We doubted the queen's power. We thought nothing of her tales of strength. Why should we have believed the far fetched rumors of awesome power? Of her loyal maidens of battle? That the small country that had the gall to call itself the "Crystal Empire" was in its right a true empire?

Well, the simple answer is, we didn't. And we should have.

Then maybe the bloodshed could have been avoided. I believe that's what Queen Megan would have wanted.

-From the memoirs of an ex-Providence soldier.

Inspired by a particularly excellent piece by Equestria Prevails!

THIS STORY IS BEING REWRITTEN. THEREFORE IT IS NOT COMPLETE.

My name is Seth Rogers. I'm a simple college student trying to get a degree so I can land a good job. However all of that goes out the metaphorical door when I encounter a strange man adorned in half-plate armor. Before I know it, I'm in an unknown land filled with ridiculous looking ponies colored every shade of the rainbow. Or all of them, in one case.
...
I want them to stay as far away from me as physically possible.

This is a Human in Equestria story with shounen elements. The twist is this: the main character, a bitter and troubled young man who doesn't believe in kindness or friendship, experiences the very same lessons that we have in the process of watching this incredible show. Can the ponies we all know and love help Seth become a better person?

Another thing that I must point out is that the show does not exist in the human world. Stay tuned, as character development is the goal of the whole story.

Book I: The New World: Chapters 1-7
Book II: The Meaning of Friendship: Chapters 8-19
Book III: To Canterlot: Chapters 20-33
Book IV: The Royal Wedding: Chapters 34-57
Book V: Forgotten Memories: Chapters 58-86
Book VI: The Return of the Crystal Empire: Chapters 87-End

There is now a Sequel: A Wilting Flower

Cover Art by https://chapaevv.deviantart.com/
Illustrations by icecapers
Edited by Castwing, Schadenponi, Brave-Hooves, Insidiaphilia, scaredofbs, ScootalooFTW, and Vayne Hellslinger

Feel free to come join us and keep up to date on all story news at https://discord.gg/YzuSAEC

[Special Note: This story has been previously featured]

Clavier Melody, protégé of Sapphire Shores, has a crush on Adagio. He's gradually developed this over the years ever since he's first met her at the start of Canterlot High. It's been four years, they're both a week away from graduation. Things will take a different turn for the both of them on one night that'll turn their lives around either for better or worse.

Reader's Note:

If you Like the story, please hit that like button. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Should you Dislike, please state in the comments below and why. Your opinion would be valued and considered. Thank you.

Warnings:

The story has been given the label, Teen as the story may not be suitable for children.
The story has been given the label, Sex just in case due to suggestive content and innuendos which may be present.

Announcements:

Special thanks to:
DilEmmas4U for giving me permission to use her art as the cover image.

And to:
Requiem17 and LightningSword for helping me with proofreading and editing.

And finally, to the art contributors:

Xebck
Sonicfan1345
Fbksru521

A former pink pony finds herself in a new, hostile world and a new friend who's perhaps even more hostile. A small, angry man finds himself with a new friend he didn't want. Can they make it through this new misadventure together, or is it the universe that needs to watch out for them?

Cover art used with permission from Technaro.