“So...”
“No Twilight, you can not see it.” Celestia rubbed her head in an attempt to stop the coming headache her student was bringing. She had been hanging around asking for a good two hours now. “Once he reawakens, we shall try to communicate with him again. But I will not allow you to 'study' him without permission.”
“Fine. I have some paperwork to do anyway.” Celestia gave a grateful sigh as Twilight walked out of the room, resting back against her throne and pulling her table over. She had her own things to do, and the incident yesterday had set her back a bit. What she didn't see was the smile on Twilight's face as she left.
The doors closed behind her, and the guards outside came to attention, bringing their spellguns to the present arms position, making Twilight blush a little. Having only recently become a princess, she was still unused to the action being done to her. She took a moment to look at the weapons, marveling at their simplicity and their function. It had been her father’s idea, to infuse magic into the weapon, and they had a self powering crystal inside.
Short answer, they could fire almost two hundred shots before they ran out of ammunition, and they would stop working for a while as they overheated. Shaking her head, Twilight turned away and walked off, greeting those that stopped to talk to her. After around twenty minutes she had made it to the infirmary, where a squad of guards were waiting.
It was an even split, five unicorns, five pegasi, and five earth ponies. One of Celestia's elite Solar Guard squads, who were regarded as the best by all... except Luna's Midnight Guard, who had a vicious but friendly rivalry with them. It was well known that earth ponies were the best shot, the pegasi could spot targets miles away, and the unicorns could over charge the spellguns.
They each had their own weapons of course, and just one group of three could easily best a griffon or minotaur platoon. And had done so many times. How they hadn’t managed to stop the creature was anypony’s guess, but it had been attributed to the shock of it appearing so suddenly, and the fact they didn’t know how to deal with it. Plus the fact Celestia had ordered it not be injured when they first gave chase.
The guards went to stand at attention but stopped with a wave of Twilight's hand, and she carried on into the room behind them. Not one guard challenged her, so it was obvious that Celestia's orders hadn't reached that far yet. She pulled out her notepad and began to write, dictating to herself. “This creature is unlike any seen in Equestria before, and there is no references to it in any history books. Judging by what Celestia told me, I believe it is not of this world. How it came here and why is a mystery, but one that I will solve!”
“Now, first observations. The creature is approximately six hoofs tall, and only has a small mane, but no fur. There are small hairs on the skin, but other than that, nothing to keep it warm.” She slowly peeled the blanket down halfway, letting out a gasp at what she saw. “There is a large scar on it's torso, coming down from the left pectoral area, finishing on the right side of it's stomach. It also has a startling physique, indicating it may be an athlete, or even a soldier. It certainly shows a level of intelligence.”
She pulled the blanket all the way off, starting at it's lower portion. “It's legs are much like that of a pony, but with less muscle upon them, but much more toned. The legs are a bit hairier than the torso, possibly because they are exposed to the elements more often. In between the legs is a third limb, which looks like a stallion's... oh my.”
She froze in fear as it twitched, one of it's arms beginning to move.
Gray slowly woke up to a chill, reaching down for his blanket, but finding no such thing on him. He opened his eyes slowly, meeting with shimmering pools of lavender. "Interesting, it seems to be trying to cover it's body. It would make sense, as it has no fur and only small tufts of mane on it's head and between it's legs. I have also concluded that 'it' is a 'he', as the evidence is irrefutable."
His gaze moved from the floating notepad and down to his crotch, the colour slowly draining from his face. He brought his hands over for cover, the purple creature letting out a gasp. "'He' seems to have a sense of modesty, as if it's wrong for 'him' to be naked. It is also important to note that there is no sheath, and 'his' reproductive organs are readily on view."
"Stop talking about my junk!" The notepad and pen hit the floor, the creature's mouth dropping open in shock. He gave this one a look over as she seemed to stop working mentally. She was smaller than the last ones, but had wings and a horn. She wore a simple white shirt with a woollen purple vest on top. Next came a pair of rolled up jeans, complimented with knee high white socks, and that was as far as his gaze could go due to the bed being in the way.
There was a gasp from her and Gray looked up, meeting an intrigued gaze. The notepad and pen once more came up and she continued her dictation. “The subject can speak, which will make things much easier, and he seemed to inspect me as well. Now he is awake, I can see his eyes, which don't seem to have coloured irises, just white with a pupil. I am also going to attempt an exchange with him.”
“You know, you don't have to talk when you write. Now, who and what are you, where am I, how did I get here, and when can I go home?”
“Well, I am Twilight Sparkle, and I am an alicorn, a mix of all three pony races. Um... I'm a female, we call ourselves mares, and our males are called stallions. You are currently in the country of Equestria, on the world Equus. As for your other questions... we should probably ask Princess Celestia.”
“Mare... in Equestria. Explains the ears. Okay, I'm ready to wake up now.”
“But you are awake. Here, let me show you.” She began to lean forward, gently placing a hand on his exposed arm. “See, I am just as real as you.” Gray gave a weak smile, matching the soft one she gave him.
“Princess Sparkle, please step away from him.” She whipped her head round to see Luna's personal bodyguard in the door way, hand resting on his spellgun. Gray stared as well, this being the first male he had encountered properly. He stood nearly a head taller than 'Twilight', and only had wings, which seemed to be bristling as he stared back.
“Captain, it's fine. He won't hurt me.”
“And how do you know that? You went against Celestia's orders, so I must ask you to leave.”
“But... “ This didn't gain any reaction from him, his gaze not leaving the bed. Twilight huffed in annoyance, gathering up her things and walking away. “Fine.”
“Uh... could I get dressed now?”
“Oh... your clothes? We sent them to be cleaned, I'll check on their progress for you.” She nodded once and then swept out of the room, glaring at the guard. He strode forward, standing at the foot of the bed, fingers tapping against his weapon.
“I'll be watching you, so don't step out of line... human.” With that he turned and marched out, letting the door slam shut in his wake. Gray's eyes followed him in shock, trying to work out just how he knew what he was, and yet the mare didn't know. She seemed to be the more intelligent of the two, so he hoped that she would be back before anyone else.
Twilight looked up from her desk, scowling at the pony who had just entered. He ignored this and calmly walked over to a seat, taking a relaxing posture in it. She waited for him to speak, but it was clear he was letting her go first. “So, captain... why did you pull me out of the room?”
“It's an... unknown, which means it's dangerous. So until I am proven otherwise, only Celestia and Luna are allowed in. With escorts, of course.”
“And what if I go in with an escort.”
“Did you not see his reaction to your... 'research'? You overwhelmed him, which is not a thing to to do to a visitor from another world.” Twilight cocked her head this, curious as to where he was going.
“And how do you know how to treat one? Have you met one?”
“... sort of. Good day, Princess Sparkle.” With that he stood and saluted, walking out the room as if the conversation never happened. Briefly wondering if Luna knew, she stood and strode over to her balcony, staring up at the tower that had a flag with the Lunar Princess' moon sigil hanging halfway up it.
A light switched on near the top floor, so Twilight spread her wings and flew up, alighting on the balcony. She gave a few taps on the window, rewarded with Luna opening it up, allowing her entry. “Good morning, Twilight Sparkle. What brings you up here at this early hour?”
“Something your guard said to me.”
“Alec? What has he done this time?” Twilight swallowed nervously, if Luna knew then things would be fine, but if she didn't...
“Well, I know I shouldn't have been in the infirmary, and he told me to leave, rightly so. But he just came to see me, and told me that it isn't the way to treat a visitor from another world, and stated he had 'sort of' met one before. Do you know what he's talking about?”
“No... no, I do not. But we shall find out together. Where is he now?”
“I... have no idea.”
The door slammed open and Gray looked up, just in time to be hit in the face by some fabric. A quick glance down revealed it to be his clothes, and he got dressed as fast as possible. Once more bringing his gaze to the door, he saw the same male from earlier waiting, beckoning him forward with a hand. Gray walked out of the room and followed, being surrounded by other guards, all with weapons in hand.
The group walked along empty corridors for about twenty minutes, before a door on the right was opened and he was ushered in. Two seats around a desk were placed in the centre, and Gray was motioned to one of them. Upon sitting in it a light was shined on his face, the pony in charge sitting opposite him. “Begin.”
“Begin what?”
“Firstly, tell me why you aren't a threat, human.” Gray sat there blinking, wondering once more why this one seemed to know about his race, and yet the others didn't have a clue. There was only one reason he could think of.
“How did you do it? How did you make them think you were one of them?”
“I didn't. I was born in Cloudspire, twenty seven years ago. Now, let's start this off simple. Name?”
“Gray, Gray Heartbelle.” There was a snort of amusement from the other side of the desk. “Something funny?” If there was, he didn't show it.
“Age?”
“Twenty two.”
“Occupation?”
“What's that got to do with anything?”
“Just answer the damn question, what was your job on Earth?” Again Gray was struck speechless once more by his knowledge, and it was clear that other things were happening. A voice from the door made them both tear their gazes away from each other, staring at the blue female, who was backed by guards.
“That is true, his job has no bearing on this. Why he is even in here I do not know, but I would like to know how you know where he is from. Guards, take his weapon and escort him to the dungeon.”
“Luna...”
“Do not resist, or they will use force. At this point I doubt even your name.” He gave a sigh, placing his weapon on the desk and standing, nodding once and then leaving the room. The blue one left with the guards, leaving Twilight in the doorway.
“I apologise for this, he was not told to do so. Please, if you would come with me, Princess Celestia would like to talk to you.” Gray was left with the choice of remaining in the room or following, so he chose the latter, recognising the corridors as the ones leading towards where he arrived.
The guards that were stationed there gave him glares as they passed, their hands gripping their weapons tightly. Twilight noticed this and cleared her throat, gaining their attention. With a shake of her head they visibly relaxed, once more going to their expressionless statue imitation. With one more turn they arrived in front of the throne room, where the doors swung open in a golden aura. Gray was led over to the side of the room where a small table was set for two, the white female already seated in place. She smiled up at as they approached, and gestured to the one opposite her.
With a quick glance to his side, Gray saw that Twilight had at some point abandoned him, and that they were the only ones present in the room. Nervously he sat down, meeting the soft gaze she was throwing at him. “Uh... hi?”
“Hello once more, my friend. I believe we should introduce ourselves properly now, no? I am Princess Celestia, co-ruler of the land of Equestria. To whom am I speaking?”
“I am Gray Heartbelle, and it is a pleasure to meet you, your majesty.” Celestia giggled as he bowed slightly, finally seeing him smile since his arrival. “So uh, this is real right? Not a dream?”
“You would have to ask Luna, she specialises in them. Now, I am afraid I must ask this, but how did you get here?”
“To be honest, I don't know. There was an incident, and I was accused of a crime I didn't commit. Foolishly, instead of explaining myself, I ran, which made me look guilty, so the police chased me. I tried to cut across a beach but a hurricane suddenly sprang up. I saw a flash of light and felt wind. The next thing I know I'm staring up at you on the throne. Wish I knew more.”
“I see. Well, at the very least we can see about trying to get you home, but first... you must be hungry. It is time for breakfast.” With a tap of silverware on her glass, a door to the side opened and a trail of servants came out, each one carrying something that smelled heavenly, and Gray wasted no time in settling the growling that came from his stomach at their approach.
The door to the dungeons creaked open as Luna waked in, following the jailer to the more secure cells. After all, Alec had helped design them, so he would have been out of the standard ones in a matter of minutes. Coming to a stop, the outer door was opened not to a desperate pegasi ready to plead for release, but the strained breathing of one doing wing ups with the bed balanced on his back. “Alec, stand and face this way.”
He did a few more reps before doing as asked, not even have broken a sweat. He cracked his neck and let his wings flutter to his side, walking over to the bars and smiling at her. “So, what do you want to know?”
“Who are you?”
“Everything you know about me is true... I just didn't tell you everything.”
“I see. Well then, please inform us of anything you wish to add.” He stepped back, righting the bed and sitting on the edge. Luna motioned one of the guards to provide a seat for her, which was in the form of a barrel.
“Where to begin... well, I suppose it's obvious that 'Alec' is not really a pony name. In truth, it is the name of the human who's memories I have. I really was born in Cloudspire, but I had these jumbled up thoughts as a foal, daydreaming of another world. It wasn't until high school where we had psych evaluations that I found out they were another's thoughts, not mine.”
“But how do you know of these... humans? And how did you get them?”
“In one session, I was hypnotised. The report states that I said 'I was on holiday with my family, when a hurricane hit, but it was mixed with an electrical storm'. Turns out that some of the lightning killed the human 'Alec', but transferred his memories to me. It's why I've managed to do things other ponies haven't, because I had two ways of looking at things.”
“If that is the case, why didn't the other become a pony? And how do you feel about... other stuff?”
“Maybe he didn't die... maybe the lightning didn't hit him, I don't know. And I feel the same as last night and this morning. Anyway, that's everything. Can I come out now? It's getting a little boring now.” He watched as Luna had a hushed conversation with the jailer, and then all the guards left, leaving the pair alone.
“No, I do not think so, not yet. You should have told us everything in the first place, and now you must be punished.” Before he could ask her, Luna pushed the barrel back a little, turning around and slowly sliding her trousers down her legs...