Study Buddies

Chapters

Chapter 1 - Dynamic Entry
Chapter 2 - First Contact
Chapter 3 - Cultural Exchange
Chapter 4 - Judgment
Chapter 5 - All that you are
Chapter 6 - Review
Chapter 7 - A new world, a new life

Chapter 1 - Dynamic Entry

Day 1 in Equestria

...
WARNING: BRAIN has recovered from a serious error.
Start BRAIN normally?
[y]/n
...
Welcome, ANON
PASS: *****
Password Accepted!
Starting BRAIN

....

You wake up.

Oh God your everything is pain. Consciousness is a cruel mistress. What the fuck just happened?

Play fuckup.avi?
[y]/n
…
ERROR: FILE IS EITHER MISSING OR CORRUPTED

You can't remember shit. With a groan, you try your limbs.

Arms? Working. You use them to bring your hands to your face in pain.

Legs? Working. You kick them weakly across the...floor?

Yeah, floor. The distinct feeling of grainy wood reverberates through your sneakers.

Torso? ...Working but not at capacity. Your back is roiling with pain. You're lying on what feels like a bunch of broken wood. Might be a good idea to open your eyes...you do.

HOLYFUCKIT'SSOBRIGHT

You clench your eyes shut as the sun viciously assaults them. You wait a few moments and try again. Allowing your eyes to adjust to the light, you find yourself in a very strange home. It appears almost cylindrical, the interior is all wood and looks to be...carved?

High on the far 'wall' is a massive hole. More than likely where you fell through. Peering through it you notice massive tree branches above...You are in a giant fucking tree. What the fucking fuck?

Bro, I think we need to take a look around.

Agreed, BRAIN.

Jerkily, you lurch yourself upward. Looking down you see that you smashed through a table. That would explain all the shattered wood...

You slowly peer around at your surroundings. You see...books? Books! Thousands of books! YOU FUCKING LOVE BOOKS!

DUDE!

YEAH?!

BOOKS!

INORITE?!

READ THAT SHIT DAWG!

I SHALL!

With a bit of difficulty, you hobble to your feet. A quick glance over reveals no major injuries, just some bruises and a few cuts, but that’s unimportant.

Books. They draw you to their shelves like a moth to flame. All of your life, you have had an inexplicable obsession with books. Big books, small books, new books, old books- it didn't matter. If it was a book with something worthwhile to learn confined in its pages, you were all over that shit.

Giddily, you peruse the nearest bookcase. Your excitement grows when you see that none of the books have titles on their spines. That meant two things. One: they were old, and old books were your favorite. Two: every choice was a surprise, a potential new world of knowledge just waiting to be discovered.

With a feeling of wonder you reach for the first book to catch your eye; a large tome with a green binding. You slowly pull it out with care. You shudder at the sound its cloth covering makes as it rubs against its neighbor. You don't turn it over right away; instead you take a moment to run your hands across it. You sigh at the rough texture, the bumps in its spine. This book was old, it had history. With a deep breath, you turn the tome over to read its title...and find none!

Even better. Books without titles on their covers meant two things: the book was either meant to be in a dustcover...or it was hand-bound. You could tell this was more than likely the latter. You bite your lower lip in anticipation as you open the front cover. Your eyes involuntarily roll up into your head at the smell of aged parchment; a scent you now realize is omnipresent in this...tree. You fucking love the smell of books.

Grinning, you glance down at the first page for the book's title...and quirk an eyebrow in confusion.

" 'A brief history of Equestria'? What the fuck is Equestria?" You say aloud to apparently no one. With a shrug, you turn the first page and begin to read-

"u...um...he-hello?"

You aren't alone.

Every muscle in your body locks up as you realize your situation.

You just crashed into this...tree, and began to read books off the shelves, books that more than likely BELONG TO SOMEONE.

What the fuck is wrong with you? If anyone did what you were doing to your own vast collection of tomes you would flip shit. With a sharp *SNAP* you close the book and shakily place it back on its shelf.

"Oh God Im so sorry!" You ramble, not even turning around. "I just saw them and they looked so interesting I couldn't help myself!"

"I-i-i-it's o-okay! R-really! Um...are you hurt?"

You hear the nervous female voice grow closer along with...those didn't sound like normal footsteps.

You turn to face the newcomer.

"No, no I'm okay. Hey do you think you could tell me where I-"

...

"Oh! Um, this is my library, in Ponyville! My name is Twilight Sparkle and I- are you alright?"

...

BRAIN?

Yep.

What...what the fuck am I looking at?

Looks like a horse bro...a tiny, talking, adorable purple horse with a...yep thats a horn.

Huh. I thought so.

Yeah.

...

Faint in three?

Try one.

Your eyes roll up into your head for the second time as you keel over onto the library floor.

----------Twilight Sparkle-------------

It worked...

It worked!

ITWORKEDITWORKEDITWORKEDITWORKED!!!!

You've done it! You have successfully summoned a being from another universe!

Granted, the portal opened OVER your house rather than within it sending the poor creature through the wall. You were so shocked that you had hid behind a chair when it woke up and merely watched it. There had been warnings in the book to be wary of what you summon, that the creatures could be very dangerous.

But this creature looked more like an ape than a monster. Plus, it had taken an interest in your books! Then apologized for reading them without permission! It couldn't be dangerous...

Now it’s unconscious on your fl-

OH CELESTIA HE'S UNCONSCIOUS!

At least you think it’s a 'he', it had a deep voice like a stallion but for all you knew-

"TWILIGHT?! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!"

Your attention is torn toward the hole in your house. Rainbow Dash is fluttering within it.

"Rainbow! Yes! Yes I'm fine! Better than fine! I did it!"

The cyan pegasus gently lands inside your library wearing a look of confusion. "Did what?" Before you can answer the door is bucked open.

"TWAH? What in tarnation happened?!"

Applejack rushes into the library, the rest of your friends in tow.

"Darling what happened to your home?! There was a flash of light and what sounded like an explosion!"

"Wowee! I don't think my party cannon could even pack THAT much of a punch! Speaking of punch, did anypony want some? I-" She is silenced by an orange hoof.

"Oh- Oh goodness! What happened to your table Twilight?"

"GIRLS!" You scream, getting their attention. "I'm fine, and the library will be too as soon as-"

"HOLY BUCK WHAT IS THAT?!" Rainbow screeches, jabbing a hoof at the unconscious creature lying on your floor.

The other ponies gasp. You clear your throat.

"That's what I've been trying to tell you! I DID IT!" You giggle. "I perfected my transuniversal summoning spell! That is the first thing I was able to pull through!"

A group of blank stares is your only response. You sigh in exasperation.

"I brought that creature into Equestria from another world!"

You smile smugly when your friend's faces mouths open in shock.

A blur of blue fills your vision and you are staring face to face with Rainbow, her nose inches from your own. "Are you serious?! That...-thing- is like, an alien?!"

You bring a hoof to your chin. Technically, it did fit the definition.

"Yeah! I guess it is!" you affirm with a nod and smile.

"Oh goodness!" Fluttershy floats over to the unconscious alien. "He looks hurt! We should get him to a doctor..."

You shake your head.

"Fluttershy it was fine before it- wait 'he'? You know it’s a male?"

The pegasus nods. "I can tell things about animals. It’s...it’s probably a 'he'."

"I see. Well, he'll probably wake up on his own-"

Now the yellow pegasus was in your face. "Nonono! That won’t do Twilight, those cuts could get infected! We need to get them cleaned and dressed."

You gulp. She wasn't using the stare but it was close. Your will eventually breaks.

"Agh...okay fine. But we can't bring him to the hospital, it could cause a scare in town."

"Oh! Well, um, -I- could keep him at my cottage and tend to him..."

"Darling that’s perfect!" Rarity chimes in. "That way he would be away from town!"

"Ah can go git mah cart from the market. We could haul him to Fluttershy's with the tarp on."

"Alright, sounds like a plan girls. Once Applejack gets back we-"

"Is this really a good Idea?" Rainbow says while casting a nervous glance at the creature.

"I mean he could be, like, dangerous...he IS an alien..."

"I don't think he is Rainbow. I'll explain on the way to Fluttershy's."

"Oh BOY!!!" Pinkie Pie exclaims. "I get to throw a welcome party for an alien! This is gonna be soooo much FUN!"

Before you can stop her, Pinkie has already bounded out of the library and out of sight...but you CAN see a growing number of ponies standing outside the library wondering what was happening.

You see a certain diminutive reptile push his way through the crowd, a stack of books in hand.

He waddles through the door balancing the books precariously. "Got that order Twi! Also, did you know there’s a whole bunch of p- HOLY GUACOMOLE!" The little dragon drops the books to the floor when he notices the hole.

Applejack takes this chance to make her way outside and shoo the ponies off before leaving to grab her cart.

"Twilight what happened to the w- WHAT THE BUCK IS THAT?!"

"SPIKE!" You fume. "Language!"

The dragon's cheeks darken as he grins sheepishly. "Sorry Twi but, seriously, what IS that?" he nods toward the creature.

Fluttershy is lying next to the alien looking him over. Her face is full of worry. Rainbow is hovering warily over it, eyeing it with suspicion.

"THAT, is the result of my newest spell!" You declare proudly. Suddenly an idea hits you. "Spike! Take a letter..."

Your assistant blinks before pulling out a scroll and quill from nowhere. You really needed to ask how he did that sometime. But for now, you have a letter to dictate. You clear your throat and-

"Dear Princess Celestia..."

Meanwhile in Canterlot, a certain sun goddess was enjoying her morning coffee. Delicious, invigorating coffee. Without it, the Kingdom of Equestria would have long ago crumbled, its ruler unable to perform her duties.

It was a daily ritual. A necessary habit. For it to be interrupted without just cause was tantamount to treason against the crown. But her little ponies had learned better than to do something like th-

*POP*

Her coffee mug, specially monogrammed with '#1 Princess', falls from her telekinetic grasp in surprise as the scroll materializes in front of her face. It falls with a resounding shatter, leaving the Princess with a mouthful of undrunk coffee and a scroll on her snout.

Eye twitching, she angrily unravels the scroll. The bucking kingdom better be burning down if-

The coffee which she had yet to swallow spews out of her mouth in shock. She reads the letter again, to be sure.

'Dear Princess Celestia, I am proud to announce that I have successfully cast a transuniversal summoning spell! The creature I have pulled through resembles an ape, but is mostly hairless. 'He' appears to wear clothes to make up for his lack of a coat. The creature took immediate interest in my library's literature, before fainting at the sight of me. He also brought with him a pack of some kind with items from his world! This is could be magical history in the making! We are in the process of moving him to Fluttershy's cottage to tend to a few minor injuries he sustained from the spell. I anxiously await your correspondence!

Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.

PS: He likes books! Isn't that wonderful?'

The princess takes a breath. Then another.

She gently rolls up the scroll, then banishes it to her royal archives.

"Guard!"

A white pegasus stallion glides into the throne room. Landing, he stands at attention before his monarch.

"Prepare my chariot."

Chapter 2 - First Contact

...
WARNING: BRAIN has recovered from a serious error.
Start BRAIN normally?
y/[n]
Start BRAIN in SAFE MODE?
[y]/n
...
Welcome, ANON
PASS: *****
Password Accepted!
Starting BRAIN in SAFE MODE
....

You wake up...partially. Your consciousness rests in a twilight haze; awake yet dreaming. It's dark. There are voices but they are muffled. You feel yourself jostled to and fro, the biting texture of rough, un-sanded wood against your skin. You try to remember why you may be here. A tree...books...a talking purple-

Fuck this. You fall back into nothingness.

----------Twilight Sparkle-------------

"-and then he just fainted!" You conclude.

"BAAA HAHAHA! What a weenie! He sounds like a total egghead Twi, the two of you should get along great!"

"Speaking of eggheads, any idea when you are going to return the newest Daring Do novel I lent you Rainbow?"

"Er-" The fluttering pegasus looks away with a blush. "When I'm done with it..."

You and your friends share a laugh as Fluttershy's cottage comes into view. Getting out of Ponyville with the alien had been simple enough. Spike had been more than a little annoyed when you told him to stay at the library and clean up. He'd perk up when you brought him some food later.

With one last *creak* the five of you reach Fluttershy's door. Applejack unhitches herself from her cart and gives her shoulders a roll. "That alien's awfully heavy fer a bookworm."

Fluttershy floats over the cart, grabbing the tarp in her teeth. With a yank it slides off the wooden frame, revealing its prone occupant. The creature stirs in the light of the sun with a soft groan.

"Oh my stars! Twilight, dear, I think he's waking up!" Rarity notes with concern.

"Then we don't have much time." You respond with conviction.

Reaching out with your magic you envelop the alien in a soft purple glow. He gently floats out of the cart and towards the door, which Rainbow opens. Carefully, you levitate the creature into the cottage. Many of Fluttershy's animals stir from their assorted homes and resting places, watching with curiosity.

"Oh, um, up here would be best. In the spare room." You angle the creature and float him up the stairs after Fluttershy.

You are led into the cottage's spare bedroom. Turning him around in mid air, you gently set the alien onto the bed. Fluttershy leaves briefly to get her medical kit. You, Rainbow, Applejack, and Rarity just stare in silence at the being, watching it move a bit in it's sleep. You feel a strange twinge in your chest when he snuggles into the pillow with a sigh.

"So-" Applejack breaks the silence. "-what happens now?"

"We wait for him to wake up and-" You giggle like a schoolfilly. "-communicate!"

"...Right. Uh...communicate wut exactly?"

"W-well-" You bring a hoof to your chin. "-all kinds of things! What he is, where hes from, or what he does for a living! There are literally an infinite number of things we could ask him!"

"Perhaps you could ask where he bought such...rags. Honestly how can those even pass for clothes!" Rarity huffs. Fluttershy returns, the handle of the white medical case in her mouth. She floats to the bedside and places it on the night table. Opening it, she rummages through its contents, pulling out disinfectant and bandages. Carefully, the yellow pegasus dabs a bit of gauze with the disinfectant and begins to gently wipe down the small cuts that litter the creature's arms and legs.The alien groans and twists around in apparent discomfort. By some miracle however he doesn't wake. A few more minutes pass and the creature's injuries are cleaned and bandaged.

"Whew! That should do." Fluttershy says happily.

"Nice work Fluttershy. Do you think you could maybe examine him a bit? Animals are your talent after all."

"Oh! Um..." The yellow pegasus' pink bangs fall over her eyes. "O-okay..." She takes a deep breath and begins to look the creature over. "Well...he reminds me of a monkey." She gently runs a hoof along one of his arms. "His coat is really thin and coarse...except for up here." She rubs a yellow hoof through his mane.

She then moves the hoof the the creature's lips. Rainbow visibly tenses. "Be careful Flutters..."

With a gulp Fluttershy gently lifts his upper lip- and squeaks.

"What?!" Rainbow zooms over to her friend. "Did he bite you?!"

"N-no...I was just surprised. He has...well, canines." She lifts a bit higher. "But they are small...and the rest of his teeth are flat. I'd say he's...um...omnivorous."

"The heck does that mean?" Applejack asks, head tilted in confusion.

"It means...he eats both meat and plants."

Rarity gasps dramatically. "It...it eats MEAT?! How savage! How uncouth!"

Rainbow is immediately at Fluttershy's side. "C'mon Fluttershy you don't want to have your hoof near that thing's- whats wrong Flutters?"

Fluttershy is unresponsive, her eyes are locked on the creature's face.

You take a few steps towards the bed.

"Fluttershy what is-"

You freeze as well. Rainbow turns to look at the creature and inhales sharply.

"What in tarnation is wrong with y'all?! This aint funny!" Applejack huffs.

Rarity looks uneasy. "I agree, you girls are scaring us!"

Without turning around you whisper two words that root the two mares to the spot.

"It's awake."

-----------Anonymous------------

...

Okay BRAIN, recap time?

Sure thing. You fell into a treehouse library...thing.

Right. Go on.

You promptly got a bookboner and began to try and read.

Got that. Continue.

Then a talking purple horse with a horn introduced itself and you fainted like a bitch.

Yep. Keep going.

You kind of woke up in a dark place made of shitty wood and then fell back asleep.

Huh...okay. Any idea why a hard round object is touching my mouth?

...no fucking idea bro maybe you should wake up?

Good idea!

Your eyes open...

And you find two large turquoise ones staring into them. You immediately stiffen. It's another tiny horse, this one yellow with...wings? What the f-

You can't move...oh GOD YOU CAN'T MOVE BRAIN WHAT THE FUCK?!

I DUNNO MAN. LIMBS ARE OFFLINE. MUSCLES ARE OFFLINE. CAN'T MOVE SHIT CAPTAIN.

OH FUCK WHAT DO WE DO?!

DON'T PANIC. WE DON'T WANT TO PASS THE FUCK OUT AGAIN. CAN YOU HOLD YOUR SHIT TOGETHER?

I'LL FUCKING TRY DUDE BUT I AM FREAKING THE FUCK OUT.

You attempt to ignore your unexplainable paralysis and assess the situation. You had been moved, that much was certain. You were lying on a bed, in a completely different room. You would look around but your eyes remained locked on the yellow horse's.

Why the fuck wasn't she moving?! Why did she just keep staring like that?!

"It...it eats MEAT?! How savage! How uncouth!"

Oh God. There were others?! Oh God, they didn't like the fact you ate meat?! OH GOD THEY KNEW YOU ATE MEAT?!

Suddenly another tiny horse enters your peripheral vision. This one is cyan, also with wings, and magenta eyes. Its most prominent feature however is its rainbow hair.

"C'mon Fluttershy you don't want to have your hoof near that thing's- whats wrong Flutters?"

Okay, the yellow one was...Fluttershy. Okay. This was good. Keep calm, assess EVERYTHING. What sounds like...hooves? Yeah, they are little horses after all. The sound of hooves draw closer and at the edge of your vision you see a blob of purple. The first one you saw! Twilight Sparkle!

"Fluttershy what is-" she freezes when she sees that you're awake. At this point the cyan horse also looks at you and inhales sharply.

"What in tarnation is wrong with y'all?! This aint funny!" Yet another voice. You can't see this one but you notice it has a southern accent.

"I agree, you girls are scaring us!" Number five whimpers. Girls huh? So they WERE female...though the voices should have been proof enough of that.

"It's awake." Twilight Sparkle whispers.

The room is completely still. The tiny horses say nothing, and neither do you...not like you really can though.The tension in the air causes the seconds to drag on like hours until the cyan one speaks.

"Why isn't it moving? Why is it still- Flutters are you giving him the stare?"

Fluttershy nods. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't know what to do! When he woke up I just..." She trails off, her eyes still locked on yours. Speaking of which your eyes are starting to fucking BURN since you can't close them.The two horses in front of you notice the tears beginning to trail from your rapidly reddening eyes. The yellow one whimpers. "Oh dear...he needs to blink." And she fucking DOESN'T?!

"Fluttershy." Twilight whispers, moving closer to the bed. "Release him. We won't get any answers if he can't move. Besides, I don't think hes dangerous..."

The cyan horse whips her head towards Twilight. "He eats meat! We're meat Twi! What if he EATS US?!"

"Ah don't wanna git ate!" Southern accent cries. "Neither do I!" Number five agrees.

Oh Christ this is not a vein of conversation conducive to your survival. You need to clear this up...but you can't because you still CAN'T FUCKING MOVE AND YOUR EYES ARE BURNING LIKE SHIT!

You try your hardest to plead with Fluttershy with your eyes. Amazingly she takes the hint. With a deep breath she addresses you.

"Mr. Alien-" OH SHIT YOU'RE AN ALIEN?! "-I'm going to to let you move but you have to promise to be good and not...eat us." She punctuates that command with an adorable squeak.

YOUR HEART OH GOD IT HURTS.

You do your best to make your intention known. You aren't going to hurt them, you are terrified and want to live. The yellow horse's expression softens, and she gives you a small smile.

HNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNG

"Okay..." She blinks.

BRAIN?!

We're back online! Keep your shit together though, no sudden movements.

Right...

Slowly, FUCKING slowly, you draw yourself back and into a sitting position. The cyan horse shoots back a few feet when you move. You now have a clear view of all the little horses. You can see that besides Fluttershy, Twilight, and Cyan horse there are two others in the room, both wear matching looks of fear. One is orange with a blonde mane and tail and a cowboy hat- wow really? Anyway that's more than likely southern accent. The other is...a marshmallow with a stylized purple mane and tail; Number five. Marshmallow has a horn like Twilight, while southern accent seems to lack both wings and a horn. Interesting.

Bro?

Yeah?

This is fucking first contact.

...oh shit you're right...but I'm the alien here apparently.

Does it fucking MATTER?

Guess not...

Don't fuck this up man.

I'll try.

Your gaze sweeps over the room once more before you take a deep breath. Slowly...EVER SO FUCKING SLOWLY, you raise a hand and-

"Hi."

A pause. It lasts only a second before Twilight Sparkle beams. "Hello! Welcome to Equestria!"

Achievement Unlocked/Trophy Earned: First Contact; Establish contact with an alien race and not fuck it up.

"Erm...thanks." You grin sheepishly before looking around the room again. The little horses seem a bit less frightened now.

"Oh! Allow me to introduce myself. My name is-

"Twilight Sparkle? We met at the library..."

The purple horse blinks before blushing in embarrassment...it's cute.

"That's right. Sorry again for surprising you like that."

"It's fine...really, just a shock that's all." You say with a wave of the hand. You point at the yellow horse. "You're Fluttershy, I assume?"

Upon being addressed the yellow horse squeaks and hides beneath her pink mane. "Yes...nice to meet you." she whispers almost inaudibly. "I, um...cleaned and bandaged your cuts for you...I hope that's alright..."

HEART STATUS: CRITICAL

BRAIN GET THAT SHIT IN ORDER

WORKING ON IT BOSS

"Appreciate it. Really." you respond with a smile, which she returns.

Your gaze slides over to the cyan horse with then rainbow mane. While no longer appearing afraid, she is still eying you with suspicion.

"That's Rainbow Dash." Twilight answers for her friend.

"Sup." Rainbow shoots dismissively. You nod.

"This-" she gestures to orange cowboy hat "-is Applejack."

"Howdy." Applejack offers with a tip of her hat. You nod again.

"And finally-"

"Rarity the unicorn!" The marshmallow answers for her friend with a flourish of her mane. She bats her eyelashes at you demurely. "Charmed."

Your eyebrows have relocated themselves to your forehead but you nod all the same. She had said unicorn...which you now realize made perfect sense since she has a FUCKING HORN.

"Pleasure to meet all of you. My name is...is..."

Your face scrunches in confusion. What the fuck?

Twilight Sparkle quirks a brow. "Is something wrong?"

Well BRAIN? Is there?

...okay don't be mad.

Are you fucking kidding me?!

I'm sorry dude but I can't find it!

Scan drive C: for name.txt?
[y]/n
Scanning...0 results found.

"...I don't know..." your head falls into your hands. "I can't...I can't remember my name..."

Four gasps reach you through your sudden shock. You can hear Twilight sigh. "Perhaps it's a side effect." Side effect? Side effect of fucking WHAT?! "Still...what should we call you then?"

You really, really, REALLY want to know what she means by side effect. You can remember everything else about yourself except for your name. She had a point though, what SHOULD they call you?

It hits you like a bolt from the heavens. You look up toward the purple horse.

"...Anonymous."

Chapter 3 - Cultural Exchange

Twilight Sparkle blinks. "...really?"

"Anon for short."

Nice one man.

Thanks BRAIN.

"...If that's what you want. I -guess- it does fit...Okay! Welcome to Equestria Anonymous!" The purple unicorn chirps happily.

"Thanks."

...Bro?

Hm?

Don't you have something to ask?

Uh...Oh.

OH.

Hurr DURR.

Eat shit BRAIN this has been a fucked up morning.

I know. I was there. Anyway-

Right.

"Twilight Sparkle-"

"Just Twilight is fine."

"Okay. Twilight?"

"Yes?"

"Where exactly is Equestria?"

"Why, right here of course!" The marshm- RARITY chimes in.

You bring a hand to your face. Easy, don't lose your shit, just be cool.

"I understand that. What I mean is where is Equestria in relation to where I'M from? I can already tell this is a different world and-" You shake your head. These were the wrong questions. "Do you know how I got here?"

"Twah said somethin' bout a...uh...Transuniwhatsit spell?"

"A Trans-universal- SUMMONING spell. I cast it and, well-" She smiles in excitement. "-here you are!"

....

Bro?

...

Okay dude calm down.

Jimmies.exe has stopped responding.

"...Transuniversal summoning spell?"

"Yes! I still can't believe it worked!" Twilight says with glee. She even adds an adorable little hop. You would think it's cute if you weren't about to lose it.

"Trans. Universal. Summoning. Spell."

"Er yes? Basically I opened up a portal to your world, and brought you through to ours!"

"No."

Twilight blinks. "Pardon?"

"You didn't bring me from one world to another...you brought me into an entirely DIFFERENT UNIVERSE!"

Twilight and Fluttershy flinch away from your outburst. Applejack and Rainbow Dash immediately take defensive positions in front of them.

"Back off alien!" Rainbow spits.

"Yeah! Sure she ain't got the best judgement, but that ain't no reason ta fly off the handle!" Applejack huffs.

"Oh dear. Oh dear. Oh dear!" Fluttershy whimpers, backing away from you.

"You shan't lay a...whatever those things are on her you ruffian!" Rarity cries, also moving in front of the now shivering Twilight.

"This..."

The little horses look at you in confusion.

Don't do it man.

"This is..."

C'mon man don't. Don't fucking embarrass me. Please?

"This -IS-...

God Fucking Da-

"THIS IS FUCKING INCREDIBLE!!!!" You scream, leaping out of your sitting position to stand on the bed.

Fluttershy falls over, legs straight up in the air while Rainbow, Applejack and Rarity jump back a little from you.

And for good reason. As far as they are concerned a potentially hostile, meat eating alien life form has completely lost its shit right in front of them. They weren't too far off the mark.

"THIS-" You gasp. "-THIS COMPLETELY VALIDATES AT LEAST TWO DOZEN CONTROVERSIAL SCIENTIFIC THEORIES! OTHER UNIVERSES EXIST, AND I AM THE FIRST PERSON TO SEE ONE! HOLY SHIT! HAHAHAA!"

Why do I have to belong to such a fucking nerd?

NOT LISTENING BRAIN.

You dance around on the bed, laughing and whooping in joy. Seeing that you aren't about to go Ridley Scott on them the little horses calm down a bit. Fluttershy remains stone-still on the floor in fright.

Eventually you calm down a bit, catching your breath. This was ama-

You freeze.

'Transuniversal summoning spell'

Oh come the fuck on. Can't the gray matter catch a break?

Slowly, you turn toward the purple unicorn. She shrinks away in fear.

"Twilight."

"Y-yes?" she asks uneasily.

"You said...you said -spell-. A spell you -cast-. Do you mean...magic?"

The unicorn blinks and chuckles mirthfully, as if she had just been asked a question with an obvious answer by a small child.

"Of course Anonymous! How else would I have done it?"

"So...you can perform magic? There is magic in this universe?"

Without answering Twilight closes her eyes and raises her horn. You watch, mouth agape, as it is coalesced in a purple light. The medical case next to the bed glows the same color and levitates, FUCKING LEVITATES, off the night table a few feet into the air.Eyes wide and slack-jawed you watch as it slowly, methodically, revolves around the room in a small orbit near the cieling before it floats back down to the night stand. That causes you to plant you ass back on the bed. You hardly notice Fluttershy recovering from her shock and standing back up.

Magic exists. Magic FUCKING exists. In this universe at least. A stream of images flow through your mind; sorcerers and wizards and warlocks bending reality to their will. Every fantasy novel you've read, every RPG you've played, every DND campaign you've taken part in.

Here? It's fucking real.

"HOLY SH-

"nnnNOPE!"

There is a flash of brown and cyan. You find your outburst, as well as most of the air in your lungs, cut off. Applejack now has a lasso in her teeth, and you are tied the fuck up. You now also have an annoyed Rainbow maned horse on top of you.

"Will you chill the BUCK out dude?!" Rainbow Dash yells in your face, glaring.

"Prease. Yrr shcarin pwwr Fruttershry shenslessh." Applejack pleads through the rope in her mouth. You notice the yellow horse has already fallen over again in fright.

You take a few deep breaths. In, and out. In, and out.

"Okay. Okay sorry about that it's just...this is...wow."

Satisfied that you aren't about to go off the deep end again, the cyan horse flutters off of you and Applejack undoes your bindings with a simple flick of the rope.

"Thank ya kindly sugarcube." Applejack says with a smile and...a wink? Dafuq?

You sit back up, still trying to regain your composure. Fluttershy is in a similar state. At least she’s standing again.

No thanks to you.

Dude, fuck you. We haven't had much in our life, let me at least have this.

Fine. Just keep it together bro.

Twilight steps forward, right up to the bed you are sitting on. "I know this is a lot to take in Anon, but if you would be willing to-" And then you see the gears churn in her head as she undergoes a realization similar to yours.

"Did...did you say scientific theories?" A small smile creeps onto her face.

"Huh? Oh! Yeah there are a ton related to the concept of alternate universes and realities! A lot of them are within the field of quantum physics. For example, there was the experiment conducted at-"

"Oh for CRYING OUT LOUD!" Rainbow Dash yells, flapping into the air. "If the two of you are gonna egg-head it up, I'm out." She turns to leave, only to have Applejack grab her tail in her teeth and yank her down.

"Woah there sugarcube, we need ya right here." She turns to the purple horse. "Twi, could ya, y'know, stay focused?"

Twilight's face grows red as she smiles sheepishly. "Of course, my apologies." She clears her throat and looks at you with determination. "As I was saying, I know this is a lot to take in but if you would be willing to answer a few of our questions, we'd be more than willing to answer your own."

You nod excitedly.

"Sure! I mean this is huge-"

"-groundbreaking-" Twilight adds.

"-two alien species meeting-"

"-exchanging knowledge-"

"-history-"

"-culture-"

"-ideas-"

" 'It’s history in the making!' " Both of you cry simultaneously. A short pause hangs in the air before you cough. Twilight looks away with a blush as Rainbow Dash groans and brings her hooves over her eyes.

"Right. Shall we?" You suggest after regaining your composure.

"Yes. Let’s." Twilight agrees as her horn glows. With a sudden -pop- two scrolls manifest in midair with a quill. "I have taken the liberty of writing down a list of questions to ask you in the event my spell was a success."

Okay man this can go either very well or very bad.

All depends on what she asks.

If she asks about weapons, war, and violence?

...plead the fifth?

She doesn't know what the fifth is you retard.

We'll cross that bridge when we come to it...

"I'll answer them as best as I can."

"Okay." Another pop brings a pair of adorkable glasses to her eyes. "Question One: What are you? What do you call yourself?"

"Male human. In my culture males are called 'men' and females 'women'."

Twilight grins, scribbling some notes down on the other piece of parchment. "That actually takes care of questions one through four! I admire proactiveness..."

You feel your face heat up. You play it off with a grin and a shrug. "I try. Next?"

"Question five. Where do you come from?"

"My world is called 'Earth'. I live in a country called the 'United States'. It's a democratic republic consisting of fifty separate states operating under a central government, which is in and of itself a separate state within another. I live in [REDACTED], [REDACTED]."

Twilight nods, furiously scribbling your answers down. "I am going to forgo listing the question's number, since you are answering so many at a time. Next, how large is your planet?"

This segways into facts about your world in general, which takes the better part of twenty minutes to explain. At some point Fluttershy left to go tend to her animals, while Rarity politely excused herself to make some tea. Applejack and Rainbow Dash have begun to doze off against one another on the floor. Clearly they weren't intellectual types...that said it's still cute as FUCK.

"Oh wow this is amazing!" Twilight practically 'squees' with joy. This jerks the two dozing ponies out of their stupor. "I still have so much to ask you but, I'm sure you have your -OWN- questions so, ask away!"

Fuck yes. Brain? Get ready to record this shit.

"Alright. First, what are you all? You guys remind me of an animal back on my own world called the horse, except smaller...and a lot more colorful." You glance at Rainbow Dash at the last part of that sentence.

"Well, horses were said to have existed long ago, but today there isn't a single living individual. My friends and I, as well as the vast majority of Equestria's population, are 'ponies.' "

-Snrk-.

Fuck off brain this is serious.

"Male ponies are called stallions, while females-"

"Mares?"

"That's right!" Twilight says with a smile. "Now..."

She canters over to her to friends and stands next to them. "Girls? Would you mind helping me demonstrate the three different races of pony?"

"Uh, sure Twah." Applejack agrees with a nod.

"What do we have to do?" Rainbow Dash asks with a raised brow.

"Just follow my lead!" And with that Twilight's lesson begins.

"As you have no doubt noticed Anonymous, there are three different kinds of ponies- well four but we'll get to that later. Unicorns, like myself and Rarity, have the ability to use magic, as you have already seen." She demonstrates levitation once more briefly on a nearby vase.

"Pegusai, like Rainbow here and Fluttershy, have the obvious advantage of flight-" Rainbow flutters into the air with a cocky grin. "-as well as the ability to manipulate weather."

wat

BRAIN run that by me again.

Pretty sure she said 'manipulate weather' you derp. Is that really so hard to comprehend in a world with talking candy colored ponies with magic and wings?

Huh...when you put it that way...

"Manipulate the weather?"

Without saying a word, Twilight unlocks and opens a nearby window with her magic and nods to the rainbow-maned pegasus.

With a shit-eating grin Rainbow...disappears?

No that’s not right. You see a rainbow after-image like trail extend from where she was just standing through the window.

Fucking FUCK she was fast.

A few seconds pass and Rainbow returns followed by a huge gust of wind. In her hoof lies a...cloud? Yep. A tiny little ball of fluff, which you would have mistaken for a somewhat large cotton ball if you didn't see the small wisps of water vapor around it.

"Impressed? You should be!" And with that the pegasus bounces the little cloud between her two hooves, then onto her head, followed by her flank.

"Damn! Thats incredible...and back in my universe impossible, but still, wow!"

Rainbow smirks, shes obviously eating your attention up. She shows off for a minute more, rolling the fluff down her forelegs, smacking it back and forth between her wings, even molding it into different shapes.

"Alraht Rainbow we git tha hint." Applejack huffs in annoyance.

"Yeah, yeah." Rainbow scoffs. Then she gives you a wicked grin as the cloud sliiides into her...tail?

"THINK FAST!" she screeches before whipping the cloud right at your face with the prismatic appendage. With a flinch and a yelp you throw your hands up, but it's far too slow. You cringe as the cloud hits its mark-

-and are awash in a truly refreshing mist as it disperses over your head. The cool vapor condenses into small rivulets of water on your cheeks.

You blink a few times and wipe the water from your eyes. Rainbow is rolling around on the floor. "Oh man the look on your face! That was priceless dude!"

"Rainbow that was highly inappropriate!" Twilight yells. "This is very important to Equestria's scientific advancement! What if you offended him! What if-" She is cut off by the sound of your chuckling.

"No sweat Twilight, no harm done. That was actually pretty good, sure as hell got me.”You say with a grin.

Rainbow shoots up and flashes you a genuine smile. "Oh man! Knows awesome when he sees it? Appreciates a good prank? Anon you may be a freaky, meat-eating alien but your cool in the Dash's book!"

You ignore the jab at your anomalous nature as well as the sheer arrogance of her third person self-reference as she flutters over to you and extends a hoof. You almost go to shake it but-

The way it's cocked.

That position.

No fucking way could it be?

Your own fist extends itself before you can think further annnnd-

BROFI- HOOF ACHIEVED.

"Hell yeah-

"-motherbucker."

BRO ACQUIRED.

The two of you just grin stupidly at one another before a loud cough brings your attention back to Twilight, who looks less than enthused.

"It’s really great that the two of you are hitting it off, but could I please continue?"

"Of course, please."

"Thank you."

As Twilight prepares to continue her lecture Rainbow decides to sit next to you on the bed, to which you find no complaint.

"Now then. Last, but certainly not least, are earth ponies." Applejack puffs her chest out proudly while crossing her forelegs.

"While lacking wings or the ability to use magic, earth ponies possess the highest amounts of stamina and strength. They are also on average the most long-lived of the three races. Possessing an inherent link to the earth and all things that grow in it, many earth ponies excel in the fields of agriculture."

Damn. That sounds like a shit deal. You know you would take the ability to fly, or even better use magic over long life and physical prowess any day of the week. Applejack must sense your lack of enthusiasm over her race's gifts because she frowns. It doesn't stay on her face long though. She smirks and lazily turns to Twilight.

"Sugarcube, would ya mind gettin on that there bed?"

"What for?"

"Ah'm gonna give mah own demonstration."

The unicorn blinks, then complies with a shrug. She hops up and sits on your other side.

Applejack casually strolls over to a nearby table and places her hat down on it. "Don't want that gettin' all mussed up."

She spins back toward the bed, her smirk slowly morphing into a grin. Suddenly, shes galloping straight towards it. Before you can voice your concern however she hits the floor on her stomach and slides under the bed out of view.

For a moment no sound is heard other that some rustling under the mattress.

"Um...what-"

"HRRNNG!"

The three of you cry out in shock as both you, and the bed underneath, are lifted up.

Fucking FUCK she was strong.

The bed slowly lowers itself back down. Before you can feel any semblance of relief however it shoots back up with another strained grunt. Twilight, who had been trying to stand up after the bed lowered itself back down, yelps in fright as she loses her balance and falls over-

-right into your arms.

"Aw yeah go Applejack, push it!" Rainbow cheers.

But you don't hear her voice. You don't feel the bed being lifted again. Your awareness of everything else is arrested by the mare in your arms currently hanging onto you for dear life. She's soft. So soft. Impossibly soft. Her coat feels so...right against your skin. Her scent is a mixture of old parchment and lavender, with a hint of ozone.

Dude? Hey dude?

She’s currently clinging to you in fear as the bed continues to rapidly rise and fall. Shes so warm, and soft, and she smells so nice you just want to hug her close...so you do. She gives no complaint.

Dude what the fuck man snap out of it.

You couldn't if you tried, and you weren't even capable of trying. Her eyes are scrunched up so adorably your heart swells. But that doesn't remotely compare to how everything else falls away from your concern when her deep, violet eyes open and peer into your own.

This...this is-

DUDE. CREEPER ALERT. WAKE THE FUCK UP.

*WHAM*

You return to yourself as Applejack's strength finally gives out and the bed falls. Apparently Applejack had only lifted the bed ten times, but to you it had felt like an eternity. You are vaguely aware of Rainbow congratulating a woozy Applejack on her feat of strength as she helps her out from under the bed. You and Twilight however are still staring into one another's eyes, at a loss as to what to say.

"And that -huff- is what we call -huff- gittin'-r- done." Applejack declares as she retrieves her stetson.

THAT of all things, rouses you. Images of a certain overweight comedian in a trucker cap worm there way to the forefront of your mind. You are about to chuckle at that one joke about edible undies when-

You are still holding the purple unicorn.

Welcome back fuckass! Maybe you should let her go?

Applejack has since turned to face the two of you on the bed. She tilts her head in confusion and...annoyance?

"The hay are you two doin'?"

Rainbow however is snickering into a hoof. Oh balls. Time for damage control.

"Er...you alright?" You ask with a lopsided grin.

Twilight gasps and leaps out of your arms flailing wildly...right off the bed. Rainbow descends into full blown laughter, and even Applejack manages a smirk. The unicorn shoots back up, her face scarlet. "Y-y-yES! Yes I am. T-thank you Anonymous!"

"No problem."

Nice job. We ARE going to talk about this later though.

BRAIN pls go.

"Nuts Twah, yer so skittish sometimes." Applejack chides. "Sometahmes ah wonder if you and Flutters are sisters."

"I-I was just surprised! That’s all." Twilight counters, fixing her mane and regaining her composure. "Now then-" She moves back towards Applejack. "As you have seen, Earth Ponies are incredibly strong."

"Bit of an understatement. That was something else."

"Thank ya kindly pard'. I -am- the strongest pony in Ponyville after all..."

Rainbow has since stopped laughing. You can hear her grumble something almost inaudible. Applejack's ears swivel in her direction. "What was that now?"

"I said, thats a matter of opinion really." Rainbow says dismissively with a shrug.

"Oh is THAT RAHGHT?" Applejack huffs, stomping over to the pegasus. "Ya want ta prove that?"

"GLADLY!" Rainbow cries with an aggressive snort. "How about another iron pony competition? With ANON as the judge!"

"Name tha time and place sugarcube and ah'll-"

The argument stops in its tracks as the bedroom doors slams open and a terrified yellow pegasus comes sliding in. She takes a few deep breaths before looking over to Twilight eyes wide.

"The Princess is here!"

Chapter 4 - Judgment

FIVE MINUTES EARLIER

----------Fluttershy-------------

"So I told her; 'Lotus darling if it's really such a problem, just use your hooves! Celestia knows you send me to heaven with them every time I'm here!' "

Rarity's titters don't really reach you, nor does her...dirty story. The two of you have been enjoying some tea in your living room for the past twenty minutes. You finished tending to your animals just as Rarity finished brewing a pot of your favorite blend. Mr. Alien, er, Anonymous has been listening to Twilight teach him about Equestria up in the guest bedroom. Occasionally the odd thump, yell, or bang screams through your nerves.

He seemed like a nice human...though you haven't met any other humans. You still feel terrible about scaring him like that, you should know better than to use the stare so liberally...but you were just so afraid!

"Fluttershy are you alright dear? You are awfully quiet...er...well moreso than usual."

"Oh! Um...yes, I'm fine Rarity...but thank you for asking."

"Are you sure?"

"I...um...yes."

"Are you thinking about our...visitor?"

You let out a startled 'Eeep!' and hide behind your bangs.

"...um...maybe."

“I'll admit he’s of an interesting sort. He seems to be getting along with Twilight quite famously."

"They do seem alike..."

"He doesn't seem to have much sense in the way of fashion though, I mean honestly did you see those clothes? What a nightmare! Why, if I had my supplies I would-"

You zone out as Rarity goes off on another rant, this time about clothes. It’s not like you couldn't appreciate her craft, you were actually an accomplished seamstress in your own right. You just can't stop worrying about Mr. Anonymous...It’s just this feeling you have that something bad is going to-

You jump in fright as a loud knock comes from the door, stopping Rarity in mid-sentence.

"Goodness! I wonder who that could be, you don't usually get visitors do you dear?"

"N...n...no." You whimper.

"Calm yourself darling I'm sure it's just the mailmare." Rarity reassures you as she gets up from her seat to answer the door.

"Just a moment!~" She calls as she envelops the door in a white aura and undoes the various latches and locks. Living on the edge of Ponyville made you wary of break-ins. The door swings open and you gasp in shock. Standing in the doorway is none other than-

PRESENT TIME

-----------Anonymous------------

"-Princess Celestia? HERE?!" Twilight squees in joy. "Shes probably here to see the result of my experiment personally!"

"...Princess Celestia?"

The purple unicorn whirls around to you. "That's right! Equestria's population consists of three types of ponies, but its rulers, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, are alicorns! They have both wings and a horn and are the most powerful ponies alive!"

You gulp nervously.

"Oh this is going to be so awesome!" Twilight squeals before bounding past Fluttershy out the door.

...okay. You are going to meet their leader.

No pressure.

NOT HELPING.

You turn to Rainbro.

"Anything I should expect?"

She snorts and waves a hoof. "The princess is totally awesome dude. Shes the nicest pony in all of Equestria!"

"Darn tootin'." Applejack agrees. "Ah reckon there ain't a mean bone in her body!"

Celestial body...snrk.

Goddamn you BRAIN.

With no small amount of anxiety, you follow Rainbro and Applejack out the door-

Then you notice them; ass tattoos. What the fuck?

Come to think of it all of the little ponies had them.

"Hold up."

The two ponies turn back to you.

"I have to ask...what are those?" You gesture to their respective flanks.

"Oh! You mean our cutie marks?" Rainbro nods to the cloud and rainbow lightning bolt adorning her backside.

"...yeah?"

"Shoot they tell us what our special talent is! Fer example-" Applejack pokes her flank with a hoof. "Ah've got apples as mah cutie mark because growin' and harvestin' apples is mah special talent!"

Applejack grows apples. If I had sides I would be holding them.

It's taking all my willpower not to do the same, BRAIN.

"And MINE, which is AWESOME, means I am SUPER fast and good at contolling weather!"

"So they're like, your life's calling?"

"Ah guess ya could put it that way. Now c'mon! T'aint raht to keep royalty waitin'."

With that the two ponies leave you in the hallway and head downstairs.

...BRAIN?

Yeah?

You with me on this one?

You know it bro. Just take a minute to breathe and prepare yourself.

You do; in, and out. In, and out.

Just breathe, relax.

Rainbro and Applejack say shes nice...Twilight seems to worship the ground she walks on...this will be okay.

Your jimmies are stable. Thank God for that wonderful gorilla on your table.

Alright. You're ready.

Lets do this man.

With one last deep breath, you head downstairs.

You get about halfway down the stairs when you hear the conversation below.

"But Princess I don't understand!" you hear Twilight cry in a pleading tone. "He isn't dangerous, he's an intellectual! We just had an incredibly civil discussion about our respective worlds!"

"Yeah!" Rainbow interjects. "And hes got a great sense of humor! Hes a total bro!"

"Hes...well...um...nice." Fluttershy mumbles. How you even heard her is beyond you.

A motherly sigh. "Be that as it may my loyal subjects, I happen to know much about humanity."

A wave of warmth flows through you as an older, honeyed female voice reaches your ears. It calls to mind images of beautiful sunrises, warm embraces...and fragments of a memory that even you do not understand. That all vanishes in a heartbeat when that motherly warm tone turns to imperious ice.

"Humans are savage. They kill without mercy or discrimination. They wage wars that claim millions of lives over things utterly inconsequential."

Hoofbeats. "I know I have said in the past that it's important to push yourself my faithful student, but bringing such a being here was incredibly irresponsible. Besides, how much do you truly know of this human? What of himself has he told you? What of his world has he mysteriously left...unclear?"

Silence. You feel ice water creeping through your veins.

Your bowl of jimmy-settling cereal shatters upon the metaphorical floor of your mind.

She knew. Whoever this Princess Celestia was she somehow knew. About your world, your species, its history. From the way she spoke, this world was your own's polar opposite; peaceful, understanding, tolerant. You weren't an alien, a visitor...to her you were an invader.

"Princess, ah hafta ask, how do ya know so much about these hyumins?"

"That...is something I cannot tell you. Not yet. There will be a time and a place for that but it is not now."

A huff. "Alraht, then answer this; how do ya know Anon is like other hyumins?"

"Applejack you of all ponies should understand the metaphor 'One bad apple spoils the bunch'. He carries with him the legacy of his world, its taint. We do not know what such an individual is capable of. I will NOT suffer such madness in Equestria...not again..."

Celestia's tone falters, but she regains herself. "But enough of this. Where is the human?"

...full retreat?

There's a window upstairs.

Shall we?

With the speed of Kenyans.

As quietly as possible you turn to head back upstairs-

*CREEAAAK*

"Anon?!" Twilight calls from downstairs.

Fuck everything. Just...just fuck everything.

The sound of hurried hoofbeats brings Twilight to the base of the stairs. She stares at you with a mixture of fear, confusion...and pity.

"...is it true?"

You turn back towards the bottom of the stairs, but you can't bring yourself to look at the little purple unicorn.

"Anonymous...please...is what the Princess says true?"

"Twilight? Is the human in the stairwell?" Celestia calls from out of view.

Your eyes clench shut as your head slumps forward in anguished affirmation.

Silence. "...yes Princess he is." Twilight answers, her tone dripping with disappointment.

"Bring him."

You look back to Twilight in desperation.

"Twilight...that's not me. It's true, what she said, all of it...but that's not me! You have to believe-"

"Human you will refrain from speaking to my faithful student, and come down here to face your judgement." Celestia interrupts with a voice that freezes your voice in your throat.

Twilight stares at you, eyes starting to brim with tears. She lets out a defeated sigh. "Please do as she asks Anonymous."

BRAIN?

Yeah.

Been nice knowing you.

We could still-

"And do not delude yourself with thoughts of escape. I have a contingent of pegusai guards stationed outside that can, and WILL catch you."

...yeah. It's been real bro. I know I've given you a lot of shit but...

Yeah...

You feel yourself automatically descend the stairs. Each step passes with the length of a lifetime.

Step.

You wonder things.

Step.

You wonder what could have been.

Step.

You wonder what will happen to you.

Step.

You wonder if, maybe, you'll be sent back to your own world.

Step.

You wonder if you will be killed.

Step.

You wonder what death feels like, if it will hurt, or if it will be quicker than falling asleep.

Step.

You wonder if there is truly an afterlife...and if your deeds will guide you to paradise or damnation.

Step.

And as you reach the last step...you wonder what the little purple pony before you thinks of you now...and also why that is important to you.

A moment of silence passes between you and Twilight before she steps back allowing you to exit the staircase. As you step forward, you see her turn toward something out of view about to speak, when her eyes go wide at a sudden bright light.
You step off the last stair and turn towards the illumination, and your vision goes blank as a high keening tone splits your ears.

And then everything goes to shit.

Your perception of the world around you inverts several times over upon itself.

You feel the novel sensation of your entire body being scrambled and then reconstituted.

Your entire being feels as though it is sucked through a winding, looping tube the width of a straw.

A loud crack, agony, and then nothingness.

----------Twilight Sparkle-------------

...

"What in tarnation just happened Twah?!" Applejack screams, shaking you violently.

"I...I don't-"

"What did the Princess do with Anon?!" Rainbow cries, shock etching her face.

"I don't kn-"

"Darling she- she wouldn't hurt him would sh-"

"I DON'T KNOW!" You wail. "It looked like teleportation but I. Don't. KNOW!!!"

You collapse onto your haunches, your hooves over your eyes. This was too much, too fast. The emotional whiplash was wreaking havoc with your mind. What happened? What went wrong? It was going so well! You trust the Princess implicitly, always have, always will. Yet...you cannot shake the feeling that this time she is wrong. They way he had looked at you, how he appeared to just...resign himself...there was no way he was some monstrous killer. He seemed...so much like yourself.

And now...now hes-

Your rapidly deteriorating train of thought is interrupted by Applejack wrapping her neck around your own. "Woah there sugarcube. Just calm down, ah'm sure this'll all git sorted out."

Fluttershy's nuzzling joins Applejack's hug. "Applejack is right Twilight. I'm sure the Princess will realize her mistake, and Anon will be just fine."

Rarity gently lays her head against your own. "Of that I have no doubt. He will be okay darling."

Rainbow's forelegs drape themselves around your group. "Yeah! He seems really cool! The Princess will totally give him a break."

"And when he gets back we can finally throw him that partay!" A pink ball of cotton concludes as it worms its way into the center of the group hug seemingly out of the floor itself.

"PINKIE?! Where did-...actually never-mind. Thank you girls..."

You sigh contently. Thank goodness for your friends. They really were your anchor, your port in any storm. Without them...you really don't know what you would-

"Ahem."

You all look towards the door. A guardsp0ny apparently let himself in at some point. "I take it her Highness has already taken the creature into custody. We-"

"He is NOT a 'creature'!" You yell with rage you did not know you had.

Breaking free of the group hug, you stomp over to the guard and stare him defiantly in the eye. He shrinks back slightly.

"He is a person! Not some, some monster! I may have only just met him, but I KNOW Anonymous isn't a threat! He deserves all the same respect and kindness a pony would receive!"

By this point the guard has backed up into the door frame, staring at you wide-eyed in fear.

"B-be that as it may Lady Sparkle, the Princess told me to inform you that you and your friends should return to the library. Her Highness will reconvene with you there once shes passed her judgement on the cr- Anonymous."

You glare unflinchingly at the guard for a few long seconds before releasing an exasperated sigh.

"Fine. Lets go girls."

You roughly shove past the stallion out of Fluttershy's cottage, and your friends follow suit.

"Wait!"

You whip back towards the guard. He trots over to you, a scroll in his mouth. You levitate it from his teeth.

"The Princess desires that you read this once you return to your home. It contains important information."

You nod curtly before turning back towards the road and making your way down the dusty path. You still don't understand any of this. But hopefully this scroll will remedy that...

Chapter 5 - All that you are

...

You are alive. How, you are unsure. But you are most definitely still of this mortal coil. Your eyes crack open, revealing an opulent scene. You appear to be lying on a soft red carpet leading to an empty golden throne. All around you are extravagant displays of regality. Fountains, tapestries, stained glass portraits...it’s beautiful.

Shakily, you rise to your feet and glance about.

Not a soul.

Well...this is interesting.

You are about to call out in an attempt to find someone, anyone else-

-when your eardrums explode.

"ANONYMOUS THE HUMAN." A vaguely female disembodied voice thunders in several octaves. "YOU CURRENTLY STAND IN THE THRONE ROOM OF CANTERLOT CASTLE, EQUESTRIA'S SEAT OF POWER."

"Th-that’s nice but could y-"

"SILENCE."

You shut up, but cover your ears nonetheless.

"FOR CENTURIES I HAVE GLIMPSED YOUR WORLD, AND THE ATROCITIES THAT LAY THEREIN. YOU POTENTIALLY BRING GREAT EVIL TO AN OTHERWISE HARMONIOUS LAND. IT IS FOR THIS REASON I HAVE SEEN FIT TO ISOLATE YOU HERE."

Okay, FUCK this.

"Who are you?!" You scream. "Do I not have the right to face my accuser?!"

"IT IS BY SHEER MORBID CURIOSITY THAT YOU STILL POSSESS THE RIGHT TO DRAW BREATH HUMAN. YOU WOULD DO WELL TO REMEMBER THIS."

Slowly a tiny, dim speck of light floats down from the ceiling towards the throne.

"YOUR KIND IS CHAOTIC ANONYMOUS. HUMANITY'S REGARD FOR LIFE IS QUESTIONABLE AT BEST, IF NOT UTTERLY NONEXISTENT. YOU RAPE AND DESPOIL YOUR WORLD OUT OF GREED, WAGE WARS FOR CAUSES IN THE NAME OF BEINGS OF YOUR OWN INVENTION. YOUR MALIGNANCE, YOUR HUBRIS, IS UNDENIABLE."

"That isn't FAIR!" You scream back. The speck of light is beginning to grow in size, as well as luminosity. "If you know so much about us then you have to know how many of us exist! How can you judge the whole by the actions of the few?! I've never hurt anyone!"

"YET." The speck, now a mass of glowing light, is beginning to change shape. "GIVEN THE ACTIONS OF THOSE LIKE YOU, IS IT TRULY SO OUTLANDISH FOR ME TO BELIEVE THAT YOU MAY BRING HARM TO MY BELOVED PONIES?"

The voice is changing. Its becoming more familiar. The shape is growing more distinct, you can recognize its general form.

A pony. A LARGE pony.

"Then why keep me around?! Why not send me back to my world?! Why not end me here and now?!"

"Because."

That voice...Celestia?

The light has taken its true form and its glow has faded...revealing Equestria's monarch in all of her glory. Wings...a horn...an alicorn, just like Twilight had said...

Her coat is pure snow, the fading light of her entrance as well as the sun shafts from the nearby windows glitter across it. She wears a golden torc and crown with matching shoes. Her mane is an ethereal pastel aurora, framing a slender face and two deep amethyst eyes. From her forehead a massive fluted horn extends proudly into the air. Your eyes ache just looking at her, like you are glimpsing something beyond the physical, something not meant for mortal comprehension. She is elemental power given form, authority given shape.

Her gaze bores into you. It is imperious, judging, knowing, and utterly terrifying. She is beauty, as well as wrath. You open your mouth to speak, but no sound comes out. More accurately, your mouth refuses to open. Your body refuses to answer the commands of your mind as you involuntarily fall to your knees before the seated being.

"Despite what I have seen of your kind...two facts remain. Two facts allow you to persist. One... you made no attempt to bring harm unto my faithful student or her friends." She speaks in an even tone as she rises from her throne.

"Two... you did not make any attempt to disavow what I told of your race, in fact you went as far as to support it." She walks toward you with slow measured steps.

Your body is frozen. It’s just like Fluttershy's stare, but infinitely more imposing. It’s as if some unspoken command from the universe itself is binding you.

"Twilight Sparkle and her friends claim that you are benign, that you are an intellectual, that you are kind. They have always been excellent judges of character, but that is not enough."

She stops just in front of you. "I must -know- you Anonymous. Know you in ways that even you may not. To do this..."

Her eyes become miniature suns, their light expanding outwards.

"We are going to take a trip back...back through your life, through everything you have done and everything that you are..."

Your vision begins to splinter as it is obscured in light. Sounds roars through your ears as your awareness of self begins to dissolve.

"If I were you...I would pray to whatever power you hold dear that I am happy with what I see..."

You, the world, and everything that is shatters into a thousand pieces of silvered glass...

And there is only darkness.

…

Darkness...stretching infinitely in all directions.

You are vaguely aware of yourself, the ghost of a feeling of a body. More accurately it feels like a...container, a construct merely meant to hold the concept of your perception.

You cannot move or speak.

You do not breathe, as there is no need to.

You both are, and are not.

Then...light. It’s small, faint, and almost imperceptible...but it soon grows.

And grows.

And GROWS.

It grows, and brightens, and swells...until you are glimpsing a star...and then it grows still.

Larger, brighter...hotter.

Much hotter.

Unbearably hotter.

How you can still feel is beyond you, but you wish you couldn't.

In a matter of moments...you are within the outer corona of a star. Its scope is beyond comprehension. Its surface roars and shifts and flares. You stare into its depths, its light...and sense familiarity. You do not see them...but you feel those amethyst eyes pierce your existence. You cannot hear the words...but the reality-warping roars of its corona carry that imperious voice. This star...it has another shape; one you've met...

You understand.

You finally understand.

That what stands before you.

What you are in comparison.

You, who are powerless, stand before the omnipotent.

You, who is young and foolish, stand before that which has been since before all things and knows all things.

You, who are nothing, stand before that which is all.

You stand before Celestia.

Light. Blinding, painful light. All you see, all that you are aware of, is light. Heat. Scorching, agonizing heat. All you feel, all that you are aware of, is heat. Then...memories...-all- of your memories. The sum of all your experiences becomes as the reel of a film played backwards.

You see the day before yesterday, when you opened the letter that informed you of your terminated loans due to federal budget cuts. You remember the anger you felt...the hate...the fear...the uncertainty. Before you have even a moment to dwell on this memory, an earlier one takes its place. Anxiousness...excitement...it is the day you chose your major. Theoretical physics. You felt it would bring you closer to something you held dear as a child...a fantasy...a dream...

And then it is gone...replaced by-

Joy. It is the day you opened your acceptance letter to [REDACTED] University. You had overcome, you had triumphed, you had beaten the odds of your childhood. This was the true beginning of your life.

The memories scream by faster, the sounds and images contained therein become a cacophonous screech and multicolored blur.

The star brightens. Light and heat merge as your body becomes the catalyst...for fire. Flames, born of the sun itself, ignite across your flesh.

Your skin begins to scorch and peel…but it continues.

The day you turned eighteen. You claimed your emancipation from the state. They could never hurt you anymore, never again shuffle you around to broken homes where you would only be unwanted.

Years reverse in the span of seconds.

Your first fleeting love and its end. Your first heartbreak when you were sent away. Your first intimate experience. Your first kiss. The day you told her how you felt and the overwhelming happiness when she reciprocated. The first moment you saw her across the schoolyard. You can't remember her name anymore...but it didn't matter.

Half a decade blinks by.

The first time you ran. Ran away from the last foster home you would choose to suffer in. The year that followed living on the street. You stole, you fought, you struggled to survive...but you were free.

And another.

The first book you read. It had been about a boy like yourself. He was different, but that was good. He was taken away from all the pain and brought into a world of wonder. You both hated him and loved him. Why couldn't that be you? It had another meaning however. It would be the first time you were reminded of something you lost...and the confusion you felt when you were forced to apply the word 'remembered' rather than 'learned of'.

Your skin is gone, muscle is exposed and left to suffer in the light of the star. It sizzles and boils away.

You have no mouth and yet you must scream.

It’s beginning to slow. A few years tick away. Your first fight. Your first injury. It had been over a toy the priest told you to share. The other boy wanted it all for himself. The first day you would know selfishness, jealousy. You missed your friend.

A few more.

The first birthday you could remember. The priest chose to use the day you had been left at the doorstep. You ripped opened the package, and found something you did not expect. 'It had been left with you' he said. It was the only keepsake of parents you would never know. Your heart ached...but at least your friend was there to make it alright.

It’s slowing to a crawl.

Its dark. Its wet. Loud booms. Mama is holding you and running. Mama is warm, and smells nice, and she makes the good sounds. You loved mama. Wait...why was she putting you down?

No...Not this...

Mama tries to make the good sounds. You feel bad. You make the sounds that bring mama. She doesn't pick you up. Why? Its cold. Mama is warm. Please mama...

Please...please not this. Don't look at this. Its not for you to see...Please...

Mama puts something around your neck. She’s making different sounds. She wants you to understand. But you are cold. You feel bad. Don't leave. Why is she leaving you? Come back mama...please...you make the sounds over and over to bring her back but she’s in the dark now.

Oh God...

Your friend tries to comfort you. But you continue to make the loud sounds...crying...you are crying...but she won't return…and so you would know that which is 'loss' before you even understood it.

Flesh and sinew are gone. Your bones bleach and then char under the death that is this star's light...and yet you can still feel.

The blink of an eye...and you are faced with things beyond the span of your recollection.

Colors. Colors and sound. You don't know what they are or what they mean. Your friend tries to explain, but you can't yet comprehend. All you know are the two good things that give you the nice things and feelings, and the other things that look different but make the same noises.

The other things make the good sounds, and are fuzzy. Fuzzy is nice. You like fuzzy. Your friend helps you understand that they are different from you, but also friends...you already know that you like friends, so you like the other things. But something bad happens. One of the other things, who is big, makes the good things make bad sounds. You make bad sounds too.

A fraction of a second brings you to your first true, and most primal memory.

It is the before time. Before your skin would know the kiss of the air, or your eyes the glory of the sun. Your world is darkness, darkness and comfort…but also something else.

It comes one day out of nowhere. You don't know what it really is. It’s curious, questioning, and impish. It is strange...but not in a bad way. It wants to know you, and to be known in turn. It wants to be with you, inside you, a part of you forever. It wants to be used through you, be learned and understood by you, and for others to learn of it through you. You can't really understand, but you welcome it regardless. And so, before you even knew what such a thing was, you knew it to be a friend.

The reel splutters and burns away. Fin.

The star's radiance intensifies into levels beyond possible. The last crumbs of your bones scatter unto the winds of the universe under the pulse of a solar flare. The pain is unimaginable.

Now there is only darkness

Darkness and agony.

It is within both you finally regain your voice...and scream.

You scream on and on into the torturous void that is eternity.

Make it stop.

Let this end.

Why isn't it over?

Please. Please just let me d-

"You are my sunshine..."

...that song...

"My only sunshine..."

...that voice...

"You make me happy...when skies are grey."

...mother?

Darkness recedes. Pain fades.

The Sun Rises.

You are aware of yourself again. You are lying against something warm and soft...and alive. Something even softer is draped across you, and you can feel your face being gently...nuzzled?

"Y-you'll n-never know, dear, how- how much I-" A familiar voice sobs. "-love you.."

...Celestia?

"Please don't- *hic* Please don't take my sunshine away..."

Warm drops of water splash against your face...tears.

"Please...oh Sun and Moon above please wake up...I'm sorry...I'm so sorry..."

You finally open your eyes. You are lying against Celestia who is gently rubbing her cheek against your face. One of her great wings is folded over you protectively.

Noticing that you are awake, The Princess releases a surprised, choking gasp.

"Anonymous?"

You want to hurt her. You want to hate her. You want to unleash upon her all the agony and anguish you felt in that darkness. It was her fault, all of it.

And yet…you can't. Seeing her like this, eyes red and wet with tears of regret, doing everything she can to bring you comfort, apologizing...your rage simply leaves you.

She turns her head to get a better look at you. Amethyst eyes that once bore only cold judgement gaze upon you with regretful sadness.

Your mouth opens as a million things to say come to mind...yet you settle on only one.

"Good Morning."

Author's Note

This chapter and the next are supposed to have pictures that go with them, but I am a derp and left my external HD back in my home state. As soon as I have access to the pictures, expect me to put them up.

Chapter 6 - Review

There is a pause, and then Celestia sobs once more as she holds you close. Her wing tightens around you as she wraps her large neck around your own. Her choking cries reverberate through your body, and for a few minutes, you allow her to just let it all out. You almost want to cry too, but you lack the energy. Eventually she calms down and pulls away to stare deeply into your eyes.

"Anonymous...words...words fail to describe how sorry I am...I should never have done this. You did not deserve this pain, this horror..."

You manage a weak shrug.

"It’s...it’s alright I guess...you did what you had to."

She shakes her head violently. "No...no I did not. I went too far and gazed into things I had no business in seeing. What’s more, you were aware for the entire experience...something I did not think was possible."

"So, the sun? The pain? ...being destroyed?"

"A side effect I did not even imagine. I did not intend for you to experience something so unthinkable. I'm sorry...I'm so sorry."

You pause, and then gently bring a hand to her face to wipe her tears. She allows you to do so in stunned silence. You bring your hand back down to rest on her wing.

"...well?"

She blinks. "What?"

"Did I pass?" You smirk.

The Princess just gapes at you for a moment before chuckling warmly. Its a good sound.

"A non-issue...but yes. Yes you did."

You smile as she rests her chin on your head. You lay back slightly against her and for an unknowable amount of time revel in her comfort, this peace. Shes so warm, and soft, you could stay like this forev-

It hits you.

"...how long have I been out?"

"The process itself was only a minute long."

Your eyes go wide. It had felt like an eternity.

"When I removed myself from your mind, and saw just how in the wrong I was, I had planned to apologize...but you weren't awake...or breathing."

"I...I died?"

"Nearly. I managed to resuscitate you but you wouldn't wake up, so I brought you here and waited."

" 'Here?' "

The Princess unfurls herself from you, revealing the immediate area-

And you feel your heart stop.

White fields, under an impossibly deep blue sky. A lone tree stands nearby, its leaves shining like flakes of silver. Beyond it, rolling white hills extend into the horizon.

This is heaven. It has to be. You don't think you've seen a place quite so beautiful.

"This is...well, my 'happy' place. I made it as a retreat from the world when the burden of the crown, or life in general became too great. You are the only other soul alive to witness it."

"...it’s stunning." You whisper in disbelief as you rise.

"I brought you here in the hopes that the power of this place would rouse you...I suppose I was right in doing so." Celestia says as she too stands and moves next to you.

"Actually-" you breathe "-it was that song..."

Celestia flinches and looks away in embarrassment. "It was a lullaby my mother would sing to me eons ago..."

"It was familiar...but I don't know how."

The Princess remains silent for a few long seconds before gesturing to the tree. "Why don't we have a seat over there. There are some things I'd still like to ask- nothing like before though." She adds hastily. "Just things about you that I am curious about."

"Don't suppose it would hurt"

You wince inwardly at that. Your experience with this being and answering questions did point to the contrary after all. Nevertheless, the two of you make your way to the tree and sit at the base of its trunk, facing outwards to gaze across the endless vista. For a while the two of you sit peacefully in the shade of the tree, enjoying the balmy breeze. Everything about this place was comfort, and peace.

The Princess finally decides to break the silence. "Did you ever know your mother?"

"You already know the answer to that."

A sigh. "Yes...I suppose I do...I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It’s not your fault. No, I never managed to meet her, nor do I know why she abandoned me."

"At least she left you in good hands."

"Yeah...the church orphanage was really great...but I couldn't stay forever. Everyone ages out at some point and if they weren't adopted they got enrolled into...foster care."

You feel the tang of bile creep onto the back of your throat.

"...I'm sorry that didn't go well. I take it that is what drove you onto the streets?"

"First, don't be. Again, not your fault. Second, you saw how bad it was. Every home was overcrowded, or hosted by some complete scum that was only looking for a government hand out."

"And then you were found..."

"And brought back, yes. Soon as I could I became my own person, I escaped. Found a job, and managed to hole up in a halfway house for a year. I may have been jumped between half a dozen schools but I still managed to land a spot at a good university-"

"Where you chose theoretical physics as your subject."

"Mhm. And library science as my minor"

The questions stop for a time. No doubt the Princess is mulling it all over in her mind. A few minutes pass before she speaks again.

"You love books." She stated.

"More than anything."

"Why?"

"Again you-"

"I would like to hear it from you personally."

You take a deep breath.

"Books...books can never take from you. They can only give. A book won’t hurt you, or insult you, or deny you a meal for a chore you couldn't do. A book can hold a world that you can lose yourself in...that you can escape to."

"And there was one book that stood out for you wasn't there? Tell me about it."

You smile.

"It was about a young boy. He had no parents, and the people he lived with despised him. We were so alike...but he had something. Something that allowed him to...transcend such a life. Something I yearned for...maybe still do."

"...magic."

"I know, it’s stupid. Magic doesn't exist in my world. It was just a fantasy I indulged in...I felt like if I had magic I could make everything alright, that I could change everything about my life that was bad...its why I chose theoretical physics. It felt like...like it was at least close, like it pushed the boundaries like magic did. Kind of a stupid thing to predicate a career in science on."

You feel Celestia rest her head on your shoulder. "I don't think its stupid. It gave you hope, something that does that should never be considered foolish."

"Imagine my surprise, my elation, when I found myself plopped down in a world where it exists."

You feel her smile...and then it disappears. "Tell me about your friend."

"...I...I don't know if I can."

"Why?"

"I don't remember much about them. They were...imaginary, kind of. Most kids imaginary friends are usually people or animals, that have names."

"But yours?"

"Was more like a...guiding impulse? They had no shape or name...it just sort of existed as a...force? Yeah that works. A force within myself but one I knew to be separate...it really helped me in tough times but one day it just...vanished."

You realize something. It was the last memory Celestia glimpsed.

"It had been with me since before I was born...how is that possible?

No answer.

"Princess? How is that possible? How do I have such memories?"

"I don't know Anonymous...maybe you are just special?" She asks innocently as she rubs her cheek against your shoulder.

You snort. If she knew she wasn't going to tell you. You decide not to push it. You just don't have the energy.

"I have one more question Anonymous, then you may ask however many you desire."

"Shoot."

"Your mother's keepsake...may I see it?"

You blink. You weren't expecting that. With a shrug you reach into your shirt and pull out the pendant.

It was round and silver, with a large sapphire inlaid at its center.

"It’s beautiful." Celestia whispers.

"It is isn't it? It’s my most treasured possession. No matter how hungry I got, or desperate, I never thought once of pawning it. It would have been a crime to do so, an insult to my parents..."

"I'm glad you didn't." Her expression is unreadable. "Keep it close Anonymous."

You slip it back into your shirt, and then turn to the Princess once she removes her head from your shoulder.

"Now...I do believe it’s my turn to ask questions?"

She nods.

"Alright...first; you are a goddess aren't you? A deity?"

Her eyes go wide in shock...and then close in affirmation. "Yes. But...but how-"

"When you were in my mind, I saw you...the real you...what you represent. It was...inexpressible Celestia. Never have I felt so...so small, so utterly infinitesimal."

The Princess blushes and looks away. "You are correct. I don't know how you could know this but...yes. I am both the sun and its controller, it is my duty to raise it in the morning and set it in the evening."

You chuckle.

"And that answers my second question; 'What do you do as Equestria's ruler?'. I am going to assume your sister holds sway over the moon?"

A nod.

"As I suspected."

"Please Anonymous...I know, after all that I have done that it would be beyond my right to ask anything of you...but...please don't tell my little ponies. They know us to be immortal, and powerful...but they don't know the full truth, and until they are ready-"

You hold up a hand and stop her.

"No need to worry. Your secret is safe with me. Besides, who would believe me?" You smile. "Looks like our 'incident' was a two way street when it came to knowing one another."

She smiles. "So it would appear." A pause. "Weren't you going to ask anything else?"

You look back out toward the horizon and draw your knees into your chest.

"I suppose I should huh? After everything that's happened I have thousands of questions I'd like to ask...but I won't."

"But why?"

You grin. "Where’s the fun in just being told the answers? I’d like to learn them myself...to learn rather than merely understand."

The Goddess of the sun's eyes go wide.

"...that saying-"

You arch a brow.

She shakes her head. "Never mind...Anonymous there is...there is something you need to know..."

You blink.

"I’m all ears."

Now it’s her turn to gaze into the infinite. Her amethyst eyes dart about as she collects herself.

"What you just said...that would imply you mean to stay here in Equestria for an extended period of time?"

"...If that isn't too much trouble. You saw it all for yourself. Got no family, no really close friends, least any that would miss me. My loans got cut, which means my education has hit a dead end. I'll be in debt for the rest of my life..."

"So...remaining in Equestria would be preferable?"

"Yeah I guess it would...for the immediate future anyway."

"...what about the rest of your life?"

...what.

"What?"

Celestia closes her eyes. "Anonymous, my faithful student Twilight Sparkle is an utter prodigy when it comes to magic...but even she makes mistakes, quite frequently in fact. The spell used to bring you here was...incomplete; a piece of vital information was missing in her copy of the book."

You don't know where this is going...but you have a vague idea, just not how to feel.

"When a being is summoned from another universe, their link to it persists only for a short period of time. Once that threshold has passed, the link dissolves completely."

...Ooooh hell.

Celestia opens her eyes and looks to you sadly. "That period of time, that threshold...is a mere five minutes after the being has been summoned."

You stare at the Princess for a few moments before turning back to the endless plains of white.

"While possible to return you to your world, being able to pinpoint the exact time to send you back to will be almost impossible. I'm sorry Anonymous, but its more likely than not that you may never return to your own world as you knew it."

"...I see...that certainly makes the decision easier."

Celestia blinks in surprise. "...that’s it? Anonymous you will probably never see the world you left behind again! Aren't you upset?"

"...A little. I will never see another human, or be able to enjoy the things that world had to offer over this one…but I'm an optimist at heart...I can choose to allow that truth to drag me into despair or..."

You give her a winning smile.

"...be grateful that if I had to leave my world behind and be pulled into another, that it was this one."

For a moment the Princess says nothing, before a wide smile appears on her lips.

"Anonymous...you are an interesting individual...one that I am happy to welcome as a new resident of Equestria."

"I try, and thank you very much Princess."

Celestia gazes into the sky. "You know...I feel I should apologize for something else."

"What’s that?"

"The sweeping generalizations. Not just of you, but your species...your world."

You blink, she continues.

"Your world...is filled with crime, violence, oppression, evil...but also good; a good that shines all the brighter in contrast." She looks to you. "For as many humans that would choose to steal, there are those who give. For as many who would hurt, are those who heal. For as many that spread despair...there are those who champion hope. Your race is one of duality...a fact I forgot when I lost my composure."

She looks away. "I...I needed to know. I needed to know which one you were. A saint, or a hellion..."

"Neither." You say with a smirk. "No human is exclusively good or evil...such concepts are merely ideals, not realities. In my world-"

"-there are only shades of grey, yes...I understand. A person should be judged by their actions, not the unattainable." Her gaze returns to you. "So I'm sorry. Sorry for being so stubborn, so ignorant."

"As long as you understand Princess, consider it a...non-issue."

She smiles, and then stands. "I think we should return to Ponyville. I did tell Twilight and her friends to return to her tree house and await our arrival."

You take one last look around at the splendor of this place, before nodding and rising to your feet

"Just one thing...is there any way we can get back without-"

*CRACK*

Author's Note

Sorry for the delayed update, was browsing through what I had written already and actually considering writing it a bit differently, ended up going with what I had.

No, it will not be rewritten.

No, I will not be responding to comments bashing Anon's reaction or Celestia's character.

I wrote it this way because it was my choice to, if you do not like it then feel free to move on to other works.

To all others; thank you for your continued support, feedback, and views.

Chapter 7 - A new world, a new life

You are Twilight Sparkle, and you are utterly inconsolable. The Princess' scroll lays unfurled on a nearby table, its grave news open for all to see.

How could you have been so stupid, so reckless?

"Aw c'mon Twah we all know it wasn't on purpose. How could ya have known?"

"Applejack is right darling. It was an honest mistake."

"No it's not!" You wail. "This isn't just a mistake; it’s a catastrophe! The Princess always told to me never cast spells that are incomplete!"

The page containing the Transuniversal Summoning Spell had a small piece missing. You thought nothing of it; that it was just torn, blank page space...until the Princess' scroll informed you that it had contained the spell's one limitation.

"Now...now Anon can never return home and it’s all my fault! He is going to hate me!"

"Oh Twilight. Anon won't hate you...I don't think he could hate you. He seems so...nice."

"Yeah! Bros don't blame people for mistakes. It'll be fiiiine."

"I just hope he and the Princess get back soon so we can finally have this Paaaaar-"

The Pink pony is interrupted by an eruption of white light at the center of the library. In its wake, two beings stand...well one stands and the other is doubled over in apparent discomfort.

-----------Anonymous------------

Fuck teleportation.

Agreed.

Holy shit BRAIN! You're back!

Yeah. So...that was utterly fucked huh?

No doubt...but we're alive.

Yeah...I think we're gonna be okay bro.

Yeah. Me too. Oh wait we're back in the library!

After stabilizing yourself so you won't vomit all over the floor of the treehouse, you glance about. All of the little ponies you met earlier are here, but there is another you don't recognize. She's Pink, with a poofy mane and tail.

"My loyal subjects..." Celestia greets the group with a warm smile. "I have concluded my...business, with Anonymous."

"And?" Twilight asks with trepidation. You can't help but notice she looks like shes been crying. All of the room's occupants look tense.

"You were all absolutely right. Anonymous is no threat to Equestria, in fact quite the contrary." She closes her eyes. "I acted brashly, and without the same amount of patience and understanding I expect from my subjects.

"So...so Anon's not going to be punished?"

"No my faithful student he isn't. I have already welcomed him to our world personally."

All the ponies exhale at once...and then cheer.

"Yee-haw!"

"Yay~"

"Woohoo!"

"Simply marvelous!"

"Awww yeah!"

"Thank goodness..." Twilight sighs, but she doesn't seem truly relieved. "Anon, I'm glad everything turned out alright but...but there's something you need to know."

"I already do."

She winces. "Anonymous I'm so sorry! I shouldn't hav-"

You stop her mid-sentence when you walk over and wrap the little purple pony in a hug.

“It’s alright. I'm not angry."

She pushes away to look at you in shock. "What?! But- but you can never-"

"I know Twilight, and I am okay with it."

The purple unicorn is at a loss for words. She just stares at you, mouth agape.

"There's a reason...just...it's personal. Okay?" You smile. "I'm okay. Really."

The purple unicorn just stares in disbelief for a moment before nodding. "A-alright Anonymous..."

Celestia smiles. "Twilight, my faithful student."

Twilight whips her head toward her teacher. "Y-yes?!"

"You are the one responsible for bringing Anon into this world, as a result, it should be you who is responsible for his safety and well-being."

"O-of course!"

Celestia nods. "Then it is settled. Until he can find his own home here in Ponyville, he is to remain here with you and assist with your research."

"Huh?!"

wat

"Furthermore I expect an additional report from you regarding your experiences living with him, and a report from you as well Anonymous detailing what you learn about our world. Consider this an intensive, if accidental, cultural exchange project."

"Uh...er...okay?"

"For your work you will receive a monthly stipend of two hundred bits, and I will begin the process of your citizenship...starting now."

With that, Celestia turns back toward the door, then looks back. "Well? Come my little ponies and human!"

Dumbly, you all follow her outside into midday Ponyville.

Minutes later, you are all located in Ponyville square. The entire walk there, your head was on a swivel. You hadn't actually seen Ponyville yet...and it was blowing your mind. It was all so goddamn COLORFUL, like a liter of acid had been poured into your brain.

Tripping balls dude.

I know BRAIN.

You received no small share of double takes and gasps of shock, but the presence of the Princess was enough to set them at ease, and have them prostrating before your group. As you had all walked, the Princess requested that word be spread of a royal announcement, and godDAMN had those little ponies moved.

This Alicorn, right here, RAN this shit, and though she seemed kind and humble...you could tell she knew it.

Now, you were all standing on a raised platform, which has been built in fucking MINUTES just for this. You could kind of tell what was going to happen. The spaghetti was already starting to flow; you never did well in front of crowds.

But this would be the easiest way...

...you hoped.

"Greetings, my little ponies." Celestia addresses the congregation with that honey-like voice. "As you can no doubt see, we have a visitor here in Ponyville!"

"WOAH."

"IS THAT A MONKEY?"

"Why is it wearing clothes?"

"IT’S HIDEOUS!"

"I think it’s kind of cute~"

"MONSTER!"

Oooh boy, here we go. You can already feel the bile tang in your throat. You were about to lose it. Suddenly you feel a hoof on your leg, looking down you see Twilight smiling.

"It will be alright, The Princess will make sure of it."

"SILENCE!" The alicorn roars in a reverberating octave.

The crowd becomes as quiet as a grave.

"For shame. My little ponies I am disappointed in you. Judging one by their outward appearance is wrong...though, even I forgot that lesson today when I first met this individual; and for that-" She turns to you with a sad smile. "-I am deeply ashamed, and sorry."

You manage a small smile and nod. Celestia turns back to the crowd, who is also shamefaced.

"I have studied this being, named Anonymous extensively, and he is no monster. He bears no ill will or intent. He is kind, and intelligent, and here to stay as it were."

"Consider this, my little ponies, a royal edict. Anonymous is to be treated with the same respect, dignity, and kindness that you would show to any other pony. He has my personal seal of approval and my protection. He is your neighbor now, I expect you all to think of him as a friend."

The crowd murmurs amongst itself for a moment, then stamps its hooves in applause.

"WORKS FOR ME!"

"WELCOME TO PONYVILLE!"

"Why is it wearing clothes though?"

"SORRY FOR CALLING YOU HIDEOUS."

"I still think he’s kind of cute~"

"NOT A MONSTER! HURRAY!"

Well fuck you sideways, that had to be the quickest reversal of a potential lynch mob EVER.

She runs this shit alright. Like a boss.

Satisfied, Celestia turns back to you and the mane six. "I hope that clears the air for you

here. And, Anonymous?" She smiles. "Welcome to Equestria."

"...thanks for having me?"

She chuckles warmly. Twilight is hopping in place. "Thank you Princess! I- WE won't disappoint you!"

"I know my faithful student."

You turn to see the six ponies chatting amongst themselves happily...and you know.

...yeah...yeah you're gonna be okay.

Soon you are walking back through town again with Twilight and her friends, amongst a MUCH more welcoming populace. They smile, and wave, some even offer kind words, apologies, and welcomes of their own.

"OH! MISTER ALI-I MEAN ANONYMOUS!" One of the ponies you walk with calls behind you.

"Ye-"

OH GOD FACE FULL OF PINK

PANIC MODE ENGAGED

Two large light blue eyes dominate your vision as a sentient ball of cotton candy latches itself onto your face.

"MYNAMEISPINKIEPIEANDIT'SONICETOMEETYOUWELCOMEAGAINTOPONYVILLEISAWYOUPASSEDOUTEARLIERANDHADTOPREPAREFORAWELCOMINGPARTYBECAUSETHATSWHATIDOI-

*gasp*

PLAN PARTAAAAYS! And I have your welcoming party all ready! You can meet all the ponies and really get to know them and let them get to know you!!!!"

Your ears. THEY FUCKING BLEEEEEED. And she is STILL LATCHED ONTO YOUR FACE OH GOD.

"Uh...welcoming party?" You manage somehow.

"YUH HUH!" The two blue eyes bob up and down rapidly.

"Er...I, uh...I don't really do parties."

The pink pony falls to the ground, dejected, and poofy mane flat. "Oh...okay. I mean, that's alright...I guess." She looks like you killed her cat.

Oh god what DID YOU DO?! WHAT DO YOU DO?! SAY SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING SA-

"But, uh, I guess I can give it a try?"

*POMF*

"WOOOHOOO! LETS GO! TO SUGARCUBE CORNER!!"

The six ponies, now caught up in the spirit, corral you toward what looks to be a fucking gingerbread house. You are dragged inside as the door slams behind you. Everything goes dark. Oh God. They were just waiting to get you alone. Now you will truly d-

The lights flip on.

"SUUUURPRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISE!!!"

HEART, TALK TO ME.

SHE CAN'T TAKE IT CAPTAIN

GET ON IT!

Holy shit. You feel your pulse normalize as you take in the spectacle. It looks like a bakery, a bakery FILLED with ponies in party hats. You are about to remind the pony that it isn't really a surprise party if you are told about it-

When the most divine piece of culinary art to ever grace your tongue is shoved into your mouth. You realize you haven't eaten ALL FUCKING DAY.

God in heaven. It’s so good. IT’S SO GOOD!

"Wh-what is-"

"My cupcakes! Good huh? Want another? It’s your party after all!

"...yes. Yes I do."

And so you party like you never have before, and it is good.

In Canterlot, the Princess of the sun disembarks from her chariot.

"Thank you all for your work today. You are relieved."

The squad of guard ponies bows deeply before departing. Once out of sight and earshot of her guardians, the princess finally releases a long sigh. Today had been an utter roller-coaster of emotion; she was absolutely exhausted. Wearily, she makes her way toward the entrance of her castle. Thankful that the day would soon be over and Luna could-

"Hello Sister."

Celestia freezes and whips around, to find the Princess of the Moon standing right behind her.

Sun and stars above she was sneaky when she wanted to be.

"Luna! How many times have I asked you not to do that?! ...and Good evening, I trust you slept well?"

The younger sister giggles impishly. "But it is ever so much fun! And good evening to you as well, yes we slept fine...until you began yelling." Luna's face becomes etched with worry. "We hear word of a...visitor?"

Celestia furrows her brow. "...yes. Yes Equestria has a visitor, and I am sorry I woke you."

The Goddess of the sun turns away from the door she had been about to enter and gestures for her sister to follow. The two deities trot serenely across gilded walkways and parapets until they find themselves seated side by side on an ornate balcony overlooking all of Canterlot. Celestia closes her eyes, simply enjoying the feeling of the breeze across her coat in silence. Luna does the same. She can sense the turmoil within her sibling, and simply chooses to wait until she is ready to speak.

What feels like an eternity passes before Celestia starts. "My student is a gifted mare Luna. Very gifted."

"So we've heard. You tend to go on about her for ages and quite frequently."

Celestia smiles warmly. "I do so out of pride, and it is well placed. Today...today she did something incredible."

The moon princess turns to her elder with a tilt of the head. "What?"

"She called an extrauniversal being into Equestria."

Luna blinks in surprise. "Oh! Well, splendid! We assume she sent it b-"

"Her copy of the spell was incomplete. I do not know how she even acquired the tome. She did not know about the limit of connection."

Luna gapes. "But there is more." Celestia continues as she turns to Luna with a smile.

"He's human."

Luna gasps. "Human?! Truly?!"

Celestia nods as she turns back to their city. "Indeed...Twilight actually seems quite taken with him...but there is still more Luna."

Luna blinks incredulously.

"...I believe him to be one of the displaced."

The moon goddess stares, frozen, in disbelief. "How...how can you know? For sure?"

Celestia sighs and looks away in shame. "When I received my student's letter...I...I panicked. I lost myself to the old horrors Luna. I personally took him into custody and...sun and stars I did something unthinkable."

Luna's face grows stern. "We thought we recognized the echo of that magic when we were awoken. You dove into him didn't you? Saw all he was."

"Yes..." Celestia utters faintly. "Yes I did Luna. I had to know. To be sure..."

"...and?"

The Princess of the sun's smile returns. "He is good. Good in heart, mind...and somewhat deed. He has faced adversity...faced that world alone and yet he did not let it stain him...not completely at least."

"Well...that is good, and we are sure you learned something as-… stars, there is more isn't there?"

Celestia nods gently and gazes up into the twilight skies. "Yes. Luna...he is their son."

"...that's...that's not-"

"He bears her focus Luna. A keepsake of his mother; her pendant..."

Luna shakes her head in disbelief. Her gaze snaps back to her sister. "If that is true, if he truly is their child...then, you saw it? He spoke of it?"

"Yes."

"A friend?"

"Yes."

"That bore no name, voice, or shape-"

"-yet guided him all the same."

"Then it is true...then as you gazed into him-"

"-he in turn gazed into me, and knew the truth about me. About us."

Luna remains silent for a few long seconds before turning back to the darkening skies...

"It will be time for me to rise soon..."

"And for me to set. Yes."

With that, the sisters close their eyes, horns aglow. The sun rapidly finishes its descent beyond the horizon while the moon soars into the heavens and with it the tapestry of the cosmos.

The two deities stare into the heavens. "...magnificent as always Luna."

"Thank you Sister...we try."

Silence reigns over the monarchs for a time.

Celestia sighs. "Luna...I, I know you still disagree with my decision...about what I did so long ago but-"

"Sister." Luna interjects tersely. "We are not a foal. We know who it is between the two of us that holds more sway over Equestria, politically and literally. But-"

The smaller of the two alicorns gazes into the eyes of the larger, expression one of glacial ice. Imperial authority rolls off her in waves

"If it is as you say; that this human is one of the displaced, that he is their son, that he bore...'it'." Her eyes narrow. "Then 'it' will return. He will manifest. When that occurs, when that day, nay, moment comes-"

Her gaze becomes even more piercing, if that was possible. "-you will tell him. You will tell him everything. He deserves to know, and you will grant us this kindness."

Celestia balks for but a moment at the magnitude of her sister's intensity before bowing her head in acceptance. "Yes Luna. I shall reveal to him all, I will bear all the sins of my heart...my shame. I promise you this."

"We will hold you to those words sister."

"I swear upon the sun."

Apparently satisfied, Luna's expression softens and she gazes back out across the dark world, Celestia follows suit.

"...this human. Does he have a name?"

"Yes, though he cannot remember it. He has taken the moniker of ‘Anonymous’..."

Luna nods, as if rolling the moniker around in her mind. "Anonymous...the last son of Arcadia."

Silence returns as the two goddesses sit side by side gazing past the horizon at something unknowable beyond the world.

-----------Anonymous------------

It’s night when the party is finally over.

Your stomach feels like it’s going to burst, your legs feel like jelly, your ears ring, your hands ache from shaking so many hooves-

And yet you are grinning from ear to ear.

That had been the most fun you've had...ever. The seven of you walk back to the tree house, laughing, not a care in the world.

"Land sakes, didn't know you humans could dance lahke that"

"It was goofy as hay! That thing you did, 'the worm', GOLD!"

"Now Rainbow dear I thought his dancing was quite...unique. Yes, unique."

"I am glad you...um...you were able to meet so many ponies tonight Anon."

"Definitely! Pinkie you outdid yourself like always!"

"Aw shucks Twilight don't I always?!"

"Really Pinkie, it was so awesome! Thank you!"

Eventually you make it to Twilight's home, exhausted.

"So, Anon, you say you don't do parties?" Pinkie asks gloatingly with the waggle of a brow.

"Yeah...uh...that was actually...well it was my first real one."

Pinkie gasps. "No. WAY! How is that possible? How come you and your friends never had a party?"

Oh god...

"Er...I've never really had friends, least not for long."

There is a collective gasp. "What? No friends?" Twilight cries in shock. "But why?"

...whelp.

"Kind of why I'm so glad to be here really...my life back home wasn't very fun. Not like this at all..."

You say this as you flop yourself down in a chair, the ponies all sit down around you.

"Anon...what was your life like back on earth?" Twilight asks with concern.

...You tell them everything.

Your life as an orphan.

Your lack of a family, or a true home.

The abuse you suffered within foster care.

Your time living on the streets.

Your chosen fields of study at college.

And finally the straw that broke the camel's back; the termination of your loans.

You did leave out a few more personal facts, but there really was no need for them to be known, not yet at least.

"And, well...that's pretty much it."

Not a dry eye in the house.

"But hey...that's life as they say. Got used to it, you just sort of learn to adapt...keep on keeping on y-"

You are struck mute, and dumb, when Twilight throws herself into your chest, hugging you desperately.

"Stop-" she chokes into your chest. "Just stop Anon...no more of that...please."

Your heart stops when those big purple eyes, filled with tears, look up into your own.

"You don't have to think like that anymore, you don't have to live like that anymore. We, all of us, we're your friends now."

One by one the ponies around you stand and wrap their forelegs around you.

"And this-" she looks around the treehouse. "-this is your home now, for as long as you want it to be."

The mane six murmur and nod, sniffling themselves.

...brain, something is about to happen-

Hell no. You hold that shit in like a fucking man.

But-

HOLD THAT SHIT IN PUSSY.

You manage to hold it together and swallow the lump in your throat but your eyes remain damp as you hold the ponies close.

It feels so good. It feels so good to say you have friends, that you have a home.

So you weep, spiritually at least, in joy, that you have found a place for yourself. A true home.

...you're gonna be alright.

Eventually you all separate. The other ponies bid you goodnight and invite you over to their respective homes, jobs, and recreational activities. You happily accept as your body reminds you that you are dead tired. Twilight leads you up the stairs to the loft.

"You can have that bed over there for now, the sheets are clean."

"Awesome, thanks Tw-"

There is a lizard in a basket at the foot of what you assume to be Twilight's bed.

"Oh! That’s Spike, he’s a baby dragon and my assistant!"

"Oh...a dragon? Awesome."

You are too out of it to lose your shit over dragons being real. You allow yourself to just fall forward into the guest bed.

And in the name of every pantheon in existence it is the most comfortable bed you have ever had the privilege to lie on.

Twilight giggles. "Good night Anon."

"Night Twi."

She looses a wicked yawn before climbing into her own bed, then gasps.

"Ohmygosh! I just realized something! We're going to get to be something I've always wanted to be with another pony!"

"Wassat?" you murmur, already drifting off.

"Study Buddies!"

You are already asleep.

Luna's moon hangs high over Canterlot, and the goddess herself is spending this night much like she would any other; marveling at her work. Celestia had gone to bed hours ago, drained from the events of the day. As the Goddess of the moon moves a star juuust right-

She feels it.

On the edge of her awareness, she feels it. The tiniest thread of the ethereal plane that overlays the physical world twitches, shakes…

Then courses full speed toward a certain hamlet in the distance.

She smiles.

-----------???------------

It comes in sleep from nowhere.

You know exactly what it is.

It’s excited, jubilant, and cheerful.

It knows you, and you know it in turn.

It wants to be with you once more, inside you, and never be apart again.

It wants to be used through you, be learned and understood by you, and for others to learn of it through you.

You understand, and you welcome it.

You have your friend once more

Author's Note

Sorry for the delayed update, holidays have been hectic. Next chapter may be delayed a bit, but I will do my best to have it up ASAP.