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// 2 The new surroundings 
// Story: The true Dream. 
// by Blenderpony 
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Peter startled awake rather fast. He didn't notice nodding off at first.

But by the state of soreness in his back and behind, he had to have been asleep for quite a considerable amount of time. 

He still found himself inside of that Broom room. With no windows and no real air duct, the Air was getting really stale too. He himself was just glad he went to take a shower before going to bed.

Since he hadn't been disturbed in his sleep he got up to stretch his sore limbs back into Commission. Trying the door knob again but found the door still locked.

He heard a few voices outside. The door doing a really great job muting them somewhat. 

A few of the memories of last night came back to him. Trying to figure out the situation he was in.

From what he gathered he somehow found himself in a bedroom, in a rather large building, with equine inhabitants, which then chased him after shouting something in a non coherent language, only to get stuck and then locked in a ~ broom room...

Now, he didn't want to be in this situation, that much was sure. 

How to get out of it wasn't quite so easy to figure out. Melting through the fabric of reality wasn't really an option. Didn't matter how hard he tried.

Shoulder slamming the door might give a wrong impression.

He did what probably all humans would do in a situation like this. Sliding his back down the wall on the far side of the door. Burring his head in his hand and letting out a record breaking moaning groan.

"Okay, lets see the poor critter."

The sentence startled him way more than he liked. First off, he could understand the females voice. Second, the moment it was finished the door lock gave the unmistakable sound ob being unlocked. 

His fear spiked in an instant. But a lot less this time. Something in the females voice just calmed him down. So rather than just bolting to the door he just sat there. motionless.

The door opened really slowly. As if they actually were anticipating him slamming it back closed. It even stopped for a second.

"Hello?" That voice again. And the door opening a little more. Just enough to have a yellow and pink head poke its way in. 

The impression on peters face must have been quite a mix of fear, resignation, defeat, sleep deprivation, surprise. .. yeah quite the mix because the yellow pony got quite the startle the moment she saw him.

"Well, who are you? I have never seen a creature like you..." That did however not deter her to come in further. 

Peter himself just mumbled. "Well, I could say the same thing y'know." What surprised him after his rather snotty remark though. The yellow one didn't really seem all that surprised to see him talk. That didn't go for the two guards behind her though. They immediately asked something, which he again couldn't understand.

The yellow one just replied to them "I guess that ~he~ apparently never saw ponies in his life before." Turning back to peter. "You seem quite calm, contrary to the explanation the guards gave me. My name is Fluttershy. Do you have a name?" She did keep her distance to him though. Sitting down in the doorway. 

With her being that calm it broke almost through the fear Peter had. He actually seemed genuinely interested now that he had someone to talk to. "My name is Peter~ Where am I Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy just kept her calm demeanor "You are in Canterlot. The capital of Equestria. Or to be more specific. In the royal castle. "

This actually made sense, The hallway, the guards. What doesn't make sense though, "Why am I here? The last thing I remember is falling asleep in my room. And the very next thing is me startling awake in a dark room."

Fluttershy herself now looked quite confused. "I cannot tell you." And now the guards behind her were talking again. And moving forward towards the door. "The guards want to take you to a temporary holding cell. Would you mind coming with me? It would make things a lot more easy. We already put half of the castle in quarantine."

Peter got quite alarmed at the two guards advancing. So far the ponies had been relatively nice. He had to see an actual weapon pointed towards him yet. Reasoning with himself that he should rather go than fight against their wishes. So he nodded got up and waited patiently for Fluttershy to lead the way.

She got up but turned around midway through the door. "You will not run away, will you?"

Rather than just answering immediately he was transfixed on her wings. How did he miss those. As well as some sort of tattoo on her Back legs, Flank, Waist? Three Butterfly's. He didn't really know pony anatomy. Adding another question to his rather quickly growing list, he composed himself and just shook his head. "No, I think that would be rather stupid if I do."

Fluttershy repeated that to the guards and walked down the hallway, flanked by two guards. Peter looked behind himself and saw four more. All of them looked rather anxious. Not really trusting the big unknown creature to be safe to be around.

He realized the situation he was in a little bit more. He was in a strange world, surrounded by somewhat magical beings, which just by his appearance didn't really trust him. He couldn't blame them at all. Thinking himself into their position he probably would act the same way. It would be like talking to a hungry bear. 

After quite the walk through truly deserted hallways, and a LOT of downstairs, which were so awkward to take. They arrived at a small guard station with holding cells. One was open, the other deserted.

He guessed it was his and walked inside. Finding a bowl of water and some apples on a table. A rather nice and comfortable looking child sized bed in the other corner. And a child sized stool. This will take some time getting used to.

The door closed behind him. And immediately a barrier was appearing out of nowhere right on the bars of his cell.
It was blue in color. Quite warm to the touch. Sighing to himself he took in his surroundings. There were quite and assortment of ponies down the hall. Fluttershy with a few others. Now that he saw other ponies, they came in all kinds of colors. Blue Orange Pink Purple White . . 

They were talking, but right now he even couldn't understand Fluttershy she now too talked in another language. 

Pacing around his cell for a little her sat down on the tiny stool and grabbed himself an apple. Funny how that was something that looked exactly like home. He took a bite of it and immediately was surprised by the strong but really good taste of it. His diet didn't didn't consist of much healthy food back home, but he was SURE of it that this apple tasted magnitudes better than any he ever had. 

Funny how he was eating it while in a cell.

Playing with the apple in his hands for a bit, he noticed a Purple female pony together with a slightly bigger white one standing in front of his cell. The purple ones horn glowing for a short moment before the barrier disappeared.

Fluttershy appeared next to them. "Peter? This is Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor" Pointing them out by their name. "They would like to ask you a few questions and do a quick check up on you? Is that okay?"

Peter nodded again. Placing the eaten apple on the table. But refrained from standing up. "You may"
The white stallion said something, it sounded very respectful and clear. "Shining would like to know if you are dangerous."

Peter shook his head. "No, I will not intentionally harm you. I see no reason in doing so. You have been very kind to me so far." Which Fluttershy repeated word by word to Shining. 

Shining nodded to that and opened the door for Twilight Sparkle, who had a very curious look on herself. Almost like getting a wrapped present, wanting to know what is inside it. Her horn again began to glow.

Peter was REALLY startled by the sudden force on his hand sitting on the table. It could be best described as the Air suddenly grabbing your hand and pulling it. He even gave an audible gasp. Which resulted in Twilight to stop doing whatever she was doing. "What was THAT?"

Twilight surprised by the outburst took a few steps back before Fluttershy told her that Peter got startled by her sudden enthusiasm to inspect his Hand.

Fluttershy then turned to Peter "I am sorry, I should have figured since we are not familiar to you that magic might be strange for you too."

That turned a few knobs to totally utterly confused in his head. So far he just figured it was more of a Show thing not something that was actually real. "It . . Magic . . She will not hurt me accidentally  with it, will she? The pull was quite strong."

Fluttershy immediately shook her head. "No, Twilight will always use her magic in reasonable and responsible manners. I am sure of it." The last part she said with quite a remarkable sideways glance towards her. Which made twilight actually shift slightly in her composure. 

"Okay sorry though. I think I overreacted a little too" Peter admitted. A little ashamed of himself.

"There is no reason to be sorry. We should have been more considerable about your situation." Fluttershy demanded.

"Lets continue~~ So Shining wanted to ask me a few questions?" He looked in his direction. His posture rather stoic. Twilight though. She had this glint in her eyes. Furiously taking mental notes on how he moved and talked.

"Yeah, he did. Shining do you want to ask something else?" Fluttershy redirected.

Shining started to speak to Fluttershy. While Twilight, true to Fluttershy word wasn't as intrusive or aggressive anymore. -she began inspecting his Arms, upper torso by prodding his shirt. -magically tugging on his Hair.

Fluttershy then spoke up: "Shining would like to ask about some aspects of your species behaviors. Your diet your social hierarchy and specifically your daily life."

And so he began, admitting upfront that his species was an omnivore species. Being dependent on both meat and plants/fruits. He also tried to explain to her to his best abilities the political structure of his country. When it came to his life as a custodian, a lot of questions were asked regarding all the mind bending technological advances his species developed.

The trio was utterly impressed by the advances, but equally disgusted by our lack of care for the environment.

He finished with the words "Well that, I guess, explains in simple terms my species and myself." He himself was really fond for the story telling to end. During the time he started talking about driving cars, Twilight almost demanded he take of his clothes. Which he denied her. He took off his shirt and socks though. He didn't have an issue with those body parts being 'studied' by her.

He even started to recognize a few words spoken by the Ponies, most notably 'yes' and 'no'. He tried imitating the words, but he got reactions from pure laughter to utter embarrassment. He decided, for now, he will refrain from trying to imitate their language.

He too noticed. There was a really huge world to discover. Equestria by itself apparently isn't really all that small. He was starting to look forward to that. "Do you have a problem with me asking a few questions Fluttershy?"

Looking a little exhausted herself, she still nodded very clearly. "Yes of course you can ask questions."

"I am very curious about what is outside this castle. Where do you think I should go first when I get outside? Can you recommend something?" Peter asked nicely and very happy almost.

Fluttershy responded: "Well, before we head off outside, you have an audience with princess Celestia herself. Once Shining Armor gives the all clear." She smiled in Shinings direction.

Shining responded with quite a long talk. Which Fluttershy summed up with "He will give you the all clear with only one request: You species is quite capable. In his words.. He wants you promise with the intent of never breaking that promise to refrain from ever intentionally harming A citizen of equestria or taking advantage of the resources the land offers."

Peter pondered on that promise a little bit. -by the very nature, it seemed, Shining was concerned that he would take advantage of the open and friendly nature of ponies or the certain unrestricted access to said resources. Understanding the very seriousness of that promise. He straighten up and placed his hand over his heart. "I promise. To never take Advantage over the Citizens of Equestria or let them come to harm by my actions or lack there of. I also promise to equally respect the lands of Equestria" He actually meant every word. It sounded unrealistic. But he meant it. 

Fluttershy repeated his promise word by word to Shining. Who for the first time wore a smile on his face. 

He tapped Twilight on her shoulder. Who was currently very deep lost in wiggling his toe with her magic. It felt funny.

After a quick chat she nodded and. . He swore, she just blinked out of existence. Just ~poof~ gone. Given the reaction of the other two he guessed it was something she did on a regular basis.

Peter just commented on Twilights absence. "You know what, Magic... I should just do a simple check. Something weird happened. ~Magic did it~ Yeah else I will go crazy."

Fluttershy just giggles to herself "You will get used to it eventually. shining gave the all clear. We will now go before the Princesses and will discuss your integration with our society."

With Twilight gone Peter started to put on his shirt and socks again. "The princesses, you mean Princess Celestia and Luna herself?" Given their description of the two he didn't really know how to feel about it. To him it seemed a mandatory thing. It is their land after all. But he'd rather talk to a creature or pony with way less much power. Both magical and figuratively. Moving the Sun and Moon? He still doubted that part. 

Fluttershy nodded "Yes. Don't be worried they are really nice once you get to know them. I mean, I don't know them very much but so far they have been very considerate to any pony I know who met them. and they are very reasonable. Twilight just teleported ahead to tell them you are ready to meet them. She is Celestia's personal student by the way."

Peter just sank a lot further down in his confidence. Dont mess this up were his thoughts.

While they two were talking Shining went ahead and got a Guard escort ready. He motioned for him to follow. Which he did. Walking after him. 

The general mood seemed to have been relaxed by quite a bit. With his word to not do anything funny and him explaining what he is and thinks helped a lot. It also seemed that they trust him. Which is always a plus. The walk through a few hallways was relatively uneventful. The castle seemed to have some sort of layout. Even if many of the turn and crossways looked randomly placed. But all knew where they were going.

Peter immediately knew he was around the last corner when the hallway widened to double size with a huge double door at the end. Ornamented with both the Sun and the moon. The general golden White and Dark Purple to Blue color scheme  continued on the door and met there as if the whole design originated from the door.

Brushing his Hair straight and pulling back his shoulders he felt sooo underdressed it wasn't even funny to him anymore. 

Shining knocked on the big doors. Which slowly opened  a little to reveal Twilight head. The comically large door handle glowing in her magic. She smiled and opened the doors fully. Revealing the large throne room behind them. With indeed the two princesses at the end. It wasn't so big to have trouble recognizing facial expressions And when Peter looked at Luna she was leaning forward really curious. Ears pointing forward. 

Celestia quite suddenly though realized something. And her ears immediately flattened against her head. With quite an angry expression on her face. She said something quite short. Which REALLY surprised all parties involved. And by the sound of her words. They weren't friendly. 

Peter suddenly found himself in the center of attention. Many heads turning between Celestia and him. 

Celestia spoke up again. But this time in quite a heavy accent in human "You are not supposed to be here." Her words were filled with anger frustration and hatred.

Peter found himself utterly lost. And took a few steps back. "What did I do?" Fluttershy who now looked confused too. It appears that her understanding of animals did not extend to celestia speaking the language. But on Peters response she looked worried something went wrong. She halved in size when she sloughed and spoke up. "Is something the matter Princess?" 

Twilight Shining Luna and the Guard escorts kept themselves away from commenting. 

Celestia turned to Fluttershy. And spoke to her quickly and composed. Wanting to say different things than the words which were spoken. Fluttershy just repeated. "You met humans before? " Celestia continued and Fluttershy actually got frightened and moved away from Peter. The rest following suit. Peter just hated the fact that he could not understand what was said. Fluttershy repeated for celestia in a very afraid voice. "You kind was in Equestria before. a-and they killed and they ate - u us. 17 in total before Celestia found a way to banish them. found their way of entry and sealed it for good. This was approximately 340 years ago."

Peter was asolutely mortified. "I am sorry I. I didn't know. I just 'appeared' here. I" He was at a loss of words taking more steps back from the very angry monarch,

Luna spoke up, to Celestia and exchanged a few sentences. They were talking rather friendly. Luna still had her curiosity about her but it seemed to have been diminished by quite a lot. Since Celestia's reveal of acknowledgement about his species. 

Celestia then turned towards peter "To cut this short. I will not allow you to inhabit this Land. Which makes this meeting unnecessary. You will be placed in temporary holding until further notice." She ordered a few commands to the escort and Shining, which immediately took to action to crowd him and lead him out of the throne room. 

He didn't resist in the slightest. His mind was just looping around what he could have done to prevent this. Blaming himself for something he had no control in. This is how it feels to be helpless, huh. The first time he actually truly experienced this.