“Oh, ” I groan, still not completely conscious “What happened?”
“Well, I’m not completely sure.” I heard a female voice say “I have a few theories involving theoretical magic, but none of them seem to make much sense.”
My eyes snapped open, as the memories from the day prior rushed into my head. First, I was test piloting the plane, then… just light. After that is all a blur. Eyes still closed, I decided that rather than fainting again, it would be sensible to gather some more information.
“How far are we from Edwards, California?” I asked.
“Not sure where that is in relation to here, or if it even exists,” the voice said “You don’t really look like you’re from around here, no offense.”
“So I’m in Asia then, right?” I say quite stupidly.
“Well, if you meant Equestria then yes.”
Deciding that, because not much was adding up, opening my eyes might be a good decision. I can see that I’m laying on something, presumably a couch. Over to my left is a fireplace, desk, small kitchen, winged unicorn, some stairs stairs... Wait up a minute. A winged unicorn? I look back, only to confirm my fears. Standing next to me, was a creature of myth.
“Well, let’s start this over,” she said “My name is Twilight Sparkle. Best author, physicist, and chemist in Equestria.” her face starts to droop. “And, Celestia’s former student.”
I decided that staying calm was the option that the winged unicorn, Twilight, had chosen, and it would seem to be for the best.
“My name is Mike Harris,” I said “I’m a test pilot for Edwards Air Force Base in California.”
“Wait a second,” Twilight said “In all of my studies, I haven’t ever heard of a place like that.”
“It’s in the United States…” still nothing, “On Earth?” nothing still. “Maybe it would be best to ask where I am.” I say “So where am I?
“You’re in the northern regions of the Everfree forest, where I was banished to.” she said. "Times have been tough, and survival is a huge priority."
“This isn't adding up. I've never heard of the Everfree forest, but you seem well educated and kind. What happened to have you banished to a forest?” I questioned.
“I saw her when no one else could.” she said “I could see that the great evil, Nightmare Moon, would come back from her banishment on the moon.”
“What did she do to deserve that?” I said
“Nightmare started out as a kind and caring princess named Luna, who ruled over the night, while her sister Celestia ruled over the day.” she explained “But when the ponies were out and frolicking in the day, they slept away Luna’s night.”
I could see where this was going. “And Luna got angry that she was being ignored?”
“Exactly” she said, “Luna let the hate build up in her, until she turned into her alter-ego, Nightmare Moon, bent on bringing an eternal night. It broke Celestia’s heart seeing her sister like this. Rather than killing her, she gathered 6 ancient artifacts known as the Elements of Harmony to bring the good still in her back to the surface.”
“Trying to peacefully calm her down?” I ask
“She hoped.” she said, “When she encountered Nightmare with the Elements, it didn’t go well.” “Celestia was left with two choices to save Luna. Turn her to stone, or send her to the moon for a millennia.”
“Turn her own sister to stone, or send her to the moon for 1,000 years?” I ask, “Wasn’t there another way?”
“Sadly enough, no.” she explained “With much resentment, she sent Nightmare to the moon, 1,002 years ago.”
“That’s 2 years ago, ” I said, surprised “What happened then?”
“I was the only pony who saw it coming.” she said, “No one believed me. The proof was right there, but by this time everypony thought it was a fairy tale.” “Nightmare captured Celestia, and appeared during the Summer Sun Celebration, a time to enjoy Celestia’s beautiful sun.” she explained “With no princess, we were as good as dead, and Nightmare knew this.”
“Surely one pony isn’t powerful enough to conquer a whole country on her own? I questioned.
“Normally you would be right, but the Nightmare spreads,” she said “Nightmare gathered a group of brainwashed guards, and took over.” “I was banished to the north of this forest for being so close to Celestia as her student.” she said “Change is unlikely, so we need to make the best of it.”
“That’s depressing,” I said “Things like this have happened in my world plenty of times, but not to the extent of this.” "Dictators would rule over countries with extreme cruelty. Famines were common as well as wars." I explained "I lived in a country that was constantly trying to stop this, but ended up spending losing more lives in the process." "I'm no expert in this, but if I’m here I might as well make the best of it." I said "From what I've heard, your world relies very heavily on magic." "My world, had none. We created technology in place of it. The vehicle I came in is a heavily armed, extremely fast, war machine." I said, “If anyone can help you, it’s me.”
“Welcome to the Celestial Rebels Mike.” she said, “You have no idea how much your presence will be welcomed.”