A New Beginning Mlp (Wip)

Chapters

A New Beginning
Chapter 2: The Shock
Chapter 2: Part 2: Time.
Chapter 3: Reading of...Time? Pt1
Chapter 4: Memories
Chapter 5: House Cleaning
Chapter 3: Reading Of Time...? Pt2

A New Beginning

By Austin Lancaster

Chapter 1: A New Beginning

This was just another day in the life of a Marine. Day in and day out, just doing my normal duties in the United States Marine corps. Today is a standard day check the mess-hall and have a meal with your buddies, but what I wasn’t expecting this day was yet to happen. On most days I just do exercises daily, briefings, and so on, but today I was sent home earlier than I expected so, I thought, maybe it’s a holiday. Boy was I wrong!

I got home and turned on the before walking into the kitchen to grab a beer. Just as I got my beer, a news cast alert flashed on my television, announcing that nuclear missiles have been launched from Russia. I nearly ran to phone to check on my girlfriend, but just as I picked it up a terrifying rumble shook the foundations of my house. The noise was immense, and I wasted no time in running out the door. I was frightened, so I headed straight for my military bunker, dead phone in hand.

There I stayed for the next seven years of my life. To my surprise, and despite the constant fear, the years passed quickly. I only dared leave the safety of my bunker to get food, water, and supplies. But I was prepared, so I had luxuries in my little home. It was a bunker with a TV, movies, a computer, and a radio, just in case people were out there. But it has been seven years, and I haven't had contact with a single soul.

Most days it is cold, and since my car was completely destroyed, I had to walk everywhere I went. Most the stores were destroyed right along with everything else, but some still have usable supplies in them, barely enough to keep me alive. Though, I am a marine and I know how to get food, but I still wonder how long I can hold out.

Over the next few weeks, I managed to get back into my old military base. Since I was lucky, I found food, and a truck to haul it back to my bunker in. Unfortunately, I found out quickly that I was out of gas, so I wasted the whole day searching for some. When I got the fuel tank filled up I became curious. What experiments went on in this building? There was no one to stop me from checking it out, so I searched the building and came across a weapons store room and some experimental equipment.

I wasn't sure what it was, exactly, so I started to mess around with it. Then I realized. It was a stases pod! The thing was bolted to the ground, so I began unscrewing bolts, and, over the next few days of work, I got the pod safely out of the building and hauled it back to my bunker so I could conduct some experiments of my own.

I had power generators, and the stases pod didn't take up too much power, so I hooked it up and placed in apple into the chamber. I left the apple for three days before opening the stases pod again, and, to my surprise, it looked just the same as when I put it in days ago.

A thought occurred to me then. I could place myself into the stases pod. The next day I prepared myself and my bunker for when I put myself in stases. I covered all my equipment, ciphered the gas from my truck into my generators, and set the specific time for how long I would be in stases.

I stepped into the pod and held my breath. I said my goodbyes and silently hopes that the future would be a better time than where I was now. What happened next was terrifying. The glass on the pod closed, and I felt the sensation as if static sparked through my entire body and I began to rapidly fall to sleep. That was the last thing I remembered.

It seemed as if I closed my eyes one second, and the next they were opening again. I awoke with a jolt when the door opened and fresh air gushed in, filling my lungs. I got my bearings and attempted to step out of the stases pod, but fell on the floor. My legs felt like they were made out of jelly and my vision was blurred to the point of blindness.

Other than this, my body felt unharmed. It was as if I had taken a nap. I sat up and looked around me, I gasped as I examined my surroundings. I set the pod for twenty years, didn't I?

The walls were covered in moss and the room I was sitting in had the heavy smell of dust and stagnant air. As I got my vision back more and more clearly, I examined the walls and my surroundings more closely. I felt pain in my face from when I fell on the floor. I hope I didn't break my nose.

I didn't have the strength to walk, so I crawled slowly in the dim-lit room. I tried to stand, successfully, and began to walk to the generator to kick on the rest of the power in the room. I was still very feeble, so I rested on the ground as I slowly felt my strength come back to me. I now had the power to turn on the rest of the generators, but two of them refused to reach full power, leaving the lights flickering and dull. I checked the fuel take to find it dry, so I reached my emergency fuel supplies and poured in my last ruminants of gasoline. After that the generators started up perfectly fine.

There were cobwebs all over the room, which made the environment seem even more eerie. The last I remembered of this room was a nearly spotless, organized home. Now it just looked deserted.

I sat down in my chair and wondered about what could possibly await me outside. Maybe nothing at all has changed.

Chapter 2: The Shock

With my strength coming back to me I realize the bad news. I don't have any food. I finally decide to walk to the hatch of my bunker and see what the outside world has in store for me.

Shock courses through my veins as I exit my little home and stumble on to green grass as an exceptionally hot sun beats down on me. It's so bright that I am forced to close my eyes. It's a little while before they have adjusted enough to explore my surroundings. I suck in a gust of air as I see what lays before me.

Huge mountains, a forest as far as the eye can see... Absolutely nothing resembling the deserted wasteland I left. I have to ask myself the big question... How long have I been in stasis?

As I continue to walk along, I come across a wide lake. It stretches out for a while, and I am just not realizing how thirsty I am. I stick my hands into the clear liquid. What the heck, I think to myself before splashing the water onto my face. I cup more water and begin to drink it, I drink more and more until my body can hold no more liquid, and I continue to walk.

I have no idea what I am trying to find. Civilization maybe, but mostly I am just trying to absorb as much sunshine and fresh air as possible. I have been neglected these things for so long that they are hard to remember. Everything here has a sense of newness. Like this is my fresh start.

It's a while before I notice a clear trail in the forest, and I jump out to see it. It looks like a dirt road, so I decide to follow it. I'm having trouble keeping time, but I think I have followed it for about an hour when I reach the top of a hill, well out of the forest's confinement, and I see a small town. I gasp as I see it in all its glory. The perfect size. I almost black out from hyper-ventilation and crumple to the ground.

I wonder if all of this is real, and decide that it better be. Either that or I'm probably dead. I get to my feet, swallow my fears, and start down the path to the town.

The first thing I saw as I neared the town was a pony holding a basket. Staring at me. I have an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. What did I just walk in to? I continue through the town and see that everyone is staring at me.

I got about half way through the town when I felt someone behind me. I picked up the speed of my pace and exited the town as fast as I dared. What is going on here, exactly?

I rush back into the forest and set up a makeshift camp. Once it's up I climb under my shelter and try to gather my thoughts. What the hell's gone wrong, and how did I get here in the first place?

I stare up at the moon, perplexed by its beauty. Besides the fact that I have no food and I'm starving, I'm happy. I could eat anything, but so many other things are going on I barely even notice. Then -- out of nowhere -- I hear the snap of a branch behind me.

I turn around as fast as I can, just in time to see a dark blue horse with a mane of light blue and cyan eyes. As she came closer a thought shot through my mind, am I still in Stasis? I hope not.

"Hello strange beast." She said. Shock was the only emotion I could muster. I had Goosebumps.

All I could do in answer was give a noise that sounded like I was choking. "Do not be frightened." She calmed me, but I was still too frightened. This was all too much.

After a few moments of staring at the strange horse, I exparimented by opening my mouth and saying a nearly silent, "Hello..."

She went on to ask me who -- or what -- I am, and I became more confused. "I'm human. My name is Austin." This time confusion shot across her face.

"Human?" She whispered. Both of us seemed ready to run at any moment, need be, but something in her face drew me in. She was a horse... but I couldn't help feeling as if she was beautiful. As if this was the kind of person I should feel safe talking to. Up until now I didn't realize I was shaking.

We started at each other for what seemed like a long time, but couldn't have been more than a two or three minutes. Finally, I got the courage to ask, "Who are you?"

She straightened up her posture and said, "I am known as Princess Luna of the Moon." My heart skipped a beat, and I felt my breathing speed. Princess? A horse princess? I must be dead, or, at the very least, still in Stasis. I quickly discarded the thought of running for favor of finally having somebody to talk to after so many years. Seven years in complete and total isolation and the first person I am talking to is a horse. Figures.

After she fed me -- her barely eating and me forcing it down like a ravenous pig, she informed me that she had to leave. It was almost dawn. I thanked her and yawned as she flew into the air. I didn't even have time to be surprised that I just spent the night with a flying, talking horse. I was too tired.

I figured that I should probably find my way back to my bunker, because it probably can't be too safe in these woods. It took me nearly three hours, but I found it. I jumped into my bed and passed out immediately. My last thought was, I wonder what will await me tomorrow, before I sunk into a deep sleep.

The entire night I was terrorized by dreams of my life in a waste land. This waste land corrupted the new world I came into, and, as I exited my bunker, I would find that I never left at all. That I would be forced to live in solitaire for the rest of my existence. I woke with a start, cold sweat running down my face.

I nearly ran out of my bunker, praying that meeting the pony and freezing myself in Stasis wasn't all just a dream. I sigh of relief blew from my mouth as I saw it was all still here.

I nervously made my way back into the bunker, almost regretting leaving the new world outside. But I needed to eat. Last night Princess Luna had kindly given me eggs, and I gratefully cooked them on my stove. I ate my breakfast quickly on the steps of my bunker, too excited stay inside, after being locked up in there for so long.

I didn't bother washing my dishes, and figured I better take a shower somehow. Then, I remembered, the wide, deep, clean lake that I passed on my way to town and back. I grabbed a bar of soap and nearly ran out the door.

It was a short walk to the lake, since I knew my way there, but as I approached it I saw something peculiar. Clouds. Moving. Rapidly. Being pushed around into some sort of pattern. It was strange to see the clouds floating around like they had a mind of their own, but, hey, if there are talking, flying ponies, then I can handle a few clouds.

I rolled my eyes and began to remove my shirt, before I realized I wasn't alone. There, on the other side of the lake, was a blue pony. At first glance I could have sworn it was Luna, but then I saw her light color and mane that seemed to have been made out of a rainbow. This was not Princess Luna.

She didn't seem to notice me, but, just to be safe, I kept my boxer shorts on as I entered the lake. The cool water felt amazing on my dirty skin. I glided slightly deeper into the water and looked towards the pony, who seemed to finally be awaking from her nap. She awoke slowly, looking around, but in the seconds our eyes met she had flown over to me. She was such a fast flier compared to Luna that I was genuinely startled by her quick movement.

"Who are you?" She said in an excited, snarky tone.

I replied "Austin."

"Where are you from?" She questioned.

"Is it really important?!" I said back, my voice sharp with irritation. This pony was not the kind, gentle pony that Luna was.

"Yeah, it does!" Said the cyan pony, a huge smine breaking across her lips, "I've never seen a creature like you before!"

"That's 'cause I'm most likely the last of my kind..." I mutter.

"Oh," she replied "I'm Rainbow Dash," she said "sorry about being so question-y."

"That's alright, Rainbow Dash. Nice to meet you" I reached my hand out to shake hers before remembering that she wasn't human. She looked at it questioningly for a second before I let it drop back to my side.

"just call me Dash!" she exclaimed "it's easier that way." She said simply, as if it should be obvious that I should call her Dash.

"Okay then, Dash."

"So... what brings you to this lake?" she asked with intrigue.

"I'm in need of a bath... since I just arrived a few days ago. I need to get clean, you know how it is." I gave a little smile.

"I hear you." She said sympathetically , "I know a place you could shower its better than here!" She informed me excitedly. I felt a little foolish. How strange I must look to Dash, bathing in a lake when there are probably showers here.

"Is it back in that village I saw?" I asked with discomfort.

"Yes it is, but don't worry, it's secluded. And I can trust my friend to keep you a secret." She promised. I was starting to really like this pony.

I nodded in agreement "I'll go later tonight to avoid being noticed if that's okay with you."

"That would be okay by me!" she added with a grin.

I got out of the lake and put my clothes back on.

That night I followed Dash to the village and to my utter amazement she took me to a huge tree house. Literally. A huge tree house! Only funny part is, when we stepped inside, it was a... library? I tapped on Dash's back.

"Why did you take me to a library?" I asked in confusion. Maybe this was a prank.

"It’s not a library. It's a house.... well, it's sorta both. But my friend Twilight would be happy to provide you a shower and keep it a secret!" She was clearly delighted by herself.

"Really? Can you trust her, 'cause I'd like to remain a secter and I don't think that... your kind... would, how do I say? Accept me."

"I know they might get scared by you and run off... until they found out that you were a friendly -- uh, what did you say you were again?"

"Human." I reminded her.

"Right, right, a human! They would have to get to know you. So, I guess, for now, here’s where you can shower! Just give me a second and I’ll go ask Twilight…"

Chapter 2: Part 2: Time.

Chapter 2: Part 2: Time

Without another word Dash was out of sight. Probably flying, but I wouldn't know, I suppose.

In a few seconds, they were back. The new pony was purple, and had a horn sticking out of her forehead. Was she a... unicorn? I quickly peeked behind her to see her wings, but her back was flat.

"Austin, this is Twilight Sparkle, Twilight, this is Austin." She said proudly. She was almost startled by my appearance. "He's a human." Dash explained under her breath. This didn't seem to appease Twilight Sparkle, seeing as she probably had no clue what a human was. "He’d like to take a shower! I found him out by the lake trying to bathe." She admitted.

“Nice to meet you, Twilight Sparkle..?”

"Hello," she said excitedly, smiling to herself. "Nice to meet you, Austin. You can just call me Twilight. The shower is down the stairs and to the left."

I wasn’t expecting such generosity! I just simply nodded and walked in the direction she told me. As I continued to walk I came across two sets of stairs, one going up and the other going down. I quickly went down the stairs and gazed, as I went, at how many books there were! I had never seen this many books outside of a library!

"Man, I think there's some on the ceiling." I mutter to myself. At the end of the hall I came across a brightly colored door, opening it quickly. It's a small bathroom, and I don't waste any time before ripping my clothes from my body and stepping into the running shower.

It took me a few seconds before I realized that the water was scalding hot. "OUCH!" I yelled before I could stop myself. I clamped my hand over my mouth and turned the knob in the other direction. I found that I was shivering when the water hit me. "Damn!" I mumbled. Talk about sensitive water temperature. I turned it slightly and sighed in relief. "Ah." I breathed at the warm water flushing all the dirt off of my skin and down the drain.

"It's amazing how much has changed." I say to myself out of habit. I was used to having no one but myself to talk to back in my bunker, but I'm sure it's weird here. I look at the assortments of beauty products and shampoos, picking one at random. It was for manes, but it was probably as good as it was going to get. At least I only knew three people. And they weren't even really people.

I had a bathroom in my bunker, of course, but I rarely had water to shower, and when I did... it either had no pressure, or smelled funky. I finished my shower after that, knowing it would be rude to drag it out, no matter how good it felt on my sweaty, dirty skin. As I stepped out, I realized I didn't have any clean clothes to dress in, so I just put my old ones on. They felt uncomfortably grimy on my clean body.

I walked back upstairs and up to Twilight Sparkle. "Is there any way I can get these washed? It kinda defeats the point of having a shower, don't you agree?"

"Of course, Austin. Give me a moment and they will be clean." I thanked her as she briefly flipped through a book and told me, "Close your eyes." I didn't feel anything, but she told me after a few seconds, "Your clothes are clean." I looked down at my body, and, to my utter amazement, they were clean.

"Thank you!" I breathed in amazement. I made a mental note -- talking, flying, magical ponies. She nodded to me but didn't say anything else. I let my eyes wander to all the books surrounding me, Unicorn Magic Through the Ages, Unicorn History, Pegasus Olympics History. I must be in the history section.

I ran my fingers over the cold books, quickly reading some of the titles, Blue Tail: a Love Story, and Tales of the Changeling. This library-house has everything! Maybe I could learn something about the town I'm in... I wonder.

Twilight's voice startled me, "Are you looking for something?" She asked curiously. She seemed like the smart, helpful type. I knew right away that I was going to like her a lot.

“You wouldn’t happen to have a book on the history of this land would you?” I asked, a little embarrassed that I was snooping around her library.

“I sure do!" She said, brightening up, and bolting out of the room. I smiled after her. She was so... friendly. After being alone for so long, it was good to have friends again, even if I could count all the new friends I had on one hand.

“Here you go!” Twilight said with a huff of breath from her exertion. I hadn't noticed she came back, and she dropped the massive book on a nearby table with an audible thud. I looked at the title and read to myself.

“The History of Equestria” I whispered. "Is that where we are?" I looked to Twilight, "Equestria?"

She nodded seriously, "We are in the kingdom of Equestria, but, more specifically, we are in Pony Ville." I nodded to her absently. I flipped through the pages that seemed to cover thousands of years of history, all the way back to when the three types of ponies -- unicorns, Pegasus, and land ponies, used to live in separate kingdoms.

“Wow” I said in shock at the size of the book, “Thank you, Twilight. Do you mind if I stay here and read this for awhile? I need to know what’s happened more importantly how long I’ve been here...” I was mumbling by the last sentence.

“No problem,” she said with a quaint smile, “stay as long as you want if you’re confused. Just ask me if you need something to be explained, I’ve read that book several times.”

“Okay, then. I can't thank you enough for this.” She didn't say another word before giving me a wide smile and exiting the room, leaving me alone to study.

I sat down in the nearest chair and heaved the massive book on my lap before beginning to read.

Chapter 3: Reading of...Time? Pt1

Chapter 3: Reading of….Time?

After several hours, reading well into the night, I managed to read nineteen chapters of the massive book. "And she said she has read it several times..." I mutter under my breath.

I heaved a heavy sigh before turning another thin page, the title read, Chapter 20: The Sun Celebration. I skimmed it and saw only a few interesting things. Like it is a generally new holiday, only about a thousand years old. It's a fairly short amount of time, considering that Equestria has been around for over two thousand years. "Oh, how time has eluded me." I whisper to myself.

The gist of it is that Princess Celestia raises the sun in front of the town in the start of spring time. Effectively "taking the ponies out of the darkness and into the light", or out of winter and into spring. "Interesting." I say to myself, not really thinking it was interesting all that much.

I had been sitting still for so long that when I looked up to see the sun shining through the wide windows I was generally confused. Had I been here all night? Strange.

I stretched my stiff muscles and stood. My legs weren't stable, though, and I fell onto the floor. I cussed under my breath as I heaved myself back to my feet. I grabbed the giant, heavy book in my arms and walked from the room to find Twilight. She was already awake and flipping through a brightly colored book titled, Unicorn Magic For The Advanced Student, and I smiled at the fact she was kind of a nerd.

"Twilight?" I spoke quietly, but she was so absorbed in her reading that my voice made her jump.

"Sorry, Austin. What's up?" She asked, slight lines under her eyes as if she didn't sleep last night either. I glanced at the window, feeling uneasy as I recalled all the stares I got the first time I came into town, and how one of the ponies followed me. I was probably overreacting, but I still didn't want to do the same thing twice.

"Do you think I could borrow this book for awhile? I'm not nearly finished with it, but I don't really wanna be around when all the ponies start waking up." She nodded, looking a little too tired to have a conversation with me at the moment. "Please remember not to tell anyone I came here. I'm not sure how the people will react just yet. Now, thank you for letting me stay here, I'll probably come back tonight." I said, feeling a little awkward that all I could give her for all her generosity was a "thank you".

She got down from the table she was sitting at and said, "Okay, then. Nice you meet you, Austin." She gave me a small smile, "Make sure you're careful with that book, though, It's very old."

"Gotcha." I smiled, now anxious to get out of here. She didn't say another word as I walked out of her tree-library-house and into the street. At this point I was running because more and more light flooded into the town with every minute. When I made it out of the town limits and into the forest I took time to slow down and look at the sun rise.

I had watched hundreds of sun rises in my lifetime, but the sun rise here was different. It filled me with anticipation instead of tiring me. It's more alluring, somehow. On the long but beautiful walk back the my bunker I got to see each phase of the sunrise. By the time I walked through the door it was probably eight in the morning. I probably would have made much better time if I didn't have to tow along the insanely large and heavy book, but I wasn't about to complain.

I turned on the power and walked quickly to my bed. I dropped the large book on the bed, feeling relief in my sore fingers and arms after having to carry it for so long. jumped onto the bed and let my body relax, settling into a comfortable position and opening the book to the place I left off.

"The Solar Sun Celebration is a yearly occurrence to honor the sister-ship of the Princesses and to celebrate their relationship." I read aloud to myself. Was the book talking about Princess as in... Luna? Hah! I met not only a Princess, but one of the most important people in this land.

Instantly I feel a pang of sorrow. I would probably not meet Luna again -- the first pony I met here -- unless she sought me out for some reason. I sighed and pushed the thought from my mind, reading on about the "Princess of the Sun" and "Princess of the Night". When I read "Princess of the Night", Luna's face was the first thing that came to my mind.

The Princess of the Sun, Princess Celestia, and the Princess of the Night, Luna, lived in immortal harmony for thousands of years. Only recently was Luna accepted back into the kingdom, after a thousand years of banishment for some crime I'm not really interested in. Something about her throwing a massive, destructive tantrum because nopony noticed her.

I continued to read for another hour or so, learning about Equestria itself and its culture. It was pretty incredible to read such things about a town! Luna and Celestia are both incredibly generous. "That explains why she was so gentle and kind." I whisper to myself. It was almost noon when I shut the book, my eye lids barely staying open, my vision blurred with exhaustion. I set the book down and fell into a deep sleep almost immediately. I dreamt about Princess Luna. I was some invisible observer as I watched her and her kingdom. Only at the end, when she somehow noticed me, she transformed into some dark, evil figure the book claimed her to have been, that I woke with a start. The room was dark and I was frantic.

The picture in my head of Luna differed so much from what I remembered of her that I wondered, for a moment, if they could ever possibly be the same person. The darkness didn't help, but after so long without the lights detecting motion they automatically shut off. As soon as my eyes adjusted I jumped from my bed and started the power as quickly as I could. For the first time since I got here it was comforting to see the familiar room I spent so many years in, and I wasn't all that excited to go into the darkness that more than likely lay outside. I slept for so long that it must be dark out.

When I pushed the door open, sure enough, the sun was gone. I moaned at the thought of having to walk through the dark, but if I didn't go now I was going to have to wait an entire other day.

Without bothering to close the hatch I walked back to my bed and grabbed the book. I shut off the lights in the tiny room and began to walk through the darkness. I peered up at the sky to see a perfectly full moon, and was struck into silence by its beauty. Princess Luna does this every night? W-o-w.

After another hour heaving the heavy book, I reach Pony Ville's opening. I waste no time looking at the pretty houses before I'm running. I don't really want to be with anyone in this town I don't know. I knocked on her door loudly as I reached the tree-house. I stood there impatiently for a few minutes.... what if she left? I would have to walk all the way back to my bunker, back through the darkness. Ugh. Just as I began to turn around and leave, the door swung open and Twilight was there, looking at me, her face confused.

Then a flicker of recognition flashed across her features. "Oh. Austin. Sorry, I was just sorting through a few books. Come in," She motioned me with her hoof, "did you finish the book?" she asked when I was inside.

"Not.... quite yet." I admitted, feeling a little sheepish. I felt as if I was wasting her time, but she said that if I had any questions she was the pony to ask. I took in a deep breath before speaking again. "I wanted to ask you about Princess Luna." I told her in a rush, feeling a little embarrassed.

"The Princess?" She asked, "What about her?"

"When was she.... Uh, un-banished?"

Twilight's face lit up at the question. "She returned only a few years ago, but it's a long story." She told me.

"One you would be willing to tell?" I asked, my curiosity at the tipping point. What did Luna even do?

"Of course, Austin. Take a seat." She said happily, bouncing over to a table and taking a seat herself. I followed her, sitting across the table from her and setting down the massive book. "She returned only a few years ago." Twilight explained. Then she explained about the jealously of the sister, and the evil that bred on that jealousy.

"But why was she jealous?" I asked, confused.

"Because the ponies loved the sun, and played all through the day, but slept through her beautiful night." I had to agree that it was beautiful. She continued the story as if I had not interrupted, talking about her coming to Pony Ville and warning Princess Celestia of her sister's return. The Princess, of course, didn't take it seriously, and when Luna returned, as Twilight had predicted, it was Twilight and her friends that had to save the day.

She explained about the elements and her friends. She explained about her relationship with Princess Celestia. I just listened, wondering how I found this pony. She was smart and famous!

"Sounds like a ton of fun." I said sarcastically, chuckling.

"It wasn't." She mumbled, smiling, "Why do you ask about her?"

"I ask because she was the first pony I met here. She found me in the middle of the woods. How did she even find me in the first place?"

Twilight thought for a moment before saying, "That's weird. She doesn't usually show herself. Maybe she thought you were a special pony?" It sounded more like Twilight was thinking out loud rather than answering my question. Probably because she had no clue either.

"Maybe." I said, only more curious. We were both staring off into space for a moment before I snapped back into reality by saying, "I better finish reading this book, then." and picked it up from the table.

That snapped Twilight out of it. I was almost out the door when she called my name. I turned around and she said, "Why don't you stay here and read? I'm sure you don't want to be walking all alone at night."

I didn't want to tell her how restful and beautiful the night was to me, so I simply nodded and set the book down again. I was almost finished with it, since I skimmed over the unimportant and uneventful parts.

"Thank you," I said to Twilight, smiling at her.

"Absolutely, Austin. Can I get you something to eat?" It wasn't until that exact moment that I realized I was ravenous.

"Yes. Please." I said quickly, cracking open the book and picking up where I left off and Twilight went into a different room, getting my food I assumed. She came back a few minutes later with a place off lettuce, sliced apples, and carrots. It wasn't what I was expecting, but, hey, they're ponies.

I nibbled on the food as I read page after page of the thick book. Finally, as I snapped it shut, I announced proudly, to no one, "I'm done!" Everything here was so new, everything controlled by Princesses and ponies, it was strange to think about. Those kinds of things, like weather and the sun rising happened on their own where I came from.

I walked in the general direction I though Twilight had gone last night, and called up the steps, "I finished the book. Thank you for letting me read it! It's on the table!" There was no response, so I began to turn around.

"You're welcome, Austin. Come back again soon if you need anything else. Or just someone to talk to." I turned to see she had appeared at the top of the steps. I nodded and thanked her again before saying goodbye.

It was still dark out when I reached the forest, so I looked up at the moon in all its beauty. It was breathtaking! I sat down where I was and just stared up at the moon for what seemed like hours. Just trying to unravel and comprehend the secrets it possessed. It was like I was in some sort of trace when I heard an approach. My head snapped around, and my jaw fell slack as I saw a dark figure coming out from the darkness. It was.... Luna? Luna!

"So we meet again, Human." She said softly. It was almost a relief to see Luna again and prove to my subconscious that she was not evil or dark.

"Luna!" I said excitedly. I smiled up at her and got to my feet. "Actually, my name is Austin." I told her.

"Of course, Austin. Why are you out here at this hour?" She asked, looking at me as if I was doing something very odd. I didn't know how to explain it right... but I could try, I guess.

"Well, it's weird, but ever since I was a kid I was always more... attached to nighttime than I was to daytime. It's so mysterious and beautiful. There's nothing else like it, and I haven't seen such a beautiful moon for..." I chuckled, "a long time." I finished, gazing up at the stars again. She didn't say anything, but I knew she was touched by my statement. I was complimenting her nighttime. She moved closer to me and gave me a smile.

"So do I. Not a lot of ponies appreciate the simplicity of night. I'm glad to know that somepony does." She confided.

I wasn't sure what to say, so we were silent for a few minutes, both of us looking up at the moon and the stars. Finally, I broke the silence, "So why are you here? I hear that you don't visit people-- er, ponies, often." I was going to have to get used to calling everyone "pony".

"You are very intriguing, Austin. No one alive has ever seen a... human, so you are a rare occurrence to say the least." She met my eyes but didn't say anything more. I had a feeling she didn't know what else to say.

I smiled and looked at my feet. "If you want to know anything about my species, just ask away." I said, trying to earn her trust.

"Well," She began, "I want to study you in Canterlot, would you go there with me?" She asked, looking at me intently. She was as curious about my species as I was about hers. I sighed.

"Why not?" I smiled. "Just make sure I'm back soon, I'd like to clean my bunker and get water back. I've been having to shower at Twilight Sparkle's house." I admitted, feeling I should put in a good word for all of Twilight's generosity.

"You can stay in the castle." She offered.

I felt a little uneasy, but I trusted Luna, "Let me think about it Luna. Let's just get there. I know it's gonna be a long walk." My legs felt tired already just thinking about it.

"Can't you fly?" She asked seriously, observing me a little more closely.

"Does it look like I have wings?" I asked sarcastically with a slight chuckle. She seemed a little disappointed.

"Very well." She said, undeterred. "Have you every teleported before?" She asked in a very serious voice. I see. Talking, flying, magical, teleporting ponies. I shoulda seen that one coming.

"No," I sighed, "humans can't teleport." I explained.

"Well, that's the only way we can go. Since you can't fly." She smiled at me like I was a lab rat.

I nodded at her, unsure of myself. What if I did something wrong, and came out on the other side with no arms? I gulped but stepped closer to her. I felt her hoof touch my shoulder and then I couldn't feel anything.

Then... came the pressure. It was like my body was being forced through a drinking straw and I was being suffocated at the same time. It seemed like forever, but it probably only went on for a few seconds. Then... POW, I was on my hands and knees gasping for breath and feeling like I had just been punched square in the chest.

I stared at the brick ground beneath me and it all started to come back to me. I looked up quickly to see Luna looking over me. "Are you coming?" She asked, holding her hoof out to me. I took it gratefully and got to my feet.

I looked straight ahead and Luna followed my gaze. I gasped in a breath of air. A real castle! Where the Princess lives? This was amazing! I began to walk forward when Luna did and then stopped dead in my tracks. There was a line of guards all the way up to the castle entrance.

Chapter 4: Memories

Chapter 4: Memories...

after having no choice, but to sit in bed and wait for Luna to arrive I picked up the book I had taken with me and began reading it. as time passed, however I got more and more hungry and less able to focus on reading when I saw a guard walk in with a small tray of food.

"how nice, you brought me some food I am starving!" I smiled at him taking the tray to see it was fruits and some vegetables.

"Yes sir, your welcome sir" he turned on his hoof and walked out of the door

As i sat and ate while i read the book till I heard a soft knock on the door

“come in" I said the door opened and Luna walked in with a pleasant smile on her face.

“Are thou enjoying thy stay?”

i nodded “I suppose so princess" i thought about it "now that you mention it, I don't like the guards blocking my way and how the talked to me." I leaned and saw the two guards looked at each other nervously. “other than that it’s ok Luna” I smiled back

“that is good fair austin i shall remove the guards” she said in a soft tone “come with me we will go to the Dining hall” I followed her closely as I walked behind the lunar pony I couldn't help but look at her mane was absolutely beautiful and astonishing in the afternoon light and I wondered.

i walked along side her “i hope you don't mind me asking, but since your the night princess I figured you’d be asleep at this hour” I said with a somewhat straight face.

she looked at me and merely gave me a sly smile “I don’t need to sleep necessarily I just enjoy the feeling of it”

“Oh” I said in bewilderment "then essentially your trying to live a normal life is that what your telling me?"

“Thou could say that” she smiled and continued

"well I can definitely relate imagine how I feel 2000 years atleast in stasis, I can hardly call this a normal life!" and when i said that we both started luaghing

“thou has a good sense of humor"

I patted her on the neck and with a smile she turned to face me with those deep mystical eyes and kept on leading me. We finally arrived in the dining hall I took a step through the doors and saw it was a massive room with vaulted ceilings and as soon as j snapped out of my awe-struck state I took a seat next to Luna. i remembered her saying she wanted to research me how was i supposed to tell her i was a marine trained to defend and kill. i simply put my hands on my temples and sat in quiet for awhile thinking of where to start.

”so what was your purpose 2000 years ago?" Luna asked with interest I sighed

“where do I begin…”

I drifted into a flash back of my men, my best friends, the closest thing to a family I had in the service. I explained the marines where trained group of fighters assigned to a task in a nut-shell really, but it wasn’t always that way on most days. I told Luna about how many times I was with Carloas a brave, tough son of b**** but he was always a man of honor he was my closest friend and no matter the situation he always came back alive, I wish he’d survived guess time was the only match for him. no matter what he was always there to listen to everyones problems I guess it was for the best though I really do miss all of them Carloas, Stavo, Steven, Grent, and kyle all such good men lost to time I suppose they might be in a better place i hope. The point of my division was to infiltrate and secure high value targets we where an elite team. Several minutes later of flashes backs Luna only stared at me attentively listening to my stories I shared with her of the past. as I told my stories I started thinking back to people I cared about lost forever in histories pages I tried my best to hold a tear from rolling down my cheek I blinked and it fell, a tear of pure sadness if only time had been better to them why did I have to be the one to survive the attack.

at this point I was crying silently when I asked to no one in particular

“of all the people in the world why did it have to be me?!” I shouted out and I slammed my head on the table bursting into tears

as i sobbed i felt Luna place her hoof on my shoulder it was surprisingly soft for a hoof “there, there Austin it’s ok” I thought things couldn't get any worse and all i could do was cry harder but the pain of losing them was like taking a bullet. eventually as I stopped crying I lifted my head to look straight into the eyes of Luna her cyan eyes piercing into my very soul I began to feel a bit more relieved to know atleast she was there.

I lifted my head and wiped my eyes “I’m sorry for that” I sniffled and took some fruit and as I ate I felt the lunar princesses eyes burning into me with concern. I sat and continued to think about how life had completely F***ed me over...

“What am I going to do Luna” I said in a hoarse voice as soon as I finished saying that I felt Luna grab me so fast I thought my neck would need a brace and hugged me so softly and laid her soft neck on my shoulder a soft tear rolling down my cheek again I returned the hug… Minutes seemed to last hours before she broke the hug then I said “thank you needed that I just guess the reality really hit me I got a lot of stuff to do and make my life have a meaning” Luna nodded in sympathy

“if i remember correctly a saying goes god has a reason for everything, may not be the most noticeable thing, but your time shall come eventually just keep going. luckily ponyville has a ton of understanding people who would treat you kindly once they get to know you” she smiled

“i know you have had your fair share of pain if i read correctly you where banished for 1000 years now your here, and I'd imagine its hard to adapt to the changes” I sighed and looked at her with mournful eyes she just looked down at the floor i put my arm on her. I thought about what I could do I barely knew the princess then I remembered my old scrap book.

"princess how would you like to see some photos from 2000 years ago?" I smiled "if you want I can also answer any questions you may have" she lifted her head and smiled

"that would be most wonderful"

"that's the spirit!"

"as much as I hate teleporting its the only day back quickly all you have to do is teleport to the place you found me." I groaned at the idea, but I placed my hand on her shoulder and next thing I knew I was on the outskirts of ponyville

"thou leads us now" she said with a wide smile

"should be over here somewhere" I said in comforting voice

after walking up a path we reached the entrance of my bunker I got on my knees and twisted the rusted metal clamp with a squeak. and behind me Luna just seemed to get more and more confused

"what are you doing Austin?"

"You will see give me a second"

a minute later I finally twisted the clamp open I pulled and with a audiable *clink* I opened the door I looked back at Luna who officially looked completely bewildered.

"This is where I live Luna I have a lot to clean I know but it will look good soon enough" I flipped the switch lights flickered on with a buzz.

"Ahha there it is my scrapbook" I grabbed the large book off the shelf I took a breath and blew the dust off in a wide puff of dust, I opened the cover and on the top corner the date barely visible anymore "5/23rd/2057“ I flipped open the memory book older than the goddess herself I opened to see most of the photos where in Ok condition. I looked and saw my squad in front of a humvee the good memories we had I wish they'd never left me. as I went through the pictures luna sat down next to me looking intently at my pictures

"what incredible pictures are these your me-I mean family?" I nodded slowly next set of pictures I saw me and carlos in a helicopter we took off in later that day.

"oh time how you've eluded me so" I wish it was still here the next page showed me and my family when I returned home that summer with my sister on my neck and bright smiles I looked over the other side I saw my best friend and me wearing smiles later end of summer of 58 I looked and I just couldn't believe they are.........."Gone".....

later that day....

I cleaned the dust from a table I noticed a very old picture of my gf I picked up the photo and looked at it and remembered the long lost good times we had so long ago. as I thought a tear rolled down my cheek in remembrance may she rest in peace. as I thought about it I wondered what she'd say to this world now somehow I doubt she'd take it well I sat down with the photo in my hand

"who's this" luna asked over my shoulder her voice soft as silk

I huffed

"she is Ashlyn my ex girl friend" I puased.......a tear rolling down my face once more

"may she rest in peace"

lunas eyes widened realizeing she'd hit a nerve

"I'm so sorry I had no idea.." I cut her off

"no need to apologise its not your fault" I wiped my face with my sleeve I re placed the photo next to the album on the mantle. I went back to the table I took the photo from and cleaned the table and set it back down. I sighed

"guess I have to get over it" Luna walked behind me and laid her head on my shoulder I put my hand on her cheek

"Thanks" I said with a smile

"your welcome" she replied softly.

Chapter 5: House Cleaning

It got up later and Luna offered to help me clean my home, since I wasn't in the best condition. But with hours of back breaking labor we got most of the furniture cleaned and free of dust, and got some of my old tech back and working after 2000 years. It’s good to know I had all my old music still, my pictures, and files from when I was a modeler. Time hasn't done anything to these files much less their value, I found my T.V. working too, and the DVDs and blue rays saved for something to enjoy in those first seven years.

"Hey Luna feel like a movie later?" I asked.

"Movie?" she repeated. "What's a movie?"

"I'll explain later,” I sighed. “First let’s finish up here and we can return to Canterlot, perhaps for some dinner"

"Sounds great!" she said.

Hours had passed, and Luna and I had set off back to Canterlot. She needed to raise the moon for the world. This is the first time I could actually see it to watch the daily ritual as we got outside. I placed my hand on her preparing to teleport…again

“No words can describe how much I hate teleporting,” I groaned

“You’ll get used to it,” Luna scoffed.

I laughed at this statement as if I hadn’t heard that enough these past few days.

Another flash of light, again the horrible sensation and then the pop of arriving back inside the castle walls and walked to the highest balcony of the place. I thought the steps would never end, but we finally made it to the top and Luna’s horn glowed a deep violet blue as she closed her eyes.

I watched in silence as to not disturb her concentration. She closed her eyes as she waved her horn in the direction of the moon, and then slowly to the left, moving the moon ever so slowly while I watched this every feeling of awe or shock or pleasure. I wasn’t sure how to feel but it was beautifully intriguing to watch it all go up in such a manner. It was beautiful when she opened her eyes.

I was next to her awe-struck. I looked all over and looked back at her eyes on me I just smiled and placed my arm on her neck.

I gasped, “It’s beautiful Luna. Best I’ve seen in years.”

A smile appeared on her dark blue face. It is hard to tell when she smiles in the dark. We began the slow decent back to the ground floor and to the dining hall. A very delicious meal awaited us there, and sitting at the end of the table was Celestia

“I take it you two had a good day of studies”

I nodded in agreement I’m not sure what Luna did I didn’t see but I took a seat and placed a towel over my legs and began eating I picked up a glass took a sip

“Ah, aged wine?”

“Yes, it’s an occasional drink around here”

“Could use a little more ageing if you ask me still tastes a bit bitter little to bitter”

She smiled what looked to be in agreement

“I guess it’s little more bitter than normal” she thought intently “So how are you enjoying your stay here Austin?”

“It's good I just miss my friends and my old life just wished it wasn’t destroyed like it was I miss my girl friend my family and my men I guess that’s normal…..right?”

She nodded in agreement, “I believe Luna can relate to your pain of loss, as she was banished for 1,000 years.”

Luna looked down at her plate. I think Celestia had hit a nerve. I coughed in the awkward silence and ate some more.

“This is some good food here,” I said, while still chewing my last bit of mashed potatoes. “Thank you for having me, and would you mind having your guards escort me to my chambers. I have no idea where to go.”

Celestia nodded, “Certainly. “Please tell them not to stand outside my door, I don’t enjoy being protected when I’m the protector. It’s…how you say…awkward…”

“Very well then,” she raised a hoof and singled for a guard to escort me back. I followed him to my room. “Sooo, do you enjoy being a guard” I asked him. He didn’t reply till we reached my room.

He turned and said with a haughty scowl, “Yes sir, it puts food on the table.”

“I guess so”. I salute him and enter my room.

There on the bed lay the book I was reading this morning.

“Hmm, I guess I’ll go take a shower”. I stepped into the bathroom—it was huge!

I went over to the sink and looked at myself in the mirror. I was battered up and dirty as hell; I looked like hell period. May face was scratched, and my nose had a bruise from when I left the Stasis pod. My hair was a wreck, needless to say.

I sighed and looked down at in the sink and thought of what I should do “Time for a shave and a haircut,” I thought. I looked all over, but saw no razor.

“Oh well, I’ll have to do that later then.”

I undressed and placed my clothes in the hamper and got washed up. I wash my unfortunate underwear in the sink so I can have a clean pair, since I don’t think I have any other pairs.

So I need to do these on my own, but I guess I can wear a towel while they dry. But in the mean time, I stepped into what was a massive shower.

“Damn I can move so much in this.”

I guess this is normal for a pony. I reached up and grabbed a bottle of soap and read “Mystic Cleansing Conditioner” on the label.

“Don’t need that,” I chuckled. I set it on the other side of the shower and grabbed another bottle. This time it said, “Pegasus Clean and Gentle: rejuvenation for dry wings.”

I laughed so hard. “DRY WINGS? HAHAHA!” I set it with the other bottle and picked up the next bottle and read, “Unicorn horn shine.” I was laughing so hard I couldn’t breathe. I set it with the others and picked up the next to last bottle and read, “Mane Conditioner and Shine”

This must be what I need for my hair. I set it on the next self over and picked up the last bottle. “Pelt rejuvenator”

“Hmm, I wonder what this means.” I set it with the other bottles just to be safe. I picked up the Mane Conditioner and squirted out a red liquid and lathered it in my hair, feeling knots in my hair.

“Dang, I’m a dude and I have knots in my hair? This is an all time low.” I continued to lather and stepped into the water and added some for more suds. I continued to wash and then, when I rinsed off, I just stood there and thought, “I guess I’ll stay here and relax a bit and think of what i am to do with myself.”

Mean while back in the dining hall…

I sat still looking at my plate thinking of how life was to be with Austin around. He seemed to be that someone who could fully understand me and what I’ve been through: to lose everything you care about—gone in a flash of time and space.

“Sister…” Celestia said, “are you ok?”

“Yes I’m…fine, dear sister.” I tried to hide my sadness.

“Why so….glum”

“It’s nothing sister.” I sniffed, “Just……..confused I guess”

“About what? You can tell me this Luna. I’m here for you and your needs”

“Just about how much Austin really reminds me…of my past”

“I see.” Celestia hung her head. I didn’t know whether it was disappointment or sympathy.

A shadow appeared above my plate and I looked up to see my sister’s large smile trying to comfort me, her voice soothing. She took a seat next to me

“Yes, you both have indeed suffered enough in your lives. You’re both equal in that way. Perhaps this is why you both get along so well.”

“Perhaps…”

The escort guard returned and stood at attention. “He’s back in his quarters, your highness”

“Thank you, sir guard. That will be all,” she dismissed him.

He marched away quietly as he came.

“Go back to your bed chambers, Luna. Try to get some sleep. Perhaps that will clear your mind.”

I walked back up the hall and left my sister. As I walked, I trotted past Austin’s room and I stood there and listened. I hear running water; he must be in the shower. I kept walking up the hallway and turned and entered my bed chambers. I took off my royal adornments and set them on the nearby nightstand before climbing in bed. I looked at them and thought about Austin…and I slowly drifted to sleep.

Back to Austin…..

I sat in the shower for what seemed like hours. I thought of life, I thought of Luna, I thought of how much we’ve both suffered in time. I just wish there was something I could do to subdue the suffering. I could think of none, though.

I left the shower and put on a white towel from the towel rack nearby and tied it on. I found a custom robe on the door and put it on before I walked out. I dried my hair and layered it back with a comb. I went back to the mirror and saw old scars from the distant memories of my childhood. The one in particularly was above my eye. I touched it and just as I did, a flash back of when I was abruptly awoken when I rolled over and slammed my head into a metal bar on the desk when I was a teenager. Just as that came, it left and I returned to reality.

“Oh, what a fool I was then.” I kept combing my hair and walked in my robe to the window to see the beautiful moon. Always so beautiful. I stared at it and I thought of a song I used to listen to: “With you.” I thought back on the lyrics. Oh, how I miss it.

I sat on the bed and thought about what to do next. Minutes later I put my cloths back on and opened the door. No guards stood in the hallway. I walked around, down many corridors and hallways, and many rooms. I think I even came across the throne room. I kept searching, and I finally came to a door marked with a crescent moon.

“This must be it!” I knocked softly, but no answer. “Hmm…” I entered slowly and saw her. She was asleep. I melted when I saw here there lying on the bed. “How cute.”

I saw her crown and hoof covers. I saw her mane was still elegantly flowing. I noticed a chair in the corner. I closed the door and sat in the chair, waiting patiently for her to awake. I smiled with confidence, “Hopefully this will cheer her up.”

Chapter 3: Reading Of Time...? Pt2

Luna looked back at me but didn't stop walking. I ran up to her and whispered, "Um, Luna, this isn't helping keeping me a secret." I talked so quickly I was surprised she even understood me at all.

"Have no worries, Austin. My royal guard can keep a secret."

"I hope so.." I groaned as I walked by her side. Despite the guard's training, most of them did a double take when they saw me. I can't blame them, because I am a human, but I couldn't imagine the guard keeping this secret.

We reached the large front doors of the castle and two male ponies opened the door, these ponies, at least, did not stare at me. They were large and looked very disciplined. I followed Luna through several massive hallways until we came to a pair of huge, wooden doors. They resembled the ones at the front of the castle, but were not so ornate. When Luna pushed them open with one hoof, I saw that behind then was a library.

This was nothing like the collection of books in Twilight's house. There were more books here than I had ever seen in one place ever before. It seemed to go on and on, wing after wing of books. Some ragged and breaking apart at the binding, others with golden pages and fancy writing. It was so amazing to see, that I hadn't realized for several minutes that my jaw had fallen slack.

I realized then that Luna was looking at me to see my reaction. She didn't seem to know what to make of my expression. "Wow," Was the only thing I could say. She smiled and began to walk, guiding me down the center, past aisle after aisle of books.

"This is the Royal Library. Home to the largest collection of books in Equestria. If you can think of a book written in all of Pony History, chances are you can find it here." She spoke without looking at me, continuing to guide me deeper into the massive library.

"Impressive," I breathed, not able to stop my eyes from darting all over the room. My eyes catching the most unique of books. One of them was so large that it had to rest on a clothed, expensive looking table that barely held the book up. It was probably taller than me. I kept expecting for Luna to stop at a certain section of books, but none seemed to capture her interest, so she continued walking through the seemingly never-ending library.

Finally, after a few minutes, she began to speak. "So, Austin." She looked down at me but continued to walk, "How long have you been here?"

"I think for..." It was so hard to tell with my warped sense of time. I had to count all the days in my head carefully... day one, I found town and met Luna. Day two, I tried to bathe in a lake before meeting Dash, and, later that day, Twilight and beginning to read the pony's history book. Day three, Finished reading the book and stayed with Twilight. This seemed to be the start of day four, because it was still dark out. Could everything had happened in just four days? I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't lived through it myself. "Three days, not counting today." I finished uncertainly. "I've had to shower at Twilight's house." I admitted to her, not sure if I already told her that.

To my surprise, the gentle pony began to laugh, "You are always welcome to anything the castle has to offer."

"Thank you!" I said gratefully. "One hell of a commute, though, Princess." I said, my eyes wandering around the library once more. She was silent for a moment, so I looked back at her, not sure if I had said something wrong.

She was looking intently ahead, and I wondered if she heard me. "We'll get it figured out." She said suddenly. I sighed, but kept my eyes on her.

"Maybe I could stay here for a few days." I said, knowing that she wanted me to take her up on her invitation earlier. She smiled and looked down at me, "Do you think I could stay somewhere where I won't get lost?" I said lightly.

"I will have it arranged." She said happily. "Stay here and I will have it all set up for you. I'll come back when it's ready."

I barely got the words out, "I'll be here." before her horn began to glow an ominous midnight blue, and she was gone like a bolt of lightning.

I didn't know how long she would be gone, so I turned to my right and headed to the closest book shelf. It read, Land Pony Wing, and it seemed so long that no single person could read all of the books in this single section. I pulled one out at random and walked onto an idle chair around a large oak reading table. I sat down and looked at the title, No Special Powers, before rolling my eyes. I skimmed the first few pages and sighed. It must be a fiction.

I read quietly aloud to myself, but from the most I could gather, it was about a land pony named Fuchsia who fell in love with the most well known Pegasus in the land, Clarkson. The only problem was that she was a land pony with no special powers, and felt that she didn't deserve the talented Clarkson. I was just skimming it, not paying very much attention, when two Pegasus guards flew into the room and stopped right in front of me. They were thrown off by my appearance, but the one on the left spoke. "The Princess requests you."

"Oh." I said, not expecting that. "I'm coming." I said, standing up. "Will it be a long walk?" I asked. They both laughed.

"We will fly. The Princess has told us you do not possess the ability, so you will ride on one of us. Let's go." I gulped, but climbed on one of the pony's back. Then we were gliding. Soaring. Flying!

Me and Luna had walked so far into the library we seemed to be flying for a exhilaratingly long time. Once I got over the shock, I began to laugh and smile and yell, too happy to really care. My hands were in the air and I was flying! "WooHoo!" I yelled

Then, too soon, we stopped before two tall, slender doors. Much like the others in this castle. I dismounted the Pegasus and walked forward to the doors, pushing them open. They doors moved swiftly open, and there they were. The sisters. The Princesses. Day and Night, right before my very eyes. One magnifying the other's beauty. I gasped for breath after a few seconds, because I realized I wasn't breathing.

They both smiled at me. How foolish I must look to them. "You called, Princess Luna?" I said finally, breaking the embarrassing silence.

"Thy sister has requested to meet you," Luna said, sounding more like a Princess than usual. Maybe it was just me. I turned my attention ever so slightly to the snow white Princess.

She was considerably taller than Luna, probably as tall as me, and her hair was almost too colorful compared to Luna's. It seemed to be alive. Moving. So was Luna's but not as noticeably, since her mane was dark. Princess Celestia wore a shimmering golden crown and necklace, looking showy in comparison to Luna's small dark crown and necklace. It seemed that Princess Celestia was wearing expensive looking shoes, while Luna's were simple and dark. The last thing I noticed before Celestia spoke was a... tattoo? On either side of their hind legs. Luna had a crescent moon surrounded by darkness, maybe fog, and Celestia had a brilliant sun.

"I've heard a lot about you." Celestia said, her voice sweet but not as gentle as Luna's. I wasn't sure how I felt about her. Her face was beautiful, just as beautiful as her sister's... but it was... different. I couldn't help but feel like she thought she was better than her sister. The way she dressed, the way she presented herself, the way her large, white wings stood tall, while Luna's were modestly pressed against her sides since she was not using them to fly.

"It's an honor to meet you, Princess Celestia." I said honestly. I had studied a lot about her over the past few days.

The tall pony looked at me for another moment before exclaiming, shocked, "Luna! You didn't tell me your guest was a human!" I wasn't sure what expression was one my face. Utter confusion, maybe. How did she know what a human was?

"How do you know about humans!?" The way I said the sentence didn't sound like a question. It sounded like an accusation.

"Well, humans were well before my time, but I have heard tales from my oldest ancestors. I assumed they were myths." She said, her wide, pink eyes never leaving mine the way Luna's might. Her eyes reminded me of Rainbow Dash.

"The ruins were long decomposed and gone. When our ancestors found the land that would become Equestria it was green fields. Almost nothing remained, but there were still stories. You know how ponies talk." She said, the corners of her small mouth turning up.

She sighed and turned to her sister, "Well, Luna, I have a law to tidy up. It was nice to meet you, um?" She said, sounding embarrassed she didn't know my name. She seemed like the kind of person that knew everyone. Everypony, I corrected mentally before I could stop myself.

"Austin." I said quickly.

She smiled at me. "Well, then Austin, it was very, very nice to meet you. I hope we can speak again in the future." She said farewell to her sister and smiled at me once more before she left, three guards materialized at her sides -- unicorns -- and followed her out of the room.

Luna looked after her sister, her face expressionless. Then she turned to me, "Are you ready to see your quarters?" She asked, frowning. I could tell she was a little upset by how her sister had excused herself. "It's in the housing wing." She told me.

"Absolutely." I said as she lead me out of the room. She didn't speak much on the walk there, though it was a very long one, but spoke again when we got there. "You'll be staying here." She motioned to the closed doors, "I stay in the Royal Bedroom." She told me, "It's a little of a walk from here. I have assigned you guards to transport you wherever you would like to go." Then she gave me a small smile.

"Thank you!" I said, honestly grateful. She nodded and then began to walk back the way we had just come. I looked after her retreating figure until I saw the faint luminosity of her horn, then she disappeared. Would I ever get used to this? Probably not.

After much too long a time of staring down the empty hallway, half expecting Luna to reappear, I sighed and turned toward the double doors of my room. Did every room in this castle have double doors, or was I imagining things? Must be a Princess thing. It was well past morning now, after the long walks with Luna and waiting in the library for what seemed like a very long time. I pushed the doors open without much thought and stepped into my room.

After all the new things I saw today, I shouldn't have been so surprised to see the large, ornately decorated room. It was fit for a king! Ha! "Yes! This is all mine?" I asked out loud even though no one was there.

I felt a need to touch everything, to make sure it was real. I walked across the thick, soft, red carpet and up to the large, bigger than king-size bed. I touched the sheets and the bed frame, then the dresser right next to it.

As long as I was here I might as well get some sleep. I peeled my shirt off, which stuck to me, in some places, with sweat. I hope I didn't look like this when I met the Princess. I threw it to the floor and took off my old, worn through sneakers. Then I collapsed onto the bed.

I didn't dream at all in those hours. I wonder why?

I awoke only a couple hours later. Was it just me or did the days and nights seem longer here? I sucked at telling time ever since I got here, so who knows. The blazingly delicate morning sun, just rising, was streaming orange light into the room. It was so beautiful that I could only stare in wonder as it slowly climbed higher and higher into the air.

Then I yawned, got up from my bed, stretched, and stumbled over to the window. "Wow," I breathed when I saw the sight that lay before me. I saw other towers of the castle, nearly all of Equestria, I saw everything! "What a view!" I said to myself. Hmm, I wonder if the Princess needs me, I thought quickly. "If she needed me she would get me." I said to myself, walking back towards my large bed.

I picked up my shirt from the floor and silently slipped it over my head. I pulled my shoes back on, feeling a slight regret that I had the wear them. They were pitiful. I headed for the door, and then down the hall, deciding that I could at least explore the city and get something to eat. I was starving! If anyone needed me, well, then they could seek me out. I wasn't gonna waste a perfectly good day sitting in my huge room.

As I kept walking through the castle and came to the end of the hallway, there were two guards. I stopped a few feet before I reached them, "Can one of you tell me a good place to eat around here?" I asked, trying not to sound rude or impatient.

What the pony said to me was not what I would call a response. The pony on the left said, not looking at me, "We have orders from the Princess to keep you here until she comes to retrieve you. Go back to your quarters" He said, his voice cold.

Wow. Jerk-ponies? Really? "Look guys," I said, raising my voice slightly, "I haven't eaten in more almost a day. I'm starving, and I'm going into the city to get something to eat, so move aside. Now." I said, trying to sound tough. They didn't look at me, they didn't answer. They continued to looks straight ahead as if I wasn't even there. Rude.

I grumbled to myself, but I turned around and worked my way back down the long hallway. What was the meaning of this? Was I some sort of prisoner? I never agreed to this! Ugh, I thought to myself as I pushed the double doors open and stepped back into my room.