Chapter 43 Tribes, Fears, and Lessons Learned

“Once I falsely hoped to meet the beings who, pardoning my outward form, would love me for the excellent qualities which I was capable of unfolding.” ― Mary Shelley

The former territories of Equestria, Other side of the Doorway: Ginger Snap

As we all calm down and catch our breaths. We begin to asses our situation. I look around and I can see that we are in a heavily wooded area, but the grass is green. The sky above is blue and clear with a bright sun above. There seems to be no indication of the Great War having ever occurred here.

Suddenly from behind us, we hear a growling, and those in the back spin around and are getting ready to shoot as two ghouls take two steps out of the doorway and collapse dead.

“What the Buck?” I hear Morning Mist ask.

“I am not sure Morning, but it seems having come into this universe killed them.”

I watch as Sunny hops in the air to fly and suddenly lands face-first with his hooves and wings outstretched. He spits out some dirt and I hear him say, “Boss, somethings wrong. I can’t fly.”

“Are you sure Sunny?” she asks.

He is just sitting up and brushing himself off when she asks this. Then he tells her, “Why don’t you try? You know, just to make sure.”

I watch as she stretches her wings and flaps them as hard as she can with no success. She looks at us and asks, “Anyone else notice their PipBucks are no longer feeding them EFS?”

I hear from Cowlick, “Now that you mention it. I guess you are right. SATS won’t come up either.”

I cringe when he says this as I am afraid to ask what or who he tried to use his SATS on.

Then I hear Twinks say, “Boss, we have trouble here, the Healing potions are done. They are all just pale water now.” I see her concentrate and then she adds, “And I can’t use my horn.”

I hear Choo sigh as she asks, “Ok, how bad are our wounds? I don’t want to chance going back through until we are in shape to fight.” She turns to Double Back and asks, “How’s your vision?”

He squints hard and I hear him say, “Not going to lie boss, it is not good. I can see mainly shadows past about 20 feet. Even closer is not really clear.”

I turn to the Enclave researcher we have captured and ask, “You have any ideas to help with his vision?”

He straightens his uniform before he replies, “Honestly, he is very fortunate to even see right now. Your quick actions with the healing spells probably saved his sight, even what it is now. That weapon was designed to burn the retinas of a pony or zebra’s eyes and permanently blind them. Interesting way of treating it though, I never would have thought of a direct application of a healing potion.”

From the side I hear the local we found when we came out clearing his throat, then he asks, “Ah, excuse me. Did you say Zebras?”

He nods his head and asks in that arrogant-sounding accent, “Yes. Zebras as in equines with stripes. Tend to fight on their hind legs and released balefire upon Equestria causing us to have to shut the sky.”

The local who had earlier identified himself to Choo as Argyle gets a curious expression on his face and then asks, “All of you are not from around here are you?”

I shake my head, “No, no we are not. In fact, we are not sure where we are.”

“Well, that is not surprising, as most earth ponies never go this far from home. We tend to stay in Maretime Bay.”

Epona slides up on my other side and asks, “So, Argyle, I noticed you said Earth Ponies, but you didn’t mention Unicorns or Pegasi. What’s up with that?”

He looks at her over his eyeglasses and tells her, “Uh, because we don’t live together. I mean there are ancient stories that say they all lived together at one time, but no one seems to believe them anymore.” He scans our group and I notice him looking nervously at the pegasi and unicorns on our team. Then he asks, “It sounds like they don’t where you come from either. I mean, you did mention closing the sky.”

From the back, I hear Research Paper say, “Why is that all anyone fixates on?”

I look first at my husband, then at my sister and cousin. Then I explain to him about the Grand Pegasus Enclave.

“So, they abandoned the other races is what you are saying?” Argyle asks.

I sigh and tell him, “Yes and no. When they first closed the skies, it was understandable. The problem is, they kept them closed for almost 200 years. There were some pegasi that were not with the Enclave. There were others who were either driven or ran from it.”

He looks at the pegasi with us and asks, “So what about them?”

Morning Mist raises a wing and says, “Driven out of the Enclave when Neighvarro attacked Thunderhead.”

I see Research Paper get a sour look on his face and then he turns to Argyle and answers, “I, am a researcher in the service of the Enclave. I was searching the ruins of a site in what was the city of Baltimare.”

Sunny grins and tells him, “You could say I am a wild pegasus. My parents are an Earth Pony and a Unicorn.”

The researcher looks down his nose at Sunny and asks, “And just how did they produce a pegasi then?”

Still grinning he moves slightly closer and tells him, “Both ma and pa had pegasi blood in their background.” He pauses then looks at him again and says, “And before you act all high and mighty, I may have been a foal, but I witnessed the Enclave airships destroying the ruins of Canterlot. Ma and I did not live too far from there.”

“Sounds like they were raiders if they were in that area. After all, we know how Ponyville fell to them.”

“If you ever call my folk raiders again I will turn you over to my kin. The Water clan would shave your coat and pluck your feathers for such words. We may not have had much back then, but we were never raiders,” Sunny says as he almost spits the words out in anger.

Argyle raises an eyebrow and then says, “Ok, let’s calm down colts and fillies. So, you tell me about your world, and I will tell you about mine,” as he takes out a pad of paper and a pencil.

Over the course of the next couple of days and nights we exchange our stories with him and he with us. The second night there we are sitting around a campfire sharing a bottle of Old Overmare with him when he asks, “Ok, so I hear you two mares call each other sis. How many of you are family?”

I grin at his surprise when I tell him, “Well, Sunny is our cousin through adoption as he is a distant cousin to one of our mothers.”

Epona nods her head, “Yeah, the Colonel was the first to adopt both of us, but Mama Sutures is a unicorn while the rest of our mothers and fathers are earth ponies. Oh, and Choo is a distant ancestor of Mama Sutures.”

I see him shake his head. He looks at the bottle he has just taken a pull off of. Then he asks, “I know I am not normally a drinker, but did I just hear you say that even Choo Choo was related to you?”

We both nod our heads, then he asks, “Is that kind of thing normal? I mean with the multiple spouses common where you come from?”

I answer this time, “No, not really. But while some disapprove, most just let them be.”

I see him shake his head as he looks down deep in thought. Finally, he says, “I really don’t think I could be in such a relationship.”

I nod my head and as the bottle has reached me, I take a sip. Then I tell him, “Well, I couldn’t either. My husband and I are both in agreement on it.”

He looks at Xochitl and asks, “You’re her husband?” He nods and then asks, “Not to be rude, but I have never seen an earth pony with coloring like yours before.”

Xochilt smirks a bit takes the offered bottle and before taking a sip tells him, “That is because I am a zony. Ma is an earth pony and Pa a zebra.”

I see the surprise on his face then he asks, “Are there many zonies where you come from?”

My husband shakes his head before continuing, “No, not really. A couple, but you have to understand that my father was the first zebra to settle in Manesville. That was after we escaped from being slaves.”

I see a disgusted look cross over Argyle’s face as he tells us, “See, that is another difference between your world and ours. I have not found any evidence of this concept of slavery, other than one time when King Sombra took over the crystal empire. But that was even further back in time than the princesses.”

I see Choo smile from the side. Then she says, “Argyle, you seem to know a lot about the past here. What do you know about the princesses.”

He then proceeds to tell us about the history that he has uncovered so far concerning them. When he gets to Twilight Sparkle, he becomes particularly animated. He is very excited about her and then says, “She had such a wonderful message for us about friendship.”

We all nod our heads. Then Choo looks hesitant. She looks at Research Paper then shrugs her wings and asks Argyle, “Would you like to see a photograph with her in it?”

He all but jumps up as he answers with a resounding, “Yes!”

By this time the bottle has reached Research Paper and he asks, “And where would you have acquired such a photo of the Ministry Mare?”

Epona answers him, “Same way we came here. Through a doorway. But in that universe, the Ministries never existed and she was able to follow her destiny and ascend to become an alicorn.”

“Really?” he says snidely.

This time Choo tells him, “Really, she was very pleasant to talk to, as were Celestia and Luna.”

“And you are on a first-name basis with them?” he asks, again in a snide manner.

Choo by this time has opened up her saddlebags and I can see she has her photo album with her. She then pulls out a photo that makes me smile as I see it being taken by Argyle whose jaw drops and he reverently says, “She was so beautiful. Wow, look at her cutie mark, I have never gotten a good look at it. Choo, would you mind if I use this photo to make a sketch of her cutie mark?”

Choo shakes her head, “No, I would not mind, but, wait till morning when you can see better.”

By this time Research Paper has worked his way over next to Argyle and is looking over his shoulder at the photo. As he gazes at it, I hear him say, “You really did meet them.”

“Yes, we did. I also have a photo of just me and Luna. She was always my favorite.”

Then I add, “We were also told about one more princess who was not able to make it. Her name was Cadence, and she ascended from being a pegasus. So, there is hope for all of us I guess.”

Argyle upon hearing that suddenly looks up and asks, “So you truly believe that there is hope that any type of pony could ascend to being an alicorn? Not just a Unicorn? Even an Earth Pony?”

I nod my head, “Yeah. Why should not one of us be able to as well? The magic is inside of us.” I pause briefly, then add. “Well except for in this universe it seems. I am not sure what happened to it here. Maybe we are on a slightly different frequency or something, Twinks and I were talking about that just last night.”

“That might explain why our pegasi can’t fly or our unicorns use their horns,” Choo says.

That is one thing I have to say, our conversations go all over around the campfires. It is part of why I love this job. It reminds me of our good times on the expedition. Before we turn in for the night Cowlick says, “Hey boss, we are starting to get light on rations, even with supplementing them here. Maybe we should have someone make a run into town to pick them up.”

I find myself nodding my head and I hear Choo sigh. Then she turns to Argyle and asks, “I hate to separate our people here. Is there a town you could take some of my people to pick up rations?”

I see him look uncomfortable at first then he tells us, “Choo, I could take the earth ponies with me to Maretime Bay for it,” he hesitates briefly then finishes, “However, I would not suggest any of the others. Most of the folk there are terrified of unicorns and pegasi as the tales all talk about how they are monsters and will attack us.”

I find myself smirking again as I look at Choo and tell her, “Boss, Epona, Xochitl, Tater, and I will do it.”

Then I hear Days End say, “Figures, I get to come to a new world again and I can’t really explore it.”

“Sorry Days. Hopefully next time,” Choo tells him as I nod my head. Then she adds, “Besides, I will be here with you too. Maybe you can teach me that new card game while we are here.”

He grins at her mischievously and tells her, “Sounds good boss.”

Choo then stands up and tells us, “Ok, everyone, time to call it a night. Ginger, set up the guard rotation.” Then she walks off into the dark looking up at the moon.

The next morning, we awake early and I see Argyle is already up and he is looking at the photo of all of us with the Princesses. He stares at it for a few more seconds, then I watch as he mouth draws a sketch of Twilight Sparkle's cutie mark. He next turns his head slightly, then adjusts the drawing some. Finally, he nods his head and smiles. “There. That should do it.”

We eat a quick breakfast. Then Argyle tells us, “Well if we want to get there before nightfall, we should leave in a few minutes.

The four of us going with him remove our uniforms and grab our gear. I smile as I watch Twinks give a quick kiss to Tater, then he runs over to join us and tells us, “Ok, ready guys.”

With that, we turn and begin to head our way toward this place that Argyle calls Maretime Bay and home.

*****

The former territories of Equestria, Other side of the Doorway: Xochitl

As we follow Argyle across the landscape on our way to his home, I find myself holding tails with my wife. Most of the discussion that is going on as we go is between Tater, Epona, and Argyle. Ginger and I are in the back of our group.

It is during this walk I hear Argyle ask them, “So you are telling you both came from a different universe than the rest of your group?”

Epona nods her head, “Yes, in fact, a large group of us came through at that time. When we got to Manesville we settled in a little village named White Cloud. It is not big, but we sure have some diversity in who lives there.”

He looks at her funny and asks, “What do you mean by that?”

“Well, besides us ponies who live there, there are cattle, brahmin, zebras, and even a few griffons.”

I see him look surprised and he asks, “You mean that griffon really exists? I thought they were mythological brings.”

I laugh lightly and tell him, “Yes, they do, in fact, one of our mother Mollygirl’s best friends is a Griffon. His wife is a pegasus though and they have had children together.”

“Now Ginger, stop trying to pull my hoof. A half-pony and half-griffon. What would you even call that?”

“Well, the oldest one is my little sisters’ friend Slip Stream. But if you are talking about their breed, I have been told they are called Hippogriffs.”

“Fascinating, another group of beings we thought were mythical. Uh, when we get to Maretime Bay, you may not want to talk to others about them. They may not understand.”

“Uh, ok, no problem. We already did not plan to talk about the others.”

We walk for a while more and I keep pondering on what he has said about the three tribes having gone their separate ways, but even more about their not being any of the other types of intelligent beings as well. It makes me wonder just how xenophobic these ponies became here. In a way, it seems almost as bad as what happened in our universe. At least here it is green still and the land is not scared the way it is at home. But then again, could this be what happens to us after a long period of time? Because he has said it was ancient history when the twin sisters ruled Equestria. So much to think about.

We stop briefly for a light lunch and rest. It is during this time I notice Argyle is becoming a bit more excited. He then asks me, “So you never heard of Maretime Bay where you come from?”

I shake my head, “No Argyle. But there are a lot of places I have not heard of until I went there. But most of them, well, they are just offshoots of what once was. Such as Meat Locker down in Hoofington.”

He turns to me with a lifted eyebrow and a questioning expression on his face as he asks, “Meat Locker? Hoofington?”

I sigh and nod my head, “Well Meat Locker is a settlement in Hoofington.”

“Ok, first what is Hoofington?”

This time Tater answers him, “Hoofington was a city almost as large as Manehatten. It was rebuilt during the war. We all have been there a couple of times; it is a rather rough city.”

“So why do they call the settlement there Meat Locker?”

This time Epona fields the question and tells him, “Well, you remember the creatures that came through the gate?” He nods his head in response and he looks a little queasy, but she continues, “Well not all of them are monsters like you saw. Some, well some of them survived the process of being turned into them with their minds intact.”

He looks horrified and we all nod our heads as Epona continues, “If you think it is horrible to you, think of what it is like for them. We know several, including a mother and filly who work at our shop. Almost all of them feel that they must have done something wrong for the Goddesses to turn their backs on them and not allow them to cross over.”

“But the Princesses would never have done that, would they?”

This time I answer, “No Argyle, I do not think they would. In fact, they were horrified when we mentioned ghouls to them.”

“Wow, it still blows my mind that you have actually met them. Even if it was not the ones from here. But it is a slight relief to hear that they too were distressed about it.”

Then I hear my wife say, “Dear it still stuns me how green everything is here, and no destroyed forest or buildings.”

“I know dear, I know. Choo says this is what Equestria was like when she was young.”

We continue to talk as we make our way to Maretime Bay. I eventually begin to see the top of a lighthouse that reveals itself more and more as we come closer. Argyle smiles and tells us, “That is my family home. The old lighthouse on the other side of town.”

Tater then says, “Doesn’t seem like there are a lot of tall buildings here.”

I then notice my wife looking at the local lands as she asks, “Are there a lot of farms around here?”

“A fair amount, we should begin to see them soon,” he tells us.

In less than an hour we reach the top of a hill and below us are several farms. We can also see a large town in the distance with a large construction project going on near it on a large hill overlooking it.

“Ah, there it is. Home. Maretime Bay.”

I am stunned by how lush the plants are around the town. I also can see the sea and how it comes up to the city and its beaches.

As we enter the town, I see railroad tracks and look up as down the road I can see a small trolly car approaching. Of all things a functioning trolly that is in very good condition. This causes me to look around a bit more and I notice there is no trash on the streets or dead bodies. The buildings are all clean and in good repair. As I point this out to Ginger, I see Argyle raise a hoof and flag the trolly down.

As it rolls to a stop, I see a mare with a teal coat, a bright red mane, and tail that are starting to gray, who is wearing glasses, a hat, and a collar with a bright red bowtie driving it. She slows to a stop and calls out, “Good to see your back again Argyle, need a ride?”

He grins at the mare, “Yes Ma’am, we are just heading to the market.”

She looks closely at us, “We?” She then looks back up at Argyle and cautiously asks, “Never seen these ponies before Argyle, are you sure they are safe?”

He nods his head, “Yes ma’am. They are some earth ponies I met while on my adventure. They are from far away.”

She nods her head, “Ok, well get on then,” she tells us.

Once seated she rings the bell twice and we begin to move down the tracks towards the main part of the city. As we get closer to what I figure is the heart of the community I can begin to smell the sea, but it seems to be a much cleaner smell, though I can still smell a bit of rotten fish on the air as well.

But still, it smells better than Flotsam in Hoofington. The trolly stops a couple of more times before we are in the city proper. As we go, I notice that none of the ponies are wearing any clothing other than the occasional hat, collar, and such. I am really glad that Argyle convinced us to leave the uniforms behind now. Though I do feel more subconscious about the scars on my back.

Once we reach the market, we get off the trolley. The driver tipping her hat to us as we do so. Then she pays attention to the passengers that are getting on. As we walk away, we hear her ring the bell two more times and she is moving on.

Once we are near the market, Argyle asks, “Uh, so what do you have for money to buy supplies?”

Without thinking I tell him, “Oh, we have plenty of caps.”

His eyebrows raise, “Caps? What do you mean caps?”

“Sparkle Cola caps. That is what we use where we come from,” Ginger tells him.

I see him look around to make sure no one is listening then he pushes his glasses up and asks, “Don’t you use coins there?”

I feel myself shrugging without thought as I tell him, “Not really. I mean we find old bits from before the war now and again. I even have a couple of them with me.

I see his curiosity is raised then he asks, “May I see them?”

I nod my head and dig one of the old Equestria diarchal bits from my saddlebag. I watch him take it in hoof and gently look at it with amazement. First the side with the image of both Luna and Celestia on it, then he rotates it and looks carefully at the stamped marking of the three intertwined circles each marked with a breed of pony, and in the center where they meet another circle that says, Imperium Equus. He then asks, “You said you had a couple of these?”

I nod my head and then produce another of the heavy, shiny silver coins. He looks at the two of them. Smiles gently at them then tells me, “Since you don’t have any of our current coins if you would like, I will take these two in exchange for buying whatever supplies you need.”

This time I see Epona get a shrewd look on her face. Then she asks, “You seem mighty interested in these coins. How come?”

He looks at her and tells her, “Because these are from antiquity. These are the oldest ones I have ever seen. One will go in my personal collection, the other, will help me recover the cost of what I am spending.”

Both my wife and her sister look at each other and I can tell they are both wanting to argue, but finally Ginger tells him, “Fine, we do understand, and we appreciate your help, Argyle.”

He gently places both of the coins in a cloth, then inside his saddlebag before the tells us, “Ok, let’s go.”

As we walk up to the market, I notice how similar the shops are to those on the waterfront in Manesville.

But I also notice that it very late afternoon and that many of the shops are closing for the night. I hear Argyle sigh, then he asks, “With as many shops that are closing, would you mind waiting to do our shopping until the morning? We can stay at my home.” He sighs again then smiles sadly as he says, “It has been a while since I shared it with anypony. Please, be my guest.”

We all agree and we follow him to his home. We make a quick meal with what we have in our saddlebags and what he can spare.

After dinner, he shows us some of his collection from old Equestria. Then he leads us up to the top of the lighthouse and we all lean against the railing just enjoying the view as the sun sets and night falls around us.

I find myself sighing contently as I just live in the moment for once. Not worrying about what tomorrow might bring.

The next morning after a hurried breakfast, we make our way back to the market. We have most of what we need when it occurs.

“Oh Argyle, I heard you were back in town with some outsiders. So, being the head of Canterlogic, I knew I had to come and make sure you were safe.”

I hear Argyle let out a slight sigh then he grins at her and tells her, “Well, as you can see Phyllis, they are all earth ponies. Nothing to fear.”

She looks at us and asks, “So, aren’t you going to introduce us?”

He then points to us and says with mild discomfort, “Uh, you are right, I should. Phyliss Cloverleaf, I would like to introduce Ginger Snap, Persimmon Flower, Epona, and Sweet Potato, who we normally just call Tater. As you can see, all good earth pony names.”

“Yes, they are, but they all have strange accents when they talk. Where did you say they came from?”

“I didn’t Phyllis. I didn’t.”

She turns to us and I can see she is examining our scares. “So where are you from?”

Epona steps up to her and answers, “We are from a long way from here. A place you have never heard of, I am sure.”

“Ah, being cautious about telling others where you are from. This a very good precaution that Argyle here could learn from. We wouldn’t want it getting out to pegasi or unicorns where you are from after all,” she says as she looks over her glasses at Argyle. Then she adds, “After all, as I like to say, being scared is being prepared.”

As she says this, I see Argyle roll his eyes and shake his head slightly.

She then points toward my back, and I hear her say loudly, “I can see by your back that you have encountered those horrible pegasi, you are lucky to be alive. Just look at those scars.” Then she looks up quickly at the sky and says, “We need to be on the lookout for them now. After all, they may have followed all of you.”

“No, it was not Pegasi that did this to me,” I try to counter-argue, but behind me, I can hear the crowd she has attracted commenting on it as many of them look skyward with fear on their faces.

I feel my face showing a bit of anger, followed by bewilderment as I hear her say, “You mean that the unicorns did this.”

“No, no, the unicorns did not do this to me,” I tell her.

Then she says, “See everyone, the unicorns erased his memory. They can control our thoughts.” She pauses and then asks, “When my factory opens, would you speak at the opening ceremony about how important it is for us to be prepared and how Canterlogic can help us.”

I look to Argyle for support then my wife and she simply shrugs. So, I defuse the situation as best as I can, “How soon will it open?”

She smiles as if she has won a small victory and tells me, “Ah, that is it up on the hill being built. So, a few more months.”

I nod to her and tell her, “If I am still here, I will.”

“Well, that is all I can ask for.” She turns to Argyle and tells him, “See, even these ponies from somewhere else understand earth ponies should stick with our own kind and that the others are dangerous.”

I hear him sigh, then shake his head, “Not everpony feels that way, Phyllis, at one time things were different and all ponykind lived together.”

She waves a hoof at him and tells him, “That is just wishful thinking Argyle, you would know better if you ever stopped reading those books all the time.”

“It is called an education Phyllis, and perhaps you would do well to read more of them.”

“I think not Argyle,” she retorts, then she looks at somepony in the distance and I hear her call, “Oh sheriff, there you are. I have some ideas that I want to discuss with you.”

As she is distracted Argyle leads us in our escape from Phyllis. After we have gone a couple of blocks and have blended into the crowd I tell my wife, “Dear, I think we should head back soon.”

She nods her head before she answers, “Yeah, I think you are right. Argyle, I think we have enough for now and we should get going.”

Soon we are out of the town and making our way back to our camp with the others. Again, we camp overnight before we reach them. As we enter the clearing, I hear Choo tell us, “I am glad you are back. We have had company while you were gone.”

*****

The former territories of Equestria, Other side of the Doorway: Choo Choo

As I watch Ginger and the part of the team with her follow Argyle to go get supplies, I find myself worrying about them, as well as what if we are not able to go home. What then? Do we settle down where we are, or do we separate ourselves up by pony type and they go live among their own kind? But what about Cowlick, Doubleback, and myself? Where does that leave us? Finally, I begin to worry about ever seeing my Paperwork again. The last couple of months have been really rough and I so want to just spend time with him again.

As they go, I hear Sunny say, “Don’t worry boss, they will be ok.”

I nod my head, “Yeah, I know, but I still worry.”

Finally, he asks, “Boss, that Argyle said there was a Pegasus city too. Do you want me and Morning Mist to go check it out?”

“No, not yet. Perhaps if we are here longer than a few days.” I tell him and this seems to satisfy him.

Later that night while sitting by the fire playing cards, I hear some noise getting closer. Sunny and Morning Mist both slide into the darkness with their weapons ready, taking Research Paper with them. The rest of us continue pretending we are still just playing cards, but we are all prepared for an attack. I shift the blanket I have on my back to keep my wings hidden for as long as possible.

From out of the darkness, I hear a mare’s voice cautiously ask, “Hello, can I come into your camp?”

With my better eyesight, I can see it is a young unicorn mare and I tell her, “Yes, please do. Then I ask, “Is there anyone with you?”

From the darkness, she comes into the light. A grayish-blue unicorn mare comes out of the woods with a young unicorn colt who hides behind her. She looks at all of us in wonder and asks, “Where do you come from?”

I smile as gently as I can and I tell her, “We are from a long way away. A place called Manesville.”

She looks at the colt and then back at us, and says, “We have never heard of it.”

“That’s ok, it is very far away.”

“Uh, my name is Heather Morningdew. This is my cousin Fizzy. What’s your names?”

I first introduce myself, “I am Choo Choo, just call me Choo.”

Then I hear Days End introduce himself as does Twinks. I look over in the dark towards Doubleback and I see him smiling in the dark with a fake horn made from a stick sticking through his hat. Once he introduces himself, I hear Cowlick sigh and he introduces himself and I see both of the youngsters’ eyes go wide and I see the fear on their faces as the mare places herself between Cowlick and the colt.

Cowlick then says, “Fear not young ones. You are safe with us.”

“But, but, what are you?” The mare asks. Fear in her voice.

Cowlick smiles and tells her, “I am what we call a bull. A male member of the cattle species.”

The colt pops his head over her back and says, “But, you talk like a pony.”

Cowlick nods his head and tells them, “That is because I learned it since I was a calf about your size.”

The colt pops his head under the mare’s chin and looks up at Cowlick and tells him, “But I ain’t never seen someone like you before.”

Cowlick chuckles slightly then tells him, “That is because my kind are rare. In fact, there may not even be any more of my kind around here. But I am with my friends so I feel safe.”

Over my radio, I hear Sunny say, “Boss since we have company, me and Morning are going to go try and find that city. I see a lighter area in the sky in the direction Argyle said the pegasi city is. We will return in three days at the latest.”

I double-click my throat mic to acknowledge him. He then quietly responds, “See you then boss.”

Another thing to worry about, but I am afraid of how the two youngsters will react if they see a pegasus. So back to the matter at hoof, I suppose. So, I ask, “What brings you two youngsters out this way?”

Heather answers for them, “Fizzy said he could feel a weird vibration in his horn. He was very excited about it. In fact, he says it is just over there,” as she points to the area where the portal is, the young colt is nodding his head vigorously.

It then hits me; he can feel the magic from it. If he can, how many others can as well?

My thoughts are interrupted when Twinks asks them, “Are you two hungry?”

The mare looks at the colt before turning her head to us and telling me, “Yes, ma’am.”

Twinks pulls out one of the remaining ration packages we have and breaks it open for them. As she does this, she tells them, “We have already had dinner. Please, help yourself.”

The colt takes the package and begins to try and figure out how to open it as Heather tells us, “Thank you. We did not realize it was so far from home.”

“We understand,” I tell them.

As they are eating, I ask, “So, you said he could feel something over that way?”

They both nod their heads and continue to eat. I notice they lucked out and got one of the packs with hayburger and alfalfa, as well as cheese and dried berries. I smile as I watch how quickly they eat them. Then I think and I pull out a bottle of Sparkle Cola I was saving and give it to them to drink.

I watch as one after the other their eyes again go wide at the sweet carroty taste. The mare asks, “Where did you get that? I never had anything like it before.”

As she asks and before I can say anything the colt lets out a loud belch. Then he smiles and says, “Excuse me. That was good. Can we have more?”

“Sorry young ones, that was the last bottle I had. But I am glad you enjoyed it.”

We continue to talk to them for a bit before they both begin to get really tired. We then notice that they do not have any blankets or much in their saddlebags either. After which Twinks lays out her bedroll and tells them, “Please use mine.”

The mare looks up at her and asks, “Are you sure?”

She smiles at them, “Yes Heather, I am sure. I want you and Fizzy to get a good sleep.”

The next morning, we are just getting breakfast ready when I hear a couple of new voices approaching as they call out the names of Heather and Fizzy.

Cowlick looks at the two of them and tells them, “I am going to hide, they may not be as understanding about my kind. Please don’t tell them about me.” As the young ones nod their heads, he sneaks off into the brush nearby.

I then call back, “They are over here.”

As they approach, I see a group of unicorn stallions. They all look tired and cautiously approach our camp, at first horns at the ready. When they see our horns, I watch as they visibly relax.

Then I hear Heather call out, “Daddy!” as she runs to one of the stallions and hugs him. Fizzy stands up with his head down and walks over to them. Once there he says, “Sorry Uncle Juniper. I led her out here. I could feel something in my horn.”

The one he called Juniper looks at us and nods. Then he replies, “We are going to have to discipline you for this Fizzy. How many times do we have to tell you the M word is not real.”

The M word? I ask myself. Then I ask aloud, “Do you mean magic?”

All the unicorns in their group stop what they are doing and I see a confused look come over their faces as all of them suddenly start to dance on their hooves from one side to the other while calling out “Bing Bong, Bing Bong.”

When they finish Heather looks at me and asks, “Aren’t you afraid of the Jinxies?”

“Uh, where we come from, we have not even heard of them.”

Then one of the other unicorns says, “But looking at all of your scars, I would say, they have heard of you.”

The one called Juniper then asks, “So, where did you say you were from?”

Fizzy then tells him, “They are from someplace called Manesville. It is a long way away.”

Juniper, who I notice has an almost earth pony build to him asks, “So how far away is it?”

I sigh as I look him in the eyes and tell him, “Further than you would ever believe.” Right after this, I hear the teapot on the fire whistle and I ask, “Would you like a cup of tea?”

As we are drinking our tea, I notice that none of them are using their horns. In fact, they all do everything the same way that an earth pony would. This makes me wonder a bit so I ask, “Juniper, I notice that none of you are using your horns or the M word. Is there a reason?”

He looks at me and asks, “You mean you still have the M word, I thought all of the unicorns had lost it.”

I sigh, “No, we do not have any either. I had just thought perhaps you did too. How long ago did you lose it?”

“To be honest, no one really knows. They say it was in ancient times, about the time the three types of ponies separated.”

Again, I am perplexed by what has occurred to not just our magic, but to all the unicorns. This makes me wonder if it also pertains to the Pegasi who are from this universe as well.

He then looks at me with suspicion and asks, “How come you didn’t know that already?”

I turn my head slightly as I look at all of them before I reply, “I was not sure if it happened to those of you from here as it had us. That is all.”

It is as we are talking that we see a flare-up in the portal. As I turn, I see a ghoul begin to run out of it, then it collapses and dies.

Juniper gathers the foals to him in his forehooves. Then he exclaims, “What is the name of all that is good was that thing?”

I sigh and I tell him, “That is called a ghoul where we came from, and why we are not going back yet. Keep all of your people away from this spot for their own safety.”

They all look horrified at the obviously rotting corpse on the ground. I then tell them, “While on our side of that portal, there is still magic, but not all is good or right on that side.

“Are you sure it is safe for anypony here?”

“Yes, I do believe so, as they exist through necromantic mag… Excuse me, the M word.”

They all nod their heads in wonder. “Well, we should get going I think,” Juniper tells us.

“Sir, you are welcome to stay if you would like, but considering what just occurred. We do understand.”

“Thank you for taking care of the kids for us, uh, Choo, is it?”

“Yes, it is Choo, and it was a pleasure to take care of them. I miss the young ones from our family back home. Especially my great-granddaughter Moonlily. She would have loved to have met you all. She is about their age.”

Juniper smiles and he gathers the unicorns and begins to head back to their home in what Heather and Fizzy had called Bridlewood. I sigh as part of me would have liked to visit there, even if it is as drab as they make it out to be.

The rest of the day is quiet. Cowlick returns to our camp once the unicorn party has gone some distance from the camp. As he reenters, I see him look in the direction they have gone, smile, and give a small wave of his forehoof. Then he grabs the teapot by the fire and pours a cup of water for tea. As the tea steeps, he looks at me and says, “Well, that was interesting.” Which for some reason gets me to laugh.

The next afternoon we are cleaning our weapons when we hear some noise in the brush. Cowlick slides into the brush on the other side of the clearing as the rest of us take up our arms, just in case. That is when we see Argyle, being followed by Ginger and the rest of the team. As they come out, I can see Argyle is very surprised. Ginger and the others while nonplused all have a questioning look on their faces.

“I am glad you are back. We have had company while you were gone.” I tell them.

Ginger then asks, “Ok, what happened?”

As Cowlick returns to the camp Tater asks, “Uh, Choo, where is Sunny and the other pegasi?”

In answer, I tell them about what happened with the unicorns and how Sunny is leading a group to investigate the pegasi city.

I see the surprise on Argyle’s face and tell him, “They are due back tomorrow.”

He nods his head and we begin to get ready for dinner and the coming evening. It is as we are finishing up these preparations that we see the portal has become active again. I have to say I wonder if it will be another ghoul or a robot this time. However, I am not expecting what, or should I say who it is that comes through.

As they step out and look around, I find myself smiling as I say, “Good evening, Ball, good to see you again.”

*****

The former territories of Equestria, Other side of the Doorway: Ball Lightning

As I step out of the portal my weapon is at the ready and as I look around, I am stunned at all the lush vegetation that I can see around us. I am quickly distracted from it when I notice first Epona, then several more of the repair ponies, their weapons at the ready, including that alicorn they call Choo Choo as she greets me.

“Evening, I guess.” I respond automatically then I ask, “So, where are we?”

Choo smiles and shrugs her shoulders, as she answers “Another universe Ball. Welcome to the dance as we figure it out.”

“What do you mean?”

Then a pony I have never seen before responds, “Oh, you are in what used to be called Equestria before the three tribes broke up.”

“Excuse me?” I hear Air Burst ask.

The stranger turns to him, “It seems our worlds have a different history, in yours, from what I have been told, was a great war with the zebras. Here, we ended up fighting among ourselves. Harmony failed and, well, we lost what magic there was in the world.”

I see Air Burst wave a hoof and say, “That is ridiculous.”

The zony Flower looks at him, smiles a slightly devious grin, and tells him, “Perhaps, but try to fly.”

I watch as Air Burst leaps to go skyward and suddenly falls to the ground, landing with his wings flung out and his forehooves under him as his face plows into the dirt.

This is followed by Flower laughing and Ginger slapping his shoulder with a forehoof and telling him, “Dear, that was not funny.”

Air gets up, knocks the dirt off himself, and looks very angry as he asks, “How did you do that?”

This time Choo answers, “We didn’t, for some reason, we can’t use our magic here.”

I hear Chain Lightning then tell me, “Sir, maybe we should head back through asap.”

While I agree, I must ask, “So where is our researcher?” Then I notice that Sunny is missing and I ask, “Where is Sunny?”

I hear a deep sigh come from the alicorn as she tells us, “We had surprise visitors to our camp the other night and Sunny took Research Paper and Morning Mist with him to try and find the pegasi city of Zephyr Heights.”

I find myself sighing as I think, well that complicates things. Then I nod my head before I ask, “When are they do back?”

“Tomorrow.”

“And if they don’t show up?”

She sighs again, and tells me, “I really do not know. But we cannot leave them behind.”

I nod my head and look at the others on my team, “Well, I guess we wait another day.” I turn back to Choo and her people and ask, “Do you mind if we share your camp with you?”

“Please do,” Choo replies.

Then I hear Argyle ask her, “I thought you said that the pegasi that Research Paper was with were your enemies?”

I watch as she shakes her head, “No, their government is, not all of them are, however. In fact, we have faced that team several times during our operations and theirs before the current war started. But they are honorable opponents.” She then turns back to us and asks, “Ok Ball, what brings you and your team through the doorway?”

I look around and realize that anyone else who could do anything if they heard this is not in this universe, so I answer, “We were sent to Baltimare to negotiate with the NCR concerning a withdrawal of troops on behalf of President Winter Wind. We understand that your team has some connections with your president. However, upon our arrival there we were informed about your having taken Research Paper through and we came to get him, even though you came through several weeks ago.”

I see them all look in surprise at each other. Their reaction makes me ask, “Why are you surprised?”

Argyle steps forward this time, he pushes his glasses up, and tells him, “I am sorry, but are you saying it has been more than a week since they left your world?”

I nod my head, “Yes, in fact, it has been over a month and a half. That is part of why we were so surprised to find you right here.”

I hear one of the other Repair ponies that I don’t know say, “Buck me running.”

I nod my head in understanding as I see the surprise on this local’s face.

“OK, my people set up our bedrolls and grab some rations. If they are not back by tomorrow, we go looking for them.”

I hear Choo say, “Thank you, we would, but we are afraid of the trouble it might cause here.”

I look at her and tell her, “Choo, honestly the main reason we will do it is for our researcher. It is a side benefit to do it for Sunny. He is a good buck, and the wife and I both like him, even if he does wear the wrong uniform.”

That night they sit around the fire with us. We pass on to them the news of how the war is going from our side’s viewpoint. However, they seem to take it with a grain of salt.

It is late in the afternoon the next day when Choo says with a worried tone of voice, “They should have been back by now.”

Air Burst looks at me and asks, “Should we go?”

I look at the others on my team and then back to Air Burst. As I do so, I tell them, “Yeah, but take your uniforms off for now. Stow them in your saddlebags.”

Air Burst, looks surprised at my answer. Soon we are on our way to find Research Paper and the others. With the only information we have on the possible location of the city, they were going to coming from the earth pony local, who said he has never been there but read about its location.

As the sun begins to set, northwest of us I can see the bright lights reflecting off of the sky, lightening that part of the sky. I reset my kit, making sure that my battle saddle is tight. After we have all done this I turn to Choo Choo and tell her, “Now that we have a common radio band, I will try to keep in touch as much as possible. I will report in at noon, and Sunset each day.”

I see the large blue alicorn nod her head, then I notice that the blanket on her back has shifted and I see something that was not there the last time I saw her. “Choo, are you wearing a fake cutie mark?”

She smiles and tells me, “No, I have gotten it back, and then some. The steam engine was my original one. Luna’s darkness and moon, well those are new to me as well.”

When I say this, I see Argyle's head turn to look at her with an expression of surprise. Then he says something about, “From when you met them?”

She nods her head and shrugs her shoulders. She then looks at me and tells me, “Ball, if you are not back in three days, we will come looking for you too. Be careful all of you.”

I am surprised at the heartfelt emotions I hear in her voice. I close my eyes and nod my head, “Will do Choo. See you as soon as we can.” I then turn to the others with me and motion with a wing as I tell them, “Follow me bucks,” and we begin to head toward that light in the distance.

It takes two days for us to reach the foot of the mountains where the city lights illuminate the sky on hoof. I keep thinking to myself how I wish we could only fly. From below we can not see the buildings or structures. Perhaps it is just the angle, or maybe the clouds that surround the mountaintops. The one thing that seems really strange though, is that for a Pegasi city, we can not see anypony flying in the distance like we often could back in Thunderhead.

During our climb, it is while we are taking a break that I notice Alto is fiddling with his radio. Suddenly he stops and I see him look surprised as he starts to move his head with some music.

“What you got there Alto,” I ask.

He grins and tells me, “Sir, I have some music. The current song is something called If I Could Fly Like the Queen.”

“Hmm, can you turn it up so the rest of us can hear it?”

He does so, and we can hear the rest of the song’s lyrics and bouncy tune. As I think I am reminded of the style of Songbird Serenade. As it finishes, I hear a stallion’s voice come on, good evening mares and gentlecolts of Zephyr Heights, this is ZBS Radio and I am Rhythm Twist bringing to you the best in music.

However, to help pay the bills for this show, we have some messages from our sponsors followed by the news.

Our first sponsor for the show is Zeus brand weather watch, now in a convenient pastern watch style for easy carry and wear. Whenever you need to know the weather and time call upon Zeus.

Speaking of Zeus, a good watch will make sure you are on time for our new queen’s coronation. That is right, tonight our fair Princess Haven will put on the royal crown and assume the title of Queen Haven. While no surprise to us all, it is an event we are both overjoyed and sorrowful to have taken place. I for one am very excited for it and will be broadcasting live from along the parade route that she will take from the Royal Castle to the Holy Cathedral downtown.

In other news, the rumors that Princess Haven went missing for several hours last night have been refuted by authorities in the castle…

This gets the four of us to all look at each other. I find myself shrugging as I see Air Burst rubbing a hoof under his chin and Alto grinning like a young colt. I look at Funnel Cloud and he just shakes his head, “I guess we should see this too sir, if we can. But let’s try not to be too obvious.”

As we walk around the city's foundation and walls, we notice how all the guards are unarmed. We also notice an elevator that goes to what appears to be the peak of the local mountains. We continue on and find an entrance where ponies are coming and going. Many of them appear to be heading out to work crops in the fields. Others, well others have what look like mining tools on their backs and head for some caves nearby.

As this procession of ponies occurs, we slide through the gate. One of the guards at the gate stops us and asks, “What are those things on your back?”

I smile widely and tell him, “Oh, these are experimental mining tools.”

He looks slightly suspicious and asks, “Why do you have such a funny accent?”

Luckily Choo Choo and the rest had prepared us for such a question around the campfire the night before. So, I reply, “Oh, that is because we are from far away. A small place called Thunderhead. But are also representatives for the Queen’s coronation.”

He looks funny at me at first then says, “Interesting, we do not normally get outsiders here. We met one of your associates a few days ago. He was with two representatives from someplace called Manesville. They can be found in the Grand Zepher Hotel. Visiting dignitaries and all…”

“Oh, well thank you very much,” I tell him. Then I ask, “Which way to the Hotel?”

He gives us directions and we head down the street. As we walk, I notice two things immediately. The first is how technologically advanced and clean this city is, I am seriously stunned by all the large electronic billboards with their ads and news broadcast. The second, well no pony, and I mean no Pony is flying.

I also notice the professional detachment on Funnel Cloud’s face as he looks the city over. Beside him, Alto is looking like a first-time tourist to Thunderhead from down below. Air Burst, he seems to be documenting everything he sees in his head.”

Once we arrive at the hotel, we enter the lobby, Across the way at the bar, I see Sunny sitting there talking to a group of ponies telling them a story it seems. Near him, I see two more pegasi that just do not seem to fit in quite so well. One of them fits the description of our missing researcher. Next to him, is an almost pale blue-coated stallion with a graying mane and tail and has his eyeglasses on top of his head as he seems to be nursing a hangover.

I point him out to the others and we go to join them.

We enter the bar behind Sunny and I hear him telling this wild tale about his family being on the run from some crazy unicorn named Silver Spite and how they all thought they were going to die. As he tells the story, he turns his head and I can tell when he sees us as he stops telling the story and yells, “Ball Lighting it is so good to see you again my friend,” as he jumps down and gives me a hug in front of everypony there.

I can not help but grin. I go with it and hug him back as I tell him, “It is really good to see you too.”

He quickly changes the subject and asks, “So how are the wife and kids?”

I smile slightly again and tell him, “They were alright the last time I saw them. But that was several weeks ago.”

I see his eyes go slightly wide at what I am implying. Then he tells us, “Well, I am glad you could make it to the Coronation as well. Come on over and let me get you a drink. They are on the royal tab for visiting dignitaries.”

I see the disappointment on the faces of those who were listening to his stories as does this. He turns to them and tells them, “Give me a minute.” He holds up a hoof and flags down a barmaid. Once she arrives, he tells her, A drink for each of my companions who have just arrived. And if you would another of these Kick’n Chickens on the rocks for me.” After which he smiles and winks at the waitress.

She comes over and asks what we want. After she explains the brands, we all order a drink, I know I shouldn’t, but I decide to try something she calls an energy drink.

After she leaves, Sunny continues his story and I recognize part of it as being from the Battle of Serenity Valley that they have all talked about. However, he has changed it a bit, as he does not talk about there being any flying. He also has changed all the earth ponies and cattle into ground-bound pegasi and all their opposition are unicorns and hired earth pony mercenaries.

However, it does make for an entertaining story and it seems to reinforce the local’s misconceptions about the other types of ponies.

After the story finishes, Sunny excuses himself and leads us over to a table where the other two pegasi from our universe are sitting.

As we all sit down, he introduces us, “I assume you are looking for Research Paper, here he is.” The researcher nods to us. Then Sunny points to the ailing pegasus and says, “And this is Morning Mist. He joined us after the last time we met.”

I nod my head and make a mental note to submit his name and description in my report. Sunny grins and tells us, “Yeah, I know you will have to report it. But I am sure Research here can give you more details.”

“Ok Sunny, Choo told us you were to be back two days ago. What happened?”

This time Research Paper answers, “I did. I asked them to stay for the Coronation. We have not seen an event like this since before the two sisters in our world.”

As he says this, I notice a pony walking by stop, and look questioningly at us. But they then look at their drink and carry on.

“So, after the Coronation will we be ready to head back?”

Sunny nods his head, “Yeah, other than that, we would have been leaving yesterday.”

As we are talking, we see the news repeating about the upcoming ceremony for Princess Haven to be crowned the queen. As it comes on, I notice Sunny looking first at the screen, then at Morning Mist. He then quietly asks, “Uh, Morning, that mare on the screen. Wasn’t that the one you were drinking with last night?”

He slides his glasses into place. And I watch as his hangover seems to almost clear up as he slowly nods his head. Then I hear him whisper to himself, “What did I do?”

Sunny leans on his crossed forehooves upon the table and whispers back to him, “Uh, yeah, just what did you do last night? Damn it, this is what everyone got on me about a while back.”

I then overhear him whisper, “She said she had something big coming up and that she wanted just one more wild fling. I had no idea who she was.”

I see a smirk come across Sunny’s face as he looks at him and says, “Well at least it is not me this time.”

“Gee, thanks, Sunny.” He says, then he takes a drink of some coffee to try and clear his head. Soon there appears a very dapper stallion who then announces, “For all those who wish to partake there is a grand luncheon in the ballroom to commemorate the pending Coronation of her Royal Majesty in two hours.”

I look at the others and we all shrug our wings. Then Sunny says, “Tell you what, how about you leave your kits in our suite for lunch and the ceremony.”

“Thanks, Sunny. I think that would be a great idea,” I tell him as he leads us to the elevators. Once there we are taken to the tenth floor and he leads us down the hallway to a door that is locked. Once he unlocks it, we enter and see that the suite has three bedrooms and a bath all leading off of a main room, which has one of those video screens on the wall, as well as a bar next to it.

As we come in, he points to one of the side rooms, “Take that one over there. Oh, and grab a quick shower. All of you.”

I hear Air Burst start to grumble then I tell him, “Remember, he has the lay of the land Air. He knows better than we do.”

“Yeah, I guess he does, but it just doesn’t set right taking orders from an NCR type.”

“Air, this side of that doorway, there is no NCR or GPE. It is just us. We need to stick together. Besides, now that I think about it, we all are a little rank.”

After we all clean up Sunny tells us, “Ok, after the ceremony do we want to head straight out, or should we get one more night of good sleep? Because to be honest, I say we stay one more night.”

We all look at each other. Then at the accommodations before I tell him, “I will try and call Choo to let her know. We had a hard time getting a signal last night, but with this kind of elevation, I think we should be able to do it.”

I see Sunny nod his head. Then I step out on the balcony overlooking the street below. Again, I shake my head at the sight of so many ponies with such high tech, but not one of them being able to fly. Finally, I crank up the radio and I call to her, “Big Blue, this is Searching Shepard, Big Blue this is Searching Shepard do you copy?”

It takes me three attempts before I can hear her reply, “This is Big Blue, read you Searching Shepard. What is your status.”

“I have found the lost sheep. We will leave our location tomorrow morning. We arrived this morning so you can estimate the time involved. All sheep are safe and healthy. Will have a story for you when we get back.”

“Roger Shepard. Big Blue out.”

I nod my head and put the small hoof-cranked survival radio back in my saddlebags. As I do so, Sunny comes out and joins me. Leaning on the rail and looking down. I hear him sigh. Then he tells me, “It is so beautiful here. But I miss flying.”

I lean on the railing myself next to him. “Yeah, I understand. I never expected to have to spend so much time walking.”

He looks at me and asks, “How have you been handling it? I know your injuries took a lot from you.”

This time I look up into the sky in the distance. I close my eyes and breath in the clean air as I put together my thoughts. Finally, I reply, “I can’t lie, Sunny, it took a lot out of me. I am no longer fit for front-line duty; it effectively ended my career in the scouts. Now, now I am just a glorified military cop.”

He nods his head. “I am sorry that happened to you Ball. I really am. But on the positive side, you probably would never have had the chance for this if you had not”

I shake my head as I hear him say this and try to understand what he means. Then I ask him so.

He gives me a half smile before answering, “Coming through the doorway. If you were in top health, knowing you, you would have been in some of the assault regiments that have invaded the NCR.”

I must admit it to myself. Then I ask, “This isn’t the first time you have gone through a Doorway, is it?”

I see him laugh lightly to himself. Then he says, “No, not at all. Actually, it is my third. And Ball, each of them was completely different. I have to say, this is the longest we have stayed yet. The previous two times we noticed a slight time difference between universes. From what you said, it sounds like this one is a bit longer.”

I nod my head, “Yes Sunny it is. I already told Choo, but when I came through two days ago, it had already been about a month and a half on our side.”

He looks stunned. Then I hear him say, “I hope my family is not worried.” He pauses and then says, “I wonder how Morning Star is?”

“Sunny, who is Morning Star?”

He smiles brightly as he thinks of her, “Ball, she is a beautiful thestral mare that we ran into down in Hoofington. I just, I just don’t know what to say, or how to tell her how I feel.”

Ah, I can understand that and tell him so. Then I add, “Take it slow. Get to know her, and maybe introduce her to your family.”

He looks off into the distance as if thinking, then back at me, “Is that how you started with your wife?”

“Yes, it is. We went to school together though so we knew each other for a long time.”

He nods his head, then says, “Thanks Ball, now we best head down for the luncheon, then over to the Chapel so we can be seated inside for the ceremony.

The luncheon is a large affair, that is attended by most of the guests and staff of the hotel. Once it is finished, Sunny leads us hurriedly to the chapel. On several of the screens, I can see the Queen to be being escorted from the castle to an elevator that leads down to the city below.

Once it reaches the city proper, she is escorted to a fancy carriage that is being pulled by four large stallions and escorted by at least a squad of guards. Once she is onboard it begins to move slowly down the streets that are lined by pegasi cheering and clapping their hooves.

As this is occurring, we slide into the church and take our seats near the rear of it. It is like nothing I have ever seen before, with a high arching ceiling. Near the front of the chapel is a raised platform. Upon it stands several figures in religious attire that I am not familiar with.

Most of those inside are seated with the exception being those on the platform. Finally, I hear the cheering outside getting louder and I look back to see the carriage stop outside the doors we had entered.

The soon-to-be Queen steps out of the carriage and I can see her in her formal royal robes as she walks slowly and deliberately to the front of the cathedral. Once to the altar, she kneels briefly as if in prayer. Then she stands straight and is escorted up to the alter.

It is at this time that the oldest-looking of the figures at the front of the church carries forth a crystal crown and as she kneels, they place it on her head. After which she stands. I see that the other three ponies on the altar have surrounded her at the four positions of the compass. Each of them giving her a blessing.

Beside me, I hear Research Paper whisper, “This is truly fascinating. I really wish sociology was my specialty now.”

I nod my head in response and continue to watch the ceremony, which includes the now-crowned Queen, praying an oath to lead and protect the pegasi, and asking to be led diligently in this endeavor. This is followed by a religious service with her staying at the altar as it proceeds.

Once done she is once again escorted to the doors she entered from. As she comes down the aisle, I see her eyes seem to be looking for somepony. Then I notice them going to our group. She does not stop or slow down, but I see a very slight smile and a slight blush on her face as she passes us by.

After she has departed in the carriage, we make our exit with the rest of the crowd and head back to the hotel for one final night of peaceful sleep.

That night as we are eating dinner, Sunny asks me, “So Ball, what happens when we get back to the other side? Who is whose prisoners?”

I smile at him, “Well, we came to negotiate for control of Baltimare, so I really do think you will be treated as diplomats rather than prisoners.”

“And if the NCR is in control?”

“Well Sunny, then I guess it is up to you guys. But my suggestion is we rejoin our respective sides after we complete the negotiations.”

He nods his head, “Sounds good Ball.”

The next morning, as a group we leave Zepher Heights behind and begin the trek back to the portal. The trip again takes us two days and we have no encounters with trouble. However, the last night before we rejoin the rest of those from our universe is a quiet one around the fire as we are all lost in thoughts of home and what we are heading back into.

Once we arrive back at the portal, I see Choo Choo and the rest are all there, as is the local they called Argyle. We say our goodbyes to him. Then Airburst and Funnel Cloud lead the way through the doorway. Research Paper is in the middle of the group with the others. Finally, it is just me and Choo Choo left. I tell her, “You first,” she waves one more time to Argyle and tells him, “It was a pleasure to meet you. Take care of yourself, and never give up hope. Remember ponies can live together peacefully, just like I told you it was in my childhood.”

I see him wipe a tear. Then he waves one more time, “I will Choo Choo, now it is time for you two to go home.”

With that Choo Choo nods her head and walks into the portal and I follow her through, with one more look back.

Suddenly I am back in the lab with the Doorway. I can hear alarms sounding and ponies running.

A technician is in the room and he yells, “Captain, we are pulling out, we need to shut this thing down and rejoin the evacuation team.”

As we begin to move, I see Cowlick grin at the tech and yell above the alarms, “Everyone out, I got this.”

As we run out, I turn back and see the grinning bull take a grenade from his saddle bag and place it atop the controller. He pulls the pin and runs as fast as he can out of there.

As we make our way up the stairs, I hear a large crackling sound behind us as an anti-matrix grenade goes off. Destroying all the electronics near it.

He looks at us and says, “That should keep them safe on that side for a while at least.”

As we reach the top of the stairs and the hallway, I see the remaining portions of our security here waving us forward, once my team reaches them, we begin to fall back to the stairwell that leads to the landing pad where we arrived at this building. As we enter it, I look back and see a group of NCR ponies storming the lobby. The Repair Ponies hold their hooves up and begin to talk to them.

I quickly catch up with the team as well as security forces as they arrive at a transport Vertibuck that has its engines spinning. We all run onboard as fast as we can. As the aircraft leaps skyward, I look out the closing rear loading door and see several other vertibucks in the distance as well as airships.

I close my eyes and I smile as I think of the last couple of days.

*****

Good evening to all of you listeners in the Wastelands, tonight we have a lot to talk about, including the forced pull-out of Enclave forces from Baltimare.

It seems that the combined militias of that region have worked together for the good fight and were able to dislodge the Enclaved forces from all the territory that they held there. Thank you to the Baltimare Brigade for your hard work and sacrifices to help make the NCR a safer place. Also, remember that this goes to show just how much we can do when we all work together out there.

In other news, there are reports of Enclave forces moving toward Manehatten. If you have information remember to let the NCR officials in your area know so that we can react to it.

Now for some tunes, the first song up on tonight’s show is Life Outside. Now sit back, take a breath, and enjoy.

Author's Note

This chapter took me longer than I expected to write. So I apologize for the two-day delay in getting it out. However, it was also a labor of joy.

I hope you all enjoy it, as I felt it was time for a good break for the characters and again it is building for later in the story. The events in this chapter I figure are about 20 years before the ones that are shown in Make Your Mark and Tell Your Tale. This means we get to see a young Queen Haven as well as Argyle. Both before they had children.

I had planned on going through the Doorway to meet Argyle, Phyliss, and the others for some time. The biggest change was when I realized, that it would most likely have been around the time of the coronation. Much of this ceremony was modified from that of the British Monacries. No preference, just I like the ceremony and tradition of it.

Now, however, we are back to the Wastelands and continue on with the story.

For those of you who would like to listen to this chapter's song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWqJ_LxSDoY