//------------------------------// // Lost In Canterlot - Edited! // Story: Live, Die, Repeat // by Hidden_Night //------------------------------// This place is very confusing. I thought I would end up at the castle by following the main road. You know, a route usually in the center, large enough for anyone to go by with carts. I am staring at the pearly ivory white pavement and its blinding effects on my eyes. Why does it have to be noon? I spent my entire morning on a train, and I didn’t even eat! I do have eight bits left from my whole shopping spree. With my hairstring budget, I am going to need food. I am just going to ask for a super tiny ultra favor for food at the castle when teaching Luna about the advancements of dream magic, and by advances, I mean dozens of lifetimes of dream magic practice from other realms. It counts as advancement. I think. I could go completely hobo and dig through garbage, but I feel like I'm not getting any food poisoning today. Taking a trot forward, I keep an eye on the locals here. It’s overwhelmingly unicorns. I can barely make out an average pony or even any flying ones. I’m guessing they’re just not around if horse racism is real. At least it’s reaching all the hallmarks of a Good Fantasy Realm: Magic, Racism, and Royalty. It all works. It just needs a dash of war, methinks. With my trek to the castle being interrupted by an empty road, I thought it was to make room for something. Then I stepped to the side to follow the crowd, eyeing the middle of the road to see what was happening. The crowd roared as a golden carriage passed by. I could only force myself through a small gap in the group to see what was happening. Only to spot what can only be described as a living goddess of horse people. Pure white fur dawned upon the body, and gold accessories filled her body. The shoes, the tiara, the neckpiece, it was all magnificent. That doesn't even start with her hair, a flowing beauty of pure magic, with the cool colors flowing wonderfully upon her visage, giving the world a flash of color. She is Celestia, isn't she? The crown, the insane aura of magic I am feeling and possibly absorbing from her, is too strong. I feel like I’m set on fire just being here, and that’s not the burn of powerful magic. It's the blush on my face. In terms y'all can understand, I really want to meet this pony personally, get to know her, do some—hold on. Don't think about that stuff. You can go about worship later. Now is the time for moving, not gawking. Moving backward and ensuring I don't bump into something, I shift to the sidewalk again. My adventure to the castle will be a long one. With a growing stomach, I had to stop, looking around before I pulled out my bit bag. Lunch is a priority. I am hungry. I wandered a bit, going past restaurant after restaurant. I stop at a building that is on the corner of the block. This place is empty and doesn't have a lot inside. Looking up at the sign, it says “Pony Joe’s.” Taking a minor risk, I enter. A bell above the door frame rings as a caramel-colored unicorn looks up at me with a smile. “Welcome!” He announced. The friendly demeanor of this guy was just infectious. I can't help but feel welcome to this place. “What can I get for ya?” With my eye wandering to the menu I look around. A doughnut is four bits. I can get two of the sugary circles to satiate myself. If this place is as modern as I think, there's possibly a water fountain for me to drink from. So it was a deal: I met Joe, bought doughnuts, and now I feel so much better after eating. It was a good day. I’ve reached the neighborhood section of Canterlot. Far from the shopping district, I was wandering around. However, the houses here are pretty nice. They remind me of suburban homes, and the higher the house is on the mountain, the richer it seems. Plus, the closeness to the castle helps as well. With my eyes staring up at the castle, I bumped into someone. I saw a flash of white fur before stumbling to the ground, quickly gaining my footing and looking up at a huge stallion. The dude was massive and oddly fluffy. “Sorry, dude!” His voice seems calm, almost as if talking to an older brother. “Nah. It’s my fault. I wasn't paying attention.” I stepped back, trying to get into the eye line of the stallion. He was white, with blue hooves and hair. His eyes were tripping me up, the odd blue tint to differentiate them from his fur, and the strong blue upon his iris was intense. The Cutie Mark upon his rear was a shield with some stars. “It's okay, man. We all forget sometimes.” Wait a minute, he's a local. I could ask him about this. “Quick question. Do you know the fastest route to the castle? I have this invitation from Princess Luna.” Quickly opening the pocket dimension, I pull out the pass to enter Canterlot Castle. “Huh. The Princess did mention a tutor coming around. Do you have a map in that little portal there?” He doesn't seem too surprised by my pocket dimension. I guess it's kinda of normal for him. “Oh, no, I don't. Not one in here.” I did check around. It’s just holding my books, the celery, and the train ticket for when I leave. “Well, uhhhh…” He looks around, pointing at a teal-colored house in the distance. “So you want to follow the road down to the blue house over there, then turn right. Go uphill for a bit, then when you run into a house with Fancy Pants’ name on it, go left, and you'll find the entrance to the castle.” I think street names aren't a thing yet. In Ponyville, everyone knows where things are by heart, making it very difficult for me to keep track of where things are. It's not that big of a deal if I'm visiting here for a short while, but it's more efficient for me to get some semblance of a map down on my head. “Thanks, dude. It's almost like you work there.” A quick joke never fails. “Heh. Yeah, about that. I do, actually!” “Oh, no way. What do you do anyway? Guard duty?” “Nope. Even better, Captain of the Guard.” “Woah.” Neat, he's important. Also, does that mean glorified security or an actual army leader? I don't care that deeply, but if he’s this open about his position, then it must mean they are seeing peace for the foreseeable future. “Yeah.” “Uh-huh.” “Yep.” This is killing me, that awkward moment where we have run out of things to talk about. It's been a while since I've run out of anything to say. “So I’ll be on my way.” I quickly get out before sidestepping and walking forward, going past him. Man, I suck at small talk. Hopefully, the Princess is mostly business, possibly flirting and asking why she has wings and a horn. Following the instructions from the captain, I soon found myself with actual noble houses. Mansions, penthouses, and towers littered the front of the castle. Stopping at a house addressed to Fancy Pants, I assume it's either an insult or a name. I can never tell with these Pony names. So far, the only reasonable names I have heard are Luna and Celestia, but they're royalty, so they get a pass. Turning left, I kept my walk steady, seeing a couple of nobles leave the gates of their houses to head towards the castle. Keeping slightly behind them, I can hear them converse. “Oh, please, like I’d let a station such as him rut me. We both know he never lets a mare finish.” The aura of many derogatory terms I could sling at this girl was hitting me. These don't feel like nobles, just housewives with no adversary in their lives, so they create their own misery and discord to satiate some sick need to complain about something. “Yes, I am well aware of his,” she gave a curt ahem in the middle of her sentence, “inability to please, but it's all worth it. He's a stallion of many riches. He could support many mares in his herd with his wealth.” “I know, Flur. I just wish there was a stallion who knew what he was doing down there.” “Why not get a peasant to take care of that for you, Hoity?” “I can't risk it. If Jet found out, I would not be able to live comfortably.” “What if it's with another mare?~” “You make a cunning deal, Flur.” Instinctively, I turn my brain off. I would instead not let that be in my head all day. Flirting is fun, but I'm not trying to learn from cheating mares. Oh, hey I'm here. Looking up, I saw they let the two mares in front of me through but stopped me with their spears. “Halt! It is past day court hours. State your business.” I will call this generic white-furred pegasus guy Hank, and the guy next to him also Hank. So I drew my pass from my person and showed it to the guards. The guards took the pass from my hooves and inspected it themselves. “Yep. You’re all clear. Sir Anonymous, a guard shall escort you to Her Majesty’s private library. Please enter and wait in the lobby until called upon.” They saluted and held their spears vertically, as good soldiers do with their weapons. “Thanks.” I nodded to Hank 1 and 2, proceeding past them and sitting in the lobby. It was a nice purple-colored chamber. Leading to what I can assume is the main throne room behind the large wood and iron doors. I have no idea what to do to kill time while waiting for the escort, and I have no clue where the two mares went. They're probably off doing whatever lesbians do. That display also makes me realize I have been starved of any love or attention. These lifetimes haven't been kind to the whole Isekai survivor. Though, I feel an odd sensation of love magic brewing somewhere in this castle. I felt Luna’s magic in the dream realm; it's a cooling sensation, insulated like the moon, and Celestia’s magic feels like overwhelmingly solid winds push against me when within eyesight. I shudder to think what would happen if I was close to her. The love magic may feel weak, but I can tell it's from another Alicorn, perhaps not as powerful as Luna and Celestia, but still firm. I ponder to myself. Is there a being stronger than them? I feel drawn to the statue in eyesight of the window. It just feels correct to look at it.