//------------------------------// // Umi: Prik-seema ~ First Contact // Story: The Chronicle of Tau Niem: Out of Place // by Jack-Pony //------------------------------// It had been exactly one thousand and one years since the last solar eclipse. On that fateful day, Princess Celestia was forced to banish her sister to the moon, after she turned into Nightmare Moon. A fact that neither had forgot, as the elder sister carefully eyed the younger. Despite Princess Luna’s reassurances that she was no longer resentful of her sister, Celestia could not help but feel uneasy. A fact that the Princess of the Night was not ignorant of, nor could she really blame her elder sister. Still, it grated on her nerves by no small amount. Just as the dark coated mare turned her head toward her sister, about to bark at her, the moon crossed in front of the sun and darkened the sky. Their thoughts were not interrupted by the astronomical event, but by the fact that the throne room began to glow with an otherworldly light, causing each to glance at the other, with an equal mix of suspicion and fear. The supernatural light then vanished soundlessly, as enigmatically as it appeared. In its wake, the two alicorns looked down from their shared perch at the black footprint, burnt into marble that was beneath it. Neither could process what they saw, what had been deposited within their hall was altogether alien and yet mysteriously untouched by the powers that had scarred their floor... Darkness, that’s how it began, an endless void of darkness…or perhaps that’s where it ended? Recognizing backwards from forwards has become somewhat difficult. Rather, I think that I ceased caring about which was which, a long time ago. Beginning, middle, end? It’s all the same, when all is said and done... Why can’t I find it? That one thing I yearn for, more than life itself… When my lungs drew a long, deep breath, filling themselves to capacity without provocation on my part. Just as soon as they did, a quick sigh escaped my lips, emptying them. I could only hope that when I opened my eyes, luck would be on my side. What I awoke to was not my bed, but on my hands and knees. My hands held up my body, but not the one I had fell asleep with. Thoughts flowed through my mind, but they were not those I had in exile. A deep, bottomless maw formed in my gut, threatening to consume all I was. For the first time in a long time, I opened my mouth and my voice came forth...I screamed. The six holders of the Elements of Harmony stood on one of the balconies of the castle, wearing their special goggles; Twilight informed them that without them, they would burn out their eyes looking at the eclipse. Her friends thought them silly, even a bit tacky perhaps, but the unicorn had proven herself rather well informed over the years and quite knowledgeable in such things, so they wore them without too much protest. As the moon eclipsed the sun, a shiver ran down the spine of the purple unicorn, causing her to turn away from the celestial event, only to see the light emanating from the Princess’ throne room. Her distraction did not go unnoticed and her friends soon took notice of the disturbance as well, just in time to hear an agonized wail; the cries of crippling pain came not from physical trauma, but that of a soul tormented by heartache. Upon hearing the racket from the upper tower where the great hall resided, the friends all nodded in unspoken agreement that the excruciating sound couldn't have led to anything that would be considered good and bolted to aid the Princesses. Luna in particular, blanched. An eerie silence then filled the hall for not more than a heartbeat, before the intruder’s head snapped toward the dais where the two princesses sat. Its eyes glared up at them with an anger, nay a bloodlust, that the most fearsome of predators could not match. Its white knuckles trembled and a low growl escaped its throat as it leapt toward the two. The few golden-armored creatures that stepped in my path were hardly a hindrance; granted they had armor and weapons, but they seemed completely inept at using any form of psionic abilities, let alone defending themselves. The first pair dropped to the stone floor beside me with a simple wave of psionic energy from my left hand, directed at their forelegs, and the next came down the steps, spear leveled at my chest. Though deflecting it proved rather easy, I gave him the honor of actually laying hands on him, grabbing a hold of his armor and throwing him over my shoulder…an added bump from my telekinesis, sending him soaring through the air. While down on my right knee, I struck out at two more, one at my one o’clock – the former’s partner coming down from his adjacent post – and the other at ten. They felt the effect of my telekinetic abilities from my open palm strikes at well more than a dozen feet. Throwing open the golden doors to the great-hall, bearers of the Elements of Harmony were instantly greeted by the flying form of a celestial guard, hurtling ballisticly through the air toward them. It took all the effort of both Rarity and Twilight to slow him, before he would have smashed into them. Regardless, it was still Rainbow Dash that ended up catching him in midair. Whatever had sent him flying had incredible strength, that much was for sure, but nothing could’ve prepared them for what awaited their eyes and what they saw froze them in place. A single, bipedal, robed creature seemed to be in a life and death struggle with the Princesses and the Royal Guard. The next I knew, I was plastered awkwardly against a wall, nearly two-dozen measures from where I had started. The throbbing in my head was not aided by the blood pouring into my eyes from the forehead wound I had sustained, presumably from being thrown. Slumping unceremoniously to the floor, I managed to get my left knee under me and both hands upon it, to push myself up, before I glared up at the closer of the two large quadrupeds upon the dais. With all my will, I threw both hands out at her in the shape of claws, before closing them tightly and returning them to my sides. The look on its face as it flew through the air was rather amusing, as if it never suspected being handled in such a way. Just as suddenly as it came, I took to my feet and threw my hands back out, causing the creature to violently change direction and slam into the side of the pillar that I had struck. The same one that had cut open my forehead, which was now covering my face with a steady stream of blood. Two swift steps brought me to within arms reach of the being, fear filling its one visible, teal eye. The white creature still on the dais took flight, while extending its golden aura towards me once more. I angrily glanced slightly to my left and swatted its aura back at it, stunning its wings and sending it crashing hard to the floor. Only the psionic presence from my right arm held the still struggling, captive creature off the floor. Even still, it was more than enough. I glanced it over quickly, just prior to drawing my left fist back and it winced in fear of the forthcoming strike. “E’kuitis gal’raia,” I spoke accusingly and its eye opened in shocked surprise, “Ne Ni Nei do not fall easily, nor are we the playthings of ta’yai’a. Should I spare you the pain of defeat?” Its lip quivered in pain, or more likely fear, before it spoke weakly; though it took my translator a moment to gather its meaning. “I know that pain.” Its...no, her voice was meek, fearful, but moreover, knowing. The creature’s face contorted in rage, before he once again wailed in despair. Throwing his fist up and forward, Luna flinched in fear once again. Much to her surprise, she found her rear upon the stone floor, looking up at him. His bloodied knuckles were frozen in place, where the column of marble had stood a mere moment before. Daring to glance over her shoulder, she found that much of the mighty pillar of stone had been all but pulverized and sent on a ballistic trajectory out the side of the hall, taking much of the stained glass with it and dotting the remaining stone walls with deep craters. Looking back, she found the terrifying creature simply standing there, trembling, a single tear falling from his left eye. Before either of them knew it, a cyan blur plowed into him at full speed, knocking him to the ground and proceeded to pummel him with her hooves. “Rainbow Dash!” Luna barked, causing the mare to hesitate and look up, “Stop.” “But…” She whimpered in hesitation, wanting nothing more than to give it a good beating for hurting all those ponies - the Princesses most of all - but she nonetheless gave in to the Princess’ command. Princess Celestia rose unsteadily and groaning sorely. Twilight rushed to her aid, though it was ultimately unnecessary, it took more than a little roughhousing to injure her. The remainder of the six fanned out to aid the injured guards, while Princess Luna and Rainbow Dash stood over the wounded and unconscious creature. How could such a small and frail looking thing contain such overwhelming power? “Move aside sister.” Celestia’s voice caused Luna to turn to her hobbling sibling, “We must destroy it before it regains consciousness.” “Sister!?” Luna exclaimed in shock, “We cannot.” She stood defiantly before her sister, her wings flaring in protest, “It was in pain! Lashing out in confusion, defending itself! We can’t kill a creature for defending itself!” “My sister, look at the destruction and pain it has wrought…” Celestia said softly, but firmly, “…it is too dangerous.” “You once thought that of me.” Luna fired back, causing a long silence between the two, occupied by the mane six regarding the two worriedly. None had been allowed to see the resentment of the Lunar Princess until today. “Look. Think. With its power, it could have easily killed each and every one of us, but it did not.” “Celestia?” Twilight said, gently nuzzling her mentor’s leg, “Luna does have a point.” The Solar Princess glanced at her guards who, like her, had more wounds to their pride than the flesh. After a moment of inward reflection, she sighed in defeat. “You are right.” She nodded, “What shall we do with it then?” ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ As I regained consciousness, I heard two strange, alien voices arguing between themselves. The first I recognized as the voice of the dark, female quadruped creature. The second was clearly speaking the same language, perhaps even the same sex, but the individual in question was foreign to me. I was cold, naked, stripped of my clothing. I had been taken prisoner, what a shame I brought to myself. The next thing I noticed was the bonds upon my limbs, more than enough to hold me physically, but there was nothing preventing my psionic energy from traveling down to inspect my restraints. A fact that would prove quite handy when the time came to escape. Why I was not psionically restrained, I did not know. Perhaps they did not realize my abilities? An odd possibility considering what had led to me being here. Perhaps they did not understand them? Or maybe, just maybe, they didn’t believe that I possessed them? Such would prove to be critical mistake if that was indeed the case. Finally opening my eyes, I found the dark one conversing with the slightly larger white one. They both had hooves, wings and a horn, in more or less the same proportions. It took my mind a moment to recognize where I had seen them before and when I did, I couldn’t help myself, nor could I stop myself from laughing… “I’m telling you sister, once he awakes-” Luna’s argument was interrupted by the creature’s laughter, “See sister, it even laughs.” “That means little.” Celestia remarked dismissively. “Nonsense, that just means he has one more thing in common with us,” she said, turning toward the restrained creature on the table. The two princesses walked closer to him, still slightly apprehensive. After all, he had all but destroyed the great hall single-handedly. Even tied down, this fleshy, furless creature was strangely intimidating, especially when he ceased laughing and his emerald-green eyes beheld them indignantly. Neither sister had expected a Human to be so…well, odd. No fur, nor hair to speak of, beyond an odd patch of mane on top of its head, and its claws were dull, and its teeth pathetically small and blunt. Moreover, none of the tales had ever spoken of a human using magic! “Can you understand me?” Celestia said somewhat slower than she normally would’ve spoken. I regarded the two ponies curiously, my humor subsiding for the moment. The white one vocalized as it regarded me, in what I could only assume was an attempt at communication. A pretty damned failed attempt at manipulation, if they don’t know that my mind would expect a translator to be necessary. I eagerly glanced around the room, hoping that they had not run far with it and was pleasantly surprised that it was still nearby, on the small, wheeled table that also had my clothes upon it. Not wanting to give away that I still had use of my telekinesis, I stared at it for a moment. When neither moved, I looked once more at the two, and then back to the object. The darker mare – Luna, if my memory served – clearly understood that I was looking at the object for a reason and went to it. She examined the hexagonal piece of technology curiously in one hoof. It wasn’t particularly large, small enough to fit in the hoof, but it had enough processing power to run a decent piece of UT software through it, and its dull metallic casing was strong enough to repel most small-arms fire. Not that she could've discerned any of that. Outwardly, there was nothing distinguishing it from a solid chunk of a rather heavy metal… “What do you want with this?” Luna spoke again, but this time I understood her. “I assumed that you wanted to speak to me…” I replied simply. “Why don’t you just speak to me, as you did before?” She asked, however her answer came not from me, but from the other – Celestia, if memory still served… “Wait, you understood that?” Celestia balked; though at the time, I could not understand her words, it was obvious enough what she was saying to me, “What did he say?” “Whomever holds that can understand me and vice versa.” I explained, “Though it would work better if you gave it to me.” “Why is that?” Luna asked. “What’s he saying?” Celestia repeated once more, this time flustered. “Because she can’t understand me unless I’m holding it.” I rolled my eyes impatiently, well outside my usual behavior, “Right now, I’m hearing your voice in my language and you’re able to understand mine. However, if I’m holding it, both of you will hear my voice in your language.” “But I…” Luna began to protest. “Trust me, I know a thing or two about these things,” I said blandly, my ill humor making itself known through my bluntness. “Alright.” She nodded, deciding to trust me, before walking over to the table that held me down. “What’re you doing?” Celestia questioned her sister, a note of panic entering her voice, “Luna, don’t give that back to him!” Luna placed it upon my bare chest anyways as Celestia lunged at me. “Much better, yes?” I asked, taking special care to look into Celestia’s eyes. The Sun goddess froze in shock, coming to a skidding halt on the stone floor beneath. “How can I understand him-you?” “It’s a universal translator.” I nodded impatiently, “That’s its job.” “A translation enchantment?” She leaned in, carefully examining the grey object. “Nope, no magic, just a very handy piece of technology.” I nearly chuckled, remembering how primitive their technology was, “Now putting awe aside, who are you and why have you abducted me?” “I am Princess Celestia and this is my sister, Princess Luna-” Celestia began to explain only to be cut off. “Yes, I’m aware that’s who you want me to think you are, but who’re you really?” I cocked an eyebrow, “Ebrinarus? S’arginus? Golans, even?” “We’re ponies.” Celestia said, unsure of what I spoke. “Equines.” Luna added, somewhat confused, “I swore that humans had enslaved equines…?” “I am no Hunan.” I growled suddenly, “I am Danårian, E’geh Tau Niem A Ne Ni Nei Vas Kelovo.” “What was that…?” The two muttered to each other. “An introduction, that’s my name.” I glared at them intensely again, Celestia unconsciously took a hesitant step back. Her fear caused something in my addled mind to unconsciously switch tactics, sighing deeply, my voice became softer and more patient… “I forget that most outsiders have a hard time understanding our language. My given name is Tau Niem.” “Then please understand me, Tau Niem, you’re only restrained because you attacked myself, my sister and our guards last evening.” Celestia said kindly. “Perhaps if I wasn’t taken from my home without consent!” I snapped back with a sudden growling tone. “We-” Celestia went to protest, however her sister silenced her with a hoof upon her shoulder. “Tau Niem, I assure you this is all a misunderstanding, we made no attempt to transport you to Equestria,” she said, trying her best to convince me. I scoffed. “Yeah, I just happened here-?” However, before I could continue, Luna’s magic enveloped my bonds, releasing me. My shock was evident as I stared down at my freedom in disbelief. I glanced up at the two suspiciously, then back at my hands, unable to comprehend what was happening. I then promptly stood from the table that had until moments before restrained me, holding the translation device in my left hand. My sudden move to rise caused the two to take several steps back. “It’s not going to work,” I stated defiantly, with a glance at my clothes. “What isn’t going to work?” Celestia asked in confusion. “Pretending to be my friend.” I declared flatly, “Frankly, you’d have more luck with corporeal torture.” “Torture!?” Celestia exclaimed, “Why would we want to torture you?” “Sister, he believes that we have abducted him. What other purpose could we have?” Luna countered. “It’s not as though you’re going to eat me,” I said, failing once more to withhold a chuckle. “As if ponies would go so far as to do anything that foul.” Celestia laughed. The Solar Princess quickly found herself laughing alone. Her sister had remained silent, regarding my (slightly) offended expression. Quieting herself, she looked first to Luna, who was still staring at me, then followed her gaze. I bared my teeth in a toothy grin, exposing the sharp canines on either side of my incisors. Their startled reactions were not entirely unexpected. “Yeah.” I deadpanned. “You’re a carnivore!?” Celestia gasped. “Actually we’re omnivores.” I corrected her. “That makes sense, your claws and teeth are quite blunt.” I reacted to Luna’s words by simply looking to her skeptically, “I rather doubt that you’d be that dangerous.” “Ironic words coming from you…” I said with a subtle grin. “So then, you are hunters?” Celestia wondered. “No. On our homeworld, we were the hunted for millions of years.” I explained, “Our psionic abilities are evolutionary defense mechanisms…much as I suspect yours are.” “Psionic abilities?” Luna repeated, unsure what I was speaking of. “He must mean our magic…?” Celestia assumed, first looking to her sister, then to me. “Magic?” I repeated with a raised brow, “Ah, so your powers are still steeped in superstition? Mythology even?” “We call it magic, for that’s what it is.” She stated bluntly. “There’s no such thing as the supernatural, merely knowledge beyond current comprehension.” I recited one of the base tenets of Danårian philosophy, “Such were the words of the late Rah’kal Ke’kek, one of the brightest minds of the Ancient Era. His works and words still form the heart of much of our philosophies.” “It is my understanding that Hu-Humanoids, rarely go without clothing. Yet you have made no move to don your garments?” Luna observed, “Why is that?” “Do my captors wish it of me?” I asked sarcastically. “We’re not your captors, as we have explained.” Celestia tried to soothe me, but failed. “Uh-huh.” I nodded, reaching for my undergarments with my free hand. “Tau Niem, what must we do to convince you of our sincerity?” Luna asked me. I paused a moment as I pulled on my dark-grey undershirt. I stood before them, in nothing but a shirt, as the pants that would cover my lower half still remained in my right hand. The translation device now sat on my shirt, no longer requiring a free hand to hold it. I pondered her words for a long moment, before I swiftly pulled up the matching pants, made of the same synthetic fabric and of the same color. Finally grabbing my lightweight three-quarter length robe, the traditional garb of my clan, I thought of a decent response. Though, perhaps not the one that they would like… “There is none,” I said simply, adjusting the emerald sash that held the light grey robe in place, “The only possibility would be to prove to me that this is no elaborate, though feeble, attempt at manipulating me into giving up information.” “Have you not already told us much? Until now, Humans were a mere myth.” Celestia asked, once again referring to me as a Human, without realizing her offense. “I am Danårian.” I reminded her sharply. “What is the difference?” Luna asked inquisitively. “A Hunan is a criminal. Their psionic abilities have been stripped of them and they’re exiled, disgraced. Their honor is removed from their names. Most will never see their homes again.” I explained the seriousness of their offense. “So…” Celestia began, trying to understand the connection. “Humans are Hunan…” My lip curled at the admission, “They’re our progeny…though they should not exist. They are an error. A creation of war. Beyond that, I’m not at liberty to say. The Council of Imperators have not declassified that information as of yet…” “Council of Imperators?” The two repeated almost simultaneously. “Yes, the uppermost echelons of our government.” I stated bluntly, “Information that any citizen of a thousand different worlds would know on hand.” “A thousand-” Celestia started. “-worlds?” Luna blanched. “Yes.” I nodded, “Dozens of different species, in hundreds of systems. That is the way of the…Trade…Coalition…” I recognized that look from countless first-contact encounters, “You have no knowledge beyond this star system?” Celestia shook her head. “No.” Luna added simply. “Ugh, Bas-ra…” I sighed, hanging my head low. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The first rays of Celestia’s sun filtered through the narrow windows, painting the hallway a gentle shade of orange. This effect made Luna’s coat appear to be all the more vivid and colorful, its dark blue contrasting beautifully with the mellow oranges that painted the space. Still, the princess looked a little haggard, standing attentively outside the golden doors that led to the private chambers - Equis’ newest guest within. “Has he still refused come out?” Twilight’s inquisitive voice slightly startled the fatigued Princess of the Night. “Indeed.” Luna nodded in the affirmative, regarding the talented Element of Magic as she regained her composure, “He has refused to speak to either of us, to eat, or even sleep. The last I knew he was staring at the sky.” She turned her head back toward the door, “I fear at this pace he will not survive long.” Twilight joined Luna in staring at the door. It was just like any other door in the palace, except for what it withheld. Beyond that portal was the most interesting scientific discovery in Equestrian history, an actual, living extraequistrian! Though its power was admittedly impressive and no little terrifying, once calmed, it had proven somewhat more docile and even civil, so the princesses revealed after their conversation with the being. Indeed, it was almost as if the silence spoke to the purple unicorn, because before too long she nodded and took a step forward. “I’m going in.” She declared, much to the surprise of the princess. “Are you sure, Twilight Sparkle? He seemed quite insistent on his privacy.” Luna asked, seemingly trying to convince her against it, though she really did want her to try to get him to open up. “Yes.” Twilight nodded determinedly, “Someone needs to stand up to him and talk some sense into his thick head!” Luna looked dismissively to one side, though Twilight didn’t see it. Like she’s one to talk about common sense... “Alright, I’ll be right here should you need me.” She reminded her sister’s eager protege. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ From what I had seen, this planet seemed to be very close to some of its neighboring stars, less than a light-year, if I had to venture a guess. Though in reality, I had given up on determining my location by the stars almost as soon as I began. Without a point of reference, or a navigational-computer, there was no way I was going to determine my location. I had been moved significantly enough that such a thing was impossible. A knocking drew me from my inward reflection, which outwardly appeared to be me staring out at the western horizon, the last of the stars having long since vanished. “Enter.” I called out rather roughly in response to the distracting knock, though did not turn about. I was rather inclined to being alone at the moment, that was until a somewhat timid voice called out from the threshold, “Um, hello?” I had initially expected Princess Celestia, appearing to wake me and welcome me with the new day, as that was her station – Princess of the Day. However, upon turning around, I was somewhat surprised to see Twilight Sparkle hesitantly standing just this side of the large doors. The unicorn mare with the purple color pallet looked rather less confident than I had imagined her, based upon the manner with which she had knocked upon my door. Indeed all the eager curiosity that she had possessed fled and was replaced with trepidation, clearly rethinking her plan just a little too late. “I’m not going to eat you,” I said with a soft chuckle, “...you clearly wanted to speak with me?” “Y-yes, of course,” she said still slightly unsure if her plan was a good one, “I am-” “Twilight Sparkle, protege of Princess Celestia and bearer of the Element of Magic.” I recited without thinking, then realized my mistake and recoiled at the same time that she did…though my recoil was out of embarrassment, where hers was from fright and surprise, “Oh, I’m terribly sorry, I spoke before thinking. Please, forgive my thoughtless err?” She hesitated momentarily, balking at both my actions and my words. “You’re forgiven?” She stated rather confused, “How do you know so much about me?” “I-in my last life…” I started, glancing down at my hands. “Last life?” She cocked her head to one side curiously, “What do you mean by that?” Realizing what I had just implied, I quickly clarified, “Before I was transported here, I was a diplomat. An envoy of my people, making first contact with new civilizations.” “Really?” She asked curiously, to which I nodded, but that only served to make her expression more curious, “That doesn’t answer how you knew my name…?” Out of the frying pan and into the fire, eh? I monologued internally. “The Princess may have mentioned you…and I put the pieces together.” Twilight slowly leaned forward as I spoke, her ears twitching irritatedly, “Why don’t your words follow your mouth?” “Because I’m not speaking your language.” I answered simply, a small grin fighting for purchase on my face. “Really?” She deadpanned incredulously. “Yes.” I nodded, “My translator speaks for me.” “Why don’t you just use a language spell?” She asked incredulously, “We saw your Human magic earlier...” I winced at her words. There it was again… “Danårian, if you please. Person or man works as well.” I requested of her, in hindsight perhaps a bit too brusquely for the curious mare. “Of course, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you…” She took a worried step back. “Twilight, it’s alright.” I smiled disarmingly, “How about we start again?” “Alright.” She nodded determinedly and took a step back toward me. I took a step forward and though she looked even more fearful now, she stood her ground. A sentimental part of my mind that remembered those stories in my last life, those tales that showed her courage, made me want to scoop her up into a giant hug. The logical part of my mind shot that down instantly, such an act might frighten her more than she already was… I took a knee before her, so that I might be at her eye level. My three-quarter length robes brushed against the stone floor and the bottoms wrinkled slightly as they met the surface, forming a small pile around me. With a toothless smile, I gently bowed my head to her. “Sw-ah heel. E’geh Tau Niem A Ne Ni Nei Vas Kelovo.” I gingerly extended a hand to her, “I understand that in your culture it’s customary to shake hooves, is it not?” She nodded and cautiously extended her hoof, which I tenderly shook, “You may call me, Tau Niem.” “I’m Twilight Sparkle.” She giggled, in the most adorkable little voice, causing me to smile in kind, “Your-?” “Hands.” I suggested for her. “Your hands are so soft, it’s like being held by sand.” She giggled once more, now examining my right hand in her hoof, “Aren’t they prone to injury?” “More than your hooves perhaps, but not really, they’re surprisingly resistant to damage.” I assured her, smiling at her curiosity without realizing it – it was such a tender moment of discovery I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy. “What?” She asked defensively, noticing my smile, “Did I say something?” “No.” I shook my head dismissively, “I’m a linguist and a xenoanthropologist. Being able to make contact like this, is simply exquisite!” “Ah, so you’re an intellectual?” she said in surprise, releasing my hand to take a half step forward, moving closer to my face. “That would be a fair assessment…” I conceded, with a modest smile and a nod. “Then, why do you refuse to speak to the princesses?” She asked bluntly. I sighed, then stood, before slowly walking toward the balcony. Her eyes followed me curiously the whole way, until she promptly decided to join me. The muted sound of clopping hooves were not the only indication that she was following me, but really, my thoughts were focused inward in an attempt to answer her question. I barely noticed her forehooves joining me at the railing, or her eyes observing me closely. “I’m scared.” I admitted in a quiet voice, barely loud enough to be conversational. “You’re…scared?” She rolled the words about her mouth in disbelief, before repeating herself, “You’re scared?” “I’m scared.” I repeated, then turning my head toward her, “I fear that this may be a trick, a trap to snare secrets from me, or worse…” I turned my head away once more. “Worse…?” She prompted me to continue. “…I fear that this might not be a trick at all, and that I’ll unknowingly destroy your culture.” I sighed, “I’ve seen it first hand. I’ve seen ancient rites abandoned because of the discovery of other worlds and peoples.” “We’re not those people, we’re equines.” She reminded me. “True, but I doubt that you’re immune.” I grinned, looking back at her guiltily, “Even now you want to know more about me, my people, where I come from…” I nodded sagely, “I can see it in your eyes.” “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t. Who wouldn’t!” She exclaimed. “Exactly.” I nodded, regarding a familiar cyan pegasus taking to the air - Rainbow Dash – the one who pummeled me last evening, then I looked back to Twilight with a devilish grin, “Twilight Sparkle?” “Yes?” She responded curiously. “Watch this…” I said with that devious grin growing. I reached up my right hand as if I were about to grab a delicate object and closed my eyes, my concentration causing my face to go neutral. After a second, I finally grinned once again as I felt my aura reach its distant, fast moving target and I gently closed my hand, wrapping my chi around it. With the slightest motion of my wrist, Rainbow Dash stopped dead, held by the tail. Opening my eyes, I released my hold on her at the same time her eyes met mine. Just like in the show, her temper was legendary and as expected, she darted full speed at me. Twilight panicked a little as I failed to move, or even attempt to defend myself. As predicted, she stopped at the last possible second, muzzle to nose, her salmon-colored eyes glaring at me angrily. “What’s your issue!?” She barked indignantly. With a gentle, fluid motion of my hand, I flicked the end of her ear. “My honor is revenged.” I stated plainly, without any indication to my intentions. “What the hay was that for?” She exclaimed, fluttering backward and rubbing her tender ear in confusion. She looked to Twilight for answers, only for her friend to shrug, before the pegasus turned back to me incredibly. “My way of saying, ‘I forgive you’.” I responded simply once more. “What’re you talking about? You tapped her ear?” Twilight asked, caught completely unaware of the cultural significance of the act. “It was that, or I pummel Rainbow Dash into the floor for attacking me. I chose the less violent alternative.” I answered Twilight - who was finally walking back to the railing and then turned to Rainbow Dash with a curious expression - I then turned back to Rainbow, “Your loyalty is commendable and your actions just, I forgive you for rendering me unconscious last evening.” With this proclamation, I extended my hand to her. Rainbow Dash glanced to Twilight, who subtly nodded; at her friend’s reassurance, Rainbow took my hand. She was somewhat startled as I took her by the hoof and pulled her close, face to face once more. “Sw-ah en’gur-has a heel. E’geh Tau Niem A Ne Ni Nei Vas Kelovo.” I declared with a smile, “Tau Niem is my name and I would be honored if I could call you friend, loyal Rainbow Dash.” “Uh, sure, I guess...?” she said hesitantly, somewhat overwhelmed by what was going on before her. “Ham’ee’hass!” I exclaimed, scooping her up and embracing her tightly. Despite her size, I had little trouble holding her in such a manner, something that was slightly disconcerting to her. “Ok, big guy, you can let me down now,” she said insistently, patting my shoulder with a forehoof. “Oh, I’m sorry.” I gently placed her down upon the stone floor, “Do forgive me if I caused offense. I merely acted before I thought, such an embrace is that of the warrior-caste.” “Warrior-caste? I thought you said you were an intellectual? A linguist?” Twilight turned to me, completely confused. “I’m both you see.” I nodded, “Come, let’s sit, I grow weary from standing all night.” “Alright,” both said in agreement, following me just inside, where the bed resided. It was the first time I had so much as sat on it, and truth be told, it was rather comfortable… “Ah...where to begin?” I wondered, the two ponies looking on in wonder, eager to hear of an alien world, “I am of the clan Ne Ni Nei, it means something akin to ‘The old ones’ in your language, or ‘The ones who follow the old path’. We are warriors of no small regard, our reputation goes back to the time before the First Federation.” “So all of that was your name?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in surprise, assuming correctly. “Most of it.” I nodded, “E’geh…’by my name’, or ‘this name I honor’? A Ne Ni Nei…’of the Ne Ni Nei clan’. Vas Kelovo…‘Kelovo, is from where I hail’.” “What does Tau Niem mean?” Twilight inquired astutely. “The Wanderer.” I answered flatly. “That doesn’t sound like a very flattering name…” Rainbow Dash stated bluntly. “Rainbow Dash!” Twilight rebuked her friend, “I’m so sorry!” “It’s alright, it’s the truth.” I admitted stoically once more, drawing a pair of subdued gasps from the two, “Though clearly not inaccurate, I have traveled more than any single Danårian ever has before.” “Danårian?” Rainbow Dash repeated. “His species.” Twilight informed her. “I thought he was Human?” Rainbow assumed. Before I was forced to explain the situation once more, I turned the conversation back toward them. “I’m most curious, how do you know of Humans?” I regarded them closely, I wanted to know if there was any attempt at deception. “What little we know of humans comes from old mares tales, from Ancient-Pony times, before the settling of Equestria.” Twilight explained, “In the time before the Princesses, a few tales remain of the lands before, from where we came. In them there are mention of all sorts of terrifying creatures, including Humans.” “They would take earth-ponies and enslave them, turning them into mindless beasts that they would ride!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a mix of fear and (oddly enough) excitement, “Can you imagine it!?” “No, I can’t…” Twilight said with a shudder. “It’s true.” I stated, this time drawing startled gasps from them, “I know a thing or two about Humans, and I can assure you that particular portion of your tale is true.” “That’s revolting!” Twilight exclaimed in disgust. “In Human-lands,” I tried to use what I knew of pony-terminology to prevent them from asking too many questions, “Equines are mindless beasts. Your kind are the first sapient Equines I have ever encountered.” “That’s impossible!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed indignantly, taking aloft, “Animal-ponies!? Nonsense!” “I understand that this may be disturbing, but it’s true. They may even be your evolutionary progenitors, long since removed.” I tried to comfort her, but my words seemed to have the opposite effect. “Evolution!? You’re saying that we came from a bunch of brainless animals?” her lips curled back in revulsion, “That’s disgusting! I’m not listening to this…” Without another word, Rainbow Dash darted out and into the sky. I sighed in disappointment, I had that effect on ponies too, so it seems… “It’ll be alright.” Twilight reassured me, drawing my attention back inside, “Most ponies don’t want to imagine the world being any different than it is now. The mere thought of ‘evolution’ scares them I think…” “I know that feeling, Human culture by in large has not evolved past it yet either.” I admitted dejectedly. “How about your people?” She wondered. “We‘ve accepted it.” I sighed, “…but it was a long, bloody process that almost destroyed us.” “Sounds horrible.” She assumed. “It was.” I nodded. The two of us sat in silence, neither sure of how to continue. I was not completely sure what had happened and how I had arrived in Equestria, but I no longer believed that they had anything to do with it. However, that didn’t mean that my implantation wasn’t an attempt to learn valuable secrets from me, by an outside party. “Thank you,” Twilight said softly. “Hmm? For what?” I asked with a cocked eyebrow. “For trusting me enough to talk with me, and Rainbow Dash too…” she said with a gentle smile. “You’re very welcome.” I returned her smile, “Do me a favor, will you?” “Certainly.” She replied. “See that Luna gets some sleep. I don’t want to be the cause of any indisposition…” I said genuinely, “Please inform your princesses that once I can get a few hours rest, I will join them this evening. If I’m to be a guest in their kingdom, then the least I can do is be a decent one.” “I will.” she said, walking to the door, before hailing me from the threshold, “Tau Niem?” “Yes?” I replied, inclining my head. “For what it’s worth, I think Luna was right about you. You are a good and decent stallion.” She nodded gently before excusing herself from my room. I stared at the door in shock, her words taking longer than they should’ve to sink in. When they did, they hit me like a sledgehammer. Alone in the room, my faltering voice broke the silence... “Just not quite good enough…” I choked out, a tear falling to the floor, as I covered my face with my hands.