"Tyyyleeerrr..."

"Gimmmfhminu..."

"Wakeee uppp, Tyleerrrrr..."

"Fckuff..."

"Tyler!"

"GAHH!!"

I shoot up, my eyes widening as my surroundings come crashing in around me. I can smell colours and see smells. A sky-blue blob sits in front of me, it's golden shell giving off a shining glow in the moonlight. The blob begins to take form and coalesce, revealing hooves, fur, armour, ears, and an adorable face belonging to a familiar pony.

"What the... what time is it?" I mumble as I try to reach my phone. Sitting in this position is restricting, and I fumble as I try to remove the rectangular menace from my pocket. I ignore Dusk's questioning gaze and press the power button.

Nothing happens. My brows furrow. I press it again.

Nothing happens.

"Piece of shit, you better not be dead." I mumble.

"Your brick is dead? How can it be dead, isn't it inanimate?" I groan in annoyance before looking up at my current companion.

"It is out of ba--er, energy. When the energy runs out within the battery, everything stops working. The energy, which I guess is electricity, is what powers my phone." I wobble the device for emphasis, and I watch as Dusk's eyes track it's movement with and almost hypnotic gaze. Finally, she blinks and shakes her head before a cheery smile appears.

"Welp, I assume you had a means to charge it back in your room-house-thing? If that's the case, then you should know the engineers finished about two hours ago. Were you asleep out here the whole time?" She tilts her head as I shake mine.

"No, I was doing something... what was I--" My hand brushes over the papers in a book, and I look down. Sitting before me was my religion textbook, and within the textbook, was a single phrase in Latin. I do not read it, and instead close up the book with a muffled thump. I don't say anything as I slip it into my bag and move to stand. I can only think one thing:

'What the fuck happened to me?'

I hear Dusk ask something, but I am focused. This is much more important, and I need to find out what just happened. Wait, maybe Dusk would know.

"...gotta stop doing this, blanking out on me and Stopper, it's--"

"Dusk, how does a unicorn cast a spell?" I ask, interrupting her. I don't mean for it to happen, but my tone comes across as condescending, and I can see the look on Dusk's face. Realizing my mistake, I crouch down, reach forward, and briefly scratch behind her left ear.

"Ohh, that's nice..." she hums. I scritch around her ear and head for all of five seconds before standing back up. The little Pegasus pony pouts, but it quickly dissolves upon seeing my strained smile. "What's wrong?"

Shuffling, I look towards Ponyville, and in turn, Cantrerlot. If I tell Dusk what I saw, will she rat me out to Celestia? She doesn't seem the type. However, I have no doubt she might gossip to Stopper or some other guard that the 'cool human knows magic.' Better to play it safe for now; I don't know anyone well enough yet.

"I was just curious about how magic is used by different people." I state. "Let's walk back to my place."

As we move, I hear Dusk hum in thought. I slow down so she can keep pace, but my eyes are on the sky. Unlike Earth, where one assumes the night to be pitch black, the night sky hear is actually relatively bright. Tens of thousands of stars light the sky, and the moon, even as a crescent, provided light. However, the biggest and most alien detail was the seemingly purple-esque hue. While it was very, very dark, the heavens were not the typical black, and instead a mystical velvet. It was mesmerizing, and downright beautiful. So much so that I didn't realize Dusk had begun talking.

“Well, to start off,” Dusk says as we walk, “for unicorns, magic is about finding the right… hmm, rhythm. You know how when you throw a stone in a pond, the water ripples? Casting a spell is a bit like creating those ripples, but in the air around you. The unicorn has to focus on the shape of the spell in their mind, and then send that ripple out through their horn.”

"So, it's not just thinking up what you wish to happen and then making it so?" I ask, attempting to follow along.

Dusk chuckles. “Not quite. It’s more about feel. Each spell has its own… uh, pattern. Think of it like humming a song. A unicorn learns to ‘hum’ the pattern in their mind while they’re drawing the magic up through their body. When it reaches their horn, it’s like—well, almost like blowing air through a flute. The horn guides the pattern out into the world. When you want specific patterns though is when it get's a bit more complicated. It moves simple harmonic notes, to complex equations depending on the type of spell."

“So… spells are like tunes, the harder ones resembling formulas? And unicorns learn each one?” I frown, trying to piece it together.

“Exactly!” Dusk’s eyes brighten. “Some spells are simple—just a few ‘notes,’ you could say—so most unicorns know them. Like levitating things; it’s as easy as a nursery rhyme. But more powerful magic requires really precise focus. You have to hum just the right way in your head, and picture the exact structure you want it to take, or it doesn’t work.”

Dusk takes a moment's pause as I consider the implications of what I'm learning. So a complex structure needs to be worked out in ones head in order to cast magic via a horn. From what I recall of my eye-opening experience, all I had to do was read aloud the words on the paper, and something happened. Now for the most pressing question of all.

"How do you even know all of this?" I ask, glancing down at her.

Dusk chuckles as we crest over the hill, revealing my 'house' in all its sad glory. The engineers did a great job blending the bottom in to the ground. In front of the entrance, a small stone step about a foot longer than the door on both sides sits. This is followed by a slight stone pathway, though it's hard to make out in the dark.

"Well, my father was actually a unicorn. He was a member of the three-hundred and first Artillery division, and every time he came home, he would listen to my never ending list of questions. I learned so much from him, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. I guess I succeeded in a way, considering I'm one of her majesties guards." Dusk's tone changed as she explained, and a shallow smile worked its way across her face. However, even in the dark, I can see that it doesn't reach her eyes. A pang of guilt washes over me, but I opt to say nothing. Finally, we reach my door.

The two of us stand there, facing the building I arrived in. The outside is blank, as there are no windows on this side of the room. However, upon glancing down, I can see a sliver of light creeping under the door itself. It's golden glow causes happiness to well inside me, and I can't help but let a smile appear. Looking down, I see Dusk has tilted her head slightly to look up at me.

"Want to take a look with me and make sure they fixed everything?" I ask, raising my hand and gesturing towards the door. Immediately, her mood seems to lighten, and her small frame straightens ever so slightly. With a swish of her tail, she gives me an excited nod. "Alright."

Twisting the handle and pushing, my door swings open easily. I am instantly greeted by a very familiar feeling, and I breath deeply as I step in. The light I had seen under the door appears to be from my bathroom, and glancing inside, I feel a sense of giddiness. Dusk follows me in, and I quickly stalk into the washroom; reaching for the handle. Much to my relief, water begins to flow in a steady stream.

"Hah!" I let out a brief laugh and shake my head. I turn the handle towards heat, and watch as steamy water instantly instantly replaces the cold. It was so instant, that I am left staring at it for a moment. How did they do that?

"So what is this?" I hear Dusk as behind me, causing me to turn. She stands on her back legs, her forehooves resting on the small counter beside the fridge. Her eyes, however, are focused on the metal box with the mesh and glass screen.

"That is a microwave, Dusk." I answer simply as I shuffle out of the washroom and reach for the fridge. Dusk tilts her head and sticks her tongue out, her muzzle scrunching in thought.

"What's it do?" She asks. I smile at the genuine curiosity that seems to radiate from her. Opening the fridge and rummaging around inside, I quickly grab hold of a small carrot. Closing the door, I smirk as she continues to stare.

"Well, let me show you." I state before reaching over her and pressing the release.

Dusk gives a sound similar to an 'eep' as I bump her on accident, but otherwise remains silent as I place the carrot inside the microwave and close the door. I set the timer for twenty-five seconds and press start, all while my actions are watched with wide-eyed focus. As the microwave begins to hum to life, I stand back and cross my arms.

"What's it doing to the carrot?" Dusk asks.

"Well," I start, "It is using radiowaves, or microwaves I guess, to speed up the water molecules inside the carrot. The friction of the molecules rubbing against each other--"

"Cause heat!" Dusk finishes, cutting me off. Her smile somehow grows bigger as the beeper sounds. Before I can step forward, Dusk has already extended a wing and pushed the release. The door pops open, and she carefully scoops the hot carrot out from its spot on the glass pane. She eyes the orange vegetable with wonder before before reaching her head forward and taking a large bite.

Eye's widening in surprise, she looks up at me, her cheeks puffed like a chipmunk as she chews.

"Ifth's 'ot!" She states, drawing a chuckle from within me. She swallows her first bite before reaching the carrot forward, offering the rest to me. Smiling, I hold up my hands in a placating gesture.

"No thanks, you can have it, Dusk." She simply shrugs before going for another mighty chomp. However, just as she takes the bite, there is a series of hard knocks on my door. Pulling my phone out, I quickly remember it is dead and give a sigh. It has to be pretty late out, given how dark it is. I can only imagine who is going to show up next. 'Maybe Pinkie Pie is here to invite you to one of her parties?' I think with a thin smile.

Walking around Dusk, I reach for the door as another series of taps ring out.

"Yeah, Yeah, I'm coming." I say as I grasp the handle and swing it open.

By this point, I know to look down. Upon doing just so, I find none other than Stopper standing at my door. He is without his armour, and his brown coat and black mane are on full display. I can't yet see his cutie mark, but that doesn't matter all to much.

Stopper looks up at me, his expression halfway between amusement and frustration. His brow is raised, eyes narrowing slightly.

"Didn’t mean to disturb you, but I wanted to make sure everything was in order,” he says, glancing past me. By the cheeky smile on his muzzle, I can deduce he certainly meant to be a disturbance. "Looks like they did a good job getting your place set up."

"Yeah," I say, glancing back at the newly functional microwave and sink. "They did some great work. Just trying to get back into the swing of things. I only just got in."

Stopper nods thoughtfully, though his eyes flick over to Dusk, who’s still munching happily on her carrot behind me. "Hope she’s not causing too much trouble," he says with a half-smile. I hear Dusk snort.

I chuckle, waving it off. "Not at all. Actually, Dusk here just got a crash course in some more of my technology. Figured I’d give her a little demonstration. Wanna join us? I could, uh, maybe put on a movie or something while I check that everything is in order?”

Stopper brings a hoof to his chin, as though contemplating my offer. However, I already know what he is going to say judging by the perk in his ears and the shine in his large eyes.

"Well, I dunno what a movie is, but I'm willing to hang out." He gives a nonchalant shrug before trotting past me. Rolling my eyes, I close the door behind him. This is certainly going to be interesting.

*****

'What to put on...'

Two ponies watch me like hawks as I dig around through my DVD binder. Most people would use Netflix, Amazon Prime, or a pirating site, (I do all three) but when I left for university, a family friend and my old babysitter gave me something from my childhood: The DVD collection. I would sit and watch stuff for hours--eating ice cream, alphabet soup, or Chips Ahoy cookies. Now, that very same collection is in my possession, and by utilizing my old Xbox 360, I have gotten through nearly half the binder. And now for the difficult part...

I have no doubt ponies in general are not used to violence of any sort. Judging by the way my sudden appearance was handled, and how some people--er, ponies reacted harshly to new things, I figure it is best I keep some of humanities secrets to myself.

'No world war stuff, no guns, no--"

"Hey, what's this? Battlefield three? Is this one of your movies?"

I turn, slowly, and witness Stopper's magic holding my disc case. Dusk leans in, and upon seeing the cover, gives a low whistle.

"Now that is a bad-flank if I've ever seen one." I assume they are talking about the graphic with the soldier in the center. It is pretty badass... but what the hell are they doing with my game?! "Say, what even is this?"

Put on the spot as both ponies turn and face me, I feel my neck heat up ever so slightly. I was hoping to keep stuff like this a secret for at least a bit... but now I've got to be straight up. I already know that either of them will see through a lie. However, something still compels me to keep a lot to myself. Imagine if the ponies had guns? Or if other countries on this planet found out and I was responsible for an arms race?!

'Okay, you're overthinking it. Just come straight, but be vague. Not everything needs to be explained. You're just some random guy, it is impossible you'll have such an effect on the world anyway. It is My Little Pony after all...'

"That-uh, that's called a video game. My console, the black thing beside the TV screen, is what you put the disc inside. This particular video game is set as a first-person view, and the overall aim is to either play the campaign story, which is about a fictional war, or play against other people around the world in various game modes. Like, uh, like capture the flag or something."

The two look back at the case, and Stopper tilts his head.

"Interesting. You've gotta tell me about some of the military history from your home. I've always loved talking about past conflicts and ancient wars." He floats the disk case away, ignoring Dusk mouthing nerd, and puts on a smile. It is here I realize what Stopper is just done; I can see it in his eyes. Somehow, he understood I didn't want to talk about it. Whether he deduced it was because it was something touchy, or he was trying to avoid me having another episode, who's to say. With all that said, I now have a new level of respect for the pony sitting on my bed, and I can feel a thankful smile switch on my mouth.

Turning back to the task at hand, I continue rummaging around before a certain trilogy finds its way before me. It is right here that I know that I have found the perfect starter, and so I select the first disk. I reach up and turn on the Xbox, grab the remote and flick on the TV, and then slip the desired disk into proper slot. Once this is all complete, I turn, and I fix a mischievous smile. Dusk and Stopper give each other an unsure look, but I don't give them a chance to comment as I slap my lap and stand up tall.

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! What you are about to witness is likely one of the greatest trilogies in humanities cinematic history!" I see Dusk whisper into Stoppers ear, and deduce she is wondering what cinematic means, but I press onwards. Literally, as I select my avatar and the main Xbox screen pops up. I quickly slide the selector to the "game slot", and press 'a' on the remote.

Marching over to the wall as the Elvish words began to whisper over the enchanting music, I glance at my two guards.

"The world is changed..."

I turn off the lights, bathing the room in the bluish glow from the TV. I can see the surprised gazes of Dusk and Stopper as they lean in.

"I feel it in the water..."

Silently, I kick my shoes off and make my way to the bed.

"I feel it in the Earth..."

I gently prop up my pillow before plopping down beside Dusk. On her left sits Stopper.

"I smell it in the air..."

Leaning back, I allow my eyes to close halfway. I sense of calm washes over me, and for the first time in two days, I feel a tinge of comfort.

"Much that once was, is lost..."

My surroundings are familiar, the TV and the sound is familiar, the electricity is familiar. But there are two things that are not. Glancing to my left, I observe Dusk and Stopper. Both have become content to get comfortable, with Stopper laying back much like me, and Dusk laying on her stomach in 'pony-loaf' form. Both of them are downright adorable. Maybe soon, they will be like my surroundings... familiar.

"For none now live, who remember it..."

And thus comes in one of the most iconic themes to ever exist. I hear an audible "whoa," from beside me, and I can't help but smirk. If they found something as simple as this impressive, then they are going to be blown away over the next few hours.

Sitting back, I get ready to watch one of my childhood favorites.

The Lord of the Rings.

*****

Dusk

'This is simply amazing...' I think as I stare at the moving pictures and characters. Never before have I seen such colour... such vivid imagery and detail! It all looks to real, from the orcs in their terrifying costumes to the elves in their shining armour. I can't help the sheer amazement as I watch the battle unfold before me. Monstrous armies, swords, spears, arrows, and death. I should be scared, or grossed out... but I'm not. Glancing over, I can see Stopper is enjoying this just as much as I am.

The antagonist, Sauron appears, and I feel a primal fear as he approaches the Human warriors. Us ponies aren't very large compared to most species, Tyler being a good example. But this Sauron guy towers over the human warriors. His war mace sends a dozen soldiers flying at a time; his strikes brutal and efficient.

Something touches the back of my head, and I nearly jump out of my fur! My eyes widen as I turn and find Tyler's hand idly scratching along my mane, and an tenseness I once felt evaporated. Judging by how he was watching the movie, I can imagine he is doing it subconsciously. I personally don't mind, as it actually feels quite good, so I guess I should let him keep going.

'Myyyy preciousss...'

I turn my attention back to the screen and watch as the ring corrupts the character named Gollum, only for something called a Hobbit to find it... I better focus, otherwise I might miss an important story device!

*****

Stopper

'Damn, Aragorn is a badflank!' I think to myself as the Ranger takes on the ring-wraiths. The fluid movements and the way he battles the seven enemies is downright entrancing. If this Aragorn fellow was a real person, I imagine he would be on par if not better than the most skilled Royal Guard.

I glance to my side and notice Tyler is absentmindedly giving Dusk Scratches. A frown tugs at my mouth and a hint of jealousy seeps into my mind.

'That should be me.' I huff before tuning back in. Those scratches... they are dangerous. I have no doubt that if the human wanted to, he could take over Equestria with his bare hands. Literally. I don't know why, but seeing him doing that to Dusk just rubs me the wrong way. Surely, it is because I have come to like the way his hands seem to reach all the right places. Why else would I be jealous.

A surprised sound (I did not 'eep') escaped from me as a feathery wing lay itself across my back. I glance over, an eyebrow raised, as Dusk smirks. She knew! She knew this whole time!

While I was not courting her, the young mare was quite an eyecatcher by pony standards. I had been stuck with her on most guard shifts, and she was one of my only friends in the guard. I recall Tyler commenting on how uptight and 'guard-like' I was when interacting with him. It put things into perspective for me. I desperately need a change of pace.

The sound of soft snores quickly catches both of our attention, and my partner and I watch as our Human charge sits against his bedrest, his eyes closed. The movie is still going on, and a quick look from Dusk tells me she intends on finishing the film. I smile as she shuffles closer, her barrel touching my side. I quietly flip over, careful not to wake the man to our right, and quickly get comfortable.

'What the heck is that?' I think upon seeing an eerily familiar quadruped.

*****

A jolt startles me, and my eyes snap open. My throat feels a bit dry, and my room is silent. Looking to my left, I find an adorable sight.

Stopper and Dusk are laying beside me, the latter's wing stretched over the former like a blanket. I can't help but smile, but something nags at the back of my mind. It's silent right now, almost unnaturally so. The air feels dusty, like an ancient attic in a haunted house, and my smile leaves as quickly as it disappears.

'...Tyler...'

I sit up, my pulse quickening, and glance over at Dusk and Stopper, expecting them to stir. But they remain completely still--unnaturally so. No movement, no soft breathing, nothing.

"Dusk? Stopper!" I call as I move to stand. Something's not right.

My gaze drops to the bed, and I freeze. Sticking out from the comforter is… my head, my own face, as if I’m still asleep beside them. I feel my heart pound in my chest, my breathing shallow and rapid.

“What… what is this?” I stammer, stepping back. A strange feeling of dread coils within me, rooting me to the spot.

The voice whispers again, but this time, I can make out the words--a strange, flowing language that almost sings, echoing through my mind in rich, resonant tones. I can’t fully understand it, but I recognize it--Latin, ancient and melodic, almost familiar yet entirely beyond me.

'...adiuva me, quaeso...'

Before I can make sense of it, the room around me changes. Blinding flashes fill my vision, colors and shapes swirling like fire, and then the scene sharpens, pulling me into something else, somewhere else.

I’m standing in a burning landscape. Flames lick the sky, devouring everything in sight, the air thick with smoke. Around me, shadows writhe, figures locked in battle, and the echo of agonized cries fills the air. The vision is chaotic, overwhelming, and I stagger back, shielding my face from the heat.

‘Caedes… ignis… mors…’ The words resound, powerful, chilling... and familiar? I realize with a pang of horror that I do know these words--death, fire, slaughter. But it is not their meaning that scares me, no; it’s the monster at the center of it all.

Through the flames, I see her. A figure that towers over the destruction, her mane an inferno of fire, her eyes gleaming with fierce, terrifying intent. An Alicorn, with a presence that seems to pull everything into her orbit, commanding the flames, the destruction, as though it’s her very nature. Her form is terrifying yet majestic, her fiery mane illuminating her in otherworldly glory.

'...oportet intelligere...'

The voice, now unmistakably feminine, calls again, imploring in that ancient language. The urgency in her tone transcends words, and I understand in some deep, instinctual way that she’s showing me this for a reason. But I can’t piece it together. Why is this happening!?

“What do you want from me?” I shout, the words lost in the roar of the flames around me.

The Alicorn's eyes turn to me, hardening. The flames intensify, and her figure becomes a blinding blaze until it’s almost unbearable. I raise an arm, shielding my eyes from the radiance, the air thick with heat, and the world around me starts to tremble. I hear cries. Cries for mercy, for forgiveness, and for a savior.

Then, in an instant, it’s gone.

I wake up, gasping, back in my bed, Dusk and Stopper’s soft breathing filling the room once more. My heart hammers in my chest, the vision still burned into my mind. I glance at my companions, finding their calm presence grounding. I close my eyes, and bring a closed fist against my temple.

That voice, those images… and the Alicorn with her fiery mane. I don’t know what it means, but I have a feeling that this isn’t the last time I’ll encounter her--or whatever force is trying to reach me.

Reaching for my phone(which had ended up on the charger some time last night) my face is illuminated by the bright blue light, causing me to wince. However, I can see the time reads 6:30am. Once again, it is time to get up and start the day. I move carefully, ensuring I don't wake the two ponies beside me, and put on my shoes.

As I step into the washroom, I stare at my reflection in the mirror. A presence lingers, and I see my eyes narrow. Whatever I just saw, it would not be the last. I need to be ready, because if some wackjob with magic is messing with my dreams, they are going find out the hard way why you don't mess with a mentally unstable university kid.

'Good God, that has gotta be the cringiest thing I've thought of.'

'Good one, Tyler." I mutter with a wince.

Shaking my head, I turn the water on and wait. I can think more on that dream stuff later. Right now, I need to figure out what the hell I'm gonna do on my first day in Ponyville. I pause as I undress and stare at the door. After a moment, I continue, but it is only when I step into the warm water does the feeling of being watched finally disappear.

Author's Note

I promise there are only a few more chapter setting up Tyler's introduction to the world. I try to keep it interesting, but it's up to you guys to tell me if I'm on the right track. (First person is new to me, as is this sort of story theme, but I'm trying my best)

Hope you enjoy!
Until next time...