I awoke slowly to the feel of something cold against my face. My head was spinning, and I felt a strange tingling all over my body. Though it was most strongly felt in my hands, feet, and sides. Opening my eyes, I found my vision to be blurred horribly, but I could make out what looked to be a large, dark room. The light wasn't very bright, but there was enough of it to see that I was alone, wherever I was.
I tried to remember how I had gotten here. It was all very fuzzy, but I remembered being in my grandmothers attic. I had been helping her clean all afternoon. She had left to get dinner, but I stayed behind. I found an old mirror tucked away in the back of the attic. It was taller than I was, and looked to be older than anything else in my grandmothers possession. I went over to it to make sure I didn't have any bugs in my hair, but then what...
I groaned as I struggled to remember what had happened. After a moment, I gasped. The mirror had fallen on me! It came loose from its mountings and landed right on top of me. Then nothing, until I found myself here...
"H-hello?" I called out.
I winced as the sound of my own voice pierced into my head like a gunshot. I gave a tentative shake of my head to sooth the headache I now found myself subject to and tried to stand up. I rose to my feet, and abruptly fell over forwards. Reflexively, I shot my hands out before me and landed rather softly upon them with a pair of hollow clunks. Even in the dim light, I could tell something was wrong with my hands. The tingling I felt when I had first woken up had vanished from them, but something still seemed very off. I raised my hand to my face to better see it and gasped audibly at what I saw. My hand wasn't a hand at all. It was a slim, fuzzy arm that ended in what was clearly a hoof. A strong sense of panic swelled up from deep within the pit of my stomach and I slammed my new found hoof down onto the floor with a resounding clomp. I checked my other hand over quickly and found it to be the same as the first, a hoof. I shot a glance behind myself and realized instantly why I had had trouble standing in the first place. My back legs were misshapen and nothing at all like what I had grown up with. If I didn't know any better, I'd almost think I was looking at the rear end of a horse. Looking back as I was, I also found the source of the light. It was coming from a very tall frame. The frame looked almost exactly the same as the one that bordered my grandmothers mirror. Only this one seemed significantly taller and older. The very frame itself seemed to glow faintly, and as I crept towards it to get a better look, I caught sight of an odd creature staring back at me from the other side. The creature resembled a small horse, but with rounder features and much larger eyes. It was too dark to make out any real details, but it looked to be a light gray or silver in color.
I'd always been good with animals, and I'd never really found one that wouldn't like me, so I reflexively called out to it. There wasn't anyone else around anyways, so I might as well take a little comfort in the presence of this... Pony?
I stretched my hand out towards him slowly and spoke softly. "Hey there little guy, where'd you-" I began, but I paused almost instantly as I caught the pony repeating my gesture a little too perfectly. I put my hoof down slowly, and watched as the pony did the same.
"No way..." I said in hushed disbelief.
As I repeatedly raised and lowered my front hooves, I realized with no small degree of confusion that the frame I was looking at, was in fact a mirror. And that the creature I thought was standing beyond it, was in fact, me. I had no idea how I had changed into this new form, but I wasn't in the mood for a game like this.
I moved to pinch myself, figuring this must be some twistedly realistic dream, but I found myself unable to do that simple action as I no longer had any fingers. Frowning at my hoof, I did the next best thing. I raised my arm and I bit myself. Due to my rising adrenaline, I bit myself a great deal harder than I had actually intended to and I yelped out in a mix of surprise and pain.
Shaking my now throbbing arm, I noticed a shadow on either side of my new found reflexion and tensed. I shot a startled glare to my left and found myself momentarily at a loss for words. Rising out of my side, was a large, fully feathered wing. Checking my other side over, I found a second. Not only did I find myself in a strange place, with a strange new body, I also had wings!
"Okay, what the heck's going on here..." I said aloud, a large frown growing on my face. I had never been one to really freak out about anything. I always managed to keep my cool when the situation called for it, and though this was a very odd circumstance, I would handle it the same.
I forced myself to sit down and took in a deep breath to calm myself. As I sat on that cold floor, I came to a rather awkward realization. I was naked. I had fur, or fine hair, or whatever it was covering me, but my clothes were gone. Reflexively, I crossed my legs and felt the rising warmth creep over my face as a heavy blush heated it so hot, I thought I might set my skin on fire.
It took me some time to collect myself, but eventually I rose to my new feet and set to looking for a way out of this room. I tried to rise my hind legs and walk like I was used to, but I found moving like that to be incredibly awkward, and I was none too graceful. So with no small degree of disapproval, I dropped to all fours and began exploring the room like that. It was easier to walk on all fours, but it still felt odd and very wrong. Especially considering I was naked.
Eventually, the dim light led me to what seemed to be a large door. I reached a hoof up and felt around for a handle, but I couldn't find one. Groaning in frustration, I dropped my head against the door. With a soft creak, the door opened slightly. Pale moonlight streamed into the room and I looked to the door in surprise. Pushing it open a little more, I poked my head out and found a long corridor stretching out in either direction. I couldn't see a soul, and aside from my own breathing, there wasn't a sound to be heard either.
'Well that's not creepy at all...' I thought with a frown.
Quietly, I crept out into the corridor. Seeing no difference between one way or the next, I just went left. I crept down the corridor until I came to a junction with large windows that reached down to the floor. I peered through the nearest one and saw what looked to be a sprawling city with vast fields beyond. I couldn't make out any of the finer details with how dark it was, but even in the dark I could tell that this city was nothing like I had ever seen before.
Checking my surroundings again, I still couldn't see or hear anyone else. With an irritated sigh, I continued past the junction and continued my search. There had to be answers somewhere in this place, I just had to find them.
Eventually, I came across a long corridor lined with doors on either side. To my favor, the handles were all lever shaped. So even fingerless like I was, I didn't have too big an issue with fumbling them open. The room beyond looked like it was used primarily for storage. There were tables, boxes, and several statues standing about in no apparent order. Everything in the room had thin white sheets draped over them, likely to keep dust from settling.
"Perfect." I whispered to myself.
I crept over to the nearest statue and gently pulled the sheet off of it. I tried to use my hooves at first, but eventually, I had to resort to using my mouth. Using the new found dexterity of my neck, I draped the sheet over my back in an attempt to cover myself as best I could. My wings were twitching erratically and for the life of me I couldn't get them to stop. But after a few minutes, I finally managed to secure the sheet in place.
Now, even though I was still alone in this strange place, I felt at least a little relieved at no longer being naked.
There was little else in the room that could have been of use to me, so I headed back out into the hall to resume my search once again.
Closing the door behind me, I caught the first sound of something other than myself. A sound like that of a soft plodding of hooves in the distance.
My heart rate spiked at the sound. At least I knew I wasn't alone here. I crept down the hall towards what I assumed was the source of the sound.
Coming to yet another of many corners, I finally caught sight of another living creature.
At the far end of the hall I was now looking down, I saw of a pair of creatures that looked very much the same as I had discovered that I now looked. One was a pony in armor, white a with blue mane. The other was a slightly smaller pony, only this one was green. The armored pony seemed to be leading the green one somewhere.
I had planned to follow them, but a rather abrupt "Ahem," startled me to the point I nearly lept head long into the wall.
After my initial moment of adrenaline, I shot a reflexive glare behind me at the source of my fright.
There stood yet another pony, in yet another color variant. This one was a dark purple color, with a mane that looked to be quite literally made up of stars. Like the form I now possessed, this pony had wings. Unlike myself however, this one also had a long dark horn protruding from its forehead.
"Tell us stranger, why is it you wear a dusting sheet?" Her voice was authoritative, but not intimidating. It also sounded soft, and clearly feminine.
It took me a moment to gather myself enough to speak. I had been rather startled by her, and the fact a pony was talking to me was no easy thing to just dismiss. "Uhh..." I began, but the black pony spoke again, cutting me off.
"We have been aware of your presence for some time now, stranger. The night is our domain. Why have you come here, and why have you not departed."
She stared at me with large piercing eyes and I took an involuntary step back as I met her gaze. I chuckled out of nerves and gave a dumbfounded shrug. "To be honest, I have no idea how I even got here. Let alone how to return." I wasn't sure if she'd believe me or not, but when met with a gaze like that, it's usually best to just be honest.
"Did you not attempt to pass back through the Mirror of Worlds once you had found yourself here?" She asked, a slight rise in her brow.
"Pass through the mirror?" I repeated. The image of my grandmothers mirror falling on me flashed in my mind and I raised my head in realization. "Is that how I got here!? When that mirror fell on me in the attic?"
"We do not know the details of your coming to this world, but we do know the Mirror of Worlds is the gateway. Follow, and we shall return you to your own world."
I felt a rather large wave of relief wash over me, and though this was a very unique adventure, I was very much ready for it to be over. "Thank you very much."
The dark pony nodded and started back down the hall, towards the room I had first found myself in.
I wasn't sure if I should talk or not. This dark pony held an air of authority about her and I didn't want to annoy her, but I was also just as curious as I was confused. Taking a breath, I ask the first of many questions that raced about in my mind.
"So, uh... Where am I exactly?" I asked as tentatively as I could.
"You find yourself in the land of Equestria, in the royal palace of Canterlot," The pony said, "Home to the Princesses Celestia and Luna."
I couldn't help but frown at myself. Even though I had no real choice in the matter, finding myself in a palace and then sneaking around it was definitely a stupid move.
"So, is there no King or Queen?" I asked.
"No. Only the title of Princess is used here."
"Oh." That seemed a little odd to me, but whatever. I was being told this by a talking horse, so I couldn't really do much else other than roll with it now. "I hope me winding up here doesn't bother these Princesses of yours too much... I am very sorry if it did."
A slight smirk crept on to the dark pony's face and she shook her head slightly. "We are certain that the Princesses are not bothered by your accidental intrusion."
"That's good," I said with a chuckle, "I'd hate to upset a Princess I'd never even met."
"Indeed." The dark pony said, her smirk still present on her lips.
After a few minutes, we found ourselves back at the room I had first found myself in. The door was still open and my guide walked right in. I followed behind, eager to return home. Inside, I saw the mirror once again. Its frame was still glowing faintly, but as the other pony entered the center of the room, a series of candles burst to life.
Light quickly flooded the room, and I now saw a great many things strewn about on pedestals. It looked like an antiques collection room and I immediately knew better than to try and touch anything.
"Your way home lies here." The pony said, nodding her horn towards the mirror. "Simply step through the mirror you see before you, and you will find yourself in your own world once more."
"Really?" I said, more surprised at the ease of the journey back than anything.
The dark pony chuckled softly and nodded again. "Yes."
I walked up to the mirror and paused before it. In the new light, I could see myself much more clearly than before. I was a pale sheen of silver. With darker gray accenting on my nose and hooves. I looked ridiculous in the sheet I was wearing, but even though this other pony didn't have anything on, I still felt I should be covered.
"Well, thank you for the help," I said, bowing my head slightly as I always did when thanking someone, "This was definitely an... Experience."
"I am certain it was." The dark pony said.
She fell silent after that, so I took it to mean that it was time for me to go. I wasn't sure how to go about walking through a mirror, so I just closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I stepped forward, and was abruptly met with an unforgivingly solid surface. I stepped back and shook my head as a throbbing pain pulsed through my forehead.
"That hurt." I groaned with a frown. I glanced at the mirror and felt my stomach knot. There was a cascade of cracks strewn about the entirety of its surface. "Oops..." I gasped. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to break-" My own words trailed off as I saw the countless cracks begin to recede and slowly vanish, returning the mirror back to perfect condition.
"Oh dear..." The dark pony said, "This is most unfortunate..."
"What is it?" I asked, "What's the matter? Did I do something wrong?"
"It would seem that the mirror you used to come to this world, has been shattered," she said, "As such, there is no longer a way to return you to your world." She lowered her head slightly and looked at me apologetically.
My heart dropped at her words and I found myself momentarily speechless. "Y-you're kidding..." I finally managed to get out, "But... There has to be some way, right!? I mean, this thing was made somehow, so can't it just be made again?"
"Unfortunately, it cannot." She replied. "The creator of this magic has long since passed. I am afraid you are stuck here."
My hind end dropped to the floor and I just sat there, rather dumb-struck by what I had just been told. My friends, family, books, games, even my cat. I'd never get to see any of them again? All because of some stupid mirror? I was not pleased in the least, but I did my best not to get angry. I could vent when I was alone. In the meantime though, I had no idea what I was going to do with myself. I knew nothing of this Equestria place, and even less about my new self. I had no friends to call on, no money, and home.
"I don't know what to do..." I finally said with a sigh.
"Seeing as you cannot return to your world, you will be permitted to remain here in the Palace until you so choose to leave." The dark pony said softly.
I shrugged halfheartedly. "That's kind of you, but what if your Princesses don't share your opinion? This is their home after all..."
The dark pony smiled and rose up regally. "I am Princess Luna. Keeper of the night, and master of the moon. And I say that you are welcome."
I was dumb-struck again. This was one of the Princesses? Leave it to me to not notice, and to talk to her like she's a normal everyday person. I'm certain that the wideness of my eyes made my surprise crystal clear to her, and after a decent moment of pause, I managed to at last speak again.
"Uhh.... Thank you very much, your Highness?" I tried to move to a more respectful stance, but my legs refused to work at the moment. It seems I was still in slight shock at finding out I'd never be able to go home.
"You may address me as Luna." Luna said amused, "And what name to you go by?"
"Uhh... Chris." I said.
"Chris?" Luna repeated thoughtfully. She stared at me rather intently for a moment, then spoke again. "That is an odd name. Very unlike our names here in Equestria."
I shrugged. I wasn't sure how to reply to that.
"Would you mind standing before the Mirror of Worlds once more?" She asked, "We wish to see where you are from."
I didn't understand, but I did as she asked. I got to my feet and stood in front of the mirror. Again, I saw the silvered pony I had become.
"This will only take a moment." Luna said. She leaned her head towards the mirror and tapped it with her horn. In response, the entire surface of the mirror pulsed with a strange purple hue.
A moment later, I watched in awe and relief as my reflection shifted to show me as I should be, human. I looked exactly as I had been earlier that night. Blue jeans, a black t-shirt and boots.
"I'm back to normal!" I gasped, stepping closer to the mirror. As I stepped forwards however, I felt my heart wrench as I heard the soft clop of a hoof. I looked down in dismay as I realized that I was still a pony. I glanced at Luna, rather depressed and she bowed her head slightly.
"We apologize," she said softly, "It was not our intention to confuse you. We merely desired to see the world in which you come from. Now that we know, we can determine how best to help you to adjust."
I sighed and looked longingly at my old reflection.
"Due to the nature of your predicament," Luna continued softly, "We would offer a different name for you while you reside here, if you wish it. One of a less exotic nature. Though the choice is ultimately yours to make."
I shrugged, now more depressed than ever and said "Alright." After all, what was I going to do? Say no to an offer from a Princess? I had no idea of the customs or policies here. And I had no desire to offend royalty.
"Then we would call you... Silver Wing," Luna said thoughtfully, "A fitting name for any Pegasus."
I had no idea, but I smiled and thanked her for my new name none the less.
"Come, we will find you a room to call your own," Luna said, starting back towards the door, "You are no doubt in need of rest."
Princess Luna led me silently through the darkened halls of the palace. I saw next to no one as we walked, except for a pair of armored ponies that seemed to be standing watch outside a pair of large doors. They bowed respectfully at Luna, who in turn nodded her head in acknowledgment as we passed.
The palace seemed to be unending in its layout. There always seemed to be more doors around every corner. And for every hall we passed, two more seemed to branch off from their ends.
As I was working up the courage to ask this Princess how much farther our destination was, she stopped and gestured to a door.
"This will serve as your room so long as you wish to remain here in Canterlot." She said, nodding her head in a slight bow.
"Thank you very much Princess.. Err, Luna." I said slowly.
She smiled and much to my surprise, I could have sworn I saw a shimmer of purple light creep along her horn. The shimmer was gone as soon as it had appeared though, and a faint click from nearby drew my attention to the door.
It was open now, but how? She hadn't touched it. At least, not that I had seen anyways.
"How did you...?" I mumbled my thought aloud.
"All will be explained in time," Luna said reassuringly, "For now, rest."
"Alright..." I said, though I still wanted to know how she had opened the door.
She motioned for me to enter the room, and I obliged.
Walking in, I found myself in a large room. There was a very large bed in the center, with a soft rug beneath. A few shelves lined the walls with books and other assorted items filling them. And a massive window took up most of the back wall. Drawn to what lay beyond, I walked over to the window and once more saw the sprawling city and grasslands beyond. I seemed to be in one of the upper sections of the palace, so I had a grand view. It didn't seem real. I was cleaning an attic an hour ago. And now I was in some strange new world with talking ponies and magic mirrors.
"Rest now," I heard Luna say softly from behind me, "We will summon you at dawn for breakfast."
I barely heard her, too lost in my own mind. It was a bad habit of mine, zoning out like that, but it always helped me to think more clearly in the long run.