>You wake up with a groan, coughing traces of smoke out of your lungs. You look from the smooth, hard floor you are currently lying on.
>Some traces of smoke linger in the air, obscuring your vision. It's dark, but not pitch black.
>You struggle to your feet, aching, but not injured.
"Doc?"
>You call out to the silent room.
"Doc Beige? You alright?"
>Your neighbor, some old coot that was always up to 'scientific pursuits' in his basement, often solicited you for some grunt work in his 'lab'. You weren't sure if he was some retired professor, or just a crazy old man off his rocker. It was a quick way to make twenty bucks, though, and the the Doc was pleasant enough company. Plus he made a mean omelet.
>Maybe he was just lonely.
>The last thing you remember before blacking out was Doc Beige shouting "NO, MY LEFT!" whilst adjusting some glowing doohickey for him. >Then the explosion.
>You're probably not getting your twenty bucks this time.
>You wave your hand through the dissipating smoke, trying to get a sense for the condition of the room. You're a bit unsettled when- instead of the familiar lab tables over crowded with computers, machine parts and other bobbles- you find yourself in some form of storage room. Wooden crates and chests line the walls, along with rolls of cloth; curtains or rugs, you weren't sure.
>While you'd love to figure out why you are no longer in the lab, you quickly become distracted by a growing sound behind you. Turning to face it, you quickly make out a door. It's rather old fashioned, made of wood and lined with metal. Like something that belongs in a movie set.
>The noise is still growing louder, and you realize it's the sound of footstep. Lots of them, moving with speed and purpose. Almost...galloping? That can't be right, who rides horses indoors?
>It quickly becomes apparent that whatever it is, it's likely heading for this room. You feel a tinge of panic run through you. Should you hide? Is there even somewhere you can hide in here? Everything's packed pretty close together. You look around and spot a large chest that you just might be big enough for you to hide in. To your disappointment, though, it is secured by a rather heavy padlock. You check it just in case, but it is indeed locked.
>The footsteps are almost deafening now. Okay, that's definitely galloping, what the heck? Before you can question it further, the door flings open. Light filters in, lighting up the storage room. It's not blinding, but it does strain your pupils.
>Several figure file in, wearing what looks like armor and brandishing spears. They fan out and block off the doorway, pointing their spears at you with serious looks on their-
>Wait.
>Time out.
>Are those freaking horses? Not horse people, but actual quadruped horses? With spears. How the heck are they even-
>Nope, no. Focus. Don't laugh. Spears are pointy no matter what's holding them. Don't laugh, for god's sake.
>The horses remain motionless, carefully observing you. You start to get nervous at what might set them off. On the other hand, if you don't do something they might attack anyway.
>You carefully raise your hand in what you hope is a disarming gesture, their gaze shifting at your movement.
"Uh...bah-weep-graaagnah wheep nini bong."
>You're such a dork.
>The creatures expressions shift from serious to confused. One turns its head toward the others.
>"Was that Saddle Arabian?"
>Oh, hey, they talk. You can understand them, even.
>"I think that was Neighpon." One of its compatriots offered.
>"Could be Pachydermy..."
>"You're all wrong, that was clearly Yakvic." A horse further back interjects. "It said something about the sheep took the wheat up the chimney."
>"That some kind of euphemism?"
>"Dunno, I'm still in the middle of my first course."
>"Yeah, yeah, thanks for the input, college colt."
>They have colleges here?
>"Sir, you are trespassing on royal property, via unauthorized teleportation."
>Oh, crap, they're talking to you now.
>"If this was accidental, please present some identification so we can process you and get things sorted out."
>They just want some ID? Wait, teleportation? That actually makes sense, you suppose. How else would you have gotten here. Was Doc working on some kind of portal. Are you in a Stargate scenario? Do you need to find Doc somewhere in this-
>"Sir?"
>Oh, right, id so you don't get shanked.
"Yeah, uh, hand on a sec."
>You take out your wallet that you thankfully remembered when you left the house. Also for the first time you are thankful that you were too broke for a proper wallet and had to get a velcro one instead. You open it and gingerly hand it to the guard in front, who somehow is able to grab it with his hoof. He studies your driver's license intently, before quirking an eyebrow.
>"Anonymous? What kind of name is that?"
"My parents were weird."
>He harrumphs and looks at you and your id again.
>"Very well. Mr Anonymous, I'm going to have to ask you to come with us till we can get this matter sorted."
>He squirrels away your wallet somewhere and gestures for you to follow.
>"You will have to remain in custody till we can validate your identity and confirm you had no ill intent."
>You just nod nervously and start walking. Your legs are longer than theirs, so you have to adjust your pace to match the guards. They flank you on both sides as well as a pair following from behind you.
>You're above ground, you realize, with large windows illuminating every inch with bright sunlight. Decorations are colorful and expensive looking, definitely a castle of some kind. You can't get a good look out the window, but it seems this is the ground floor.
The one he seems to be their captain turns down a corridor by himself while the rest of you continue down the hall your in.>These creatures have been rather agreeable considering you are trespassing on some big wigs property. While you're thankful for that, you can't help but worry what will happen to you. It's not like they were going to find you in whatever system they have. You're pretty sure you were on another planet, if not a completely separate reality from your own entirely.
>"Psst."
>You snap out of your revery, looking to your left. One of the guards, the 'college colt', if you remember. He's a little smaller than the others, coming up to your collar bone, rather than your chin. He's a charcoal grey, with a platinum white tail, and main if that matched the plume on his helmet.
>"So hey, not to be rude, but what exactly are you?"
>He whispers to you, attempting to be discreet.
"You don't know?"
>He shakes is head.
>"Animal biology isn't my area of study but I have read a few books. Closest thing you resemble is a hairless Mandrillian."
>"Buckler!"
>He flinches as a guard in the front barks at him.
>"Stop talking! You're on duty!"
>"Yes sir..."
>Buckler hangs his head and says nothing more for the rest of the trek. After about ten minutes, you come to a stop in front of a pair of doors. The guards push them open and usher you in. It's some kind of office, with a wrinkled, spectacle wearing horse behind a large oaken desk. No, not a horse, a pony. He's way too small to be a horse. Thinking about it, the guards would also count as ponies, if just barely.
>"Sign in please."
>He says without even looking up at you. Probably hates his job. You notice a horn on his head light up as a form and quill float over in front of you. Somehow you don't even find this surprising. You take the quill and sign the parchment. He floats both away and gestures towards another door. You head over to it and enter the new room.
>You step into a rather cozy looking room, lined with comfortable looking couches and chairs. There are a few end tables with flower vases, as well as a table near a window with a pitcher of water, glasses, and even a tray of fruit laid out.
"A waiting room?"
>"We're not going to toss you in a cell just because you stumble into the drapes closet."
>The guard trots up to you and narrows his eyes.
>"Yet. I advise you not give us a reason to until you've been cleared."
>You swallow a lump in your throat, then nod. He turns away and addresses Buckler and another.
>"You two stay here and keep an eye on him."
>"Sir!"
>"YESsssir..."
>Buckler grins sheepishly at letting out his enthusiasm. His senior just rolls his eyes.
>"I'll send word once I've heard back from Capt. Iron Sheath. Just try not to make an ass out of yourself, alright?"
>"Hey, that was uncalled for! My dorm mate's an ass."
>The guard ignores Buckler's protest and heads out the room with the remainder of your escort and shuts the door. You shrug and head over to the pitcher and poor yourself a glass of water, you'd been parched for a good while now.
>You sit down and take a sip, trying to relax. This whole day's been crazy, and it's not even halfway over. You try not to think about what they'll do to you if your ID doesn't satisfy them. Maybe they'll just fine you. That would still suck though, considering you don't have any money. Even your own worlds currency. Your folks make you pay rent, the filchers.
>You look over at your two baby sitters, both standing watch attentively. Buckler seems to be wrestling between staying professional and starting a conversation with you. You decide to break the ice, for both your sakes.
"So, college, huh?"
>He brightens, then glances over at his compatriot, who merely shrugs. Buckler trots a little closer so that you can talk more easily.
>"That's right. I'm studying law and politics. I'm hoping to become a diplomat in the future."
>Buckler goes on an energetic speal about traveling to the far corners of Equestria, that being where you are now, and places beyond, as well as meeting and interacting with different cultures and races, as well as exploring new places. He makes it sound like a grand old time, honestly, and you can't help but be drawn in by his enthusiasm.
"Sounds pretty cool."
>"Right?" he beams. "So tell me, Anon, what is it that you do? You know, back where you're from?"
>You dropped out of college, you think while staring back at his hopeful eyes. There was no way you could say that right now. It would just bring the mood down. So you settle for a half truth.
"I'm, uh, in between careers"
>He seems to be satisfied by that response, offering you a sympathetic look.
>"Aw, sorry to hear that, pal. I'm sure you'll figure things out someday."
>Before either of you can say anything more, both of your attention is drawn to the door cracking open. "Huh, that was faster than I figured." He heads over to the door. "Hey, so what did the captain sa-"
>He gasps mid sentence and promptly lowers his head to floor, taking a knee with one of his forelegs. You note the other guard mimicking his action. You can't see past the door where you are sitting, so you get up for a better view.
>Entering through the doorway is a creature of such majesty the likes which you have never seen. Unlike the others you've met, this pony towers over you. Their aurora colored mane flows with some unseen force and their sleek white form seems to brighten up the very room. You don't need to see ponies genuflecting to know that this is someone important, nor the crown resting on their head. You'd probably kneel yourself if you weren't so awestruck.
>"Greetings, Anonymous," the newcomer says in a sweet, motherly voice. "I am Princess Celestia. I would like to personally welcome you to Equestria." Her voice jars you back to reality. You attempt to mutter out an appropriate response.
"Your majesty, er, your grace, I am , uh, humbly delighted to make your aquaintance, I mean be granted an audience."
>The princess chuckles. "There is no need to obsess over formalities." She glances at her guards. "That goes for you two as well. Please, rise." After some brief hesitation, they do so. She hums her approval and returns her attention to you. "Now then, I believe we have much to discuss."
>She walks over to a couch on the opposite wall from you and sits. It's almost too small for her. You ease yourself back into your own seat.
>"Why don't you start? I'm sure you have many things you'd like to ask."
>That's an understatement, if you ever heard one. You were too distracted before, but now that you are actually thinking on it your head is swimming with questions. You take a deep breath to steady yourself.
"First off, how did you guys even find me?"
>"Why, the explosion, of course! I didn't hear it personally, but I'm told it was quite loud. Staff heard it two floors up, despite the room being sealed." Her expression grows concerned. "On that note, are you well? You might not have noticed, but the floor in the room you were in was scorched quite a bit."
>Huh, you actually hadn't. It was pretty dark, and by the time you had light enough to see, your attention was firmly elsewhere.
"I think I'm well enough. I woke up feeling a little sore, but that's mostly passed. What ever made that scorch mark didn't get me."
>She seems to ponder this before nodding. "Indeed, your clothing does not appear to have been singed, either. I would like a doctor to examine you later, all the same."
"I'd appreciate that myself."
>Her smile returns as she continues. "Now, if I may, I have a question of my own to ask."
"Of course."
>"Thank you. Do you know how you came to our world? Please take your time answering."
>You rub your chin and think. You recall that morning you were in doc Beige's kitchen, enjoying a steak and cheese omelet. Doc is rambling excitedly about EM frequency spikes and environmental saturation and you honestly just sort of tuned him out after that. All of it was over your head anyway. After that came the usual setting up in the lab, flipping the usual switches, and so on. Then he asks you to adjust something called a particle deflector, if that is even a thing. Apparently you did it wrong, crossed the streams, and kaboom. >Now you were either in a coma experiencing an incredibly elaborate delusion, or you were legit transported to another world.
>Dimension.
>Whatever.
"I was helping someone research...something. Not a scientist myself. There was an explosion, and I blacked out. Next thing I remember is waking up on the floor. That's really all I can say about it. Wish I could tell you more."
>"I understand. You've had a pretty rough experience, Anonymous."
"Just Anon is fine, princess."
>"Oh!" Celestia giggles. "And here I was the one insisting doing without formalities."
>You and the princess go back and forth for around half an hour. It's mostly little things, like what your home was like, where you are now currently, her duties and such. Finally, though, you get to the big question.
"Am I going to be able to return home?"
>At this, Celestia twists her mouth. "That...is difficult to say at this time."
"Has this never happened before?"
>The princess shakes her head. "You are not the first to come here from your world, rare as it is. Though it is strange."
"Strange how?"
>"When someone from your world enters ours, they...change. They take on a guise akin to ours. The reverse happens when any cross over to your world. Yet here you are, unchanged."
>She rises and walks over to you. "Perhaps it is due to the nature of your arrival, but you are unaffected by the magic that fills this land."
>You raise an eyebrow.
"Magic?"
>She gives you a mischievous smile. "Yes," her horn comes alight, momentarily followed by the water pitcher floating over and filling your glass while being held aloft by a similar light. "Magic."
"...I'm honestly not sure why I bothered being skeptical at this point."
>She lifts a hoof to her muzzle as she chortles. "Skepticism is a matter of course for those who come from your world." She taps her chin thoughtfully as you take a sip of water. "Except for sir Newton, he was quite open minded on the matter."
>You spit back into your glass some.
"Wait, who?"
>"Anyway, as I was saying before," Oh, okay, we're just glossing over that one, cool. "There have indeed been others to come before you, and there are means to send them back whence they came, if they so desired. However, given your unique circumstances, it would be ill advised to attempt them. Doing so could have disastrous results."
"Like?"
>"At worst, the very fabric of your being could be torn apart."
>Oh. Yeah, you like the part where that does not happen to you.
"So I guess I'm staying here for now?"
>"For the moment, yes. Don't worry, we'll accommodate you until you can get settled. I've contacted somepony to help look into your situation, and I'll send for a doctor to examine you." She extends her hoof toward you. "For the time being, I look forward to getting to know you better, Anon."
>You look at her hoof. Do you kiss it? No, that's too much. You don't know the customs around here anyway, best to avoid doing anything offensive. Or accidentally proposing to her, that would just be embarrassing for both of you. Instead, you just reach for it with your hand.
"Thanks. Same to you."
>As your hand touches her, you hear a crackling noise, followed by a pop and a flash of light at the point of contact.
>"Ouch!" Celestia hisses as she withdraws her hoof.
"S-sorry! Was that me?"
>You try to look as innocent as possible while praying they don't throw you in the dungeon. Buckler looks alarmed. The other guard seems agitated. Celestia, however, just studies her hoof with a curious expression.
>"Anon, I'd like to test a hypothesis. Do you mind?"
"Huh? Oh, no. Go right ahead."
>"Very well." She takes a step back. "Um, stand up, just to be safe." You comply, and her horn once again glows. You find yourself engulfed in the same golden aura the pitcher had been. Kind of tickles. It only lasts a split second though, as the aura contorts and bursts with an electric sizzle. Celestia shields her eyes, while you are briefly dazzled. She frowns as she examines you.
>"This... is far more severe than I realized. You are not merely unaffected by magic, you're repelling it. Quite violently, at that."
>You blanch at this.
"So, what, I can't touch anyone?"
>"That isn't necessarily the case. I am what is know as an alicorn. Magic flows through me much like blood flows through you." She gestures to her still flowing locks. "Case and point."
>Guess you won't be asking if you can touch it now.
"Then I don't need to worry about hurting anyone?"
>"Not at all. If you need further assurance," she glances behind her. "Young Buckler?" He's startled by her addressing him.
>"Y-you know my name?" he stammers. Celestia smiles at him warmly.
>"Of course, dear, I know all your names. Now, would you please show Anon he has nothing to worry about?"
>He looks at you, then back to her. She gives him a nod. Buckler swallows nervously as he slowly makes his was to you. He slowly raises a hoof and inches it towards you, wincing as he makes contact with your stomach.
>Nothing happens. He opens one eye, seeing his hoof has not burned away.
>"Phew!" he breathes as he slumps with relief. You abruptly clap hour hands together above his head.
"Boom!"
>"GAH!" he cries out as he falls to the floor.
>"What the hay, man?" he blurts angrily. The room is filled with hearty laughter. You both look up to see that it is Celestia, who is caught up in a laughing fit that comes dangerously close to being unladylike. You swear she nearly snorts 3 times.
>"P-princess? You're laughing at me?"
>Celestia calms down after a moment and offers him an assuring look.
>"Come now, it was a harmless jest. There's no need for hard feelings."
"Sorry, Buckler."
>You offer him a hand.
"You were acting so tense I couldn't resist."
>Buckler eyes you hand warily for a moment.
>Finally he smirks and accepts it as you pull him up.
>"You do realize I have to get you back for this now, right?"
"Oh, obviously."
>Celestia chuckles. "Now then, it will be time for dinner soon. Anon, would you care to join me?"
"Sure, so long as I can digest whatever is being served."
>"I'm sure the chef can improvise an appropriate menu. Let's be off, then"
>A while later you are sitting at a table in a dining hall. It is not as lavish as you expected. Perhaps this is just Celestia's personal one, and a more grandiose hall for events is somewhere else.
>Celestia looks up from her salad, which you are currently eating a duplicate of.
>"Is it to your liking?"
>You nod.
>Honestly, you weren't much of a salad eater, but you weren't about to turn down anything they were generously offering you.
>Plus you had to admit these were some pretty kick ass veggies. Not trace of wilting or any other sort of blemish, and incredibly fresh.
>Next is some bread and soup, vegetable of course.
>After that is some kind of pilaf with stuffed mushrooms, which was actually pretty awesome.
>You start thinking that it might not be so bad to resign yourself to a vegetarian lifestyle from this point on.
>Which is why you are a bit shocked when the chef wheels out your main course: a fish filet with a poached egg on the side.
>You look to Celestia questioningly, who seems to have anticipated your concern.
>"While I and many of my subjects do not indulge in it, fish are commonly consumed by many races in Equestria. No need to feel conscious about it."
"If you say so."
>You hesitate briefly, but then you realize they already cut it up and roasted it. It wasn't like eating it would make it any deader than it already was.
>Polishing it off rather quickly, it WAS pretty tasty, the chef brings you a plate of fruit and yogurt for desert.
>"Goodness, I seem to have overslept more than I realized."
>You see a new pony entering the hall. She's another aliwhatzit, from what you can tell.
>Where Celestia's mane was was a brilliant aurora, hers was that of a starry sky, with a midnight coat to match.
>Doesn't quite have the regality of Celestia, maybe due to her smaller stature.
>"Good morning, Luna." Celestia warmly greets the newcomer.
>"Good morning to you, sister." Luna eyes you curiously. "So you are the guest the castle staff has been a clamor about."
>You clear you throat as you wipe your mouth with a napkin.
"Yes, I'm Anonymous, just Anon is fine though."
>"Greetings and good tidings to you, Anon. I am Princess Luna. If my sister is ever unavailable to assist you, do seek me out. I will provide what assistance I can. Though be advise that I sleep for most of the day time."
>You can't help but pick up that she didn't discourage you addressing her with her title. Maybe she's sensitive about it.
"Thanks, I'll be sure to do that."
>Celestia levitates a bell and rings it.
>Shortly after, a unicorn mare with glasses, collar, and cravat enters the hall and patiently waits at her side.
>"Anon, once you are ready, Raven here will escort you to a guest room. I'll send a doctor shortly after. If you need something do not hesitate to call."
>You nod and carefully rise from your seat.
"I suppose I'm ready now. Nice meeting you, Princess. I hope we get a chance to talk again soon."
>She smiles, finally seeming to relax. "Likewise, Anon. Dream well."
>You walk over to Raven and she gives you a silent nod as she leads you out the hall.
>Today has been exhausting, if not pleasant enough. There's still a lot you don't understand, and many questions you'd like answered. For now, though, you are content to just sleep on it.