Allan sat, fidgeting in the train car as it made it’s way along the winding track through the mountain path to Canterlot. Why the castle had been built onto the side of a mountain was a question that Allan had yet to find an answer to, but it was one that he wanted to hear. The history books that Twilight had given him had been broad, not deep, in regards to it’s subject matter, describing only that, after “Nightmare Moon’s banishment”, Celestia had led her ponies to the mountain, and began the construction of a new city.
Looking out towards the steadily enlargening castle, Allan could not help feeling a little glad that he was the only changeling present. After all, no need for everyone to know exactly how nervous he was.
“Relax Allan.” Fluttershy’s voice startled him, and he barely managed to keep himself from yelling at her for startling him. “You’ll be fine.”
“Yeah, you’ve got nothing to worry about.” Rainbow said, nonchalantly batting a tiny stormcloud between her front hooves, something Twilight definitely seemed to disapprove of. Not that Dash cared all that much. The little tuft of water vapour was perfectly controlled, even in the rocking train car. “The Princesses are both pretty cool.” The pegasus had managed to wheedle her way out of Wonderbolt training, in order to give Allan all the support he needed. Not that she was
Providing much, but Allan wasn’t going to complain.
Applejack had tipped her hat forward over her eyes and fallen asleep some time ago, while Rarity sat nearby, a frown on her face as she noticed a line of drool start dribbling down the farmpony’s face. No doubt she was possessed by the desire to wake AJ up and force her to clean her face. AJ’s snores were surprisingly soft, and were easily ignored by all.
Twilight once again had her nose in her notes, quill hovering in the air as she ran numerous calculations based on what they already knew about Alan's world, the portal, and various other important pieces of information. Pinkie sat next to her, munching away on pre-packed snacks as she played her pet Alligator, (Allan failed to see why she had even brought him.) Gummy, at a game of Chess. Though nopony had seen the Alligator move the pieces, Pinkie Pie seemed to be losing. Spike
Watched the game with minimal interest, sticking instead with his comic book.
With Fluttershy there, comforting him, Allan managed to keep himself calm. He offered Fluttershy a quick smile, allowing himself to soak up some of her love. He was glad that she loved all her friends. It made getting enough emotional energy so much easier for him.
Still, his worries continued to plague him, and her kind words, though they were greatly appreciated, did little for him.
The light from outside vanished, as the mountainside swallowed the train with a powerful rush of air. Allan sucked in a breath as the light outside dimmed to pure darkness. The ride was smoother in the tunnel, but as they travelled through it, the train lurched as the wheels hit something that wasn’t track. Every last occupant of their car flew off their seats, and all
Save one landing on the floor with very audible smacking sounds.
Surprisingly, the only pony to hit the ground on all four hooves, was Applejack, whose previously peaceful sleep was now replaced with amusingly groggy alarm. “Huh? Whu- What in the hay just happened?”
Allan managed to flip himself back upright, as Rainbow shook her head. “The train hit something on the track, that’s all.”
“Oh, is everypony okay?”
“What do you think?” Rainbow quipped as she stretched her back out, resulting in a view clicking noises from her vertebrae. “Sleepyhead.”
Applejack looked ready to retort, but then light flooded through the compartment, momentarily blinding the ponies, the dragon and the changeling. Allan blinked repeatedly to get his sight to return, before finally getting to see the capital of Equestria up close for the first time.
The entire city was fashioned of pearly white stone and metal, gleaming gold and purple highlights, with mild blue paving slabs that served as the ground in this city suspended above air. The entire place shone with a splendor that no city on Earth could have replicated. Ever wall was pristine and no trace of mud lingered on the sidewalk for more than a few seconds, quickly being erased by some cleaning enchantment. Alan's mouth was hanging wide open as he stared, flabbergasted, at the beauty before him. Towering columns of hollow stone stood proudly and defiantly against nature’s wrath, their elegant, domed and pointed peaks shining brightly in the light of the shimmering sun on high. No city could ever match this one in elegance and beauty.
Ponies trotted about outside, and Allan quickly shifted shape before any of them spotted him. Unlike Ponyville, where clothing was only rarely seen, these ponies practically strutted about in regal and fancy clothes, with more varied styles of suits, dresses and accessories than Allan had ever before seen. Allan could have sworn he saw a few wearing products of Rarity’s handi- no, hoofwork, among the masses.
“Allan, are you coming?” Fluttershy asked, standing with the others by the door. Allan grinned, before dropping off of his seat and trotting easily over.
*********************
The girls each took great delight in showing Allan some of their favourite places in the city, with Rarity showing off her second boutique, Fluttershy taking Allan to a neat little pet shop that took great care of it’s many inhabitants, with each animal given more than enough space to feel comfy and relax. Twilight showed, or tried to show him, every library and bookstore she had visited during her foalhood (which would be all of them!), but by then, the young stallion had caught sight of their destination.
While the city itself was the epitome of elegance, the castle took it up to eleven. Ever spire looked like it was carved from daylight, and the gold and purple highlights were stunning additions. On many of the visible windows, there were flower boxes, and Allan knew from his friends descriptions that the actual garden was a sight all of it’s own.
Half an hour later, after a little more sightseeing, the group approached the castle, with Twilight at the front. She produced an official seal, her own, which a replica of her cutie-mark in burnished gold, hanging from a chain. The guards proceeded to check each if her friends, one by one, before they came to Allan. Before they could cast the Changeling reveal spell, Twilight held up her hoof.
“No need to check. I can confirm that Allan is, in fact…” Allan dropped his disguise at the predetermined words. “A Changeling. He is here under the invite of Princess Celestia, as proven by this letter.”
The guards hesitantly took the proffered piece of paper, scrutinizing it to the last detail. At last they nodded, standing to let the group pass. As Allan was about to cross, though, the guard to his right stepped in his way.
“Proceed. But be warned, bug. Any funny business and you’ll have a hundred guards on you in moments.” He said, voice a low growl.
Allan nodded, eyes wide and lip quivering. The guard moved off to the side again, and Allan very quickly put as much distance between himself and the guards as possible...without looking like that’s what he was doing.
The entire exchange had taken moments, and Allan had to catch up to the group, though they were so caught up in their own excitement that none of them noticed Allan get delayed.
******************
Allan was pacing. Rarity’s immaculately designed and fabricated suit fit perfectly, but Allan was too nervous to notice the smart, crisp lines of the suit and overcoat, or the intense, azure blue waistcoat and deep blue tie cinched around his neck.
Rarity herself was glad in an elegant, frilly blue gown that looked, to Allan, far too big. To one side of her sat a parcel, containing her dress for Princess Celestia. On her opposite side, sat Applejack. Applejack had a much fancier version of her hat on, apple patterns embroidered onto the rim, coupled with a western inspired dress that somehow managed to make tassels look good. It was a lovely brown and green affair, with red, stitched apples that made the dress pop. Twilight was in a ball-style gown, complete with her signature stars, the cloth a mix of pale blues and faint orange, like the hints of dawn in the morning. Rainbow was… actually looking rather nice in a short, spunky looking dress that was coloured to mirror her mane, coupled with violet… were those supposed to be Equestria’s version of gloves?
Allan wasn’t sure. Either way, they looked nice on her.
Pinkie’s was just as vibrant as she was, and energetic to boot. A bright red thing, accented with green, and oh so poofy.
It was his landlady whose appearance drew his eye though. A delicate shade of soft green and highlighted with the same bright pink as her mane, her dress was stunning, or rather, she was. A carefully crafted tiara, fashioned to resemble a wreath of flowers sat on her head, and while the fabric of the dress was relatively plain, it was layered in three tiers of transparency. And Fluttershy looked adorable in it.
Still, Allan was worried. He paced. And paced. And paced some more. None of the others said anything. At this point, he was oblivious to what they had to say, so there was no point.
“Allan Ryder. Your Royal Majesties, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna will see you now.”
The voice of the courts announcer jerked Allan back to reality, as his mouth attempted to twist up on itself in fear. Fluttershy’s reassuring pat on the back forced that panic back, if only a little, allowing him to breathe. He breathed in, then out, then in again, and out again. Stiff legged, he marched towards the door, which was opened by the two guards on either side. Flickers of distrust hovered about them.
The hall inside was huge, borderline cavernous, and was bordered with ornate pillars and stained-glass windows, depicting the various landscapes of Equestria. The floor was so white it shone, mirror-like in its purity, and was divided in two by a long length of incredibly soft, deep pink and magenta coloured carpet, that stretched from the door, all the way to the new pair of thrones that sat at the far end, on top of a tiered gold platform. Sun, moon and star motifs were ever present, with a few hearts thrown in for good measure. Allan could tell they were new, because neither of the Princesses sat on top of them seemed all that used to them yet.
Speaking of the Princesses, the Alicorn’s were the two largest ponies he had seen. The deep blue Alicorn sitting on the right hand throne snuck in a quick wave to Allan as the changeling entered, and he felt a little calmer. At least Luna seemed to be okay with him.
Princess Celestia sat, regal, large, elegant and imposing all being good descriptions for her, with her great height, long sharp horn and flowing, ethereal mane making her every inch the enigmatic ruler. Not that Luna didn’t have those things, but she seemed more… hooves on. Celestia had the air of a pony who was several steps ahead of everypony else at all times… or just thought she was. Her crown, a gold, triple pointed thing that was set with a single, purple gem, was
Accompanied by a thick necklace, a kind of choker, which also held a solitary, purple gem. Her hooves were covered by gold shoes, each one bearing the same, tri-pronged design as her crown.
The regal, white coated mare was sipping tea from a small teacup, which clinked back down onto it’s little tea plate as Allan and the others approached. It floated off to the side as Celestia’s lavender eyes settled on Allan.
“Greetings, Allan Ryder.” Celestia spoke, her voice soft as velvet, and her gaze welcoming. “I have heard much about you, from Twilight, and from my sister.”
“Well met, again, Allan.” Luna called in welcome. “I’m glad you came.”
Allan swallowed his fear and stammered out a reply. “Thank you, your majesties. I am grateful that you invited me to your city. It’s beautiful.”
Celestia regarded him for a moment, before chuckling. “So polite. I didn’t think I’d see a changeling as polite as Thorax, not for some time yet.” She smiled, a charming, motherly thing, practiced over countless years. “You need not be afraid. I think I understand why you are scared of meeting me.”
Allan gulped, and he could feel his friend’s eyes staring at him, some surprised that he was still afraid, and one in particular encouraging him to push past it. “And why would that be, your majesty?”
“Please, you don’t need to be so formal. “Celestia will do.”
“Um…. why would that be….. Celestia?” Allan could almost hear Twilight having a miniature mental overload behind him.
“Because you are afraid I’ll judge you for being human.”
That was it, right there. Celestia was wise. She’d read him like a book. Allan bowed his head, not out of respect, but as a sign of admittance.
“Like I said, you don’t need to be afraid of me.” The voice was directly in front of him. He hadn’t even heard her move! “I judge each and everypon- forgive me- everyone, I meet by their own actions. You have already proven that you are no threat. Come.” She said, gesturing for the group to follow her and Luna. “We have much to discuss.”
*********************
“Please, take a seat.” Celestia said, gesturing to the small-ish table in the center of the much cozier break room that she and her sister had led them to. “Would you like tea? Or perhaps we can find some way to satisfy your….emotional needs.”
The room was spartan, at least when compared to the rest of the castle. The other rooms, chambers and corridors were all so abundantly and lavishly furnished that a single item removed from any room would make the average man rich beyond his wildest dreams, such was the quality of the work. This room was different. While everything was still fine, there was a far older feel and look to it. The walls were not marble or laced with gold, but well crafted, smooth stone, and the table was not ornate, but instead simple, round and wooden. The tea set here had once been pure white, but had yellowed with age, and the decorations that had been lovingly and carefully painted on were all but gone.
Allan shook his head. “What emotions I get from my friendships are more than enough.”
Luna nodded, while Celestia simply shrugged. “Tea then?”
“Please.” Allan had never been big on tea, but an offer from the goddess of the sun wasn’t an offer you turned down.
Luna’s magic lifted up the coffee pot, which had been full and steaming when they arrived, and divvied up the liquid inside between all the cups. Celestia pulled up her own chair and sat down, letting out a pleased sigh.
“It’s rare that the two of us get to share time together as sisters, so we come here as often as we can.” Luna offered the explanation when she noticed Alan's continued observation. “We prefer this room to the larger rooms we usually use when hosting nobles. It’s a little more personal.”
Allan nodded, smiling. “I understand the need for comfort.”
Twilight was looking at the place with reverence, while Rarity was taking a critical look at the older, more antiquated details of the room. Allan noted that the others were all more comfortable with the Princesses, having been loyal subjects and friends for years.
Allan graciously accepted the cup of tea that Celestia took from Luna, before passing it to their shapeshifter guest. Alan's magic wrapped gently around the handle and lifted it up to his mouth, before taking a sip. It was one of the best cups of tea he had ever tasted. Celestia and Luna chuckled when he told them as much. “We’ve had a long time to get it just right.”
The two sisters took the time to talk with each and every one of the group, asking Rarity and Applejack about their businesses, Pinkie about her latest party plans, Rainbow about the upcoming Wonderbolts performance, and Twilight about her progress in researching interdimensional travel (in other words, the portal to Alan's world.) When they finally got through the pleasantries dictated by etiquette, they finally turned their attentions to Allan.
“Luna has told me what little she knows about you, but it admittedly, isn’t all that much.” Celestia said, stirring her tea with a spoon. “Could you tell us more about yourself? If you feel up to it, of course.”
Nodding, Allan began his story as far back as he could remember, starting in his childhood, with his friends, and Anna, and his family, before progressing on, into his teenage years, school, teachers, science, his first jobs, earning money, getting his own apartment, he and Anna deciding to date, and, most recently, Chrysalis’s attack and his time in Equestria. The Princesses were quite for the most part, just listening and nodding for the most part, only asking questions when they needed clarification. When he was finished, they continued to sit quietly for a moment as they digested the story of his life.
He had left out the details of his relationship with Anna, beyond being good friends, though, he wasn’t entirely sure why. There was something about the Alicorn sisters that made him hesitant to divulge that information.
After a few minutes of Celestia sipping her tea and thinking, she set the cup down and spoke. “Well, it is certainly very interesting to hear about a new world. I have had some experience with multi-verse traversal before, but to do so from a planet without magic, is something I don’t think should even be possible.” She paused, before smiling in Allan’s direction. The smile faded away as she prepared herself to broach into the next topic. “Anyway, I’d like to get a little more serious for
A moment. You’ve told us about your life, and through it, a little of your world as well.” She turned her enigmatic purple eyes to face his directly, holding his gaze. “Tell us. What can we expect from Chrysalis, given what she can do?”
Allan wished he could tell her something reassuring, but… it just wasn’t possible. “Nothing good, I’m afraid. She has access to an entire world that doesn’t even consider magic to really exist. The closest we have is stage magic, and that’s all just sleight of hand and technical trickery, nothing on the level of real, Equestrian magic. The damage she could do is beyond comparison, and the amount of strength she could gain might be even worse. As a race of beings without magic, humans have grown very good at creating new and more destructive ways of killing each other. I don’t know much about Chrysalis, besides what’s in the history books, but Earth and Equestria are in great danger.”
Celestia bowed her head. “Thank you for telling us the truth. I promise, we will do everything we can to stop this travesty from happening.” Celestia took one last drink from her teacup before cleaning it with a simple spell. “I’m also grateful that you accepted our invitation. I am glad we got to meet like this, even if the circumstances were not so pleasant. I look forward to seeing you again, Allan Ryder of Earth.”
“As do we, Allan. Your dream when we first met was most entertaining.” Luna smiled in agreement, cleaning her cup, and putting it away.
“Consider yourself as one of our citizens, until further notice.” Celestia said, as all the others stood up. “You have just as much right to be here as anypony else.”
As the girls all voiced their approval, Allan gave the Sun Princess a very sincere thank-you. “Thank you, Princess. It’s been an honour to meet you. I just hope I’m worth all the trouble.”
Celestia smiled. “Trust me, Allan. It’s very rare for these efforts to be worthless. Very rare, indeed.”
********************
The group of friends decided not to return back home until morning, as it was already quite late when they left the Princesses to the running of Equestria. Instead, they were led by several members of the palace staff to the guest rooms. The Elements each had a room, which meant that there wasn’t enough for them and Allan.
“So, uh….” Allan stared at the doors. “Where am I going to sleep?” The servants turned disapproving, distrusting eyes on him, but Fluttershy interjected before they could say anything.
“You can share my room, if that’s okay with you.” The servants stared at her incredulously. Her face lit up red at their stares, but she was able to hold her composure. “We’re already living in the same house. This shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Are you sure?” Allan asked, trying hard to ignore the stares and negative feelings that the servants were leveling his way. “I’ve already been-”
“No no!” Fluttershy exclaimed, waving her hooves. “It’s fine! Really!”
“Well, I don’t want to impo-”
“Enough with that excuse!” Fluttershy snapped. “I’m sick of it! You are not imposing, and I like having around!”
A warm feeling bloomed in Alan's chest, and a smile formed on his face. “You do?”
“I do. You’re just as much a friend as anypony else.” Fluttershy seemed quite determined to make her point, despite the presence of her friends, and the palace servants. “Now stop worrying about it. We’re already sharing my cottage, and your snores aren’t that loud.”
“Wha-!” Allan spluttered, red faced. “I do not snore!”
“Yes you do. It sounds like a recording of a bear with sinus problems turned down low.”
“I don’t snore! I just…. Uh, breathe deeply when I sleep!”
“In other words, you snore.” Fluttershy grinned, eyes narrowed slyly, and in a victorious manner.
“Your hearing must be funny.” Allan accused, trying to deflect the allegation.
“My hearing is perfectly fine, I’ll have you know.” Fluttershy replied. “If you have never heard yourself snore, that’s your fault. Now please stop arguing and get inside.”
“I-” Allan realized that the entire exchange had been in front of a small crowd, all of which were still standing in front of him, several unreadable expressions, at least two overjoyed, and another two incredulous stares. Not something he wanted to stay around for long. Ears splayed back and blushing furiously, he trotted quickly through the door to Fluttershy’s room. A moment later, and Fluttershy joined him.
She walked past him, her own embarrassment catching up to her as she realized how her friends, and the servants, might take the exchange. Allan had to admit similar feelings. There were numerous ways that their conversation could be interpreted, and several were less than appealing. In fact, the only way it could be worse, that Allan could think of, was if Discord had decided to show up, or if the Princesses had been there.
“So… um…” Fluttershy’s voice interrupted his panic. “Would you like the bed, or should we...”
She didn’t finish.
“Um….”
***************
Twenty minutes later, Allan regretted his complete ineptitude at being able to say the right thing. After several back and forth’s, both he and Fluttershy requesting that the other use the bed, and that they could use the floor, Alan's brain had come to the absolute worst compromise by suggesting they both use bed, just staying on separate sides. The frightening levels of shame and embarrassment that permeated the room were enough to make him nauseous, and he cursed his changeling biology for his abilities as an emotivore.
Fluttershy was as far away from him on the bed as possible, a confused maelstrom of emotions clouding up her side of the room. Allan closed his eyes, curiosity driving him to try and see if he could sort through it all.
Embarrassment? Check. Shame? Mmmmm, nope, not ashamed. Humiliation? Mnope, not there either. Confusion? Yep. Concern? Always. The kind ones are always worrying about someone, and Allan knew exactly who it was she was concerned about. There was another emotion there too.
Was that…. Excitement? Why would she be excited? Weird.
Spying on her emotions felt wrong though, and he swiftly retreated. The world, which had seemed somewhat muted during his focused state, burst back into bright realism, despite the sky being dark, and glittering with diamond stars that twinkled and shone high overhead, billions of miles away. How Luna could reach them all, Allan couldn’t fathom. That kind of action would take more power than there was in all of those stars combined! You’d need so much power that…. Well, Allan couldn’t really think of anything that he knew of that could actually produce that much power.
Still, it was a beautiful night, and he was feeling quite tired. Maybe he could talk…. Allan let out a big yawn, jaws stretching wide and showing off his impressive set of canines. Maybe he… could….could….talk to…...Luna……… *Snore*
******************
That night, Allan dreamed. He dreamed of far off places he’d never seen. He dreamed of flying, higher than the clouds and faster than a rocket. He dreamed of falling, a smile on his face as he let gravity take him. He dreamed he was swimming through the vast, blue expanse of the ocean, weightless, and free of burden.
Then, eventually the dreams faded away, leaving him standing in a void once again, a place his dreams always seemed to deposit him. No sense of time existed here, as though it was Alan's own personal universe to play with. That thought, naturally, twisted everything around him into a vast replica of… well, everything. Galaxies spun and danced to the tempo of time, and the rhythm of the universe rippled and danced around him, eons passing in minutes, and creating the greatest
Spectacle of all time: Creation itself.
Allan walked- no, drifted through it, past galaxy after galaxy until….
A familiar sight greeted his eyes. A galaxy as seen by its own inhabitants, an image plastered into every generic, general science textbook in schools. Home. The Milky Way. In all it’s spirally goodness.
“My my. Such detail.” Allan grinned, turning to face the rest of the universe. Princess Luna walked through a hole in his conjured reality, as though she was the ultimate power in the world he had fashioned. “You really do have a knack for dreamscapes. This goes on for…..I can’t even tell.”
“Well, welcome to the universe, or, what my people perceive of it.”
“It truly is incredible. How a civilization without magic could learn so much about the world they live in is astounding! Your science has showed you all of this?”
Allan had to cough to withhold a little shameful grin. “Well, actually, what I know of how the universe looks is a mixture of special effects from television, and my own imagination. It probably looks a lot different in reality.”
Luna chuckled. “All of what we see is seen through our own perceptions. How I see you and how you see yourself could be vastly different.”
“I suppose.”
“It’s been some time since anypony was willing to talk with me about things like this. May we…?” She indicated the fissure through which she had come, a small smile on her face.
Allan smiled back. “I’d love to.”
***********************
8221498
Okie dokie lokie!!!<--here, have some moustache Praise!! He who delivers!! Yeah!!! XD
Brilliant as usual
Thank you for your... humble offering. I shall try to keep the story updating frequently, but I work night shifts, so no promises.
at this point I can say I am impressed with this story, it is put to gather super good with no wasted space at all.
I really like how you are not rushing things and just allowing the story to find it's self.
the romance between Fluttershy and Allan is just so tender it just melts ones hart, but do not fall in to the trap of making it to sweet some times a little strife builds a much stronger bond as it tempers the steel of the love.
I really only see one problem over all with this story and that is that I am out of story to read.
8247018
Ok, when I read this I though of this guy
onlineworldofwrestling.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Bret.jpg
melting in the heat like an ice cream cone . . . I think I have issues.