Invasion to harmony world

Unknown where

It seemed that just a couple of moments ago Wilhelm Strasse plunged into the pond, but he had already climbed out of it again, and the bright daylight hit his eyes, already accustomed to the dim light of portable lamps in the catacomb, prompting him to close his eyes and turn away. Even now, he felt that there was something wrong with his body... It was as if he had become young again, and the senile wretchedness and pity disappeared in an instant. Without paying attention to this and finally with an effort opening his eyes, he saw a fascinating and simply stunning view of the castle built on the mountain... No, it was a whole city with a wonderful white and gold castle, whose towers proudly towered over the city. Such a sight could amaze and delight anyone... Of course, if this "anyone" is not General Wilhelm Strasse, who considered looking at this castle a waste of time. At the same moment, he finally noticed the oddities of his body, in particular, that it did not look like a human. His worst fears were confirmed at the moment when the familiar voice of the commander of the "fighters the Fire Squad" called out to him:
''Herr General?''

Turning sharply to the source of the voice, Strasse found four... A pony? Without exaggeration, they were ponies, and, judging by their behavior and meaningful views, they were reasonable. What else interested the general was that there were unicorns and pegasi among them!

''Talking horses...'' he remarked dryly, immediately turning on a cold calculation in his brain. ''That prisoner wasn't lying when she told about... ''Equestria''?'' frowning, he again gave attention to the fighters, noting that they were completely naked, without armor, equipment and weapons. ''Commander!'' The general shouted sharply, and a grayish-blue unicorn immediately came out of the crowd, proudly answering "I am!". ''Great, where is the equipment of your fighters? The one who returned back to our world was in full uniform!'' It was clear from his tone that he was demanding an explanation. Immediately!

Alas, the commander had none, but even he had something to say to the general.
''Herr General! I have no idea, but you are also a horse, and you don't have your uniform on!..'' having explained, he did not fail to emphasize one detail. ''I'd say you're a unicorn!"

Squinting in disbelief, Strasse still turned around and walked up to the pond, trying to see his reflection in it. If the least surprising thing was that the bottom of this cave lake was not visible, although the water was crystal clear, then when he saw a pony in the reflection, he was really surprised. And really! A gray unicorn with clear blue eyes and two barely visible scars looked at him from the water surface: on the left side of his forehead and under his left eye. It was also noteworthy that he did not have a mane as such, and his age was no different from the age of all the other ponies in this cave.

''That doesn't explain much.'' he voiced his thoughts aloud, turning back and trying to examine his tail, discovering at the same time that he was wearing only a dark brown robe. As it turned out, there was no tail either, although a pathetic bunch of gray hair remained from it. It seemed that this mantle was supposed to cover his deformities, he was even glad that the time allotted to him by nature in this world had turned back, rolling back several decades. At the same moment, it popped into his head: "Fine... It was only thanks to my pure Aryan roots and my painstaking work that I managed to live to such a venerable age, but this world has given me a new time! I have not even lost what pure-blooded Germans should be proud of: purity of thoughts, ideality and a bright mind!" Confidently heading for the exit of the cave, he gave the last orders to the commander, preparing to take an extremely risky and rash step. ''Tell Herr Boer that from now on he will be appointed commander of the field base in Wolfburg, and he will also be responsible for the arrangement of the base and preparation for a full-fledged invasion!'' here he again drew attention to the peculiarities of movement and the fact that only people themselves are transferred here, and things return when they return to the world of people. ''I need to solve the riddle of this lake, and only then can we bring our troops here... Yes, apparently, Equestria has gone no further than the Middle Ages, but a crowd of unarmed ponies will not solve our problems...'' looking up again and looking literally into the commander's soul, he added: ''Do you understand the order?''

''Jawohl, mein general!'' he answered clearly, taking a step back and standing in a row with the rest of the fighters without uniforms.

''Follow sure that not a single living soul gets into this world during my absence! And yes, if I don't come back in three days, send someone else for me! I won't stay here for long, but if this world is as rosy and good as Luster presented it to me, there won't be any special problems.'' In fact, at that moment he continued his monologue with himself, heading to the exit while the fighters headed back to the lake.

After getting out of the cave and getting into the fresh air, the first thing he did was to look around the impenetrable thicket of the forest and that mountain, as if it were his new landmark. Perhaps he had no other options, and he did not notice any other settlements in the area. Throwing on the hood of his robe, he began to descend from the hillock, while trying to think over the further plan of his actions. "As far as I can tell, it could be the castle of a local king, or the possession of a feudal lord... If the history of this place is no different from the history of our world, then it remains only to understand where I am and what century it is now! In addition, the prisoner Luster Dawn claimed about a kind of magic mirror that brought them to our world... Whatever I come up with, first of all I have to find out about this mirror!"

***

Some time later. The wilderness of the forest.

It seemed like wandering through an unfamiliar dense forest was a bad idea, and seeds of doubt began to sprout in the general's mind, although his thoughts were busy searching for a possible solution and everything related to this world and its inhabitants. In fact, there was little food for thought, because he did not even establish contact with the local population, did not see an ordinary town or village. In fact, this world was almost of no interest to the Reich, because Germany had no problems with resources, slave power and territories, and the only gap between the worlds - the magic lake - could not only greatly complicate the invasion of German troops, but also put the presence of the contingent in Equestria at risk, because once this gap is closed, there will be no supplies and communications. Of course, there was hope for the modernization and industrialization of Equestria, with the subsequent transfer of the Equestria garrison to self-sufficiency, at the expense of local infrastructure, but again - the lake... It is too small and will not allow you to transfer construction equipment here... A whole mountain of piled-up problems forced Strasse to think about the expediency of the invasion, and he seemed to have already wished to curtail his operation, return to Germany and seal up these gates to Equestria forever, but then he heard a pleasant and soft female voice... Although for this world it would be more correct to have a "mare's voice".

''Oh-h! Oh, come on! No, thank you for your patience!'' said this voice, just at the moment when the general stuck his hooded head out from behind the bushes. A yellow pegasus with a pink mane appeared before him, looking at the birds sitting on a branch with such a kind and caring look that the newly-made unicorn felt sick. But the main thing that the general noticed was the brand on her rump, representing three butterflies. At that moment, there was a feeling that she understood these birds and was talking to him. ''Of course, but next time try not to...'' the rustle of bushes and the general who came out prompted her to be silent, and the birds flew away in fright. Trying not to lose her mood, Pegasus, smiling kindly, tried to make contact. ''Hallo... Uh-um... Don't take it as an impertinence, but won't see in local area... Such ponies...'' she finally quieted down, just afraid of the mysterious unicorn.

"If she were an ordinary peasant woman, she wouldn't look so healthy and happy... Either the Renaissance era is on the street, or there was no slavery here, and everyone lives in happiness and prosperity... Stupid theory! There are no utopias, but for now I will try not to stand out." The general thought to himself, looking up at her.
''Why such fear? I am an ordinary traveler lost in this forest. Please tell me who I have the honor to talk to, what is your title and what is the name of this wonderful city towering above us?'' he looked around this mysterious castle, looking with interest at a representative of the local intelligent fauna.

Realizing that the mysterious traveler does not pose a threat, Pegasus cheered up a little, introducing herself more confidently.
''I'm a Fluttershy!'' almost immediately, she fell silent again, trying to find at least one logical answer to the rest of the questions. ''I-I-I, I don't even know if we have titules... And this is Canterlot!'' immediately a realization came to her. ''Oh, you're not a local?! How silly I am, you have come from far away! Yes, and-and-and... What is your name?'' looking with interest, probably a new "friend", she also asked.

"Hmm, and this is a good excuse for my ignorance... If I can get more information out of her by pretending to be an ignorant fool, it will help me in the future."
''I think my name is not so important, and where I come from, they don't give names.'' Thus preserving his incognito, he continued his inquiries, simultaneously walking to a nearby path, which he found thanks to a wooden sign. ''Can you tell me, Fluttershy, the name of the local king and how long to go to Canterlot?''

At the same moment, all innate kindness seemed to flare up in this pegasus. She just couldn't help but help!
''There's a town nearby called Ponyville!'' This news surprised Strasse, but still he continued to listen to the filly, following her as she walked to the path. ''You can get to Canterlot in an hour by train! And I'm sure you'll like the friendly residents of Ponyville or the students of the Friendship School! Well, our leader is Princess Twilight Sparkle!'' here , involuntarily , a thought popped up in the general 's head: "Train? Friendship School? This world has entered the era of the industrial Revolution, but there are special educational institutions where they teach friendship? And how strange the name "Ponyville" sounds, I don't even want to know how these intelligent horses came up with such nonsense!..."
By this time he stopped listening to Fluttershy's nonsense, silently following her to a mysterious settlement with a rather stupid name, in the opinion of the general.

***

Twenty minutes later. On the way to Ponyville.

Almost all this time, Strasse simply followed Pegasus, marveling at her simplicity, kindness and modesty. For a couple of seconds, he even had a theory that absolutely all Equestria is inhabited by a pack of such idiots that they will never take up arms in their lives and certainly will not be able to "object" to the presence of the Reich, but this was just a theory, and the problem with the features of the Equestria gate has not gone away.

Finally leaving the forest, Strasse noticed a small village located on a fairly hilly area, and separated by a river. At the same moment, Fluttershy continued to talk modestly about Ponyville, as if she herself had lived in this city, almost all her life, but the general did not even listen to her, trying to assess the scientific and technical development of Equestria, considering this town: "Primitive frame houses with thatched roofs, cobblestone paths and something vaguely resembling a town hall... What a huge gap there is between ordinary peasants or civilians and the ruling class and the elite, given this castle from... crystals? And this academy..."
Then his attention was attracted by a steam locomotive that drove up to the station platform, which only confirmed Fluttershy's words and even more confused Wilhelma Strasse, given all this confusion created in his head by primitive houses and luxurious castles, in a state that had reached the industrial era, judging by steam locomotives... These trains were not even so primitive as to be sure that they appeared relatively recently. Did this mean that such a stratification of the population was allowed on purpose, or did the development of the various regions of Equestria differ greatly from each other?

''I'm sure you'll figure it out without me, it's just that I didn't finish with those birds, and it was too inconvenient for me to refuse you... If you don't mind, I'll fly," she added, abruptly quieting down, waiting for an answer. Such determination of this pegasus greatly irritated the general, but he did not show it, because the idea popped up in his head that Equestria could be on the verge of industrialization, and the first steps had already been taken in this direction.

''No, I'm sure your affairs can't wait for you. Who am I to detain and distract you? Of course, go... Then I'll figure it out myself, thank you again!'' politely thanking and bowing, Strasse said, realizing that he gradually began to understand the local temperament and that he was about to be able to come up with a suitable model of behavior. Having only time to look back at Fluttershy, he noticed that she had already flown back into the forest, leaving him alone with his thoughts... Still, he was well aware that in this backwater he was unlikely to find information about the mysterious magic mirror, and it was unlikely that the owner of the castle would even let him into his possession. The only logical solution was to bypass the city and walk to Canterlot with your own feet, because the general had no money for a ticket, and no other options came to mind. ''Anyway, I have regained my youth... Although in the new body of a sentient unicorn pony...'' aloud he remarked, heading to the right in order to make a detour around Ponyville.

***

A few hours later. Not far from Canterlot

Already on the way to the capital city, which could rightfully be called a miracle of architecture due to its unique location and laudable decisions made by builders and architects, sincere surprise was caused by the fact that the sun, which stood at the zenith for a couple of seconds more, dropped sharply below the horizon, and at the same moment the moon reigned in the sky, plunging the whole Equestria into night twilight. At that moment, a real anarchy reigned in the general's head due to the influx of theories and attempts to find a logical explanation for this incident, but it all came down to one, the most hated phenomenon for General Wilhelm Strasse — magic. Although she alone could explain almost all the oddities that the general encountered while moving to the Equestria capital, and he was ready to take up the study of this magic, overcoming his hatred for her, if this work was useful and could benefit the Great German Reich...

Approaching the main gate, he looked around without unnecessary emotions at the ponies crowded in the clearing in front of the bridge, who, apparently, were just having a good time, as if the city itself was not the purpose of their visit... It is not surprising, because as soon as the general approached the drawbridge, he was immediately honored with the attention of several passing ponies, who looked at him with surprise and some apprehension, as if they were trying to figure out who exactly was under this shabby mantle. Needless to say, this excessive attention greatly not pleased Strasse?

The general atmosphere in the clearing and the ponies calmly passing by suggested that these gates and guards were standing here just for beauty. And indeed, they were just standing at the entrance for show, because they paid absolutely no attention to the strange and mysterious unicorn that calmly passed by them. Once on the territory of the capital city, the general immediately raised his head, looking back at the castle, towering not only over Canterlot, but also over the whole Equestria. No matter how symbolic it was, the attention of the Strasse was attracted by tourists who followed the guide, enthusiastically looking around and admiring the beauties of Canterlot... Photo cameras... That was the most amazing thing... They were quite modern, as if in some way superior to German-made cameras... "Their level of development is probably not inferior to ours... Is it possible that they have achieved such success, thanks to magic? It seems like I should stay here longer than three days..." Unfortunately, he was distracted from his thoughts by another guide, who was gathering a crowd of onlookers around him, and who now gave him attention as well.

''Welcome to Canterlot, the capital of Equestria! The most sophisticated and elegant city on the whole continent, if not in the whole world!'' smiling, a beige earth pony in the form of a guide told, looking back at the crowd of tourists at the same time. ''Mister, would you like to join our group? I am sure you will not remain indifferent. And yes, it's absolutely free!'' with a sharp smile even wider and staring straight at Strasse, he added.

''It is unlikely that there is such an urgent need for it...'' the general replied incredulously, backing away from the annoying pony guide. ''I'm sure the most you can help me with is to tell me about the shortest way to the castle gate...''

''Yes, of course! Follow this alley and you will definitely reach the royal castle! Oh, so you're on an official visit to Princess Twilight?'' he joked, but when he came to his senses, the trace of the mysterious unicorn in the mantle was already got a cold. Looking around, he noticed he that's was already walking along that alley to his goal. ''Glad to help!... Maybe...'' with fading enthusiasm, he said uncertainly, waving a hoof after him.

All this time general Strasse was making his way through the streets of Canterlot, trying not to cross the eyes of the locals and not even try to talk to them, but still a strange feeling gnawed at him from the inside... felt like there was something wrong in this world. A kind of "Friendship School", Equestria princess, theoretical magic, strong social stratification — and all this against the background of the simplicity and friendliness of the locals... Did this mean that Equestria would not be able to offer any resistance at all, and its subsequent occupation and assimilation would not be a problem? But it was still a long way off, because the old problems had not gone away, and there was still no information about the mirror.

By this time, he had reached, as it was clearly clear, the entrance to the Canterlot castle, and this time the guards were more determined, although at that moment the guard was being changed. Before he knew it, the doors opened and two unicorns came out of the castle, with four mannequins with expensive pony dresses hovering next to the first one, wrapped in a strange magical bluish aura, exactly the same was around her horn, which told the general that it was she who was carrying them. "Very interesting... If ordinary magic allows you to do this, then what impact will it have on our soldiers or workers? It is enough to imagine how in battles with primitive untermensch, our brave SS soldiers will be able to drag their wounded comrades with the help of this magic, or our glorious workers will be able to increase the productivity of their labor to unknown heights with the help of the same magic!... It remains only to come up with a way how it can her "taken out" beyond Equestria and adapted for humans. If I understand correctly, these unicorns can become my ticket to the castle, the main thing is to find the right approach to them..." After this decision made by the general, he began to follow them and try to find out at least something from them. Or sneak into the castle and, pretending to be an "important pony from distant lands", ask the princess personally about everything.

***

''So you just want me to help you in your boutique?'' Luster asked dejectedly, clearly not wanting to leave the castle at night, especially to help Rarity with her next "idea", but, alas, she was the first one who turned up under her hoof. ''Listen, can't those workers who are busy with the mural carry these mannequins for you?''

Stopping, Rarity answered, resorting to her typical mannered speech:
"Honey, these workers might get their hooves on my dresses, or...'' her eyes widened with the realization of the full scale of the problem, ''to tear... Just imagine what would happen if they tore up my creations! Oh, the stars! They are now in my boutique without supervision!'' coming to her senses abruptly, she put the mannequins on the road, rushing to her boutique as fast as she could. ''Thanks for reminding me, Luster!''

''Oh-h-h... Well, of course, she's offended for that dress from the Two Sisters Festival …'' Luster mumbled with slight resentment, lifting the mannequins with the help of the same magic.

Suddenly a strange stranger appeared behind her and, smiling mysteriously, spoke to her.
''May I ask you for help?'' but General Strasse clearly did not take into account that, firstly, Luster Dawn is a timid person, and secondly, it is not worth sneaking up on a pony from behind, especially at night.

''OH, WHAT?!'' The unicorn screamed, turning sharply back with a mannequin in a magical aura, which immediately flew into the head of a mysterious pony in a robe. From the impact, the mannequin itself fell apart into a couple of pieces, and now on the account of the Luster, the second expensive dress was recorded, which now fell on the dusty city paving stones. After a cursory glance around, she noticed the victim lying motionless next to the pillar... But he was breathing!

''Oh, no! No, no, no, NO! What to do?! What should I do?!'' losing her composure, pony mumbled, running up to the unicorn. She began to walk around him, trying to figure out what to do now. With mute horror in her eyes, Luster looked around, lifting the body with the help of magic. A couple more moments — and she rushed to the entrance to the castle garden, leaving the scene of the crime together with the general injured by her fault.

***

Two and a half hours later. The free chambers of the Canterlot Castle

With difficulty opening his eyes, the general found himself lying in a luxurious double bed, under a snow-white blanket. After a cursory glance around, he also realized that he found himself in a real mansion, or in the chambers of the castle, which he was trying to get into... A rather specific method, but it worked, although the main goals were not fulfilled. Jumping up abruptly, he instantly regretted it, feeling incredible dizziness and pain. In addition, it turned out that there was also a palace unicorn-doctor in this room, who had been taking notes all this time, and as soon as the patient began to show signs of life again, he jumped nervously on the spot and screamed.
''What are you doing? Stop it!'' in an instant, a white magical aura appeared around the general, preventing him from moving even a little, and he did not even have time to recover, as he was again in a prone position. ''Let's start from the beginning without unnecessary movements! I'm immensely glad that you've come to your senses, but still... Do you understand me at all?'' he asked, abruptly switching to a slower and more intelligible tone, as if trying to chew everything up for a small child. ''Good evening! I am Dr. Ancil, your attending physician...''

"Yes, I understand you perfectly...'' the general answered quite politely, although his thoughts were somewhat different now: "What does this upstart allow himself?! I will not hand over my life even to Berlin charlatans, preferring to trust only myself!... Hmm, if Equestria has problem medicine, I can easily play this circus..."

''Tell me, where am I?... And my head is just bursting at the seams!...''

"Don't worry,"exhaling, the doctor replied, continuing the examination. ''You're at Canterlot Castle. Luster Dawn accidentally injured you with a dummy. Can you tell me your name and where you come from?.. Don't get me wrong, it's just necessary to fill out your card" he explained, continuing to write something into the tablet.

At the same moment, Strasse realized that medicine in Equestria was really lame, since for such a serious blow, which, however, did not cause serious damage to the general, minimal diagnostics were carried out, which meant that it was enough to play a real show in order to draw a couple of non-existent diagnoses...
''Let me think about it... My head is so empty, I just remember that I turned to some unicorn, and found myself here... I don't even remember my name! Doctor, is this normal?! I-I-I..." he began with feigned excitement, trying to play amnesia.

''Sad, sad...'' the doctor said, lifting a glass of water from the table with the help of magic. Another moment — and the glass flew up to the general. ''Here, drink some water, I'm sure you should come to your senses first.'' As soon as he finished, the aura dissipated, and the glass fell to the floor, breaking on it. Puzzled, looking first at the glass, and then at his patient, Ancil, adjusting his glasses, still added: ''Is it really that bad with your reflexes? Try to take this frame!'' he pointed with his hoof towards the photo frame standing on the bedside table next to him.

Having finally ceased to understand what this "doctor" wanted from him, the general nevertheless resigned himself to the fact that he would have to play the fool, becoming like the locals. Getting closer to the edge, he tried to reach frame with his hooves, but Ancil stopped him again, enveloping his entire body with a white magical aura.
''No, no! With the help of telekinesis!''
"Tele-what?... How did I not immediately guess that it was telekinesis!... Hmm, it seems that only unicorns can use telekinesis and other magic." Noticing this important moment for himself, Strasse shrugged his shoulders questioningly.
''But how? I understand nothing...'' this answer surprised the doctor even more, which made him dumbfounded, as if he did not believe his theory about him.

At the same moment, a Luster burst into the room, holding a plate of soup in an aura of telekinesis. She was extremely agitated and tired, and her mane was disheveled — it was safe to say that there was no living place on her.
''Dr. Ancil, what's wrong with him?'' The unicorn asked nervously, looking from the doctor to the general. Of course, now she finally saw him without a hood, and the lack of mane scared her seriously, because she had every right to assume that it was her fault.

''Perhaps it's even worse than I could have imagined. He has amnesia...''

There was a deathly silence, and if this diagnosis was a good sign for the general, then Luster, nervously smiling and giggling, left this world for a couple of moments, peering into the void with eyes full of despair.
''And-and-and... what should we do?'' somehow she squeezed out of herself, completely losing faith in the bright.

''Nothing... At least right now we can't help him much. It will take a long time before he remembers anything. But if we really want to help him, we should try to find his relatives or friends... Oh, yes, you can put the soup on the nightstand, I'm sure he'll figure it out on his own.'' The last time he turned to the patient, he also said, simultaneously watching Luster take the plate to the bedside table: ''Miss Luster and I need to discuss something, we won't be long. I am sure you will have time to refresh yourself and take a break!''

At the same moment, he literally began to drill the door with his eyes, giving a clear hint to Luster that she had nothing to do, or rather, they had nothing to do here at the moment. When the door slammed shut and Strasse was left alone, the first thing he did was think about his next step: "Who would have thought that amnesia would be my cover? Now it remains only to stick to your legend... I am glad that Luster Dawn did not recognize me, and her accomplice Starlight Glimmer is nowhere to be seen. Hmm, if the Luster is here, it means that I am close enough to my goal, and the mirror is located in this castle! It is impossible to delay and relax, if they take my illness seriously, I will lie here for more than a month, and there is little time left." Also paying attention to the plate of soup, he came to his senses and at the expense of the fact that the last time he ate something yesterday evening... If the general's human body got used to scanty portions of plant food, as his diet suggested, then the new body had completely different views on this.

Having carefully examined the bedside table, he did not notice the most important thing on it - a spoon. Alas, the feeling of hunger overshadowed the sense of aesthetics, and the general was forced to drink soup, although he could not expect any other barbarism from this place. After emptying the plate, he put it back on the nightstand, and then abruptly jumped on his hooves, not noticing that his body stopped obeying him for a couple of moments, which almost caused him to fall to the floor. Fortunately, he managed to rest against the wall and, starting up, wandered to the exit, continuing to lean on the wall.

Having somehow managed to press the handle and open the door, he also went out into the corridor, changing the fulcrum to the door jamb. Willy-nilly, he also managed to eavesdrop on the conversation between Dr. Ancil and Luster, who were slowly moving along the corridor.
''What should I do? What am I going to tell Princess Twilight?!'' Luster mumbled dejectedly, drooping.

''Luster, calm down, please! You're on the verge of a nervous breakdown! And don't worry about Twilight... You are her best student, and it's not your fault! Anyone would have reacted the same way, but not everyone would have tried to help.'' Ancil said, bypassing Luster, who was frozen in place and immediately jumped into forward in an attempt to stop him.

''No, no! Please don't do this!'' She continued plaintively, trying to delay the inevitable. ''I'm even afraid to imagine what she will do to me when she finds out about this!''

''Princess Twilight is the kindest and most caring pony in all Equestria, and I repeat that this is not your fault! Come on: inhale-exhale... Pause... Inhale and exhale...'' the doctor tried to reason and calm her down. ''Just relax and take a break, you're on the verge of a breakdown!'' Ancil added and, patting her shoulder sympathetically, headed for the exit.

Sitting helplessly on the carpet, Luster followed him with a doomed look, realizing that it was not worth waiting for good. Suddenly she heard someone's footsteps behind her and, turning sharply, gasped at what she saw. Now she was able to see the victim of her fear and that mannequin in full height and without a mantia... The absence of a cutie mark was also noteworthy, which raised even more questions about its origin.
"Is that me?" Is it my fault?'' pressing a hoof to her mouth and sighing with horror, she said. "Oh, I'm so sorry... Forgive me for that!'' she fell to the floor, burying her muzzle in her hooves.

"How disgusting it is! So low and pitiful! But, since I volunteered for this, it means Im need to behave like a local pack of degenerates..." Trying to give his face a meaningful and mysterious expression, he calmly said:
''It's unlikely that this is really your fault, and you didn't do it on purpose either... Don't worry, I don't hold a grudge, and I have no reason to be angry. Better tell me, did I tell you something about myself or the place I came from?''

A little perked up, Luster rose to her hooves, grinning a little nervously.
''Thank you!'' she thanked me uncertainly, not really understanding why. After a moment, she continued, "No, you didn't have time to say anything at all... Well, yes, your appearance suggests the opposite. Speaking of him..." she took a mirror off the wall, holding it up to Strasse.

Admiring himself in the reflection of the mirror, the general noted to himself that he was quite satisfied with the new appearance... He was extremely unique and gray for this world of colored and colorful ponies.
"Hmm, Dr. Ancil didn't mention that you mutilated me... In fact, I even like it that way.'' In response to this, Luster only gave him a puzzled look, not even daring to say something in response, although she considered such a strange opinion very specific.

''LUSTER DAWN!'' Rarity shouted indignantly from somewhere in the corridor. ''Why are my mannequins just left on the street? Why didn't you even bother to warn me?'' heading in her direction, she did not notice the general... didn't notice it until Luster lowered the mirrors. ''And here's how... Ba-a-a-a! Who is this?!'' Standing up abruptly, as if rooted to the spot, horrified, she added. ''Why doesn't he have a cutie mark and what's wrong with him?... And who is it anyway?''

''I-I-I... I accidentally badly injured him with your dummy... He has amnesia, and it seems that he even forgot his purpose in life...'' Luster said sadly again.

''My mannequin?!'' she reacted instantly, immediately quieting down from the realization that now there are more serious problems than her mannequins with dresses. ''Oh-oh... Well, why doesn't he have a badge of distinction? This is the first time I've heard of ponies losing them simply because of amnesia...'' at that moment, the general's faith in his plan cracked, but Rarity herself put forward a suggestion that completely corrected the situation. ''Maybe he's not from Equestria? Twilight talked a lot about white spots on the map, and about the fact that there are still many unknown peoples outside Equestria...''

''Oh, you mean your drawings?'' Strasse made himself felt sharply, meaning the distinctive mark.

''No!'' Luster retorted sharply. ''These are not just "drawings"! These are the marks that show your true purpose! Every pony that has found its purpose has them!'' now Rarity and Luster have two theories, starting with the fact that it was a unicorn from a unique pony tribe that simply did not have a cutie mark, and ending with the fact that the cutie mark disappeared by itself due to the fact that he forgot everything at all...

"Is that a brand?" the general asked more intrigued, making the first assumptions about this interesting phenomenon.

''What?! No, of course not!'' Luster immediately replied, trying to get her point across correctly. ''That's-oh... It's quite difficult to explain, but only thanks to the distinctive marks of the ponies and know what they are good at and in which direction they should strive!...'' at the same moment, she doubted her words, thinking over everything she had said. Her thoughts were interrupted by the tall and easily recognizable figure of Princess Twilight. A couple more seconds passed, and now she could clearly see the sleepy princess walking along with Dr. Ancil, discussing something. ''Oh-oh... Here she is...'' Luster whispered, cowering, trying to hide behind Rarity.

Of course, Strasse and Rarity also paid attention to the majestic and sleepy princess, who came up with a face full of indifference, as if Luster openly bothered her with every new influx of excitement, especially when she was woken up in the middle of the night because of this.
''Is this this Princess Twilight?" Strasse said emotionlessly, actually quite interested in such a large size and the presence of her horns and wings. Trying not to make the first bad impression on the princess, he asked Luster, who at the moment was even afraid to look at her. ''Is it normal that she is bigger than us and combines a pegasus and a unicorn?''

''She is an alicorn ...'' whispered Luster Dawn softly, however, without really giving a clear answer to the general's question.

Immediately, he noticed a strange worn piece of cloth that Ancil was carrying with him. Less than a moment later, he stepped forward, lifting her telekinesis and bringing it to the general, added:
''I'm sorry... Ahem, we don't know your name yet, so it's not the point. So, I forgot to give you your mantle, in which Luster brought you here.'' Returning the mantle to the owner, he went further down the corridor, while not forgetting to say. ''If there are complaints, please contact!''

Glancing once more at the sleepy alicorn-princess, the general threw on his mantle, also assuming that the ruler of Equestria did not care about what was happening at all.
''A nightmare, it's a crime against fashion!'' Rarity was immediately indignant when she saw this piece of cloth called a mantle in all its glory. Unsurprisingly, she was rewarded with an indignant look from the princess, who perked up a little at the same time.

Realizing that in such a state she clearly would not be able to make the right decision and certainly resolve the situation, Twilight said sleepily.
''Dr. Ancil has already told you about what happened and about your worries, Luster. I ask you, don't be overburdened about this, we've been through this many times ...'' closing her eyes and looking at the victim, she staggered, also continuing. ''I'm sure tomorrow we will be able to sort out what happened better and be sure to figure out how to help you and what to do with you, but in the meantime you can stay in the castle chambers... I'm sure you'd better follow the doctor's recommendations and rest. Luster, Rarity, come with me...'' After another sleepy glance at the others, she turned around and headed back to her chambers, even more surprising Strasse with her compliance and the fact that she allowed a stranger from the street to stay in the castle. "It's amazing - even this Princess Twilight Sparkle is as soft-bodied as everyone else in this world... But it is necessary not lose vigilance and forget about the mirror. I'm sure it's worth listening to her and going to bed, rather than wandering around the castle at night, trying to figure everything out on your own." Having finished with his thoughts, he retreated back to his temporary shelter, continuing to build theories about this world.

***

The next morning. Canterlot Castle dining room.

This night was the strangest for the general, considering that he slept in the castle of the magical land of Equestria in the body of a unicorn pony, trying to find a way to open the way for German troops. Another obstacle to his search was the persistent Luster, still trying to atone for her guilt, not even listening to the fact that she does not have this very guilt. It was she who woke Strasse up early in the morning, it was she who invited him to the table, it is she who follows him around, as if she became his servant of her own free will. It was not necessary to say that she simply interfered with him, not allowing him to concentrate on his thoughts, not to mention the fact that such attention could prevent him from finding out at least something useful about Equestria or the mirror.

Entering the dining room, general Strasse immediately noticed the Princess Twilight Sparkle, familiar to him since yesterday evening, tiredly having breakfast with a piece of apple pie. It seems that waking up in the morning was hard for the royal person. The dragon, who was carelessly reading a comic book, also attracted special attention. If the general considered it a mental aberration that an adult dragon at court reads such low-grade literature, then in fact there was nothing terrible about it.
"Is that a dragon?" Still trying to confirm his guesses, Strasse asked, letting Luster go ahead. Without thinking twice, he also decided to sit down at the table, realizing that he was here at the invitation of the princess.

''Does anyone else wonder about dragons?'' the dragon himself asked wearily, looking up from the comic and looking at the ignoramus. Instantly noticing the stranger and remembering Twilight's story, he came to his senses, also introducing himself. ''Oh, I'm sorry... I am the right hoof and faithful assistant of Princess Twilight Sparkle, a dragon named Spike, I greet you..." immediately quieting down, he turned to Twilight, whispering. ''Hey, what's his name?''

''I already told you that he doesn't even remember his name...'' sipping from a cup of tea, she also said hello. ''Good morning, Luster and greetings to you, our new friend.''

''Good morning, Princess Twilight!'' surprisingly, very calmly, even a little joyfully, Luster replied, also paying attention to the footman rolling a cart with silver trays to the table.

When Strasse tried to take the tray with his hooves, he did not even have time to react to the fact that his unspoken assistant Luster had already lifted him with telekinesis, placing him in front of the general. A wave of indignation and rage filled him, for he perceived it as if he was being mistaken for an infirm and fragile. Among other things, he also recalled one case when his old assistant persuades him that robot assistants and robot servants would not replace human help. Of course, in response to this statement, Strasse invited him to personally check who is better: a robot or a human? Alas, for the upstart, it turned into a ten-second battle with an unarmed robot guards who simply crushed his skull with his foot.
''Thank you, Luster, but let me repeat — I don't need help and excessive attention. I'm sure you have your own business and responsibilities, too.''

Spike and Twilight were somewhat confused by this answer. After exchanging glances, they came to the conclusion that these were the characteristics of the stranger's character, nothing more. At the same moment, a bright purple aura appeared around the white teapot, and then Twilight poured tea into the general's mug, putting the teapot in the middle of the table. Such a gesture from the royal person greatly embarrassed General Strasse that a somewhat strange analogy even popped up in his head: "Such an appeal from a princess? I was just dragged from the street, and now the Equestria ruler personally pours me tea!... It's like the Fuhrer of the Great German Reich, Adolf Hitler, pouring tea or coffee to an ordinary citizen of Berlin!"

''Thank you, Your Highness!'' trying not to betray his rejection, he replied, to which Twilight nodded amiably. A few moments later, he decided to inquire about the contents of his silver tray. Removing the lid from the plate, he saw a beautiful vegetable salad — everything, as befits his diet. It is not surprising that they do not eat meat in these places, given the local pacifism and friendliness. ''I beg your pardon, Your Highness, but why do you show such leniency to an ordinary unicorn?''

''This is the basis of the magic of friendship. Oh, I completely forgot about the visit of my best friends in a couple of hours!'' finally coming to her senses, she said with a smile: ''I'm sure we'll figure something out with them!''

''Wonderful!...'' trying to squeeze out a feigned joy, the general replied, still harboring the same aversion to these "friends". ''Now we will definitely be able to return my "cutie mark" to me, right?''

Feeling a little sad, Spike put down his reading, noting very correctly.
''Who would have thought that he not remember about your friends either... It's amazing that he remembers how to breathe and walk... Hey, Twi, you remember about Star Swirl's arrival, right? I'm just sure that this case will interest him no less than the sprouts of the golden flower...''

''Exactly! Star Swirl!'' the princess finally cheered up, as if she had just found a solution to this pressing problem. Even Strasse wondered how this Star Swirl could help, and why the princess reacted so strongly to the news of his appearance.

''So I have some free time?'' casually asked the general, trying to get closer to the first clues of his goal. ''Can I inspect the lock while idle simple? Maybe I can remember something at least...''

''Of course... Luster could very well give a tour, and you can't tell from her that she's against it.'' Twilight answered, thinking about something, and pushing away a plate with a half-eaten piece of cake and a saucer with a cup, she got up from the table and headed for the exit. ''Come on, Spike, I think I have an idea.''

''Oh, she's started up again ...'' Spike said wearily, getting up from the table and following her.

''Yes, there are no plans for today and I can!'' Luster immediately replied, looking after the departing princess. At the same moment, she smiled, glancing at the general, tired of her companies, who tried to simply ignore her. "If only I could find a way to detach this clingy from myself without resorting to violence, which could reveal me, I would be immensely happy..." After finishing his meal and finishing his tea, he also hurried out, hearing Luster following him behind him.

***

Two hours later. The throne room.

Even despite the heated discussion and the long-awaited meeting of friends, an ordinary atmosphere reigned in the throne room, full of grandeur and tranquility. The voices and laughter that gradually turned into the usual unintelligible echo, combined with the general atmosphere and atmosphere, simply inspired and made an indelible impression. Not surprisingly, apart from the everyday discussion, all the topics were reduced to a mysterious unicorn with amnesia and deformities, representing the missing mane and tail, as well as a scar on his face.
"Twilight, darling, don't you think it's too much to leave him in the castle?" Rarity asked a little mannerly, glancing at the thoughtful princess sitting on the throne.

''I can't figure out where he's from... We have never heard or seen bald ponies, especially those wearing such old shabby mantle.'' Thought fully burying her muzzle in the hoof and mumbling, Twilight added uncer tainly. ''It seems to me that he may be a noble scientist or a magician...'' Her message was mirror-clear, even though she didn't plan to forcibly keep him in Equestria.

''The most amazing thing is that he forgot even about the legends of Equestria!'' Rainbow Dash chuckled loudly.

''He forgot everything, don't forget!'' Applejack immediately intervened, but this discussion ended as quickly as it began, as soon as two guardsmen opened the doors behind which Strasse and Luster Dawn were standing.

Following the annoying unicorn, unsuccessfully trying to drown out a sense of guilt, Strasse enthusiastically examined the stained-glass windows, the paintings on which he took for an artistic representation of ancient legends, or for interpretations of historical events of Equestria.
''Holy apples, who is this?...'' Unable to restrain herself, Applejack gave out when she saw a stranger following the princess' student. Noticing that the other five looked at her disapprovingly, she added. ''What? It's the first time I've seen a pony without a mane, and to be honest, it's creepy...''

By this time, Luster and Strasse were already at the steps leading to the throne, inspecting the six legendary heroines of Equestria.
"Don't worry, I'm already used to it anymore," Strasse also pretend to answer, hating this group in his heart. ''Princess Twilight, are these your wonderful friends?'' rising after Luster, he asked.

When Twilight smiled steadily, already preparing to introduce him to the others, Luster flew forward, introducing this unicorn.
''Meet! He... Well, he even forgot his name, so I...'' her enthusiasm quickly faded from this hitch, she only managed to finish: ''I-I-I... I accidentally hit him on the head with a dummy, and he forgot who he was... Well, he forgot everything, but-oh...'' she smiled awkwardly and, realizing that she had started all this in vain, just smiled nervously and became quiet.

''She follows me around all day trying to atone for her guilt, even though I told her that I didn't need help, and I don't see her fault in yesterday.'' Strasse abruptly interrupted the growing tense silence, stepping forward on his own and continuing to look at the princess's friends.

''I'm Pinkie Pie! - the pink earth pony called herself. In all Equestria, you will not find a happier and more cheerful pony than me!'' with a huge smile, jumping up a couple of times on the spot. ''I know, I know! I have to sing about it!'' she was already getting ready to start chanting, when a bluish magical aura of Rarity appeared around her muzzle.

"Please, Pinkie, not now...'' slightly wincing, she said, trying not to spoil the first impression of herself. ''My name is Rarity! I am the personification of generosity, and I can safely call myself the queen and trendsetter in Equestria!''

Another Earth pony made itself known.
''I am an Applejack - an element of honesty. You won't find a more honest and hardworking pony in all Equestria! My whole family has been growing the best apples for decades! Well, yes, maybe your bald head is a badge of honor?'' she suggested, trying to cheer him up, but he didn't even move an eye.

''Ha!'' Rainbow soared sharply into the air, also starting with pride. ''Coach and Wonderbolt leader Rainbow Dash is here! You've heard about them, right?'' at the same moment, Rarity hit herself in the face with a hoof, while it dawned on Pegasus that he didn't remember anything at all. ''Oh, yes... Well, then I'll fill you in. This is the best squad of flyers in all Equestria, which takes only the best and most skilled Pegasus!'' she said it with such pride, as if she herself dreamed of joining this squad, even without considering the fact that she had already led it.

"The best in all Equestria, the kindest, the most caring, the most generous and honest... But none of them will admit that they are the most selfish and mean in all Equestria. What do they mean by this "Equestria" at all?!" the general noted to himself, while trying to figure out what to answer him.
''It's interesting, and I'll say again that I'm also very pleased'' in fact, his observant and indifferent look said the opposite, but the six heroines could not even guess what was really going on in his head. ''Let's say, who is this?'' he also drew attention to Fluttershy, who tried to stay away, even though this pony was familiar to her. "This Fluttershy... If she only pushes things in the right direction, it may ease my situation, but who knows what can be expected from her?"

''I'm Fluttershy...'' modestly smiling, she introduced herself, not trying to develop this conversation further. Even the general thought it was strange, realizing that just yesterday she was more willing to make contact.

"Well, Fluttershy! Don't you want to introduce yourself and talk about yourself like everyone else?'' he tried to show interest, noticing out of the corner of his eye how Twilight was looking at her friend's behavior with surprise.

''I remember you... Yesterday I accompanied you to Ponyville, meeting you in the vastness of the ever-wild forest...'' she said uncertainly, as if feeling sorry for the one with whom she had a friendly dialogue yesterday.

''You... You what?!'' Princess Twilight immediately came to her senses. ''Why didn't you say so right away, Fluttershy?"

''I thought it wasn't him... But it's him! The same predatory look, but exceptional politeness and kindness!'' to be honest, after such a "compliment" the general almost turned inside out, however, he himself was amazed at how well he got used to the role of a local fool.

''So...'' having moved away, Strasse began anyway. ''I told you something, didn't I? Maybe a name? Where do I live or where am I going?!'' continuing to skillfully feign interest, he asked.

''You said that where you come from, they don't give names, and that you are heading to Canterlot, but you didn't know anything at all! You were even surprised when I mentioned the name of Princess Twilight!'' having given out exactly what Strasse wanted, she finally quieted down, looking uncertainly at Twilight sitting on the throne.

''We need Star Swirl... Without him, the case will come to a standstill!'' the princess concluded, which is the case went strictly according to the Strasse scenario.

Mumbling thoughtfully, Rainbow Dash noticed a very interesting moment.
''Don't you think that he has a look like an eagle? ... and even without a mane, he looks like a hawk!'' perhaps only Pinkie Pie, jumping over Rarity and Applejack, supported this observation!

''Oh! Oh! I know! Let's come up with a name for him!'' she began uncontrollably, suddenly being next to the general, causing him to jerk in surprise, because a second ago she was five meters away from him. ''Hawk! No, no, no, no!'' she also quickly disappeared, but as soon as the general stepped back and looked around, he noticed her indefatigably joyful face in close proximity to him, and her head was hanging from somewhere above.

''How are you? ...'' he only managed to ask, looking up and noticing that she was hanging in the air.

At the same moment, she fell to the floor, also abruptly jumping up on her hooves and asking:
''What I?... So that's it! You ascended, do you understand?!'' she tried to convey her thought to him by running her hoof through the air upwards. ''Rise! Hawk, Rise! Do you understand? Hawk Rise!'' During these couple of seconds, she has already managed to bore him, because he seriously thought about performing a vivisection of the brain in order to make sure that this deviant behavior is caused by biological abnormalities or deformities... Alas, that unique device fell into disrepair, and the general's hands never reached the point to bring it into proper shape.

"Hey, Pinkie, not a bad name! I think it will suit him just right!'' Rainbow Dash replied thoughtfully, thinking that the matter was over. In response to this, Twilight and Applejack nodded approvingly, and the whole six plunged into discussing this new name, while Strasse, or rather, Hawk Rise, as he was now called, had time to think: '' "Hawk Rise.".. They just couldn't come up with a worse name, or is today the case of mass idiocy? If they choose names for everyone, then nothing here will surprise me! But still I am glad that they accepted me into their society..."

Realizing that they had forgotten about him for a while, the general came forward, also sharing his opinion regarding the name.
'' "Hawk Rise?" Not bad... At least that name doesn't affect my deformities!'' he chuckled, starting to hate them more and more.

His salvation from further conversation with the unwanted company, taking into account the Luster Dawn, was Dr. Ancil, who also suddenly entered the hall and walked briskly towards the throne.
''There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere! I completely forgot to tell you about the planned procedures!'' without looking up from the notes on his tablet, he said, already approaching the steps.

The general immediately turned around and headed towards the doctor, continued play the fool.
''Doctor, of course! Luster, please rest for a couple of hours... I'm sure you deserve it.'' He also finally added Luster, who was already preparing to follow, because of which she stood up in confusion, as if rooted to the spot. ''And yes, Dr. Ancil, now you can safely call me Hawk Rise! Wonderful friends of Princess Twilight Sparkle gave me such a name!''

''Wonderful!'' the doctor replied with indifference and immediately continued: ''Well, Hawk Rise, please follow me... Don't worry, it won't be long!'' turning around and heading for the exit, he added, once again writing something down on the tablet. Hawk, following him, tried not to look back at the annoying Luster, from which he was finally able to get rid of at least for a couple of dozen minutes...

to be continued...