//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Otherworldly Lunch // Story: Echoes of Another Realm // by Bossypants //------------------------------// My footfalls seemed heavy as we walked down the slowly darkening hallway. An amber glow was beginning to shine through the many windows, and glinted off of Dusk and Stoppers armour. I deduced that the two were something of a personal guard for myself while I was here. With the soothing light, and the silence in the hallway, an eerie calm seemed to gather in the air. I wanted to say something, anything, to start a conversation. I had so many questions! What other races were there? What is technology like here? where will I be staying? And... how will I get home? I still haven't come to terms with the fact this is real. Something like this cannot be possible, especially for someone as normal as myself. Not to mention the uncanny feeling, like something seems real but is off in a way. I can't really place it, but I think it has something to do with my knowledge of where I currently am. Upon hearing Celestia introduce herself, my memories had decided to once more make a return. Things were still hazy, but I remember bits and pieces here and there. I know I'm in Equestria, I think, or a version of it. I remember a few of the ponies names, and I know of certain... events. The only problem is it has been about twelve whole years since I saw the show, and even then, it was only an episode here or there while in the care of my babysitter. A shiver runs up my spine. Thoughts and theories were making a mad dash to the forefront of my mind, and I simply could not process them all. Wasn't it every little kids dream to visit Equestria and see their favorite characters? I know that a group of adults called furries or Bronies or something follow the show like a cult, but I don't know the details behind their little shtick. "Mr. Tyler, are you alright?" I hear from Celestia. I snap my head up to look at her with a neutral expression. I can see the orange pony, Apple or something, along with Rarity looking back at me with what appears to be concern. I decide to give a small smile, but it comes off as more of a grimace. The ponies can tell right away, and the orange one decides to speak up. "Penny for yer' thoughts, sugarcube?" She says in a heavy southern accent. Looking a bit closer to her, I can see she seems to pull off the "southern belle" look quite well, for an equine. The ends of her mane and tale are tied by bands of some sort, and her stetson sits comfortably on the back of her head. I give a sigh as I idly wave my hand. "Just thinking...er, I never got you or your friends names!" I lied. She gave me a flat stare and a quiet 'tsk', but otherwise decided to answer my question. "Ahm Applejack, and this here is Rarity." Walking on three legs, she points to herself, then to Rarity. I am still a bit amazed that their legs can bend in such a fashion, but at this point I just have to accept it. The rules here are different, evidently, and if I'm going to retain my sanity, I need to start thinking as such. Humming in acknowledgement, I decide to try and strike up a bit more conversation. "It's nice to meet you. What do you guys do for a living?" Glancing at Rarity, I can see she is eyeing me with a critical look. It's almost predatory, the way her eyes travel up and down my body. 'Feels like I'm a piece of meat...' "Well, I work on my families farm, Sweet Apple Acres. I'm an apple farmer." I can hear the pride in her voice and internally smile. Growing up on a farm myself, I was quite fond of my upbringing and the hard work I put in. The constant playing outside as a kid, riding the horses, and working with my dad on the tractors were some of my core memories. I tuned back in as Rarity decided to speak up. "I am a seamstress, darling. It's my calling. However, my cutie mark represents my ability to locate and utilize gems, as you can probably tell." She looks up at me with a smile, one that I can't help but return. While she carried a posh voice, her attitude said otherwise. Call it a gut feeling, but this pony seemed like she could be trusted. However, one thing was nagging at my mind. "What's a cutie mark?" Our little precession instantly stopped, and all eyes swung to me. Chuckling slightly, I take a half step back from all the stare's I'm getting. "What do you mean 'what's a cutie mark'? Do you not have a special talent darling?" Rarity questions, her expression one of befuddlement. I shake my head, and I can see her ears visibly droop slightly. "Nope, Human's don't get a Cutie Mark." I shiver. That name is so... girly. "What do you mean by special talent?" The ponies exchange glances before Dusk decides to be the one to talk. "A Cutie Mark is a ponies calling, their destiny. It's what they are best at, and what they will pursue in life." She points to Applejack. "Her calling is apples and farming said apples." She points to Rarity." Her's is gems and clothing. You're telling us you don't have a Cutie Mark?" I shake my head once again, a frown developing as I began to think. Cutie Marks sound quite restrictive if I'm being honest. Sure, it'd be cool and helpful knowing what you are destined to do, but that also takes away freedom and opportunity to a degree. While I'm currently studying for a Bachelors of Business Administration, I've always dreamt of having my own farm. Why can't I run my own business, happily retire, then buy a ranch? "I'm thinking to deep into this." I whisper. "So it would seem, Mr. Tyler. Come, your questions will be satisfied at lunch. It is just through these doors, and we can get you situated with some food." I frown. No one was supposed to hear that. This large ears weren't just for show it would seem. Once more we began to walk, and it wasn't long before we came to some great oakum doors. Two guards stood to the side, and they quickly saluted before granting us entry. We entered into an astonishing dining room. A massive table was arrayed in the middle of the room. Shining cutlery sparkled as though they were crystals, and fancy plates akin to fine China sat before a multitude of seats. Multiple bouquets full of exotic flowers decorated the table, and the marble floor of the room gleaned with unnatural cleanliness. Underneath the cutlery, fine placemats sat. Their shapes and colours blending well with the wood beneath them, giving a rustic, yet expensive feel. Sun gleamed through an archway leading to the outside. The massive glass doors were thrown open, and a refreshing, lukewarm breeze blew through the room. I could hear the birds chirping outside, and I inhaled sharply from the crisp afternoon air. I couldn't help but let a smile appear. It was cold back on campus, and when it wasn't cold, it was wet. My residence wasn't exactly the best place to live in the world, and the air was always stale. Even Springs back home couldn't compare to the pure freshness of the air here in this place. I caught Rarity giving me a side eye, and she turned away with a feminine giggle. I merely shook my head and approached the table along with the others. Celestia took her seat at the head of the table closest to the balcony, and Rarity and Applejack sat opposite each other right beside the white monarch. I eyed all the places, trying the gauge where to sit, when I felt someone's breath on the back of neck. "Chose any spot thou would like." A menacing, but feminine voice whispered in my ear. I jumped and gave a shriek of surprise from the sudden voice, and I immediately turned to face whoever had snuck up on me. My stance lowered, and my right arm cocked back as my left raised slightly, ready to move at a moments notice. It was then that my eyes landed on a midnight blue Alicorn standing before me. Her eyes glared up at my face, and I gave a shiver from the seemingly hostile stance she had taken up. Her wings were slightly flared, and her hooves were spread. Her horn was slightly aglow, and her head was slightly lowered. Her eyes widened in the split second I took in these details, and she took a step back. Judging from her look, she hadn't expected my roundabout reaction from being scared to instantly on guard. We stared at each other for a moment, both of us tense, when the Alicorn before finally spoke. "An impressive form." She spat as she slowly stood up straight. I followed suit and crossed my arms before glaring down at her. "What the hell was that for?" My tone wasn't angry, but it certainly contained some heat. For years, I've had a negative reaction to people sneaking up on me. There was an instance at a party where I went to the washroom, but forgot to lock the door. One of my buddies thought it would be a good idea to try and jump scare me. The black eye I gave him (on accident), was a good deterrence to not try such a thing again. My reactions have gotten infinitely better at this stage in my life, but I was still wary of people coming up behind me. I don't know how it originated, but it was certainly a hard habit to lose. A few gasps sounded, but once again, I paid them no mind. Judging by the crown and the pectoral piece, I had just spoken to another Princess, and not in a very respectful manner. I watched in real time as her expression darkened, and a snarl built on her muzzle. Before she could begin yelling, a polite cough directed out attention to the table. "Sister, please leave Mr. Mackenzie alone. There is no need for hostility. Would you join us for lunch?" I could see Celestia's seemingly forced smile, and watched as the Sister, who's name I did not know, scowled up at me. It was then that I felt something poke at the small of my back. Turning, I found a different guard standing with his spear poised towards me. Looking around the room, I also noticed several more with magic glowing around the hilts of their weapons, ready to spring forward should I make a wrong move. A quiet, unconscious gulp escaped from me as my eyes traveled the armed and armoured horses. Slowly, I turned and faced the dark Princess and raised an eyebrow. She merely huffed, glanced behind me, and nodded. I let out a breath when I heard the armoured pony trot away from behind me. Without another word, the dark Alicorn walked away and slowly moved around the table to sit on her sister's left, furthest from me. I did not move, and instead continued to stare at the two royals. "There is no need for hostility Mr. Mackenzie. Here," her horn glowed a golden yellow, and a chair on her right quickly slid backwards without a sound, "please take a seat." Celestia's seemingly innocent smile caused my eyes to narrow, but I decided it would be better to comply. Even with the warm air, I couldn't help but shiver. Slowly, I lowered myself down into the seat. It wasn't exactly designed for Humans, so the strange scoop in the middle was a bit uncomfortable. Thankfully, I was a decently flexible person and managed to ignore the strange design. After getting comfortable, and pulling my chair in, the room fell into a contemplative silence. One that was soon broken by the doors behind me once again opening. Turning to look, I found a small line of ponies in maid outfits were carting food into the massive room. The wheels on the trolly's made nary a sound, and a waft of what seemed to be fried veggies' hit my nose in force. I couldn't help but drool a little from the smell as the maids horn's lit, and different trays were placed before myself and the others. An array of forks, knives, and spoons floated into their places, but I ignored them as I looked around the table. Even with my stomach rumbling, I snapped my mouth closed and frowned. Celestia was eyeing me, or moreso my reaction. I didn't quite understand why, until the tray in front of me had its top lifted, and a steaming pork chop greeted my sight. My eyes widened slightly at the sight, but I quickly looked back at Celestia with a questioning glance. "Why do you guys have meat? I would've thought equines would be herbivores?" I took a fork and knife from beside my tray and gently cut a slice of the pork. It seemed perfectly cooked, without an ounce of pink , so nodded before popping the piece into my mouth. It was nothing special, and in personal opinion, needed some barbeque sauce. I noticed the green face on Rarity, but Applejack seemed unbothered. Instead, she seemed to be analyzing me with a bored expression. I shifted in my seat and gently placed my fork and knife back on the plate. "Mrs. Applejack noticed the odd device in your... living arrangements carried an assortment of meats, when she and Mrs. Rarity took a look inside," I frowned and narrowed my eyes, "We took one, and decided to cook it for you, as we have no such food here in the castle at the moment. We figured you were a carnivore, so we did not want to... displease you with our lack of options." I sat in silence, digesting everything Celestia had just told me. Those ponies had gone inside my room without my consent, muddled around, leaked cold air in my freezer, and judging by looks a few of them were giving me, assumed I was some kind of dangerous meat eater. I snorted, and opted to ignore the issue of them invading my privacy for now. I could complain about that later. "I am actually an omnivore. I have canine teeth for slicing meat, and molars for crushing greens." I quickly opened my mouth and flashed the aforementioned teeth while pointing them out. I saw Celestia's head cock to the side slightly, and Applejack was nodding. Rarity looked less green, and the dark Princess looked indifferent. Her frown was slightly deeper, but that was about it. Silence reigned once more, and I saw the ponies looking at each other. I decided I might as well enjoy my pork chop, and cut into it some more. The others, noticing my lack of care for the conversation, followed suit. All except the other Princess. She sat glaring at me, and I felt a scowl appearing on my face as I continued to eat. The jumpiness of the ponies was mildly annoying, but this one was showing outright hostility. Was it because I was so different to them? Was it because of my need sudden drop into their castle? "What is your true purpose here, ape." All noise stopped, along with the fork that was halfway to my mouth. My eyes flicked upwards to regard the pony that spoke, and I wasn't surprised to find the second Princess. I also noticed Rarity's cringe, along with Applejacks wary look towards me. "Sister!" Celestia scolded, but the dark one cast her a glare. Her mouth closed, and she shook her head as the two had a silent conversation. I slowly lowered my fork, and a brief cloud of anger came over me. Everything still felt so surreal, and I was trying so very hard to suppress my growing panic. I was more than aware that this where I currently am is real, but I know that if I delve to far into those thoughts, I might have a panic attack. My eye twitched, and the two sisters fixed their gazes on me, but I did not flinch. I was angry. Angry at the world, angry at myself, and at the hopeless situation I was becoming to realize. But most of all, I was angry with the stupid Princess. These... things were characters in a bloody show I used to watch. Was this some kind of punishment for my drinking habits? My indulgence in lustful activities while at school? Maybe it's because of my deteriorating faith in God? Back home, the world was going to shit, and there was nothing I could do to make a difference. Just be another person going through the indoctrination program that is university, another person that will find some boring job at a desk, another person who works nine to five, and rarely has time for kids. I have enough problems as it is. But now I am here, in some kids fantasy show. I can easily tell that these little equines are uncomfortable around me, and the dark Princess has voiced what they are all thinking. I can see the discomfort in each and every guard around the room. I can see how tense Applejack and Rarity are. I can feel the cold glare that the second Princess is giving me. They openly admitted to snooding around in my dorm room, which has seemingly been torn from my world. I've had enough of this. Maybe I am tired and disoriented, maybe I am confused, or even scared, but what else am I supposed to do? I didn't think this could possibly be real, and look what happened! "I never caught your name, pony." My voice was low and challenging. The Princess nostrils flared, along with her wings, and a low whinney escaped her muzzle. I continued to stare, my anger only growing with each second. A slight ringing was developing in my ears, and I briefly saw Celestia shaking her head towards her sister. "I am Princess Luna, Guardian of the night and protector of Dreams, welp; you are to address me as such!" Her voice was low, but carried a feeling like a bomb about to go off. My glare hardened, and upon raising my hand, I jabbed a finger towards her. "I will call you whatever I damn well please! You ponies go searching through my stuff, shrouding everything in secrecy, acting way to nice, and look at me with loathing! I am not some dirty ape, so much as you people are horses!" Applejack and Rarity gasped, Celestia frowned while Luna growled. I continued on my little rant without a clue to my surroundings. "You know what, your royal highness, I'll tell you my purpose here! I DON'T HAVE ONE!!" My sudden roar caused everyone present to jump, and the guards at the edges of the room lowered their spears and took a few steps closer. I paid them no mind as angry tears began to sting my eyes, and flashes of life back home began to shroud my mind. All I could see where my parents and younger brother, my friends Samuel and Jayden. I saw my cat, Donut, my family's' farm, and the dream of working beside my dad at his tractor dealership. "I-I have no purpose here, I don't even know how I got here! I was minding my own business, going to school, getting an education! I-I wanted to... I just..." I collapsed back in my seat and buried my face in my arms, my shoulders shaking. I no longer felt anger, but that wasn't much of an improvement. 'I'll never see home again...' The reality of my situation came crashing down, and with it, came my pent up emotions. For the last two hours, I have been putting on a strong face, thinking this was figment of my imagination. Now I know the truth. I'm stuck here in fantasy land, in a children's cartoon. If I remember right there are no others like me in this world, and I was now alone. It was bad enough at school, but at least there everyone was human. At least there I had options. Now I had nothing but the clothes on my back, and whatever useless stuff was in my dilapidated room which was sitting stuck in the floor. I felt something on my back, something soft. I slowly turned to look up, and immediately notice light blue wings placed along my shoulders. I recognize Dusk as she sits beside me, and she is giving me a reassuring smile. It does nothing to improve my mood, but I am now aware enough to see the embarrassing position I put myself into. Closing my eyes, I try to slow my breathing. Maybe there was still a way for me to get back? The Princesses had magic, and I can only guess that magic is what brought me here in the first place. Looking up, my eyes caught the flicker of Luna's horn as her magic died off. I hadn't noticed until now, but for some reason, while I had been talking, her horn had been lit. Now that I think about it, I'm feeling okay. Tired, sure, but the anger is gone. Was... was she casting a spell on me? What caused that surge of emotion? Luna's eyes widened as she saw my look of comprehension, and the anger came back in force, along with a dose of fear. This time, I wasn't under any influence. I saw sweat on the edge of her brow, and she seemed to sway in place, but I paid that detail no mind. I found myself beginning to stand, and the comfort of Dusk's wings slipped off. "What did you do to me?" My voice was a low growl, and my hands began to shake from the surge of emotion. I felt a pressure in my stomach, and what felt like adrenaline came crashing down on my consciousness. Every little detail seemed to pop, every little motion caught my eye. I could see every guard, and every maid beginning to shy away, though I did not know why. I saw Celestia's eyes widen in surprise, but her face quickly became it's normal mask. Only a small amount of concern twitched at the edge of her lips. "Tyler, please calm yourself. Your emotions are high, and I can understand your frustration. My sister is merely suspicious, as you are a something the likes we have not seen!" Her words where motherly, and I felt myself beginning to calm. My fists, which were white at the knuckles, slowly unclenched, and I once again felt a sense of fatigue wash over me. A slight breeze blew through the open balcony, washing against my side and I let out a great sigh. I was still angry, but I knew she was right. I was making a fool of myself, and this would certainly affect my first official meeting with beings from another world. I had to chuckle at that. Beings' from another world. I always thought that if I saw aliens, they would come from above. Instead, I show up in their home, cause a scene, and get all emotional. Whoop De doo. Looking up at the Princess's, I gave a start at the four new ponies standing on the other side of the table. Each was wearing some kind of trinket on their necks, though one had some kind of tiara. Five of the six were tensed, as if they wanted to jump across the table and dogpile me, while the cute butter coloured pegasus hid behind a chair with her head poking out. I simply raised an eyebrow, slowly recognizing that the entire friendship squad was staring me down. I still don't know most of their names. "Where did you lot come from?" I asked quietly. I saw Dusk in the corner of my eye and noted she had not moved. Her eyes were wide, but she otherwise remained still. I thanked whoever was watching out for me that she wasn't like the other guards. They still have yet to put their spears away. The purple pony looked at Princess Celestia, who slowly gave a shallow nod. I watched as she turned to me and awkwardly cleared her throat. The others continued to stare, but I tuned them out. My eyebrow was continuing to raise as I watched the purple pony scrape her hood on the floor and avoid my gaze. Finally, she spoke. "We, uh, we came here at the Princess's invite. She, er, wanted us here for two reasons. The first being if you turned out to be a threat," I scowled, "and the second was because we may be able to help you with your... problem." Her ears wilted slightly as she looked off to the side, while I merely crossed my arms. With my memories of the show still a bit foggy, I can vaguely recall that the six of them were some kind of weapon that stopped a demon or something in the first season. Where they going to use it on me if I proved to be a threat? I gave a sigh and casually reached for my chair. A pang of hunger had been gnawing at my stomach, and a sudden growl caused a flinches from those still looking at me. I gave a small chuckle as I sat down, the chair scraping loudly across the floor. I might as well try and act friendly, otherwise they might blast me with whatever weapon they have. Wait... it's a rainbow beam. If they hit me with that thing, will it turn me gay? While I thought about being blasted by an 'LGBTQ+' superweapon, the others slowly took their spots around the table, albeit with a lot more elegance. Their hushed whispers and occasional glances let me know they were discussing me, but I didn't mind. I heard a sound beside me and noticed a pale gray unicorn mare in a maids outfit was levitating a new pitcher of what appeared to be water in front of me. She poured in the glass in front of me, and I quietly nodded my thanks, to which she reciprocated, before finally looking up at the others. They each had their own trays now as well, and were getting their food ready. Lids were removed, salt, pepper, and butter were passed around. Looking back down, I noticed I still had my porkchop sitting there, forgotten during my bout of magic influenced drama. I licked my lips as I brought it closer, and quickly grabbed my fork. Even without sauce, a porkchop was a porkchop. I cut a small slice off the meat and brought it to my lips. I murmured happily when I stuck the piece in my mouth. Never would I have been able to cook it so well. I noticed the table was once again dead silent, and I flicked my gaze to the solar princess as she watched me. While her gaze was on me, I could see her eyes seemed slightly focused on my chest. I could recognize when someone was in deep thought, and decided a conversation might help calm the atmosphere. "Penny for your thoughts, Princess?" I asked as nonchalantly as possible. The friendship squad flinched, and I noticed Luna give me a half glare. Celestia meanwhile looked up at me with a strained smile. "I am merely thinking about how we can help you return home, my little Human. It is fascinating that your little... house was teleported right into my throne room. Did you or someone nearby have a magical mishap perhaps?" Her kind smile and soft tone put me more at ease, and I shook my head as I took a sip of water. I noticed the purple pony with the tiara staring at me with intrigue, but I ignored her. "I'm not sure. We humans' don't have magic where I'm from, but it could have been some secret government experiment." I chuckled. I wasn't very trusting of the government, maybe they found my search history and decided to be rid of me? Celestia's frown deepened and she opened her mouth to speak, but a sudden gasp caused all eyes to turn to the purple pony. A scroll and a feather were floating beside her, and her large eyes seemed to stare into my very soul. A strand of hair poked out from atop her mane, and her eye twitched. "N-no magic? What do you mean no magic? All living things have magic! It can't be possible!" Her voiced raised with every word, and she was practically yelling by the end, and this was enunciated as she slammed her two forehooves on the table, causing the contents to clatter. I heard a sigh and saw the rainbow maned pegasus whispering to Applejack, the latter giggling and shaking her head. I turned back to face the purple one and raised a single eyebrow. "I'm afraid it's true, miss. We Humans' have no magic whatsoever. We've adapted using technology instead." The purple pony shook her head vigorously before I even finished talking, a heavy frown on her muzzle. "But that surge! We all felt it! When you--" She was cut off as Celestia cleared her throat, casting a glare at the purple unicorn. "That is far enough Twilight, we must not accuse Mr. Mackenzie of anything without knowing the proper details. Besides, I detected it was a... side effect of Luna's magic after she cast the truth spell." I frowned at that. I didn't know they could cast spells to make me tell the truth! Then again, truth serum did exist (to a degree), I guess I'm just upset they did it without my knowledge. It happened, and no one was hurt, no sense dwelling on it. "B-but Princess--" Celestia's glare hardened, and for the briefest of moments, I caught a slight curl of her lip. Twilight immediately backed down with wilted ears. Her eyes stared at the plate in front of her as another awkward silence descended across the room. I didn't like the ashamed look Twilight was sporting, and decided I should say something. "Hey, Twilight, it's alright. I get you were curious. Do you want to know something cool?" I smiled when her ears immediately perked up and her eyes met mine. It was adorable really, all the ponies were. Fluffy little monster may give me a heart attack if I stay in their presence for more than five hours. "S-Sure." I smiled at her timid tone. "Well, back where I'm from, Human's love building things. Monuments, towers, contraptions and various knick-knacks. In a small country in a desert, the tallest building in history was built. It is called the Burj Khalifa." "Pray tell, how tall is the building?" It was Luna who spoke, and I noticed she was now looking at me in intrigue. Most of the ponies in the room were, and I smiled knowing the tense atmosphere was all but gone. In its place was intrigue and wonder. "Well, I don't know what your measurement system is, but the Burj Khalifa is 2,716 feet if I am not mistaken." As I finished speaking, the ponies exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of astonishment and disbelief. "No magic and yet such towering achievements? If your measurement system is like ours, then this is truly a wonderous feat!" Rarity was the first to chime in, her voice filled with astonishment. She turned to Twilight "Oh, darling, it's positively marvelous! Imagine what we could accomplish with such ingenuity." I chuckled at the excitement in Rarity's voice. "Well, the possibilities are endless, Rarity. Humans have always had a knack for innovation and pushing the boundaries of what's possible." Applejack leaned forward, her hat tilted back slightly. "Ya'll sure do sound like a resourceful bunch. But tell me, what's this Burj Khalifa like? Must be a sight to behold." "It certainly is, Applejack," I replied, my mind drifting back to memories of the towering skyscraper and what I learned on the internet. "The Burj Khalifa isn't just tall, it's a marvel of engineering. It's got observation decks, luxurious hotels, and even residential apartments. And at night, when the city lights up, it's truly a sight to behold." I looked around at the assembled group and noticed Twilight was sitting stock still. Ignoring her, I switched my focus to Celestia, whose head was tilted in curiosity. "Truly incredible. However, while I would love to continue talking, I do believe it is time for me to resume my duties." Celestia stood along with Luna. They both looked at me. "Mr. Mackenzie, thank you for having lunch with us. I would like you to stay with your two guard escorts for the remainder of the day. The elements will be with you as well to show you around the castle. In the meantime, my sister and I will put together our top magical experts in order to find you a way home. I cannot promise you anything, but we will try our best." I didn't like how dismissive the Princess was of this, and I began to frown in thought. My fingers subconsciously tapped against my thigh as I nodded to them. They seemed to regard me, and for a brief moment, I thought I saw something in Celestia's eyes, but it was gone in an instant. I had faith that they would find a solution to my problem in a timely manner. If the show was anything to go by, the two were benevolent leaders and powerful magic users. If they can't get me home, then no one can. "I, uh, thank you Princess's." I stood up and looked towards my guards. Dusk was walking up to me along with Sergeant stopper. The two held neutral looks as they stopped in front of me, but I noticed Dusk kept looking up and gazing at my face. It made me a bit uncomfortable in reality, but I decided it was best to ignore it. I gave them a nod of acknowledgment before turning to the six pony squad. "Alright, seems I am at your mercy." I gestured towards the door I came in from. "Lead the way, little ponies." Rainbow swooped in like a bullet, which got the others in action. Little was said as we exited the room together, but I did stop as the doors began to close behind us. Turning, I watched as Celestia and Luna conversed in hushed tones. Luna saw me and scowled before saying something to her sister. In a flash of light, the two were gone, and the doors shut. Giving a sigh, I shook my head. I was tired and wanted to go home, but to do that I had to cooperate. While I trusted them to find a solution, I still held a thread of doubt that I wasn't being told everything. "Tyler, come on! I want to show you some new moves I came up with." With a final sigh and the dining hall at my back, I followed the eight ponies into the castle. Something told me my world was going to get a lot more complicated.