“I had the privilege of meeting Princess Celestia herself back in the year 1079, having the honor to attend Equestria’s annual Grand Galloping Gala, personally invited by the princess herself. She had expressed an interest in my job as a historian; and for my work, at the time still in progress. While I was hardly the first historian she has ever graced her help with, I however was going to be the first not from her country. Though there are noticeable differences of each recorded retelling, placing note on whether the princess would focus on certain details each time she explained, nonetheless the main course of events remains constant. Which brings us to the time she first met humans. So, it was on that day, Monday March 21, of the year 1825 of the previous designation…”
Ignacio Manuel Hernández Ríos, Ancient History of Mexico - Volume II, UNLAP 1081AL
Beach
Everyone in both camps hurried for the final preparations. Soon, the pegasi began to assemble in the middle of the camp area, now devoid of things, as they had been moved to the sides. They formed a slightly curved line, with Wing Shield positioned on the inside at the center. Meanwhile, the humans were only slightly behind in finishing up as well.
“Listen up men, we will soon be before royalty,” Lemaur talked to a small crowd assembled before him.
“Talking ponies or not or coming all the way here, a king is still a king. We are no strangers to that, at the very least. So, unlike the first time we saw them, we know now what to expect. We must not make ourselves a ridicule before them again!”
The crowd murmured in agreement as Lemaur glanced to the pegasi camp.
“They already are ready,” he observed.
“Time for us to do the same!”
Across the camp was the same. Final talks before they started to assemble as well. Like the pegasi, they had cleared the area of the middle of their camp, but instead they began to assemble in various rows. Guerrero, Lemaur, Austin, and Álvarez were at the very front.
“How long do you think before they turn their attention on us?” Austin asked.
“It can’t be that long,” Guerrero said, glancing at the sky.
“It won’t be long before nightfall, so unless we end up waiting another day, they have to do it today.”
“Does it even matter? We still can’t understand them,” Álvarez pointed out.
“A few days isn’t enough time to learn enough for conversation.”
“That is true,” Guerrero admitted.
“So regardless, we now wait,” Lemaur said as they all stared back at the pegasi camp.
It wasn’t hard to see already that something could now be seen coming from the northern horizon. Though between the distant between the two camps and the pegasi now lined up, it was going to be hard to see well beyond them. In any case, they were soon going to be upon them.
The delegation began to slow down once it was close enough to the pegasi camp, stopping not far from the pegasi line. The float was placed on the ground, from which the princesses and Starswirl stepped down. Thunderbolt for his part hovered down.
“Your highnesses,” Wing Shield bowed, followed by the rest of the assembled pegasi.
“At ease, Captain Wing Shield,” Celestia said, and they rose back up.
“You have done an admirable job.”
She then gazed at the rest of the pegasi.
“And all of you as well,” she continued.
“We were just doing our service to Equestria, your highness,” the Captain replied.
“Just Princess will do, Captain,” Celestia said after shaking her head.
Even if it is still not official, she thought.
“As you wish,” Wing Shield replied.
“You can keep calling me ‘Your Highness’, if you wish,” Luna cheerfully said, prompting an eye-roll from her sister.
Starswirl cleared his throat.
“We must not distract ourselves,” he said.
“It will soon be time to move the sun and moon. I suggest we deal with our guests first.”
He turned to face Wing Shield.
“Any last significant developments to know about?” he asked the pegasus.
“None worth of mention,” Wing Shield replied.
“Like us, they seemed to prepare their camp for your arrival.”
He looked back in the direction of the human camp, briefly.
“They should be expecting you to head over there any moment now, so we should not keep them waiting.”
“Well then, what are we waiting for? Let’s head over there!” Luna said, as she began to walk.
“Luna, wait,” Celestia called out.
“We have to do this properly. We must avoid startling them again.”
Luna stopped.
“What could they possible get afraid of at this point?” she said.
“Did you forgot what Lord Starswirl told us?” Celestia asked.
“Oh, that? Fine, nothing big as far as magic goes,” Luna replied.
“But do remember that moving the sun and moon is as big as it can get.”
“The princess certainly has a point,” Wing Shield said.
“Watching them these past days, I once first thought they simply were unfamiliar with pegasi magic. I know some unicorns have come up with spells that imitate some of the effects, so that could be the case for other magic-using creatures. But now I think they might not even use or know of any magic whatsoever.”
“Yes, yes, Thunderbolt made us aware of your conjectures,” Starswirl stroke his beard with a hoof.
“That could be the case. If so, it’s incredible then to have the capability to build such a large ship and cross the ocean,” he turned in the direction of said vessel.
“All without the aid of magic.”
“No magic? I don’t know if I can imagine that,” Celestia shook her head.
“Not using it is one thing, but not knowing?” Luna was incredulous.
“Yes, that may be something hard to believe,” Starswirl said.
“But exceptions can exist, and perhaps they are just that. But why guess when we can ask? Ever so important to meet up with them right away.”
“I agree, we have spent enough time as it is,” Wing Shield said.
“We should probably take a few ponies with us, just in case.”
“A wise idea,” Starswirl then turned to the rest of the delegation.
His gaze went over them, until finally…
“You there, come with us. The rest of you, you’re free for now.”
As it would have it, said chosen ponies happened to be three earth ponies and a unicorn: Red Apple and his newfound acquaintances.
“Thunderbolt, you’re with us,” Wing Shield said, before turning back to his squad.
“The rest of you, dismissed!”
The pegasi saluted and broke their line, clearing the way to the other camp. They could see them clearly now, all lined up, waiting. Without much word, the group of ponies made their way towards them.
At the distance, and with the winged ponies lined up, for the humans it had been hard to discern what exactly was happening at the other camp; but then they finally moved, and now saw a group was approaching them.
Many of the men began to whisper between themselves. Other just stared at the approaching ponies. Perhaps used to the winged ponies, their reactions thankfully were not the same as that day, but some still stood in wonder at the new types they were seeing. Few of them knew of the mythical unicorn, though reactions were somewhat tame at looking at the horned ponies. One could even say what caught more their attention was that one of them had a prominent beard. Ironically, more surprised they were at looking there were normal-looking ponies, to them at least, after all. What caused the biggest impression, however, was the two ponies at the center of the group.
Taller than the ponies around them, manes that flowed despite there not being wind, adorned with what looked to be accessories made from precious metals, but most important of all, the presence of both wings and horns on the two of them. Altogether, it made clear to all present they were the royalty they were expecting.
“I certainly wasn’t expecting this,” Lemaur commented.
“I don’t suppose there is any myth that talks of horses with both horns and wings?” Austin asked.
Lemaur shook his head.
“Not that I’m aware of.”
“Personally, for a foreign world, it was starting to look too coincidental to house creatures that were at least known to us, even if as myths,” Álvarez said.
“Or maybe they aren’t myths,” Guerrero said.
The others got surprised looks; even those close enough to hear them began to pay attention to their talk.
“Myths don’t just come into being, and now we know a few at least do exist,” he continued.
“And if they live here, then perhaps just like how we are here, there is a way to travel from somewhere in this world back to our own.”
Those who heard had a hopeful look on them, and word of the conversation was now being passed to the rest of the men.
“Ah, an excellent theory, Mister Guerrero,” Lemaur commented.
“Sounds too good to be true,” Álvarez frowned.
“But even if we do find a way back, I don’t think we can bring the country back with us.”
Most of the hopeful looks deflated.
“Even so, it’s still better than nothing,” Guerrero said.
“Assuming there is a way back,” Austin pointed out.
“We can worry on that later, they are finally here,” Lemaur said, making everyone’s attention gaze back front.
The small group of ponies were indeed close enough and had stopped. The two groups just stood there, staring at each other.
“So… now what do we do?” Álvarez asked.
“They might expect at the least some form of reaction,” Lemaur guessed.
“They are royalty, after all. Although the fact they’re ponies is going to change things.”
“I do not think we will really make much progress at the moment,” Guerrero said.
“Regardless, it is still better than nothing.”
He began to step forward.
“Most peculiar,” Starswirl commented.
The ponies had stopped at a considerable distance between their visitors. For the non-pegasi, they shared the same sense of wonder at looking never-before seen creatures, as those who were watching them.
“It’s certainly a different experience from just hearing about them,” the unicorn continued.
“Now all we need is to cast the spell on one of them.”
“And how are we going to accomplish that, Lord Starwirl?” Celestia asked.
“We will start small, show a few harmless spells, to get them used to the idea,” Starswirl replied.
They then saw one of them step forward. It was the one Wing Shield had described as their leader. He was soon followed by the ones who were nearest. They lessened the gap that was still between them before stopping. They then proceeded to make slight bows.
“Now then, Captain Wing Shield, would you please take off your helmet?” Starswirl asked.
The captain did as instruct.
“What do I do with it?” Wing Shield asked.
“Just hold it on your hoof for now,” Starswirl said, gaze back on their guests before his horn began to glow.
The sudden glow of the bearded unicorn’s horn was a surprise for the humans. Well, those that could properly see it. It was certainly clear for Guerrero and his group, being the closest. Unsure looks began to sprout, just like back when they first saw the pegasi. This was a new unexpected thing, to which reactions had a danger of being like back when they first learned they could talk. Well, perhaps not unexpected to all…
For people like Lemaur, the glow brought instead a look of understanding.
“I see, so that’s how it is…” he mumbled, though loud enough to be heard by those around him.
“What do you mean?” Álvarez asked, gazing between him and the glowing horn of the unicorn.
“Well, the unicorns of myths weren’t just horses with a horn that only virgins could tame,” Lemaur explained.
“They were said to possess magical powers.”
“Magic?” Austin sounded incredulous.
“I don’t think we are in a position to doubt,” Guerrero said.
“And it’s more of the myths being proven right.”
“So, is that it, the horn glows when it’s about to use its powers?” Álvarez asked.
Their focus went back to the ponies, and then if the glowing horn was already surprising as it was, what came next was even more so. They had seen the other pony took off its helmet but hadn’t paid much attention as the glowing horn caught more their eye. Just then, the helmet began to glow, in the same color as the horn; and without warning, the helmet began to slowly rise in the air. It didn’t rose much, kept it self slightly above the ponies’ heads. For a simple action, it still carried a big effect.
However, it wasn’t met with the shock and the fear of days ago. There was still a sense of wariness, but now mixed with curiosity. A few of the men in the main crowd took a step or two forward, to get a better view. Murmurs and whispers abound. All in all, it was a much better reception.
Celestia sighed in relief.
“It seems they are taking to basic unicorn magic well,” she stated.
Starswirl then began to move the helmet around. First horizontally, then in a loop, and finally was rotating the helmet. All met with similar reactions.
“To be fair, princess, even if it’s not the same, they had the time to grow accustomed to pegasi magic,” Wing Shield said.
“That’s all well and good, but how are we going to cast the other spell on one of them anyway?” Luna asked.
“The spell is hoofs above simple telekinesis,” Starswirl said, finally placing the helmet back on Wing Shield, before finally dissipating the magic aura.
“The latter didn’t have to involve any of them, to begin with.”
“In that case I don’t think we have the time to go showing off spells,” Wing Shield said while adjusting his helmet.
“Not if we want to get done this, quick, anyway.”
“Um, excuse me, but,” the sudden voice made them turn to the rest of their little group.
“The spell could be cast on any of us first, perhaps?” It had been the only other unicorn of the group who spoke.
“How is that going to help in casting the spell on them?” Luna asked.
“Hmm, perhaps we can convey that,” Starswirl said.
“But it would be hard for what exactly the spell will do. They won’t be able to discern its effects before casting it on them.”
“I can think of a way…” Wing Shield began.
“This can’t just be a display of power, does it?” Austin asked.
“Moving a mere helmet is too simple for that,” Guerrero said.
“Unless it was just how they want to start.”
“It’s hard to say just can they do,” Lemaur said.
“Not even the myths go into specifics of what can a unicorn do.”
Just then, one of the winged ponies took a step forward. He looked directly at Guerrero, who for his part had no difficulty recognizing he was ‘Wing Shield’.
“It’s the leader of the winged ones, was it?” Álvarez asked.
“Perhaps it’s going to be like back at the ship?”
Guerrero merely nodded, and with a little hesitation, he took a step forward as well. The distance between the two was now so close, they could shake hand and hoof again if they made a step or two more each.
The pegasus raised a hoof and pointed at the horn of the bearded unicorn, then at himself. Right after, he pointed back at the horn, but this time pointed at Guerrero afterwards.
“What was that about?” Álvarez asked.
“Well, it seems to involve the unicorn’s power,” Austin said.
“Pointing at itself and Guerrero… they want to use it on them both?”
“Hmm,” Lemaur briefly closed his eyes while crossing his arms.
“As I mentioned before, it’s hard to say what this unicorn is fully capable of. Perhaps it is in its power to communicate with us.”
“That would certainly be convenient,” Álvarez mused.
“Nevertheless, regardless of what they actually plan to do, can we trust it won’t be something bad?” Lemaur asked.
Guerrero glanced back at them.
“We went through this before; at this point I doubt they plan something harmful with this. More so since one of them plans to go through with it as well.”
“Well, we don’t know if it matters that we are not horses,” Austin pointed out.
“Are you still going to go through with it?”
Guerrero turned back to face the ponies, then back at them.
“It’s a risk I’m willing to take.”
“Just be prepared, in case something does go wrong.”
He turned back to the ponies, as the other three took a few steps back. Guerrero then gazed at Wing Shield and nodded.
“Is that a good sign?” Celestia asked.
Wing Shield glanced back.
“I believe so,” was his reply.
“Hmm, good, good,” Starswirl nodded.
“It’s a small but sure sense of trust, having the time to grow through your interactions. And could perhaps grow stronger. It’s an important step in the making of friendship.”
His horn began to glow again.
“Very well, let’s get this over with.”
The unicorn closed his eyes and concentrated. He first aimed in the direction of Wing Shield, before finally released the spell. The sudden flash was even more of an attention grabber for their guests, who kept watching intently. The ones right before them, though, had to shield their eyes, clearly not accustomed to such procedures.
“How do feel, Captain?” Starswirl asked.
The pegasus shook his head.
“I think I…” he suddenly stopped.
Wait, he wasn’t talking in, realization hit Wing Shield. I see, so that’s how it works…
“I’m fine,” he continued after a brief pause; the statement delivered in a way which made the unicorn smile.
The sudden flash didn’t allow them to see properly but could still make out something had traveled from the horn of the unicorn to the winged pony. It was hard to tell exactly what had happened, but for Guerrero, watching Wing Shield react made him guess it went without a problem. At least, it had better be. Now came the moment of truth, though, for he was next.
Guerrero braced himself, standing still, though with an arm ready to cover his eyes again in case he didn’t closed them in time. The unicorn took a step to the side, likely to have better aim, horn glowing again. Pointed at him now, the glow began to get brighter. Knowing that was the sign, Guerrero quickly closed his eyes.