A swift knocking jarred me back to reality. I had forced myself to read a book in an attempt to forget… what should not be remembered. Thankfully the book was doing a great job of keeping me preoccupied. I sighed, it was just too bad I wasn’t making any progress. I don’t know why, but Skyla actually had a book on ‘Introduction Levitation’. I figured it wouldn’t hurt, I mean why have a magic horn if you couldn’t use it?
“Hello?” I called as I placed a bookmark onto the page. It wasn’t time for that date already was it? I didn’t even want to go anymore with the way this stupid body was acting. The door opened and out popped a head from behind it; a cute unicorn mare's head with a curly and red striped mane and tan fur to be precise.
“Princess Skyla? I-I’m here to help you get ready for your date,” she said eyeing me excitedly. She must be the maid Luminare sent to help me get ready. Fat chance of that happening. I'm not going anywhere near that stallion after-
I shook my head. It was too horrifying to remember. The point was that this… Ribbon Dance, according to her nametag, was going to have to go back to her quarters. There was certainly no chance I was going anywhere. Let alone let myself get all made up for it.
“Oh right, the date. Well I’m afraid-” I began, till Ribbon Dance cut me off with a sudden gasp.
“Oh no! I missed it didn’t I! I’m so stupid! I should have been here hours ago! I’m so so sorry Skyla! I-I’ll punish myself! I’ll quit right here! How dare I call myself a maid if I can’t even do such a simple job like this! I should just disappear!”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” I cried quickly, my own panic rising in my throat. “You’re on time! You’re on time! I’m ready! Really!” What could I do? This mare legitimately scared the crap outta me. I was afraid she’d hurt herself if I so much as told her she brought me the wrong drink!
“Y-You mean it? I’m not late?” she asked me with big pleading eyes. I nodded vigorously, while silently cursing whatever gods this place had. Of course I’d get the psycho maid while I felt like this. Was everything working against me? Well at the very least this gave me an idea.
“In fact, I’m so proud of you for being here early that I’m going to let you choose how I look! That’s what I was trying to tell you earlier, t-that’ I’m afraid I need you to really wow me!” Perhaps this was a mistake; in fact, I'm sure it was. She looked at me as wolf eyeing a steak.
“Really!?” she screeched, her eyes practically sparkling. “You trust me that much?”
With a sickening feeling in my stomach I nodded my head. Before I could question just what I had gotten myself into this time, I was ushered onto a small platform I didn’t even know was in my room. Ribbon Dance lived up to her name as she danced around the room grabbing this and that, all the while asking me to pose in various ways. Without any sense of just what was going on, I simply tried to comply as best I could. She began with brushing and styling my mane, while somehow simultaneously applying eyeshadow and other pieces of makeup to my face.
“I promise you, I won’t let you down! I’ll make you very pretty! You’re gonna knock those stallions for a loop!” I played along with a smile and a nod. This was all wrong! I didn’t want to be pretty! I didn’t want my mane styled or my face made up or… or any of this! Letting my head droop I submitted to my fate. I was going to have to do every last little thing I swore I wouldn’t do in this body wasn’t I?
“Princess? Are you okay?” Ribbon asked as she stood before me, her face wrapped in concern. “Oh dear do you not like it? I-I’m sorry I really tried… b-but I guess I’m just not good at this stuff.” Crap, she’s taking my looks of distaste as reactions to her work. She’s already jittery enough, I didn’t need both of us having an emotional breakdown.
“No, it’s not that Ribbon Dance, I-I just feel a little tired that’s all.” I shook my head trying to clear it. “It’s not your work, trust me, I actually think it’s rather-” I gasped as I caught my reflection in the full length mirror. All that had been done was my mane and make up, but hot damn what a difference! Perhaps the most shocking effect was from the eyeliner, it begged to be noticed. Anyone who looked at me would have their attention drawn straight towards my blue eyes.
“I-Is that really me?” I asked, approaching the mirror as if I was seeing a ghost. There was no way the mare beyond this glass was me. She looked, well like a goddess! Okay, as much as I hated to admit it, I always found Cadance to be rather… well, hot. For a pony I mean. Like I wasn’t a, what did they call em? Cloppers or something? I didn’t really feel sexually attracted to cartoon ponies, but I could see why Shining Armor would find Cadance attractive.
Looking into the mirror I could definitely tell that the apple didn't fall far from the tree. As a human I figured that I looked rather average, so I wasn't even sure how to react to a reflection like this.
“You mean it?” Ribbon asked with an ever growing smile. I silently thanked Celestia I didn’t have to lie to her.
“I do. I really mean it, I’d like nothing more than to have you finish the job.” The look on her face was priceless. I'd never seen a pony go from that depressed to this happy in a second before; not in person, anyway. In a whirl of colors and fabrics she went back to work picking out my garments, and the like. To be honest? I wasn’t so put off by it anymore. My earlier complaints aside, I now really wanted to see how this was going to turn out. If I looked this good just from a new mane style and a bit of makeup, I couldn’t imagine the end result.
I just had to keep looking on the bright side. Wasn’t that a line from a movie? Well whatever, it seemed like sound advice. It was very clear I wasn’t going to be allowed to mope around in here. So buck it, I’m going on a date as a pretty princess. Least I’ll get free food.
“All done!” Ribbon exclaimed turning me toward the mirror. Okay, I accept it. I’m a pretty, pretty princess. The dress she picked out was purple and faded into pink at the edge of the skirt part, complimented by a gold band wrapped around the waist. The skirt section could have used some more length though considering that it fully showed off my butt to anypony that happened to be behind me. My god, I was a young stallions wet dream! The mere thought of what Luminare would think made me tingle- wait no! I’m just admiring a job well done! You hear me brain!? A job well done!
“It’s amazing! Ribbon Dance you are a true artist!” Oh ick, did I really just say something that corney?
“Oh thank you, Princess! I-I’m very glad you like it. Usually you never let me finish. What’s different about today?” Aw crap, I messed up again. Quick what was a reasonable excuse?
“Er, I just figured you could use a break today. You’re always working so hard.” I gave a small laugh, hoping my nervousness didn’t show through. Thankfully it looked like she bought it.
“Y-Yes, thank you Princess. Truth be told I was starting to doubt my talent.” She rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof. I still couldn’t get over their flexibility. In an instant she went from embarassed to determined. “But my mother always said I could do it!”
“Yes, well she sounds like a very intelligent mare. I guess I should get going right? Can’t keep Lumy waiting.” Ribbon blushed at my words. Geez, she wasn’t that shy toward praise was she?
“Oh my! A nick name! I didn’t realize Prince Luminare had become so close to you!”
“What!?” My eyes widened. “No no no! You’ve got it all wrong!”
“You always kept him so far away before, I’m glad to see you’re finally giving him a chance. I think you two would make a lovely couple!” My blood ran cold. No! Never! Never in a million years!
“It’s not what you think! I don’t like him! I’m just, it’s, I” How the hell was I suppose to explain my situation to her without sounding like a loony?!
“Oh no need to be shy, Princess. It’s good to try a new outlook sometimes, but if it makes you feel better I’ll keep your secret.” She said with a wink. I felt the breakfast in my stomach twist. Ugh, how’d she go from nervous artist to professional matchmaker so quickly?
Thankfully a knock on the door saved me from digging my grave any deeper, as an older green mare with an orange mane and tail stepped in. I was just able to read her name tag labeled ‘Lily leaf’ before Ribbon Dance rushed to hug her.
“Mom! You’re back from your trip!” They nuzzled for a moment before seeming to remember they were in my presence and quickly composed themselves.
“M-My apologies Princess. I lost control of myself for a moment.”
“Oh please forgive her!” Lily Leaf pleaded bowing alongside her daughter. “It’s my fault for being gone for several days!”
“Gone? Gone where?” I blurted out before I could stop myself. Lily Leaf only bowed lower, which I hadn’t thought possible.
“I was summoned to Canterlot to personally train the new gardner. I-I only hope they were able to pick up some useful tips from this unworthy mare.” Unworthy mare? Does she really talk that dramatically all the time? They wouldn’t have called for her if they didn’t think she was good right?
“I-I’m sure you did fine. Why don’t you go enjoy the day with your daughter? You both deserve it.” Both of their eyes widened.
“Oh thank you Princess! I-I’ll make this up to you I promise!” Ribbon Dance declared with a bow. Her mother once again joined her.
“Truly you are as generous as your mother. Thank you.” With great relief I watched them leave the room, no doubt eager to catch up after being apart. As exhausting as they were, it was nice seeing them so happy. I wonder if Skyla and Cadance were that close? It made me a bit envious…
“Knock knock!” came a rather familiar voice as Luminare stepped around the corner a few minutes later. “Are you- uhhhhhhhh” Whatever he was about to say was lost in the dumbstruck expression he was wearing while staring at me. What? Was there a broken window behind me or something? Looking around, it suddenly dawned on me that I was the reason he was so awestruck! He’d never seen Skyla get this dolled up before had he?
“Well well, and here I thought you were the regular James Bond of Equestria. What? My good looks too much for your brain?” I smirked at the pained expression on his face. He had slipped up and knew it.
“Y-Yes, well I don’t know who that is, but usually I am rather composed. I suppose such radiant beauty can ensnare even the most playful of hearts.” He reached out and kissed my hoof again. I felt my newfound mare bits shiver in anticipation. Something I desperately tried to put out of my mind.
“Y-Yes well I suppose we should be off. May as well get this over with, right?”
“Oh you wound me lady. Am I so hideous compared to your heavenly beauty that you won’t even give me a small kiss?” I don’t want to imagine the shade of my blush.
“What?! I-”
Luminare’s laugh cut me off. “Will you relax? I’m only kidding.”
My eyes narrowed. “Y-You rascal! Ruffian!”
His laugh only grew louder.. “Ooo, such strong language!”
“W-why I! Forget it! Date’s off! Get out!” I screamed ready to throw the bed at him. I’d figure out the how of that later. He raised a hoof in defeat.
“Okay! Okay! I apologize. Would it make you feel any better if I promise not to physically tease you for the rest of the day?”
“...or try to get me to do any mushy stuff with you?” He rolled his eyes, but bowed much in the same way the two mares before him did.
“I give my word as a prince.” I probably shouldn’t have believed him, but I did. He was rude at times, arrogant, and a player, but he was the only friend I had in this world, and oddly enough I trusted him.
“Fine..” I quickly walked past him to the door before adding, “After all, a gentlecolt wouldn’t kiss on the first date.”
“Oh, so it is a date huh?” he teased while he trotted to catch up with me.
“Hey! You said you wouldn’t tease!”
“I said no physical teasing. I said nothing about verbal.” He smirked. I fumed.
“Luminare!”
* * *
Okay, let me admit something right now. When all is said and done, I am still a fan of the show. How accurate this world is to it aside, and despite all my protesting and reluctance about going on this little ‘date’ of ours. Well, to be blunt, walking around the Crystal Empire in the flesh is fucking awesome!
Right off the bat I could see the pegasus flying about their business in the sky, some of the foals hopping from cloud to cloud. There were even some Crystal ones up there. I wonder if they always existed and we just didn’t see them in the show, or they’re the offspring of a crystal pony and regular pony?
Everywhere you looked, there were ponies, dozens upon dozens of them. Oddly enough I didn’t really see any ‘repeats’ either. I know in the show that was done to save time, so I guess it makes sense that in the ‘real world’ that wouldn’t be true.
“Well well, look who’s enjoying herself,” Luminare said with amusement as he watched me rush around like an idiot. For once I didn’t feel like trying to argue with him, there was no point. Instead, I continued to be amazed by all I saw as we walked. A small booth here selling what looked like fried oats on a stick, a shop window advertising tail streamers there. It was kinda neat seeing just how Equestria differed from my world, while also being slightly similar.
One of the major differences was the fact that the Empire, or city really, was relatively clean. There wasn’t any graffiti on the walls either. The citizens themselves felt different than what you’d expect from a large crowd as well. While I knew there had to be some bad eggs here, I wasn’t fearful that any second my saddle bags would be pilfered.
“So, any store you want to check out? It’s my treat.” Luminare said, standing beside me. Trying to ignore the warmth I felt when he was near I shot him a skeptical look.
“Your treat? Seriously?”
“What? It’s my way of making it up to you for tricking you into that kiss. Come on, even if you are the wrong gender, you have to at least be curious about some of these things. Whether or not they have to do with being a mare is up to you. Though I won’t argue against some nice socks.”
“Socks? Is that seriously a thing here?” Luminare nodded enthusiastically.
“Oh yes, and I have to admit it’s rather alluring.” I gave an inward sigh. How in the world was that a real thing? What’s worse, why did I have to be so damn curious as to how I’d look in some?
“Yeah I’ll think about it.” I said with a roll of my eyes. Then with a quick glance around I realized just how casual our conversation had gotten. “We should probably keep things about wrong gender underwraps, shouldn’t we?” Lumiare shook his head.
“Don’t worry about that, my mother taught me a spell that can keep all sound contained within a small radius. Unless a pony is right next to us, they won’t be able to make out what we are saying.
“Couldn’t they read our lips?” Another shake of the head.
“It blurs the area around our mouths from outside viewers. Kind of like an erratic fog.” Damn, that was impressive. A bit convenient though.
“What in the world does your mother do that she knows these things?”
“Oh relax, she’s a showmare. It’s for her act- watch out!” I felt an invisible force grab hold of my body and pull me back toward him. It was just in time to see a carriage go speeding by as two ponies, assumingly the drivers, chased after it. I shivered as I tried to calm my nerves after nearly being flattened.
“T-thank you…” I squeaked looking at the spot I had just been standing. Too close, that had been way too close. I shut my eyes as the memories tried to crawl their way to the surface. The shock, the pain. Though dulled over the years I could never forget them.
“Are you alright? Skyla? Say something!” I snapped out of my daze with a start. It was okay. I was okay. The feeling passed soon as it always did. Ugh, I can’t believe I still let this get to me. It’s not like I saw it first hand.
“I-I’m fine really. It’s just… Nothing let’s go.” I began to walk again, this time paying much closer attention to my surroundings. Equestria didn’t look like it had nearly the crime rate Earth did, but that didn’t mean it was safe.
“Nothing? You acted li-” I wasn’t in the mood to discuss this.
“I said it’s nothing!” Almost immediately I felt a wave of guilt as he stared back at me in shock. It wasn’t his fault I was like this. He was only worried about me. “Sorry, it’s just… I don’t want to talk about it, okay?” I don’t think he liked that response, but apparently relented.
“Very well.” We walked in silence after that. Neither of us brave enough to break the tension I guess. At least he wasn’t hitting on me.
...I kinda missed it.
I don’t know how long we remained that way, but I tried to shake it off by taking in my surroundings again. The way the sun shone against the crystal buildings was amazing. It really made you wonder just how they were constructed. Probably some weird sort of magic. I wondered if everything here had some sort of magic weaved into it. If I wasn’t so anxious to get back to my body, I could probably spend days looking up all this stuff. I wonder if this is how Skyla felt in my world right now?
“S-so,” I said desperate to shake away the awkwardness. The silence was getting too heavy for me. “How advanced is your technology? You got electricity yet?” He actually looked confused for a second, it was cute.
“Ela-what?” Guess that answered my question too.
“Electricity.” I repeated with a smirk. “It’s like a current of energy that runs through a cable or rope that if you plug it into something, it feeds it the power it needs to run.”
“Oh! That’s electa-city. I remember reading that in history books. No, we haven’t had the need for that in decades, not since the Griffions taught us how to use crystapods.” It was my time to be confused.
“Crysta-what now?” He laughed. I couldn’t really blame him, given my reaction about electricity.
“It’s a form of magic. I think I recall Skyla talking about something you had in your world that was similar, though not as refined. It’s basically a storage unit of power.”
“Huh, like a battery?” He nodded.
“Yes! That was the word she used. A batter-smee. It basically plugs into anything we could need to use and powers it for a certain amount of time. Usually at least a years worth of power, give or take how often the item is used.
“Huh…” So that’s how Ponyville had things like working stoves and the like. I bet Twilight’s science machine in her basement ran off of them as well. Except that didn’t explain why there was a hydro dame in the Mare Do Well episode. Perhaps a relic from those decades lost he just mentioned? Course it was the Mare Do Well episode I was talking about here. Hey I wonder if that’s what the Flim Flam brothers car ran on? Does that mean it was possible to make automobiles? I was almost tempted to suggest them.
“You seem quite interested in this stuff. Should we seek out a department store first for our day out?”
“A department store? Really? That hardly seems ‘romantic’”
“Ah, but you said it yourself it’s not a date right? Come on, I think you’ve been teased enough for right now. Let’s just focus on having a good time.” He smiled at me, which actually raised my spirits. He really seemed to be genuine with this stuff. Perhaps there was hope for him after all.
“Very well, a department store it shall be!” I said taking a few steps forward before I stopped.
“Um… “ I turned and gave him a sheepish look.
“It’s this way,” he said with a chuckle leading the way. Feeling foolish for the twentieth time, I followed. Maybe there could be something to this after all.
“But no clothing stores. I’m not playing dress up,” I stated firmly.
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” came his amused reply.
* * *
We spent the next hour just browsing around, going from shop to shop. The architecture for this place still threw me for a loop, but it wasn’t as unworldly as I thought it might. I mean yeah everything was made of crystal, and you’d find doors up high sometimes in buildings for the busy pegasus to come through. One shop in particular, run by a family of unicorns had their crystal walls and floor enchanted to shift and move around as they willed them. The items for sale constantly shifting positions. Nothing in our world could ever compare to that!
If I had to compare it to something in my world, I’d say it was like going from America to Japan, or at least what I’ve seen of it. My mom went there for vacation once before she had me. Walking through this area reminded me a lot of the videos she took while there. Made me wonder if ponies from Canterlot got culture shock while here and vice versa.
Predictably, we found our way to a clothing store by where the socks were located. I was trying to pretend I didn’t care about them, but by Celestia there were so many to choose from! Black laced with white hearts etched near the top, frilly pink ones, plain purple; damn, we mares sure had the better end of the stick when it came to accessories!
Wait, we mares? Damn it brain! I’m a stallion not a mare! I mean a guy not a pony princess! Augh, this was getting frustrating. Maybe I should just stop fighting it, it was clearly getting me nowhere and it would only be for the day… I mean I was going to go back to normal tomorrow right? Perhaps I could try on just one pair of blue lacy socks.
“HOLD IT!”
I jumped backward almost instantly.
“I-I wasn’t taking them! I swear!” I cried, my eyes darting around in panic. Looking behind me I saw the commotion actually hadn’t been aimed at me at all. A tall orange crystal pony who I could only guess was the shopkeeper, was currently holding a small colt by the scruff of his neck. A very familiar white alicorn colt.
“So you have been following us.” Luminare said stepping forward with a disapproving look. “Really Prince Eos what is this about?”
“You two always get to go out and have fun! Why can’t I leave the palace too?” He cried, as the shopkeeper lowered him back to the ground.
“T-the royal prince? I-I had no idea-” The crystal pony began, but Luminare raised a hoof.
“You only did what any shop owner would. Fear not, no harm done. However if you don’t mind, I’ll handle him from here on out.”
“Y-Yes of course!” Before I could blink he was gone. Man those ponies sure could move.
“Prince Eos, you know how important you are to the empire. You can not just go wandering about without supervision.” Eos crossed his hooves as he sat there. It was actually quite amusing to see, though a bit weird at the same time. The flexibility we had was something else. It was almost like he was made out of marshmallow.
“It’s not fair!” Eos cried. I was afraid for a moment this might cause a scene, but to my surprise, most of the ponies saw who we were and hurried along. It didn’t look like it was out of fear either but more respect. Whatever Cadance was doing to rule this place, it was obviously effective. On earth there would be paparazzi swarming us already.
“Skyla gets to come here all the time!” Eos continued, “She doesn’t have to stay inside most of the time!”
“Your sister is nearly an adult. Not only that but she’s usually with a friend or bodyguard. You left with neither!” The look on Luminare’s face was that of a stern older brother. I couldn’t believe how much different it made him appear. Seems there was a respectable stallion in there after all. No wonder Shining let him hang around. Hmm, Luminare would probably make a great father- Ah! No! I wasn’t thinking that! I wasn’t!
“Sis? You okay? Are you mad at me?” Eos’ question broke me from my panic. Looking down at him I could see how upset he was. Poor thing. Did he really never get out of the palace?
“Y-Yes I’m fine Eos. Um, remind me, when was the last time we had a day out together?” Eos blinked. So did Luminare.
“I don’t think we’ve ever had one of those. You’re always so busy.” He scrunched his nose as he said that. My Celestia that was cute.
“What? Never? Why as a princess and an older sister this is unacceptable! How would you like to join us for a while?” His eyes widened.
“R-really? You’d let me stay with you?” His ears quickly flattened. “Wait this isn’t a trick to distract me as you call for the guards is it?” I shook my head.
“I promise on my honor as a princess of the Crystal Empire that you can join us for a few hours. However before it gets dark you’ll have to go back to the palace. Is that okay?”
“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Eos cried jumping up and down before managing to compose himself. “I mean awesome. I shall accept your invitation even if you are a mare.” I practically rolled my eyes. Seems some things were multi-universal.
“Well now that that’s settled, shall we see about finding a toy store for young Eos here?” Luminare suggested stepping beside me. I swear he purposely just rubbed against me right then.
“Can we?” Eos asked, looking up at me pleadingly. I laughed.
“Of course. I’ll even buy you something.”
“Really!?” I nodded. However that skeptical look of his returned.
“You sure you’re okay? How come you’re being so nice to me today?”
“Am I really so cruel?” I asked. Did Skyla really not spend that much time with him? I’d have to have a talk with her about that.
“No of course not! It’s just you haven’t tried to prank me today, or tackle me, or any of the things you usually do.” I raised an eyebrow.
“Do you want me to tackle you?”
“No!”
“Well then, that settles that.” I ruffled his mane again. “Today I’m trying something different. So just humor me okay?”
“If I do I get a new toy?” I laughed again. He was such a little colt.
“Yes, but do realize I’ll have to go back to my old ways by tomorrow or so. Got to keep up appearances and all.” He groaned, but nodded his approval. Well that should settle anymore issues with that. I was getting pretty good at this!
“Nice one,” Luminare whispered to me as we walked. Thankfully Eos was too excited to be out and about to care about what we were saying.
“Thank you, though I’m surprised you went along with this so quickly. You didn’t even try to protest.”
“Why would I? Eos deserves a day out, and besides, it seems he’s the only one that can make you relax about your situation.”
“How do you mean?”
“Remember at breakfast? Both of you were running around like a pair of lunatics. I dare say you forgot all about your predicament at that moment. If that’s the kind of pony you become when he’s involved, then I’m more than happy to have him along.”
Huh, I guess he was right. I hadn’t even thought about what I was doing at the time. It was just nice to pretend I had a brother. I wonder if mom had originally wanted for me to have siblings? I don’t know if she was even dating before… Well, there was no point wondering about that now. I watched Eos happily prance along looking this way and that. Skyla wanted me to have fun while here, so why not? Today I was going to have a family. Even if it did mean I was the sister. With a smile I gave myself a slight nod as my tail flicked involuntarily. Now if I could only get rid of this itchy feeling. My newly acquired… pocket had been feeling warm since this morning’s shower. Perhaps I wasn't supposed to expose it to hot water.
“There! There’s the store!” Eos shouted and ran towards the toy store. Even Luminare was smiling as we followed him in. Once inside the building I froze. I couldn’t believe the sheer size of this place! Big as it was, it was a bit odd the shelves weren’t packed with stuff. It wasn’t until I saw another family of ponies walk by holding some teddy bears that I realized it was because ponies actually shopped here. In the show the shelves might have been full for looks, but here they were nearly empty because they were actually selling stuff. It’s weird when you think about it.
“Don’t go too crazy now,” Luminare said trying to keep the excited Eos from bouncing off the walls. “Your dad will get mad if we buy you something too expensive.”
“Yeah yeah, I know,” Eos said, the excitement barely wavering in his voice. After a few more seconds, Luminare stepped back and Eos was off in a flash, causing both of us to laugh again. I was definitely going to have to talk to Skyla about him. She was missing out.
“How about you? You see anything interesting?” Luminare teased as we stood there. Though annoyed by his joke I took notice on how his eyes never left Eos. He really was responsible when it mattered.
“Ha ha, I really doubt- Wait is that a… a video game system?” I couldn’t believe my eyes, but there were a few boxes of what I could only describe as a mini arcade cabinet sitting on a shelf. They basically looked like a tv with a controller attached to it. I guessed the large slot on the bottom was where you put games in.
“Oh yes, remarkable aren’t they? It’s only been a couple of years since they were invented. A home game unit. Never thought I’d see the day. I tried to get Skyla to join me in playing one once but she didn’t really take.” Nodding at him I managed to use my hooves well enough to move the box around so I could read it’s packaging. The Gamer Set 2000, huh? Hmm, made by Button Mash Inc. A picture of some brown stallion with a beanie hat and a thick mustache winked at me on the back of the box. Guess he was the inventor.
“Does it come with only one game or what?” I asked. If that info was on the box I couldn’t find it.
“Oh no you can buy crystal records for it.”
“Crystal records?” He sighed.
“They’re like vinyl records except able to hold a lot more information in a smaller size. Once ponies learned they could put games on them, the choice was probably obvious. I believe it comes with at least one game, and can even double as a karaoke machine!” My heart skipped a beat at the mention of karaoke.
“Y-You can sing to music with it?” He nodded, most likely seeing my interest.
“You want to buy one?” I tried to keep my face from lighting up.
“C-can we?” He shrugged.
“Hey you’re a princess remember? You can certainly afford one.”
“But didn’t we just tell Eos he couldn’t get anything expensive?”
“True, but that’s because Shining doesn’t want him to get greedy. Skyla never really asks for these sorta things, so I have a feeling he’ll overlook it.”
“I-I think I would…” A karaoke machine! At the very least it’d get me through the night till tomorrow. I just hope Skyla didn’t mind it when she came back. Now I’d just have to find some secluded part of the castle to use it.
“Sure we’ll come get it on the way home. No sense in lugging it around with us.” I couldn’t argue with that. Things were finally looking up!
“Hey sis, can I get this?” Eos asked holding up what looked like a blue frisbee, except a small yellow ball was stuck in it’s center. I cast a quick glance at Luminare for help.
“A saucaroo huh?” He said looking it over, “I thought you already had one.” Eos’ ears drooped.
“Y-Yeah it uh, sorta flew out the window and over the town. I uh, didn’t see where it landed.” Luminare gave an exasperated sigh as he took the toy from him.
“In that case go grab a second one to replace this one in case that happens again.” Eos was already gone before he finished the sentence.
"So, are you going to actually tell me what in Equestria a saucaroo is or make me guess?" I asked directly after.
He smiled and responded with, "I never hear Skyla talk like that. It's rather refreshing."
“Lumy!” I didn’t realize it, but I could just see my reflection in a nearby toy that I was puffing my cheeks out when I said that.
“Okay! Okay! It’s… Hmm well do you have Frisbee’s in your world?” I nodded. “Okay good, then it’s like a frisbee, but better. See that orb in the center? A deflection spell has been crafted into it. Anytime it comes into contact with something that’s not alive, a small field of force is emitted, causing the toy to bounce off of stuff without so much as moving it. Basically a way for little colts or fillies to play inside without breaking stuff. At least they won’t break stuff with the toy. Colliding into stuff… Well nothing is perfect.”
Damn, these foals and the toys of this world. I hoped they realized how lucky they were. Sure they probably didn’t have anything like laser tag or talking teddy bears, but I doubt they even needed them. Heck they already had videogames! Lucky stiffs. Why ever would Skyla want to leave?
We had just purchased the toys for Eos and were exiting the store when a flash of light momentarily blinded me.
“Princess Skyla! Does this mean you and Prince Luminare are an item now?” I blinked while trying to look around. As my vision cleared I could see several ponies with cameras and microphones. Shit, was this seriously a group of paparazzi? Did I jinx it earlier?
“Prince! Does this mean you finally wooed even the princess?” I think Luminare’s expression darkened a bit there, but before any more questions could be asked, he put on a big smile.
“Everyone! Please! If you all shout your questions out all at once I’ll never get to them. Now how about we start with the lovely mares first? It’s always a pleasure conversing with them, though please don’t get upset gentlecolts. Your questions are always the most delightful to discuss.” His horned glowed casting a quick spell.
>>Take Eos and sneak away. I’ll meet you by the side exit, the one by that neat little book store. You know the one?
I-I think so, but what about you? I think I heard a mental scoff.
>>I can distract these leeches no problem. Just wait for me. I’ll be right there. Now go!
Not wanting to leave him to the wolves so to speak, but seeing no other choice, I beckoned for Eos to follow me quietly. I don’t know how, but somehow he managed to keep any of them from noticing us as we made our escape. Before I knew it we were outside.
“I’m glad Lumy was here. I hate those kinda ponies!” Eos said giving the door a flick of his wings. Guess Equestria wasn’t paradise after all. We sat there for a few moments catching our breaths before I decided to bring up something that had been nagging at me.
“Say Eos…” I began. I hoped it wasn't a mistake asking this.
“Yeah sis?” He sat down before me, all ears.
“T-this is going to be a weird question but um… Do you like me like this? Or do you want me to be like I usually am?”
“Sis?” He tilted his head. “What’s up with you?” He took a step forward before his eyes grew wide with fear. “You’re not thinking of going somewhere are you? You’ve been acting all nice to me and all.. Please don’t go!” He hugged me ever so tightly and suddenly that I froze. “Knightly and Noble left for Canterlot and I couldn't go! They both acted real nice before leaving me too! I-I don’t want to stay here by myself! Don’t go!”
“Eos! Eos! I’m not going anywhere! I was just asking!” I said while absently rubbing his back. It never occurred to me just how lonely it must be in the castle when your siblings are all away, with none of the staff your age. With a shudder, I pushed the thought of how I’d have to leave all this out of my mind. Just one more reason I shouldn’t stay too long.
“Y-You promise?” He sniffled and lookied up at me with the biggest puppy dog eyes I’d ever seen. Damn it Eos! Stop being so cute! Ugh, I can’t believe this was the same brat I was fighting with this morning.
“I promise. Now you should probably straighten up before Luminare thinks I tackled you too hard.” Though still shaken, he nodded and sat back down. With relief I stretched my wings, which had become pinched by him. Ow! For new appendages, they cramped good.
“I...I like both.” He said after a few minutes.
“Both?” I repeated, another nod.
“I like you like this. Spending time with me, treating me nicely for once. I-I keep thinking you’re going to scream ‘gottcha’ and hit me with a pie or something though.” I giggled, not caring how girly it sounded for once. I think I was beginning to see the relationship Skyla had with him.
“Nope, no tricks today. Call it a day off.” I said smiling. He returned it with glee.
“Just don’t take too many days off okay? I like how you usually are too.” Once more I ruffled his mane, something I think he secretly enjoyed.
“It’s a promise. Why by tomorrow you may never realize I was different!”
“Ah, good you’re both still here.” Luminare said as he emerged from the building. “It took a while longer then I would have liked, but I managed to send those fools on a wild moose chase.”
“You mean goose?” He looked at me confused.
“What about a goose?” I shook my head.
“Nevermind, so how’d you manage to do all that anyway?”
“Doesn’t it hafta do with your talent?” Eos asked pointing to Luminare’s cutie mark. I admit I was a bit baffled. What did a flute have to do with what he did? Was he secretly the pied piper or something?
“You really don’t know Eos? I thought I told you.” He said moving to the side to give us a better view of his mark. It was just a flute with a type of ball on one side and some musical notes emitting from it. I should probably ask him to play me a song at some point. Could be interesting.
“Yeah it’s a flute.” Eos said with the same level of understanding I seemed to have. “So?”
“Ah ah, it’s not actually a flute. It’s a Pungi. A ‘charm flute’ if you will. Basically my talent is to be charming. So I guess that makes me a Prince Charming.” Ugh, I was reminded why I hate him. That smug expression was sicking. Even Eos made a face.
“Whatever,” Eos said turning around. “Sis can we get some ice cream?”
“Hmm maybe after lunch, and speaking of which I could use some.” Both mine and Eos’ stomachs growled.
“Heh, you two really are siblings, aren't you? Alright let’s go get something to eat. Eos, anything you’d like? Since you don’t get to come with us much I’ll leave it up to you.”
“Really? Then I know just the place! Come on!” he said and darted off. Both Luminare and I had to sprint to keep up with him.
“Is that really your talent?” I asked between breaths. He smirked in that cocky manner of his.
“Isn’t it just so me?”
I snorted. “Ugh, have you been using it on me this entire time?”
“Of course not. I have my pride,” he said. I wasn’t sure I could believe him though.
“Right just like I’m sure you don’t use it on Skyla all the time.” He just grinned.
“Alicorn magic naturally resists my charms. She’s never once fallen for it.” He seemed ever so cheerful as he said that. “It’s why we’re such good friends!”
* * *
We were having a much later lunch then we planned on being it was late afternoon, but it had been worth it to make Eos happy. We watched as he happily threw his new toy around with a few other colts his age, as we ate some ice cream. I found the entire thing kinda funny really, just like a scene from a romance movie. Not that Luminare and I would ever be like that.
“See? This wasn’t so bad was it? You didn’t even have to really go on a date either.” Luminare said with a smirk. He was eating strawberry vanilla, while I had chocolate banana. According to him it was Skyla’s favorite and I could see why. The taste was heavenly. If I wasn’t so afraid of it melting, I’d be taking my time while devouring it. Everything I tasted or smelled here just seem so much more intense than it did back on earth. It had to be the pony body, or perhaps it was the fact that magic seemed to flow through just about everything. Much as I hate to admit it… I was going to miss this place.
I was taking a sip from my lemonade, which tasted just devine by the way, when I noticed Luminare giving me a knowing smirk. Great, just what had he caught me doing now?
“You don’t even realize you are doing it do you?” He said levitating his own drink to his lips. Tired of these little games, I decided to be blunt.
“What? Am I eating like a girl now? Smearing my makeup? Are you going to point out every little thing like tha-”
“No, no, not anything like that,” he said holding up a hoof. “Your cup. Look at what you are holding and your cup.” My cup? Just what the hay was he going on about? Yeah I was holding my ice cream so it didn’t fall and because it was hard for me I had to use both hooves. Except I was thirsty, so I needed to grab my drink, but, but I never let go of my ice cream which meant... My cup was floating in the air next to me!
With a sizzle the pinkish blue aura of magic vanished from said cup, allowing it to plunge toward the ground. Thankfully Luminare quickly grabbed it.
“Whoa that was a close one. You should be careful using your magic.” He grinned as he placed the cup before me again. Stunned, I simply stared at it as I realized I had picked it up with magic. MY magic! Concentrating I tried to do it again, but it didn’t even jiggle.
“I-I don’t understand, if I was, but how?”
“Oh it’s not so surprising. Haven’t you been wondering why you can walk and move like any other naturally born pony? You haven’t tripped once since going on this date.” Huh come to think of it he was right. Heck earlier this morning I was chasing Eos around the kitchen like it was nothing and then we sprinted here. How was I doing that when just this morning I had to practice walking? Forget that, how was I levitating my drink after only reading about levitation magic? I went through school once already, I’m not that fast a learner.
“W-what’s happening to me? Oh Celestia am I becoming her? Am I going to think I’m Skyla!? That I was always Skyla!?”
“Calm down!” he commanded with a hiss. “And do try to look normal before ponies get suspicious of your erratic behavior. I took the liberty of casting a sound barrier spell around us to keep our conversation private, but if you start flailing around like a loony it’s bound to attract attention, and I for one don’t want to run into those ponies again.”
“How can you just tell me to relax? Are you the one in the alien body!?” Despite my outburst I did try to keep myself calm. Those blood thirsty photographers were the last thing I needed right now.
“You aren’t being overwritten, this is just how the orb was designed.” Taking another bite of his ice cream he seemed to enjoy taking his time eating while I eagerly awaited some clarification. “You see, there is a reason your body changed into hers, and vice versa, rather than your minds simply swapping.”
I held up a hoof. “Wait, how do you know that’s how it works? Did you help create the orbs?” He shook his head.
“No, but Skyla made sure to drill all the details into my head. Honestly I didn’t think it’d actually work, well the ‘other world’ part that is. I knew the body swapping part would.” I raised my eyebrows. He took notice and shot me a cheeky grin.
“You didn’t think we didn’t test them did you? After we made sure nothing would hurt the test subjects, I got the pleasure of being Skyla for a day.” In true comedic fashion I spat my drink out. Luckily I had been facing to the side or I might have sprayed him.
“You What!?” At this outburst Eos took notice and began to head toward us, but a quick swipe of my hoof to show I was fine was enough to convince him to continue playing. Sighing in relief I turned back toward Luminare. Eos was way too young to be hearing this stuff. Wait why was that my concern?
“Well who else could she swap with?” Luminare said matter of factly, distracting me from my thoughts. “I’m the only other pony who was suppose to know anything about this, so it had to be me.”
“Huh, well that does make sense but uh… you don’t-”
“Don’t what? Appear phased? A female body isn’t anything to be afraid of. I saw it as more as some type of adventure. Really it’s why I keep saying you should just relax and go with it. After all I did.”
“O-Oh…” Wait a sec, “I thought you said you couldn't imagine how this situation was for me.”
“I don’t, you went from some creature to a pony mare. Merely swapping gender for a day wasn’t really that big a deal. I found it rather… educational.” Okay I really didn’t want to talk about this anymore.
“Alright fine, but back to the point. What’s happening to me if I’m not being overwritten?”
“Well you see, despite magic being in an abundance here, things like body swaps aren’t exactly common. Even magic has rules you must follow, and the brain is a very complicated organ. Not even Twilight Sparkle could explain to you every little detail of how it works, so it isn’t so much a stretch to conclude that you can’t just pick up a brain and drop it into another body.” He took a sip from his soda. “In fact these crystal orbs are the only way I’ve ever seen it possible, and with them comes many fail safes built in.”
“Ah, so it’s not like any unicorn can just swap his body with a Princess I’m guessing.” He shook his head.
“No, and even non unicorn ponies have some sort of magical defense to prevent that. I admit I’m not sure exactly how it works, but basically here is the deal: By changing your body to hers, and hers to yours, you can ‘swap’ bodies. The crystals are needed as the trigger and corner stone. It’s like a self writing book in a way. It jots down all the information about your body and stores it within it’s crystal pages. Then once that data is recorded it transmits it to the other orb which simply uses it to ‘draw’ over your old body persay. Like a foal placing cutouts of somepony else over a character in a story book.”
I sat there eating my own ice cream as I listened to him with rapt attention. It was kinda like learning how a computer worked. Though if I understood what he was saying correctly, that meant my crystal orb in the very saddlebag I wore held a diagram of what my body was? Or rather my old body? I decided to ask that.
“Indeed. Yours still has all the information your old body, ready to restore it once the orbs are recharged.”
“I see…” Thinking about it, didn’t that mean if I broke my crystal my body was gone for good? Now I really wished I hadn’t brought it with me, but I was just too afraid of Shining coming across it somehow.
“W-wait so if I break my orb then I’m stuck like this!?”
“Of course not.” He said with a scoff, “You realize Skyla still has an exact copy of your body right? If you break your crystal, we can simply make another and just have them swap the two bodies again.” Oh right. Man do I feel really silly now.
“Do try to be careful though, while it’s not like the crystal is made out of glass, it’s not indestructible. It took months to make them, so unless you want to be her for that long I suggest you take care of it.” Ugh, now I really wish I hadn’t brought it with me. I made a note to be extra careful.
“Anyway, as for how that translates to you using magic, it’s only a theory, but from what I can see, it’s a sound one.” I nodded not realizing I was using my magic to move my spoon to my mouth.
“I had a taste of it when Skyla and I swapped. You see when your body transforms into the other’s, all the information of how to move, walk, and even use magic have been burned into it from years of use. In short, you can run and walk because that body has been doing it for years without issue. When you stop thinking about it, the brain is able to connect to that knowledge and simply work from there. Same with magic and many other things. However since your brain itself isn’t changed, your personality isn’t overwritten. Make sense?”
I had to admit it did in some ways. I’m not sure if ‘science’ really would work like that, but this wasn’t exactly science either. It was Equestrian magic. Still, It didn’t seem possible that just because my body knew how to walk or fly, that I could just do it without the knowledge of how to do so. Then again I did figure out walking and my body seemed to just take over. I also had read up on levitation magic and here I was using it to- clank. Well, I was using it to move a spoon. I almost wished I could talk to Cadance about all this. As it was, this was likely all the information I was going to get on the subject.
“Are you satisfied with our lesson? Because if you don’t mind I’d like to stop being the teacher here and go back to trying to have a fun date with a beautiful mare.” I hated how that made me blush.
“I thought you said you wouldn’t tease me like that anymore.”
“Correct, and what I said was the truth. Skyla is a very pretty mare, so my promise is kept. So, what do you say?”
“About what? Class? Yeah, I’m good.” Luminare nodded.
“Good because it seems it’s time for little Eos to go home,” he said having dropped the sound barrier.
“What!? But I was having fun!” Eos cried even as I saw two guard ponies emerge from the crowd.
“Don’t be greedy Eos. We spent nearly the entire afternoon together, now if you don’t mind I’d like to take your sister out on a real date for once.”
“But I thought you two didn’t like that kinda stuff!” Eos protested. Despite his reluctance to go, he didn’t move away from the guards. I thought it rather mature of him actually.
“Sorry little guy.” With that Luminare leaned his head near Eos’ ear and whispered something while indicating my way. Eos didn’t look happy but he nodded.
“Okay, I’ll go with them, but promise we do this again okay? Promise!” Luminare smiled, one I could tell was genuine.
“You got it. It’s a promise.” With that Eos ran over to me and gave me a hug.
“Thanks for the gifts sis! And thanks for letting me hang with you.” Smiling I gave him a little nuzzle.
“No problem. Just remember it’s only for today.” He waved his wing at me.
“Yeah, yeah. I know. See ya at home!” After waving goodbye to the foals he had been playing with he trotted back with the guards toward the palace. I hope dad didn’t ground him or anything.
“Very well Skyla. Now that it’s just the two of us, I have a special place to show you.”
“It’s not a hotel is it?” He mocked being hurt.
“Oh Skyla do you really think I’d do that?”
“Yes.”
“Bah! I made a promise and I’ll not break it. Come on, it’s something I really do think you’ll find special, now will you just trust me?” He held out his hoof, his eyes unreadable. Much as I felt this could be a trap I did say that I trust him and I meant it. With a sigh I placed my hoof in his.
“Very well, lead the way.” Much like Eos in the toy shop, Luminare seemed all too eager to take me away. “I promise you Skyla you’re going to love this place! It’s the perfect place to end the night!”
That’s what I was afraid of. With a growing sense of dread I followed him through the city. The warmth in my body becoming more distracting with each passing second.