~Narrator's POV~
What a great way to start the day. A few weeks ago, my younger sister and I won two VIP tickets to the BronyCon in Calgary. Which was an opportunity of a lifetime. I'm already giddy with excitement!
My younger sister, Sam, and I have been Pegasisters since we were very young... Well, I was more of a Pegasister than Sam was. She just liked some of the characters more than the series itself. We used to have three VHS tapes of My Little Pony Tales and watched the reruns of the first My Little Pony series. With Fizzy, Surprise, Firefly, Posey, Applejack, Twinkle, and all the other characters. It was a rush of nostalgia when My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic came in 2010 two years ago. I'll admit, I was a little bit skeptical, but once I gave the show a chance, it reignited a spark in my heart that made me love My Little Pony all over again.
What made this BronyCon different from the other BronyCons? Well, according to the website, the CEO and Chairman of Hasbro, Brian Goldner, would be there to present a special surprise during the convention. It has everyone excited about it. Forums on the Brony Community have been buzzing about what they think it's gonna be. Whatever the surprise it, I just hope it's nothing bad.
So far, the BronyCon was jam-packed with bronies, Pegasisters, and cosplayers alike. It was tricky to get around, but there was so much to see and so much to do that it was crazy.
Suddenly, a voice spoke from the intercoms, "Attention. It is time for the grand revealing. If anyone is interested, please line up outside of the Saddledome and have your passes ready for entry. Thank you."
With that, most of the crowd made their way out of the buildings and toward the Saddledome without time to waste. Sam and I made it to the line-up, and some of the participants were rejected. Probably because their passes weren't golden or VIP. After a few moments of waiting and moving up the line, it was mine and Sam's turn.
The security scanned the passes around our necks and lightly nodded, "Okay. Go on in and enjoy the show."
Sam and I walked in and picked our seats at the front of the stage. Resting in the center of the stage, hidden behind a large cloth, was a large, round object. Something didn't set right in my stomach. It made me feel uneasy. As I stared at the clothed object, I began to hear voices. Voices of familiar characters.
I recognized the voices I could hear. Twilight Sparkle. Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash. Rarity. Applejack and... Fluttershy? But that made no sense. The voice actors for the Mane 6 were elsewhere. How is this possible?
"Ellie? Is everything alright?" My sister asked me, snapping me back to reality.
I looked at Sam, then nodded with an assuring smile, "Yeah. Everything is fine. I just thought I heard something."
Sam smiled and rolled her eyes, "Silly Ellie. Always claims to hear or see the supernatural."
I let out a lighthearted giggle, then returned my attention to the object on the stage. I can still hear the voices conversing with each other.
After about fifteen minutes of waiting, the seats in the Saddledome were filled, and it was time for the reveal. The lights dimmed, and stage lights shined upon the stage. Emerging from the stage was a middle-aged man in a black business suit. It was Brian Goldner.
He grabbed a microphone and spoke to the crowd, "Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you all for coming. How are you enjoying the convention so far?" The crowd shouted and cheered all around the stadium. Goldner smiled, "I thought so. Well, today, it's going to get a whole lot better."
He gestured to the clothed object to his right, "As you know, we've been thinking about ways to make every BronyCon better than the last one. Voice actors answering questions. Meeting stars in person and getting photos with them. But then, an idea came to me. How would you like to live in Equestria for a day?"
The crowd shouted once again. Goldner nodded, "I know. I know. It sounds impossible, but that's why we've been working for the past two years to perfect. Best scientists and astrophysicists have worked together to create a link between dimensions in time and space. And now, we have reached a breakthrough."
Goldner reached for the cloth, grabbed it, and pulled it off the object. The object revealed to be some kind of portal that you see from the sci-fi tv series. The crowd gasps in awe of the machine. It was elegantly built. A thing of beauty indeed. Goldner switched the portal on, and a beautiful, multi-colored vortex appeared in the center of the machine. It was like magic.
"With this machine, we can cross the barrier between fantasy and reality and meet dimensions that we never knew existed." Goldner announced, "Meet the people we want to meet. Live in worlds we never thought possible." He started pressing buttons on the control panel, "Now, just to warn you, we are only allowing five at a time. So, those with VIP passes, please step forward and prepare for a trip of a lifetime!"
Suddenly, I heard a chuckle in my mind, and the machine started sparking and subtly changing colors. Not in a good way.
I looked around, seeing if there was anyone who could have chuckled, but there was no one looking suspicious or out of place. The chuckle sounded lightly dark and mischievous. Almost like...
No, that can't be possible. He couldn't have done this. But he is the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony. He's capable of manipulating reality itself.
Goldner turned to the machine and frowned in concern, "Oh, it's not supposed to do that..."
Then the machine started glitching, and the vortex turned a magenta-purple.
Goldner turned to the crowd and assured, "Please remain calm. I have this under control."
However, the truth was that he didn't have it under control. The machine started malfunctioning and growing larger in size.
Everyone screamed and took cover. Some were running out of the stadium. The machine's vortex changed from magenta to a night sky, and dark cyan mist started leaking out of the vortex. The ground shook violently, and the Saddledome ceiling was beginning to cave in on itself.
The vortex engulfed the machine and grew larger. From the sky, stormy dark clouds gathered around the Saddledome and began to rain with loud thunder and rainbow-colored lightning.
A powerful force of wind began pulling the remaining guests and participants toward the vortex. Some of the participants were not fast enough to grab onto something. They got caught in the force of wind and flew into the vortex. The vortex sparked with every entry.
The wind got stronger, forcing everyone else into the air. I noticed Sam's grip slipped from her chair. I quickly grabbed her hand before the vortex could suck her in, but my grip was slipping due to sweat and my strength failing me.
I tried to hold on as much as my arm could muster, but after a couple of minutes, my arm gave up and let go of my chair. My sister and I flew into the vortex. The colors and energy within the vortex made everything disoriented and confusing, but I saw something within the vortex; a pair of glowing blue eyes looking at me. The eyes of the moon...
I looked deep into the eyes, trying to reach for them, but a bolt of lightning struck me, and then everything around me went white.
~Narrator's POV~
"Hey! Are you okay? Can you move?"
A small moan of pain exit my mouth as I felt my strength slowly return to me. My whole body ached like I did over two hours of cardio exercises without a break, and my head was pounding like I had a hangover, which was weird because I don't drink.
My ears perked to the sound of birds singing nearby. A small warm breeze brushed itself through my hair. Strange, I don't remember hearing any birds when I was sucked into that portal during BronyCon. Something didn't add up...
I tried to open my eyes to see the scenery around me, but my eyelids were quite heavy. So I tried to move my body to give the voice a sign that I was trying to wake up.
"Can you open your eyes? Do you need help?"
A small moan escaped my mouth, as I finally felt the weight over my eyelids being lifted. I can finally open my eyes and see my surroundings. I opened my eyes and scanned the area around me. I found myself in what looked like a large farmland mostly covered in apple trees of many varieties. The grass was soft and calming. In the farmland was a cozy farmhouse next to a large red barn.
I blinked for a few seconds in confusion. This farmland looked very familiar to me. It looks exactly like... Sweet Apple Acres? No, that can't be right. That's not possible.
My ears perked again, and I turned my attention to what was standing in front of me. Standing in front of me with a small smile was a young adult Earth Pony mare. Her coat was light orange with freckles under her sap green eyes. Her mane and tail were a light blonde color, tied in a low ponytail with a red band. On her flank was a marking of three red apples in a triangular formation.
Standing next to the orange mare was an Earth Pony filly. Her coat was a light yellow and her mane and tail were a shade of red. She wore a familiar pink bow in her mane, and she was smiling at me.
I blinked again and narrowed my eyes at the two ponies, "Applejack? Apple Bloom?"
The orange pony, Applejack, blinked for a second, then looked at me with a curious look on her face, "How did you know our names? We've never even met you."
My eyes widened in shock. I just said their names out loud and out of instinct. I'm in big trouble now. My mind raced with how I could explain my actions to a couple of fictional characters from a show that I grew up loving.
I could tell them the truth, but what if they think I'm lying or lost my mind and admit into a mental institute? I could lie to them, but Applejack can detect a lie from a mile away, then call me insane, and again with the mental ward. I don't like being called a liar or mad, and Applejack has a good head on her shoulders. I have to tell the truth.
I took a deep breath and looked at the sisters dead in the eyes, "Okay. This might be hard to believe, but I'm going to tell you anyway. I'm not from Equestria, I'm not even from this universe. I'm from a world where there's no such thing as magic, animals don't talk, and the dominant species are bipedal creatures called humans. My name is Eleanor, and I was attending a Brony convention when something went wrong and I woke up here."
Applejack and Apple Bloom looked at each other for a moment, then Apple Bloom spoke up, "That does explain the strange openings in the sky that happened last night."
Applejack nodded, then looked at me, "But that still doesn't explain how you know our names."
I waved my hand, "I was getting to that." Then I explained, "In my world, you and your people are fictional characters of a very popular franchise, called My Little Pony. I grew up watching your series and became a big fan." I sat myself up and continued, "During the convention, the CEO of a company, called Hasbro, achieved the impossible and built a portal that can cross dimensions. Something went wrong and the portal opened a rift. It sucked over half of the attendance in the convention."
Applejack and Apple Bloom blinked at me in complete surprise and shock. The sisters looked at each other, uncertain of what to say. I guess I revealed too much for their minds to comprehend. Yep, I'm going to the nut house.
After a few moments of awkward silence, Apple Bloom whispered to her older sister, "I think she's had too much cider and hit her head."
I glared at the sisters, "I'm not lying, and I'm not crazy!"
"I believe you, Eleanor." Applejack assured me, "Apple Bloom can be a little skeptical when it comes to tales like that, but I can tell you're telling the truth. And, from what I can see, you need a place to stay."
Apple Bloom nodded in agreement, "Ee-yup. And since the rifts closed just before sunrise, you're gonna be here for a while..." Then her expression dropped into a sad frown, "Too bad we don't have room in the farm for an extra pair of hooves."
My ears dropped and my expression faded to a sad frown, "That's a shame. I really want to repay you for being so understanding..."
Applejack tapped her chin with her hoof for a second. Then she asked me, "Have you heard of Pinkie Pie?"
I nodded, "Yeah. The pink pony that lives in the local bakery."
"Well... It turns out that SugarCube Corner has a spare room and Pinkie has been looking for a roommate to help share the rent." Applejack smiled, "The Cakes could hire you as another baker or a barista. Does that sound up your alley?"
I smiled and nodded, "I am quite good at baking and I'm quite well-known for my teas and smoothies. That sounds wonderful, Applejack. Thank you."
With that, Applejack and Apple Bloom walked over to me and helped me to my feet. I stood upright and walked two steps forward until I lost my balance and landed on all-fours.
As I did, I found that my hands and feet have been replaced by polished hooves, which surprised me. I raised my head and saw Apple Bloom walking away from me slowly, as if she was showing me how to walk like a pony. I copied her and it started to feel natural to walk on hooves. Applejack and Apple Bloom smiled at me and we continued to walk down the road, into the town I recognized as Ponyville, and toward a gingerbread cafe just outside of the town square.
We walked inside the cafe, the smell of chocolate, sugar and baking filled my nostrils, it almost made my mouth water, but I kept my composure. Apple Bloom, Applejack and I sat in a booth close to the entrance.
Applejack looked at me and told me, "Wait here. I'll explain everything to Pinkie, Mr. and Mrs. Cake."
I nodded, "Okay. And again, thank you, Applejack."
Applejack smiled at me with a small blush appearing on her cheeks. She quickly recollected herself and walked over to the counter of the cafe. Standing at the other side of the cafe was a very familiar pink mare with blue eyes and a Cutie Mark of three party balloons.
I quickly recognized the pink mare as Pinkie Pie. She beamed brightly as she saw Applejack approach the counter, "Hey Applejack! How can I help you today?"
Applejack quickly raised her hoof and lowered it slowly, "Keep your voice down, Pinkie. Apple Bloom and I found another one in our farm this morning. She needs help with a place to stay and a job. So, I mentioned you. Can you help us?"
Pinkie's big smile lessened as she began to see that this visit wasn't a cheerful one. She looked over at me and Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom waved at Pinkie with a big smile, while I gave her a nervous smile and a small wave.
Pinkie waved back and returned to Applejack and whispered, "How can I help?"
Applejack smiled, "Thank you, Pinkie. Come and meet her and let's see what you can do."
Pinkie looked around and saw that business was slow at the moment. She walked around to the front of the counter and joined Applejack. The two mares walked over to the booth. Apple Bloom noticed the look on Pinkie's face and her smile faded to a look of concern.
"Eleanor, this is Pinkie Pie. She's agreed to help you with your situation." Applejack introduced the pink mare to me.
I looked at Pinkie and extended my hoof to her, "Pleasure to me-"
"Nope! Not gonna work." Pinkie shook her head.
"Huh?" Applejack and I uttered, as we looked at the pink pony.
"If you're gonna stay here, you're going to need a proper Pony name." Pinkie explained, "A name like 'Eleanor' isn't gonna cut it in Equestria."
I lightly sighed in relief. For a moment I thought she couldn't help me. I recollected myself and looked at the Pink Party Pony, "Do you have any ideas? Naming things kind of confuses me."
Pinkie smiled, then she went serious and examined me. My eyes, my ears, my teeth, my body, my hooves, my tail and mane.
"Hmmm... Crystal-like coat... Mint colored mane and tail... Eyes that carry a learning spirit... No Cutie Mark yet, but that's normal..." She mumbled, as she examined me. Once she was done, Pinkie leaned away from me and tapped her hoof against her chin. Then her eyes brightened and she smiled, "Peppermint Spice!"
Applejack, Apple Bloom and I looked at each other in slight confusion. 'Peppermint Spice'? It sounds like a flavor, but by the way Pinkie announced it, it sounds like a name.
I raised my hoof and asked the pink pony, "Is that my new name?"
Pinkie nodded her head, "Yep. I thought it fit with your mane and natural scent. You smell like peppermint, and your mane and tail are mint-colored. What do you think?"
"I think it suits her." Applejack smiled.
Apple Bloom nodded in agreement, "Ee-yup. I like it."
Pinkie, Applejack and Apple Bloom turned to look at me. I started to feel uncomfortable and anxiety started making my heart pound out of my chest. My mouth felt dry, but I had to answer Pinkie's question.
I sunk my head under my shoulders and answered, "I really like it, Pinkie Pie. Thank you."
Pinkie beamed, "Terrific! Now that we've got a name for you, let's talk about where you're gonna live."
Applejack raised her hoof to speak, "Actually, Pinkie. I heard that you have a spare room in SugarCube Corner. We thought we could kill two birds with one stone. Peppermint could help share the rent, as well as have a job here in the cafe."
Pinkie looked at the honest farm pony and tapped her chin in thought, "Well... Sharing rent will be helpful. But we don't know Minty's skills or talents. For all I know she could be like Derpy."
"That's fair." I nodded in agreement, "But I told Applejack I can bake and make some really good teas and smoothies. It'll take some time to get used to using hooves, but I believe I can make it work."
Apple Bloom nodded, "Yeah! Give her a chance, Pinkie. She might be better than you think."
Pinkie continued tapping her chin with her hoof, holding us in suspense. After what felt like a few hours, but was actually just a few seconds, Pinkie smiled and nodded, "Okie dokie lokie! You can stay and work at SugarCube Corner with me."
Applejack, Apple Bloom and I sighed in relief and I smiled in gratitude. Then Pinkie raised her hoof with a serious expression on her face, "But! If you're gonna live here, it means you'll have to pull your own weight and make sure you make plenty of friends around here. Is that understood?"
I quickly stiffened and gave a salute, "Yes, ma'am!"
Pinkie giggled and gave me a smile, "Oh, relax, Minty. I'm not gonna treat you like a drill sergeant. Let's grab you an apron and get you started."
With that, Pinkie led me to the back of the cafe, into the kitchen, and grabbed an apron for me. Once I had the apron on, Pinkie started teaching and training me around the bakery and the cafe. It was really easy to learn and keep up with Pinkie's instructions. Mr. and Mrs. Cake were astounded on how quickly I was able to learn the rules and instructions on baking, that they hired me as Pinkie's assistant and roommate.
And so... My new life in Equestria has begun.
