Both Ben and Rook looked up at the two majestic-looking equines in awe. Finally Ben whispered to his partner, "I know this sounds weird, but they look beautiful", Rook gave him a look.
"Who are you two?" Luna inquired.
Rook tried to step forward, but was blocked off by two guards crossing their spears. "Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, you must listen. We mean you no harm, Me and my friend are Plumbers", he said.
"Plumbers?" Celestia echoed.
Rook held out his Plumber's badge Celestia took the badge and looked at it, "You are some kind of law enforcement?", she asked.
"Yes," Rook replied, but before he could say another word a yellow ray shot out of the dial on the Omnitrix and washed over Celestia. "Unknown DNA sample acquired," it said, Ben clasped his hand over the dial, "Sorry about that," he said.
"That is a very strange device you have", Luna said, staring at the Omnitrix.
"You have no idea", Ben said, checking that it wasn't damaged.
"Back to the point", Rook chipped in, "we are from Bellwood, Earth".
"Bellwood?" Celestia gasped,
Ben looked confused, "How do you know my hometown?" he blurted.
Celestia looked at Rook, seeing a look of honesty in his eyes before motioning to the guards, "Release them."
"Princess?" the guards asked in shock, as she nodded in confirmation about her choice.
So the guards released Ben and Rook from their handcuffs.
"You and your sister seem to know where we came from," Ben noted.
"Mind if you tell us?" asked Rook.
"My sister and I once visited Bellwood many years ago. The humans we met were amazed by our origins. We also were amazed at the technology your race had produced and the way your race used it to protect your world and other worlds, we have since forgotten about your world for we have not visited it for a long time", Celestia explained.
"So you mean that this world is inhabited by ponies like you?" Rook asked.
"That's right though not all ponies are alicorns like us ", Luna replied.
"Great, I feel like I'm in a little girl TV show", Ben mumbled to himself.
"Now then, could you introduce yourselves?" Celestia requested.
"Of course," Rook nodded, "I am Rook Blonko and this is my friend Ben Tennyson".
"That watch is what gives you your power, correct?" Luna asked.
"That's right, its called the Omnitrix, the most powerful device in the universe. It allows me to change into different aliens", Ben replied.
"Aliens?" Luna asked.
Ben was about to demonstrate when Rook stopped him, "Ben I think that is as far an explanation as Celestia and Luna need", he said.
"And you," Luna said, turning to Rook.
"Rook here may not have powers like me, but you should see him in action," Ben boasted on Rooks behalf.
"How did you and your friend end up in our castle's garden?" Celestia wondered.
"It's a long story," Ben answered.
"We have the time." Luna replied, as she and Celestia stepped down from the throne to meet Ben and Rook on eye level.
"Alright," Rook replied.
"But let's do this in our study over a cup of tea?" Celestia suggested.
Ben shrugged "Ok, works for me," he answered in approval.
Meanwhile in an unknown location in Equestria in a dark castle, Micheal Morningstar stumble out of the portal. "Where am I?" he wondered aloud. Then from out of the darkness of his surroundings a voice answered, "Mister Morningstar, I see you have arrived".
"Who's there?" Micheal demanded, trying to use what energy he had left to shed some light on his surrounds. Then the darkness in front of him seemed to gather itself up and form itself into the shape of unicorn.
"Who are you?" Micheal asked,
"How rude of me," the shadow unicorn said, "I am King Sombra".
"I take it you are responsible for the portal earlier?" Micheal asked,
"Indeed I am," Sombra said.
"While I do like the help, I'm guessing that you need me for something", Micheal guessed.
"My, you are a fast learner Mister Morningstar" Sombra said, an evil smile on his face.
"Anyway," he continued, "the reason I have arranged this little meeting is because I need your powers for something".
"I am listening," Micheal said, becoming interested "and please call me Micheal",
"I was once a ruler of an empire." Sombra began "A king! Until I was defeated and banished to this prison you see before you. I have tried again to retake what was once mine, but time and again I have been defeated," Sombra continued. "Until I heard of you," he said pointing at Micheal, "and your abilities, a power unlike anything ever seem in Equestria".
"Equestria?" Micheal asked,
"Equestria is the name of the land you are in now" Sombra explained, "Which is inhabited by ponies".
"So you need my powers to help you take over this world" Micheal said.
He thought for a moment, "What's in it for me?" he asked,
"Well, as I understand it," Sombra said, "you were having trouble with a hero known as Ben 10. With my power you will be able to crush him,"
Liking the sound of defeating Ben 10, Micheal smiled, "I am at your service, Who am I to deny a king his kingdom",
"Glad to know we have an understanding" Sombra replied,
"So where do you want to start?" Micheal asked.
Meanwhile back in Canterlot, the princesses and the heroes were in the ruler's private study having some tea. Both Ben and Rook had told the two almost everything from their world and about themselves, while the princesses had told them many things about themselves and their land.
"These stories you've told us are unbelievable," Luna began, "But if they are true as you say, we are proud to see how much you care for your home that you would risk your very lives to protect it."
"Looking back on it now", Ben said "If I hadn't found the first Omnitrix I would never have became the hero I am today".
"And this Morningstar you spoke of was responsible for you two being here?" Celestia inquired.
"Actually, we don't even know how we got here" Rook replied,
"We wish we knew of a way to send you home." Luna said.
"Well, we can't go back unless we find Micheal." Ben replied.
Rook looked at a map of Equestria hanging on the wall, "And if this land is as big as this shows, he could have wound up anywhere."
"Well, it shouldn't be like he won't be easy to find, right?" Ben stated.
"Still, one man in a land like this won't be easy to track. Especially if we don't have the Proto-TRUK or most of our tracking equipment." Rook noted.
"I know we all just met, but I think maybe we can help you in locating this Morningstar." Celestia said.
"Thanks, but we really shouldn't impose." Ben answered.
"Nonsense," Luna spoke up, "If this Morningstar is as dangerous as you make him out to be, he could very well pose a threat in our land as much as yours."
"It would be our humblest pleasure to help you heroes." Celestia confirmed.
Both heroes looked to each other, before Rook spoke, "Very well. We don't know how long we could be here, and we still don't know too much about how this world works."
"Not to worry, I know of some special ponies who can help you adapt to Equestria." Celestia smiled.
"Who?" Ben asked.
"My former apprentice and her friends. They are the perfect candidates to teach you about Equestria and everything." the Princess of the sun explained.
"We'll need all the help we can get." Rook admitted.
"When can we meet them?" Ben asked.
"Actually, they should be arriving here any moment. We originally arranged a visit from them," Celestia explained, as there was a knock at the door, "Come in."
The doors opened, and a guard announced, "Presenting Princess Twilight Sparkle, and friends."
The heroes looked and saw entering were six ponies and one little wingless dragon. They noticed one was an alicorn like the princesses, two were pegasi, one was a unicorn, and the final two were simple earth types.
"Princess Celestia, Princess Luna!" Twilight greeted them, as she and her friends bowed their heads.
"It's good to see you all. And just in time too." Celestia welcomed them.
"What kind of ponies would we be if we were late for a visit with ya, your highness?" Applejack asked.
"Not because of that, Applejack," she corrected her, "We have some additional company today we would like you all to meet."
"Additional company?" Twilight asked in confusion.
"Correct. My little ponies and Spike, meet the Plumbers." Celestia introduced them, as she and her sister stepped aside to reveal the two.
The six ponies and dragon looked at the heroes in shock, for they didn't look like any creatures familiar to the land of Equestria, "Oh my stars!" Rarity gasped.
"Whoa." Twilight gasped.
The pegasus Fluttershy trembled, while Pinkie Pie looked at them in wonder. Rainbow Dash's jaw dropped, and Applejack's and Spike's eyes were widened, "Princess what are they?" Fluttershy asked.
"The first one's species is known as a human whereas the second one's species is known as a Revonnahgander " Celestia explained.
"But what did you call them, the Plumbers?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"That is precisely what my sister said," Luna replied, "These beings happen to be heroes from where they're from."
"Heroes?!" the ponies and the dragon gasped.
"That's right. Everypony, meet Ben Tennyson and Rook Blonko." Luna introduced them.
"Now I feel it's time they got to know you," Celestia turned to the heroes, as she introduced her subjects to them, "This is my former apprentice and now fellow Princess, Twilight Sparkle; the Princess of Friendship."
"Nice to meet you both." Twilight bowed her head in respect.
Ben smiled, "At least somebody knows how to treat a celebrity," he mumbled to himself.
Celestia continued to introduce the other ponies, "Applejack, the pony of honesty."
"Howdy, yall." Applejack greeted.
"Rainbow Dash, the loyalest pony you'll ever know."
"And fastest flier in Equestria." she boasted.
"Fastest flier, huh?" Ben asked, "Well, I bet XLR8, Jetray or even Fasttrack could give you a run for your money." he boasted back, while Rook rolled his eyes.
"Oh, really?" Rainbow Dash asked with a hint of bitterness, before she flew up to him, "Maybe we should have a contest to see who's the fastest."
"Skittles, anytime anywhere." Ben retorted.
"Knock it off." Rook said braking them up.
Celestia continued on, "Pinkie Pie, the pony of laughter."
Pinkie started bouncing around them, "Hiya, wow you look so cool! I've never seen others like you before. Nice watch. Say do any of you like parties? Because I love throwing parties. Maybe I can throw one for all of you." she offered and began listing off things they could have and do.
"This one sounds fun." Rook said
"Right" Ben replied,
Twilight levitated Pinkie over to her, "That's enough, Pinkie."
"Rarity, the pony of generosity." Celestia continued.
"And absolute pleasure, Sirs," Rarity began, as she trotted up to them.
Rarity then, being the fashionista she was, started inspecting their outfits, "Mr. Ben 10, such a dark and light attire, it must obviously reflect your personality."
"You have no idea." Rook answered for Ben.
Rarity looked to Rook, "And you sir, have such a marvelous mix of blue and black."
"Why, thank you." he answered,
She then noticed the Omnitrix on Ben's wrist, "What a fascinating accessory."
"It ain't no ordinary accessory." Ben replied.
"Fluttershy, the kindest of all ponies." Celestia introduced her.
Fluttershy looked a bit timid, as she lightly waved her hoof, "Hello." she said softly.
"Hey it's ok, you don't have to fear us." Ben assured her and the pegasus smiled.
"And Spike." Celestia finished.
"Hi." Spike greeted them.
"Hey, a dragon!" Rook beamed.
"And I thought you know everything." Ben said dryly.
"Princess, how did they get here?" Twilight asked.
"Well, through a battle with an enemy of theirs they wounded up being transported to our world."
"Whoa nelly." Applejack gasped.
"Lucky for us, Me and my sister once visited their world years ago." Luna added.
"And where are you from?" Twilight asked Ben, only for Celestia to answer.
"They come from Bellwood."
"Bellwood?" Twilight gasped in shock.
"Bell-what-now?" Applejack asked in confusion.
"Bellwood, Applejack," she corrected her country friend, "It is a world where aliens and humans live in peace."
"Sounds like a wired place." Rainbow admitted.
"We're looking to find a way to get home, but before that we have to find the enemy we were after who also got transported to this world, but wound up elsewhere." Rook explained.
"Oh dear." Fluttershy gasped.
"We were hoping for the time being, the seven of you would show them the ways of Equestria, during their stay." Celestia requested.
"Of course," Twilight began, "We'd be more than happy to help them out, right girls?" the girls and Spike nodded in agreement.
"Thanks." Ben thanked them.
"Why don't we take them to Ponyville and show them around, Twi?" Applejack suggested.
"Great idea, Applejack. How about it?" she asked the heroes.
"Beats doing nothing." Ben replied.
"It would be best to get to know more of the land." Rook agreed.
"All right, let's go!" Pinkie beamed, as she started bouncing away, and the other followed her.
Elsewhere King Sombra and Micheal Morningstar where approaching there first target: the Crystal Empire,
"Are you ready Micheal?" asked Sombra,
"I can feel the magic all around me" Micheal replied, "it tastes sweet",
You can have it all" Sombra replied,
The two continued to the entrance to the empire but before they could enter their way was blocked by two crystal ponies armed with spears.
"Halt, come no closer" one of ponies barked
"Of course" Micheal said, but before the ponies could make a move Micheal grabbed both of them by their necks,
"What are yo..." was all the ponies could say before all the colour drained from their mane and skin leaving them coloured stone grey,
"Impressive" Sombra said, looking at the two drained crystal ponies in front of him.
"The fun is only just starting" Micheal said,
The two drained ponies turned to face Micheal.
"Go find more ponies for me to drain" Micheal commanded
The two ponies moaned and walked off into the Crystal Empire.
"Before we continue" Micheal said, watching them go "I think we should enlist some additional help"
"I like the way you think" Sombra said, "I know just the ponies for the job"
"likewise" Micheal replied.