//------------------------------// // A Roller-coaster Of Events // Story: When Common Sense is Not So Common // by Trashmaniac //------------------------------// ‘Why does everything always have to go wrong? Why does it have to be the one place I hate the most? Of course, fate just had to land me in the capital city of all places - Canterlot. It's like the universe is deliberately trying to drive me insane,’ Egan let out an involuntary snort of frustration, his features contorting in annoyance. His gaze remained fixed ahead. The faint green hue of his eyes seemed to glint with a mixture of anger and disappointment, a reflection of the thoughts that churned within. Despite his efforts to conceal his true emotions, it was obvious that something was bothering him, an unseen weight on his shoulders that refused to lift. ‘This place isn't perfect, but it's definitely an upgrade from Ponyville. I know I shouldn't mess with the timeline, but let's face it, my mere existence has already altered it. I'm just trying to avoid those ponies, they give me the creeps. I can't help but shudder at the thought of having to deal with them. So, yeah, this new place is better for me. Less chance to be pulled into some stupid hero save the world type crap,’ Egan couldn't help but recoil at the sight of his small, pale blue arms and strange appendages - were they lags? hooves? Who could tell? They made him feel nauseous, so he quickly shifted his focus upward, away from his new body parts. As he did, warmth spread through his body, and his horn pulsed with magic in response to the intense emotions he was feeling. Despite the strange changes he was experiencing, Egan tried to remain calm and composed. As he walked, the ponies stared at him with a mix of confusion and concern. They typically kept their noses in the air, so the attention he was getting was odd. It suddenly occurred to him that they might be staring because he was so small!? As his feelings surged, his horn emitted a pulsating radiance that grew more intense with each passing moment. Tiny sparks sputtered forth, resembling miniature shooting stars streaking across the sky, like a dancing sprinkle of fireflies. The air buzzed with electric energy as the horn gleamed brighter and brighter, illuminating the surroundings with its incandescence. It was as if his internal emotions were being reflected in the radiance of his glowing horn, bursting forth like a symphony of light and energy. I'm trying to stay calm here. I mean, it's just a pony! But why does everything have to go wrong today? Why couldn't it be something small and insignificant? And now I'm getting frustrated. This is not how I wanted to start my day, but I can feel my composure slipping away. Just breathe, keep it together, and don't let the stupid ponies push any more buttons. Ugh, who am I kidding? I'm already failing at staying calm. As the crowd of ponies gathered behind him, Egan bellowed in his childlike tone, “Are you all blind or something?! Why are you standing there gawking at me like I'm some kind of freak show? You better move your sorry little hooves or-” Suddenly, his magic surged forth like a flood, causing the ponies to jump back in surprise before hesitantly retreating, uncertain of how to react in this situation.”-Uh oh,”  ‘Ok, it’s nothing too bad, just gotta run before the guards get here and… oh crap on an airplane.’ I was yanked up by a massive vine crackling with my unmistakable blue magic, leaving me little chance to escape. Like I didn't have enough evidence pointing back to me. Well, I suppose there are worse ways to die in Equestria, like falling from Cloudsdale. The thought made me shiver. As the vine monster was close to crushing me to a pulp, an unexpected beam of light emerged from an unknown source and struck the monster. It disintegrated to ashes, leaving behind a garden flower in its place.  My landing lacked grace, much like a rock thrown from a cliff. Regaining my composure, I glanced upwards to discover a pair of golden boots attached to a set of slim, ivory legs - no guard possessed such elegant footwear. The only Canterlot resident with golden boots was easily recognizable. Hoping to avoid her notice, I lowered my head and waited. For a brief moment, I entertained the possibility that she might move on without incident. “Well hello there, little pony! Can you look up at me so we can chat? I have some questions I'd like to ask you,” she said in a kind tone. Despite her friendly approach, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that I was in trouble. Slowly, I raised my head to meet her gaze. “Hmm...you don't look like any of the ponies I know. Are you from out of town? What's your name?” The mare asked me, tilting her head to the side inquisitively. “Egan,” I replied hesitantly, unsure of how much to reveal to my could-be jailer. “Egan? Well, that's a unique name. I'm Princess Celestia, pleased to meet you.” Princess Celestia continued to ask me questions, and I found myself slowly opening up to her. Despite her regal stature, she had a calming presence about her that put me at ease. “Did you create that vine monster?” Princess Celestia asked, her voice filled with curiosity. I hesitated before answering. I didn't want to get into trouble, but I also didn't want to lie to her. “Y-yes, I did,” I admitted, feeling a lump form in my throat. Princess Celestia didn't seem angry or upset at my response. Instead, she smiled warmly at me. “That's very impressive, Egan. You have a gift for magic, and I believe that the School for Gifted Unicorns would be the perfect place for you to learn more and hone your skills,” she said, extending an invitation to me. I was stunned. The School for Gifted Unicorns was a prestigious institution that only the most talented unicorns got invited to attend. I had heard stories about the school but never in my wildest dreams thought I would get a chance to go there “I...I don't know what to say,” I stammered, feeling overwhelmed. “Say yes, Egan. I believe that you have a bright future ahead of you, and I would love to see you flourish and grow,” Princess Celestia said, smiling kindly at me. And with that, I accepted her invitation. I had no other way of getting out of there without getting into trouble, but I also knew that this was an opportunity of a lifetime. Twilight had to be an element of harmony by now, so it’s not like I would have to deal with her. Princess Celestia looked around before asking me, “Where are your Parents anyways?” I felt my ears flop down at one of the many questions I could not answer. “I don’t know,” I replied, because I'm a dumbass apparently. Princess Celestia's face twisted with an expression of unease, her lips puckering as if she had eaten a sour lemon. "We'll discuss that later," she said hesitantly, fearing that I might burst into tears at any moment. I can hardly blame her, not after the whole magic thing that just happen. Things were going too fast, I felt like Robin while she was Batman searching for her next human meat shield. The ominous thought lingered in my mind, a sinister fear creeping in that perhaps, I had unknowingly bargained with the devil herself.