or something."
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. A groan of satisfaction escaped my lips as my back cracked from my morning stretch. “Alright then,” I said to no one as I got out of bed and went to the window. With a flick of my finger, I unlocked the window and with my hands pushed the windows open. Clear mountain air wafted into my room. With a deep breath, I took in the clean air.
“Perfect,” I said as I turned around and fell to the ground. Just before I hit the ground I flung out my arms to catch myself. My arms bent to take the force before they pushed up and I started doing push-ups.
The next fifteen minutes or so I spent working out, using my own body’s weight as resistance.
I knew that the main weakness of magic users is the physical. They spend so much time practicing strengthening their mind that they neglect their body. A weakness that I wasn’t going to allow for myself. My excitement for learning something amazing pushed me to continue my workout.
Slowly I transitioned into Yoga. I am going to take advantage of my…physical restart…I guess you could call it. I definitely lived a sedentary lifestyle and when I finally got to the point where I wanted to work out I just…couldn’t. I would try and get a routine going but only for it to collapse within three weeks. Until I finally managed to start something only to get into an accident and end up with deteriorating discs.
Now though I don’t have to worry about that at all, now I’m free of all the restrictions.
I’m going to take full advantage of it.
When I was done I moved toward my bathroom in order to complete my other part of my new morning routine. This includes brushing teeth, showering, bathroom, etc.
After I finished I walked toward the bathroom door. Just as I rested my hand on the handle, memories of me walking out with only a towel and Hazel in my room. Slowly I turned the handle and poked my head out to check to see if the coast was clear. I looked in my room to see that the coast was clear. With that clarification, I entered the room and instantly felt something was off. I looked around my room to see if I was by myself and I was.
Then what is causing this feeling?
I moved to my bed and saw that it was already made with a set of fresh clothes resting on it. Next to the pile was a rolled-up piece of parchment.
When did this…damn they’re good.
With an impressive snort, I took off my towel and moved to get dressed. Once I was done I picked up the parchment and unrolled it to see a letter from Celestia.
Dear Sean,
I hope that you are well this morning. Unfortunately, I am not able to discuss this with you myself as my duties have called me away.
First, I wish to apologize for Prince Blueblood’s behavior last night as it was unbecoming of somepony in his position. Although I will ask you not to antagonize any more of the nobles you may come in contact with during your stay here. I know that you have a strong sense of justice, but here you must be extra careful who you antagonize. Here in Equestria and in your current position you are more vulnerable to those with power. Especially with your connection with me. I know that you are not one to be easily swayed by others, but it doesn’t hurt to be extra careful. We will discuss more on this at a later date. Also please watch your langued it might be normal back home but here it is extremely frowned upon.
On a lighter note, I know that you are excited to start learning magic so once you are done with breakfast I have instructed Lt. Gleaming Shield to escort you to the library where I have instructed them to give you books to get you started. I will swing by this afternoon with your magic instructor.
Your Friend, Celestia
P.S. I mean it about the language. While most of your obscured cuss words are not known smart ponies will still know your intent.
I took the parchment and placed it on the bedside table. With a deep sigh, I took in what Celestia just told me.
So, I have to worry about nobles and their grubby claws, or rather hooves. Oh goodie.
“But magic time,” I said as I got off my bed and made my way towards my door. As I stepped outside I saw that my door was flanked by two Royal Guards. I couldn’t tell if I recognized either of them as they both looked the same. “Uh, Lt. Shield?” I said slowly at the two.
The one on the right spoke up, “Sir,” she said in her gravelly voice.
“Ah,” I said as I turned to her, “Good morning,” I said, “Um…Princess Celestia said you would escort me to the library?”
“After breakfast, yes,” Gleaming said, her stance unmoving.
“Cool, let's head to the library then,” I said quickly, “I’m not really hungry.”
Gleaming’s eyes glanced at me as one of her eyebrows raised. “As you wish,” she said slowly and walked past me.
Yea fuck breakfast. I never eat it anyway. It's time for magic anyway.
Unsure how far the library is and I wanted to make up to her as well I decided to strike up a simple conversation. “So, how many of the guards are girls?” I asked.
Fantastic dipshit.
“Girls?” Gleaming asked.
“Um right, uh mares,” I clarified.
“Ah,” Gleaming said simply. “Besides the Captain of the Guard and a few special operations agents. I would say about the entire force.”
“I see,” I said as I stuffed my hands into my pockets.
So gender skews towards mares it seems.
“I am guessing it is different from where you're from,” Gleaming said as she must have picked up what my train of thought was, and I nodded in response.
“Yep, the gender ratio is about 50/50 depending on the location,” I explained, “and it's usually the men who take on the role of defense, but there are some exceptions.”
Gleaming turned towards me her eyebrow raised, “That’s…different,” she said as she rolled the words as if to test them. “I guess you don’t have to worry about repopulation then.”
I shook my head. “I’m assuming that is why you protect your males?”
The guard nodded her head, “Yes, because of the low numbers of stallions it is the mares that take on the roles of the providers and protectors.”
“While the stallions stay home and take care of the house,” I said with a nod. It makes sense I suppose. I just hope that they don’t plan on putting me in that category. That reminds me, what am I going to do here? I don’t think I could be an Ayurveda Consultant here, nor do I think that they have a need for Voice Actors. Perhaps I can do something with magic? Just another reason for me to study magic I guess.
“Here we are sir,” Gleaming said as she opened a pair of long red doors. She revealed a large multi-story room. Books covered every inch of the walls and besides a walking space on the sides of the room, there were shelves full of books.
Huh, I guess if Twilight was here she would have an orgasm at the amount of books there were.
Well, that was a little inappropriate. Eh fuck it, it's my mind I can think whatever the fuck I want.
Gleaming Shield led me to a circular desk where an old pegasus stallion rested behind it. His mane which was charcoal black had grayed in some areas. His periwinkle fur sagged around his face. He wore a brown and white sweater vest-shirt combo. Behind a pair of circle glasses, his storm gray eyes zipped across the book he was reading.
My guard let out a small cough which jolted the pony from his book. Slowly he turned to look at us, his eyes squinted at us. “Ah!” He said as he readjusted his glass. “You must be the ‘homan’ Her Highness was talking about.” His voice scratched like old parchment.
“Yes sir,” I said with a slight nod of my head.
The librarian’s eyes slightly widened. “Manners?” He gasped out as his smile morphed on his muzzle. “Well, that’s nice.”
The librarian got up from his chair and walked around the desk. He went up to me and eyed me up and down. “Dusty Pages, at your service,” the stallion said as he held out his hand.
“Sean,” I said as I took Dusty’s hand and shook it.
“Hmm, a strong grip yet soft hands,” Dusty said as we broke contact. He turned around and motioned us to follow. “I have the books Princess Celestia wanted you to look over.”
“What kind of books?” I asked as I walked up next to Dusty.
Dusty’s wings fluttered a bit, “Oh just some basic magic instruction books,” he said as he turned to me. “It's safe to assume that you just picked up magic?”
I nodded my head, “Yea, my kind don’t normally have magic so I have to start from the beginning and hope that it isn’t that different from how Poines use magic.”
Dusty let out a hum before he spoke again. “We’ll have to see,” Dusty said, “Unfortunately I can’t help you.” He fluttered his wings to emphasize the point that he could only fly. “Pegasus can’t use magic like unicorns.”
I wonder if I could fly? Perhaps with a wind spell or maybe a levitation spell combined with something…? Wait, I wonder if I could make some suit that will enable me to fly? Perhaps some sort of enchanted object?
Dusty let out a laugh and I looked over to see that the Peguses were rubbing his eye. “Sorry,” he said as his laughter died down. “You just remind me of a unicorn that visits these halls frequently.” When I cocked my head to the side he went on, “Oh you just got this look of deep concentration as a thousand thoughts swim about.”
“Ah,” I said simply as my eyes wondered at the books that we were passing.
“Hmm,” Dusty hummed, “Sort of act like her too,” he muttered as we came up to a table with a stack of books. “Ah, here we are.”
Dusty went up to the table and pulled the single chair out and motioned me to sit. I went over and sat down as Dusty went over and picked up a book and showed it to me.
It was a hardcover book that was wrapped in a light blue with bubble-style letters that spelled out: Magic for Young Unicorns by Twilight Velvet. “I would start with this one,” Dusty said, “It will give you the basics on how magic works and a few spells for you to try.”
Twilight Velvet? Wait isn't that Twilight's mom? I didn't know that she was a writer. Sure the fan base somewhat canonized her to be one, usually as a ghostwriter for Daring Do but was she really an author? This reminds me once again just how lived in this world is. How alive everyone is. Each one with their own hopes and dreams, day to day living their life one step at a time. A life that will soon be disrupted from the start of the 1000th-year Sun Celebration all the way to the final battle against the trio of villains. Since this is real and not a show bound by the laws of rating I need to prepare for all threats.
I have a long way to go.
I reached out and picked up the book. “Thank you,” I said as I opened the book and flicked to the first chapter. It had cutesy pictures of a blue unicorn who spoke in speech bubbles. I flicked ahead and saw that the speech bubbles had what looked like a complicated math equation.
Great. My worst subject.
With a sigh, I looked up to ask Dusty a question only to find that the pegasus had left already.
“He said that he had to go back to the desk,” Gleaming said from her spot next to a bookshelf on my right. “And that if you have any questions or need help with something to come find him and he’ll help you.”
“Okay,” I said as I took the book and flicked it back to the beginning. “You can go as well if you have something to do,” I told Gleaming. The guard turned to me with a raised eyebrow
“Her Highness has instructed me to stand by your side until the afternoon when I am relieved,” Gleaming said, her tone stiff.
“Oh, okay,” I muttered, “Well if you need to, just um, you know…fuck it” I whispered the last words.
With that embarrassing engagement, I dug into the book to learn the secrets of magic. My eyes began to dance across the page as I drank in the knowledge. Time became relative as I swam through the book. Sometimes I read the same page multiple times just in case I misunderstood a concept.
It seems that there are multiple ways to cast a spell; most of them depend on the spellcaster. The most common is through thoughts, especially for basic spells like levitation. That spell acts as an extra hand or hooves for the unicorn. It's odd that ponies call both their hands and feet hooves. Doesn’t that get confusing? Bah, no matter.
For more complex spells a series of words or equations is needed. How that works I have no idea as apparently, that is too high for a young unicorn to understand. It is possible to perform these spells with thoughts but it is a bit more complicated to do so. Only the most accomplished magic users like Starswrill the Bearded could do so with ease. To power the spell the user uses a mixture of mental and physical energies. Both of which can be expanded through practice and exercise. Although there is still a limit on how much one can expand it.
I wonder if I have a limit. Or perhaps I could go beyond…PLUS ULTRA!!!
…I’ll walk myself out.
There was also something called Rune Magic. To simplify it was a form of enchantment where runes are drawn with some form of magic whether that is using your natural magic to engrave runes on an object or using ink that has been treated with charged crystal dust or gem dust for a more inferior spell.
It looks like I'm going to have to hunt down that crystal cave under Canterlot.
I then came to the part where they started to teach levitation.
“Close your eyes,” I muttered to myself as I read the words, “And touch your magic, once you do so reach out and think about grasping the object.” I read on as a cartoony unicorn explained that the weight of the object will increase the difficulty and start off with something light.
Touch my magic, huh?
I closed my eyes and reached out to the bump in my mind. As I did so, light angelic music began to play. I reached out with my hand and felt a force pull my first two fingers up. I felt something grasp the kiddy book and I moved my hand up.
“Impressive,” Gleaming said and I opened my eyes to see that the book was levitating in front of me and that it was wrapped in a light blue aura. The same aura that was around my outstretched hand. With a smile, I jerked my hand towards me and the book zoomed into my outstretched hand.
Only for the book to zip past and nail me in the head. “Ow,” I said simply as the book flopped on my lap.
Gleaming let out a giggle and I looked over at the guard to see that she was covering her muzzle with an armored hoof.
I let out a grunt of irritation and picked up the book. With a huff and dropped the book on the table. My magic activated and I picked up the beginner's book and with a flick of my fingers opened the book. Slowly the pages turned until I found the spot where I left off with my free hand I picked up the next book.
“Magic Basics for Elementary Unicorns,” I muttered as I opened the book and began to read. I lost myself within the confines of the pages. Time became lost as I poured over the contents of the books before me. Once I was done with that book I floated that book up and picked up the next one. I used the previous books as a point of reference as I went through the books.
I heard Gleaming let out a cough, but I chose to ignore it as I turned the page on how to enchant items. It requires a spell to be placed on a crystal. Each crystal has to be recharged with magic to keep it working. So it was kinda like a battery. The only issue is that crystals were rare thanks to the disappearance of the Crystal Empire where they were abundant. In Equestria, they can be found in pockets but they are hard to find.
I guess they haven't met Rarity yet. She has a spell just for that. Unless those are different from crystals? Nor does seem as though anyone knows about the crystal cave underneath the capital.
Gleaming let out another cough this time a bit louder.
Elemental magic was incredible too; perhaps I could learn a bit of that. However what kind of a mage do I want to be? I think there was a book on that. I’ve been more of a battlemage or spellsword. You know, kind of an all-rounder.
There was a loud dainty cough that did not sound like Gleaming.
I looked up and pushed some of the books out of the way to see Celestia standing there with a bemused look on her muzzle.
“Oh,” I gasped out and with the shock, the books that I had floating up came down with a series of crashes. With a wince, I used my magic to pick the books up and place them back on the table. “How long have you been standing there?” I asked.
“A few minutes,” Celestia said as she crossed her arms under her chest. I averted my eyes to look at Gleaming who just stood there like a statue and had a thousand-yard stare. “Now I need to ask,” Celestia said as I looked over to see a raised eyebrow to enhance the disapproval look she now had on. “Did you even eat breakfast?”
“Uh…no,” I said as I looked at the book that I was reading, “I didn’t really feel hungry this morning.”
“And now?” the princess pressed
I took a moment and got the answer. My stomach started to hurt with hunger pains. “A little,” I said.
Celestia rolled her eyes and said, “Perhaps because you’ve missed lunch?”
“Did I?” I said as I looked around to spot a window or clock.
Celestia’s lips pulled up as she looked at me. “Yes, Sean,” she said as if she was pointing out something to a child. “You missed lunch.”
“I see,” I said as I reached for the book that I was currently reading. “Sorry about that,” I said as I opened the book to get back to the spot I was at.
“Sean,” Celestia said, her voice getting a harder tone in it.
“I’m okay,” I told her before the book was reading was taken from me by a golden glow. “Oi!”
The book caused a thud when it hit the table. I looked up to see that Celestia was not alone beside her was a mare with a familiar golden coat with a golden and red mane. Celestia’s eyes looked over to the mare as she waved her to come forward. “Sean, this will be your magic teacher, Sunset Shimmer.”
In contrast to Celestia, Sunset was a good foot shorter and I was roughly six feet tall. So I would pin her height about five and a half-ish. Sunset's mane was pulled back and tied up in a ponytail with the exception of a few stands that covered her aqua-green eyes. A pair of pony ears sprouted out from her mane. She was...well proportioned in all the desirable places to which the purple suit clung to her form helped emphasize that point well. The suit seemed to cover her entire body minus her arms, and her hooves except for a thin piece. On her hands were a pair of purple gloves that went up to mid-bicep with a metal bracelet around both of her writs. Each bracelet at a fire red gem placed in the center. Golden diamonds were stitched into the neck, thigh, and forearm. She had on a pair of boots there was a lighter shade of purple that went up to her upper thigh where her cutie mark was stitched. Around her ankles were the same metal braces that were around her wrist minus the gems. The boot also left open her hooves. On her waist was a lime green sash that flowed the front of her with the same golden diamond that was on her main suite.
Whoa, she’s beautiful.
I'm not going to lie. I was so struck by her beauty that I couldn't help but let my jaw fall just a little.
Sunset rolled her gorgeous eyes and looked at Celestia, “This is who I’m going to teach?” She said snidely. “This is beneath my skills.”
'And she’s a bitch,' I thought as my jaw closed to transform into a frown.
“Sunset!” Celestia chided sharply.
“It's fine,” I said going back to my book. “If she doesn’t want to teach me then that’s her problem. I don’t need someone who doesn’t care besides…” I lifted my hand and magic began to encase my hand. The book in front of me began to levitate. “…I think I got it, and she’ll be a hindrance.”
Celestia then turned her harsh gaze to me. I recoiled slightly but just shrugged my shoulders and grabbed the floating book in front of me.
“What! A hindrance! How dare you!” I heard Sunset yell, “I’m Princess Celestia’s top student!”
“I don’t give a fuck!” I snapped back ignoring the jolt from Sunset and Gleaming, “You could be a god for all I care but if you don’t give a fuck you're going to be a shitty teacher.”
Sunset ground her teeth as she growled. “I’m going to…” she seethed as her horn glowed a red color. I stood up with my hands flaring with magic.
“Bring it!” I growled.
“Enough !” Celestia shouted with such force that I shoved back into my chair. I looked up to see that Celestia’s eyes had hardened and she had that gaze pointed right at me and Sunset who had her back turned away from her. “I’m not going to have you two fighting each other! Is that clear?”
“Yes,” I hissed out softly.
Celestia turned her heated gaze at her student, "Sunset?" she fumed.
“Yes, Your Highness," came the sharp response.
“Now apologize," Celestia as she turned to the both of us, "the both of you," she demanded.
"What! Why?” Sunset snapped as she turned toward her teacher. Her eyes flared darkly.
Not wanting to raise Celestia's ire any more than I already have I gave a muted "I’m sorry.”
“Fine," Sunset snorted angrily, "I’m sorry I guess," she said with little to no sincerity.
Celestia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her eyes then widened as an understanding crossed her face.
Oh boy, I’m not going to like this.
“Sunset, I want you to give Sean a tour of the grounds,” Celestia said.
“What?!” Sunset and I exclaimed together.
“Yes,” Celestia said as she clapped her hands together, a smile that didn’t match her eyes graced her lips, “Both of you, together.”
I reached over to pick up a book and held it up to her, “But magic,” I whimpered to which Celestia giggled.
“Will still be there tomorrow,” she said as her horn glowed and she summoned a bright red apple. With her magic, she floated the apple towards me which I took with a frown. As I sat there eating the apple Celestia turned towards Sunset. “Please show him around the castle, and starting tomorrow you will be teaching him magic.”
"But why me?" Sunset demanded while she pointed at me, "Why not one of your other students?"
"Because," Celestia said hiding the fact that her patience was wearing thin, "his kind doesn’t have any connection to magic." The princess then placed a hand on Sunset's shoulder, "Now that he does we don’t know what kind of effect it may have on him. Yes, he has shown some aptitude for magic but we don’t know how much and to what extent."
Celestia then used her free hand to lift Sunset's head so that she was looking into her eyes. "He needs somepony to guide him, I need somepony that I can trust to guide him when I am unable to. A pony to watch over him as he roams the castle."
"A task that I’m entrusting to you, my faithful student."
Sunset closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "Fine," she said with finality, "let's go." She then pulled herself away from Celestia's grip before she waved at me to follow.
I watched as Sunset began to walk away then to Celestia who let out a sigh. I got up and walked toward her. “Is everything alright?” I asked the princess of the sun. Celestia looked at me for a moment and smiled.
“Nothing that you need to worry about,” Celestia said a smile started to pull on her lips as her hand rested on my shoulder. “Thankfully I've taken your advice for her to heart and adjusted my teaching habits with her. Although she’s still thirsty for power."
“Uh, you mean the other me?” I said before I pointed out, “I only showed Celestia the first two episodes.”
"Oh," Celestia said with a shocked jolt before she retreated her hand, "I see," she said softly as she began to shift her gaze away.
I picked up on the shift in mood and cut in, "But I uh, I’m glad that my advice has worked out for ya." I put up two thumbs up at her while I gave her a smile.
Celestia began to smile again.
Sucess!
"I want to let you know that you will have the freedom to roam the castle," the princess said, "but I asked that you remain on the grounds. I have to prepare a few things before I introduce you to the general public."
Well, that sucks. I kinda wanted to get out and see Canterlot.
"What if I can get a disguise?" I asked. I think there are some illusion spells that could work. I'll have to look that up to find out more.
Celestia sucked in her lower lip before she answered slowly. "We’ll have to see."
"Ya, that’ll be great. Your place is cool and all but I think I’ll get a little stir-crazy if i’m not able to go out and what"
“Again we will see,” Celestia giggled, “Now, run along my little human,” she said with a smile, “It won’t do you any good to keep Sunset waiting.”
Author's Note
So this story is starting to take off for me I already have up to chapter 11 outlined and the next three ready for edit and post. In light of this, I'm thinking about putting more focus on this story while I have the momentum. This will no longer be a side project. As such I'm thinking about a name change and getting an editor if I can afford it. This also mean actual chapter names as well.
I would like your opinion on whether or not to make this all one story or split it into a series. I can do both either way I just don't know which one to do.
Sunset's look was inspired by Ambris
Lunch with a Side of Kisses???
I looked at the rectangular metal tray in front of me. Parts of the tray were sectioned off for different servings of food. Speaking of food I was given things like flowers, fruits, hay, and a roll. So I have a tray full of food and I can only eat half of it. Picking up an apple I began to eat it while looking around the building I was in.
It was rectangular with long rows of tables made out of treated wood. Each table had a section of staff. It was as if it was divided up by, by goddamn what was the word. Fuck the one that was like. It meant different groups. You had the royal guard in one area, members of the Wonderbolts not too far from them, general staff in another, support staff for the royal guards like the blacksmiths and enchanters, and what looked like Celestia’s personal student/staff. I don’t know to be honest as I’m only assuming that because that is where Sunset took off for immediately when we arrived, to get as far away from me as possible I assume, and they looked to be similarly dressed.
As for me, I’m with the Royal Support Crew.
“So Sean was it,” Golden said from my left with Crystal on my right, “How dig’ya get here?”
Cliques that what it was called.
“You picked me up like a sack of potatoes and carried me,” I said through a bite of an apple. Golden let out a bark of laughter before she re-asked her question.
“Ah meant here in Equestria.”
“I think that’s classified right now,” I told her, “I’m not sure Cel-Princess wants that information out there yet.”
Golden nodded her head before stuffing her face with a large portion of hay. Her eyes lit up for a moment before she looked at me with sly eyes. “Ya almost called the Princess by her first name,” she said leaning down toward me her lips mimicked her eyes. “Are ya perhaps closer to her, like a lover.”
Lover!
“I, uh, um, no,” I stumbled out as I looked down at my tray.
“Please stop pestering the guest,” Crystal spoke for the first time since we sat down. “From what I have heard, he is a friend of the Princess and nothing more.”
“Sure tha’s what they want us to think,” Golden countered and I felt her eyes drill into me.
“We are just friends, nothing more,” I answered as I finished my apple and put down the core.
Golden looked at my apple core with a confused look. “Aren’t ya gonna finish that?” she asked.
I looked at the core and then at her with a raised eyebrow. “No,” I said drawing out the o, “That will kill me.” I pointed at the seeds that were poking out. “Those are extremely toxic to humans.”
Golden’s eyes bugged out of her head and I heard a choke come from Crystal. My head snapped towards her to make sure that she was okay. I was just in time to see her drink some water. While I patted her chest Golden asked, “Uh just how much of that food there could you eat?” I didn’t answer just yet. I wanted to wait until Crystal was able to breathe normally.
“I’m so sorry,” Crystal said as she turned to me her eyes slightly watering.
I moved my hand so that it rested on her shoulders and told her, “It's alright, you didn’t know.” I then turned to Golden who looked sheepish as she scrapped the back of her head.
“Ah kinda feel embarrassed,” Golden said as she began to poke at her food, “We uh, both got the usual and uh…assumed,”
Huh, she loses a bit of the accent when she’s embarrassed. Where is she from originally?
“It's fine,” I picked up the roll which was warm and buttery, “I can eat the fruits and the roll.”
“Good going,” a new voice said before they took a seat in front of us. “Getting the Princess’s special guest poisoned and starving him, that should go well.”
I turned to the new pony to see a pegasus mare sit down. This one was more familiar to me.
Fleetfoot was a member of the Wonderbolts, a group of elite flyers that are a part of the Equestrian military. Although they are more known for their aerial shows that they perform throughout the year. Fleetfoot was a mare pegasus who had a compact body that allowed her to fly in the sky. She was currently wearing a bomber jacket over a skin-tight body suit. The body suit was dark blue with yellow jagged lines around her wrist with a big going down the center. She had light arctic blue fur and light grey main. Like really light to the point that it was almost white. Her eyes were slightly purple.
“The name is Fleetfoot, and I’m a member of the Wonderbolts,” Fleetfoot said as she placed her tray down.
I nodded to the mare, “Sean,” I said.
“Hey, it's not our fault,” Crystal spat out in her defense. “How could we know what was edible for him?”
“I don’t know, ask him,” Fleetfoot said with a smirk, “You know instead of sitting him down and fixing his plate for him.”
“Ma raised a proper mare she did,” Golden said as she snorted and stuffed her mouth full of hay. “Gotta make sure colts are well fed.”
“Sure,” Fleetfoot said unconvinced.
“So,” Crystal said a lightly louder than what would be considered normal. Then again what is normal nowadays? “You mentioned earlier that you were surprised at the ‘advanced technology’,” Crystal asked me, “What did you mean by that.”
“Well, I guess now that I think about it maybe advanced technology isn’t the proper word,” I began to pick at the different fruits as I tried to figure out what was what, “Where I’m from we mostly based ours on science rather than magic.”
“Really why not?” Crystal said as I decided to pick up what looked like an orange slice.
“Because we don’t have magic,” the words slipped out before I even thought about it.
“What no magic?! Then how do you function!” Crystal gasped out.
“How do you manage the weather?” Fleetfoot asked.
“How do you grow things?” Golden asked.
Well, at least the orange slice-looking thing was an orange, “Uh we just do, we don’t we just live with it, and we managed…?” I trailed off as I made sure to answer each of the questions that were asked.
“Where do you live?” Crystal asked/demanded, “Magic is everywhere is just a basic fact of life.”
Fuck fuck fuck fuck how do I answer this?
Uh… the internet.
That’s not going to work!
“Umm… classified,” I answered weakly realizing that this was probably going to be my ‘get out of jail’ card. A very used card.
“Not much of an answer there,” Fleetfoot said with a wave of her hand toward me.
I just shrugged and looked apologetically. “Sorry,” I said, “I just have to clear what I can and can’t say with the princess.”
“Ah guess it will have to do,” Golden said with a sigh.
“Sorry,” I mumbled out an apology
“Bah! It’s not ya fault,” Golden said with a wave of her hoof. “If you can’t say then you can’t say.”
To drive this conversation away from any more potholes I brought back the original subject of our discussion. “So tell me about those…dummy things?" I asked Crystal.
The unicorn finished her bit of hay before she explained, "The Royal Guard use them to train their sword fighting or their accuracy with arrows or magic."
"And that crystal thing that you put in them?" I asked as I grew more interested in these training dummies. Already I was wondering who I needed to talk to to get permission to use them.
Crystal nodded her head, "That's correct, although technically they are gems." The unicorn then got a forlorn look on her muzzle. I couldn't help but notice how expressive their faces were. With the big eyes and ears, it was almost easy to tell what they were feeling. "When the Crystal Empire was around we used crystals, we preferred them. You see crystals can hold a large amount of magical energy."
"While gems do not."
"Correct," Crystal nodded a small smile appearing on her muzzle.
I let that information sink in for a moment before I inquired, "So you use gems for everything?"
"Well not everything," Crystal said with a shake of her head, "you see even gems have more limitations other than how much magic they can hold. A gem can only hold one spell at a time. Those training dummies are extremely complex machines. They were created before the Crystal Empire disappeared and contain crystals."
"With crystals it's easier to enchant a complex spell on them and the crystals themselves can hold a vast amount of magic in them. Those dummies for example can move with pinpoint precision, and when they were created they had a learning matrix spell put on them as well. This allowed them to learn from the best sword fighters at the time. They were also given voice-activated commands so that the pony practicing could increase the level."
Holy shit, and we couldn't get one drone to do the same job over and over without killing itself.
"I see, so I’m guessing that you use gems to charge the crystals then?" I asked.
"Yes although it is unfortunate that most crystals that we have are already enchanted to the max so the amount of magic they can hold is greatly diminished," Crystal's face slumped as she let out a desperate sigh of a person who is done with life, "So they require constant charging."
So it also appears that once a crystal is enchanted it is one and done. Kinda like in Skyrim. Although…I wonder if I could create…
"Is it possible to absorb magic within the environment?" I asked.
"Yes, in fact, we have a contraption back in my office that does exactly that," Cyrstal said as she waved a hoof towards the general direction of her office, "It's how we recharged the gems that power the enchantments."
Then why haven't they thought about crafting a charging gem next to another enchanted gem?
“Then why don’t you just,” I waved my hand around while I tried to put words together. “Put in place a gem that absorbs the ambient magic and connect it so that it charges the gem?"
“Well, you see…” Crystal began explaining but began to trail off as her face turned thoughtful. Her lips pressed together as her eyes danced around reading something that we could not see. Suddenly, and without warning, her face brightened up as she exclaimed. “Buck me!” She stood up and yelled before she turned to me and pushed herself into me. This put me right into Golden Slice bosoms. Crystal then pressed her muzzle into mine and gave a long lick across my lips. “You bucking sexy genius!”
The enchanter then let me go and ran out of the cafeteria. All eyes looked towards the mare as she bolted towards the doors before they turned to me.
What the fuck was that?
I sunk lower into Golden who let out a chuckle. "Well butter my backside and call me a biscuit." Golden's voice vibrated through her which reminded me that I was curled up in her chest. I moved to remove myself from my spot when Golden slithered her arms around me. "I didn’t think that mare had it in her. To be honest I didn’t think she was interested in anything but her work.” I looked up and saw that the mare who held me was looking at me with a predatory smile, “I guess she has more of an…exotic taste.” Golden squeezed her arms slightly and partly smothered my head. "I can see the allure."
Buh…
This goddamn boobie monster is going to kill me!
"Haha," Golden chuckled as a furry finger trailed up my chest up to my chin. A shiver went down my spine at the action which caused Golden to chuckle again, "Don’t worry your cute little head about it. I’m just going to use this as a way to tease her later, and you if I get these kinds of reactions."
"Do you have time to mess around,” Fleetfoot said which distracted Golden just enough for me to slip out of her grip. “I know that the blacksmith got that massive order so she needs somepony to de-rust the guards' equipment.”
My face was flushed as I took a few moments to calm my heart.
Golden’s shoulder slumped as she let out a sigh, “You heard about that then,” she muttered before she poked at her at the remains of her lunch. “Not looking forward to that.”
De-rust? They must be using iron for weapons and armor. Man, this world is weird when it comes to technology. Well, I guess it's only weird because they have magic to supplement any weakness in technology.
“Do ya’ll use iron for everythin'?” I asked Golden.
“Yeah, we still use iron," the blacksmith's assistant said with a shrug, "It's not ideal but what can you do?"
“I’m guessing that you haven’t figured out a way to create steel?" I inquired as I eyed Crystal's abandoned tray wondering if it would be rude if I took her apple.
“Steel?” Golden chirped as I continued to stare at the abandoned food.
“It's what we used after iron," I said turning away from the abandoned tray and back to mine. "We discovered steel, stainless steel, titanium, and I think Tungsten, I’m sure I’m missing a few, and the latter two we used for heavy-duty stuff." I picked up my discarded orange peel and began to pick out the flaky interior before I popped it into my mouth. "We used steel for our weapons because of its strength and durability during battle.”
“Stainless steel?" Golden said her tone dropping to almost a whisper.
“Yea, it's a type of steel that doesn’t rust," I said with a wave as I tossed the orange peel back onto my tray. Without a second thought, I began to pile the flowers and hay onto Crystal's tray.
"Wait it doesn’t rust!" Golden blurted out suddenly.
Startled I turned to the blacksmith and said slowly, "Yes, as far as I’m aware."
I watched as Earth Pony's eyes began to widen as her lips began to pull up. “How do you make it?"
“I think you just mix like..." I trailed off as I tried to recall that particular information, "10 or 11 percent chromium? I’m not precisely sure as I’m not really a metal expert." I said with a shrug as I contemplated whether or not I should stack the trays up. "I just did a lot of research for stories."
"Wait, you mean chrome “ Golden said quickly as she picked up my unused spoon, “The same crap we use for this can be added to make things not rust."
"I’m not sure…" I stated with a shrug, "I mean I’m not a chemist or a blacksmith."
Golden then got right into my face and asked one more question, “How do you make steel?"
Unsettled slightly at the close proximity of the mare I was only able to sputter out, "Uh, I think you mix iron with carbon."
Realization dawned on Golden's eyes as her lips went into a full smile, "You are a sexy genius, “ she said as she grasped my shirt pulled my lips close to hers, and ran her tongue across them. She even dipped her tongue a little in my mouth. A hint of apples and cinnamon danced on my tongue. When she pulled back she had a predatory grin on her face, “Oh I’ma gonna keep you.” The mare then let me go and stormed out of the building.
Once again I was the center of attention by everyone in the cafeteria.
I blinked as I sat there shocked as I came to terms with the fact that I was not only kissed once but twice by women that I just met, well I’m assuming that was a kiss by pony standards. That’s…that’s never happened before.
They also called me good-looking.
Slowly I turned my body so that I was looking at Fleetfoot who had her face hidden behind her hooves as her body shook with laughter. “Don’t look at me lover colt,” she said in between giggles, “I’m already taken.” My eyes went over to where Sunset was to see that her eyes were on me before she snapped her head away in a huff.
Author's Note
Sorry for the delay. I'm starting a new business and trying to start another side gig. Also, I got sidetracked by Helldivers 2.
Also, would you guys prefer if I keep pumping out chapters as they are done, or would you rather I get a bunch done and post them in chunks?
This is so fucken awkawrd!
My ‘tour guide’ hasn’t said a fucken word since we started this tour except for a few word responses made with a deadpan tone.
“Kitchen.”
“Dining space.”
“Royal Gardens.”
“Royal Barracks.”
I looked around to see two half dome-shaped buildings, that reminded me of hangers. Beside them were smaller tent-like buildings where the sounds of shouting and banging were coming from. Every so often a pony covered in soot and grime would exit one building and enter another. Next to those buildings was a three-story tall building painted yellow with the words ‘Enchanter’ engraved over the door.
A little bit further away there were groups of mares sparing with each other in an open grass field, and next to them were dirt circles that had single pony mannequin-looking things. That was the direction that we were heading towards first. Once we were close enough I was able to pick details of the mannequin. It was made out of wood and took on a feminine appearance. There were breaks within the body particularly around the joints. It didn’t have a face per se but it did have indents that created a faux face. A soulless stare greeted me as we approached the area.
“What are those,” I asked Sunset, pointing at the dummy.
“Training dummies,” a soft monotone voice answered. A voice that did not match Sunset’s.
I turned around just in time to a small unicorn walk by me. When I say small I mean small. Most ponies, except for Celestia and Candence who are roughly my height if not an inch or two higher, came up to about my shoulders on average. This unicorn only came up to my chest. Minus the horn. Her form was wrapped up in a tight lithe body covered in dark grey fur. Her mane was that of a strawberry with a creamy center and it was pulled back into a ponytail. A pair of red-framed glasses hung on her tiny nose that brought her sky-blue eyes into focus. She was dressed in a pair of dress pants that flared out around her ankles. The unicorn had on a dark brown apron that had pockets that bulged with crystals of all sorts of shapes, colors, and sizes. Under her apron, she had on a black tank top.
The Unicorn went up to the training dummy’s back and began to tinker with it. There was a hissing sound before the Unicorn pulled out a dull blue crystal and placed it into her pouch. When her hand came out again it had a bright blue crystal. She then placed the crystal into the back of the dummy which hissed again before it jerked.
“That seems pretty advanced technology, which is surprising,” I muttered and I turned to Sunset to ask a few questions when the unicorn spoke up
“Not really,” she said as she walked up to us, “These dummies have been around for a couple of centuries.” The unicorn then adjusted her glasses and looked at me with narrowed eyes. “You must be the 'human’ that the serving staff was gossiping about.”
I let out a nervous chuckle, “Good things I hope,” I said as my fingers intertwined
The unicorn just stared at me, her eyes still narrowed.
“Ah knock eh off, Crystal,” an accented voice to my right, “Ya’ gonna scare tha’ little colt.”
With a frown, I turned to the source of the voice to see…
…leathered covered golden tits.
Muscles flexed as the pony crossed her arms under her breast. With wide eyes, I slowly looked up to see the owner of the knockers in my face. Standing before me was a tall earth pony mare.
She had golden fur that had splotches of soot all over. Her black mane was cut short and had a few strands that rested over her green eyes. She wore a leather apron over what looked like a black shirt, although that could have been soot and some kind of leather breeches. I let out a gulp at the absolute mass of a pony in front of me. She was at least a foot taller than me and was easily the tallest pony I have seen since coming here, and considering I’m about six feet tall myself that saying something. The mare looked down at me with a smile.
“Ya cuter than I thought ya be,” the mare said as her eyelids lowered halfway.
Mommy.
“Now who’s scaring him, Golden Slice,” the unicorn, Crystal, said as she walked up to us. The height contrast showed itself between the two ponies and myself.
Badonkadonks
“Ah just ben’ friendly,” Golden chuckled as she grabbed my shoulders and pulled me into her with my head resting in between her breasts. “Afta’ all Her Highness told us to treat him with ta ut’ most respect.”
Melons
“Yes as an honored guest, not a play colt,” Crystal chided as her arms crossed over her chest. “I’m sure this isn’t what Princess Celestia had in mind.“
Fuck, get your mind out of the fucking gutter.
…funbags.
Goddamn it.
Them titties through…
They're not even that big.
HA! You were looking!
Fuck my life, just raw dog me.
With heat burning my face, I spoke up, “Um, excuse me,” I said, gaining the pony's attention. “I uh…” I was at a loss for what to say. “My name is Sean.”
“Ya, so adorable,” Golden said as she picked me up into a hug. “Ah, think Ah gonna keep ya.” The massive earth pony said as she began to rub her face into mine.
I looked down at Crystal who sighed and turned to Sunset, “Lady Shimmer I apologize for my companion’s behavior. I promise she is harmless.”
That got Golden attention and she stopped “Ah Lady Shimmer,” Golden chuckled as she threw me over her shoulder. “Didn't see ya there.”
“Sure whatever,” Sunset dismissed the apology with a wave of her hand.
Yo, what the fuck! Why am I being treated like a sack of potatoes?
My stomach decided that now was the time to alert everyone that I hadn’t eaten anything substantial.
I heard two distinct giggles after my stomach growled and I knew that Golden was one of them since I felt her body vibrate. The other I can only guess was Crystal considering Sunset has been giving me the cold shoulder and a ‘go fuck yourself’ look.
“Let’s get this littl’ colt some food in him,” Golden said as she began to move.
“I can walk just fine,” I told her as I pushed myself up only to be brought down when Goldne adjusted her grip on me. Her tail came up and caressed my face. With a grumble, I crossed my arms and scowled at the ground.
Suddenly I felt a gentle tap on my ass, “Yo! Watch those fingers!” I yelled at Golden before I felt a squeeze. “That mean doesn’t pinch my ass!”
Author's Note
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
This chapter is a little short and quick, but I promise I'm working on a few big chapters to make up for it.
As you can tell from the title of the story I am working on changing names. Nameing things and people has always been difficult for me so give me your honest thoughts on the title. If you don't like it then maybe offer some alternatives.
Since I've been getting a lot of questions about the Why me and Elfen Human being connecting let me answer that.
No, while there will be some similarities between the two stories and some shared lines, both of these will be their own standalone stories. I might do a cross-over down the line, but that's it. I hope this clears up any confusion.
I'm going to try to update at least once a month. I've gotten to a point where I'm working on this story little by little each day. If I'm not working on chapters I'm working on storylines, editing, book outlines, and brainstorming. Hopefully, life won't get too crazy and prevent my momentum. Keep an eye on my profile page for blog updates.