*****Prologue*****
From the beginning I felt perhaps my life would have SOME kind of stability, but I knew better than that as time went on; since I became a member of the Royal Guard for the Princesses of Equestria I have had a pretty stable life...and a healthy income, but the future seems....uncertain. Where should one begin? I guess I will take a stab at a starting point....I guess I could start with 1 thing...an IMPORTANT fact, I am NOT a pony.....I was a human before this time....and this sudden change happened NOT recently but 9 months ago, It is last I checked it is now April 12, 2015. My name was NOT Bold Heart, a near Navy-blue unicorn but Jesse Edwards, I am a 22 year old Caucasian/Hispanic descent boy who by strange forces plucked, then dropped into this stranger land, at 1st I WILL say it was a shock for me.....I was uncertain what would happen to me for I was in my room on a lazy Saturday afternoon, 2nd I wondered what would happen back home? What would I do while I am here? So many things went through my mind as I tried to adapt to this new world. You would probably ask, why "Bold Heart" as my name?....well back home I was a member of a website in which I chose a username BlackHat6 because of my hobby as a Civil War Reenactor and a unit in my group had tall black hats and a "6" so there you go, so when I came here noticing the unusual names here....I thinking on my toes(hooves) came up with a name....and Bold Heart was the result; what compelled me also to change my name?
Well the answer was, by the grace of God, a suggestion from the 1st pony I encountered, the princess living in a town I came across close by, Ponyville was the town and Twilight Sparkle was her name; she suggested this after getting over the initial shock of me & my circumstances, and a round of "200 Questions", to keep my situation a secret for now before not only giving me a resting place but a residence as well. It was then also I was introduced to her friends, friends I must say DID have a spectrum of personalities; of the 5, 4 caught my attention which were Pinkie(She was the 1st for the fact she looked like she was going to have an aneurysm when she met me.....), Rarity(Out of wondering "WHAT was I wearing?" since by chance I had my clothes on me when I arrived which were my favorite Civil War T-Shirt and blue jeans; I had rings but THEY went missing as well as my shoes), then there was Rainbow Dash(she looked like she showed an interest in me...(I had to admit I liked her but only because she seemed like a fun companion to hang with)), finally Applejack(I found her to be cute).
Upon being invited into the Twilight's castle I made myself at home, Rarity 1st insisting I lose the clothes I had on me considering they looked odd on me at the moment, with the feeling being mutual after thinking it over I ditched my old clothes....the feeling was....odd...resulting in a slightly embarrassingly awkward atmosphere due to explaining why I felt it awkward to ditch my clothes even though part of me said why I should not feel this way, but I as well as the girls quickly lost the awkward feeling of me being exposed and had my clothes simply placed aside...so I did not lose them. It was after settling that I then gave my tale(no pun intended) in which I gave my life's story from Earth, the girls and dragon named Spike asked questions and I gave answers to the best of my ability; Twilight AND Rainbow took interest when I told them of a hobby I had back home, Civil War Reenacting....I was afraid though because I was not sure how they would take the story of my home country(which I talked about as well) having a brutal civil war. Regardless things became smooth as ice after that, then came eventually the idea of somepony ELSE knowing of my existence...the heads of state themselves Princess Celestia & Luna, I was cautious at first but relented to the idea and so...my journey began.....
*****Chapter 1: Royal Greeting*****
It was a calm afternoon with the sky being clear and cheerful, Twilight, her friends and I continued to walk down the street through Ponyville to the train station but along the way recapping what I said in addition to a pleasant conversation.
"So Jesse, or 'Bold Heart' is it?" Rainbow chuckled as she flew a few feet above to the right of my head.
"Rainbow! Be nice, I think Bold Heart is a charming name choice; I feel it suits you perfectly darling" Rarity remarked in response while walking to my left behind Twilight.
"Yeah yeah whatever, I am just teasing that's all; I still think it's pretty cool yet brutal what you do for a hobby dude" Rainbow said floating next to my head.
"I would say that it sounds pretty detailed and a interesting topic to read about, I trust there are books on this?" Twilight asked.
"Of course Twilight, something like this has plenty of books; hundreds of them...I even have a Collectors Set that has images of the photos taken at the time of the war, be warned though...some are gruesome" I responded toward her.
"Oooo!! I understand that, I am sure that the images are gory since it was a civil war after all; but I wish I could have those!!" Twilight said with enthusiasm and understanding.
"Yeah books are okay but I like action, I would like to watch it happen then read about it" Rainbow said now walking next to me.
"I would have to pass, I am sure it would be a spectacle to see...but I have a low tolerance to....blood...." Rarity said trying to be polite.
"Oh no there is not blood, this is like a giant show like on a stage in a theater but with an open field as the stage; the only blood would be if one is not careful and hurts themselves on something" I assured her.
"But you might want to bring ear plugs....HA! The hobby is a LOUD one...since we are using REAL black powder and REAL firearms & cannons; well actually modern made in some cases....the cannons though most are originals." I added.
"Really? loud noises?" Fluttershy asked, "Cannons! I heard cannons!!" Pinkie said bouncing, "Like my Party cannon?"Pinkie asked in addition after then pulling a blue cannon out of nowhere.
"Uh...not likely Pinkie....though they are fired by pulling a string" I said in response, with that Pinkie made the thing vanish as soon as it appeared; ~weird~ I thought.
"Yes Fluttershy it is full of them so if too much for you I would promise you that it is mild for the viewer, it is LOUDER for the one doing the performing" I comforted her.
"What I liked was this involves a lot of moving and heavy physical activity there" Applejack spoke up.
"THAT is does AJ, it is not for the faint of heart and non-physical type; you and RD would get a kick out of it" I said.
"I would imagine that would be the case" AJ replied.
"How much do you know about exactly about this conflict?" Twilight asked.
"Enough on some things, details about certain battles; details for the sake of the sensitive I will spare for now....but I thank you all for showing interest in my passion" I replied, "That seems fair, thank you I will ask about that later then, and you are welcome; that's because you show great passion" Twilight said.
The walk went on for the rest of the journey without a word said and soon we arrived at the train station, while Twilight was purchasing tickets I was sitting waiting....but I felt nervous, ~What was going to happen?~ I thought, ~What were the Princesses going to do.....?~
My train of thought was interrupted by the train but before that Rarity tapped me on my shoulder and with a look of care & concern asked, "You alright darling? You seem...'distressed'".
"I am fine....just nervous....I partially hope they could maybe return me home, but part of me wants to stay....what do you think about that?" I asked.
"I think you are just unnerved by the idea of meeting the Princesses that's all" Rarity said giving me a light hug, smiling I said "Thanks Rarity, I needed that...you ARE the Element of Generosity, but I think you could double as Kindness too..."
Rarity blushed profusely as a response and asked while flicking her hoof at me, "Are you always a charmer....?"
"When it calls for it; and when I mean it...which is ALL the time" I replied.
"I see....well I am sure THAT kind of charm has gotten you a mare-friend as we would say has it? You do look handsome for a stallion, I am sure as your true self you would look still handsome" Rarity says with a sly expression.
I then say in response "I thank you for the compliment but I am afraid not sadly....I am without that...my luck with that is poor actually" I said with a somber look.
"OH.....I am sorry....well if you return home I will pray for your fortunes to improve sweetheart and that a girl looks your way" Rarity said putting her hoof on my shoulder looking at me with that soft expression again.
"Thank you...I appreciate the gesture Rarity" I said warmly.
"Of course darling, prayer is a powerful thing; nothing more powerful...not even magic" Rarity said confidently.
"That sounds very familiar to what my mother says, just by chance what is your belief here?" I asked interestedly.
"We here on Equus believe in a belief called, 'The Way'; in which we are called 'Way Seekers'" Rarity explained.
"Really? That sounds familiar too; elaborate if you can" I asked nicely.
The train soon pulled in in which Rarity said, "I'll explain on the way"
"Alright, I can wait" I said as our group began to board. The train was rumbling onward toward the capital of Equestria, Canterlot; along the way Rarity continued to explain the belief known as "The Way", as she explained I found out it was the same as MY belief...Christianity, and upon further talking found out that was what it was but different for obvious reasons, where humans wore the Cross, here they wore "The Fish" or "Ichthus" as it is really called...like the early church; this was all well and good but...could this perhaps have something to do with me being here? Only time and the Princesses could tell. It was while on the way a little more about myself was discussed such as my family, their occupations, and other details about my world; I spared some details but explained others with mixed results.
"So Twilight, you think the Princesses would be understanding of me? Or also would be get me home?" I asked as I watched the passing scenery.
"I would think so Jesse; also if unable to return you, then I think we could find a way a make yourself comfortable while you are here, maybe even get you a job to make a living here" Twilight said.
"I would like that very much Twi...I-I mean...your highness" I said with a light bow.
"Please, you do not need to call me that; 1st: you are not a subject of Equestria, 2nd: I am more casual than you think in which I am not overly fond of that title...except for certain occasions" Twilight replied blushing a little.
"I like to be proper, that is why; but if you like your name more then I will call you that instead" I said with an awkward smile.
"Thanks, I appreciate that; but like that you are so formal, that is a nice thing to be" Twilight complimented.
"My upbringing has some part to do with that" I replied looking off to the side with a blush.
"Nonetheless this will be great, since you are going to meet with the Princesses; though from our knowledge of them they too are informal as well, but always good to be on your guard" Rarity suggested.
"That I will do, since they are who they are and making a good impression is important; beside...from what you say about them....plus what I know about them.....thanks to cosmic coincidence of your world existing through fantasy in my world, this is all helpful for me" I said looking a little less nervous.
"Don't worry Jesse, you will do fine; Celestia & Luna will find this amazing above anything else" Twilight said moving over to the seat next to me.
"That I am gaining confidence in, but still....I wonder why I was brought here...it could be for any reason" I said in thought.
"All the reason to keep an open mind on this, there is always a purpose behind things...even little things" Fluttershy said laying on her seat while Pinkie sat there looking distracted as I think she is most of the time *chuckle* that funny mare. ~I wonder what this means....God....why am I here?....ha....I think I will learn soon....~.
The train was now rumbling into Canterlot at 3:30PM, I have to say...1 of a few things I loved about Equestria, is that steam locomotives reigned supreme; not a single diesel in sight! *sigh* I hope it stays that way here...another thing was the trains also looked nothing like in the show more over like the trains in Britain.
"Well here we are! Canterlot!!" Twilight said as we made our way off the train with to Twilight's chagrin ponies moving aside and bowing as she made her way through, regardless we were all on the platform and soon making our trip to the Capitol (the actual residence of the government and the Princesses themselves) and the journey was uneventful to say the least; but along the way I could not help but take in the sights of the Equine Nation's capital.
The capital was stunning I have to say....the show falls short on the grace and beauty of the city....but as much as enjoyed looking at the city, the journey was soon drawing to an end as we finally made our way into the keep, we now were standing at the stairs in the greeting area while a guard called by Twilight ran off to inform the royal sisters of our presence. The wait was not long and soon the single royal sisters came into view...O_O....oh my Lord!! Again the show fails in capturing details of this world,including the ones ruling a nation in it. Their beauty was very disarming....far more than I was prepared for; nonetheless I held firm as difficult as it was...truly this was an experience I will remember...especially since I had an unfortunate crush on the younger dark coated Princess Luna....~oh boy....this could be problematic....~
"Twilight! Lovely to see you here! What brings you to Canterlot?" Celestia said warmly.
"Well Princess you see we are here because of him" Twilight said pointing at me, I could not help but tense up when Celestia and Luna's eyes fell on me.
"Ah...and who is this handsome stallion?" Celestia said walking closer to me with Luna in tow; as the two Princesses approached I stood there and for all my worth tried to maintain my composure in the faces of these images of regal beauty.
"Surely you do not mean me do you?" I said...'big mistake' as soon as those words left my lips the Princesses laughed.
"WELL!! Aren't you modest? SO besides being modest and handsome what is the story behind him?" Celestia asked recovering from her laughing looking at me with greater interest.
"He is not from around here as in not from Equus, but from another planet; and we want to know if it is possible to send him home or not?" Twilight said walking over to me.
"Not from Equus you say?" Luna asks moving to inspect me.
"Where did he come from Twilight?" Celestia asked.
"From a planet called 'Earth'" It was then the 2 royals looked at me with shock...I just stood there as they looked me over together, "'Earth'? Are you sure?" Celestia asked.
"Yes Celestia as he said..." Twilight confirmed.
"Huh....and he has an unusual Cutie Mark too....that I feel is something of merit as proof..." for the record when I removed my clothes it happened to find a mark glaring back at me...the mark I will admit I found ironically appropriate; the mark was a classic style shield, on it was 7 Red & White stripes going down the shield, and a blue covering the top decorated with 3, 5 pointed white stars; as patriotic as I am this seemed like a cosmic nod to my personality.
"Let me scan in addition to see for sure...it is not because do not believe this, I just wish to check; PLUS it might help me in knowing if he can be returned" Celestia said lowing her horn to mine.
It took a few seconds before Celestia's head reeled back sharply and said with a shocked looked, "You are correct Twilight!"
"He is not of our world...." Celestia said in addition.
I soon looked up and asked, "So, what is the verdict? Can you send me home?"
"After scanning you I have the 'verdict'...I cannot send you home; I am sorry mister..." Celestia said sadly.
"'Jesse'" I said to inform her.
"'Jesse Edwards' your Majesty" "But I for the sake of blending chose the name, 'Bold Heart'...for reasons" I said blushing slightly looking a little off side.
"I see...*giggles* well Jesse 'Bold Heart', as I said I am sorry I could do nothing for you, if there is anything I can do for you though, do not hesitate to ask me" Celestia informed.
"I see...well then I guess back to Ponyville, since we have gotten my answer; I thank you for your assistance Your Majesty, I am unsure what I could ask of you for what can or could ask from you?" I said with a grateful expression.
"Well....Celestia he is looking for a job and he may like if okay...The Royal Guard?" Twilight suggested.
"Twilight, why do you think the Guard is a job option for him?" Celestia asked looking intrigued.
"Well he may not think it matters but I would think it might be worth working off of, you see Princess he had a hobby back on Earth....a 'unique' hobby; he was a Reenactor of a war of his Nation's past...in which he portrays a soldier, with a rank of a private but a soldier, so I thought maybe a 'soldier' or Guard in this case he might find a appropriate choice...at least that would be my guess...." Twilight said.
Celestia stood there for a moment and looked deep in thought as she stood there, after taking a moment she took a breath and finally spoke.
"Very well Twilight, I will let him enlist in the Guard; BUT it will be a test, as is the case when enlisting....I recommend he find a normal job as a fall back, should he fail to pass the recruitment process" Celestia said like it was a proclamation.
"I think that is fair, I shall do so upon returning to Ponyville" I said to Celestia.
"BUT I insist you stay for the day here Jesse...excuse me, Bold Heart" Celestia invited.
"Really? Thank you, I think I will...Canterlot looks amazing anyways, I was wanting to look around the moment of arrival" I replied.
It was then that Luna spoke suggesting that she give me a tour of the city to which I was to be honest...surprised, ~Oh boy it just got worse....now she is giving me the grand tour!~
"I would be honored to be given the tour by you Princess Luna" I said lightly bowing.
"Tis nothing Bold Heart, T'would be my pleasure with the honors being mine for you are a visitor from another world not just a visitor to Equestria and its capital" Luna beamed with I will admit an adorable smile.
"Thank you! I am at a loss for words" ~What did I just do?!...I am getting a tour with the mare I have a crush on!!!....Oh boy.....~
"You are most welcome sir, come let us begin" Luna said as we then began a walk through 1st the castle.
TO BE CONTINUED.