//------------------------------// // 15 Years Go By // Story: An Unexpected Trip to Equestria // by Anonomis //------------------------------// Three years after Brian left, Princess Twilight sent a message to Sunset explaining that although she wouldn't be able to return due to specific duties, Brian would return. Sorry, Sunset. I have a meeting to attend that I can’t miss. I’d love to join you girls but I’m sending Brian in my place. Alright. Sorry you couldn't go. Hopefully we’ll see you soon. Brian stepped through the portal and actually fell on his face having not been a human in years. Luckily, he didn’t break anything and stood up and dusted off. “That hurt. Guess that’s what I get for not being a human for years,” he said out loud to himself Brian texted Sunset to inform her of his arrival and ask for directions to the college. I’m here. Twilight sends her regards. Where is everyone? We’re at Everton College in Canterlot. Surprisingly students from both high schools are here Thanks. Any preference for a meeting place? Student Union. You can’t miss it I’ll try to get there soon. “Discord, a little help,” Brian called Discord appeared with a black Harley-Davidson motorcycle and helmet before disappearing. Brian threw the helmet on and rode to the college arriving fifteen minutes later. He parked it in the designated area and headed inside the Student Union and texted Sunset. Where are you? SU 2nd floor meeting rooms Be up in a moment He found a nearby staircase and walked up to the next floor. Looking at the signs for guidance, Brian turned left upon reaching the landing and headed to the end of the hall. “Hello? Anyone there,” he asked “It’s open,” a voice called Upon walking into the room, Brian saw seven with their backs to the door and decided to have fun with them. “Did someone die, or something? What’s with the long faces,” Brian asked “Brian! Long time no see,” Pinkie said running over to him “How have you been, darling,” Rarity asked “Bored out of my wits. I’ve had to listen to royals complaining about nothing. ‘My gardener didn’t cut my lawn to the correct height’; ‘I didn’t like the drink I ordered’; ‘my mane was cut too short’. I nearly lost it at that point. Thanks for the vacation,” Brian said “College isn’t bad. Some classes have been worse then others,” Rainbow Dash said “Says you. You’re an athlete,” Twilight countered “So what’s everyone here for as their degree,” Brian asked “Culinary”, Pinkie said “Fashion design”, said Rarity “Science,” Twilight said “Veterinarian,” Fluttershy said “Sports,” Dash said “Construction,” Applejack said “Teacher. Mainly counseling,” Sunset said “The only two that are surprising are AJ and Sunset’s. The rest seemed to be obvious,” he said “What was yours again,” Twilight asked “Criminal Justice. I originally wanted to be a Forensic Scientist.” “Why didn’t you,” Sunset asked “I found out too late I needed to have a degree in Biology.” “Since it’s Friday, how’s about tonight we head to a bar for a drink? All of us already celebrated our 21st birthdays,” Dash asked “I’ll go, but I don’t drink. Besides, perhaps it would be best to have a friend who’s armed,” Brian said taking off his jacket Strapped to his forearms were his Escrima sticks and on his thighs were the butterfly swords. Once they realized what he meant, Brian threw the jacket back on to cover everything back up. As he left the Student Union, Discord showed up and handed him a note before leaving. House is back in the usual place. No graves. Brian jumped on the Harley and headed home to relax before joining the girls. Upon getting home, he looked around and was surprised that everything else was still there, except for what was given to his friends. Brian decided to take a nap and shower before getting ready when a text came in. [color=#26a4afTonight at 7, Shots and Ladders bar. See you there Deciding on not taking any chances, Brian wore his black cargo pants and grabbed a Kevlar vest and wore that under his shirt. As he did earlier, restrapped the weapons and jacket on. At 6:30 Brian jumped on the bike and pulled in to the parking lot much to the shock of the girls. “That’s yours? That’s bitchin’,” Sunset said “Thanks. Discord gave it to me.” “I never knew you rode,” Dash said “Remember the Friendship Games? I helped build the motocross track and had a little fun. I did a backflip and can can while riding,” he said “Damn, I wish we could have seen it,” Dash said “Come on, let’s head inside.” Brian grabbed the door and ushered everyone inside. He noticed the walls were wooden, suggesting it was based on a cabin. Nothing on the walls in terms of paintings or decorations but there was a dartboard in one corner. A couple guys were playing pool and looked in their direction as the group came in. They walked up to the bartender and Brian noticed he had a revolver strapped to his right side. “Good evening, sir. Can my friends get six beers, a root beer and; what, for you, Sunset,” Brian asked “Water please. I’m the designated driver for my friends,” Sunset said “Coming right up,” the bartender said Finding a couple tables in the corner, Brian moved the two together when the drinks arrived. “Do any of you have a challenge coin,” the bartender asked “I do,” Brian said reaching in his pocket Brian withdrew a coin that had four gold stars on it and the bartender was shocked at what he saw. “Who had the lowest rank?” A voice in the corner said, “Lieutenant was lowest.” “Good. Well, owner pays. This gentleman has a 4-star Admiral,” the bartender said “Young man, what is your name and where did you get that coin? My name is Jonathan Paine. Everyone here calls me ‘Captain’ due to my rank in the Navy,” Capt. Paine asked “Brian Dragnov, sir. My old man was a SEAL and a Captain. He gave it to me after he retired. I never met the Admiral he got it from,” Brian said “What was that about,” Twilight asked “Military tradition. Ask for a coin and lowest pays. Here are the Navy ranks. Ensign, Lieutenant Junior Grade, Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander, Commander, Captain, and Admirals,” he said drawing the ranks on a napkin “And yours was the highest,” Applejack said While the group enjoyed their drinks, one of the guys playing pool came over to the table and started hitting on the girls. “Hey, baby. Want to have fun,” the guy asked putting an arm around Rarity “No thanks,” Rarity said “Come on. How’s about you,” he asked Twilight “Sorry. You’re not my type,” Twilight said “How’s about leaving the girls alone. They're with me,” Brian asked “Fuck off,” the guy said pulling out a 3 inch pocket knife. “I’ll see your 3 inches and raise you 7,” Brian retorted as he withdrew the blade from his left thigh In the blink of an eye, Brian had the blade positioned at the guy's throat and managed to draw a drop of blood in the process. “I’d suggest you leave now, before I send you to the hospital or morgue; your choice,” Brian threatened Without a word, the guy left the bar as Brian walked over to Captain Paine to apologize for everything. “Sorry Captain. I didn’t mean anything harm,” Brian said “It’s alright. Besides, Johan’s done that too many times,” the Captain said “Hey, Brian, let’s play a game of darts. Best of three throws,” Dash said Brian walked to the wall and grabbed the three black finned darts, while handling the blue set to Dash. “I’ll go first,” she said Out of three she managed to score 75 points from ten feet away from the board and having a buzz from two drinks. Wanting a challenge, Brian went to the other end of the room and threw the darts. Miraculously, all three were able to hit the bull’s-eye from nearly 75 feet away. “Alright, I give. I can’t beat you at marksmanship,” Dash said “I’ve never seen anyone score a bull’s-eye from that far back. Your father teach you,” Capt. Paine asked “Yeah. I’m an expert with pistols and rifles. I also tried archery and mainly shoot bull’s-eyes. I’ve never tried breaking sniper records,” Brian said Around 9:30pm, everyone went home with Sunset driving the van the girls arrived in. Brian trailed behind on the bike until everyone was back at the college dorms. He rode home and parked the bike before taking a walk. While walking he accidentally bumped into a guy wearing a similar black trench coat to his and sunglasses. The glasses slipped just slightly that could make out the owner had blood red eyes. “Sorry, about that. Hope I didn’t hurt you,” Brian said “It’s fine. Shit, you look like a clone of me,” the other said readjusting his glasses Brian looked again and realized it was true. Two differences between them that he saw were the eye and hair color. “Sorry, but do you mind me asking your name? I’m Brian Dragnov.” “Ignatius Dragnov, but most call me,” he started “Ignis,” Brian finished “How’d you know that,” Ignatius asked “Long story. Is there a place we can talk? There’s some things you need to know,” Brian said ● IGNIS P.O.V. ● Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ignatius Dragnov and until tonight everything was kind of normal. While taking a walk, someone bumped into me who I swore was a clone of me. Guy said his name is Brian Dragnov and had blonde hair as compared to my black and blue eyes as opposed to my hybrid red and blue eyes. “Is there a place we can talk,” Brian asked “Yeah, my parent's house. They’d love to hear your story.” I led him to a house on the outskirts of Canterlot where my parents, Samuel and Alexis live. “Mom, Dad, I’m home.” Brian took one look at them and started crying. I could only guess as to what his reason was. “Are you okay son? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” my dad said to Brian “You could say that,” he replied wiping his face “Who are you, and why do you look like our son,” my mom demanded “Perhaps I should start at the beginning. My name is Brian Dragnov. Have any of you heard about the idea of parallel universes,” Brian asked “Something like that Bioshock Infinite game, with multiple universes?” “Exactly. I happen to be from another universe where things are different. You asked if I saw a ghost because I was crying. In my world, the two of you are dead,” Brian started “That’s hard to believe. You have any evidence,” mom asked “Does this image ring any bells,” he asked drawing a picture of my parents handing me a gift “That was from two years ago. How’d you know about that,” dad asked “Because that was the last image of my parents before they killed one another. Friday October 13, my birthday,” he answered “If that’s from your world, how'd you get here?” “Long story short. In my world I was sent to a world of talking ponies which is a mirror of this world and entered a portal from that world to here,” Brian said Brian withdrew his cellphone and showed us the images there. One had him and another boy together which he said was his best friend before scrolling to other images of various ponies. If he hadn’t stated that those were real, I’d have thought everything was fakes. “What’s the deal with the dragon?” “What’s called a Nightmare form. Allow me to introduce you to Ignis,” Brian said becoming the dragon “Dear, show him your eyes,” mom asked I reluctantly removed the glasses so he could see them and Brian wasn’t phased by it. Most people can’t believe it’s possible and look at me like I’m some kind of freak. Hell, in high school I was alone due to it. Of course, it really was my choice. “It’s glad to meet my counterpart in this world. I honestly didn’t know if there was one or not,” Brian said “What do you mean?” “Like I said, not counting my original world, where my parents died and I have no plans to return to; solely the pony world, Equestria and here, I guess I’ll call it the ‘Humanquestria’, I’ve seen counterparts of everyone here except for me. I figured since I don’t belong here, there shouldn’t be a look alike, but here we are, in the same room at the same time,” Brian said cheerfully “Where’d you go to school at?” “I graduated from Canterlot High School, three years ago. Technically, it was my second time graduating as it was in the human realm, originally,” he said “I graduated from Crystal Prep. Never and bothered to take part in the games.” “When did you go,” he asked “Seven years ago. I actually graduated with Shining Armor and Cadence Mi Amore. I excelled at everything but didn’t want the recognition. You’ve seen my eyes, you’re the only one not to look at me like a freak because of it. I isolated myself from everyone. Hid my aptitude by changing scores. Hell, Shining should thank me but that prick won’t.” “Tomorrow, would you like to meet my friends before I leave,” he asked “Sure. Where do you want to meet?” “CHS. You know the address. I’ll see you around 10am,” he asked “See you tomorrow.” “Before I go, can I ask you two for one thing. Can I please get a picture with the two of you,” Brian asked “Of course,” dad said I borrowed his phone and used it to take a couple pictures, one with him and my parents and the other without him before we left. I walked with him for a while before he headed past the cemetery to his house. I could've sworn that his house wasn’t there until just the other day. I went further and down a couple streets before reaching my apartment. ● Brian Dragnov ● After Ignis walked with me, I sent Sunset a text to ask her about plans for tomorrow. Have any plans for tomorrow with you & the others? No, why? Thought you’d all see me off 10am tomorrow? Yeah, see you all then Afterwards, I went to sleep happy knowing my friends were going to see me off, even if I don’t return for some time later. As usual I had a quick meal and dressed, grabbing my swords before I left. As I pulled into the school parking lot, Ignis was surprised with the bike. I guess he hadn’t expected me to have that. “Nice bike,” he said “Thanks. A gift from a friend.” “Before we see you off, who’s this guy,” Rainbow Dash demanded “Perhaps I should introduce myself. I’m Ignatius Dragnov, but most just call me Ignis,” he said “So, your Brian's counterpart in this world. I’m Sunset Shimmer, and these girls are Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash,” Sunset said gesturing to each in turn “Pleasure to meet you all,” Ignis said “We’ve seen your counterpart, Brian; what about mine,” Sunset asked curiously “I have two theories about that. One, your counterpart lives in another town or two, she’s deceased. Of course it could also be that she was buried in another town.” “Well, that’s a letdown. See you soon,” she said hugging me “Visit again soon, will ya? I don’t want to go years without seeing you again,” Pinkie said “I’ll try. Hopefully I can return for your graduation. If not, I apologize in advance.” After each of the girls hugged me and I received a handshake from Ignis, I had a few group photos taken with everyone before I stepped to the portal. “What’s up with the bike? Can I have it,” Ignis asked “Unfortunately it’s going to disappear along with my house when I leave.” “Damn. It’s so nice,” he said “Then keep it,” Discord said appearing out of nowhere “Thank you; whoever you are,” Ignis said “I am the God of Chaos Discord. The same being that sent your counterpart here,” Discord said “by the way, would you like to see where Brian lives? Spend a day there?” “Why not,” Ignis said with a shrug “Tomorrow I’ll send you there and pick you up the next day,” Discord said I waved one last time before passing through and was surprised when everyone was waiting for me at home. “So, how’d it go, Octavia asked “Great. I saw most everyone but you and Vinyl. I even met my counterpart, Ignis. He looks mostly like me except for having black hair and one red eye and one blue eye.” “What about me? Have you seen my doppelganger,” Deltorix asked “Sadly, no. There may or may not be a version of you there.” “Well, if you have one. I can only assume Sunset has one along with Knight Shield,” Twilight said “If there is, the doubles may either be in another city, or dead.” “Well, they could be in another city AND be dead,” Pinkie said “I just don’t know. Every one of those ideas is possible but the right answer is unknown.” “So, when are you going back,” Twilight asked “I’d like to go when they graduate college but I don’t know what the future will hold.” “Whatever will be will be. The future's not ours to see. Que sera, sera,” Discord sang The human, Ignis Dragnov made a deal with Discord to spend the next day in Equestria and may have wanted to change his mind if he knew what was going to happen. “Huh, guess I’m here. I went to bed in one world and somehow woke up in another,” Ignis said groggily After finding a lake, he found his appearance was significantly altered. Ignis was now a solid black earth pony with no cutie mark, however his eyes still remained the same red & blue. “Well, at least most remained from when I was human,” he said out loud to himself “Did you say ‘human’? I love humans,” a mint green pony said “Yeah, I’m human,” Ignis said Without warning he was being dragged to a house where the green pony led him to the bedroom. “As a great man once said, ‘Who the fuck are you’,” Ignis demanded “I’m Lyra, sweetheart. Now that introductions are out of the way, let’s have sex,” Lyra said “Nope.” “I wasn’t asking,” she said firmly “Nor was I. Nope.” Ignis had an idea he hoped would work. While Lyra was charging a spell, he smacked her horn causing her to lose focus. “That hurt,” she said rubbing her horn “Good. Suck it,” he said complete with crotch chop “I’d love to,” she replied with a hint of lust in her voice “Shit! Screw you, I’m out of here,” he said bolting out of the house He ran to the nearest place he saw, a huge tree house. As he reached the door and knocked, a small purple dragon opened it. “Permission to enter. Psychotic green pony chasing me,” Ignis said through breaths “Spike, who’s at the door,” Twilight asked “It's you? Come in.” “Twilight, you know him,” Spike asked “Brian said he saw his human counterpart. You must be Ignis. I’m Twilight Sparkle and this is Spike,” she said “That’s me. Sorry for my rudeness. As I told Spike, psycho green pony, I think her name is Lyra, attempted to rape me,” Ignis said “What do you mean by raping you,” Spike asked “Upon finding out I’m human, she dragged me to her house and attempted to have sex with me against my will. I smacked her horn and told her to ‘suck it’ before I ran here. I’m expecting her to cut a hole in the door and stick her head through the door yelling ‘Here's Johnny’,” Ignis said “Huh,” Twilight said dumbfounded “The ‘suck it’ is from wrestling and the ‘here’s Johnny’ is a movie reference.” As Ignis was catching his breath, someone knocked on the door. Spike went to answer it. “If it’s Lyra, tell her to piss off,” Ignis called Instead of Lyra, Brian and the rest of the mane-six were standing outside. “Ignis, how’s it going,” Brian asked “Psycho Lyra tried to rape me,” Ignis replied “Damn. Never ran into her but looks like she’s on the warpath. Be careful if you go anywhere,” Brian suggested “Oh, darling! Come out, come out, wherever you are,” Lyra called “Help me. I don’t deserve this,” Ignis begged on his knees “Take it and hope for the best,” Rainbow Dash said as Applejack punched her in the arm for her lack of tact “If that’s the case, I need a priest for my last rites,” Ignis said sarcastically “Or should we just get right to the gallows,” Brian added sarcastically miming a hoof to the side of his neck “Perhaps you should just go and meet her,” Twilight offered "I guess," he said with a sigh "Wish me luck." Ignis reluctantly headed outside as Lyra was running around looking for him. “There you are darling. I’ve been looking for you,” Lyra said “I just want to talk,” Ignis said calmly “We can talk in my bedroom,” she said “No. Neutral ground. The library works.” “Fine, I’m bringing my friend Bonbon with me,” she decided As they walked inside, Brian was twirling his butterfly swords around his hoof which made the girls nervous. “Brian, could you stop doing that,” Twilight asked “First and foremost, I am human as is Brian,” Ignis started “Oh, really? I never knew you were,” Lyra said turning towards Brian “As I was saying, I’m here only for the day. Discord asked if I wanted to visit and I agreed, although I didn’t care to be raped. If you have any questions, not sexual in nature, I’ll try to answer them,” Ignis said “Do either of you have a girlfriend,” Lyra asked “I do. In fact, I’m married,” Brian said “Want to add another,” she asked “Try anything and you will regret it,” Brian said holding a sword to Lyra’s horn “What about you?” “No comment,” Ignis said “That doesn’t mean ‘no’,” Lyra pointed out “Lower the blade,” Twilight said firmly Brian reluctantly returned the swords to his forearm sheaths as the others seemed to relax. “Brian, do you mind if I crashed at your place tonight? I’ll be leaving in the morning,” Ignis said “Go ahead.” “I’m surprised you don’t have any questions,” Ignis said “Most of it was sexual and you won’t answer those,” Lyra said “And your counterpart told me much about the other side,” Twilight said The group departed from the library and Brian lead Ignis to his house where the latter was impressed. “Tavi, I’m home,” Brian called “Hey, honey. Who’s your friend,” Octavia asked “My human counterpart, Ignis. Ignis, meet my wife Octavia and my girls Harmony and Melody,” Brian said “Pleased to meet you. Sorry about bothering you,” Ignis said “He wanted to stay here for the night. Discord will be picking him up in the morning,” Brian said “That’s fine. There's an open room you can use,” she said “Thanks. I’m just glad to get away from that psychopath, Lyra,” Ignis said “Let me guess, upon finding out you’re human, she took you to her home,” Octavia said “That’s half of it. The other is she wanted to rape me,” he said “I knew she was eccentric about humans but that’s too far. I’ll have to talk to her some time,” she said Later that night, Brian made pancakes for dinner as they went to bed afterwards. Ignis was sleeping on the floor with the girls curled up with him. Before Brian went to bed he made sure to take a picture of that and show his counterpart in the morning. “Sleep well,” Brian asked “I did. Thanks, again,” Ignis said “I don’t know if you knew, but you had company with you last night,” Brian said showing him the picture “Uncle Ig, don’t go,” the girls said in unison “I’m not family, though,” Ignis said bowing his head “You’re my brother from another world.” “Thank you. You’re right about family. Sorry you can’t be with your parents,” Ignis said “Just knowing that I have a picture with them makes it worthwhile.” After they ate, they headed to the town square when Discord arrived as he promised. “Ready to go,” Discord asked “One last thing before I go. Lyra, where are you,” Ignis said “Over here baby,” she said “what do you need?” “I just have one, very important thing to say. Up yours,” he said giving her the Bras d'honneur (so-called ‘Italian salute’) before laughing as he jumped through the portal “That was rude,” Lyra said “Well, you did try to have sex with him against his will,” Bonbon responded Brian looked around and found he was back in his room and was glad to be home. “There really is no place like home,” he said dropping back into bed