The Begining of Eon

The first thing I felt when I hit my bed was the overabundance of dread, from the factory to home, day in and out. My limbs felt numb from the mind-boggling hours at work but it paid off well and despite the reputation of factory work I was never one to question things too big for me to judge. My mind was exhausted just as much as my body, I had just not only dealt with work but the heartache known as relationships, original I know. Quick rundown, my girlfriend of roughly 2 years decides our paths in life are just too different and wants to end it. Don't get me wrong in retrospect it doesn't sound bad but what made it worse for me was that I had wished to continue our relationship but in the end, I understood her reasons and chose to respect her by leaving on my accord. Maybe I was too rude? maybe too pushy? Whatever had led to the both of us choosing this, in the end, was never my thought as all I could think of was that..day. Call me pessimistic but my emotions were running a bit high at the time.

In my life on this Earth I'd done many things, said much, and worked hard, and yet I couldn't begin to compare that pain to anything I had ever dreamed of. I loved her as much as I could, was that not enough? Was this merely my wish of a hopeless man? Maybe I was just tired, that's it. Arriving home I had strung myself onto the couch and put my head in my hands only a sniffle breaking that tension. I looked at the picture stuck neatly in my drawer, painfully aware of my circumstances as I sniffed taking the picture in my hands, a photo of a happy family one long gone by now. My sisters Jeremia and Jasmine are both long gone by now, off to some college or work-related courses. They try to call but our calls become more and more infrequent as time goes by. My parents, I, and my pop never had the most heart to heart but he was proud when I got a job and got myself out of our old little town.

My mom and I never saw eye to eye on anything, me being a working man, me not taking care of my mental health, chores, and even hanging out with my friends in my teen days. She loves me nonetheless and I her. I knew my pop and she held me together despite the issues of raising kids and yet...I felt like being that kid again, running into my mom's arms and crying my heart out. Why did things get so rough, was it that bleak look in her eyes? Were the many times that issues came from failing dates or having to laugh off excuses too much for her? Was I ever wrong about it all?

I could feel my tears well up and yet I simply kept that picture tucked into the drawer, I wouldn't let this define me I thought, I wouldn't let it keep me down, fat chance. I cried, I cried like the boy who had missed his mother, his former friends, and his family. Waking up later on was nothing short of a miracle but things had....changed. I couldn't quite tell, everything was so dark, and yet I had a fine vision. Then it dawned on me, was I kidnapped? What for? why? Or was this some cruel prank gone wrong? Whatever the case, a light suddenly filled my vision. The cave I had appeared in, roughly by my estimate I wasn't here long and what's worse, a snowstorm was up ahead. The mouth of the cave shined like a fire in the dark as I ran forward feeling that same light I was given dim as I reached the entrance.

My first trek through this odd land wasn't a pleasant one, I had faired a little better than those hikers who would climb Mt. Everest and come back nearly dead. This wasn't much of an improvement as despite the full belly and physical stamina I had relied on for so long, with thick snow almost always over the horizon it was like walking down an infinite hallway. My legs were the first to give up, treks through the snow were nearly impossible and I had all but lost my stamina for the day, through each inch of snow I could feel the prickly sensations of cold overcoming my feet but I pushed on.

The snow wasn't more than one would expect and I could barely see anything in front of myself yet through it all I made it to what appeared to be a...Light? The orange glow of what looked to be a light shined as I called out to them "Hey! Someone's here and in need of attention fast! I'm not prepared for this blizzard and I have no idea where I am!" The Glow seemed to get closer despite my feeble attempts to wobble through the heavy snow. I could feel my hands for sure but it wasn't until later that day that I knew my horn had been giving off a light and that I wasn't just giving off a light but shooting it into the air unintentionally. The brimming light had been seen for a few meters and was quite impressive even for "Someone with Amnesia and no magic training" The light of a newborn was seen as a gift but this? This was just seen as some mish-mash mess of energy and control. The little time I was afforded before passing out was the thoughts I had running through my head: Would I survive, where was my home, and more importantly my friends and family? were they even ok? was I sent into some weird time travel incident or was this just some psychotic episode I've never had before?

Awakening, I was frantic still with little idea as to where I was, the beeping sound of what appeared to be some form of medical equipment was strapped to me tightly as a nurse walked in. She appeared no younger than most women despite the horn on her head and the rather odd set of....female features. Was I trapped in one of those Anime shows people dreamed of being in? Shaking my head I spoke first

"Miss, I apologize for any rash movements but can you answer me as to where I am?" Hearing little more than some hesitance that drew awkward tension as she spoke but a bit...afraid? What was there to be afraid of? Had I done something to offend this...woman?

"Sir, I promise that you're not going to be harmed here. This is Crystal Empire Foundation Hospital and my name is Bleeding Heart, may I ask for yours in return?" Though I was hesitant that gentle tone combined with said female features, I couldn't help but feel a bit safe as I responded to her. Though I couldn't help but fumble my name up, call me crazy I think it's reasonable under the circumstances, Fumbling the words I barely spoke coherently

"Uh well....yes my name that...uh...my name is....." Thinking back I should've told them something more original than from some show about a kid with an alien watch "My name is Eon Miss, apologies for the fumbling of words I've not had the best time and merely want to recover quickly" giving her my best smile to hopefully ease said tension, I was surprised to notice she smiled in return jotting something down on her paper.

Next was the arrival of what appeared to be guardsmen or rather guards. They looked the part just as stoic as one would expect and brought the nurse aside to speak to her before she turned to me and smiled once more, easing myself as that bit of tension finally passed. "Well, Mr. Eon the guards here informed me you had quite the spill in the blizzard outside the walls of the Empire and might I say you're lucky you were even still alive with how long you may have been out there. The Guards just have a few questions before someone arrives to talk to you"

That smile vanished as she turned and the guards walked up to me with the cold expression same as before but something not only screamed to me to run but do what I could to survive. The next question was menial and I wouldn't try to bore you people much but anywho "Well Mr. Eon, we're here to determine if you're a safe individual as Head of the Guard around here, it's my job to keep people safe, I want to ask of you some questions: Why were you in the snow?"

That was easy as I hesitantly spoke up "Easy Sir, I was simply at home one day then I somehow end up stuck in the snow after I passed out weirdly enough, I know it's hard to believe but-" That response was cut off as he raised his hand and spoke, "If you were transported randomly to some area you know nothing of, I find that weird and not only weird but hard to believe sir, Magic may occur and Unicorns may be able to teleport but no mare or stallion just passes out and vanishes in thin air."

That response only seemed to solidify the fellow guard's opinions of me as I spoke up once more: "Yes Sir, I understand, but if I may, I'm not one to even know what "Magic" is much less what a stallion or mare is alright? I just happened to appear here and merely have no idea of what I'm doing here or how I even ended up here."

***

That response got weird looks, even from passing doctors and nurses, as the guard spoke, barely holding back a chuckle: "Sir, you are a stallion, are you not? You might not believe me but please look to the window and look at your reflection." The guards behind him stifled their chuckles as they ever so slightly shifted under his gaze.

Standing up not understanding the point of this, it dawned on me. I still had good hands but my skin? It was a pale white color with dots of yellow all over me. What I later learned was "Flank". My backside was half white and half black like some sort of Zebra! That led to my reflection, my "mane" was a rather long streak of black and pale whites as I looked to be what would be called a "unicorn" with a horn atop my head and rather pointing as I poked it with my hands and felt a pinch of pain reeling back I stumbled into my seat and breathed a bit heavily. My mind raced with possibilities, explanations, reasons, and conclusions as I had to come to terms with this in some form, I was some sort of "Stallion" With a horn and no doubt appearing normal like the rest of them. The guard spoke a bit confused as he lifted a hoof for one of the stallions to keep me from falling over.

"Sir, are you ok? I know it may be odd to see yourself after seemingly so long but the best the Doctors have determined based on everything they know and hear from you is that you seem to have no identity at all." Huh? "They can't seem to find any records of you being in the Empire for any time nor any Record of your name so if I was to be clear Mr. Eon. You're considered more than just a normal citizen but someone that must be judged to be fit to be around others and cleared of any mishaps."

Walking in next was a woman or rather a mare with not just the same horn I had but large pink wings, stunning in all regards if you asked me. The Woman smiled at me as she merely waved to her guards who all quickly bowed before she spoke, not in the same fashion as a politician you'd think but as some angel from the heavens above.

"Might I ask what you're doing to this stallion Captain? I asked that you bring him in and show him some kindness before asking questions and not interrogate him like a criminal am I correct?" The woman before him oozed a regal manner, handling as I'd later find out was the term for how she dealt with the captain.

The "Captain" sputtered his words as he spoke up "No my empress, I apologize. I was merely thinking of the best interest of the public, and a stallion Unicorn though diseased should be-" He was cut off by her raising a hand as she sighed in seeming frustration "-Please Captain, a disease-ridden Unicorn may not be considered dangerous if he was out of the hospital?" She waved her hand as the Captain sighed in relief and merely bowed responding "Of course your Empress" His words carried pure adoration despite the display before me. Honestly, he looked like a puppy asking for a walk.

Jokes aside, the woman turned to me as I stiffened in my position something just seemed off. The air she gave off was something with the presence of what could only be described as an angel. Even if she wasn't the sheer pressure I could feel emanating from her gaze was enough to make me cower. The soft voice of this woman spoke, bringing me out of my stupor as she smiled gently "Now Mr. Eon right? May I ask what you were doing in such a blizzard and a long way from the Solar and Lunar empires? If I'm right then you must be from those areas, most ponies travel between both after all."

That damned smile, it seemed so sweet yet I could feel the compelling nature to speak as the words sputtered out "Uh well, as I said to the guards miss-" "Empress or if we ever become allies should the need arise call me Cadence" The woman chuckled more like birds singing. "Oh um sure, apologies Empress but as I said before I was merely awoken in the snow and had no idea of my surroundings until I had awoken here after I had passed out in the blizzard, and uh thank your guards for my rescue."

Her response came as a shock to my tired mind but nonetheless appreciated, "Of course Mr. Eon as the Empress of the Crystal Empire I welcome you to our borders but before we continue" She motioned to the guards to leave and though the captain's eyes told her that he wanted to stay she steeled her gaze for a moment as he shook his head and his troop left.

Getting a proper look at the woman I could not but was even more enamored by her appearance than I'd thought possible. A long stretch of hair that went down her back seemingly fitted with a bow atop her head placed under the crown on her head, gems sparkling in some strange light amidst the staring. Next was her more...Female Features, despite me being no perv I couldn't help but admire her looks despite the strange feeling brewing inside of me. She was a more buxom woman than I had seen before her sitting beside me, her legs leading down in a spindly manner more refined and covered in golden laces more befitting some of you'd hear in legends like Aphrodite. Her giggles broke me out of my stupor as I immediately felt the need to apologize for my brutish behavior "I deeply apologize Empress, I am still new to this world, and well be it far from me to say this but you look lovely."

The woman's smile ticked up slightly as she giggled before she spoke, "Oh don't worry, I get this stare often and while it's a bit off-putting you're new so I'll let it slide Once." Her smile then ended as she spoke: "I was hoping to learn more about the true cause of this name, Eon is not a normal name by any stretch much less one from the Empire, so if you'd please, allow me to read your mind."

That mere request boggled my mind as I stuttered out a response "Oh no, normally not like that...If I may, please understand when I say I may have..lied a little bit. I'm not truly from here and while I can't truly explain how I was transported to this world." The blabbering from my mouth made me want to merely explode, great going dumbass! Day one and you already exposed your secret!

(Credits to Margony on DeviantArt for the art)

The woman's next words came as quickly as my response: "Sir or Mr. If you were going to lie you should've said so, I'm no stranger to lying but another world? If you truly are as you claim then let me be the first to say welcome to our world and the second to say that I must first verify this beforehand by asking you this: When was the Treaty of the Crystal, Lunar, and Solar empires first brought to public knowledge?"

Her question gave me little time to respond as I fumbled a quick response although I had no true idea "Empress if you will, I have no bloody idea what you mean much less what the "Solar" or "Lunar" Empire is. I only know of your land from the basic knowledge that I was told my location and that I'm simply here in your Empire."

She nodded as she popped her elbows out before pressing them onto her knee as she spoke: "I see..then your claim is at least somewhat funded, but to be sure as an Empress, I would have you taken care of by our finest you will remain a guest of the Empire until we figure out some accommodations for you." That made me nearly crack a joke but under the situation, I doubted that being a jokester would get me anything less than some roughhousing by those beefy guards.

The next few minutes felt like an eternity, with doctors looking over my heart rate, taking shots from me to ensure there were no signs of viral disease as the Empress had recommended to them. The question burning through all this was..why? Why was I thrown to the wolves of this new land? What compelled whoever sent me here to condemn me to this fate? Left in a land I had no sight or any form of reason to believe in. I had left my only family, my few friends, and my life behind. Maybe I was sent here and could go back but what were the chances of some other world knowing how to traverse dimensions or worlds? As nightfall came the doctors cleared me but wished that I be left in their care for at least a few days to ensure that no lingering effects of whatever "Amnesia" had overcome me. That night, I couldn't help but feel those tears well up in my eyes. My whole life is gone. My friends, my family, everything I had ever come to know up till now is gone.

***

That night I didn't sleep, How could I? I was trapped in a body not my own, forced to live this life not of my own volition, and what? Trying to live? What point was there in that? I'd never be one to call myself depressed but what else could there be for me at this rate? I blankly stared at the ceiling above, taking care not to alert anyone and trying to hide it however cowardly that may be. My own thoughts and feelings would satiate anything I need anyways.

The next morning arrived without a moment's notice. That mere day turned into more as I refused the same food I had eaten time after time even as the staff forced me I'd just refuse them and cause a scuffle. It's been days now, maybe more by now in this body, and yet the doctors come back as if I would do what they wish again, they simply left that day.. I awoke to that same woman, would I even bother to remember the names of them all? Why now? If I was to be a guest then I would spend my time as I pleased, with silence.

"Guards, please leave us if you will" That same gentle harmonious voice from before, my senses on alert as I sat straight up with no answer, how do I do so without the aid of rest and some food? "Um...Mr. Eon right, Well I've heard from the doctors that you refused any sort of food today as well as any checkups unless they had held you down with aid from security. May I ask what troubles you so?" Her voice was laced with that thickness of kindness I had begun to resent despite my state of being.

"Your Majesty if I may, I've been trapped here and after several days all I seem to get is those placid and complacent looks from nurses and doctors, some pitying this mere man sure, some could care less, some probably don't even bother. I have nothing to say of no family, friends, Heaven above I have no speck of life to resemble something even worthy acknowledgment. Stuck in this hole with nothing but my own thoughts so please, how do you think I feel?" I snarled that retort, my momentary lapse letting her feel that pain although all I could see was worry. no pity, no kindness, just plain worry. What would her next words be? How could I improve myself and fix myself like these doctors want or the nurses or the guards who can't seem to answer any questions I give them?

"While I understand your situation, if it's of any comfort please understand that we just wish you a recovery, you may be lost, but what more do you have to lose? If I may be so blunt, but you're not eating, you're not caring for yourself and yet you say you're hurting? If you cared for those in your previous life, they may not be within reach but you can do your best to care for yourself and work toward that goal. Yes, you may be millions of miles from home or worlds away, but that doesn't mean you cannot try. All I ask of you is to try this, if not for yourself then as your Empress I ask you to try." Cadence stood not one hint of anger in her tone, not even the slightest ounce of frustration, just hope. Hope that some pony would give themselves a chance.

".........." For a time I pondered this as she left, leaving me to stew in my own thoughts. Was it truly the best path? If anyone were to know from what I trusted of these people it would be that simple talk. Was she right? Was she the one I should listen to? If I was going to live here I'd need to try and trust others right? I guess it wouldn't hurt to try something at the least maybe to get used to my situation less stewing in my own thoughts would mean I'd manage a way out somehow. I wanted to go home, but was that truly possible? She spoke of worlds as if they were just fiction. was it truly a hopeless endeavor?

***

For several days I pondered my own actions in this little world of mine, was it truly just some hopeless endeavor? Maybe it was wrong to hide myself or maybe I could trust the doctor's and nurses' smiles? For a few days as I was stuck there because of that pink woman's orders and I quote from the doctor "Ensure the patient is fully up to living his new life" Whatever that meant. For several days the doctors and nurses would continue to ask questions like "How I was" "How are you feeling" or any random mundane ones, I'd give simple responses like "Good" "Doing ok" and "Could be better" too many times if you ask me. I had heard of her name from some of the Doctors apparently "Miss Mi Amore Cadenza" Or "The Empress of Love" I had little understanding of such a title but I went with the motions. if it meant they'd leave me in peace, I could care less. There were rumors flying from some of those nurses: "That stallion has brainwashed the Empress!" or some form of that, always just asking the same question. Why was this mare invested in such a person? I was merely another one of the "Subjects" No doubt she'd seen dozens if not tens of thousands of me right?

As those days passed and flew by in a moment, I'd get my answers to that very question. One day she had just happened to come by in similar attire to the one I'd seen in her several days ago. She merely sat on the bed and asked softly "How are you today Eon? feeling better? Is the staff treating you well?" As much as I wanted to simply ignore it, I couldn't help but be a bit soft, I was quite rude to her after all it'd be best not to piss off a royalty of an Empire.

***

"I'm doing ok I suppose, I can't complain really. The doc and the nurses are doing just fine really, it's all just a bit pushy. They seem...too nice. If they are ordered to, I don't want Harper on anyone's day and to be a bother, I'd rather just be in peace and recovering from whatever else is wrong with me.." The response was quick but I couldn't even look back and see the holes in such a tale.

She was rather surprised I had talked at all, apparently, it was well known by now I was particularly not the conversationalist and mostly quiet and kept to myself. She spoke with a light smile "Eon, There is nothing wrong with you at all I did not mean to offend you, I was just asking how you are and you seem to be better than a few days ago" She lightly teased, giggling softly as she spoke once more "I've come to my own conclusion if you are truly from another world then, you might never be able to return to the said world and while I cannot give you that at the moment, You would be a guest to all nations but I would be willing to give you a job in my castle personally as a....friend." She chuckled momentarily at my confusion.

"So you, an all-powerful Empress, a god damned God basically, want me to be your friend...Why?"

"Simply put, I'm an Empress and a "God damned God" as you say, Being on top doesn't afford you friends outside of caretakers I assure you."

"What's the catch? Why bother with someone you barely know and could care less for? I'm just some guy in a world I don't understand, I'm no stallion in my heart but I'm just as much myself as I was at home. So why me? I'm nothing but one cluster of a mess."

"Even easier to confirm for you, I'm an Empress sure, but even I can want to have a friend, and who better than a newcomer who wouldn't see someone like me as a royal but as just another person and better yet, you'd get to leave~" She winked.

"Sure, if it just means I can get out of these hospital gowns and be outside of this place then sure uh...Cadence? Let's begin this again then, Name's Eon, former Resident of Earth." He used his free hand after getting up to offer a handshake to the tall woman.

"Fine by me, I am Mi Amore Cadenza Ruler of the Crystal Empire, daughter to the former Empress Amore. I am pleased to make your acquaintance Mr. Eon," she smiled, grabbed my hand with a firm return, and shook my hand as I released my grip, and so did she.

Leading me from the hospital after what she called "Royal Clearance," she led me through the streets, giving me little time to glance at my fellow ponies who seemed all the more confused as to why this random Stallion and the Empress seemed like chums. Guards from less than a week ago have now followed right behind, careful to stay out of the way but not too far away, guess they're committed to the job, good for them. My thoughts were interrupted as we reached a strange building, dwarfing the others as the large castle stood before me, Gems lined each edge all colored pure silver, not the fake stuff you see but Pure silver. The lining of the inner sanctum had sculpted pictures on the glass, almost lifelike. Each a small portrait of her life and her accomplishments including some strange Older mare beside her, huh? Arriving at the room she let me in and allowed me to explore its contents, dotting the room was a faded blue tapestry covering the walls, each side lined with fully stocked shelves full of books. The closet seemed almost too big and the bed fit my size and more than accommodated me. I couldn't help but let a smile loose as I gave her a simple thank you in the form of a smile. No words needed to be exchanged as she merely smiled and nodded.

***

Waking up, I had quickly gotten myself ready for the day, clothes and all. I spent no time pinching myself as I had done days ago time and time again just to see if this was all some dream and yet still nothing. Still stuck in this world full of colorful ponies and abilities unknown to me. My headache from last night had only persisted, gripping my head little flashes back and forth like some sort of heat stroke, I had done my best to keep it hidden but it was really starting to annoy me. The same dreams back and forth, for the past few days I've been having this strange dream. Maybe it's just my new mind and body but this felt all too real. Less like a dream and some kind of dark horror story written up over decades.

Every dream would start the same, waking up in my old bed and wandering the house in my old body like nothing had happened. I'd walk around and look at each picture of my family, placed neatly among the walls, and it's just blank. Nothing to speak of, no names, who even were they? who were they to me? Was this just some dream? Was I dead? these questions never escaped my lips yet remained in my head. Each time I would enter the door, each time I would enter a new home, this looked no different than the one before, with small adjustments here and there but basically the same. Was that picture frame empty before or was that just my imagination? The dream then shifted before me, gone was the house of a thousand more and there was a plain field, the grass was being pushed by some breeze I could not feel. All that sat there was a woman who looked strikingly like Cadence, I had wanted to say something but for whatever reason my throat was caught in a bundle as the woman turned to ash before me. Was that just my mind, was the first question, Was I only dreaming?

This would always end the same, a flash of white and me waking up shaking. My body never felt warm, it felt cold to the touch, more than one should be. I couldn't make sense of things, what was it for? why was this happening? I did my best to hide it for the first day, then the next, and now. It became annoying, despite my feelings of anxiety and fear running at an all-time high. Knock's was heard at my door, getting myself dressed I said "Sorry, I'm just getting finished up whoever's there, apologies!" I called them, only getting a chuckle in response as the door opened. There she was, The Empress of Love in what I could only describe as pajamas. Soft blue's all over her frame, covering from head to toe with a cute hoodie on top for her, less like Royalty and more like some kid coming home from a slumber party. The pajamas were lined with little dots from side to side in a straight pattern, near her head was a necklace formation on the neck piece in an oval shape in the form of the same necklace she had been wearing out in the hospital.

"Hello Mr. Eon, hope you had a good morn-Oh my are you ok? you look like you haven't been getting much sleep, do we need to get the royal Physician here?" The woman's gaze made me wanna just buckle and tell the truth but something in me told me to just bury it. Keep the smiles going.

"Oh no I'm alright just a bit tired is all, nothing to worry about, Promise." I smiled, giving the best smile I could under the circumstances which seemed to remove her worry for the moment, she smiled in return as she looked rather nervous but looked at the floor as I asked "Empress, Sorry Cadence. Are you sure you're not the one who needs someone to check on them? you don't exactly appear dressed yourself," pointing out the obvious I had hoped to give her a little jab of my own.

What came next was rather shocking despite the little I knew of her: "Oh just well, um, I'm not exactly sure how friends work and I had hoped you would know something about it. See, I have never really had the time for such relationships even in passing, and well, I'm rather new to this whole experience I was just asking, I apologize if it's too much to ask" She bowed, making me sputter in a bit of embarrassment, what was with this woman?! The strange looks I'd gotten from passing staff didn't help me at all.

"E-Empre-Cadence no its ok! now please stop bowing, I don't like the looks from your staff.." She looked confused but did so and merely smiled as if nothing had happened at all. "I understand that but please answer me this: Don't you have some form of friends anywhere? relatives or anything like that?" She looked rather perplexed but answered nonetheless.

"Well, there was my mother and father, Princess Amore, and her husband, King Crystal Heart. They have long since been out of the public eye as part of traditional law, as a former Empress and Emperor they left this empire and have not been seen since...I was on the throne." The last part of it struck me, she seemed...somber. No more than that, just depressed. How long had it truly been for her? How long had those parents of hers discarded the throne and left her to do this?

"Cadence if it's not too much trouble, why are you the only Empress you say your mother and father were married or at least they seemed to be but why just leave the throne and all that responsibility to you? Why didn't someone from your family stick behind you at the least? It sounds like they're just ditching their child to a fate they had no choice in." Maybe I was a bit blunt at that but come on, a mother and father leaving their only child to run an entire Empire? It just didn't sit right with me. But her response is what shocked me.

"No! You have no idea what they have done for me, raised me, cared for me, and made me into the Empress the empire needed! Maybe it was wrong of them to be left alone but I can't fault them, can I? Who else would take the throne, some noble who had no care for anyone but their own greed? Or some pompous dictator who would ruin our law and make the land a hellish nightmare for my people? I cannot imagine they wished to abandon me of their own will but what choice did they have? Leave the throne vacant and just hoped I'd take over someday, They had no choice in the empire's leader just as those before them."

"Cadence, I may be your new friend but let me at least explain myself. I can in good faith say that from what you say, your parents had a good reason for giving you the throne the past few days have only started to show me why but what I cannot excuse is leaving you behind. You're their flesh and blood, their child, the one child they had and they leave you to a fate you had no control over. Good intentions do not excuse the results of one's choices. You're a pers-pony. You're an Empress, yes, but you're just as much a person as you are the crown on your head."

For a while we both sat in silence, unable to come to some agreement despite the words coming from our mouths. Yes, I can see her parent's good intentions from her view but that's only one side of things to me. Why did her parents leave, Why her? Why can't she live a life of her choosing rather than one thrust upon her? She had been the only kind of person to approach me so far, not question me, just act like any other person, and be kind to a newcomer she had no idea about. If I could at least return that kindness in return I'd be satisfied. The once kind Empress simply walked away, it was a touchy subject that maybe she needed some time on and I'd be fine giving her that time. I would never waver in my views, but I'd support my new friend the best way I can.

***

I'm starting to feel less like a welcome guest and more like the thing put in the backroom, it was an odd feeling. Today was normal as all can be but what surprised me is the same maids, guards, butlers and even some chefs that walked by said no words to me. I knew I was probably out of line for these Ponies but sometimes new perspectives had to be said, even if the other person doesn't like it. I could hear some laughter coming down the hall and despite me still being in the pajamas laid out for me the night before I had no change, I didn't sleep well. Not because of the argument mind you just, bad memories and those same nightmares creeping back. I still felt like I was alone truly, maybe that was just the depression in me talking or my overactive imagination but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was just alone. Laughter could be heard so I followed the sounds despite the looks of the staff and some of the guards. What surprised me was a rather large table, lined with what appeared to be some nobles or maybe some ministers or something. Each had regal outfits fit for a king, lined with gems encrusted into each lining of their outfits, monicols and all. The whole work. What stood out to me was the three Mares at the head of the table, One as pale as the moonlight, One as bright as the stars, and Cadence, the same Empress that wished to show me kindness.

The dining accommodations looked amazing enough, but what drew my eyes was the strange feelings from the two mares. One of the stars and one of the moonlight, I couldn't help but feel like they knew I was looking but I chose to simply go back to my room. I didn't feel like disrupting this event or lunch, I was simply not in the mood. Maybe it was just missing home, feeling like Cadence and I had already gone off on the wrong hoof, or the cold feeling I got from the staff along the way. Whatever the case, I couldn't help but just want to curl up. Trying was always tough, people would say that just getting up and fixing it all could work out but was it really that simple? I had wanted to get and make a life for myself but so far all I've done is screw up conversations, fail to make the one person in this wide world that had shown me some sliver of kindness just a bit happy, and yet all I felt was that this traced back to me. I didn't hear the knocking or the staff calling my name as I ignored them, popping open a book and prancing through the words that had me locked in.

It's been hours, I continued to listen to the laughter and light chatter but kept myself busy reading each page I could to distract myself. I had learned some things in my time here, after all, that was my first thought. These Empires were run by usually a ruling class or Empress in this case, Cadence was one, One called Luna was the second, and the Third was seen or at least implied in the text as the "hope of the world" or Celestia. Each of these lands encompassed much of the continent and though there were other lands and small pockets of those who ruled by their own lands by calling for independence ultimately the Empress of each had the final say as they were territories owned by said Empire. Some had made the cut and some didn't, some were simply told no and some were allowed to be their own place but if Earth had taught me anything, nothing was as it seemed. To me, this was no better than an invasion or takeover, leaving those places out of your reach but you could always be the one to regulate trade and economic growth, and many old systems you had in place were the ones they adopted.

The next knock at the door drew my ire, I was in a grumpy mood and just wanted them to stop. I walked up and groggily answered and before me, I was rather surprised. There stood a bright-colored woman, hair like fire and gentle what looked like orange in her locks all tied into a bow, she had no dress but looked to be a scholar. Her attire seemed to be more fitting of a librarian, a plain shirt and pants, her shirt tucked in, and wearing a rather adorable set of glasses.

"Sir, if I may you're the one the Empress had recommended I talk to about..." She leaned a bit closer to "Other-worldly life."

That notion had shattered my previously grumpy mood and made me more than anything just shocked, speaking up was all I could do really, what else could I do to tell her no? If Cadence or one of those strange women had somehow known of my origins then this could spell something bad for me, I had no idea of other royals outside of Cadence. "Um well...I guess you could say I know something about that but can I ask who and why you were sent to me? As far as I know, only the royal staff knew of me and the Empress herself"

"Oh I'm sorry but I was told to explicitly keep that information to myself, I apologize once more but I'm only here to learn about you as much as I was told"

With a heavy sigh internally, I let her in. She smiled and gave me a thankful nod as she wandered into the room, she looked rather surprised at the small pile of books present all over my bed. I was a bit perplexed at the starry gaze in her eyes at all the books before it clicked with me, she loved books. Can't say I was a fan myself but being in this world meant I had to learn something sometime right? Like me, this woman was a Unicorn. Her horn was as orange as the rest of her and despite her tidying up the bed I had stopped her to do it myself, it'd be rude to let her just clean the mess I made after all.

Sitting across from her was the easy part, getting to talk was tough. She nervously stared across the room and began our little dance of words "So...You've only been here 2 weeks now? May I ask how your day is going?" The answer was simple, I had only given her a look and she had seemed to take the hint "Oh um sorry, I was just interested today and well wanted to learn if the rumors were true that some Alien had arrived from another world. I know it sounds silly but that sorta thing is always in science fiction novels always some faraway hope that no one is alone in this wide universe"

The words coming from my mouth were the only ones I could conjure up, I didn't want to be rude to this woman, she seemed nice. A bit curious as anyone would be nice nonetheless. "Well, I don't know about rumors around but I am from another world. I understand if you have questions but, to be frank, I'm not really feeling up to answering too many if that's ok with you" I rubbed my head, feeling that same headache crawling back to fuck with me once more.

She was rather receptive to this, nodding with a soft smile on her face "I have no qualms with that, just a few questions and if you'd like I'll be on my way, For one who is the dominant race in your home world? I've always understood that species in many worlds in said fiction novels can have more than one race who speaks as we do and acts as we do."

"Honestly, you're not far off. Homosapiens or Humans are the dominant race on earth but in terms of numbers one could say ants are the dominant lifeforms, they cover our world with each step and use our world as their playground. They cover the land and forests like small dots all except one continent. Sorry if that seemed exploratory, but I felt like that would suffice" I gave her a tired yet wry smile in return.

"Interestingly, well for one the same could be said for the Empire and the world as a whole, many species could outnumber us ponies but are in truth just animals. Enough of that, my next question would have to be how advanced is your race truly? You speak of them as if they are worlds apart, so to speak," she chuckled slightly as I returned to the notion and let out a little chuckle of my own.

"For one, your people use magic as something I've yet to begin understanding and here I sit saying that we're more advanced...If you mean by technology then yes we have vehicles that remove the need for walking or ones that can fly us to any destination we wish. Or boats that can speed faster than most crafts in the water and even technology that allows us to get information in a snap from anywhere in the world" I had hoped this would satiate her curiosity, my headache was getting worse and I couldn't help but feel like I was taking up more of her time, I did not want her involved.

She took it well, all things considered, kindly giving me a nod and speaking for the first time in a little while "I apologize once more for the intrusion, I may not be omniscient but even a silly mare like myself can see you're not doing the best, I'd like to talk another time if that's ok. We may be two different kinds but we can all learn a thing or two from the other, right?" She snickered, a blazing fire lit in her eyes and I couldn't help but be enamored as I nodded numbly at this and smiled, shaking her hand and in return, she gave me a hug. I was rather shocked but chose to go along with it, hugging the woman back I softly let go shortly after and allowed her to leave. My worries had been somewhat mitigated, maybe there was more than one person I could call...Friend.

***

Wishful thinking really, Was I walking into the Lion's den at this moment? Today was an average day except for the strange new guards outside my room, dawned in armor with an odd lunar symbol, not a moon more of a crescent moon. They spoke in old English that was more like Shakespearean or something you would hear in old novels of long-begotten times. "Thee shall cometh with us, the empress of the moon demands thy presence" The first one spoke, it was a woman for sure she seemed a bit smaller than the others and her voice gave it away more than I had imagined, just who were they?

Then the next came "Followeth us, we shall guideth thee to her Highness" I could only nod, I was hesitant to speak maybe out of terms or one of these guards would have me locked up for disrespect. I had no idea. Following them behind I noticed a second set of guards waiting by a door, this time they were dressed as if they were made of gold each piece of their armor dawned with the stamp of a burning sun. With a lump in my throat, I proceeded and opened the door to find the three women from that table before me. Cadence wore royal attire as she usually does but the other two caught my eye more than I expected. The first woman was taller than even the other two, a sight all the more familiar to me from being in Cadence's company for weeks now. She wore a dress bathed in fire, golden gems sat across each part of her ankle and leggings underneath, and next was the top. Much like Cadance, she was rather...boxum. Her chest was covered cleanly but the shirt she wore had a symbol of a blazing Phoenix much similar to one found in Greek paintings. Her hair was similar to a raging inferno but dangled down her back and sat freely amidst her shoulder's without a care almost looking like it moved on its own without a breeze.

This next woman struck me as someone you'd find in the darkest of pits, she had the eyes of a cat or a lizard, or maybe something in between her armor covering her entire frame from head to toe. Not one piece of skin was on display, but it didn't appear bulky, more lightweight, as if she cared only to show force rather than talk. The three women could only gaze upon me, a commoner, no more dressed than any other stallion would be on his normal days as the Firey woman first spoke "Thou art one oddity young one, to be from another world and yet so comfortable in the careth of an empress, What a strange creature forsooth, empress of loveth"

The second woman then said: "Life sister, the speaketh as if 't be true we wast any less alien to this young one than us to that gent. Should we not at least exchange greetings with a visitor from another world?" Her tone carried some form of playfulness as she glanced at the fiery woman before saying once more, "I am the Empress of the moon, a weaver of dreams and nightmares, Nightmare Moon." She motioned with her hand for her fellow Empress to respond who seemed more interested in that...Phoenix?! when did that thing get in here?! Going to put that on the list of things I wish not to know.

The fiery woman spoke with a tone I couldn't help but feel as if I had offended her somehow, with less than kind words to be frank. "I am The Empress of the Blazing Sun, Provider of Light and life, Daybreaker, Peasant." That snark in her voice made me nearly shudder to the floor as her sister sighed and merely shook her head, Cadence merely looking off to the side as if she didn't want to even be here. Though I could at least read the room, I had to play my part even if it didn't look to be formal.

Dropping to one knee I said "I am pleased to be in your presence, Great Empress of the Sun, Great Empress of the Moon, and Great Empress of Crystals." I tried to play it all cool, even letting myself be degraded in such a way but what I didn't expect was the complete lack of acknowledgment at this display as I stood back up. I met the eyes of the three trying to keep my composure, I wouldn't lie in saying I could feel the sheer cold and heat coming from those two, like a chokehold around me tightening its grip.

The next words coming from them were not so much as surprising but just terrifying to know of "So you speak as if you know us but yet we know from our friendly Ally here that your stay has much been...complicated. You hold no answer to our laws, our people, and yet you make yourself one said "The friend of Cadence" You hold your title up as if it were mere words young one, Speaking from my own heart I can tell that this is folly. You're nothing but a traveler from another world are you not? Do you hold the value of use to this Empire and its people? If you were to be allowed to continue living in this Empire, I would have expected more than a small greeting from someone like yourself" The words coming not from the mare of the moon, but from this deadly woman of the sun were all but scathing. She was right, I had no true value not to these Empires, not to these people. I was an outcast.

The approach from the woman I had argued with some time ago, showed me something I had never given myself, confidence. Standing tall was the Empress of Love, her wings flared and seemingly ready for a strike herself as she spoke scathingly to the Empress beside her: "I must ask Empress Celestia as your ally, do you not find it a bit disheartening to request that someone from another world provide amicable growth and prosperity to an entire nation in only a few weeks? He may not yet even know his own potential and yet you expect him to be all ready to fit into a line, be it a soldier or a weapon? Do you wish the best for our Empire or do you speak to further your own ambitions"

The scathing reply made the Empress merely nod as her sister on the moon sighed, putting her hand on her head and shaking it, most likely like watching two children fight over their toys. Next was The Woman of the Moon "I'd ask for you two to calm down, but seeing as the centuries have not been kind to our tempers, might I ask Empress Cadence what you wish of this Human from another world My sister is right in stating that objectively he holds no value for your people or ours. If you did not want the response to this to be more than truthful, you should have been more forthcoming with the origins of such a man before we questioned you about it, it's better to inform your allies of significant changes pertaining to the status of refugees in any crisis is it not?"

Her retort only had me wishing I could just leave this and go hide in my room "While that is the case, given the display today I would be hard-pressed to even consider giving up information such as this correct? Your sister shows disrespect to my friend, regardless of his work ethic or his value. To give love to something and show the way to love others and themselves is my goal you know this, so please tell me why I should spend another moment with this-this Harpy of an Empress you call your sister!"

Finally came the voice I had not expected, the fiery woman of the sun "Oh quit the blathering, both of you. I merely gave an opinion the Love Empress disagrees with, I should not expect you to agree with me all the time, that's just plain arrogance. If you valued such a "Friendship" as you claim then you should have explained so beforehand. It is not my fault that you chose to disclose the nature of your "Friendship". Is it now fellow Empress~" The fiery woman gave what could only be described as teasing, Cadence for her part merely shook her with a light blush. "While I appreciate your words, Celestia, I would ask that in the future you please go through me before you consider asking anything of mine..friend." That word, Friend. Maybe I had gotten off to the wrong start with her, but truly what else could I call her at this point? She was the one who had requested for my healing, to give me a new "job", a future. I could only repay such a debt by doing whatever I could to make it up.

***

The Conversation quickly ended as I felt all their stares on me before I ask, rather meekly I mind you "Um, I apologize for any form of disrespect your Highness, I was merely trying to do what I could to repay my host for her kindness, as You say, I have no value currently but I hope not to just live up to someone's expectations but try my best to surpass those, in my own way." The response given was no laughter nor anger nor disgust, just something I couldn't even begin to describe. From her chair the Fiery woman only stood above me, taller than me despite being a former human, and merely smiled "It seems you hold value I've yet to understand then right I do hope my expectations weren't misplaced, I wouldn't want your "friend" to be disgraced right?" Kind words yet just the same strange yet smoldering air in those words. I gulped and kept my composure but I'm sure she knew, I was merely in her palm.

Back to my room I went, escorted by my friend and strangely enough she seemed more on edge than I had imagined, I thought it went well, was there another reason? Perking up for a second, I decided to break the tension "So...They seemed friendly enough. I don't want to intrude into this Emp-Cadence, but why the worry? if it's any consolation I don't think you have anything to fear from them, you can handle yourself better than I ever could" I gave a light chuckle at my own ineptitude.

She chuckled merely, wiping the brow of sweat from her head as she spoke, "Eon, I may be an Empress but I'm not invincible no one is, not even them but what worries me most. It's what's ahead of you, my fellow Empresses may be kind and I'd even go so far as to call them benevolent, but promise me this. Do not ever, under any circumstances, go to them. Asking them for a favor is as callous as throwing away your own life, alright?" She gripped my hand a bit tightly. "They are as trustworthy as Discord and the Demon Tirek, two-headed snakes. All I ask is for you to be careful. I don't want to lose my new friend so soon" She smiled warmly. We shook hands but she ended up hugging me in return. These past few weeks were honestly something I can't even begin to describe, maybe sad, maybe unfortunate but not hopeless.

I couldn't help but feel this was some kinda of a dream truly, to be in the arms of a friend. It was soothing. After I had arrived in my room I was quick to notice a note had been left by who guessed, Sunset, a little questionnaire about my world for another day huh? Maybe I could get used to such a thing. To be the only human in this land, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. I'd still miss home, Made a puppet by some scary mares, and one woman who seems to care about me as her friend. What a strange start to this new life.

End of Chapter 1

Author's Note

Apologies if this seems off, I'm writing down my first story after 11 years of writing experience that I INTEND to finish up, I've got lots and lots of ideas cooked up for everyone to enjoy. Any and All feedback is appreciated. Also, I know it's more popular to use Shinning Armor but trust me, he will play his part in due time.I do intend on making both this world and the pair itself make more sense and become more in-depth as the story goes along, friends never do start just in love after all.