Gabriel's heart rate would accelerate as the chariot approached the group, until it finally landed on the ground in a cloud of dust. The sound of hooves on the ground and wooden wheels was all he could hear until the vehicle came to a complete stop. What Gabriel guessed to be the Princess dismounted, the first thing he noticed was how tall she was compared to the other ponies he'd seen so far, although she looked about his waist. As Twilight had said, she had both wings and a horn, although the latter was longer and more pointed than Twilight's or Rarity's.

He also noticed that she seemed to be wearing a kind of gold chest-piece with a precious stone inlaid in it, as well as a tiara which she wore on her head, and she had a sun printed on both her sides. But perhaps most impressive was her hair and tail, composed of 4 large colored stripes including 2 shades of blue, pale green and pink. What was odd was that it seemed to float on its own as if in the wind, a bit like a flag. However, there was absolutely no breeze at the moment, so either it was magic or there was a little fan hidden away somewhere.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw the others bow as the princess approached, and suddenly remembered that it was probably best for him to do the same. Rather clumsily, he got down on his knees to bow, staring at the ground while inwardly praying that he hadn't offended her. If she really was capable of moving an entire planet with her horn alone, he didn't dare imagine what she might do to him if she were angry. So for the time being, he contented himself with remaining in his position, while waiting for the next step.

Then he heard a soft, feminine voice, and he had no trouble guessing who it belonged to. “Twilight Sparkle my dearest pupil! I'm so happy to see you again!”

“Hello Princess! So am I!”

“And I'm also very happy to see your friends again!”

Gabriel could then hear the 6 ponies greet the princess in return, insisting of course that they were equally happy to see her again. “Well that's all right, I don't seem to have offended her yet..." He continued to admire the cobblestones present an inch from his face, although he was beginning to feel a little less panicked about the situation. However, his panic flared up again when he heard the sound of several hooves coming towards him. He risked a glance upwards, to see the 4 royal legs right in front of him. “And you, you must be the human Twilight told me about in her letter. Mr. Couset, isn't it?"

“Er... Yes, that's right, Your Highness...”

“Just call me Princess Celestia. Or even Celestia if you like...”

“Uh, okay, whatever you want, uh... Princess...”

“Well, I'm glad to see you have excellent manners, but please, you can straighten up now!”

“Okay...” Gabriel struggled to his feet, then rubbed his brand-new clothes to remove the dirt from the floor that had gotten into them. Now standing, he still looked down at his shoes, slightly uneasy at how to react next.

“You have the right to look at me too, I wouldn't blame you...” said the princess, laughing slightly.

Gabriel, now certain that the princess wasn't offended, looked him in the eye. He couldn't say why, but her eyes seemed different from those of the other ponies. They seemed to be filled with infinite wisdom. After a few awkward seconds, he looked away. “ Well then, I'm delighted to meet you, Mr. Couset”, the Princess resumed, smiling and handing him a hoof.

“Does she... want me to shake her hand? Or rather, the hoof?" Gabriel could see the four soldiers, if you could call them that, still attached to the cart, looking as if they were watching his every move. Gabriel swallowed, thinking, “Okay, this is no time to be a jerk...” With a hesitant gesture, he delicately grasped the hoof and made the usual movement. It seemed to have done the trick, to his relief.

Princess Celestia then stepped back slightly and said: “I must confess I was rather curious to see what you would look like when Twilight described you in her letter. Clearly, you didn't look like anything familiar in Equestria, or even beyond. And yet, believe me, I have a profound knowledge of the flora and fauna of our world.”

“You... you're sure? There's no creature here that looks like me?”

“Well... the creature you'd most resemble would be a minotaur, but you still have an enormous amount of difference...”

“You... you have MINOTAURS here?”

“Yes... You know what they are, don't you?"

“Yeah, a mythological creature... Well, where I come from, at least..."

“So, what I thought is true... You are a being from another world! I don't think this has ever happened in our history, and I know it like the back of my hooves!" Princess Celestia looked as enthusiastic as her pupil, which was rare. Gabriel, however, didn't look as excited. He was staring into space, remembering his sad fate. Celestia quickly pulled herself together and added: “I... I'm so sorry for you. I can't imagine what you must be going through right now, and believe, you have my sympathy on this. And I will do everything in my power to understand what has happened to you and how to get you home, you have my word.” She said with a smile that seemed absolutely sincere. Gabriel wondered why he'd been so panicked just before. The leader in front of her looked more sympathetic than Mother Teresa herself. He just hoped it wasn't just a facade.

“Thank you... Thank you so much, really, but... Why?”

The Princess now gave an astonished look. “Why what?”

“Well, why all this kindness? Why do you all want to help me by claiming to be my friends when you don't even know me?" This time he was addressing the whole group. “I mean, I'm from another world, I could be a pony-eating monster and you wouldn't even know it! How can you trust me?”

“I know how to recognize sincerity in my subjects' eyes, and believe me, you don't look like a monster at all. What's more, I think it's in the nature of many ponies to come to the aid of those in need, and I'm sure you would have done the same, for us, wouldn't you?”

Gabriel imagined for a moment if a local pony had appeared in his world. He could see crowds of people milling around to take videos, before the police cordoned off the area. Then a helicopter from some government agency would surely come to evacuate the equine, who would surely end up in Area 51 or something, undergoing dissections and all sorts of horrible things... However, he replied, “Er... Yeah sure, we'd have done the same thing...”

“Shit, it's true she can tell if I'm being sincere or not..." Gabriel said to himself just afterwards, thinking that now he was really screwed. Fortunately, she didn't seem to dwell on the subject, her gaze seemingly lost in the distance for some reason. “Um... Princess?”

“Ho... Uh, forgive me, I was a little distracted. It's just that, I was wondering what this was?” She said, pointing at the object of her curiosity, which was none other than Gabriel's old Ford Fiesta still parked next to Twilight's tree.

Gabriel also glanced at her car, then at the golden carriage, thinking “Of course, they're not used to seeing that here...”

Celestia asked Twilight with a questioning look: “Does this belong to you, Twilight?”

“No,” she replied. “Actually, it's Gabriel's.”

“Yeah, it's my car. You could say it made the trip with me...” Gabriel clarified.

“A... car?” Celestia asked, a curious look on her regal face.

“It's a vehicle... created by humans. It allows you to get around fairly quickly by taking roads.”

“You mean... it's an object from your world?”

“Yes, it is. There are lots of them at home, of all sorts of different models. And besides, the one I've got is an old model, we've got much more modern ones now."

“That's really fascinating... But anyway, back to the point. I'm here for you.” She says in a more serious tone. “Although I'd appreciate it if you'd tell me a little more about this car sometime...” She added in spite of everything.

“Of course!” Gabriel replied, finding it amusing that someone was so interested in his old jalopy.

“Well, I suppose the best way to start would be for you to tell me exactly how you came to be here, if you don't mind.”

“Okay, so actually...” Gabriel began, interrupted by Twilight.

“Excuse me for cutting in like this, Gabriel, but perhaps you'd be more comfortable talking inside?”

“Excellent idea!” Said the Princess

“Would you like to come too?” asked Twilight of her friends.

“Yeah, I'm really curious to hear his story...” replied Apple Jack.

“Me too, dear” added Rarity.

“Why not...” Rainbow said with an air of disinterest.

“Well, I already know it, but it was so good I want to hear it again!” Pinkie Pie added. Fluttershy merely nodded in the affirmative.

So they all headed into the house/treehouse, if you can call it that, with Spike leading the way. The latter took charge of preparing tea for everyone, and soon they were all seated around a table, steaming mugs in hand. Gabriel stood at one end of the table, and the Princess at the other, while the 6 friends stood on either side of the table. Spike had also managed to squeeze in next to Rarity.

Gabriel had to admit that he felt a little nervous about having to talk in front of so many ponies, but it wasn't long before he recounted for the third time since he'd been here, in detail, how he'd come to be here. He left no part forgotten, going from his car ride, to the white light, then to his awakening in the forest, his confusion, the chase, his meeting with the others, etc.... He even recounted how Twilight had welcomed her dear and how Rarity had made her new clothes.

They all listened attentively to his story, until he said, “There, I think I've told you all...” He then took another sip of his tea, which had now cooled down considerably.

Everyone had an indecipherable look on their faces, until the Princess spoke up again, “So... you're saying that you fainted after touching a strange white light that appeared out of nowhere, and when you woke up you were here?””

“In a nutshell, yes. Frankly, even I who lived through the thing find it hard to believe myself, so I'd understand if you found it hard to believe me too...”

“Well, you're sitting in front of me right now, which is already strong evidence. Besides, I don't see why you'd lie to me in your situation, so I believe you.”

“Thank you...”

An awkward silence ensued as no one knew what to say. Twilight finally spoke again: “Actually, Princess, I did a bit of research after I sent you the letter, and I think the light was indeed a momentary portal that opened for some reason, but I confess I haven't really found much about any interdimensional portals in my books, or about humans...”

“It's all right, Twilight, and I think you're right.” Celestia resumed. “A portal would be the most logical explanation. Although it's been a long time since I've heard of one...”

“Is it... is it true?” Gabriel asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

"'Sadly, yes. Portals are a very ancient form of magic that allow travel across worlds. According to some legends, only a few rare ponies have managed to create them across our planet, and that was a long time ago. However, there is very little information available about them. To be honest, even I doubted their existence, until you appeared...”

“But, you know if there's a way to make one reappear to take me home, don't you?” Gabriel sweated as he asked the question

“I... I'm not sure of anything yet... I'm really sorry. However, if a portal was able to appear in your home to bring you here, I don't see why the reverse shouldn't be true too.”

Gabriel lowered his gaze, disappointed but still expecting this answer. “I... I understand... Don't be sorry, it's not your fault. You're doing what you can to help me...”

“Yes, and I think it would be a good idea for us to go to the place where you appeared”

“You do? Why?”

“Well, there may be clues to the circumstances that brought you here. Perhaps there are even traces of magic left...”

“Well, if you say so. We've got nothing to lose anyway, have we?”

“Wait...” Fluttershy's voice suddenly rose, “... you mean you want to go to the Everfree Forest?”

“Uh... yeah I guess, why?” Gabriel replied.

“Well, it's not to scare you, but.... There are all sorts of dangerous creatures down there, like manticores, cockatrices, even timber wolves!”

“Wood... Wooden wolves? You mean, wolves that COME from the woods, right?”

Fluttershy shook her head in the negative. Gabriel frowned, trying to imagine what a wolf made of wood might look like, and even if it would know how to move, when Rainbow intervened: “Yeah, well, don't worry. I'll come with you, and I guarantee none of those monsters will dare flinch!”

“Really? You want to come along?” Gabriel asked.

“Come on, darling, we'll all come with you! Although I must admit that the Everfree Forest isn't my favorite place...” said Rarity.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, and it's non-negotiable! We're not going to let you and the Princess get eaten by wolves or turned to stone!” Said Apple Jack.

“Turn into what, you say?”

Apple Jack didn't have time to reply as Pinkie exclaimed, “Yippee, we're going on a walk with friends with the Princess! Isn't that great?” she asked, addressing Celestia.

Celestia smiled at her enthusiasm and said, “I'd be delighted if you'd come with us. And don't worry about those creatures, my guards will be with us to protect us. I'm sure everything will be fine!”

“Well, let's go then!” Twilight said, a hint of excitement in her voice too. “Do you want to come too, Spike?”

“Why not? I'm sick of hanging around here all the time” he then did something Gabriel hadn't expected. He climbed on top of Twilight like a man would a horse, before shouting, “Let's go!” Twilight laughed at his antics.

Soon, the others were laughing too. Even the Princess had given in to a fit of giggles. Gabriel tried to hold back, but couldn't help laughing too. It felt good.

And so they all set off. Gabriel, Princess Celestia and Twilight with Spike in the lead, followed by the rest of the gang, including Rainbow Dash who was flying over the others. There were also the four white Pegasus in armour who had towed the wagon and were now surrounding the group. They really seemed to take their jobs seriously.

Gabriel had to admit that it was funny to see the other ponies move aside and bow to them, even though he knew it wasn't for him. Celestia greeted them with a warm smile. She really seemed to be honest and to care about her citizens. “Not like all those political bastards...” Gabriel thought. At that moment, he felt a slight headache forming, but he just ignored it for the moment.

He took advantage of their walk to ask a few questions. “Excuse me, Princess, but may I ask you a question?”

“Of course, what is it?” She replied.

“Well, earlier when I asked you why you trusted me, you told me that you knew how to see if your subjects were sincere...”

“That was just a figure of speech, you know. But you really do seem like a good person”

“Thanks... but, I meant, you talked about me as if I were one of your subjects...”

“Well, technically you are...”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, given that you've appeared in Equestria and are staying with Twilight for the time being, you're on refugee status and therefore temporarily an Equestrian citizen.”

Gabriel looked at her with wide eyes. “Seriously?”

“Yes, and as Princess my role is to come to the aid of all the citizens of Equestria, whoever they may be”

“Well, that's... that's really generous of you... To help me and all, I mean. Well you must have a lot on your plate, running your country and all, and yet you take the time to come here and help me when you don't even know me."

“It has to be said that your situation is exceptional”

“Yes, that's not wrong!” Gabriel said, chuckling lightly. He could now see the edge of the forest close up. They were about to enter. He recognized the path he'd taken in the opposite direction with his car yesterday, next to that strange green-roofed house. They started into the woods, until Twilight placed a hoof in front of Gabriel and shouted “STOP!”

“WHAT? What's wrong?” Gabriel exclaimed in turn, searching his eyes for the source of danger. Twilight simply pointed to a bed of blue flowers on the ground. “Ba what, they're just flowers?”

“They're not just any flowers! They're a poison joke!" Twilight replied.

“Yes, I know this plant well” continued Celestia ”When we come into contact with it, it plays a nasty trick on us...”

“What do you mean?” Gabriel asked.

“Well, let's just say it has some rather undesirable effects. Believe me, we'd better not try to touch them...” Twilight replied.

“Okay, so you shouldn't touch them with your skin, right?”

“Right!”

“Well, I'll give you a pass then...” Gabriel said, starting to crush some of the flowers with his feet.

“Are you crazy? What are you doing? I told you not to touch them!”

“And, I remind you, I've got shoes! I don't touch them directly! Besides, look, I already mowed some of them down with my car when I drove by yesterday, so I'm going to finish the job and crush those bastards..."

After a few minutes of hard work, accompanied by the slightly worried looks of the others, Gabriel had managed to clear a path for everyone to pass. Everyone thanked him, including Twilight. “Sorry I yelled at you, I was just worried...”

“Don't worry, no offense!”

The group continued on, Gabriel pointing the way. He had no trouble finding his path, as the tire tracks, still fresh from yesterday, were still visible on the ground. When he'd been driving yesterday, he hadn't really paid much attention, but now that he was on foot, he had to admit that this place was pretty scary. What's more, his headache had increased again, and he just hoped it wasn't because of the flowers. The others with him didn't say much, obviously as preoccupied as he was by the intimidation of the place.

Fortunately, they didn't have to walk far to find the place they were looking for. “I think we're here...” said Gabriel.

“Are you sure, Mr. Couset?” Princess Celestia asked.

“Yes. And you can call me Gabriel” He approached the spot he suspected was his place of appearance. “The tire tracks disappear right here, so my car must have appeared right over there!” He said, pointing to the ground.

“I see...” Celestia said. The others also moved closer to get a better look.

“And look, that's the tree I climbed! You can even see a few broken branches...”

“Interesting...” Celestia seemed to be pondering what to do next.

After a minute of somewhat awkward silence, Gabriel asked, “So... what do we do now ?”

“I'm going to cast a recognition spell.”

“A recognition spell?”

“Yes, it allows you to scan the environment and be able to see if any magical activity has taken place recently, and of what type”

“Ok... Well, do it if you like...” The Princess closed her eyes and concentrated for a moment. Her horn lit up, before a sort of luminous jet came out of it and invaded their entire environment for a brief moment, before fading away a few seconds later. Gabriel regretted not having had his phone with him to film this incredible moment. He also told himself that he hoped his headache would go away soon, and he also began to get a nasty taste in his mouth. “So... did you find anything?” He felt his heart beat faster again and hope rise in him as he dreaded the answer.

The Princess gave him a sad look back, saying: “I'm really sorry, I... I found nothing, I'm afraid... It's as if... all traces of magic have been erased...”

The statement struck Gabriel like a sledgehammer. All his hopes rested on this answer, and had just been shattered. “You... you didn't find anything?” At that moment, his headache returned, but this time accompanied by a slight nausea. He began to stagger and had to lean against a tree.

The Princess tried to reassure him: “But all hope is not lost! I'll get all my best ponies on it, and...”

But Gabriel wasn't listening to her anymore. All that mattered now was the pain drumming in his head, and his growing nausea. He rubbed his hands against his face.

“Is everything all right, Gabriel?” Celestia asked.

“I'm not feeling very well...” He replied in a small voice. A shiver ran down his spine. He also noticed that he was now feeling sore and had to sit on the ground to keep from falling. His vision was blurred and he could hear the other ponies panicking about him, but he couldn't even concentrate on what they were saying because his headache was so bad. And to top it all off, he also now felt like throwing up “What the fuck is happening to me?” was all he managed to think before fainting for the second time this week.

Author's Note

Hello everyone, I hope you'll enjoy this chapter!
I just wanted to tell you that for simplicity's sake, the universe of My Little Poy in my story doesn't contain a “portal to the human world” as we can see in the series (Equestria Girl), and Gabriel comes from an alternative world where the MLP franchise doesn't exist.
I hope I've represented Princess Celestia well, as I know many of you love this pony and she has a very specific character.
And last but not least, don't worry (spoiler alert), Gabriel won't turn into a pony or grow horns or anything like that. It's just that, personally, I find it really weird... So here goes
See you next time for a new chapter!