> A Place to Call Home
>  by starshine_dash
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Unexpected Guests
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I do not believe the English language has the words to accurately describe just how weird today was. I'm not even sure the words exist in any other language on Earth, though considering my knowledge of them is limited, I can't say for sure. Where do I even begin? I suppose I should just start where I came into it, this morning, when I woke up.

To me, it was another Tuesday. I woke up when my body demanded I use the facilities so I rolled out of bed, saw that the clock on the wall told me it was six in the morning, and wandered into the attached bathroom. The sun was barely rising in the sky if the light filtering through the curtains was any indication. I keep my windows blocked with curtains that block light, heat, and cold since I prefer light levels a little lower than natural due to some minor light sensitivity. I finished my business and washed my hands in preparation for my weekly shave. I've never found electric razors to work all that well, even when I used them daily, so I took to using manual razors once or twice a week out of laziness. Not the best thing for a person trying to transition, but then again I wasn't receiving much help on that front from anyone local and I couldn't really afford it to begin with. So I was stuck with shaving when I had the energy or when it got too itchy.

I had finished shaping my beard down into a perfect Riker when I heard some voices outside my room. Rinsing off the cream with a promise to finish shaving later to the mirror I quickly scarfed my morning pills and exited my bathroom, padding softly across the floor towards my door.

"Are you sure someone's in there?" said a raspy female voice.

"There has to be, I heard water running and the door is locked," replied another feminine voice as the door knob shook as if someone was testing the lock. Even if that failed, I had the door chain drawn and a deadbolt lock as well. Some people call me paranoid, I call myself a very private individual. Also, when you live with five other people of varying criminal backgrounds and don't trust very easily... Well, you get the picture.

The two voices outside continued arguing over the occupancy of the room as I retrieved some weapons I was sorely unequipped to handle properly. I was really only a collector with just a minor amount of skill in the use of a foil from a few years of fencing almost seven years ago. Primarily I kept them around as a scare tactic in case of robbery or drunk persons who stumbled into my room during a party.

I put my Lloth tribute dagger down the back of a pair of pants I quickly threw on, as it wouldn't really do to fight robbers in the nude, and I wasn't really happy enough with my body to show them that much. Plus there would be the headline: Man, naked, killed defending worthless possessions. Tossing on one of my T-shirts, a particular favorite, I grabbed the one sharp sword I actually owned and turned back to the door.

You may think I'm taking this rather calmly, but I'm just recounting my actions, not my mental state. I was rushing about madly in a sheer panic, the sweat dripping down my face as my heart threatened to beat straight out of my chest. By the time I reached the door, whoever was outside had managed to pick the regular lock and the deadbolt and seemed to be having issues figuring out the chain. I slipped behind the door and gaped as the chain became enveloped in a light purple glow, removing itself from its carriage and dropping loose. Shaking, I grabbed the door knob, stepping around as I yanked the door open, brandishing my sword.

I looked out into the hallway and saw a certain blue pegasus with a rainbow mane hovering where my hallway and robbers should have been. Instead, I got her, a view of Ponyville, and a blast of magic in the chest courtesy of one overpowered unicorn who apparently panicked when she saw my weapon.

Thankfully, I landed on my bed with just the wind knocked out of me. Gasping for air, I looked back out the door and my panic attack peaked. I felt the blood drain from my head, my vision went gray as sparks danced through air, that funny taste in my mouth like I'd licked a battery, and then nothing. Usually I can get them under control, but thinking I'm being robbed only to see two cartoon ponies outside my bedroom door? Yeah, not much to stop me from passing out from that.

My next memory is waking up on my bed, with all six of the elements of harmony standing around it in discussion about what I was and why I was here. I faked unconsciousness for a bit to try and listen to them.

"It doesn't seem hurt, Twilight... I um, I think you just scared it," said a certain yellow mare I was wearing on my shirt, "Its clothes are a little... disturbingly flattering, but otherwise, it seems fine to me. That's just my opinion though, I'm probably wrong..."

"Ahm just wonderin how the hay it got here, with this strange house. Ah ain't never seen anythin' like some of this stuff."

"All these swords, must be a savage and barbaric race, darling. Are you sure we should be standing so close?"

"Most of these aren't even sharp, Rarity," came that raspy voice again, "Probably just decoration, like those masks at Zecora's."

Pinkie, who had been disturbingly silent so far, finally gasped, "I know what this is, this is one of those humans Lyra is always going on about! Ohmigosh I never thought I'd actually see a real one in person! I need to go get the welcome wagon!" she said before I heard hoofsteps retreating into the distance.

I took a sudden slow, deep breath, letting it out and slowly, carefully opening my eyes, not moving any other part of my body. Aside from Twilight and Pinkie, they were all standing right next to my bed, staring at me. Twilight was reading one of the books from my shelf and seemed to be engrossed in it, "Enjoying the book, Twilight?" I asked softly, trying to keep myself from being too loud.

She blinked and they all had various looks of shock on their faces. I couldn't suppress a grin as I slowly pushed myself up into a sitting position and slowly brought my legs up and crossed them. Sitting there, I looked around at my room. It was mostly intact, just a few things moved around as if someone, or somepony, had picked them up to look at them closer and then put them down without thinking about the original location. I'd have to fix that later.

"How do you know my name?" the unicorn finally asked, "And why do you have Fluttershy on your shirt? I'm guessing that's a shirt..."

"It's a shirt, and I'm a human, and I'd be perfectly willing to explain all of that but you have to promise me not to hit me with one of those beams again. They sting."

"Very well, but if you do anything to hurt any of us, I will have to restrain you."

"Understood, Miss Sparkle. Now, to prove I have no intent in actually hurting any of you, if you would remove the dagger from the back of my pants? It's rather uncomfortable."

She slipped a little behind me and I felt the weapon rise away from me before appearing in my face, "So if you don't want to hurt us, why do you have all these weapons?"

"They're mostly for show, but let's get back to the original questions first, so I can catch up and not get too far off track explaining things you haven't asked yet," I said, before taking a deep breath, "I know your name and have Fluttershy on my shirt because I'm from another world, I guess."

"You guess?"

I nodded, "To be honest, you are all characters on a television cartoon meant for little girls, but you have vast numbers of fans of all age groups. I went to bed last night in a two story house with five other people, but from the looks of it," I said, nodding to my still open bedroom door, "I seem to have been ripped from that location and brought here. This would be Ponyville, in Equestria, under the rule of Princesses Celestia and Luna, correct?"

"That's correct, yes," she said, looking at me curiously, "I suppose it could be possible, weirder things have happened, and humans are just a story here... If we're a story there, it gives credence to one of the multiverse theories," she said before I held up a hand.

"As much as I'm sure you'd like to, I really can't handle a rant on dimensional transportation theories right now, Miss Sparkle... I'm more concerned with what's going to happen to me."

"What do you mean?"

"One question first, before I start rambling in panic, What was the last major event that happened?"

"Uh... Rarity was kidnapped by Diamond Dogs," offered Rainbow Dash.

"Okay, so why am I worried about what's going to happen to me? I'm a mythical creature who has apparently appeared out nowhere with items and technology never or rarely seen on your world as well as knowledge of your futures and details about each and every one of you that probably should not be publicly known. I'm fu-... I'm terrified!" I said, breathing heavily, the panic creeping back up on me. Everything felt far away and I could barely hear. I closed my eyes and took several deep breathes, "I need water," I said, standing and stumbling into my bathroom. I cranked the faucet on cold, splashed my face, and bent under the tap to take a few deep draws of the water.

"Wait... How is this water still flowing?" I asked aloud to myself before grabbing a towel to dry my face.

"That is a very good question..."

"It tastes cleaner than usual as well, like it tapped into a local spring..."

Twilight entered my bathroom and sent a pulse of magic through the pipes, "Odd, it's connected itself to the water table and even has an outflow for sewage..."

"I... Well, plumbing is interesting, but I'm more worried about me. I'd rather not question providence, but I'd rather you let the Princess know I've shown up so she can decide to put me in a dungeon or leave me in peace," I said, walking over and flopping into my computer chair.

"I'm sure she won't put you in prison just for arriving," the purple unicorn said, looking up at me as I watched Rainbow Dash examine my sword collection again.

"You haven't read any of the stories I have," I retorted, "Then again, those were fiction... about fiction, so who knows what's right or not? Keep the book, Miss Sparkle, if you want, I have the rest."

"Thank you, this Dresden character is really interesting, though is the author really a butcher?"

I laughed, well, more snorted, "No, it's just a name where I'm from. Someone in his family tree probably was a few hundred years ago though. It's complicated."

"I see. I have so many more questions!"

"Well, I may be a captive audience soon, so, if you all wouldn't mind getting out of my room for a bit, I'll make myself a bit more presentable," I was interrupted by my stomach growling for breakfast, "and then maybe one of you kind ladies can help me find breakfast... though I'm afraid I don't have any bits."

"Ah think ah can spot you a few apples if ye're that hard up, sugarcube," Applejack said as she trotted out the door.

"Thank you, Applejack. Just give me a few minutes and I'll be right out," I said, ushering Rarity and Rainbow Dash out of the door before closing it. I didn't bother with the lock since I knew Twilight could just pick it again, so I returned to the bathroom and began to finish shaving, trying to take my mind off the entire ordeal.

I have to say I handled it pretty well, for a while. I finished shaving, took stock of my pill supply, and even managed to get the shower running before I had to dive over to the toilet and vomit what little remained in my stomach from dinner last night. I wretched for some time before I was able to flush and return to the sink. I brushed my teeth to get the taste out of my mouth and took a fresh set of pills, considering the ones I had taken were currently swirling through Ponyville's sewage system. Stripping off the clothes I was wearing, I stepped into the shower, letting the warm water splash over me.

Grabbing my body wash, I began to clean myself while wondering what the hell I had gotten myself into. I was used to weird shit. My friends and I all believed in the paranormal, from personal experience, but this was a whole brand new level, "Okay... Fact one: I fell asleep in my bed after another night of playing video games and watching videos on youtube. Fact Two: I had a dream about flying to Canterlot and meeting Luna for tea. Fact three: I hate tea. Fact four: I am now either in Ponyville, in a reasonable facsimile, still dreaming, or hallucinating. Fact five: I only have sixty days of my medication," I paused, rinsing the shampoo out of my hair, "This... is not going to be as fun as I'd hoped..."

I stepped out of the shower and dried myself, before returning to my room and putting on some clean clothes. I made sure not to wear any pony merchandise, and I definitely made absolutely sure none of my tattoos were visible. The last thing I needed was a slue of questions about misplaced and mismatched cutie marks or wondering if I had the dreaded Cutie Pox. Those questions could come later, after I'd found out if I was going to be able to remain free. I decided against bringing any of my weapons with me and instead settled for my usual pocketfuls of coins, loose mints, my wallet, and after debating it for a while, my keys. My car was lost to another universe, but I could still lock up my room. I pulled a pair of sandals from the closet, where I'd stuffed them when winter had come, and I didn't want to wander around barefoot just yet.

I left and was immediately assaulted by how clean the air smelled. Even living in the country where I come from there was always something, and I had expected that wonderful smell of horse that I always associated with being around them. Apparently, that smell didn't exist here, or I didn't notice it. All I could smell was... clean air, some flowers nearby, and something baking off in the distance.  I turned around to lock my door and was shocked at what I saw.

What had been plain white walls with alternating video game and anime posters were now wooden siding with windows built in. Inside there were none, but I imagined it would be a simple matter to cut out the wall on the other side. There was even a nicely shingled roof!

"What in the name of..." I muttered, only to have Twilight come up next to me and answer.

"We were asking the same question. A new house just showing up in the middle of the night is not something that happens."

"Neither is suddenly waking up and finding yourself in Ponyville... Speaking of which, where are we?"

"You're down the road from Fluttershy's house, between there and the main section of town."

I chuckled and turned around to take in the view, "Well, at least I didn't drop into the middle of town square."

"You'd have had quite a few more ponies knocking at your door, that's for sure," she said with a grin, "Come this way, we'll be waiting for Princess Celestia's response at the library."

"You didn't tell her about me knowing the future did you?"

"I mentioned something about that, yes."

"Well, now the knowledge is mostly invalidated, don't you know any theories on time travel?"

"A few, one of which states that knowledge of the future is only knowledge of one possible future and can be used to prevent it."

"Or can be used to make it a reality. That's a lesson you'll have to learn eventually."

"I will?"

I shrugged as we walked, "Honestly, don't take anything I say about this place as fact. It's all hearsay, assumption, or filtered through the minds of people writing for little girls," I said, unwilling to mention the perverts, grimdarks, or downright nutters, "Besides, I like the role of the cryptic fortune teller."

"I think Pinkie has the hat for that," she muttered, chuckling.

"Between her Pinkie sense and my, uh, fortunes, I think you have your work cut out for you."

She sighed, "So I shouldn't even bother, then?"

"Like I told you, you guys are just stories where I'm from."

"So are you," she countered as I started to limp slightly from the long walk, "Are you alright?"

"I was in an accident about 10 years ago. The doctors say there's nothing physically wrong with my ankle, but I know my foot is at a different angle than it was before the accident, so either a bone broke inside and they couldn't see it in an x-ray, or  it shifted all the bones into a different alignment. Needless to say, it's chronic pain if I walk for longer than 10 minutes, and we've been going for about 15 if my watch is still right. I didn't realize Fluttershy lived this far outside of town."

"She lives right on the border of the Everfree Forest and Ponyville was built a 'safe distance' from it."

I nodded as I spotted the library, "I hope you don't mind if I sit down as we get there."

"Of course not."

I finally looked around, having mostly been observing the path and the pony next to me, and finally saw the rest of the town. Ponies were going about their lives, doing double-takes in my direction before galloping off or tentatively following from a distance. I could feel the anxiety creeping up the back of my neck as I realized I had so many eyes on me. I increased my pace slightly, taking the pain in my ankle over the stares any day.

Twilight easily kept pace, but didn't ask why I sped up until we reached the door, "Are you alright?"

"I have some pretty severe anxiety issues, and having all those ponies looking at me is not helping," I said through clenched teeth, my hand bouncing on my leg in a developed rhythm I fully blame on The Doctor and The Master. I can't help being a geek even in completely terrifying situations, it seems. Twilight finally opened the door and I dashed inside, finding something softish to collapse on and rubbing my ankle once I was seated.

"Anxiety is pretty common even among ponies. How's your counseling going?"

"I take anti-anxiety medication. Counseling doesn't really... It's not my thing," I said, grumbling, "Let's not get into my issues yet. I have about sixty days until it becomes a problem."

"Withdrawal symptoms?" she asked.

I simply nodded as the other ponies gathered around. I sighed, I knew how this went, or at least how dozens of authors thought it would go. Pinkie would host a party, I'd end up meeting the princesses, falling in love with a pony, and living happily ever after. Not bloody likely, given my mental status.

Twilight opened her mouth to ask another question, I assumed, before I held up a hand to stop her, "I would just like to get a couple of things out in the open first. While I'm not a carnivore, I do eat meat on occasion, less so lately that I've been on a diet but it's still an essential part of my nutrition, so, I'm sorry, but that's that. I don't eat ponies though," I said at the look of terror on Fluttershy's face, "I have many odd mannerisms that will definitely confuse you, but please let me know if any of them are offensive. I also have medical problems that are currently handled by complex drugs that I doubt are available in this world so in sixty days, if I'm not home, I better have a replacement or I become even less fun to be around. Also, I really hope you have coffee or soda here because my caffeine addiction is severe and the migraine is really not something I want to deal with."

They all processed my rant for a moment, before my hostess spoke up, "Well, we do have coffee, though I think I own one of three coffee pots in Ponyville... As far as your medication, I can take a look at it and see if there aren't some natural remedies that can replace them, but you really should consider therapy. I don't know if there's anything that can be done about your ankle, but we can check after I receive a response from the Princess."

I nodded and sat there, absorbing the awkward silence that descended like a sponge while I ate the apples that Applejack had brought until Spike coughed and burped up a scroll that Twilight reflexively caught in her magic and unrolled. She scanned the letter with what she believed to be a neutral expression but I could read the nervousness and then relief in her face. Ponies are surprisingly expressive if you watch them close enough.

"Bad news?" I asked, watching the other ponies for a reaction. Pinkie was still missing and I gathered my room was now party central. I only hoped she hadn't broken anything important.

"I wouldn't say that. Allow me...." the unicorn said and took a deep breath.





Dear Twilight Sparkle,

I admit some shock in hearing about your newly arrived guest in Ponyville. I had sensed something unusual last night, but I attributed it to my sister flexing her powers. She is recovering quite well from her ordeal. I must ask that you not question your visitor about the future. Some things are not meant to be known, no matter how much we want to. If he wants to reveal anything, allow him, but please do not badger him for information.

I will have some time this coming weekend and I believe I would like to meet this visitor from another world. If you would not mind, I will arrive sometime after sunset in three days time. In the meantime, please make him feel comfortable and assure him that I mean him no harm unless he brings harm to my little ponies first.

Any other concerns he or I may have will be addressed at our meeting.

Your Mentor,

Princess Celestia of Equestria





"Well, I suppose I can handle that. I definitely don't want to hurt any of you, you girls are awesome! If you couldn't tell from my shirt and the posters, I'm somewhat of a fan."

Rainbow Dash puffed up a bit while Fluttershy hid behind her mane in that way she always does, adding a blush this time. Applejack just placed a hoof behind her head and looked at the floor as Rarity smiled and looked at something above Twilight's left shoulder. Twilight just blushed and looked over at Spike.

"Ugh, how could I forget Spike. Come here, man," I said, offering a hand to him, "I wanna teach you something only we can do."

"Huh?" he asked, stepping forward and grabbing my hand, "What do you mean?"

"You've never had a thumb war with Twilight, I'm sure."

"A... thumb war?"

"Here," I said, grabbing his little claws and maneuvering our hands into the proper position, "Now, this is how you start," I said, moving our thumbs back and forth while reciting the ancient creed, "One, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war!"

He just looked at our hands, and then back to me, "Now what?"

I grinned, "Now, you take your thumb, and try to pin mine down for a three count. I try to do the same. It's a test of agility and strength!"

He grinned and starting waggling his thumb around, trying to get it on top of mine while I tried to avoid his claw. He managed to get me and let me tell you, baby dragons are STRONG. It felt like I was thumb wrestling my father. He counted to three as quick as he could and then pumped his fists in the air while I laughed.

The others joined in at the display and I smiled, "See? Need thumbs to do that, and I see only two pair in the room."

Rainbow rolled her eyes as I stood and stretched, "Well, those apples were tasty, but if you couldn't tell, I'm a bit bigger round the middle. Don't suppose you know of some way I could make bits that wouldn't involve being on my feet for an extended period of time?"

Applejack looked stunned, "What, big stallion like yerself ain't got the strength for real work?"

"No I don't, Applejack. I was injured about 10 years ago and the damage causes chronic pain and difficulty walking. You saw me limp over here. Most of my strength these days is here," I said, tapping my temple, "but even that falters occasionally."

Twilight thought for a moment, as did everypony else, except me. I hoped there would be something around here for me. Maybe running some pony's sale cart in the market, since I could sit on a stool to do that. I hated having to live off someone else, and the guilt would be too great to bear.

"How are you with a needle and thread, darling?" Rarity asked me, at last.

"I tend to stab myself, but I can repair minor damage if I have supplies, missing buttons and the like. Saves me money on clothes if I can just fix them up."

She nodded, "Well, fixing damage is by no means regular work, but an extra pair of hooves around would help out once in a while."

"Well, you know where I live, just let me know if you need me."

Another nod was given as I looked at the rest, Rainbow shrugged helplessly and Applejack just rolled her eyes again. I looked between Fluttershy and Twilight, hoping one of them had something more appealing than needlework. Fluttershy looked up and then back down, before muttering something softly. I barely picked out a few words, "Sorry, Miss Shy, could you please speak up a little?" I asked as gently as I could.

She swallowed, "Um, how are you with... um, animals?" she asked. I should have figured.

"I like them, but they don't usually like me for the most part, and I'm allergic to anything with wool or lots of dander."

She lowered her head, "I see, I could use help feeding them all sometimes, that is, if you don't mind."

"I wouldn't mind, I live close after all."

"Th-thank you."

Twilight smiled, "You can also help me reshelve books occasionally if you want."

Rainbow Dash blinked, "Hey! I just realized. You know all of us, but you never told us your name!"

I winced, "Well, I don't like the name I was born with... but I guess since I'm in a new world I can choose what to be called... For now, call me Tera."

"Tara?"

"With an e instead of the first a. It's short for a pseudonym I use on something called the internet, and Tara is the name I was going to use when I finished transitioning."

Twilight opened her mouth, but I held up a hand again, "That's another whole kettle of worms I don't feel like getting into on an almost empty stomach. It must be nearly noon by now. Normally I'd go out for lunch but I doubt anypony here will take my money," I said, pulling it out of my pockets, a wad of loose bills of varying denominations and a pile of change.

Rarity's eye twitched slightly and Twilight's eyes went wide, "What are those coins made out of?"

"Uh, the brown ones are zinc with a copper coat... The silver ones I think are tin? I'm not sure, I don't remember."

"Well, some of those metals can be rather hard to come by. What about those green things?"

"It's a cotton blend I think. I'm not familiar with how the government makes their money, really."

"Well, there's a metallurgist in the main square that can determine the value of those coins. Do you have any more?"

"I have a 10 gallon water jug filled with pennies, the copper ones," I said. Rarity's eye twitched again so I looked over at her and raised an eyebrow, "Are you alright, Lady Rarity?"

She blinked in shock and put a hoof to her chest, "Sorry, dear. I was just thinking. If you have anything made of alloys, they could be quite valuable. Most alloys are incredibly difficult to forge around here. Even our guards use magically enhanced gold for armor instead of something naturally stronger."

"Most metals other than gold are rare in this world then?" I asked, only because I was confused.

"No, not really," said Twilight, "They're just controlled by other nations who only export small amounts to Equestria."

"I see. Most of my sword collection is stainless steel..." I said tentatively. Rarity and Twilight gaped while Applejack and Spike's eyes went wide. Rainbow was reading Daring Do, "So, is that good?"

"Stainless steel is never exported, and we don't have sufficient chromium deposits to make our own in anything other than minute quantities," Twilight said, "We use most of what we have for medical tools!"

I winced slightly and stood, "Well, let's get back to my room.... house... place... and we can see if I can buy us lunch."

The walk back was relatively quiet, aside from my ongoing discussion about the similarities between Daring Do and Indiana Jones with Twilight and Rainbow. I had snagged the first book in the series from the library before we left and as I unlocked the door and entered my room I set it on my computer desk. I was more surprised that there was no Pinkie party ready to blast me back out of the door with the force of her cannon, "I guess she's waiting for later," I said as I entered and made my way to my dresser. I had a display of japanese styled swords that were just stainless steel replicas so I tossed those on the bed. If this was a dream, no harm done. If I couldn't get home, I needed the bits more than I needed to show off weapons of societies completely unknown to the local population. If I could get home, well, I'd have their weight in bits of gold to make up for it.

I opened a drawer and pulled out a tray of silver throwing knives I had acquired because, well, I'm weird, "How is silver? I bought these in case of werewolves or other supernatural beings weak to silver, but I've never needed them."

"Silver is valuable, yes. There are supernatural things where you're from?"

"Most people don't believe in them, but I've had enough experiences to believe that there's something going on outside of normal," I said, closing the drawer and going to my closet. Opening it, I pushed aside my nicer button shirts and reached into the back, pulling out sword after sword until half a dozen of varying sizes had been tossed onto the bed. I left the rest in case I needed them later or because they weren't steel. Turning back to the bed, I saw Twilight gaping at the weapons, "Yeah, not a friendly world, but these are all just for show."

"I can see that. Some of these are huge..." she said, levitating a flamberge in front of her and removing it from its sheath, "This kind of craftponyship on a replica is amazing."

"If you think that's big..." I said, ducking back into the closet, pulling out my full eight foot long Scottish claymore. It was heavy and I think Rarity fainted at the sight, but I was too busy watching Twilight go over the math in her head, "Now, the ones on the bed are fair game, but I'm keeping this one, since it has sentimental value, and the one by the door, since it's actually sharp."

Twilight nodded and we walked out, with Rarity and Twilight dragging the jug full of pennies  with Applejack pushing it along and myself carrying the bulk of the swords. We finally reached the metallurgist's shop and entered, ponies first, with myself ducking in after. I won't go into much detail here, as half the language the two unicorns used was completely over my head, but suffice to say, I didn't really need to worry about work for a little while.  Jingling a small pouch of bits in my hand, the rest accessible through the Equestrian banking system should I need it, I grinned, "So, ladies, lunch at Sugarcube Corner? My treat?"

Rainbow Dash and Twilight nodded eagerly, Applejack shrugged, Rarity gave me a slight nod, and Fluttershy just stood there. Shrugging, we made our way to the famous (to me) confectionery and entered. I should have expected it, I really should have, but I didn't, so I caught the full blast of a group of ponies shouting "SURPRISE!" at the top of their lungs, followed by a bouncing pink blur dragging me to the center of the room. It seemed Pinkie had borrowed the Doctor's TARDIS for this little event as there were an absolute ton of perplexed ponies present. I shook off the surprise and looked around, smiling nervously, as I noticed the "Welcome to Ponyville" banner hanging from the ceiling.

"Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie, but you knew that already! You probably know every pony in this room, don't you? We don't know you though, so I had to throw a welcome to Ponyville party so you could meet everypony and we could have some fun before Celestia got her hooves on you and did herself knows what. Do you like cupcakes? Everypony likes cupcakes! You're not a pony though, can you even eat cupcakes? I should have thought of that, but there's so much more than cupcakes! There's cake and cookies and candy and punch and pie and strudel and..."

"And plenty more, Pinkie, I'm sure, thank you," I said, smiling and putting a hand on her mane. I thought it would feel like cotton candy, but it felt soft and wonderful like a beautiful head of curly hair. I knelt down and looked her in the eyes, "I'd love a cupcake, Pinkie."

She grinned and bounced off, returning with a tray of cupcakes balanced on her head. I took one with a thank you and moved around the room, greeting ponies I knew and learning the names of the ones I didn't. I didn't last long though. My social anxiety quickly filled up to the brim so I pulled Pinkie aside as the evening began to get deeper.

"Hi, Tera! Are you having fun? This is such a good party, isn't it? Then again I always throw a good party!" she said, giggling.

I chuckled as well, "The party is wonderful, Pinkie, but I need to go. I have some problems being around crowds for too long, so I need to get some fresh air and something a bit more substantial than cupcakes and sweets for dinner."

She pouted for a moment, but I would not be swayed. She brought the grin back when I looked honestly guilty about having to leave, "Okidokie Loki! I'm glad you had a good time, will I see you around Ponyville now?"

"Yes, though if you don't see me for a day, come knock on my door. I tend to get wrapped in solitude and doing things alone. I imagine I'll be up all hours tonight trying to figure out where to put a kitchen in that tiny place."

"Oh! You should go around back, there's a lot more space back there than there should be. Like the windows on the front!"

I raised my eyebrows, "Really? I'll have to check..." I said, standing back up and patting her head again. She smiled up at me as I turned to leave. Once I got to the door, I turned around, "Everypony, thank you for coming and making me feel a little less awkward, but, I need to get some air, so I'll see every one of you around town, I hope."

After making my speech, I ducked out the door and took a deep breath as the pressure and heat of the room bled off of me and floated away. I walked slowly down the square toward what looked like a restaurant. I entered and found that most of the staff must have been at the party, but there was one waiter floating around looking bored, "Um, hello? Are you open?"

He blinked and then stared at me, "Y-yes, sir... We are. Let me get you a menu." he said, levitating one over before leading me to a sit. I snagged a stool from the bar to sit on and followed him over. I sat myself down and took the menu from him, "Something to drink while you decide?"

I looked over the menu and saw something I had hoped to see. They were labeled differently, but they were definitely sodas. Even better, they were all natural, "Yes, I'll have the Fountain Spray," I said, hoping it was either clear and citrusy or green and citrusy. He nodded and went to retrieve my drink while I scanned the menu. The fare was vegetarian, but I was glad to see things like eggs and milk were used. I looked for something that would hopefully be something I could digest and smiled to myself as I saw two items that were usually good no matter where you went.

As I folded the menu and set it down, my waiter returned with the soda. I was glad to find out it was closer to Sierra Mist than it was to Sprite or 7-Up, and set the glass down, "Ready to order?" he asked casually.

I nodded, "I'd like to start with the fried mozzarella, and then I'd like the spaghetti and garlic bread."

"Very well, it'll be out shortly," he said, turning to leave me be. I looked out the window as the ponies dispersed back into town from the party, some heading this way to come into work or dinner. I was surprised when my six favorite friends entered and moved to my table.

"Well, hello, ladies," I said with a smile, "I guess we never did get that lunch."

"No, we didn't," said Rainbow, rolling her eyes, "You still treating?"

"Of course, have a seat," I replied, waving for the waiter. He walked over with a raised brow and everypony ordered their own dinner. We chatted quietly until dinner arrived, at which point we devoured it rapidly in silence. I was impressed with the practiced ease the non-unicorns used silverware for dishes more complicated than a sandwich. After we finished, we sat digesting for a while and I brought something up, "Well, ladies, as you've seen, I have a bedroom and a bathroom. How much would adding a few rooms cost if I wanted to?"

Applejack shrugged and took another swig of her sarsaparilla, "Ahd say it shouldn't be too much, pardner. If you design it yerself ya just need to pay fer materials and labor and that shouldn't put much of a dent in yer bits."

I nodded, "Well, I'm not a designer by any means. Lady Rarity," I said, turning toward the pure white unicorn. She was blushing again, apparently calling her a Lady was a good thing, "How much would it be to hire your services for interior design and decorations?"

She looked thoughtful for a moment, "Well, considering the unique nature of the job, I will design just for the challenge. And since you'll be coming to me for future clothing needs anyway, yes?" I nodded, "Then I suppose I can decorate for the challenge as well."

"You are too generous for your own good, my lady. I insist on paying at least for the cost of the materials and a little extra for your time."

"Nonsense, darling. The challenge is enough."

I rolled my eyes, having to deal with the bloody element of generosity shouldn't be this taxing, "Rarity, even if you deny me a written list of costs, you will receive a bag of bits in your hoof whether you want it or not."

She sighed and looked at me, pointedly ignoring Rainbow's facehoof, "Tera, you are new here, and have barely more than the clothes on your back, I couldn't in good conscience..."

I interrupted, "I have more bits than all of you combined, forgive my bluntness, but I'm paying you if I have to tape it to your flank."

Every pony at the table blushed at that, with Applejack glaring at me and Rainbow trying to suppress a giggle and failing miserably. Rarity recovered quickly, "Very well then. I will provide you a receipt for the cost of materials when the job is completed."

"Don't forget, or, tape. I hear it's terrible to get off if you're covered in hair."

I noticed Twilight shudder and smirked softly. Looks like I had a tale to learn later. The waiter returned with the bill and I counted out the bits to pay and a generous tip for putting up with my strange self. We all left together, after I apologized for the joke since I didn't really want to get bucked by Applejack on my first day. I excused myself to my small home, followed by Rarity who needed to see what she had to work with. We examined the external structure and found that it did indeed extend back quite a bit with windows that looked into open space and the opposite wall of my bedroom. I would have to move my bed, but it seemed that there was plenty of space for everything I needed. I silently thanked my mysterious benefactor and turned to Rarity, "It's not much to work with, but I only need a sitting slash living room and a kitchen with a dining area."

"It shouldn't be any problem. I should have something after your meeting with the Princess."

"Sounds good to me."

"I must ask, since it is bothering me, why are you wearing such... tacky clothing?"

"I am not comfortable with my body, if you're asking why I'm wearing clothes at all. I have no problems with wondering around nude, I do it in my room often, the problem comes when I have other people, or ponies, looking at me. As for the tackyness, I prefer to be relaxed and comfortable, so I wear what fits and is such."

She nodded, "Well, if you need something more formal, please come and see me."

"I need to get some time alone, so would it be alright if you stopped by tomorrow afternoon to see if anything I already own is fit for a meeting in the library with the Princess?"

"Absolutely. I'll bring my measuring tape just in case!" she said excitedly before we said our good byes and I entered my room. I flopped down in my computer chair, exhausted, and by reflex I pushed the button to turn it on.

I rolled my eyes at my own stupidity until I heard the fan start blowing air and the drives whir to life. I gaped stupidly at my own computer for several minutes until it finished booting up. Deciding I would need some way to keep track of what happened here in Equestria, and at the very least an interesting story for if I returned home, I opened up a new text document and got to work.

That brings us to where we are now. I'm tired and need another shower after walking around in what I'm guessing is late summer Ponyville weather and being in a confined space with a hundred or so ponies. I'm going to shower, go to bed, and then see if I wake up at home or in Ponyville. At this point, either option is believable. Though, thinking about it, a panic attack and being blasted in the chest by Twilight should have been enough to wake me if this were a dream. That narrows it down to a coma, head trauma, or full blown psychosis. Or I'm actually in Equestria, which I'm not quite ready to believe. I guess I'll look for those things that are always wrong, if I can even identify them, aside from everyone being a talking pony.
> Adjustment
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After I finished writing yesterday's events, I booted up one of the many games my computer had installed and played something to tire myself out. I took my pills for the evening and climbed into bed around two AM. It took another lengthy period of time before I fell asleep, but I finally did. I slept well, I suppose, and as usual I didn't remember my dreams. I awoke with an unfamiliar weight on my chest and something soft tickling my nose. Thinking that my cat, Mouse, had indeed somehow made the journey with me, I reached up to pet him, only to hear a feminine giggle as I ran my hand through a soft, curly mane. I sniffed, catching a scent of baked goods before I rolled over and sneezed violently.

I heard a loud shriek and something thud to the floor as I sat up and sniffled, sneezing again, "What the... Pinkie?" I asked, when I got my air back.

"Hi!" she said, bouncing back up onto my bed. I clutched the covers over myself, having slept naked, "I thought I'd come over and we could hang out today! You're new in town so somepony needs to give you a tour and I know every thing and every pony in town!"

"I uh, appreciate that, Pinkie. What time is it?"

"Almost noon, silly! You sleep late! Every pony has been wondering where you are."

"I was up until after midnight. It's my natural sleep schedule," I said, staring at her, "How did you get in here?"

"Through a window, then the wall," she said, pointing to a perfectly carved hole to the rest of the house.

"Please don't do that again, Pinkie. Um, can you, wait outside so I can get dressed?"

"Why? You look fine like that, like a teddy bear!"

"Where I come from, it's kind of a rule, both in law and in morality, not to be naked in front of others. There are places where it's allowed, but they're strictly regulated, and I'm really not comfortable with my body."

She frowned and then hugged me suddenly before bouncing out the door she made to wait in the other room, "Well hurry up then, silly!"

I rolled out of bed, making sure she wasn't looking before pulling on some underwear, pants, and another shirt before calling her back in. I sat on the edge of my bed and began to put my sandals on, but decided I'd rather not today, so I stood back up and unlocked the door before making way to let Pinkie out. We wandered toward town at an easy pace, the party pony bouncing along next to me, coming up to head level on each bounce. I was surprised at the height of the ponies. I had always assumed they'd be small, or as tall as I was, but Pinkie and the other girls were about four feet tall and I could easily just rest a hand on their heads if I wanted.

Eventually, the pink one and I reached town, to find Twilight sitting outside at a cafe with Spike, enjoying a sandwich while he had a massive pile of what I'm assuming were hay fries. We decided to join them. Well, I did, I was hungry, "Hi Twilight, Spike," I said with a smile as we approached before looking around for a stool, "Mind if we join you?"

"Of course not, Tera!" Spike said around a mouthful of fries as I spotted what I was looking for an ran off to grab it before returning to the table, finding Pinkie sitting next to Twilight and whispering in her ear. I raised an eyebrow as I sat down, but they both just smiled at me. Spike swallowed another handful, "So what else can you teach me with those hands of yours?"

I looked thoughtful, stroking my chin, "Well, there's a few little weird things that humans do, but you don't have enough fingers for them... Hmmm, try this," I said. I took my hands and pressed them together, bending my middle fingers over, then twisting them around and wiggling them. He mimicked me perfectly so I smiled, "Now try this!" I grinned and did the thumb removal trick. He couldn't figure that one out and the girls looked shock, so I showed them all how it was done.

It felt good to bond with the little dragon and make some new, hopefully friends, laugh. I ordered a simple tomato sandwich and some actual potato fries and Pinkie had a slice of some kind of quiche. I wasn't a big fan of egg dishes, so I was happy with my simple sandwich and the amazingly seasoned fries.

Twilight finished her sandwich and wiped her mouth with a napkin, "So what do you have planned for today, Tera?"

"Well, Pinkie was going to show me around town, and then Rarity is supposed to meet me to make sure I have something to wear for meeting the Princess this weekend. If not, I'm hoping she can put something together."

Twilight nodded, "Well, it's not a formal event in Canterlot, so I doubt you need to dress up very much. I'll come and make sure Rarity doesn't... well, go overboard."

"I'd appreciate that, Twilight. She can get a little overzealous."

Everypony nodded as I paid for my meal and Pinkies, Twilight having already paid for hers and Spikes. I stood and followed Pinkie off on her whirlwind tour of Ponyville before we finally returned to my house and I collapsed on my bed exhausted, "I need a bike..."

"A what?" the mare asked, climbing up onto my bed and sitting next to me.

"It's a two wheeled thing that lets me move faster, like your unicycle but with two wheels."

"Oh! Nifty, we don't have those in Ponyville."

"No bipeds," I said, staring at the ceiling.

"So, I wanted to ask you about your cutie marks," she said, suddenly looking seriously at me. I sat up, having expected this line of questioning from Twilight.

I removed my shirt and figured I should just go through each one of my tattoos as best I could, "Well, they're not cutie marks. They're tattoos. Ink that's put under the surface of my skin with needles."

"Needles!? I hate needles!" she said, giving a shudder.

"So do I, but it's different. Usually tattoos are seen as a deviant thing, but lately they've become more accepted and in ancient societies they were often a symbol of adult hood or skill in something. Mine just have personal meaning."

"So you don't have the cutie pox?"

I shook my head and chuckled, "No, I don't. This one," I said, pointing to the one on my right bicep, "Is a Japanese fox spirit called a Kitsune. It's a kind of a trickster spirit, but they are also wise. When one is fully mature, they have nine tails. I only have 5 right now because I haven't finished growing. The one on my back is a sword I designed when I was younger with wings that represent my desire to be free, truly free. The one on the back of my neck," I turned around finally so she could see clearly, "is the Norse rune for 'Fate' surrounded by the birthstones of myself and members of my family.

"The one on my other arm here is a blue dragon, an ancient protector and a symbol of my inner strength. I have a couple others but, they're a story for another day as it would be a bit awkward, especially since I would have to take off my pants for you to see them."

"So you do have a cutie mark!"

I squinted my eyes and rocked my head back and forth, "They're in the same place... so, I guess technically..."

"Oo! Now I absolutely have to see them, what's your special talent?" she asked, trying to tug off my pants.

I fought admirably and managed to keep them on, "I think my special talent is failure, and you'll have to wait to see my 'cutie mark,' until I feel like showing you, Pinkie!"

She pouted at me, her hair deflating a little, "Failure isn't a talent. Anyone can fail at something, you just have to get back up, dust off your hooves, and try again!"

I hugged her, and stroked my hand through her mane, "I know, Pinkie. About all I'm good for is writing, but none of my stories are really that good. I can't draw, I haven't played an instrument in years, and my physical abilities are nothing to brag about. Not to mention my depression and anxiety," I told her, breaking the hug and putting my shirt back on.

"Well, what do you want to do with your life?"

"I don't know, Pinkie. I really don't. I'd love to be able to draw, I like to write, and I like to sing, but I'm not good enough at any of it to make a career, so I just drift from job to job. Before I woke up here I was a bus driver."

She looked thoughtfully, "Well, everypony has a talent somewhere inside them. You just have to discover yours. Maybe you needed a fresh look on life to do it!" she said, brightening up a bit.

I smiled and nodded a little as I heard a knock at the door. Rising and opening the door I was greeted by a familiar pair of unicorns, "Rarity, Twilight, please, come in!" I said, stepping out of the way to invite them inside. The noticed Pinkie sitting on my bed and Rarity raised an eyebrow.

"Moving in on our new guest rather fast, are you not, darling?" she asked as she entered my room.

"What? No, we were just hanging out," I said defensively.

"Yep! We were just talking about his cutie mark!"

I rolled my eyes as I was suddenly inundated with a barrage of questions from both unicorns. I repeated my explanation after again removing my shirt and at least they didn't assault me to remove my pants to see those tattoos. I sighed and realized I'd missed on however and removed the wide band I wore on my left forearm to cover up that particular piece of ink when I had decided tattoos probably weren't the best thing to show in pony society. I unwrapped it and showed them the last piece of ink, "This is the symbol of a society of assassins from a fictional work in my world. I actually have the game I can show you. I'm not an assassin myself, but I believe in some of their tenets, so I got this done."

Twilight looked closer, "Nothing is true, everything is permitted?" she asked, reading the text that encircled the symbol.

I nodded, "It means that the individual can shape the society, and to take responsibility for our actions, essentially."

She just looked thoughtful so I shrugged, "If you want to come over and watch the game some time, you're welcome to. Now, Rarity, my nicer clothes are in the closet, please take a look."

The unicorn nodded as I rose and moved over to open the door. I began to pull out my nicer shirts and a few pairs of nice pants and stood back to let the fashionista work. I sat in my computer chair while Pinkie abandoned the bed under threat of a makeover. Soon, the entire contents of my closet and several drawers were spread out on the bed in various piles labeled keep, destroy, possibilities, and ideas. The destroy pile was primarily my Hawaiian shirts and the few pieces of clothing featuring ponies. They would not be sacrificed to the fashion world in so crude a manner.

Once she had sorted piles and I had hidden away my illicit clothing before the unicorn could toss it out the door, she stared at the bed in silence, "Rarity?" I asked, nervous.

"Tera, you appear to have clothes that identify with colts and mares both."

"As I said before... I was transitioning..."

"What does that mean?" asked Twilight as Rarity just gave me a blank look.

"Pinkie, put that down," I said, as the party pony began playing with one of my bra enhancers, "It means that I was undergoing the slow process of becoming female instead of male."

"You can do that!?" Pinkie asked in shock.

"In my world, it can be done, it just takes a lot of legal hoopjumping and about 6 years if you're lucky. You can go the other way to, from female to male."

"That, well, that happens here from time to time, but usually it's the result of poison joke or a spell and is temporary. I remember something like that happened to Applejack's cousin Caramel."

"So that's what happened..." I muttered, "But yeah, I identify as a woman... mare I guess is the term I should use here, even though I was born a stallion."

Twilight nodded slightly while Rarity seemed to brighten, "Well, that's pretty uncommon around here, at least in Ponyville. When it happens in Canterlot it happens behind closed doors and usually magic is used. I don't know what kind of effect the spells would have on you though, given you're from another world."

"Well, let's wait and talk to the Princess first," I said.

"Indeed, and speaking of, darling. I think I may have just the outfit," she said, holding up a plain pair of black slacks and a light gray shirt. The outfit was incredibly gender neutral and for that I was somewhat thankful. I would just have to remember to shave that  morning.

"That looks fine, Rarity, thank you," I said, smiling.

She nodded and placed the rest of the clothes back where they belonged after hanging the outfit carefully on the closet door, "If this were an official meeting in Canterlot, I would be forced to make you a new set of clothing entirely, but I believe these should suffice. Do you plan to go barehoof or do you have something you wear on your hooves?"

"My hooves...? Oh! My feet, right. I only have those sandals I wore yesterday. The rest of my shoes are usually kept by the main door to the house since I just wear socks indoors. I put the sandals in my closet when it gets too cold out."

"May I borrow them then? I believe I can make you some presentable footwear."

"By all means, my lady. I like walking around barefoot here, the grass feels wonderful."

"Very well... It appears you've been doing some remodeling without me."

"That was me!" said Pinkie, "He was sleeping so late I snuck in to wake him up!"

Rarity rolled her eyes and made her way through the hole in the wall, taking a look around, "Well, you definitely have plenty of space in here for the rooms you want, darling," the unicorn said, her voice sounding slightly hollow from the cavernous nature of empty space. I poked my head through and immediately deafened myself as well Rarity with a sneeze from all the dust and likely other airborne allergens.

"Sweet Celestia!" I heard from behind me as I fell back into my room, sneezing again, "Stop that!"

I sneezed one more time and smacked myself in the chest, gasping for air for a few minutes, "Sorry... I sneeze loudly and... it takes a minute to... get my breath back..."

All three mares looked at me in concern as I got a drink of water from the sink. I would need to invest in some cups soon, "Maybe we should have you examined at the hospital. I know they won't know much about you, but I did spot a few books on your shelf that may prove invaluable."

I nodded and stretched, every joint in my body cracking, "Alright, Twilight. If you insist."

She nodded and grabbed four books off my shelf that I honestly didn't remember owning. I must have purchased them for college classes or artistic reference materials. We all left and I locked up before we journeyed across town to the hospital. Twilight read the entire way and I was impressed with how quickly she absorbed information. Pinkie just bounced along next to us and we talked about baking. Rarity peeled off from the group as we passed her boutique in order to work on my shoes and the design for my house. It was weird to consider that I owned a house when I was about to get poked and prodded by a unicorn.

"Oh, uh, Twilight?"

"Yes?" she responded, not even looking up from the book, "If you wouldn't mind, could we just borrow a room and the equipment and have you conduct the examination? I have some tattoos I don't think it would be good for anypony else to see..."

She paused in her reading and stopped walking. I halted as well, Pinkie beginning to bounce in a circle around us, "I suppose I could do that. I'm not licensed, but I have read pretty much every medical text written in the last twenty years and it's not like we're doing major exploratory surgery."

I nodded hopefully, "You can give all the data to a licensed doctor if you want, but I just don't want them to see me with my pants down."

"And you want her to see you?" Pinkie asked, giggling.

"N-not really, but it can't be helped," I shrugged, starting to walk again, suddenly nervous, "I don't know why I have this stigma against it, considering you ponies are naked all the time, but my... nethers... don't get to be hidden by my legs or tail."

"I'll show you mine if you show me yours!" Pinkie laughed.

Twilight's eyes widened violently as I blushed deeply, "Pinkamena Diane Pie, that is not something you want to shout in public," I hissed out through my clenched teeth.

Her eyes boggled at the use of her full name, "Nopony has called me that since I left home! How'd you know?"

"Another world, remember? Let's... just forget we had this discussion and move on, shall we?" I asked, unable to get the blush or the awkward feeling between my legs to go away easily.

Twilight's blush deepened as well as we walked the rest of the way in silence, Pinkie looking a little deflated, but still happy, "So, what else do you know about me?" she asked suddenly.

"Well, what I can say for sure is that you love parties, but everypony knows that. I know how you got your cutie mark, but that's a story you can tell everyone later. Your Pinkie Sense is impossible to understand scientifically, but useful and interesting, please let me know if you get a twitchy tail so I can duck..." I said, thinking and trying to separate the show from the fanon, "You're capable of things no earth pony should be and there are a thousand theories as to why where I'm from, one of which I'd like to ask about later... I uh... I think that's it, really. The rest is just fan theory and guessing and made up."

"Cool! Well, you'll have to tell me about some of that later, I guess! Tell us about Twilight!"

"I'm not sure what I could tell that wouldn't violate her privacy."

Twilight  stepped up between us, "Please, let's just get this examination over with, you're starting to limp again."

"It's a long walk..." I said helplessly as we entered the hospital. Twilight had a brief conversation with who I believed to be Nurse Redheart before she led us down to a small examination room with plenty of devices for measuring the health of a pony and hopefully a human. I sat on the table in the middle of the room and swung my legs nervously while my attending unicorn finished reading and Pinkie began to poke around in the drawers. 

After she finished the books, she looked up at me and I grinned nervously. She sighed, "Might as well get this over with. I'm going to need to scan you and your clothes will just get in the way, so... Off they go, I guess."

I sighed and stood up. Removing my shirt, I put it over on the side counter and closed my eyes, pulling my pants and underwear down in one motion, stepping out of them and moving back over to the table, covering myself. Twilight's eyebrow was raised as Pinkie started giggling madly before rolling around on the floor in laughter, "Thanks Pinkie, that feels wonderful..." I said, my words dripping sarcasm so heavily I swore I heard them splat on the ground.

She talked between laughs, "I'm not laughing at you silly, I'm laughing at your cutie mark!"

"I told you, it's not a cutie mark, it's just in the same spot..."

"I... I'm not sure what to say, I want to be flattered, but I'm also a little disturbed, is that really..."

"Yes, it's your center stars with the white stars replaced by the cutie marks of your friends. I couldn't decide whose to get when I was planning this tattoo so I went with all of them. I started out mismatched with one being Fluttershy's and one being yours, Twilight."

The unicorn blushed a little, "Just... lay down on the table, please. We'll discuss your tattoos later," she said.

I did as she commanded, laying myself back and letting my legs dangle off the end. I kept my hands over a certain part of my anatomy as I shivered, "Little chilly in here."

"I should have realized..." the unicorn said, turning up the heat a little bit, "No coat means you're probably more sensitive to temperature than we are."

"Yeah... anything over seventy degrees, I sweat. Anything under sixty-eight, I'm cold."

"That... is a very small margin for comfort."

"I'm unusual like that. I also suffer from light sensitivity and the other conditions I mentioned."

She nodded, "Well, hold still, this shouldn't take long," she said, her horn beginning to glow while Pinkie began to juggle tongue depressors with her tongue. I lay there and took a deep breath as I felt a tingle of something at my toes. I looked down as the field of magic extended up over my knees and across the rest of my body.

I squirmed a little, "That feels weird..."

She just shook her head, her eyes closed and concentrating. I lay like that for several minutes, covered in a light purple aura with the occasional sparkle floating past my field of vision while the tingling sensation penetrated deep into me. It's very weird when you can feel something probe your very core. It wasn't painful, only incredibly disconcerting and I hoped that I wouldn't have to undergo such a procedure again for a long time, "Well, Tera, you were right about your ankle. From what I can tell several bones are out of place from the usual formation."

"Can they be fixed?" I asked, hopeful.

"I don't see why not, but I'm going to have a doctor do any operations I think necessary. I have a few things I need to go over with him... Stay right there until I get back!" she said, starting to leave, the aura fading from around me.

"What about my tattoos?"

"Oh! Right," she said, turning around casting a spell on me, "There, that will hide them for now."

As she left I looked at my arm and my thighs, finding the tattoos missing. I frowned slightly, and so did Pinkie, "Aw, they were so neat to look at!"

"Twilight said it was just temporary. I only hope she's right..." I said mournfully. Laying there, naked, with Pinkie staring at me, I began to get that familiar sensation of anxiety and nervousness. A thought occurred to me, "Pinkie, could you get the jars of pills out of my pants pocket? I want Twilight to look at them while we're here."

The pink pony saluted and began to root through my pockets, pulling out the pills and placing them on the counter. I waited and finally Twilight returned with a doctor I didn't recognize. They were discussing things that could be done for me and the medical terminology went way over my head. Finally the doctor turned to me and smiled, "Well, nice to meet you, Tera. Rumor's have it you're a legendary species never before seen. I didn't expect to actually see you here. Twilight's been going over what she found in your examination and I believe a lot of your problems can be solved.

"Your ankle, from what I saw in the scan, has been twisted and a few of the small bones have been knocked into an incorrect alignment. That is an easy matter of maneuvering them back into position with magic, but it can be painful so we'd like to sedate you for that," he took a breath and I nodded, "As for your mental health issues, yours do seem to be caused by a chemical imbalance which we may be able to fix, but you'll need to ween yourself off of your medication first so we can take a look at the current makeup of your brain.

"As for your gender issues, we have spells that can alter your external experience, but unfortunately even we can't actually alter you to be a mare fully. We could perform those spells while you were under for the ankle treatment, as they can be... uncomfortable to experience."

I nodded slowly at the Doctor's explanation, "Will it take time?"

The doctor nodded in turn, "Several hours at least for your ankle and at least two days for the transformation. We have a few examples of mares of your species in the books Twilight provided but if you have any other examples of the body type you would like, we would appreciate it. As well, this is exhausting for the unicorns involved in the procedure so the cost is substantial."

I assured him I had the bits and was finally allowed to put my clothes back on. As we were leaving I made an appointment with Nurse Redheart for after my meeting with Princess Celestia. If she was going to send me home right then and there, then Twilight could cancel for me. If anything else happened, at least I wouldn't have wasted bits. The three of us stopped by the bank on the way home so I would have the bits I needed for the surgeries, since I wanted to make sure I had them set aside in case other costs came up. Thankfully the stainless steel I had sold was quite lucrative, and I had more if I really needed it, but hopefully I could find regular work. I looked at Pinkie suddenly, "Hey, Pinks, the Cakes wouldn't happen to be hiring, would they?"

She looked thoughtful for a moment, "I don't think so, no. I can ask though! Why, want a job?"

"Something where I don't have to work too hard until I'm in better shape. Right now I'm limited to helping Rarity with minor needlework, Twilight here when she needs help in the library, and Fluttershy if she needs an extra pair of hands with the animals."

"I can see why you'd need something regular. I can ask around town, I know there's a few store owners who might need some extra help with winter coming in a few months."

I smiled and rested a hand on her head, giving it a rub, "Thanks, Pinkie, I appreciate it."

We made it back to my place before the anxiety really got to me and I followed the two mares into my room where I sat in my computer chair and woke it up. Twilight stared at it in wonder and I smiled, "This is a computer. It's like some of those machines you used to test Pinkie only much more advanced in some ways, and less in others. It depends on what it was built for. This one was built for gaming."

"What, like pin the tail on the pony?"

"More involved than that, Pinkie," I laughed, "Would you like to see?"

Pinkie nodded but Twilight declined. She left, citing the fact that Spike had been alone for much of the day and she needed to do some more research. I let her have any of my nonfiction books that she wanted and turned back to my computer in order to boot up a game to show Pinkie. Deciding on something light hearted and fun, I booted up Audiosurf and began to play a few songs that I thought she'd like, including a remix of her singing Giggle at the Ghosty. She was enthralled, and I was happy.

Eventually though, she had to get back to the bakery to help close up, so I went through my folders to see if I could find a body type I wanted. I found a few options and printed them out. I tried the internet to get a few more ideas but there was no connection so I shrugged and opened up another text document. Tomorrow, I'll see about finding work until the Princess makes her decision. Hopefully I can stay here. I've only been here two days but I already like it better than where I was before. Well, either way, I'm going to start weening myself off my medication tonight, which means two pills instead of the usual three. Then I think some movies and sleep.
> The Meeting
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I awoke slowly, late in the day on what I assumed to be Saturday. I never asked the days of the week and simply continued to go by my previous sense of the days. Yesterday had been nothing to talk about, so I simply went to bed early to make sure I was well rested for my meeting with the princess. I took my multivitamin and my lower dose of my morning medication and got a fresh towel and some clean clothes. After I made sure I was absolutely clean shaven, even going over myself a second time with the razor, I showered until I was squeaky clean. Quite literally, in fact.

After making sure my hair was combed perfectly and I hadn't cut myself shaving, I exited the bathroom and looked out at the sky. I had apparently slept much longer than I thought, or taken a lot longer in the shower, as it was already trending towards the afternoon. I dressed myself in the outfit that Rarity had picked out for me and put on the new shoes she had dropped off yesterday. They fit like a dream and were probably the comfiest pieces of semi-formal footwear I would ever own. They seemed to be designed for every day wear as well, for which I was thankful. I wouldn't wear them on rainy or muddy days, but nice days like today would be perfect for them. Having dressed myself and made sure that that I looked as neat as I could, I exited my room and began the journey into town. I sincerely hoped the doctor could make my pain go away, as having to walk everywhere with one bum ankle would get me nowhere fast. As I began to near town, I noticed a familiar pink tail swaying up the path in front of me.

"Fluttershy!" I called as friendly as I could. Still, the poor mare yelped and tried to hide by covering her face in her forelegs. I giggled a little as I caught up to her, "It's just me, Miss Shy."

"Oh, sorry, you surprised me..."

"I didn't mean to, honestly. Are you heading into town?"

She nodded and started walking with me alongside, "I was planning to stop by this lovely little restaurant for dinner before the meeting with the princess. Twilight requested we all be there."

"I'm looking forward to it... and not... It's weird, I'm so nervous," I said, shaking myself.

"The princess is very nice, and kind. I was nervous the first time I met her too but she's very, um, down to earth, I guess you could say, if that's alright with you..."

I smiled and nodded, crossing my arms in front of me since I didn't really know what to do with them, "Well, I hope it goes well. Would you mind if I join you for dinner? I was going to get something to eat as well, but the only place I know is that place I ate the first night and Sugarcube Corner..."

"Oh I think you'll love this place! They make the best cherry and daffodil salad."

"I can't eat flowers, Fluttershy..."

"Oh...well they have a lot of other dishes, I'm sure they have something you'll like..." she said, trailing back off into silence as we walked along toward town. She led me past the restaurant I'd eaten at previously and down a side street where  I hadn't been before. We walked up to a fancier looking restaurant and I was glad I was already wearing my meeting clothes as we entered. It definitely had that slightly upper-crust air that says, "If you don't have a collared shirt, you are scum," about it.

We were sat by a hostess and given our menus, a pitcher of water, and some bread sticks. It seemed to be a slightly upscale Italian restaurant now that we were inside, so I took a look at the menu and grinned widely. They had all the staples and one thing that caused me to raise my eyebrow, "Pepperoni?" I asked softly.

Fluttershy looked over her menu with a blush, "It's not real meat, I don't think. I've never tried it before because I've heard it's spicy."

I shrugged, "Well, I know what I'm having."

Eventually, after we'd finished half the bread sticks and most of our water, a waiter appeared to take our order. I ordered the large pepperoni pizza since I figured leftovers would be good. I would pick up a fridge on the way home or store it at somepony's house until I had my own or just give it to Spike. Fluttershy ordered her cherry and daffodil salad with Italian dressing and I decided to have a normal salad with the same as a starter. I craved vegetables that night for some reason.

We continued to chat softly and amicably while we waited for our food to arrive. I finally just walked over and grabbed a water pitcher as we were both going through it like we'd been in the desert for a month. After finally getting the meals we ordered, I dug into the pizza, finding it an acceptable substitute for one of the places from home, but not close enough.

"Hmm, maybe I should open a pizza parlor here," I said thoughtfully, "Hire a couple of pegasi to run deliveries... Actually, that sounds like a good idea. I'll stow that in the back of my head for later."

"Were you talking to yourself or me?" the timid pegasus asked me after taking another dainty bite of her salad.

"Oh, myself, I do that a lot. Helps me think, you see," I said, taking another bite of pizza, being very careful not to get anything on my clothes. I finished another slice and would definitely require a take-home container, but Fluttershy had decimated her salad, despite it being bigger than her head, "Wow, that must be good."

She smiled, "Oh it is, definitely."

We continued our chat and I asked about her animals, wondering when she needed help since I lived so close by. We agreed that I'd help every other day in the afternoon if the animals liked me. That would have to wait until tomorrow though, we still had to find out what Celestia had to say.

At long last, after I'd consumed another slice of pizza out of boredom, the waiter finally deigned to grace us with the bill and a box for my leftovers. Grumbling, I paid for my meal and left the tip while Fluttershy paid for hers. His tip was decidedly smaller than the one I had left on my first day. I tip based on quality of service, and that colt had said maybe four words to us outside of those he was required to in order to take our orders. Not to mention the delays in service. A nice young couple had come in about half an hour after we did and had left long ago, hunger sated.

We stood and left the restaurant with my leftovers and I frowned as I looked at the sky, "It's almost dark. How far is it to the library?"

My companion pointed with a hoof, "It's just over that way," she said as we began walking. It was a ten minute walk, but we arrived just as the sun was setting. I knocked on the door only to have it be yanked open as I was yanked inside.

I was sat on a cushion as a purple unicorn began to blabber in my face about being late, "Easy, Twilight, blame the waiter. He took forever to do anything. Has Spike eaten yet?"

Twilight's train of thought derailed with an almost audible crash as she looked over at her dozy dragon, "No, I don't think so, why?"

"Hey Spike? Want some pizza?"

His eyes lit up as he came over, and I held the box out to him, opening it up, "Oh man, I haven't had pizza in ages," he said, drooling as he took it from me and went back to his seat. I smiled as the dragon dug in and looked around the rest of the room.

The other elements were already there, seated and waiting for the arrival of the princess, "So, do I clean up good or not?"

"I believe you mean 'well,' darling, but yes, you do," Rarity said with a smile, "How are the shoes?"

"Very nice, my lady," I smiled back and relaxed a little as the sun finished setting on the horizon.

Twilight paced nervously, "She'll be here any minute! Did I miss anything? Is the library clean enough? Did I put away the books I had out?"

"Everything is fine, Twilight Sparkle," said a soft, regal voice after a brief flash of light blinded everyone for a second. I blinked my eyes clear but hesitated to open them fully and look upon the princess. I'd heard horror stories of her deific presence ruining the minds of countless humans who had found themselves in Equestria and to be quite honest, I was terrified of meeting her in general. The one being in Equestria aside from Discord or Luna who had control of my fate, and I was about to see her in her full glory, unfiltered by the Hub or a television screen.

Hesitantly, I opened my eyes. I managed to glimpse a pure white hoof before I decided that I should probably bow. I brought my knees up underneath me from my cross-legged position before I leaned forward and placed my forehead on the floor of the library, "Princess Celestia, I am honored by your presence."

"Please, Tera, rise," she said.

I did so, getting to my feet before I dared to open my eyes. I had begun to feel that familiar tingle at the back of my neck, the hair raising up, which signaled to me that something other than normal was going on. I opened my eyes and beheld the princess of the sun.

There was a soft glow all around her, as if she permanently walked in a sunbeam. I could feel my spirits lift even as the sense of Other pervaded my being. Her mane flowed in some wind that could not be felt and the colors, separate on the show, flowed seamlessly into each other. The result was absolutely stunning, but I was glad that there happened to be no crushing deific presence forcing me to my knees to bask in her glory and proclaim all my sins and my lack of worth.

I smiled, relieved, and she smiled back as I stepped forward and extended my right hand, bowing slightly. She raised a hoof, which I took in my hand and marveled at the odd sensation of whatever magical field ponies used to grip things. I lifted her hoof slightly as I bent forward and kissed it. As my lips touched the hair of her immaculate coat, I felt an electric shock jolt through my body. I straightened suddenly and looked into the princess' eyes. My grip on her hoof refused to loosen as the world around us began to fade away into whiteness. I thought to myself that this must be what dying felt like.

"You are not dying, Tara Watson," the Princess in front of me said as we entered the white void.

"So who's head are we in, then? Mine, I'm guessing."

"You would be correct. I brought us here because I have many questions that I would rather my little ponies not find out the answers to, and this would be much faster than a long interrogation in a side room of the library."

I nodded and looked down as I did so, realizing my physical form had changed to resemble how I always envisioned myself, "So what may I answer for you, Princess?" I asked, summoning a large cushion for her to and my favorite recliner for myself.

She smiled as we sat, "You have impressive mental control."

"I'm used to weird things happening," I replied, "Though I admit that I am absolutely terrified."

"Why?"

"I have anxiety issues, and I just got pulled out of my world and thrust into this one. While there are good parts, I miss my cat, my family, and my friends."

"So you want to return home?"

"I just want a connection to it, if possible, maybe a way to go back now and then, but I really like it here. The doctors here are actually doing something about medical problems instead of stalling or denying."

"Well, first, let me apologize for your uprooting. I have no knowledge of how you got here, but I will attempt to find out. I am pleased that you are adapting well to life here and to see a human again."

"Again? Humans existed here before?"

"Yes, long ago, before Discord. There were many great sages and powerful mages that would journey between your world and mine to visit and learn. Then Discord damaged the connection between our worlds, cutting them off from each other. One human was trapped here during that time, a wise old man who adapted to life here quite well. He even learned how to change into a unicorn to fully integrate into society. My little ponies know him as Starswirl the Bearded, but his human name, and the one I always called him, was Merlin."

I gaped, "Merlin was real? Where I'm from, he's just a legend, along with everything else related to him, like King Arthur."

"Oh, he was quite real, a joy to be around, and rather handsome in his own way," she said with what looked like a wistful smile to me before she chuckled softly, "Do you know who the Lady of the Lake was?"

"I'm going to guess it was you?"

She giggled at that, "No, actually, my sister had that honor. She was much more suited to the part than I. Though I did give her the sword."

"This... is a lot to take in."

She stood then and walked close to me, I stood as well, "As much as I am enjoying our conversation, the spell is fading and I still have many questions. May I read your memories?"

"You may, but please leave my personal memories to myself. I'm not sure I want you knowing everything that goes on in my head. Also, I am sad to say that our history has been violent and terrible since, well, since the worlds closed and a lot of my knowledge on it is filtered through a biased educational system and secondhand sources."

"I understand," she said, placing her horn against my forehead. I felt a pulse of magic shudder through my head as everything I had thought forgotten from school and other knowledge came rushing back as the magic did its job. It activated every memory it could find, including those I purposefully suppressed, and those I didn't like to recall. I began to feel tears pouring down my face as the rush of knowledge continued.

"Please... Stop..." I managed to gasp as I felt a pressure building in my mind. I felt myself lift into the air and pain as I collided with something solid behind me, then nothing for some time.

I found myself, eventually, in a familiar dreamscape I associated with those times when I was under a guided meditation or spoke with my spirit guide. The sealed vault door that was ever present at those times, and I believed held something from my abilities with the supernatural, was cracked. The damage was barely there, but it extended from the floor to the ceiling and I could hear the metal groaning under some kind of strain. Terror washed over me as the door shook from an impact. The crack grew wider with each blow. Whatever was sealed away in my mind was pissed. Another loud collision and light flooded through the gap in the door and blinded me. I screamed and fell away into blackness.

I woke with a start some time later, laying in a hospital bed. An IV cord trailed from my arm to a bag of clear fluid above the heart monitor that indicated my heart rate was returning to normal. I looked around the room and spotted the princess sitting by a window, her horn glowing as she brought forth the dawn.

I watched her silently until she finished, "Princess? Why are you here?" I asked, my voice lighter than normal.

She blinked and stood, turning toward me with a sad smile, "I wanted to keep watch over, Tara, and apologize as soon as you woke. I did not know the memory spell would have such an effect on you. You've been unconscious for almost a week. I gave permission for the doctors to go ahead with their spells that you had made appointments for, to make up for the trouble I've put you through. How are you feeling?"

I looked myself over. Despite my lack of reference materials, the doctors had done an almost perfect job modifying my form, but anything more would have looked wrong to me. I felt none of the stiffness in my ankle that was usually present, and smiled, "I feel fine, though I had a very strange dream."

"The vault door?"

"How did...?" I trailed off, my feminine voice still weird to hear coming out of my mouth.

"I received a flash of it before the spell broke. I truly am sorry if I caused you any distress. What was that door, if I may ask?"

I nodded and sighed, sitting up a little in the bed but making sure to keep the blanket over me since they had apparently decided I didn't need clothes, "When I began to experience the paranormal and investigate supernatural occurrences, I always felt like something was blocking me from doing more. I envisioned it as that vault door. I've been trying to get it to open for years. In the dream, though, it was cracked, and something broke out."

She nodded and approached my bed, "That would explain some things, actually. The spell didn't break because I hit the door. The spell broke because you broke it, Tara. It may have been instinctual, but you successfully countered a highly complex memory spell. It seems you have some magical ability."

I blinked and tilted my head at her, "I don't feel any different," I said, fiddling with my fingers, "I can't make fire or anything like that."

She smiled, "Not right now you can't, but I believe with training and will you could at least master basic telekinesis."

I grinned, "That would be really cool."

She stood and made her way over to the door, "I'll have some clothes brought for you if you believe you are ready to leave. I know I for one hate spending time in hospitals," she admitted as she removed the IV from my arm and applied a bandage.

"As if you ever get sick."

"Not by accident, but sometimes I go a little overboard when I want a sick day," she said with a giggle before exiting the room.

I chuckled at her and lay back in the bed. I spent a few moments trying to summon my glass of water to me, but I still didn't believe that I had any magical talent beyond being sensitive to Other. I then decided I should take a closer look at my new form so I stood and walked over to the floor-length mirror that was attached to what I guessed was the bathroom door. I dropped the blanket little by little and looked myself over.

I had just gotten to my hips when the door burst open and the entire group of ponies entered, Twilight in the lead bearing my clothes. I shrieked and tugged the blanket up around me, my entire face beet red, "Knock first!" I squeaked.

I realized I sounded like a combination of Rainbow and Twilight as they all hastily exited, slamming the door before knocking on it. I composed myself, making sure the blanket covered me completely before sitting on the bed, "Come in!" I called softly.

The mares reentered the room, several of their number blushing while Rainbow Dash was laughing to herself and Pinkie just had a grin plastered on her muzzle. Twilight approached and handed me my clothes, "Sorry about barging in on you like that. We weren't expecting you to have gotten up."

"It's... fine. Just a shock is all," I said, taking a look at the outfit. My skirt was there, as was a random t-shirt and my bra, "You uh, forgot something, Twilight."

"I did? Oh no, what did I forget?"

"Underwear."

"Underwear?"

I sighed, putting my face in the palm of my hand, "Never mind, I'll be in the bathroom for a moment," I said, standing and shuffling over to the restroom. After I had pulled my clothes on and relieved myself, I returned to the main room and stood there, "So? How do I look?"

Rainbow rolled her eyes, Twilight nodded sagely, Pinkie bounced and nodded rapidly, Applejack shrugged, Rarity gave me a curt nod that I imagined was because I was not wearing one of her outfits, and Fluttershy just looked at the floor. I shrugged and we all moved out into the hallway. As we left, I made sure to thank the doctor for his services and an appointment for a follow up in a week just to see if everything was going well.

Once we left, I realized just how hungry I was. I also realized I didn't have my keys or my bits, "So, who has my keys?"

"Oh! That would be me, darling, I apologize," she said, levitating them over to me as my stomach growled, "but perhaps lunch first?"

"I believe that would be best, but my money is at home and..."

"Nonsense, dear, it would be our pleasure to treat you this time, as a way of making up for missing out on the trip to Appleoosa."

"Damn, I missed that? Wait... You said the last major thing that happened was your little issue with the Diamond Dogs. What about Fluttershy's modeling career?"

They all looked around and Fluttershy squeaked. Rarity spoke for the group, "We all agreed it would be better if that were not mentioned, my apologies."

"Well, at least now I know when I am a little better, I'm glad my little bout of sleep didn't impede your adventures."

The group nodded before I paused and caught Pinkie Pie for a second, whispering in her ear, "I liked the song, even if nopony else did."

She blinked and looked at me as I continued walking toward wherever we were going for lunch. As we sat down and ordered, I was finally asked the question I had been dreading, "So what happened?" asked Rainbow as I took a sip of root beer.

"It's... complicated. Princess Celestia had a lot of questions, so she brought me into my mindscape to ask them so we didn't waste the entire evening on boring things like the average rainfall of the amazon basin or the airspeed of an unladen swallow. We chatted for a while, but the spell was waning so she used a memory spell to read my memories and learn Earth's history as I knew it. It has some... unintended side-effects, but I'm alright now. She must have been able to remember what I looked like in my mindscape cause, well, you see it now," I said at length before sipping my root beer.

"So why didn't you just become a pony?"

"I agree, Starswirl the Bearded pioneered a spell that would transform another species into a pony."

I wiggled my fingers at them, "Hands, first and foremost. Second, I really like using my computer and if I didn't end up a unicorn, I couldn't do that any more with serious training with my wings or holding a stick in my mouth if I didn't have those either."

I was greeted with some nods, but mostly thoughtful silence. I hadn't spoken to Applejack much, so I directed the conversation over to her, "So, how does Bloomberg like Appleoosa?"

She blinked, "Now how the hay did... Oh right, yer fancy future knowledge," she said, rolling her eyes, "He likes it just fine. Cousin Braeburn swore he'd take good care of 'im. Long as them buffalo follow the new agreement."

"Oh, they will, at least, I'm pretty sure they will. It's never really brought up again," I said with a shrug, "Seemed like a hell of a waste of pies though."

"Eh, it got our point across and tweren't nopony killed, so ahm happy."

I nodded and stretched out as we waited for dinner. It was odd, really. I had so many things I wanted to talk to them about, but everything I did hadn't happened yet.  Once dinner arrived, the idle chatter began anew and I interjected when I thought it was appropriate. It was just after we had finished eating when I felt my head pulse, and I sighed.

Pinkie looked over at me, "What's wrong, Tara?"

"I spent a week in the hospital without my medication. I guess I get to experience withdrawal sooner rather than later..." I said softly. I was not looking forward to the mood swings, brain zaps, and paranoia. It had to be done I told myself.

"Well, if you need anything, we're here for you," Twilight said, placing a hoof on my arm.

I smiled, "It's not going to be fun. I'll experience mood swings, among other issues, and it won't be a good idea for me to be around large crowds."

Applejack, of all ponies, nodded, "Ah know how that can be, sugarcube. Don't you worry none, if y'all need somethin', we can get it fer ya."

"Thank you, all of you. Hopefully by next week the chemicals will have worked themselves out of my system."

Twilight winced, "I did some research while you were... out, and found that it might take up to six months," I frowned and could feel myself tearing up at that, but she continued, "Now, we can ask Zecora if there's something herbal you can take in the meantime to flush your system or manage the mood swings, and we can go there once we get you home so you can get whatever you need. There's no guarantee she'll have something, but it's an option."

I nodded and stood as they did, "I'd like that Twilight. I definitely need some footwear if we're going into the Everfree."

"I took the liberty of making you some more casual shoes for your new hoofsize, darling," Rarity said as we began our walk. I smiled and enjoyed the feeling of the soft grass on my feet as we journeyed, mentally tracking the time. We reached my "house" without a single jolt of pain or ache from my ankle.

"Those doctors did a wonderful job on my ankle," I said, kneeling down next to Twilight and giving her a hug, "Thank you for helping."

She smiled and returned the hug, before I stood and turned to the door, opening the locks and then pushing the door in. What I saw completely shocked me. The entire area had been rearranged, save for my computer which remained by the door and the only power outlet. Plus, I think they didn't want to damage anything by moving it. Directly in front of me was a sitting area with several pony-sized couches and an overstuffed large recliner that looked perfectly sized for me. Behind that was an open dining area with a table, again sized for me, and chairs that would seat both ponies and humans. I walked in and looked to my left, to find the bathroom sealed off from this side and instead opening into the hall that led to the bedroom. The kitchen was off to the side of the dining area and everything in there was sized perfectly. I fell to my knees in awe, "You girls.. did all this?"

"We thought ya might want somethin nice to wake up ta. Ah don't know if'n the princess told ya, but ye're an official resident of Ponyville until y'all decide otherwise," Applejack said, "Big Mac did most of the woodwork, Ah just helped install it."

"I'm just... come here, group hug!" I demanded, grabbing them all and squeezing them to me, happy tears falling from my face.

Rarity whispered in my ear, "The bill for the materials is in the kitchen, no hurry," she said with a laugh.

I laughed too and stood up, "Well, let me get some underwear and a pair of shoes and we'll be off!"
> The Everfree
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I hesitated as we started to leave my house. My sword still rested by the door and we were going to one of the most dangerous territories in Equestria. I decided that while the ponies could defend themselves with hoof and horn, I needed something, so I picked it up and slid the scabbard over my shoulder. I exited my house and locked up to see the mares looking at me with various emotions, "What? You ladies have your magic, your flight, your stare, your sheer bucking power, or your random party supplies to defend yourself with. I'm pale and squishy!"

Applejack rolled her eyes and started to walk off as the rest looked between each other shrugged, "Zecora doesn't really live that far into the forest. The odds of us encountering anything-"

I cut Twilight off, "Please... never tell me the odds. Ever."

She looked at me confused and then shrugged, "Fine, I'm just saying that no-"

"Don't even finish that sentence! Are you trying to jinx us?" Pinkie asked, coming to my defense.

Twilight put her face against one hoof and made a soft ugh sound. I put out my fist and Pinkie met it with her hoof and a smile, "Look, Twilight, I have a few superstitions, and telling me the odds or saying... that... is like... telling an actor good luck instead of break a leg, okay?"

"I don't get it, but if you feel the need to be over prepared I'm not going to stop you. I've been guilty of that once or twice myself."

"Only once or twice?"

Twilight sighed and picked up the pace as began to move off towards the woods, staying on the dirt path that lead into the darkness. It was surprisingly dark for the time of day, but I suppose that was to be expected given the fact that the trees overgrew the path completely and blocked out all the light they possibly could. A few glimmers of sunshine managed to penetrate the canopy and catch the pollen and other particulate floating through ear, giving the forest an eerie quality. The lack of birds and other noise did little to help my nerves as we passed deeper into the wood.

I shrugged the sword to a more comfortable position and took a deep breath, letting my senses extend out into the woods around us. I could feel several presences, but they all seemed to be keeping their distance and observing. While that didn't help my anxiety, it at least gave me an idea of what was out there. Something extremely dangerous, and a few things that are just there on the alternate plane. I also realized I could feel the ponies around me as sheer power in physical form. It must have been the elements, though I doubt Twilight's strength would dim at all. I opened my eyes and immediately lost everything. I could remember the locations, but if they moved at all, I had no idea where they would be.

I tried to keep myself under control, but I really wished I had more power than I did, just in case what I'd labeled the level Red came any closer. I found myself thinking in that language I always knew but could never translate, Necivera elikinin alaute si gevre si kooro. Kerina sikata felida sotoru. Nefira de.

I heard a gasp next to me and looked down at Twilight, raising my eyebrow, "What's up, Twilight?"

"I... did you just...?"

"I've just been thinking, why?"

She shook her head, "I'm sorry, I thought I saw something."

I shrugged and kept walking, keeping a close eye on the trees around me as I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand on end, "Ladies, be on your guard. Something's here."

They all began to look around carefully, not changing pace, I stretched idly and then rested my hands behind my head in easy reach of my sword hilt just in case. I really hoped it was just Zecora coming to greet us, but she would have announced herself and while she is a skilled alchemist, I doubt she is Other. I felt something I can't rightly explain on my left and in one smooth motion I drew my sword and spun to face it, dropping into a defensive stance. I could feel the pervading sense of wrongness emanating from it even though I could not see it. That was the words part of being sensitive without the sight to go with it. I could feel when something was near, but in order to fight it if necessary I would have to close my eyes and lose the sight of the physical world, completely ruining any chance of maneuvering unless I was in a wide-open space.

I looked at the girls who were all looking around confused, unable to see it either, "I take it you ladies don't handle spirits often..."

"Is that what's going on? I just feel like I should run screaming."

Pinkie giggled and started making faces at the trees in front of me before the tension I was experiencing spiked and she gasped, falling onto her flank as her hair deflated, "That... that always works... I... I giggled at the ghosty! I did! You saw!" she looked at me desperately, her eyes glazed over. I gathered the damn thing must have hit her with something. I could feel it close to me, but I didn't dare close my eyes and risk hitting the girls. Let alone the fact that my sword was not enchanted, "Twilight... I'm going to try something... If it doesn't work, get Pinkie out of here, and I'll try to catch up."

Twilight nodded as I stepped in front of Pinkie and concentrated, muttering the words that chose that point to fly through my mind unasked for, "Federi nula khan salida fera del. Set fidi gal tek'a'nu. Nif iliti den seeta."

I could feel my arms ache as if I'd just spent the day trying to bench press Applejack and my hands went numb. My knees began to shake as the outer edges of my vision began to gray. I closed my eyes and imagined a pulse of energy sent out through my hand in a circle around me. I had used this technique as a form of sonar back in the real world to detect other presences more clearly and there it was. The thing in front of me lit up like a Christmas tree and I swung before it had a chance to react. I felt nothing, no resistance as my sword passed through image, and I overextended, tripping over a root and collapsing on my face. The feeling of wrongness went away, but I have no idea if it was because I had injured it, killed it, or it just left out of boredom.

"Tara? Are you okay?" said a raspy voice behind me as I pushed myself to my knees.

"Yeah, Dash, I'm alright. Just a little scuffed up. How's Pinkie?"

"She's cold as ice and keeps muttering something I can't hear." said the racer as I stood and turned around, dusting myself off.

I sighed and picked her up. She was heavy, but not as heavy as I'd thought she would be, despite the extra bit of pudge she carried from all the sweets she ate. I held her against my chest and started walking, "Let's get her to Zecora's, maybe she'll know what to do..." I said as I began to walk. I felt a weight on my back as Twilight levitated my sword back into its sheath from where I'd left it on the ground.

The journey to Zecora's hut was longer than I thought, so I began to jog. Despite my arms and legs threatening collapse after only a few minutes of exertion, we finally made it to our destination. I would have to get in shape if I was going to stay in this world. Twilight knocked on the door as we arrived.

Zecora opened the portal, smiling before she noticed the condition of Pinkie, and my existence, "What is this I see? From what do you all flee? Come inside, you pony folk. The threats of this wood are no joke."

We all piled inside and I collapsed in a corner, "Thank you, Zecora. I need blankets and... I don't know... Something happened..."

The zebra placed a hoof on Pinkie as I held the mare close. She was shaking like a leaf and even colder than before, "Her blood runs cold. She has been touched by something old."

Blankets piled over my charge and I courtesy of our friends. I wrapped the pink pony up tight and placed a hand on her forehead. Her eyes were wide open, but unseeing. I took a deep breath and pictured the spiritual energy I had flowing through me work it's way up my arm and through my hand to enter the pony I held.

I could hear somepony scrambling around as vials and pots clinked. I could only presume that our hostess was making a brew to help Pinkie. I could her warming up a bit, so I stood and walked over to the door, compelled by something in the back of my mind. I placed the same hand on it and began drawing an old symbol that I used constantly to ward houses and other locations, "Vezzidra calanidra kanra sev."

I heard something behind me shatter before I turned and started my way back to Pinkie. I sat back down and held her close as Zecora approached with a vial, "Those words you spoke, how know you the tongue of the elder folk?" she asked as we forcefed my charge the potion.

"I honestly don't know, ma'am. The words come to me, so I let them out. Sorry if I insulted you somehow."

"No insult was given, guest of mine, and I assure you the pink one will be fine. None of you kind have I seen before, but have heard of in tales of yore."

I nodded, petting Pinkie's mane softly, "So, I have to ask, how do you know what happened?"

"There are things within the Everfree that even the princesses know to flee..."

"Great, and I probably pissed it off," I said, nodding to my sword, which I had ditched by the door.

She nodded sagely, "My name you know, how does yours go?"

"I'm Tara, human, and visitor from another world."

"Well, Tara of another world, I'm glad my friends brought you into their fold. I have seen a great many things, but none quite so impressive as your wings."

"You can see those?" I asked. I had been told I had them by others from my world who supposedly had the sight, but to have it confirmed by this zebra I had just met and who had no reason to lie to me was in encouraging.

She nodded as the others gathered around to wait for Pinkie to come back. I gave her some more energy, so I hoped, and watched life come back into her eyes as her coat brightened slowly, "Tara? Is that you? What happened?"

I smiled and planted a soft kiss on her nose, "Welcome back, Pinkie. You gave us a scare."

"OH! I'm sorry... I don't know what happened. I giggled at the ghostly like always and then it felt like somepony had ripped out everything that was good in the world," she looked downcast for a moment before her mane spontaneously reinflated and she started squirming out of her cocoon of blankets. I helped her out and she grinned, "Thanks for looking after me, everypony!"

We all nodded before enclosing her in a group hug. We were all relieved to have our friend back with us. I held Pinkie close, picturing my energy flowing into her to make sure she was alright as I looked up at Zecora, "So... We didn't come here to get Pinkie attacked, but we still would like to ask you if you could help me."

The zebra nodded and tilted her head, indicating for me to go on, "Well, I've been forced off some medication that has physical and mental withdrawal symptoms, and I was wondering if you had any herbal remedies or anything to cleanse my system and maybe keep me in a happy place? I don't suppose you're familiar with a tall weed that has five leaves with jagged edges and makes you really loopy?"

She thought for a moment and then nodded, "Your system clean will shortly be, if you should drink these potions three," she said, grabbing a set of bottles from a shelf. "Take care to remain close to home. Your body will not let you roam. As for your mood my newest friend, I am sad your suffering I cannot end." 

I took a deep breath and sighed. "Thanks anyway. I'll survive, if I can count on you girls," I said, looking at my new friends. They all nodded, though I noticed Applejack hesitated a little. I would need to get the farmer alone one of these days and have a talk to her, see if I could find out what her problem was, "So, I should stay close to the bathroom with this then? I said, picking up the bottles she had passed over to me, "How long will it take?"

She winced and look downcast, "I am sorry to say it's for a week, this cleansing power that you seek."

I nodded and let go of Pinkie, "So, shall we head off back to Ponyville?"

The girls nodded, and we all bade our hostess goodbye and took our leave of her humble hut. I kept a close eye on Pinkie while we journeyed back, until Twilight caught my attention with a question, "Why did you ask Zecora for Cannabis?"

"Because on my world we smoke it, illegally, to experience an altered mood state."

"Well, around here, it's mostly used in shamanistic cultures for the same purpose. It's not illegal, but it is expensive and hard to find in Ponyville. I could try and special order some from Canterlot, but do you really want to be in an altered state while you are experiencing... that?" she asked, nodding her head to the bottles I carried.

"You have a point. I imagine I'll be spending quite a bit of time in the bathroom."

Twilight nodded, "Spike once had a bad run of gems that polluted his system... It wasn't a fun week."

I grimaced, "I can imagine, even though I don't want to. I guess I have some shopping to do today if I'm going to be stuck inside for a week."

Pinkie bounced over to us, "Oh! and when you're done I'll throw you the best party I can to thank you for helping me here and for getting those drugs out of your system and getting your head on right!"

I smiled, "Thanks, Pinkie. Can I trust you to keep me company too, when you can?"

"Absolutely!"

I nodded, "I don't want to impose on you girls, but if you could help me shop for supplies and then maybe poke your heads in on me while I'm... out of it, I'd be most appreciative."

"Well, I don't really have anything else to do so I could help you shop. We at least need to get you some saddlebags if you're going to be carrying things," said my purple companion.

"I'll help you carry stuff!" volunteered Pinkie.

Applejack shrugged her shoulders as she walked. "Ah gotta get back to the farm. Big Mac's watchin the Crusaders an Ah need to give 'im a break."

"I understand, Applejack. Good luck with those three."

"Well, darling, I need to work on some dresses for a coming event in Canterlot, but I do have several designs of bags for sale if you would like to stop in."

"I think that'll be our first, stop. Rainbow?"

"I need to practice and see what's on the weather schedule for tomorrow."

"Fluttershy?"

"Oh, um, I need to make sure the animals are okay and recover from this if that's alright with you..."

I smiled and nodded at the pegasus as we continued our leisurely walk out of the woods. I had my ears open for any out of place sounds, but all I heard was the usual quiet malevolence of the Everfree itself. I sincerely hoped nothing else decided to torment us on our way out. My nerves were frayed by the time we reached the edge of the forest but my ankle was pain free. The rest of me was exhausted though, and I was breathing heavily from trying to keep pace with the naturally quicker ponies. Applejack just looked at me as she split off from the group and shook her head, snorting before accelerating to a trot on her way back to Sweet Apple Acres. I guess that my inability to keep up easily was distasteful. Sad to say I was used to being looked down on for my general lack of shape. Rainbow Dash took off into the clear skies as soon as we were out of the shade of the last trees of the forest and Fluttershy departed our company shortly thereafter.

Our new foursome proceeded into town and I stopped off by my house again to procure what bits I still had. I would need a trip to the bank soon, but luckily Pinkie assured my job interview at Sugarcube Corner was still available once I was all better. We followed Rarity to her boutique and I looked over the bags she had available. I picked out one that was of a decent size and had her modify the strap so I could carry it like a messenger bag, which worked out quite well. I also picked up a pair of normal saddlebags for heavier loads and for Pinkie to help me today.

We left the boutique and began our journey through town. Somehow, Twilight had acquired a shopping list that included plenty of fluids, easily digestible food, and more than enough toiletries for what was to come. I had the potions in my bag, so I was to bear the softer items. I was very much not looking forward to the next week, but this day with my friends, despite the near tragedy in the forest, was a really good day. I spent the afternoon shopping with two great ponies and we shared a small meal at my house where I broke in the kitchen with a stir fry. I sent them home with leftovers and told them that after I was better, I would treat them to my family recipes for spaghetti sauce and chili, minus the meat of course.

I spent the evening preparing myself. The route between my computer and the bathroom was cleared of obstructions, the toilet seat was down, I had placed several novels in there for consumption, and fluids were ready, chilling away in the icebox. It was all I could, so I spent the rest of the night distracting myself with fiddling about on the computer playing games and watching old episodes of television shows.

As I lay in bed, staring at my ceiling and trying desperately to sleep, I heard a knock at my door. It was nearly two in the morning as I entered the living room and approached the door. I heard another knock and opened the door slowly, peeking out. There was a pink mass standing just in front of it. "Pinkie? What the hay are you doing here?"

"I couldn't sleep. I kept having nightmares about what happened in the forest. I haven't had nightmares since I was a little filly! Twilight's sound asleep, Fluttershy would just get scared herself, and nopony else would understand... Can, can I come in?"

I undid the latch and let her inside, leading her over to the couch where we both sat. "Do you want me to stay up with you?"

"N-no, I just think I'd feel better with somepony else in the room."

"Okay, well, I can't sleep on this thing, so I'll grab a few cushions and you can join me in my room," I said as I stood and began to remove cushions from the seating. I reached for the pillow next to her and she put a hoof on my hand, "C-can't I just sleep with you? As a friend, I mean!"

"If you want, I just didn't want you to feel awkward," I said. I put the cushions back and led her back into my room. I climbed into bed and scooted over a bit, lifting the covers and motioning to the pony who stood in the door. I had kept on the pajama pants and t-shirt I had put on to answer the door, so I was a little more comfortable. I also thought it would be really nice to snuggle a pony, if she wanted to.

She climbed in after making sure her hooves were clean, a fact for which I was greatful. I put the covers over her and turned over so my back was facing her. I held off my own sleep until I heard her breathing become slow and a soft snore escape her nose. I smiled and began to doze off myself.

I was awoken a while later by a squirming pony behind me. I rolled over and saw her deep in the throes of an obviously scary dream. My instincts took over and I wrapped an arm over her, planting my face next to ear and running a hand through the front of her mane, shushing her and telling her that everything was okay. I made a note to make her a dream catcher when I had the materials, which I could get tomorrow before my cleansing. As I lay there, snuggling her and soothing her, she gradually calmed down and went back to sleeping softly. I gave her a soft kiss on the forehead and remained spooned up behind her as my thoughts cast themselves back to the day.

The thing in the forest had almost robbed the world of one of the brightest things in it next to Celestia's sun. Something would have to be done, but I was far too weak and out of touch with the Other to do anything about it. I hoped that Celestia was right and that my powers had indeed been unlocked, but only time would tell. Until then, I was going to stay out of the forest and practice my sword technique. It was about all I could do, given the situation. At least here, I could help Pinkie with her nightmares and for now, that was good enough for me.

As sleep finally claimed me, I smiled and nuzzled into the soft pink mane in front of me, sighing happily.
> The Letter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Princess Celestia,

I'm not entirely sure how to word this. My friends have told me to just write what feels natural, but you're still a Princess so some measure of decorum must be expected? I honestly don't know.

I've been through a lot in the last week or so and I've come to realize something. The rabbit hole goes a lot deeper than the fox suspects. I had initially conceived this as a fanfiction to just have a little fun in Equestria, but I came to realize I was confronting a lot of issues I really have. Writing the Week of Hell has been hell and I realized I was stuck because I didn't want to deal with the real problem: Myself. I've been on these meds for so long I don't even really remember what my normal emotional state is like, I only know that if I miss them for a few days, I get very depressed and snap at people I care about. It scares the buck out of me.

I don't know what to do, other than find therapy, but given where I live I don't know how to do that. It also doesn't help that my health plan covers prescriptions, but not the therapy...

So, all in all, I've learned that sometimes, writing about yourself can reveal more about who and what you are than you really want. You just have to trust in your friends to see what is really going on and help you realize that sometimes, you need to just step back and try again.


Tara

a/n: So yeah, I'm skipping the Week of Hell. I'm going to try and find a therapist and see if I can't get off these meds. Thanks to all of you who've been reading and helping me out, and I'm sorry if those of you who would otherwise enjoy this story (there've been a few comments) are put off by my gender issues, but they're a real thing that I'm dealing with. I should have another chapter of this or something else by the end of next week once I'm back in form.
> Cold Hands, Warm Hearth
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

My first thought on waking was that it was incredibly cold. My teeth were chattering and I could see my breath. It seemed that, as well as finishing up winter in a day, they brought it in just as fast. A few days ago when I had watched the Running of the Leaves I had only needed a heavier shirt than usual. Now it was absolutely frigid in here. I wrapped myself in my blanket and staggered out to the living room, where I shakily filled the hearth with wood and set it ablaze. It would take a while to heat the entire house, but it was small, and the hearth was large, so it could handle it. I sat there, absorbing the heat from the flames until I could move into the kitchen and put a pot of coffee on without dropping anything from numb fingers. I turned on the stove and returned to sit in front of the fire until the brown liquid was done percolating.

I zoned out, staring into the flames. My mind wandered away from reality, as it was, and into the what ifs and could have beens as it does when I get into such a relaxed state. I lost my awareness of the outside world until I heard the pot on the stove begin to rattle as it neared the completion of its task. I stood and wandered into the kitchen yet again, procuring myself a mug of the piping hot brew to warm my insides as well as my outsides. My hands were still frigid, but they always took forever to warm up and my feet were begging for the thick socks I kept hidden for winter. Retreating to my bedroom, I changed into a nice thick sweatshirt, warm flannel pants, and two pairs of socks before I wrapped my blanket back around myself and returned to the living room to sip my coffee and stare into my fire.

Hours later, I was still sitting in my chair, staring into the crackling hearth before I realized I had to brave the winter weather to attend my shift at Sugarcube Corner. I was tempted to stay home, but I would need the bits sooner rather than later. I finished my coffee and put on some more appropriate clothes before gathering a warm coat, hat, gloves, and shoes and bracing myself before opening the door.

The cold air of the outside world hit me like a slap in the face, compared to the warmth I had inside. I quickly shut the door behind me and began to work my towards town. It was rather windy so I buried my face in my coat and made a mental note to inquire about a scarf with Rarity. Luckily the seasonal change hadn't taken me completely by surprise. I had wood for the hearth and some warm clothes. I just wasn't expecting it to go from brisk fall to frigid winter literally over night. I had some choice words for the weather team by the time I reached town and discovered that it was beginning to snow. The walk home later tonight was going to be interesting to say the least. I looked around and noticed that even the ponies were wearing at the very least a scarf, though some had coats or hats as well. I waved to a few of them as they noticed me before I finally reached my destination and shoved my way in via the rear door, instantly enveloped in the warm, yeasty, sweet-smelling air of the kitchen.

My field of vision was immediately filled with Pink as I was greeted by my co-worker. "Hey, Tara! Isn't it so cold out there? I'm just glad I only have to walk downstairs to get to work. Did you keep warm enough on your walk into town?"

"Hey Pinkerton," I said, using yet another random nickname for the party pony, "Yeah, I kept warm enough, though I'm gonna see if Rarity can't hook me up with some boots and a scarf. You ponies like your winters colder than I'm used to. A bit of warning would have been nice too! If I had known it was going to be that cold this morning when yesterday was fine I would have lit the hearth last night."

"Heh, I guess the weather team just assumes everypony knows that today is always the first day of winter!"

"Well, I'll try to remember for next year. How long until wrap up?" I asked while I extricated myself from my clothing until I was wearing my usual baking duds of jeans and a t-shirt that could be stained without worry. Icing and batter had a tendency to go flying in this kitchen, and I appeared to attract it much like a magnet.

"About four months, I think. It varies depending on the year. I think this year is supposed to be a long winter."

I sighed, "Wonderful. So, what's on the list for today, Pinkie?"

She smiled at me and took a deep breath, "Well, we've got three dozen chocolate cupcakes, three dozen vanilla cupcakes, three dozen swirl cupcakes, a gross of peanut butter cookies, five loaves of cinnamon bread, a gross of white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, six dozen muffins, a dozen of each flavor, and a birthday cake for one of the fillies at the school."

I shook my head, making a convincing rattling motion as I absorbed our schedule, "Well, what do you want me to start on?"

"Well, put those hands of yours to good use and start kneading some bread dough for the cinnamon bread!"

"By your command, Pinkatron," I giggled as I came out of the robot voice and went to dig some dough out of the proofer to start kneading it back down and flattening it out to add the cinnamon and sugar swirl. I was tempted to get out the rolling pin but that wouldn't help. I made sure it was flat enough and got some melted butter, painting in on carefully before mixing together the parts to make the swirl. I shook it over the butter "glue" carefully and copiously before rolling the dough back up and forming it into a long loaf that I cut down into five proper sized loaves. I plunked them into well-greased pans and slipped them into one of the myriad ovens that the kitchen had.

Having finished my first task, I turned to watch as Pinkie finished making both flavors of cookies. She was always good at multitasking when it came to baking or partying. Once the cookies were in the oven, I began to make enough chocolate cupcake batter for the order and the half of it we would need for the half and half batch. I was going to let her handle that one since my skill at baking ended at mix ingredients, put in oven. Fancy baking was for her and the Cakes, I was just the bulk cooking monkey. I didn't mind, it was tasty work, the food was as organic as you can get, and the company was fun. She always had a new song to sing while we cooked long into the evening. Finally finished, I collapsed into a chair in the front room for a break, sipping at a glass of water. I also had a cinnamon roll that had been left over from this morning.

My co-worker joined me, her mane covered in various batters and icings as she set the finished cake on the counter to be inspected by Mrs. Cake. "Are we still on for movie night, Pinks?"

"You bet! I made a batch of brownies this morning just for us. You do like brownies right?" I nodded. "Good, I was worried. So once we finish up here I'll grab the brownies and we can head back to your place."

"Sounds good to me," I said with a smile. I hadn't had brownies in a while and I looked forward to their fudgy chocolate goodness.

"Actually, I need Pinkie to help me with finishing the decorations on this cake, but you can get going now if you'd like, Tara," Mrs. Cake offered, giving the cake a critical eye as she probably pondered how best to decorate it for a young filly.

"I need to swing through the market anyway and pick up some stuff. I'll meet you back at my place, Pinkie?"

The pink pony nodded and I said my goodbyes before retreating to the back and cloaking myself in my warming clothes. They were toasty from having been inside all day, but the heat quickly faded as I left the building and made my way toward Carousel Boutique. I entered the building to the sound of the jingling bell above the door and heard the familiar unicorn's voice float out from a side room, "One moment, darling! I must finish these stitches!"

"No hurry, Rarity, I'm just looking for a scarf and to see about having some boots made."

"Ah! Hello, Tara. I'll be with you in just a minute. There should be some scarves to the right of the door as you walk in if you'd like to look!"

"Thanks!" I called down the hall and began to rummage through the scarf selection. It was hard to find something that matched when your winter wear consisted of what Jayne Cobb would have called a "cunning hat," a pair of mismatched gloves that weren't even related on the color wheel, and a long, stained, previously blue coat. I had picked up something that looked like it could have been inspired by Princess Luna's mane when I realized my mistake in attire at the gasp and thud behind me. I turned to find Rarity had fainted dead away. I sighed and moved over, picking up the mare and placing her on a couch before I started fanning her and shaking her to wake her up, after removing my horrible wardrobe first.

She eventually came around and I smiled. She blinked a few times and sat up. "My heavens, I had the most horrible dream. You were wearing the tackiest clothing I had seen since Pinkie Pie attempted to wear everything she owned at once."

I blushed and giggled, "Sorry, Rarity. I didn't take the fact that I haven't bought new winter clothes in three years into account when I came over."

"You mean that hat exists?! Show it to me, I must cleanse it with fire!" she said, leaping to her hooves. and glaring around the room.

I groaned and stood up, moving in front of her, "Rarity, my grandmother knitted that hat before she died. I'd appreciate it if you didn't burn it. If you are that upset by my winter attire, I have a few bits stored away for a new set of clothing if you were up to it."

She twitched before calming herself, "Very well, given that it is a memento of a loved one, I will allow the hat to survive. I will make you a new set of winter clothes. In the meantime, darling, please... dispose of that ratty thing you were wearing for a coat." She looked over at me and the scarf I was still holding and her eyes lit up, "Idea!" she shouted and yanked the scarf out of my hands and ran off into her work room. I shrugged and followed after her.

I was suddenly smacked in the face by a roll of cloth and ducked down low in order to avoid another flying fabric. I slumped against a wall in order to stay out of the way while she worked, cloth, thread and other items flying everywhere. Watching her do her thing was fascinating as she pulled together winter clothing in record time. In short order she had a new coat, hat and gloves that all matched the scarf wonderfully. It was definitely inspired by Princess Luna. I couldn't help a soft "Wow" from escaping my mouth.

She smiled as she handed me the pile of folded clothing, "There you are, darling. Make sure you take your old items with you or I make no promises as to their state of existence."

I chuckled and stood back up, "You know, if it weren't for the fact that I know you grew up here in Ponyville, I'd think you were originally a designer from my world."

She laughed that honest laugh she has when she genuinely finds something amusing, instead of the fake titter of high society, "Well, I admit I asked Twilight for assistance in the initial phases while you were unconscious, and the Princesses filled in the blanks."

"Well, I'm glad they did. Everything you've made for me fits perfectly," I said, trying on the new coat. It was heavy, but flexible, allowing me to keep most of my range of motion while keeping me warm. After I had bundled myself up, I picked up my old clothes and dug out my bits from the pocket of my pants, "How much do I owe you?"

After naming a price, and receiving her payment, Rarity bade me good evening and I left. It was already dark as I made my way through the rapidly closing market, picking up some fruit and vegetables to restock what I'd gone through in the previous week. I managed to get a few pounds of apples from Applejack before she closed and then I made my way home.

As I approached my house, I spotted a particular pink pony posted pointedly outside my door. She looked to be absolutely frozen, but as I approached, she shook the layer of ice off and smiled at me, "Hi, Tara! Where've you been? I've been here waiting."

"Sorry, Pinkie, I got shanghai'd by Rarity into getting a new set of winter duds and then I had to pick up some stuff from the market"

"It's okay, I kept myself entertained! Let's get inside though, I'm cold!"

I nodded and opened the door, letting us in to the still-warm main room of my house. The fire in the hearth was nothing but embers, so I coaxed it back to life with a few fresh logs and some gentle prodding. Pinkie set up the couch near the computer so we could watch the movie and then laid out an impressive spread of snacks as always. We'd been slowly plowing our way through the Star Trek movies and it was time to deal with the worst one of the series. The one we do not speak of unless we are denying its existence.

I took off my jacket and put it on the coat hangars by the door before wandering to my room to change. I got into some comfy sweats before I returned to set up the movie and flop on the couch next to Pinkie. She flopped across me and I lay my hand on her side as always. We were about as close as two friends could get without being more than that. Once my hand touched her, she squeaked and moved away a little, "What's up?" I asked, concerned.

"Your hand is cold!"

I giggled a little, "Sorry. They'll warm up in a bit," I said, reaching forward and grabbing one of the brownies. I took a bite and was in chocolate heaven. It was soft, rich, and moist. Everything a perfect brownie should be. There were even small chunks of chocolate strewn about inside, adding a satisfying burst of additional chocolate. So much chocolate. I sighed happily and finished the brownie before reaching for a glass of milk to wash it down, "These brownies are great, Pinks."

"I'm glad you like them!" she said with a smile as she munched one of her own. The smile turned a little devious for a moment, but I paid no attention as I started up the movie. My friend leaned back against me and we watched the familiar, to me, opening sequence of Star Trek V. that movie.

I had another brownie and then suffered through, Pinkie having the time of her life at some of the jokes that I just groaned at. Finally, the movie finished and the next began to cleanse my brain of the terribleness. About five minutes later, I started to feel a little funny. My body started to tingle a little and I felt like everything was amazing, "Pinkie... Are these your... special brownies?"

She giggled and looked up at me with wide eyes, "I dunno, do you feel... special?" she asked, laughing.

I rolled my eyes and pinned her on her back, blowing a raspberry on her belly. She shrieked and rolled off my lap to land on the floor as I started laughing, "I guess I do!" I said as I tried to stop laughing insanely.

She glared at me for only a split second before she started laughing too. "I'm gonna get you for that," she said, stalking towards me.

I put on a look of fear and start scooting away from the couch, "No, no, Pinkie's gonna turn me into cupcakes!" I said in mock terror.

My attacker lowered herself on her front legs, sending her flank higher into the air, which wiggled and twitched before she leaped forward, tackling me over the back of the couch. We landed with a thud and started laughing as my friend lay on top of me. Our laughs eventually became giggles as "The Undiscovered Country" continued playing, unwatched, on the computer.

She looked at me with a little blush before getting up and offering a hoof to help me stand. I cocked an eyebrow at the blush but let it be as I wobbled on my feet, "Pinkie... I am stoned out of my mind... How much did you put in there?"

"Uh, I don't remember, I think I made the oil I used with a couple of ounces... It just gives me a nice buzz!"

I flopped back onto the couch after staggering over, "I guess you have a higher tolerance than I do... Then again, back in the day, I'd get ripped off of like two hits."

She snickered and landed on the couch next to me, "Lightweight."

I poked her underneath her foreleg, up near her ribs, which sent her into a fit of fresh giggles. I had found that ticklish spot on her a few weeks ago. She finally caught her breath and reached for another brownie, scarfing it down with gusto as I went for something to quench my thirst. I took a few deep gulps before I felt something crawl up my spine. I blinked and looked around, my brain a little slow at coming to the realization that it was something hitting one of my wards. I'd set them up when I'd recovered from my week of suffering, but I still didn't think they'd work. I felt another chill and set my cup down, closing my eyes and furrowing my brow.

"Tara?"

"Shush, Pinkie, please," I said shortly as I saw the flare of energy as something hit the side of the house, "Shazbot... Pinkie, we have a problem," I explained, standing and almost instantly sobering up. I wasn't nearly as sober as I could be, but I was able to think through the purple haze that clouded my mind. Something else was attacking my home, and while I hoped my wards and the threshold law held up, I wanted to be prepared so I picked up my sword started drawing energy from the hearth to imbue the blade. I could feel the energy this time, so I guessed that Celestia's accident had indeed unlocked something inside me. I felt my sword pulse with power as a sharp pain struck me in the temple. My ward had been violently destroyed.

I took a deep breath and hoped that whatever this was had to deal with my threshold, but I had not lived here long enough to truly call this a home, so I was sure it was weak. I looked at my friend and smiled nervously. "Pinks. Whatever happens, stay behind me until I say run, then go get Twilight."

"O-okay." she stuttered, experiencing an interesting combo for her Pinkie Sense.

I closed my eyes and watched as something huge and ugly passed through my door and entered, barely slowed by the threshold. I grimaced, not relishing the fact that I would have to fight with my eyes closed and be unable to see the physical objects around me. I'd have to see if Celestia had any of Starswirl's pre-transformation books if I survived this. It charged and I just held my sword pointed in front of me. It punctured the outline of the creature and then I felt myself lifted and thrown across the house, landing unceremoniously in the kitchen. I got its position, then shouted to Pinkie, staring at her, "Go! Now!"

She nodded and vanished out the front door as I got to my feet. I saw energy venting from the wound I had inflicted on whatever it was and I felt a pulse of energy from behind me, "Verina dat karkita..." I said as I turned and swung blindly behind me. I felt my sword collide with the table, but the creature that was standing there fell in half. It must have been weaker. I felt a blast of cold across my back as my original opponent took a swipe out of me. I yanked my blade free from the wood and spun, slashing where I assumed it had been. I saw it finish jumping out of the way and begin to gather energy to itself, probably to heal its wound. I drew more of the heat from the fire and formed it into a spike of energy in my hand, which I willed to fly true and explode on contact. I succeeded and watched it fall backwards from the blow. I rushed forward, tripping over something, but carrying myself far enough so that my fall led my sword into it.

I felt all the energy from my sword drain away as a cold greater than what I had felt that morning began to flow over me. I shivered and tried to stand, only to collapse halfway. I looked through my closed eyelids as I watched my opponent flee my home, just as Twilight, Pinkie, and Rarity of all ponies came rushing in. I opened my eyes and grinned weakly, "I chased it off..." I said before falling forward and losing consciousness.





I clawed my way back to the waking world, finding myself on the couch with Pinkie laying on top of my, hugging me tight and sound asleep. Twilight and Rarity were asleep in chairs next elsewhere in the room, and the fire was crackling away merrily. I could feel the energy transfer between Pinkie and I, I'm guessing she wanted to return the favor from the Everfree. I coughed a little, my throat dry and that woke her up.

"Hey, Tara... You feeling okay?" she asked sleepily.

"Much better. What's going on?"

"Twilight put up new wards around your house, Rarity was just here because she was at the library too when I got there. We, uh, figured out how to have me give you some energy, so I've been laying here doing that for an hour or so. I musta dozed off."

"It's okay, Pinkie. I'm glad you were here."

She blushed a little bit and then shook her head, muttering something under her breath. I tilted my head again and gave her a hug, rubbing my hand along her back. She squeaked, "Your hands are cold!"

"Well, the fire is hot, that should warm them up soon enough, your body heat will help too," I said, holding my hands against her.

"Tara, I... um..." she sighed, "You can do this, Pinkie!"

I looked at her confused and opened my mouth to say something when she did something I would have never expected. She kissed me. Not on the cheek or forehead, right on the lips. I was shocked, to say the least and I held my breath for a moment until she released it, "Sorry..." she said, climbing off and running out the door, her mane starting to deflate.

I cursed and staggered to my feet, grabbing my coat and hat off the peg before dashing out the door after her, "Pinkie! Wait!" I called, chasing her toward the park.

I found her sitting on a bench, mane straight and tears frozen to her cheeks. I was breathing heavily, having to keep up with an earth pony was not an easy task. I knelt on the cold, hard ground and looked at her as she sniffled, "Why are you crying? Why'd you run?" I asked between breaths.

"I did something you didn't like."

"You didn't do that, I was just surprised. I wasn't expecting that."

She blinked and looked at me in the eyes, seemingly examining everything I had just said, "So, you don't mind that I... like you like you?"

I smiled and shook my head, standing up and moving over to hug her on the bench, "Of course not, Pinkie. You're awesome! You seriously helped me out through the uh, issues I had a few weeks ago, and you keep me company so I don't go completely insane by spending every night alone. You're always there when I start to feel down with a smile, or a joke, or a song. I doubt I'd still be alive here if you weren't around. You and the other girls all helped, but you helped the most and for that, well, I love you for that."

"So..." she said, doing a remarkable impression of Fluttershy, looking up at me from behind her mane, "Um, can I be your special somepony?" she asked quietly. I simply smiled and nodded. Her mane poofed up instantly and I found myself on the ground with a very happy mare hugging me tightly.

I laughed a little, "Hey, Pinkie, let's go back and snuggle by the fireplace, huh? I'm sure the others will get worried if they wake up and we're gone. Plus, my hands are cold," I said, tickling her under her forelegs.

She yelped and started giggling, then rolled off, "Alright, you win, let's go!" she said.

I stood up and we walked the long walk back to my house. She was walking very close and would occasionally bump against me or swat me with her tail. I couldn't identify the tune she was humming either. Once we got back, I put my coat away and lay back on the couch, with Pinkie taking her place back on top of me. I smiled and held her close as my hands slowly warmed up in the heat of the fireplace as we both slowly dozed off. I fell asleep with my hand in her mane.
> Research & Revelations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I felt myself being lightly shaken awake as my mind slowly began to work towards something resembling a waking state, "Tara? Wake up."

"I'm awake, Twilight..." I muttered as I stretched and hefted a still sleeping Pinkie Pie off of my chest so I could I sit up, "What's up?"

"I just wanted to make sure you had recovered. I'm just glad you gave Pinkie your energy that night otherwise I wouldn't have been able to reverse engineer the process and get your spiritual stores back up. It's a lot different than unicorn magic..."

I nodded and thought about it. If Merlin had indeed become Starswirl, surely he had written something about converting the magical energy, or even if he knew there was a difference, "Twi, I'd like to ask a favor... Can you take me to the Royal Library? I need to do some research, and I think there might be something there."

"Well, sure, I can have Spike watch the library. Let me just send a note ahead to the Princesses..."

"No, I'd rather leave them out of this for now, until I'm sure I can't find out what I need on my own."

"Oh, well, I guess that's okay... I still need to talk to Spike."

I felt Pinkie start to stir next to me, "You go ahead, I'll meet you at the train in an hour?" she nodded, "Rarity already left, I guess?"

"Yes, a little before you woke up. She needed to fix  her mane," the unicorn said with a roll of her eyes.

I nodded and shook my pink companion to help wake her up, "I'll see you at the train then," I said, and Twilight departed.

Pinkie finally woke up and smiled, hugging me tightly. I returned the gesture, "C'mon, Pinks, let's get some breakfast, then I'm heading for Canterlot."

"Canterlot? Why?"

"I need to do some research into this whole mess. These things that nopony else can see bug me, and my 'magic' is so different from a unicorn's..."

"Oh, okay! I can cover for you at the shop, I'm sure the Cakes won't mind at all. What's for breakfast?"

"Pancakes. I crave them."

She grinned, and we cooked, and we ate. It was an easy morning. Despite her confession, our relationship hadn't changed all that much. At least now I wouldn't feel that awkward moment whenever she leaned against me during movie night. I just hoped to avoid the estrus issue for as long as possible. I didn't want to have to deal with... that... if I didn't have to . There were multiple reasons, none of which I felt like discussing this early. After a pot of coffee and a few dozen (for her) pancakes, we left, myself dressed as nicely as I could manage, wearing my new Luna-inspired winter wear and we made our way to the train station. Twilight was there with packed saddlebags and a nervous pace.

I waved as we walked up, Pinkie bouncing up to my height and giving me a quick peck on the cheek before bouncing off into town, presumably to head back to Sugarcube Corner. Twilight gaped at the kiss before I shrugged, "I'll explain on the train," I said quietly before she allowed us to board. I admit I was quite looking forward to this trip. I'd be in Equestria for months and had never bothered to visit the Capitol, despite seeing it on an almost daily basis jutting out of the side of the mountain. It was exciting. I had no delusions of a grand meeting with the Princess, so it would be all research. Sitting down in the cabin, Twilight joined me and stared at me, apparently waiting for my explanation of what had happened with Pinkie.

"So, what was that about?" she asked, pulling a notebook and quill out of her saddlebags, starting to write.

"Well, last night, while you and Rarity were asleep, we woke up. She kissed me and ran off, so I had to chase her down in the park where she confessed and we had a little talk. Then we went back to my house and back to sleep."

"Well, I don't see the attraction, but Pinkie has always been more open to other kinds of relationships, so, I won't fault her," the unicorn said with a slight shrug as she continued taking notes, "Though that does mean I have to add mating rituals and such to the list of things I need to learn while we're at the library."

"Twi... please, I care about Pinkie but... that kind of thing is just not in the cards. If I were a pony, maybe, but..."

"Well, I guess, but are you sure she won't be... disappointed?"

"If she is, we'll burn that bridge when we come to it. I do care for her, Twilight, and I want her to be happy, but that's just something I can't do."

"Why not? You still have all the requisite parts, don't you?"

I sighed and rubbed a hand through my hair, trying to decide how to phrase my response, "If you suddenly woke up one day, with the name Dusk Shine, and a stallionhood, and found out that, say, Rainbow Dash was your marefriend, would you be willing to mate with her?"

"I'd feel wrong, and out of place, so probably not..."

"So, just because I have the right parts, doesn't mean I want to put them to their intended use. Even if I did, I'd want to be able to satisfy her... You may not have noticed, but humans are a bit undersized compared to the average stallion."

She blushed, "I wouldn't know anything about that..."

I giggled, "I'm sorry, Twi. I just wanted to clear the air about that. How long until we get to Canterlot?"

"A few hours. I usually bring a few books to read on the way," she said, nodding toward her saddlebags.

"Ah, good thing I brought my DS then..." I muttered, pulling the aforementioned small blue device out of my pocket and flipping it open. I booted it up and was in the middle of debating which of the games currently slotted I wanted to play when I spied Twilight looking at it curiously.

"Oh, it's like a small computer, but primarily for playing video games. I have two with me right now, one called Pokemon: Black which is about collecting small creatures to do battle with other trainers and Metroid: Fusion, about a future bounty hunter who has to deal with something that can take over and mimic any other creature, like The Thing."

"I'm still sorry about what I did to your couch."

"I should have expected that something that horrifying would make you lose your lunch, I'm sorry."

Twilight put her book down and came over to sit next to me and watch me play over my shoulder. Technology was one of the few things we could discuss without it going completely over my head. Even my simplistic explanations of how something worked was enough for her to start developing theories and prototypes. I did manage to catch her before she completely vivisected my computer one day though, "So, aliens or small cute battle monsters?"

"Pokemon seems to be something Fluttershy would like."

"Oh, she'd love collecting all the little creatures, but not having to pit them against other trainers, I'm sure."

"You're probably right, let's see it..." she said. I pushed the icon and started up my save file, checking my team and mentally facepalming over the names of the beasties that made up my team. My Oshawott named Revolver simply topped the list of references I would have to explain, so I just moved on until Twilight started asking questions.

After two hours of explaining type advantage, STAB moves, EVs, IVs, Eevees, and half the references in the names of my monsters, I finally got tired of playing and let her start up a new file on the grounds that she wouldn't be able to save. She smiled and nodded, starting up a new game while muttering something about a cloning spell so she could have her own copy. She spent the rest of the trip progressing through the game and rapidly discovering that her mental acuity served her quite well for strategy and planning. Her team was well rounded and she learned quickly how to prepare for each gym that was coming up by talking to the people in town. The plot suckered her in pretty good and she told me that if their methods weren't so abhorrent, she'd be siding with Team Plasma.

I dozed off shortly after that and woke up to her nudging me in the shoulder as we pulled into Canterlot. I folded up the DS, leaving it powered on in safe mode just in case Twilight wanted to play later, and followed her off the train. I got a few odd looks from Canterlot's residents as we made our way through town, but most of them just went back about their business once they spotted Twilight conversing with me.

"Now, you'll be able to access most of the library except for the rare wing and the Dark Archives. I'm not even allowed there. If you're looking for magic information, I'd suggest the Starswirl the Bearded wing. It has pretty much everything he ever wrote. What's not there is in the rare wing and I can get you access if you need it and the Princess isn't busy."

"Thanks, Twilight. I'm doubting what I need is just out in the open to find, but I might get lucky," I said as we finally found our way up the steps to the Canterlot Royal Library. It was definitely huge. We entered and I found my way over to the card catalogue to start with some rough idea of what I was looking for. Having found a few titles I thought might be interesting, I began my journey through Equestria's library filing system. While roughly similar to the Dewey Decimal system, it was a little more obtuse. After wandering for about half an hour, I finally found the wing I was looking for. I was a little shocked by how much information Starswirl had put on paper if indeed all of these works were his. I hoped they just lumped all the "magic" books in with his works, but, I'd have to find out.

Several hours later, I found myself leaning back against a shelf of dusty scrolls and dozing off. I blinked and looked around, finding myself in an unfamiliar chamber. Shrugging and moving forward in one of the rare instances I realize I was in a dream, I stepped into the air and began to float around, flying awkwardly like a low-powered Iron Man trying to find his balance. I always preferred to fly in my dreams, since it was likely the only opportunity I would have. I explored the chamber a little and marveled at the intricacy of the carvings in the walls and the items held under glass cases or suspended from the walls. Magnificent tapestries chronicling ancient battles or important events, none of which I recognized. I turned a corner and saw a curious sight. Staring straight at me, eyes twinkling with mischief, was a slate-gray fox. It was sitting in the middle of the aisle just staring at me.

I tilted my head at it and it mirrored me. "Do you have any idea how much energy it takes to survive being pulled across dimensions, little miss?" it said in a deep feminine voice carrying old wisdom and yet youthful playfulness, "You're lucky I'm back so soon!"

"Wait... Kes? Is that you?"

"Of course it is! When we got yanked through worlds, we got separated, but I've got my form back and I intend to have words with that old nag that pulled us so far from home."

"Any idea who it was?"

She facepawed and sighed, "You know who it was! I'm not going to tell you something you already know. I wouldn't be a very good spirit guide if I did, now would I?"

I looked down at the fox in confusion. I had no idea who brought me to this world but if she wasn't going to tell me, that meant I was going to have to find out myself. "So where are we anyway? A dream, I know that much."

"We're in your vault. Or, what it looks like now, more of a museum."

"A museum?"

"Yeah, all the old things that you should know about and deal with, sitting here ignored and collecting dust." Noting my blank expression, she continued after hopping up onto a display of an old helmet and shield in a vaguely Norse design, "Every object in here represents something from your soul's past. Either a power, a story, a memory, or a nightmare. Your friends and I always told you that you had an old soul. Now you can see that literally before you."

"So, what, I had Norse ancestors?" I asked, looking at the display. The writing on it was gibberish, as it always was in my dreams.

She bobbed her head back and forth and made a face, "In a manner of speaking, after the fact, as it were. It's extremely complicated and I don't have the time or energy to explain. You're only catching a light nap, not hibernating for a year, after all. You keep looking outside for answers, like a human, when you're so much more. I kept telling you, before we merged, that all your answers are in here," she said, tapping a paw against my forehead, "and here!" she put the paw over my chest, "Now, Twilight's trying to wake you up so I'll have to talk to you again later, but for now, take this with you."

She put a small locket in my hand and closed my fist around it before the world faded to black and I slowly opened my eyes, yawning as a small purple unicorn prodded me with a hoof, "Sorry, Twilight, I must have dozed off."

"You were pretty out of it. How did your search go?"

"Well, I didn't find anything useful," I said, with a stretch as I stood up, clenching my fist and feeling something pressing into my palm, "What the..."

I opened my hand to reveal the same locket that Kes had pushed into my hand before I woke up, "Twilight... Do you know anyone skilled in dream magic?"

"Only Princess Luna, or at least she used to be, according to research, why?"

I held out my hand, showing her the trinket. It was silver and oblong with intricate runic engravings covering the surface and a loop meant for a chain from the top. I could find no means to open it and Twilight's magic didn't seem to either as she levitated it up and began to examine it in detail, "Where'd you find this? It's beautiful! The craftsponyship is incredibly detailed..."

"My spirit guide is back, apparently, and gave it to me in my dream just now."

"Dream to reality? That's... I hate to admit it, but that is way beyond anything I know. I came to get you because we have to get to the train back to Ponyville. I can send Princess Celestia a letter when we get back, but beyond that, it would be impossible to see the Princess," my friend said as we wandered back to the front desk. I pocketed the locket as I waited for Twilight to check out. She had brought a stack of about twenty tomes with her, and the librarian was forcing her to weed it  down to just two, since she no longer lived in the castle. As I waited, I was approached by two unicorns clad in royal guard armor who stared at me sternly for several moments before I finally noticed their presence.

"May I help you, gentlecolts?" I asked, admittedly nervous. My first trip to Canterlot and here I was being accosted by the guards.

"We were sent to deliver a message," the one on the right said simply, levitating a scroll to me. Instead of the golden seal of Princess Celestia, this one was a deep blue with a crescent moon on it, "By your leave," they said in unison before bowing and leaving the way they came.

Twilight walked up to me as I opened the missive, "What was that all about?"

I shrugged as I read the letter.





To Our Subject, 

We hath sensed that thine companion in spirit has returned as we hoped she would. Thus, we request a meeting between thyself, thy companion, and ourselves upon thine rest this eve. Thou need simply return to Ponyville and we shall visit thee in thy dreams as your companion does. The trinket thou hath been given contains an old magic that thee may find useful in the coming months.

We appreciate thine discretion in this matter.


Her Royal Highness, Princess Luna of Equestria, caretaker of the Moon and Stars





I rolled the scroll back up and stuffed it in a pocket, "Just an official greeting from Princess Luna. I guess she's still catching up with matters."

Twilight nodded and I thanked Faust that Applejack weren't here. I had never been very good at lying to someone's face.

Our journey to the train was uneventful though I was stopped by a small filly who was wondering what exactly I was. It was kind of cute to watch her eyes go wide as I treated her like a big filly instead of a little foal. She'd actually met a gryphon once but since I was the only human in Equestria, she had a great story to tell all her friends. One of these days I'll remember to actually bring my camera. I could have taken a photo and printed it out back home and sent it via post for proof. At the very least her mother would vouch for the validity of her tale. I just made sure no embellishments were given. I was definitely not twenty hooves tall and capable of breathing fire.

The train ride was much the same as the ride into Canterlot had been. I managed to avoid dozing off by reading one of the tomes Twilight brought with her while she played more Pokemon. I learned a little more about the history of Equestria and Starswirl the Bearded in particular.

Rapidly setting as we pulled into the station in Ponyville, the sun spoke that we had spent all day in Canterlot. My stomach growled its displeasure as we left the car and I sighed, "We forgot lunch, didn't we?"

Twilight blushed, "I guess so," she said as her own gut answered mine.

"Should we stop by a restaurant or something? I don't really want to walk all the way home and then cook..."

"Well, the library is on the way to a very nice little cafe, so let me drop off these bags and grab Spike."

"Alright, sounds like a plan."

We walked mostly in silence, my mind going over the conversation with Kesina and the letter from the princess. My spirit guide had become an actual part of my being a few years ago due to some particular nastiness back home, but had apparently been separated from me during my journey here. Princess Luna seemed to know about her, and my situation, but how? I hadn't spoken to her, and while I'm sure Celestia had told her about me, I don't know how she could have found out about Kesina, given the fact that she only just reappeared. Hopefully the dream tonight would bring some answers.

Dinner was a relatively quiet affair, myself absorbed in thought and Twilight seemingly willing to let me be alone with them. We parted ways after we ate and I made my way slowly home. I debated stopping in on Pinkie, but I decided against it for now. I knew she'd want to hang out but at this point I was exhausted and just wanted to sleep, not to mention the meeting awaiting me.

Finally climbing between my sheets I placed my head against the pillow and quickly fell away into a dream. Pushing off the ground and flying down the unfamiliar tunnel I had found myself in, I soon emerged into a dimly lit chamber. The air was scented with a soft incense and the furniture was obviously lunar-themed. I smiled to myself and floated in place as I felt a familiar presence enter behind me.

"Well, she certainly has good taste," the voice said.

I nodded in agreement. "Leave it to royalty to keep you waiting."

A soft chuckle approached from the shadows, "Not too long, we hope," said the lunar princess as she strode into the light.

I lowered myself to the floor and bowed deeply, "Princess Luna, it is an honor."

"Well met again at last, Miss Watson. It has been so long since we took tea together."

"I don't actually like tea..." I said, standing back up straight, "Wait... again? What?"

"Do you not recall? We visited thee in thy dream many months ago. We saw in thy heart the greatest need to escape thine situation we had encountered in over a millenia!"

"I, uh... Wait, that dream? That was an actual sit down with the princess and have tea dream!?"

My spirit guide pounced onto my shoulder and swatted the back of my head, "Didn't I always say, be careful what you wish for?!"

Not knowing exactly what else to do, I fell over. I've never felt a panic attack in a dream but they were just as bad as one in the real world. The lightheaded feeling, tunnel vision, sweating, it was all there.

Luna looked at me with concern and levitated over a glass of water. I took it and sipped at until I had managed to recover my faculties, "Forgive me, Princess. So, you brought me here?"

"Indeed. Thy suffering was great, even we could see that. Your spiritual strength was sufficient to survive the journey, though we do apologize for separating thee from thy companion. We had hoped that thine arrival in Equestria would go smoothly. Unfortunately, we neglected to recall thine medical conditions."

"It's alright, Princess. I survived, obviously. Though I'm surprised you didn't just make me into a pony to cover it up."

"A human appearing in Ponyville would arouse my sister's suspicions less than a new pony with advanced technology and no idea how they arrived. We are also afraid that Starswirl's spell was never designed to be used on another being, only oneself."

I nodded and thought about it for a moment as Kesina came over and curled up in my lap, "I'm glad you brought me here, though, I'm afraid I may have unleashed something on your world that was never intended to be here."

She frowned and sat down across from me, "Indeed, the vault in thine mind contained a great many things, some of which were quite angry at being sealed away for so long. Luckily, they are confined to the Everfree and the surrounding area. We must ask that thee regain control over these entities before they do more harm."

"I will do whatever I can, Princess. It may take some time..."

She smiled and levitated an ancient tome over to me. I opened it and saw nothing but dreamese.

"I'm not skilled enough at dreams to read this, your highness."

"Worry not, my dear subject. It will follow thee into the waking world, which thou must return to shortly."

"Thank you for the help, and the information. I just wish I knew how to use my powers."

"They are in thine vault. Visit it, learn about your past. Knowledge is power, as they say. Be wary it dost not corrupt thee."

"I think Twilight and the girls can handle me if I go off the ranch."

She chuckled, "Quite true. Enjoy thine day, Miss Watson."

I smiled as the dream faded slowly, "Thank you, your highness."

> End Season 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Time went by as I studied the tome and worked on cataloging everything in my vault. I trained as much as I could despite the fact that I still didn't really know anything. That was a problem I always had. I never really understood how to do anything, but instead I just did it. The wards, energy channeling, all of it was like some extraneous limb that was there and usable but I couldn't tell you how I flexed the muscles.

The winter passed by and the Gala came and went as I worked on my own problems. I was sad to miss it, but I knew it wasn't going to be all that it promised, so I let the girls learn their lesson as was required of the timeline. However, I knew what was coming, and didn't know how to proceed. Eventually, I wrote out a letter to the Princess and had it delivered via Spike. How do you sit back and watch when every pony you know and love is about to experience something that will change them forever, when you can do something about it. Discord was coming, I knew it, and could feel it in my bones. My now trained abilities might help a little, but was there really anything I could do? The Elements of Harmony would be needed  no matter what. Who was I to alter fate?

I sat in the library waiting with Twilight, playing a game of chess and losing badly. I'd never been good at it to begin with and my opponent was a combination of Deep Blue and Bobby Fisher. I was about to lose my last line of defense and have checkmate declared when Spike belched out a scroll. I grabbed it, and was disheartened by what I read.





My faithful subject,

I know it must be difficult to possess knowledge of the future as you do, and wish to change it. It is probably worse than the hindsight we all have about our mistakes. However, I must ask that you keep whatever is coming to yourself if, as you say, Twilight and her friends can handle it. If you are correct, then there is a powerful lesson in friendship to be learned, and my student is more than capable of handling herself. As that woman Twilight has become so fond of says: Spoilers, sweetie.


Princess Celestia




I sighed and looked at my friend, eyes watering, "I'm sorry, Twilight. I didn't get the news I was hoping for. I'll... see you around, okay? Be careful."

"I will?" she asked as I left the library, slouching my way home.
> Lost
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Awake or asleep, neither state mattered. My everything hurt, no matter where or when I was. I should have known that having every atom of your being rearranged and teleported by the God of Chaos would hurt. I never expected it to hurt this much. I had a migraine that could put down two Alicorns at once and maybe give a third a headache. I didn't even dare open my eyes until the pain had abated from "Kill me now" to "Why, Celestia, why."

Even then I took it slow. Squinting them open a millimeter at a time until I could see my surroundings. Everything was tilted ninety degrees, but that may have been because I was laying on my side. The view was completely unfamiliar. My body had gone from burning with the heat of a thousand fiery suns to completely numb. Grimacing, I took a deep breath and blew something blue and green out of my vision only to have it flop back into place.

I tentatively tried to move a limb and heard it scrape across the grass. I made to grab the offending mass of color with my fingers but paused as something odd appeared in my vision. Instead of a pale white hand, a soft purple hoof appeared. I looked around but saw no pony attached to it, so I tried to move this peculiar appendage. It responded and I groaned, coming slowly to a realization. I attempted to roll to my up so I could make it my left and after a few tries, I managed to succeed.

Sitting there, I took stock of my situation. The area around me was unfamiliar, forested, but not the well-kept forests of Equestria nor the untamed wilds of the Everfree. It seemed to have once been maintained by ponies, but now abandoned for some reason. I squirmed, getting my new foursome of legs underneath me and sighing. So far, today had been the worst day of my entire stay here in Ponyville, even including the week where I couldn't leave the bathroom and almost decided to just walk into the Everfree to end it all at the stinger of a manticore.

It had started when I woke up to the sound of rain on the roof, only to look out and see Rainbow Dash chasing a pink cloud across the sky as brown liquid rolled down the window. All I could do was sigh, turn around as Pinkie galloped out the door and say to myself, "It begins."

I wanted to stay inside, but I knew I could probably do something to help around town as Chaos began its reign. Once the girls were off to Canterlot, I was left to assist in making sure that everypony had shelter in case it got worse. How I wished I had been allowed to prevent this, but who knew what would happen if I had mucked up the timeline. It was during this time that I felt something appear behind me. Turning, I beheld the infamous Draconequus himself. Without the filter of children's television, he was absolutely terrifying. Mismatched, ugly, and the smell.

He chuckled and smiled at me, "Well, well, well. A human! I haven't seen one of you since just before I was turned to stone. It's always a pleasure. You people are so chaotic! Hm, and you yourself seem to have some power as well. I-"

I interrupted, my first mistake of the day, "You're Discord, 'God' of Chaos and wannabe Q. I have nothing to say to you. Twilight and her friends will beat you. I know."

He laughed more and floated around me, "Now, listen here, human. I've already stuck the girls in a little challenge, and I have to say, they're proving far more entertaining than I'd hoped. I hope you can do the same. Hmm, well, since you know how this story goes," he paused for effect while I backed away slowly, "Let's find out how your own flows, shall we?"

With a snap of his fingers I felt like I was being torn apart. The last thing I heard was his laughter. Now I'm here, as a pony, a pegasus if the wings on my sides were any indication, and lost somewhere I'd never seen, "Would it have killed you to give me a map, Q?!" I shouted to the air.

"You keep calling me that," came his disembodied voice before he appeared on a tree limb, "I think I like it. Now, you don't need a map to find your way back, just a little lift."

"So I need to learn how to fly."

He chuckled, "Or climb trees with hooves, which would be much more amusing! I'll give you the same hint I gave your friends. You'll find 'it' back where this began."

"It? What is it?"

Another low chuckle as he pulled a cheshire cat, "You'll find out, my little pony."

I grumbled and slowly started to stand up, taking my time and finding a point of balance between my four hooves. It took a while, but I managed to do it. The next problem became figuring out how my wings worked. I looked back and tried to figure out how to move them, managing a weak flap and a few other awkward motions before I started to lose my balance. They snapped open reflexively to steady me and I sighed. This was going to take a while. Another realization came to me at this point. My wings were rather small. Come to think of it, my everything was small. I groaned and sat back down, burying my face in my hooves and crying my little foal heart out. Not only had that damnable demon made me a pony so I had to get used to an entirely new body, the [edited for younger audiences] made me a foal!

I'm not sure how long I lay there in the grass sobbing. It could have been minutes, hours, or days. It was impossible to tell with Discord messing with the day/night cycle. Once I had no more tears left, I tried to get to my hooves again. Once I was up, I began to experiment with walking. I couldn't for the life of me remember how ponies did it. I never really watched how they walked, so I was at a loss. I tried a few tentative steps and quickly found myself on my face with a squeak. I'm sure if anypony were watching they would have found it cute and funny, at least until I started cursing. I got back up and tried again, gaining speed too quickly and galloping into the woods. The old adage, that you have to run before you can walk, seemed to apply here, however I had no idea where I was going until I hit a root and began to tumble down a hill.

I bounced down onto a flat outcropping and luckily stopped before I fell over the cliff. Looking out at the view before me, I saw a familiar white building leaning out of the side of a mountain, "Hah, I didn't need to fly, just get a good view!" I smiled slightly. I was still a filly; I was covered in dirt, leaves, and scratches; my nose was clogged and my eyes were red and puffy from crying, but by Celestia I knew where I needed to go. Canterlot. He said where this began. That narrows it down to his statue, or... wait, no, the Elements were in the library so...

I paused, lost in thought as to where 'this' had begun. My story? Where did that begin? Back on Earth, a lifetime ago.

'You know, you really are a dumbass sometimes.'

'Ah, Kes, good to know you're still in there...'

'Look, I'll make this easy, your story begins where you had tea with Luna. Find Luna, find that room. I still don't know what 'it' is though'

'Hopefully 'it' is my adulthood, functional wings, and the ability to kick Discord in the face.'

'Hah! Well get moving, filly. We're burning day... Moon... day... I hate that mutt...' her voice grumbled as the sun and moon continued to change places more often than attendees at the mad hatter's tea party.

I nodded to myself and started to look for a way down the cliff. As long as I didn't get turned around once I was at a lower elevation, finding Canterlot shouldn't be too hard. I had no idea what Discord would have waiting for me in that forest.
> Forest of Illusion: Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finding my way down from the cliff was, to put it mildly, a frustrating effort. I was still barely able to keep my balance long enough to walk and, were I a mature pegasus, I could probably figure out gliding relatively quickly, my wings would be unable to keep me airborne. I doubted even a pony could survive this fall.

I finally found a path that lead down in a long switchback to the forest floor. I took it slow, only tripping every few dozen steps instead of every couple. I still fell a lot, enough so that after fifty, I stopped counting. I was covered in dirt, bruises in places I didn't realize could be bruised, and exhausted, but I made it! Now, I just had to navigate an unfamiliar forest with unknown levels of danger in a single direction without getting lost. No problem.

A grumbling sensation emitted from my stomach and I sighed again, "Seriously? You pick now to tell me you're hungry?" I asked my midsection in frustration. It responded with a gurgle so I looked around for something edible. There were a plethora of mushrooms, various small ferns, and plenty of grass, but whether or I could digest any of that, or stomach it to begin with...

Sighing, again, I was doing that too much, I took a mouthful of grass and chewed on it thoughtfully. It was bland, slightly bitter, but wouldn't be bad with some Italian dressing. At the very least, it filled my belly. After a few minutes to make sure I wasn't immediately going to puke it right back up, I started into the woods toward Canterlot.

I didn't get very far before I heard the woods begin to creak and shift around me, the trees closing in and making my choice of path limited. Of course he wouldn't let me just wander through a normal forest. I sighed and began following the maze laid out before me. After a few twists and turns, I wondered what the point of this was. There were no branching paths unless I squeezed through roots, and it was just boring, "Seriously, Discord? This is the best you could do?" I mumbled under my breath as I continued in, trying to keep track of how and when I turned so I made sure I was still heading in the general direction of Canterlot. I turned a corner and find a wide open field in front of me. Sitting in the middle was a tall tree with a wide canopy, brimming with fruit. Sitting underneath the tree, eyes closed, was a copy of my old male self.

I approached, carefully, and looked myself over. I noticed a slight transparency, but beyond that, I was standing there in front of me. "Hello?"

"Hello? What are... Oh, it looks like I've finally gone completely insane. Not only can't I get any sleep, but now I'm seeing small cartoon ponies everywhere."

"Uh, no, you're not mad. I'm here, but, you shouldn't be."

"And why not? Am I not entitled to my own existence despite what that little fox and the other half of myself think?"

I sighed, this was going to be awkward and difficult. "Listen, were we ever happy when we were you? Trying to be like our Dad wanted us to be and doing things that hurt just to feel like we were still alive?"

"We had girlfriends! We had sex! We had going out drinking and karaoke! You ruined all of that by deciding that instead of just cross-dressing occasionally you wanted to be female full time."

"So what if I did!? Drinking only ever made us depressed. We smoked too much, made barely enough money to survive, flitted between jobs and yeah, maybe I did ruin things by admitting I was trans. It was a hard choice, and yeah, we lost friends over it. We were always a bit stupid as to how other people felt!" I squeaked every few words. If it weren't for the tears flowing from my eyes and the topic, it would've sounded funny.

"And look where this path got you. Lost in a forest of illusions thanks to some freak of nature we would probably have never gotten into if it weren't for you and Kes. I'm what we should have been! Strong, gainfully employed with benefits! I could be married by now, with kids if you hadn't shown up."

"Shown up!?" I shouted, moving closer to my other half, "Listen to yourself! I was always there. We always talked things over. We're two sides of the same bloody coin, you and I. We never wanted any of that. That was all Dad talking and that damnable Catholic guilt."

I glared at the figure before me before a realization hit, "You're not even really me! You're just another illusion conjured up by that damn Q wannabe!"

"Oh, he's not mine," came a familiar disembodied voice, "This forest likes to do things like that, one of the more interesting things the wilds in the world can do. You'll meet friends, foes, and other woes as you wander through. While you wander, you'll find out many things about who and what you really are. When you leave, will you still be you?" He chuckled, "I'd love see..."

"I'm starting to seriously dislike this place," the other me said.

"Well, at least that's one thing we have in common. Look, Jay, you and I both know the reason I took the helm. We hated our life and it was change it or end it. We've always been a coward, but even that was beyond us, so we chose to change. Stop lying to me."

I heard him sigh as I started walking away, further toward Canterlot, "You're right, you know. Good luck out there, sis."
> Forest of Illusion: Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I made my way back into the woods, following the path laid out before me if only because every time I tried to squeeze through some of the trees that barred my way, the gap would close until I was nearly crushed. This place didn't seem to want to actually harm me, just mess with me. I found my way to another small clearing with a small river running through it. The water was crisp and clean and sated my thirst that had begun to build, another sign that maybe this forest wasn't so bad, just annoying. I was lounging by the river, debating if I wanted to eat more grass or wait and see if I could find some kind of berry when I was tackled by a shade of purple similar to my own. I ended up on my haunches, dizzy, while my attacker was getting to her own hooves. She was basically my pony form only adult, with a streaking comet cutie mark.

"Whoa, hey, sorry about that squirt. Never have been good at landings... Wait a minute, you're me! Hey! Why are you tiny?"

"Discord."

"Oh, that clown's around is he? Start of season 2?" she nodded and moved around, looking at the forest, "One minute I'm flying around, wondering if ponies can breathe in space cause I wanna see the stars closer and then bam, I'm saying hi to myself as a filly. Though I've never been a filly. I don't even know why I'm here really."

"Do you ever breathe?" I asked impatiently. Apparently, this version of me could ramble like Pinkie. 

"What? Oh, sorry, comes with the territory, everything moves fast. Metabolism, muscles, mouth. All the major Emms."

"Right... So why are you here?"

"Oh, right! The forest. Now it tells me. I'm here to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of staying a pegasus! Well, mostly the advantages. I have yet to find a disadvantage other than the lack of fingers, but hey, that's what wings are for!" She said, wiggling her primaries. I was highly confused, and rolled my eyes. She just grinned and went on and on about how great it was to be a pegasus, sounding for all the world like she'd taken too many lessons on being awesome from Rainbow. I waited as patiently as I could.

Tonight, you will be visited by three spirits...

Pfft! You really think the forest is going to show an earth pony you and a unicorn you too?

If it didn't, I would be disappointed. Where are you anyway?

The forest won't let me in. Apparently I'm not allowed to help.

Figures.

"So what do you say, squirt?"

"Look... whatever name you chose... I'm going to withhold my decision for now. I don't even know if the harmony nuke will just change me back to human by default anyway, so."

"Harmony nuke? Oh! Right, that."

"Yeah, so, I'll be on my way..." I mumbled as I started back towards the trees, intent on forgetting that I could ever get that annoying. I really hoped that if I did choose to be a pegasus, I wouldn't be an off color clone of Rainbow. I'd rather be me, just with wings. That is, if I had the choice to begin with.

I made my way through the tangle of trees, humming Smile, Smile, Smile to myself. I couldn't wait for Pinkie's live performance. I turned a corner and found myself at a dead end, "Aw, Come on!" I shouted to the air. I turned around only to find that the route had closed behind me. I grumbled and sat down, staring at the impenetrable wall of foliage. I turned my stare into a glare and willed the trees to burst into flame. I failed miserably, but I did start to hear a thump. The rhythm was off but I recognized the pattern from somewhere.

S... T... A... N... D...

Huh?

It's Morse code! New word... B... A... C... ... K...

Stand Back? "Stand Back!?" I barely managed to duck before a cloud of wooden shards and splinters blew into my little chamber. Standing on the other side was a massive earth pony stallion with a slate grey coat and bright blue mane.

"Don't ye know a jail break when ye see one?" He asked me in a badly affected Scottish accent.

"Who the buck are you?" I asked, standing up slowly, shaking the sawdust off my coat and wings.

"Terra Shell. Third strongest bucker in Ponyville!" he said proudly.

I facehooved and sighed, so, this would be my stallion form if I ended up that way. Well, at least then Pinkie and I could have foals. I blushed a little at that. "So, you're here to show me what's good about being an Earth pony?"

"And a stallion! Pinkie and I would have the absolutely cutest and most awesome foals in Ponyville, at least until Rainbow Dash settles down. If she settles down," he chuckled, a deep rumbling sound, "Anyway, listen. I know you wouldn't like to be a stallion, but you saw how happy the twins made Pinkie. Can you imagine how happy she'd be with her own foals?"

"Yeah, I can, actually. I've thought about it a lot, but..."

"Plus, with being an Earth pony, you can actually get AJ to like you, since you'll finally have something resembling stamina and she'll probably let you work on the farm to earn your bits since you won't really be Pinkie enough to help in the bakery. I still don't know how the Cakes do it."

"I bet they're hiding horns under those hats and that hair."

He shrugged, "It wouldn't surprise me. Anyway, sorry it took me so long to bust you out of here, kiddo. Give me some thought if you get the choice, would ya?"

"I'll think about it. You're at least more down to earth that pegasus me."

He snickered as I realized what I said. I groaned and dodged between his legs to get past him and continue on my way through this mess. If my calculations were correct, I had one more pony self to meet. I waited until I was well out of sight of my last little encounter before I picked a tree at random and stared it down, "Look, forest, spirits, whatever you are, I understand. I really do. I have choices, I have a past, and if you can actually see into my head you know that I think about it constantly. I have regrets, I have all of that. I don't need your little show to understand it. If there is somehow a spell that can transform me, I will weigh the options before I pick a form, otherwise, I'm perfectly fine being stuck as a human."

The tree shifted and a new path opened. I followed it a while until I entered a clearing. It was similar to the first one, though the tree was older and the boughs wider. Beneath sat an alicorn I had never seen before. She was similar in stature to Princess Luna, though her coat was a deep purple and her flank adorned with a field of stars, as was her mane and tail. I approached slowly and cautiously, "Hello?"

"Ah, you've arrived. It appears you missed an option when you were revealing that the forest need not put you through its paces."

"Alicorn is an option?!"

She nodded, "Indeed. Though, one must understand the responsibilities that come with being the culmination of all three races. You would be looked upon as royalty, despite your wishes. Royal duties would come to you whether you want them or not. Being timeless is also a problem. Pinkie will die, one day, and unless you take your own life or are killed, you will live on forever. There are also the risks of succumbing to jealousy, or power..."

I looked down thoughtfully, standing near the mare, "I... don't mean to be insulting but... I don't want that kind of power. Besides, it would be too cliche."

She laughed, "Yes, yes it would. It is an option though, one which you may need to take if something happens. You never know. I don't even know if I will be an option for you. It may be left to the roll of the dice should you even have the opportunity to remain a pony. I honestly couldn't tell you why the forest is doing this. It didn't reveal that to me when it created me."

"You know, for illusions, you all have been rather forthcoming about the fact that you don't really exist."

A smile crossed her lips. "Well, it can at least tell you're too smart to fall for it easily."

"At least there's that. Anyway, if I may? I do sorta kinda need to get to Canterlot."

"I'm aware. The path is open to you," she said before vanishing, the clearing being replaced by more tunnel. I followed it along for a while before eventually coming to yet another clearing. This one was filled with a ruin, however, instead of a single tree. I walked close to a half-buried stone and noticed words on it.

"Here lies Ozymandias, King of Kings, Look upon his works, ye mighty, and despair. Heh, close, but not quite. Why's this here?" I asked, looking around. I moved into the ruins slowly, examining the stones for some clue as to the cause of their destruction. I found very little and was about to move on through the forest when a shadow descended over me and the world exploded. I flew through the air, again not of my own accord, and slammed against a stone pillar. Thankfully, foals in this world are surprisingly durable, so I was only slightly dazed by the blow. I looked around for my attacker and saw a beautiful, winged, human, female land on top of a ruined archway.

"Now who... or what... are you?" I asked as I staggered onto my hooves.

"The end of everything that is ill to the world. A choice. That which lies buried. Pick one, for I am all of them, and you will be, or you will die here."

"I... what? Are you mad!?"

"Some say that."

"Look, whoever you are, I just want to get out of this forest, get to Canterlot, find Princess Luna, and find this 'it' that the old coot kept talking about."

"I know what you wish to do. I am part of you after all. The part that embraced the powers given to you by the unsealing of the vault, instead of sundering yourself and sending the destructive magics away."

I tilted my head so far I was almost looking at her upside down, "Say what?"

She sighed, "Very well then, I'll just have to get to the point. The forest created me as an illusion of what could have been and what could still be. The problem with tampering with non-native powers is that I became so much more. All I need is a physical form to leave this place, and it so happens that what should be rightfully mine is standing right there, as a weak little filly! I am Seraph and I will have my freedom!"

I blinked and started looking around for someplace to run, maybe hide, but at the very least get some distance between me and the mad illusion. I didn't get much of a chance before I saw power begin to crackle around her, coming to a bright point in one outstretched hand before it flew in my direction. I rolled to the side and was caught in the cloud of dust that it sent up. I made a beeline for the ruined wall behind me, ducking behind it as she fired again and again.

I chuckled and looked around. If I was quiet, I could sneak around behind her and get the drop on the loon. I picked my way around carefully as she stood staring at the cloud of dirt that was slowly settling. Spotting a rock about the right size, I tried my throwing arm, winding up and heaving it toward her head. I must have gotten lucky because it nailed her right in the temple, "See, if you were really me, you'd know not to fire blindly into dust clouds! I've watched enough anime to know that!"

She turned toward me with a glower that could put Fluttershy's stare out of business and reached behind her, pulling out a sword that was essentially my tattoo given physical form. It began to glow with crackling blue light as stones shot up out of the ground around me.

I tried to escape, but my options for egress rapidly diminished until I was sealed into a very small corner, and then nearly crushed as several massive bricks pinned me place.

"No more running. I will have what is mine." The finality in her words was chilling and the last thing I saw was her sword flying straight at me. I felt the cold steel embed itself in my forehead before the world around me shattered like a piece of glass and I tumbled into darkness.
> Dive to the Heart
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wake, child.



It is not her time.



Your time is soon.

Wake up!




My eyes snapped open. My face was pressed against glowing, warm, pink glass. I pushed myself up onto my hands and knees and was only slightly surprised to see that I was human again. I was still cartoony, but at least I had my digits back. I gave each of them a kiss as I stood, "Ah, fingers, I missed you! Victory wiggle!" I said, wiggling them about. I must have had some minor head trauma from the freaking sword to my head.

And the head trauma.

I took a look around. The glass below me was definitely pink. Perplexingly pink, even. I'd daresay it was perfectly perplexingly Pinkie Pie pink. That wasn't really the weirdest part, I suppose. There was also the fact that it was basically a giant stained glass image of the party pony.


Source
I looked around and found that the rest of the visible region around me was, in fact, black, "Okay? Now I'm in a giant Kingdom Hearts reference. The buck is going on around here?"

An illusion out of control

A dream beyond my power.

Choices.

"Well, thank you for being cryptic and only slightly useless, mysterious voice."

I looked around and sure enough, a group of pedestals rose out of the ground. There were more than just the three standard choices I was familiar with. I guess the forest can only work with what I give it and has some semblance of a sense of humor considering it chose this particular venue to make me figure things out. "I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that since my, whatever, power, I guess, is from another world, you couldn't handle it when you created an illusion of what would happen if I embraced it completely." I mused and was met with silence. "I take that as a yes. So, now we're here, in a dream, that you're influencing, magic forest, so I can save us both?"

I felt something small land on my shoulder. "I think you're right, kid."

"Hey, Kes, forest finally let you in, huh?"

"Hard to keep out a being of dreams when it forces you into one."

I chuckled and started to examine the objects on the pillars. Some were recognizable as weapons or armor or some other object, but quite a few were simply crystal clear orbs with a gem in the shape of one of the elements of harmony in them, "Well, I guess now I know what it's like to be spoiled for choice."

Many choices.


Options.

Take one, then another.

Leave the rest behind.


"Riiight... What about the elements?"

Laughter is the best medicine.

It's cruel to be kind.

Have you met an honest liar?

Find the truth.

"And now you've become completely useless..." I sighed and picked my way through the displays until I saw something interesting. It was a great shield, larger than most of my body, emblazoned with a pair of pegasus wings, wrapped protectively around the gestalt cutie mark tattoo I had gotten, with the addition of the princess' own marks. I picked it up off the stand and it shrunk down to fit in my palm.

A grand aegis to shield your loved ones.

Paranoia and Tyranny disguised as protection.

Do you choose this power?

I paused and looked up, "Um, yes?" I said to the nothing and immediately the shield began to glow before disappearing. I blinked and looked at the miniature fox on my shoulder, who just shrugged helplessly.

I shook my head and turned my gaze to other things standing around. I had another one of these... objects to pick, though I only had a vague idea of what that would do, and an element to choose. Laughter, Kindness, Magic, Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity. The big six. I may not wield the actual element, but which do I embody?

I, unfortunately, wouldn't have the chance to think on it very much longer as the glass beneath me began to rumble and shatter. I reflexively grabbed something that looked like a weapon as I fell into the space beneath the portrait of my pink party pony.

I tumbled end over end, Kesina clinging desperately to my shoulder, "What the hell is going on?!" she shouted over the rushing wind as something beneath us began to glow.

"I think Sera found us! Hold on!" I hollered back as I rolled and streamlined myself to face the direction of the fall. There in the distance floating a pulsing green and purple orb which made me think of Spike after a bender, don't ask me why. I pushed my hands out in front and concentrated, forcing energy into my palms and outward. I felt an unfamiliar crackle and opened my eyes to see the power actually there for once. I willed it into a corona around me, turning myself and my companion into a miniature comet that was plummeting further downward into the darkness.

I concentrated on keeping the field of energy around us as Kesina began to curse pretty much everything she knew at this illusion that was trying to hijack my body. I closed my eyes as the impact drew near and dumped a massive pulse of energy into the shield as we came into contact. The resulting explosion temporarily deafened me and I felt myself crash through something and slide across something else. I blinked my eyes open, trying to get the world to stop swaying precariously as I found myself standing on another flat plane of glass, staring at another one with a hole punched in it like someone or something had just... Oh wait, that was me.

I got to my feet and examined the area. I had crashed through a giant plate glass window to land on another one. The area was lit only by light coming through the windows themselves and the hole I had punched into the first one. I could hear the distant flapping of wings before a silhouette appeared and flew through the gap. The figure charged across the distance between us and I could see a sword extended ready to swing. Instinctively, and probably stupidly, I brought an arm up to block the incoming blow.

I felt the sword collide with something hard and looked, a protective coating of metal covering my forearm. I grinned and pushed the sword away, swinging up with my spare hand and cracking it into her jaw, sending her reeling, "Oh right, we're in MY head now... Time to show you how things really work around here, missy."

She glared at me and sent power into the sword that she stole her name from. I'd have to teach her a lesson about stealing names later. She swung again and I blocked with the bracer, reaching into nullspace and wrenching out a sword of my own. I swung at her midsection, point forward, intending to end the fight quickly. She leaped back just before I made contact and stood proudly. "You have some skill."

"Of course I do. This is my head, I can do anything I bloody want to here! Watch!" I said, summoning the shards of glass from my catastrophic entrance to form a second blade that I twirled around a little, "You can't win."

"I need not win, I simply need to keep you from stopping my ascension."

"What do you mean?"

"While we are both here in this dream, we are also in the forest, where I am slowly absorbing into your body. Soon it will be mine and I will become real."

"I'm not even going to try and think about how in Chrysalis' cavernous marehood that's going to work..." I muttered before I perked up. If there's one thing I could do, it was think about video games and movies about video games, "Hey, you're technically part of me right?"

"Yes, a part that you suppressed. A part that should have been allowed to flourish!" she said as I dropped my swords and started to concentrate. "What are you doing?"

I opened my eyes, now glowing with power and spread my arms out wide. The entire area became engulfed in a whirlwind with myself at the center. The wind concentrated behind Seraph and began to push her towards me. "Are you sure this will work?" came a tiny voice in my ear from my fox companion.

"I have no idea!" I shouted with a maniacal grin. Either this would end the problems, or exasperate them. All I know is that I had to try something. I figured the Flynn Maneuver would be a good idea. If I could subsume her back into myself then perhaps I could just finish this.

She careened towards me, sword outstretched and we collided in a blast of light. I felt myself falling again and then nothing.
> Harmony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next thing I remember, I was flying through the air uncontrollably and heading straight for a balcony on the side of the side of the castle. Unfortunately, I quickly realized my flight was uncontrolled as I was still stuck as a pegasus filly. I sighed and facehooved as I careened straight towards the opening. With any luck, I'd fly through and land on a sitting pillow or something.

As usual, my luck continued to be terrible, and I slammed directly into the wall next to the opening, sliding down with a cartoon squeak. At least the stars over my head had the decency to vanish as soon as somepony came to investigate. Standing above me, on the ceiling, was the princess of the sun herself, "Hello there, little filly. What happened?"

"Princess Celestia!" I said, an embarrassing crack hitting on the "tia" portion of her name, "It's me, Tara! Discord turned me into a filly and then sent me through the forest of illusion and now I need to find your sister and the room where we first met and figure out what 'it' is that he said I should find there and why are you on the ceiling?"

She blinked a few times as she processed my breathless explanation, "How do I know you're really her?"

"You've seen the vault in my head!"

"I guess that will have to do, as for the ceiling situation, Discord thought it would be amusing to turn gravity on in reverse for me. My sister has sequestered herself in her room and refuses to come out. I do not know why. Captain Armor?"

A mare of slight stature that seemed to be weighed down by her armor approached, "Yes, Princess?"

"Could you escort this filly to Luna's rooms? You should probably check on how Cadence is handling being a stallion as well."

"Oh my... he switched your genders, didn't he?"

"Unfortunately. In the middle of her heat cycle too," the former stallion muttered as he lead me down the halls. I had no idea what he was on about, but I'm sure I'd find out eventually. I guess younger ponies' noses can't pick up on those particular hormones. Thankfully.

Moving along, the captain of the royal guard quickly led me to the lunar diarch's quarters. I noticed the lack of visible guards as I knocked lightly.

"AWAY WITH THEE!" came reverberating through the door.

"Princess Luna! Please, it's me, Tara! I need to speak with you!"

There was a moment of silence before she replied, "Thou mayest enter."

I carefully opened the door and entered, looking around for the princess. All I saw was a small blue earth pony filly sitting on the bed, surrounded by ice cream tubs, "Hello there, have you seen Princess Luna?"

"I am Pwincess Woona!" the filly spoke before slamming her face into the comforter with a muffled groan, "That fowew beast tuwned us into a fiwwy and gave us a speech impediment!"

My face was a mask of impassivity with the occasional twitch or grimace as I tried to suppress simultaneous laughter and d'aww, "Do you remember the room where we had tea? I need to get there."

"Why?"

"Discord said I would find something important there."

"It is my pwivate dining haww. Wight thwough thewe," she said, pointing over to a door on the left. I trotted over and shoved it open. Inside was a small table with cushions around and floating above was the small pendant I had been given in my dreams. I dove forward as I spotted a rapidly expanding ball of white in the distance from the general direction of Ponyville. Just as my hoof touched the jewelry, the light engulfed me and I felt my body being torn apart. I think I screamed, but I'm not sure.

Having every single atom of your being torn from one another and switched around is an experience I wouldn't wish on anypony. I blacked out at some point because the next time I woke up I was laying on a soft black comforter that smelled of ancient tomes, lavender soaps, and mint chocolate chip ice cream. I groaned as I felt the ache in my body. Every small movement hurt and even opening my eyes was a struggle. The world around me gradually came back into focus and I saw the restored Lunar princess sitting next to me on the bed with a small smile, a cup of water held in her magical aura and being offered to me. I tried to sit up, assuming I had been restored to human form but was shocked to find that my spine didn't really bend that way any longer, so I settled for rolling over and nestling my legs underneath me as I sipped at the proffered cup, "Glad to see you're not a filly anymore, Princess."

"Indeed. We are wondering if thou art glad thine maturity has been restored as well."

"I'm still a pony, though."

"A pegasus, in fact. Thine wings appear strong and whole from our inspection while thou slept."

"I'll miss my fingers, but at least I can blend in better now..." I muttered as I stretched my wings and tried to work out the kinks in my legs, "Something must have interfered with the elements when they struck me."

"Or perhaps they functioned as they are meant to, my little pony. Restoring harmony and balance in all things, perhaps thine new form is a result of that. Now, if thou mindest not, we must join our sister for court. It appears today will be rather busy."

"I can imagine," I said simply as she rose and left the room, leaving me on her bed. After she had left, I stood and stepped down from the comfortable object and stretched, almost cat-like, before awkwardly flapping my wings about trying to fly. It seems that although the forest, and the elements, saw fit to keep me a pony, they did not see fit to grace me with the instincts or knowledge necessary to actually fly. I made a few laps of the bedroom until I felt sufficiently used to my new gait and stature before exiting the room and heading down toward the main throne room. I sat to the side as the panicked multitudes petitioned the princesses for everything from a new home to the immediate destruction of the statue of discord to the complete relocation of Equestria to an alternate plane of existence where Discord could never go. That one made me giggle. As the day passed and the petitioners left, I was finally left alone with my thoughts long enough to realize some particularly uncomfortable truths. I was now a fully grown pegasus mare with no cutie mark that couldn't fly and could, honestly, barely walk and eat on her own.

Once the last petitioner had left and it was only myself, the princesses, and a few dozen royal guards, I approached the twin thrones and bowed, "Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, I have a request."

They looked at each other, then at me and Celestia spoke, "Of course, Tara. What is it you need?"

"I find myself at a loss. I have a new form, granted by the combination of a very old magical forest, an ancient being of chaos, and the elements of harmony. Despite this, I can barely walk on my own, eating is a chore unless it is in a bowl and I don't care about manners..." I blushed, "I have no idea how bathrooms work. I can't fly, and I don't even have a cutie mark. The cutie mark will come in time I'm sure, but... I wish to join the royal guard to be trained in the use of this body. After my training is complete, I would like to request being posted to Ponyville to guard the Elements of Harmony... though they don't really need it..."

Celestia smirked and winked at me, "Perhaps the Element of Laughter could at least use somepony close to her." My blush deepened. "I don't see why not, do you have any objections, Captain Armor?"

He eyed me closely, before setting his horn aglow and scanning myself and my necklace. He raised a single brow and smiled, "No objections. I see lots of potential in this recruit. I'll have the Skyguard division leader set her up for training." He then walked close to me and whispered in my ear, "Watch your flank out there, though. He can be a bit hard to live with."

"I've always been good at watching flanks, just never my own," I said with a wink to hide the mass of butterflies and parasprites that my stomach had turned into. I had no idea how long the training would be, but it would hopefully be well worth it.
> Training Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It appears I had decided to join at the right time. After Discord's little play date, a whole slew of new recruits for the royal guard and general army had signed up, so I only had to wait a week for basic. In that time I learned how to fly thanks to Spitfire, who was taking some time off the Wonderbolts after having her uniform turn puce and foal-puke green during her show. I only managed the basics, but I could get off the ground on my own and glide for miles.

Once basic started I had no time to myself. I managed three to four hours of sleep a night, when I was allowed to. Some times we were kept on our hooves for over 48 hours to train us for situations in which we would need to be on guard and ready for long periods of time with no rest and only minimal food intake. Frankly, it was Tartarus. The upside was that every fiber of muscle in my body was taut and ready for action, my wings were powerful and my flight agile. I learned how to fight with spears, longswords, and even the uniquely pegasus wing blades. The long months passed in training until I woke up one morning to find the Skyguard commander standing over me, eyes narrowed. I immediately leapt out the other side of the bed onto my hooves, a salute crisply given even as I tried to recover from the unfortunate startled flare of my wings, "Sir!"

"Recruit. I never did catch your name," he said, never changing the intensity or impassivity of his gaze.

"Sir, Tara Watson, sir!"

"That's no pegasus name! What is your name!?"

I stared at him blankly, my eyes flickering back toward my own flank a bit. I had managed to get my cutie mark by using pegasus magic to repeat my performance as a streaking comet to break through a line of unicorns all reinforcing each others shields. I managed, but if Shining Armor had been there, I probably would have bounced off and found myself the newest brick in one of the walls of the castle.

"Star Shine, Sir!"

"Starshine what? What clan?!" he said, stepping over my bed and getting right in my face, "You know me as Commander Iron Wing! I am Ironwing Dash! Head of the Dash clan, fastest fliers in Equestria and the only family Commander Hurricane ever trusted to deliver his orders on time, without fail!"

"I don't have a clan, sir. You know that, sir, Captain Armor told you."

His impassive glower turned into a full glare, "The only pegasi without a clan are traitors and failures. Are you a traitor!?"

"SIR! NO, SIR! NEVER!"

"Are you a failure!?"

"No, sir!"

"Prove it. At the HQ there is a missive that needs to be delivered to the commanding officer of the 105th "Undying Bulwark" division. They're on the border of the Mino-Griffon empire, three days flight, non-stop. Find them, deliver the message, get his response, and be back here in six days."

I blinked as I processed his order. I opened my mouth to ask for clarification but was swiftly interrupted by his shout. "DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?" Royal Canterlot Voice and everything.

"Sir! Yes, Sir!" I shouted back, spinning around to quickly don my armor, going from my usual shade of color to the white standard of the guard before jetting off in the direction of the main building of the headquarters. This was going to be a challenge. I'd never flown three days without sleep before, let alone six. Perhaps I could grab some rack time while the 105th put together his response, but given the flight time requirements, I doubted I'd get more than an hour. I grabbed a set of secured saddlebags, some fruit leather, and a camel's back with enough water to sustain me on the flight there plus a bit before I left base in the direction I extrapolated from the map.

The long hours of flight drifted by as I flew, concentrating on keeping my speed high and my energy use low by catching thermals where I could to gain altitude and only flapping when I felt I was getting behind or there were no thermals to use. I flew straight and true, my exhaustion stuffed into a little corner at the back of my mind with self-doubt and oh-celestia-i-need-to-pee. Nearing the end of day three, and just as I spotted the camp, I was overtaken by a shadow. I looked up and spotted a flight of griffon's closing in from behind and above, a classic dogfight maneuver. They may never need planes to fight the war in the sky, but they still had many of the same tactics. The one advantage I brought to the table during training for combat in flight was my near obsession with dogfights and planes in general.  I sincerely hoped that the griffon's wouldn't notice me, but being clad in gold armor and with a bright white coat against a rapidly darkening green background was not in my favor. Maybe they were just scouts, with orders not to engage.

My hopes were dashed as I heard the whistle of an arrow pass within inches of my head. I turned back to see them diving on me, the leader reloading their crossbow. The other two seemed content to cover their flight lead. I quickly ran through the situation. I was flying alone, the camp ahead was populated entirely by unicorns so I wouldn't be getting any additional air power there. I had three opponents armed with single shot crossbows, diving on me from above and behind. I snapped my wings and pulled into a hard climbing turn into them. While I appeared unarmed, the magic in the armor enhanced the natural ability I had gained to gather the latent static electricity in the atmosphere and use it to attack my enemies. I had been building up a charge for days, storing it in my wings to ease my flight and now that energy would be put on the offensive.  The griffons attempted to pull out of their dive and remain behind me but only one of them proved agile enough to avoid completely overshooting. His wings had to hurt after that and I saw another arrow shoot passed my head. They weren't kidding around. I fought for altitude, then closed my wings, losing all of my lift and rapidly beginning to drop.

Rolling over and facing toward my first opponent, I opened my wings to halt my fall and clapped my forehooves toward him. Trying to dodge lightning when you aren't a pegasus is a difficult proposition at best, and the bolt struck my opponent directly in the chest. He squawked softly before he fell out of the sky, trailing feathers and smoke. I felt another bolt clang off my armor and cursed myself for my distraction. I dove for the forest canopy and pulled out just above, screaming for the camp. Once I got in sight range, I pulled into a roll and waggled my wings, hoping that whomever was on watch would recognize the signal: Pegasus coming in with company. I was passed the camp without seeing if I was given a response in less than a second before I pulled back into another climbing turn.

I glanced over my shoulder to see one of my pursuers explode in a cloud of feathers as a spell turned him into a plucked chicken, sending him crashing into the forest below. The remaining pursuer dodged between spells and took aim at me once again. I rolled inverted, tucked my wings in, and dropped. Once I was below, I clapped my hooves again and sent another burst of electricity streaking toward my opponent. It struck his wing and caused him to roll away. His flight was awkward and wobbling, but he remained airborne until he was out of sight. I circled once to make sure they were the only griffons in the area before I landed in the camp. My legs were shaking and it was all I could do to salute the commanding officer and hoof over the message before I staggered over to a log, sat down, and began to ravenously eat the remaining fruit leather I had brought with me.

"That was some impressive flying," came a voice from my left. I looked up and saw a unicorn standing there, levitating out a bowl of warm vegetable soup which accepted and tried to eat a little more gracefully than I had been.

"I wasn't expecting a flight of griffons. I got lucky..." I said before I saw my reflection in the bowl of soup. There was a small cut on my cheek, apparently one of the bolts from the griffons had come a little closer than I thought. I thought back to the fight and realized that what I had done. I dropped the bowl as my eyes began to water, "I... I killed one..." I squeaked out before I began to sob into my hooves. Military training can prepare you for a lot, but if you ever stop to process it, like I just did, that first kill can stick with you. I hadn't intended to murder anypony or griffon in this case, I simply reacted on instinct. At the time, it was them or me, and I wanted it to be me.

I felt a comforting hoof on my shoulder and looked up to see the commander standing there, "The first time is the hardest. It doesn't get any easier. Let me give you some advice, kid: If it ever does get easier, retire."

I sniffled and nodded, not trusting myself to speak. He levitated a scroll into my bag and I stood back up, saluting and taking back off into the air. I could cry the rest of the flight, but I wasn't going to fail. Stupid ego.

Three days later I landed back in Canterlot at the training headquarters and reported to Commander Iron Wing. My face was grim, exhaustion both physical and emotional evident in my stance, but I managed a salute anyway, "Commander."

He returned the salute and nodded so I dropped my hoof down and stood as much at attention as I could after hoofing over the response. He looked it over as he sat back at his desk before reaching a hoof over to a small chess board and moving a rook into check with the king. "Hmph, Checkmate."

I blinked before I lost all sense of military decorum. "A CHESS MOVE!? I flew for 6 days, fought off three griffons, KILLED ONE all for a Celesita-damned chess move?!" my wings were flared and I was leaning over the desk at him, "Do you have any idea what that does to me? Do you have any idea how I feel after that?"

He looked at me impassively before looking down at his hooves for a moment, "There weren't supposed to be any griffons in the area. You should be proud you managed to react fast enough and well enough to survive an ambush like that. I regret that you had to get into combat at all. This was supposed to be a test of stamina and speed. I know how it feels, though."

He sighed. "I'm an old warhorse, Starshine. I've killed more ponies and griffons that I'd care to mention. I remember my first one like it happened an hour ago. It will never leave you, but the best thing you can do is remember, learn, and move on. I don't like killing, and I try to avoid it whenever I can, but sometimes you just operate on instincts. Yours kept you alive. Grab a shower and some rack, and I'll speak with you again tomorrow."

I nodded and left his office, making my way back to the barracks. I stood in the cold shower without really thinking about anything, letting my mind go numb before I staggered over to my cot and collapsed, embracing the darkness.

I woke with a start in the middle of the night, having just relived the encounter for the third time. I primarily kept count because I always had a 90 minute cycle to R.E.M. sleep. I had gotten roughly four and a half hours of sleep but I was sick of the dreams so I got up and went for a walk. I was standing along one of the fences, staring out across the distance toward Ponyville when somepony landed next to me, "I couldn't sleep either, my first night after."

"Commander," was all the greeting I could offer.

"Well, it is technically tomorrow. I've watched you closely through your training. You're a pegasus now, though you were a human. Pegasi have a long history of strength, honor, and loyalty, and you've demonstrated all of those qualities in abundance. I wasn't lying when I said the only pegasi who did not have a clan were failures or traitors, though it takes severe failure to be cast out of a clan. You are neither. That's why, starting now, if you agree, you will be an official member of the Dash clan, with all the rights and responsibilities that come with it."

"I know that the battle I got caught in wasn't your fault. I understand that. I don't think I'll ever get over taking a life, and I don't want to, honestly. I just hope I don't have to take one again. This is a side of Equestria I had hoped I wouldn't ever see."

He nodded simply, continuing to wait for my answer.

"I'll join your clan. It'll be interesting to see how Rainbow reacts."

"My niece has always been a little quick to overreact, but she's as loyal as they come."

"Yeah, you kind of have to be to be element of it, I guess."

He chuckled, "Indeed. Well, try and get some more sleep. Just... don't do what I did and crawl into a bottle for a few years. It never ends well," he said simply as he walked away before flying off. I stood there for another few minutes before returning inside and trying to get some more sleep.





Three more days passed, and I attended the graduation ceremony. Everypony else was cheering happily and glad they finally passed. I was the only one who was simply going through the motions, my graduation having been earlier, in blood. I received my posting orders, and found that my request had been granted. I was to be posted in Ponyville as bodyguard to the Element of Laughter with the side orders of keeping things in order as much as possible and reporting regularly on the condition of the elements to Commander Ironwing. The commander also pulled me aside and told me to have his niece write him more often. Once everything was taken care of, I dawned my armor for hopefully the last time and took flight toward Ponyville. Normally I would have taken the train, but the distance was easy for me now and I could glide most of the way. I only wore my armor because it was easier to wear than carry.

I landed next to the main door to Sugarcube Corner and walked in, looking around as sternly as I could muster. Mrs. Cake smiled at me. "Hello there, can I get you anything?"

"I'm looking for one Pinkamena Diane Pie. Is she here?"

A pink head poked out from the kitchen, followed shortly by the rest of the pony attached to it. She walked over, looking a little nervous and probably wondering what this royal guard was doing asking for her by her full name out of nowhere. "I'm... Pinkie..."

I jumped forward and grabbed her in my hooves, pulling her into a tight hug and planting a kiss on her muzzle as she squirmed in shock. I stood back and started to laugh as she smacked her lips and stared at me in confusion. I took off my helmet, which broke the illusion. "Hey Pinkie, I'm home!"

"Tara! Don't do that! Also why are you still a pony? You only said you were staying in Canterlot for a while to do some research!"

"Well, yeah, when you suddenly become a pony, you gotta figure out how the whole thing works. As for the how I'm still a pony, that's a long story, and it's Starshine now, Starshine Dash."

"How'd you get into the Dash clan?" she asked incredulously.

"Rainbow's uncle is the Skyguard division commander, and was apparently impressed with me," I said, keeping my final test to myself for now.

"Oooo! Neat! I can't wait to see how she reacts!"

"Me either. First, though, I want to drop off this armor and the rest of my gear. After that we can go find the rest of the girls and see how they react. I..." I trailed off briefly as I felt the pendant around my neck twitch. I could feel something poking at my mind again, "I could probably also use some food that's not military, so..."

"Oh yeah, I can only imagine! Here, have a cupcake!" Pinkie shouted, handing me a cupcake she pulled from nowhere. I accepted it and scarfed it down in one bite, almost moaning in pleasure at the flavor. I had forgotten that food could taste this good.

"Well," I said, after I swallowed, "It is definitively good to be back. You gonna tag along? I have an idea of how to let Rainbow know I'm back." I grinned mischievously.

"You know it," she replied with an equal grin.

We left the store after making sure that Pinkie could take the day off and made our way to my house which stood, surprisingly unmolested, where it had since Luna had brought me here. I stepped inside, and was immediately glad to be home as I shed my armor and flopped onto the couch for a minute to relax after my flight.

"So, here's what I wanna do..."
> Stories
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pinkie and I went our separate ways after discussing our plans for the evening. She would head off to pick up the rest of the girls while I went and found Rainbow and pranked her a little. It doesn't take long to find a napping Rainbow especially when the weather forecast for the day was supposed to be clear skies and there happened to one puffy little cloud floating near the edge of town. I stealthily approached and softly landed on the cloud by her head. Leaning down, I smirked and put my lips right next to ear and whispered, "Zoom zoom..."

She was up like a shot and off a good distance away as I collapsed and began to laugh. Her eyes were as big as dinner plates and she was gasping for air. Once she recovered, she glared at me and flew closer, "Hey! What's the big idea!? Who are you anyway?"

I grinned, "Well, I guess I'm technically your new cousin! Starshine Dash, at your service!"

She titled her head, "I don't know any Starshine's in the clan. What's going on?"

"Your uncle Ironwing had me join the clan since I was clanless."

Her wings flared and she landed on the cloud, nose to nose, "Clanless?!"

"Well, I only became a pegasus when Discord showed up."

She looked extremely confused, "Come on, let's go to Twilight's library, I'll explain everything there."

"Okay, weird new pony..." she said.

"Race you!" I shouted, taking off and leaving my own little sparkling trail of something resembling stardust as I flew off toward the library. I distantly heard her shout in response before she caught up, easily keeping pace before blasting passed me and handily winning the race. I landed a few moments later, grinning.

"Can't beat me, I'm the fastest flier in Equestria, after all."

"I didn't want to win, I just wanted to finally race you!"

"Alright, let's get inside, you have some explaining to do."

"I'm aware!" I said with a smirk as I entered the library. Pinkie had done a remarkably efficient job at assembling the other girls and they were all waiting there trying to weedle more information out of her. She had zipped her lips, though, and not even a diamond dog could dig up the key. I smiled and waited for their attention to turn to me.

"Well now, who's this?" said Applejack, looking me over carefully.

"Well, I'll give you a hint. I used to have hands." They all stared at me blankly. "UGH! You ponies. It's me, Tara!"

I was rewarded with 5 dropped jaws and Pinkie giggling. Twilight was the first to regain her composure, "So, when you said you needed to research some things and would be staying Canterlot for a while..."

"The research was on how to live as a pony, yeah. I also joined the Royal Guard so I wouldn't be completely useless, earned my cutie mark by mimicking a shooting star, and was accepted into the Dash pegasus clan. My new name is Starshine Dash. I like just Star though, so... um... yeah!"

"How'd y'all become a pony in the first place? Last ah saw ya, ya were definitely no pony."

"Discord."

The girls all either winced or shuddered. I sat down and began to relate the story of the forest and its illusions and trials and everything up until I got to the part where I killed a griffon. I skipped the aerial battle in the telling, though I had to trip over my words a few times to do so, and they could obviously tell something else had happened. Thankfully, they didn't press the issue, "So," I said, wrapping it up, "I'm officially here as a liason between the Elements of Harmony and the Royal Guard as well the bodyguard of the Element of Laughter. Unofficially, I think Commander Ironwing knew I wanted to be close to my marefriend and didn't really want to stay in Canterlot."

"Speaking of my uncle," Rainbow said, narrowing her eyes, "Why'd he let you into our clan, anyway?"

"Well, we seem to share a particular bull-headed streak, considering we'd been trying to break through that unicorn squad's shield for half a day and I was getting pissed off. I also think he'd never seen anypony turn into a comet shrouded in lightning before. Plus, he knew I'd never been a pony before and that a clanless pegasus is... well, y'know."

"Yeah..." the rainbow-maned pegasus said with a nod, "Still, nice of him to think of that. Most clan heads I've met wouldn't think twice about just leaving you in the wind."

"Once you got past the drill sergeant exterior, he's a lot like you, Rainbow. Confident, yes, but loyal to his friends and family."

Everypony nodded at that, then Applejack spoke up, "So why'd ya turn down bein' an Earth Pony or a Unicorn? Ah can understan' not wantin' to be an Alicorn, but..."

"I don't think I really ever had a choice, honestly. When your little Harmony Nuke hit Canterlot, I just felt like I was being torn apart and put back together again, nowhere in there was a thought of 'I want to be a pegasus!' or anything like that. Truth be fully told, I wanted to go back to being a human the entire time. Though, to be harmonious, I suppose that was never really an option."

The girls looked a bit downcast, so I quickly backpedaled, "Don't get me wrong though! Now that I'm used to it, I love being a pony! Flying is so... freeing, and I can go places without getting looked at funny. I tell ya though, those colts weren't very nice about me being a blank flank at first."

"Weren't there any other mares?"

"Not pegasus ones. All the mares I saw were earth ponies."

"Hmph, figures," A.J. said, smirking, "Unicorns are either too prissy like Rarity or too fuddy like Twilight to handle it."

"Hey!" the two girls shouted simultaneously.

"I'm just joshin' ya! Calm down, now, y'hear?"

I laughed softly, "So, what all happened to you six while Mr. Muckup was in town?"

"Who?"

I rolled my eyes again, "Discord."

"Oh, well..." Twilight sighed and went into the story of everything that happened once they left for Canterlot. I found myself sniffling a little, having the episodes hit so close to home now that I'd been living and hanging out with these girls for so long. Once she'd finished, I drew them all into a tight group hug before I started to find out what they'd been up to while I was gone and if anything interesting was coming up. Turns out I'd missed out on the "tardy" incident.

"So that was what the reports of 'rioting in Ponyville' were about. I was wondering," I said with a grin.

Twilight just rolled her eyes, "Hey, y'know, Nightmare Night is coming up soon, are you going to participate this year?"

"I'd be hard pressed not to. I'm sorry I was so antisocial last year but... being a time traveler from another dimension and knowing that the whole thing was coming just made everything so hard... Yes, I knew Discord was coming, but Princess Celestia trusted you girls, and I trusted you too. I knew you could do it. I'm sorry I didn't say anything, but..."

I was enveloped in another hug and given my forgiveness from them. I doubted if I could ever forgive myself, but what was done was done and it was time to move on. At least now in my position as a member of the Royal Guard I could warn them of the Changelings... Hell, maybe I'm the reason they had the shield in the show, but I doubt it. Still, that was several months away at least, possibly longer. It was time to enjoy my new life.

"Oh, man, I can't wait for Nightmare Night though, you girls are going to be so surprised. Got your costumes picked out yet?"

Most of the girls shook their heads, save for Twilight. She knew she was going as Starswirl already I bet. As for Pinkie, I turned to her and smiled, "Might I suggest a chicken?"

Her eyes went wide and she grinned, "Genius!"

I giggled a little and we all chatted for a while longer before I stood, "Well, it's been a long day for me, so I'd like to get home, though... Pinkie, care to join me for dinner first?"

"Oo! A date?"

"Our very first as a pony couple!"

"I am sooooo in!" she shouted, bouncing out the door as I held it open. I wished the others a good evening and followed the prancing party pony toward Ponyville and dinner. Hopefully, I'd be able to get a good night's sleep tonight.
> End
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi there! Author here, speaking cause, well, I need to! This story, as it stands, is done. I could make a sequel, maybe, about more things that happen in Ponyville, and the whole "the fuck is that in the forest?" thing, but the story, from Tara/Starshine's point of view, is over. To continue it, as it stands, I feel would diminish the work.

Thoughts on a sequel, from third-person and dealing with either more episodes and/or the things that are running lose are appreciated, and general critiques. My next work is going to be some cloppy Changeling Twilight stuff, and more work on Darkest of Days while I finish the re-write of Sunrise.

Also, check out my newest work The Other Life please :3