//------------------------------// // 3 - A Word and a Warning // Story: An Extended Holiday // by Commander_Pensword //------------------------------// Extended Holiday Chapter 003: A Word and a Warning The new quarters the humans were given was a large suite with a dome-like wicker structure that provided a more wild and rustic feeling to its ceiling. Four beams met in the middle around a metal chimney that shot down to a stone fire pit. Three made-to-order bedframes and mattresses had been hastily delivered and set up surrounding the pit in a circle to serve as both chairs and beds for the guests. A large en-suite bathroom adjoined the room. The wicker-structure obscured a series of rafters with the simulation of tree limbs, giving a more outdoorsy feel to grant the impression of a campsite. “I hope you’ll forgive us for the lack of extra furnishing,” Celestia said. “Given the tales you told us, we hoped to achieve a balance between what would remind the three of you best of your homes.” She motioned to the ceiling. “The outdoors for the hunter.” She motioned toward the fire. “The warmth of a forge to our noble visitor.” She smiled. “And I suppose one might say the absolute order of the space would remind you of your … what did you call your military training again, ROTC days?” she asked of Matthew. “That is correct, short for Reserve Officer Trainer Corp. Though a little chaos is unavoidable, so a little order is always welcome.” “Luna should be arriving any moment now with your personal escort. You can rest assured that you’ll be in the very best hooves.” “Matthew smiled and tilted his head in acknowledgement. “Thank you for your help, and for guiding us through the hallways. It felt like a maze getting here.” Celestia couldn’t help but laugh. “To tell you the truth, I never much liked castles, myself, but it seems that subjects always insist on it. Luna and I did our very best to make our last castle as interesting and fun as possible. You wouldn’t believe the antics we got up to. It drove our chamberlains mad.” “Is there any way we can work on the written language barrier?” Taze asked. “I’d enjoy being able to read a few books while we’re waiting. Fantasy or history, possibly. Nothing you would deem dangerous, of course.” “That would require time and energy to accomplish, but since it will likely take some time before we’re able to determine how you traversed the veil between the worlds, I don’t see why we can’t attempt to accommodate your request. There are a number of our scholars who would doubtless love to learn your language.” She chuckled. “Were it not for the fact that she has other duties to attend to in the near future, I would recommend my student, Twilight Sparkle.” “Princess, just to clarify, we do have a choice to who we will and won’t see? I hate to cast aspersions on your people, but if your nobility is even half as intrigue-ridden as the nobility were in our own world, I would like to know we have your backing to turn away anyone with … ulterior motives?” Matthew frowned. “What about language? Will we have to use hand signals?” “I’m working off the assumption that our selection of guard would be capable of speaking ‘draconic,’” Shawn commented. “Given they’ve clearly thought things through.” “Until a better means of translation can be implemented, I’m afraid that’s exactly how things will have to be,” Celestia said. “Any input you can give us will help to hasten the process for reading comprehension. As for speaking, if you give us a day or two, we should be able to come up with something to help you understand us until you can learn to speak Equish on your own.” “We have samples of our written word,” Taze offered, retrieving Lord Brocktree from his pocket. “This is a work of fantasy by a favorite author of mine, though. I’d ask you to be careful with it. It’s one of my favorite stories.” Celestia smiled kindly. “You needn’t part with it, Master Huntsman. If you’ll give me just a moment.” Her horn glowed as she levitated the book into the air. Then she concentrated her power. Her horn glowed brighter at its tip until it shone with a bright white light. Suddenly, a line of golden light stretched from the book to the side. An exact replica of the book’s cover appeared. Then the original’s pages fluttered open and surged out replica after replica of pages to fly directly into the waiting binding until the new copy was completely filled. Then the two lowered again. The first flew back to its owner while the second levitated to Celestia’s waiting wing. “And just like that, we’re done.” Matthew looked to the Princess. “I assume you copied all the papers and books that were inside my Attache?” he asked as he held it close to him. “Out of respect for you, Matthew, we chose to leave your documents alone until such time as we could obtain your permission. You were forthright with us in all ways. It seemed only right to retain that same sense of trust.” Matthew looked rather surprised at the words. “Well, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting that, but yes, I can give you permission. However, as a warning, many of my documents I have with me were world-changing, from the oldest surviving theories on war and combat to my own nation’s founding documents by declaring independence to the documents codifying our nation’s rights.” He gave a shadow of a smile. “Be careful. In their day, those books on war were all very dangerous documents.” “Your warning is duly noted.” Celestia nodded. “In that case, it would likely be best not to allow those to fall into the wrong hooves. If you are willing, I will allow one copy of each of these more dangerous books to be made for myself and my sister to read for ourselves after we learn to read your language.” Luna arrived several minutes later, followed by several Thestrals in armor. “I have arrived,” she announced. “This bunch has been especially chosen to serve as your guard, should you be required to leave the room. Moon Shade!” Luna looked behind her. A steel-gray mare wearing the blue armor of the rest approached. Her mane and tail were a sandy color, and she had large slitted red eyes. “Hello, humans.” Her English came out in a thick Welsh lilt. “I will be your personal guard, and will be staying with you in this room,” she said, giving each a small bow of the head. Matthew was a little shocked and looked to the others. “Uh, … but, … she’s … well, she’s a she,” he stammered. “Given their society doesn’t wear clothing normally, this probably isn’t a big deal,” Taze pointed out. “I have no issues.” Shawn simply gave a shrug. Luna nodded. “Very well. I will leave you to get acquainted with this group and your personal guard.” Luna turned to Celestia. “Come, Sister. We still have much to do.” “Indeed,” Celestia agreed. “The weight of a crown is a heavy thing to bear.” She smiled lovingly at Luna. “I’m just glad I don’t have to carry it alone anymore.” She nodded to their guests. “Until our next meeting, friends. If you’ve a need to go anywhere, you need only ask your escort.” She turned to go, then paused. “Oh, and one more thing. I would prepare to receive guests if I were you. It is a noble custom, as I am sure you must be well aware, Lord Shawn. Certain of the nobility will likely come to seek you out for the sake of establishing good will, among the other more devious intentions your friend Taze mentioned earlier. I trust you to be able to discern which is which.” “Joy,” Shawn commented. “I appreciate the warning.” “I am nothing, if not fair.” Celestia smirked. “Besides, it’s more fun when the nobles don't have the element of surprise.” She trotted to Luna and nodded. “Have you any parting words for our guests as well, Sister?” “No, Sister.” Luna shook her head. Celestia nodded. “Then until we meet again, gentlemen. We look forward to it.” Matthew watched the two sisters take his case away before glancing at the guard. “Do you promise to never say anything about what goes on in here?” “We’ll keep your secrets as long as they don’t endanger others or Equestria as a whole,” she said. “My loyalty is to my princess first and foremost.” Matthew nodded. “It would be the same for me if the roles were reversed.” He looked to Shawn and Taze. He opened his mouth but stopped, and looked again at Moon Shade, “Clever,” he muttered. Then he spoke up again. “So, … what physics-defying thing can you do? I’ve seen a Dragon eating gems of such quality they’d be on display in a museum back home, and I was given five of them from a bowl that held over twenty such stones. And the Dragon was eating them! Then the Unicorns can do things with the fabric of physics that we’ve only seen in stories of myth, like controlling objects, apparently with their minds. And the Pegasi—” Taze clapped a hand firmly on either one of Matthew's shoulders. “Breathe!” he ordered sternly. Matthew winced as he followed the command. At first, his breaths came short and quickly, almost like he was hyperventilating. Then it gradually began to level out and calm. “Is he all right?” Moon Shade asked. “Nerves,” Taze explained. Matthew’s voice shook slightly. “My entire world is upside down. Fantasy is real, reality is fiction. Everything I thought I knew about the world is gone in an instant, and I’ve been holding that in since up.” He paused. “Sorry, waking up,” he amended. “Well, to answer your question, fly, I suppose?” Moon Shade said in a slightly confused tone. “Can I see your wingspan?” he asked. “Because based on where I come from, the surface area of said wing should be proportional to the ability to lift.” She spread her leathery wings out fully for him to see. “No touching, human.” “I would never touch. They look like a bat’s wing, and you never touch a bat’s wing where I come from unless you’re a trained vet.” He paused again. “Doctor? Physician? Healer? Which should I say to avoid offense?” He shook his head and frowned after glancing over the wing in proportion to her body. “Yeah, that wingspan is too small, scientifically speaking.” “There are many things even in our world that are deemed scientifically impossible in terms of their capabilities. Yet they still work,” Shawn commented with a raised brow. “In a world of magic, it’s harder to question how things work scientifically when we have no idea how their laws of magic work.” Matthew looked to Shawn. “And with how the Scientific method works back home. Asking how magic works would depend on who we ask, from the normal man on the street to whatever this world has for an astrophysicist.”  “Yes, but you’re asking how things work without the understanding of what it even is. It almost feels like the idea of figuring out the needed force to escape the atmosphere when you don’t understand gravity.” “That is true, and it hurts my brain to keep thinking about that.” He quickly turned his attention back to Moonshade. “Uh, forgive the whiplash, but why no touching? Is it a cultural thing? I’d rather not start a war by accident. Or worse, a courtship ritual.” “The wings of Thestrals and pegasi are very sensitive. You only let trusted individuals or close family touch them directly.” Matthew nodded. “Thank you. In that case, since part of this … arrangement is to gain a better understanding of your people’s culture, could I ask you questions about how things work in your society? I’d be willing to answer your questions in turn, if you’re looking for an equivalent exchange.” “You may ask. I reserve the right to choose my answers, however,” Moonshade responded. “As to be expected. And I will reserve the right to choose my answers to your questions,” Matthew returned. The two continued to carry on their conversation while the small unit of guards were deployed by Moonshade to their various posts. Matthew continued to speak with her, leaving the two other humans to their own devices. Shawn sighed as he turned his attention toward the room once more before moving to the windows. The view to the right revealed a crystal-clear waterfall that cascaded in a multitude of veils that sparkled in the sunlight. Lush green grass grew in every direction, and even the far hills and mountains in the distance seemed to be covered in varying shades and hues of green with the occasional smattering of stony gray. A barely perceptible shimmer flashed over the panes of the glass. And as he pulled the window open, a gentle breeze blew the sounds of the city through the room. Clopping hooves, the occasional shout for wares, the beration of a drill sergeant. A river wound its way from the mountain toward an unseen ocean. Shawn was able to see what might be the image of a rail line running along the river bank towards the horizon. But without an engine to indicate, it was hard to say for sure. Then again, this was Equestria. And if it was anything like the show they had watched before, then it probably was a genuine railroad. “Better view than I expected,” he muttered. “Been quite the day, huh?” Taze asked as he joined his friend. “Considering we’re not exactly home anymore, yeah. I’d say it’s been quite the day.” Taze took out his ipod and carefully typed out a message on it before handing it to Shawn. Don’t suppose you recognised anything that could tell us when in the series we are? Shawn hummed it over before typing out his response. Not a clue. This is crazy. I mean, there are too many stories about this kind of thing. Shawn gave a shrug. After a few seconds, he looked off to one of the corners of the room before frowning and turning back. “Still doesn’t feel right.”  “What doesn’t?” Taze asked. “All of this.” Shawn gave a brief gesture around them. “I know it’s happening, I can feel everything, and I think I am of sane mind, but I keep getting this feeling like I don’t know the full picture. Whatever it is, it’s really getting to me.” “You notice everyone’s on edge?” Taze asked. “Hard not to.” “I think we arrived just after some kind of threat,” Taze said in a very low tone. “It’d make sense, given everything.” Shawn frowned. “We’ve got something else to discuss later, by the way.” “I panicked,” Taze responded apologetically. “Hell, I thought this place was some kind of weird dream at first.” “Things are going to be way more complicated if we don’t correct things, but I don’t know how that’ll turn out in the first place.” “We need to play along for now and find out what's happening first.” Shawn sighed and rubbed at his forehead. “This is going to be a mess.” Celestia’s personal chambers were grandiose to the point of practically being gaudy. Bright scarlet banners streamed from the rafters to give the impression of a lower ceiling. Fine golden threads woven through them gave the appearance of the flash of sunset. Lighter cloths intermingled with brighter pinks, greens, blues, and purples in remembrance of Celestia’s ethereal mane. A great woven carpet sat in the middle of the moon with the princess’ cutie mark blazing brightly. A portion was covered by a large circular bed. A gilded headboard curved overhead with gold bars protruding to represent the rays of the sun radiating from the princess. A golden disc at its base formed a halo that would frame her head perfectly as she slept. A number of wardrobes, side tables, and bookshelves decorated the elegant space, offset by a number of banners and tapestries portraying herself, and in one case, a very old tapestry portraying two alicorns flying in a circle with their respective elements beneath them in the shape of yin and yang. A set of doors were inserted on opposing walls, leading to a master bathroom and study respectively. Celestia sighed as she levitated a series of pillows to form a divan of sorts and took her seat. She gestured to a pile she created opposite her and casually flipped her horn to send a golden ray at the ceiling. A rune sparked to life, and the whole chamber was suddenly encased in that golden glow. “All right, Luna. It’s safe to talk now.” “So, we know they're lying, right?” Luna asked as she took her own seat. “Oh, absolutely,” Celestia agreed. “When did you figure it out?” “The one called Taze is a great storyteller, but even I can tell his alien form is not made for such hard living.” Celestia frowned. “Yes. Though our Lord Shawn is another matter entirely. Regardless, it is clear that they do know each other. The surprise when they met and the familiarity with which they spoke was impossible to feign. What I find more disturbing is the knowledge Lord Shawn carries. That language was spoken on the Earth I visited, but the odds of it remaining after all this time are slim, to say the least.” “Did that phrase catch you as well?” Luna asked. Celestia nodded gravely. “I thought that was what you might wish to discuss. In that world I visited, it was a phrase invoked often enough when speaking of the god they worshipped in those lands. Even then, it was only known to a select few who I interacted with, primarily nobility and clergy.” “Yes, but did it not seem eerily familiar to you? Did it not speak of other memories?” Celestia nodded. “I assume you’re referring to old ghosts?” Luna nodded. “They seem harmless overall, and I fear Lord Shawn may be in need of my aid relatively soon, so I see no issue in playing to their story until we can confront them in a less scandalous time.” Celestia couldn’t help but smirk. “And the fact we get to pull one over on the nobles makes it all the sweeter.” Luna got up to leave the room, then paused for a moment and turned. “Sister, has Cadance been off to you? I encountered her speaking rather harshly to the cook.” Celestia frowned. “That’s not usually like her. Perhaps she’s worried about Shining Armor?” “Possibly,” she conceded. “But either way, I have forestalled sleep long enough.” Celestia smiled sadly. “Of course. Sleep well, Sister.” Shawn jolted upright from his bed, his hand clutching his chest as he took several calming breaths. “What the hell?” he commented softly. Looking around the room revealed that it was still early into the night, and both Taze and Matthew were still asleep. “You … okay, … hu … man?” A knock was heard at the door as clumsy English filtered through. Shawn stood from his bed and made his way to the door. After taking another breath, he opened the portal and stepped out, closing it behind him. Nearby stood an azure Thestral stallion in the familiar dark blue armor of the Night Guard. Rather than the spears he’d seen the gold armored Ponies bear, this one carried a curved glaive comfortably in one leg. He eyed Shawn warily with slitted silver eyes. However, though cautious, his stance betrayed no aggression. “Sorry. They’re still asleep.” Shawn sighed. “Didn’t want to wake them. I’m fine, for the most part.” “Somnia?” the stallion asked. “Something like that. I don’t usually get much sleep in the first place, but I guess my nerves are getting to me.” The stallion nodded. “It happens. You not go?” “No, I just didn’t want to wake them up.” He leaned against the wall. “Not like I’ll be getting back to sleep, anyway.” “Too much sleep night.” The stallion shrugged. “Ponies sleep. Miss stars.” “The night has always been easier on the eyes. That, I can agree with.” He nodded. “You people map stars?” “All of them that we can.” Shawn smiled. “We made large telescopes in an attempt to get even slightly closer to them, if only visually.” The stallion nodded. “Thestrals map stars since long before Questria,” he explained. “Stars tell lots. Farm, season, direction.” “That they do. Though it’s a lot harder to see them where I’m from. Light pollution makes it harder.” The Thestral thought on that for a few minutes before nodding. “No like station in city. Stars tough to see. Need fly high. Home, stars everywhere.” He waved a hoof to emphasize a large expanse. “But Thestral need protect moon. Gold Pony no good.” “I mean, if they’re wearing actual gold, you’ve already got them beat.” Shawn gave a brief chuckle. “They wear fancy armor, hold spear, and when something come, fall over.” He mimed tripping. “Panic.” He made a fearful face. “Run.” He shook his head. “Thestral strong. Thestral fight!” He twirled his glaive with a surprising amount of skill to prove his point. “I can see that,” Shawn noted, leaning away slightly. The stallion looked around carefully before leaning in. “Careful. Threat on palace. Eye on six.” Shawn blinked a few times as he registered what he was told before giving a nod in return. The stallion tapped his muzzle as he leaned away, a strange iteration of tapping one's nose to infer a secret. Shawn gave a small smile. “We’ve got to get this language barrier dealt with at some point.” He hummed, placing a hand on his chin. “Maybe you guys could try teaching me a few words. Doesn’t seem like I’ll be getting much sleep, anyway.” The guard considered his words before nodding. “Crescent,” he said, banging his chest plate lightly. Then he made a small negh-like sound. Shawn blinked a few times, “Oh, this is going to be a lot harder than I anticipated….” Shawn sighed as he looked outside the window of their room. It had been some time since the sun had arisen. And considering the activity he could hear, everyone in the castle was a morning person. Looking over to the others, however, revealed that not everyone was. Frowning to himself, he walked over to each of their beds and knocked the frames with his booted foot. “All right, guys. Everyone’s up, so we should probably get moving.” A distinct lack of response greeted him, and he started to nudge the bed with more and more force. “Come on. If I’ve got to be up at this hour, then so do you two.” Matthew blinked open his eyes at the creaking protest of his bedframe and the vibrations carrying through from Shawn’s well-targeted kicks. He looked up at the ceiling. “Morning?” he asked, sitting up with a frown. “I was expecting my alarm to wake me.” Then he stretched and rubbed his eyes. “Guess I won’t need to rely on that now. So, can I take the first bathroom shift?” After a few more shakes, Taze let out a muffled growl before lashing out with a fist suddenly. Shawn doubled over and held his stomach as his face tightened in a grimace. Matthew blinked in shock at the action, practically stumbling out of his bed to try and check on his friend. “Huh?” Taze looked up, blinking at Shawn. “Oh. OH!” His eyes widened suddenly as adrenaline surged through his body to dispel the rest of his sleep after realizing what he had just done. “Sorry. Sorry! I have a little brother. He can be a jerk sometimes.” “Yeah….” Shawn sighed as he held his stomach. “I’ve got an older brother. I get the idea. I’ll just flip your bed next time.” “If that wakes him up,” Matthew muttered. “Never tried that with my brother. We kept on using alarm clocks. It used to wake the whole house up, but my brother would still be sleeping.” He eyed the bathroom and stood up. “Anyway, since nobody else said anything, I’m just going to claim the first shower,” he said, then shuffled to the restroom. “Not the first,” Shawn muttered with a small smirk. “In any case, I take it you’re awake enough now, Taze?” “Yes.” Taze groaned. “I just hope they have decent coffee.” “Princess Luna keeps a stash of some of the best coffee in Equestria,” Moonshade commented. “Good,” Taze said. Shawn sighed as he took a seat on his bed. “Hour until breakfast, from what I was told earlier, so we’ve got some time.” “I hope they solve the reading problem soon. It’d be nice to read some new books while we wait,” Taze commented. “I actually got to chat with the guard earlier and got a few things down. It turns out things run off a similar formatting between the two. It’s literally just different characters,” Shawn remarked. “I only have so much committed to memory at the moment, and I hoped to ask for some writing supplies to make a sheet to practice off of.” “Even if I could get a hold of the alphabet, it could be a start,” Taze said, nodding. “I’ll try writing out a sheet for you when I can, but I don’t know how long that will take. It’s already hard enough learning their language,” Shawn muttered. “Well, I mean completely different vocal organs, different syntax, sound correlation. It makes sense,” Taze noted. “Indeed.” Matthew was surprised at the spread of the food in the dining room. “Uh…” He looked over to Moonshade. “Will this be a normal spread every day?” He could see Pancakes, what had to be some form of bacon and salads, hash browns, and eggs in all their many incarnations. And, of course, the obligatory pastries and sweets associated with the meal. Celestia giggled. “Yes, Matthew, it will. Alicorns are not like humans. We have an exceptionally boosted metabolism. And even among Alicorns, my sister and I are exceptionally special cases.” “You mean there's more than just you two?” Matthew balked. “But … if you two can raise the sun and moon, what do these other Alicorns do?” “One other Alicorn, to be precise,” Celestia allowed. “She is someone very close to our hearts. Her family were dear friends to us in years past.” She smiled lovingly. “And it will be our honor to give her away in her parents’ stead in a week’s time.” Taze had a plate laid high with waffles, pancakes, and all sorts of things covered in maple syrup, and was eating with a fervor. “Is that all? Just three of you?” he asked between bites. “Yes.” Celestia nodded and smiled gently. “It’s been that way for as long as most anyone can remember. ” Shawn frowned at the comment. “I suppose, given what I’ve learned of your longevity, it makes sense.” “Indeed. It’s been … difficult at times, but we’ve managed,” Celestia said. “How old is Equestria?” Taze asked. “From what we’ve seen, this city looks kinda new, going by the stone and whatnot.” “My sister and I have ruled this kingdom for millennia, Huntsman Taze.” Matthew paused in his own meal. “Th—” he started before having to pause. “The only thing I can think of that might match that longevity is the Roman Republic turned Empire, which then collapsed in on itself.” He blinked owlishly. “Then again, you said millennia. That means multiple time units of a thousand years. I … I don’t even think they made it past one.” He looked at his plate and lapsed into silent contemplation. “For our subjects, it’s simply a fact. I suppose it is easier to accept when generations have watched us as we watch over them.” “I suppose it would cement your rule, since you would be able to rule over a course of lifetimes to the average subject.” Shawn hummed in thought. “It certainly helps. That, and the fact that we actually control the course of the sun and moon. That does tend to give us a certain advantage, though it’s one that we never use against our subjects.” A hint of a frown crossed her countenance at those words, but she quickly dispelled it as she returned her attention to the humans. “Lord Shawn, I nearly forgot to mention this, but if you have the time after our meal, there is someone I would like to introduce you to.” Shawn blinked a few times. “Well, I suppose I don’t really have anything other than free time, so that sounds like a plan.” “Excellent.” And with that said, Celestia raised a sizable piece of cake to her mouth and ate heartily. The chamber Celestia led Shawn to was reasonably sized. A small round table sat at its center, marked by a star design circled by smaller stars crafted from mother of pearl that chained to form a decorative rim. A small chest rested easily on top of it, and a white unicorn with a carefully styled blue mane stood behind it. This one wore a stylish black suit with a purple bowtie and a fancy golden monocle. Another unicorn stood by his side, this one bearing a pink mane with white streaks. Her purple eyes were shimmering pools that drew the eye toward her effeminate features. “Lord Shawn, allow me to introduce you to Lord Fancy Pants and his wife, Fleur de Lis. Given your unique status as a new point of contact with another kingdom, he desired an audience to get to know you face to face,” Celestia explained as she motioned toward the stallion. “A pleasure to meet you both.” Shawn gave a low nod. “Mi amore extends his greatest greetings and best wishes to you, Lord Shawn,” the mare said in surprisingly fluid Draconic, though with a clearly present French accent. “I appreciate the well wishes,” he replied with a nod. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this audience?” Fancy Pants’ lips curved into a smile, a thing that Shawn was used to seeing in a cartoon, but most certainly not in real life on an equine. The stallion then proceeded to speak in that series of nickers, neighs, and whinnies that made up the Equestrian language before sliding the box forward and opening the lid with his magic to reveal a series of polished cut gems ranging from the size of a finger to the size of a fist. They cast a veritable corona of colors that thrummed and pulsed, casting a weak light onto the gilded edges of the container. “My husband wishes to extend this gift in homage and respect to you,” Fluer translated. Shawn blinked a few times in surprise. “I ... am thankful for this gift, but ... I don’t know if I could accept this.” Fleur and Celestia both raised their brows at that comment. “Is there a reason why not?” Celestia asked. Shawn looked at the two. “I feel there may be a difference between our worlds in terms of gemstones and the like. To clarify, they aren’t offensive or anything. In fact, they are … very expensive in our markets.” He rubbed the back of his head. “I feel idiotic for saying it now, but it just threw me off, because … to me and my people, this would constitute a large fortune.” Fleur gave a ringing musical laugh. “It is of little consequence to my husband what the value of the gems might be worth to your home. He has lots of money and many finer stones in his collection. Please, do not let it bother you.” “I ... truly appreciate it, then.” Shawn gave another low nod. Fleur translated with a whinny and a few nickers, and her husband’s smile widened to display a row of perfectly white teeth that practically flashed with the quality of their appearance. He bowed his head and spoke again. “He hopes this may be the beginning of good relations between your house and ours, as well as your nation and ours,” Fluer translated. Shawn smiled before nodding. “This experience, even without the gems, has proven to be far more positive of an exchange than I had anticipated.” “You have good instincts, then. My husband is sadly in the minority of the nobility. House Pants prides itself on kindness and generosity to others. Few houses still stick to such old ways.” “Truly something great to strive for. It’s sadly the nature of those in similar positions to lean too far away from it. I am grateful to have met you two first.” Fancy pants nodded and spoke again. “My husband is grateful to have been able to meet you before your perspective might be poisoned. There will be more gifts offered, but those will, in many cases, come with tethers.” “Thank you for the warning.” “Should you need anything, you only need to ask us. We are easy to find. My husband serves as Celestia's high chancellor,” Fleur said with some pride. “The princess has excellent judgment in who to appoint to positions of power.” She gave Celestia a small bow, as did Fancy Pants before the two turned to leave. Shawn’s facade wilted for a moment before he took a breath and turned to Celestia. “That was certainly better than I expected. Thank you.” Celestia sighed. “I’m afraid I have to apologize. I should have foreseen the possibility of your reaction. I’d forgotten how much value humans placed on such common trinkets.” “It’s a mix between common and not quite as common. Though diamonds are the exception, being very common and very expensive,” he said, muttering the second part in thought. “Either way, it was … very unexpected.” “Our land is overly abundant with resources that your people would consider highly precious. Gold, copper, silver, iron, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, quartz, you name it. The only resource our people find rare is an exceptionally light-weight metal that is extremely scarce. Unlike most others, this one seems only to become stronger as it corrodes to prevent further corrosion.” “What, like aluminum?” Shawn questioned. “I’m afraid I am not familiar with that name,” Celestia said. “If you would like, I can show you a sample to appraise.” Shawn hummed for a second. “I could probably do that. With what my uncle taught me, I have a good idea of them.” “Then I’ll make the arrangements for you to view the metal later. There are a number of master craftsponies who work at the forge. I’ll arrange to introduce you to Storm Hammer. She’s an artist when it comes to the craft, and we always rely on her to deal with the more … elegant commissions in the nobility.” “I’ll keep that in mind.” The three humans found little privacy over the next several hours. Not only were they closely followed and watched by their assigned guards, but a delegation of physicians were waiting for them the moment they arrived back in their quarters, along with an apologetic Celestia. “After the initial investigations with Matthew, these doctors insisted on giving a proper examination to the rest of you to ensure no damage was sustained after your … fall,” the princess said tactfully. “Given the fact that we never had the chance to do so for yourself and Taze, I took the liberty of bringing them here, Lord Shawn.” “Makes sense.” Taze shrugged. “Fair enough,” Shawn replied. Matthew sighed resignedly. “How many are for me?” he asked. “All of them wish to be, but two of them will have to focus on Sir Taze and Lord Shawn.” She smiled awkwardly. “They … drew lots to decide.” Matthew rolled his eyes as he slowly took his shirt off. “Of course. Back home, I was one in maybe ten thousand with my condition. And one of the oldest living, too. I’ve got nothing better to do, so the others can listen to my heart before they go.” He gave a grim chuckle. “Doubt they’ll ever hear something like it again.” He approached the ponies calmly. “Okay, which one of you is the cardiologist?” He shook his head and sighed heavily as he muttered, “I really should have listened to my mother and got a tablet with my medical history on it.” Celestia’s horn lit up, and the room was filled with a golden haze. “There. This will allow us to speak and understand one another properly for the time being. If you would, Heart Throb?” A cherry-red Unicorn lit up her horn and nodded her thanks to the princess. “As my name might imply, I’m one of Equestria’s foremost heart specialists. If you would just take a seat on your bed, I’d like to begin with a proper scan of your heart and the scar tissue surrounding it.” She looked uneasily at the discolored ridges over his chest. “The reports from your previous assessment indicated that your race cut your chest open to reach your heart. How did they pass through the ribs and sternum? I assume your chest is structured similarly to that of a Minatour, and normally sustaining any injury of that sort would mean instant death.” Matthew looked to Shawn and Taze. “You two might need to cover your ears,” he said apologetically. Then he turned back to Heart Throb. “First, you need to understand one thing. This is all the result of a lack of Magic. That, in turn, forced us to learn other means of healing the sick. In my case, the doctors took millennia worth of knowledge and followed a series of defined steps. First, they anesthetized me. Then they took a bone saw and—” What followed was a very graphic and detailed explanation on the procedure that had been performed to install the valves in his heart in the first place. One of the physicians nearly lost his lunch as his face quite literally turned green, including his fur. “With that kind of response, you’d think they weren’t in the medical field,” Shawn remarked with a raised brow. “It’s a rare thing for our nation to require exploratory surgery of any sort,” Celestia explained. “Most of our ills are resolved with potions or the application of spells. It’s only in the event that a Unicorn isn’t on staff or extreme cases that invasive procedures are required.” “Still, what if you’re dealing with an issue that couldn’t be solved with magic?” Shawn asked. “I mean, it can’t be guaranteed that magic would always work, right?” Heart Throb looked at Shawn in confusion. “I doubt our books ever mention that. For example, if not for the foreign metal in two of this human’s heart valves, a week in the proper magical environment under our procedures would have healed up everything, including the scars. But with such foreign items in such a key location, it would be too risky to even try and stimulate the heart to regrow what it’s lost.” “No, I meant—” He sighed. “Nevermind. It’ll take much too long to actually get my point across.” The doctors looked to one another, then nodded as they each reached out with their magic respectively to touch the trio of aliens. Heart Throb and the two others nodded as they broke the contact, having found their investigation satisfactory, then turned to their colleagues in confusion. The other two medical experts’ faces were furrowed at first. Then they flattened. And finally, their eyes became wide open with horror. “What’s the matter, Golden Apple, Bone Splint?” The two shuddered, then turned back to their fellow. “Switch!” they said simultaneously. The two quickly shifted to the other’s position to scan their patients again. This time, they began to tremble. “How do you function?” Bone Splint sputtered in utter disbelief. Golden Apple swallowed heavily. “They should be dead. No life should be sustainable without it. No one.” His eyes had shrunk to pinpricks, and he started rocking on his hooves. “And what, exactly, are we missing?” Shawn spoke up. Matthew shrugged. “Magic is my guess. I mean, they did all these kinds of scans while the soldiers watched, and I freaked everyone out. More so than my scars.” He chuckled. Heart Throb’s eye twitched. “I wish you didn’t have such a morbid sense of humor.” “Everything, and I mean everything, has magic in it. It’s literally what drives the life of the world. Without magic, our world would be a barren hunk of rock. If you were to somehow drain our magic, we would be left on the brink of death,” Golden Apple explained. “It was presumed the lack of magic in your friend would explain his bodily defect. But the fact that you two are also without a magical field leaves us with some startling ramifications.” “It shatters every rule of life we’ve ever established,” Bone Splint said. “Imagine the papers we could write. A living, breathing, functional lifeform without even so much as a hint of magic. And they’re intelligent!” He winced and looked sheepishly at Shawn. “Erm, no offense.” Shawn simply raised a brow at the comment. “Magic in our world existed once, at least according to myths and legends from hundreds of years ago,” Taze said. “But in our current age, it’s generally only believed to be superstition.” One of the doctors rubbed her chin. “Perhaps it’s the result of a form of biologic mutation or adaptation out of necessity?” “I mean, we science the hell out of things.” Taze shrugged. “You perform exorcisms with science?” “Well, Sam and Dean Winchester do at times.” Taze chuckled. “It’s a turn of phrase,” Matthew corrected as he facepalmed. “I don’t know where it came from, but … we’ve advanced our science to the point where we landed on our moon, traveled to ocean floors, and broken things down to the atomic level.” “Atoms?” Bone Splint asked. “The smallest form matter can be broken down to before it becomes energy,” Taze explained. “I believe we can save discussions of such things for another time,” Celestia noted. “Are they healthy, doctors?” “Their bodies are … functional,” Golden Apple said. “As for healthy, we’ll have to wait and see how they react to a magical environment, if what they say is true.” “I am not healthy,” Matthew countered. “I survive. I have been healed to humanity’s best efforts, but I am not a model of health.” “Debates aside, they appear to be functionally healthy,” Golden said as he eyed the patient. “Albeit somewhat snarky.” “Sorry, there isn’t a cure for that one where we come from,” Taze remarked. Celestia giggled. “In that case, I believe that we’re finished here. Thank you, doctors.” She nodded dismissively to the physicians. “If you could put a rush on those draughts for Matthew, you would have my gratitude.” “O-of course, Your Highness,” Bone Splint said. Then Heart Throb shoved him back. “We’ll begin immediately.” Then Golden Apple shoved Heart Throb. “You’ll have it by morning.” Celestia smiled. “Then you are dismissed.” The party that left was more of a tangle of limbs and horns as the physicians each battled one another for a position at the head of their band in their rush to get to their labs and work on the potion. Celestia continued to smile as she ended the spell. “For some reason, I always find it amusing when they scrabble for my favor like that. I don’t know whether to call that a failing or a virtue.” “If you can’t enjoy the simple things, then what's the point?” Taze asked. “Perhaps,” she allowed. “Regardless, now that we’ve finished your medical examinations, it’s simply a matter of making sure your friend has what he requires to ensure his heart continues to function. Was there anything else I might be able to do for you before we part ways? I’d like to make your stay as comfortable as possible.” “Maybe some books for helping to read? My friend believes we may be able to teach ourselves with a little more reference material,” Taze noted. “Is that so?” She looked to Taze. “Are our languages so very similar?” “From what I’ve been able to figure out with Crescent, our languages are almost exactly the same written, in terms of order and such. It’s just a matter of it being different in terms of the written characters,” Shawn explained. “This isn’t going to be perfect, without a doubt, but it seems like it’ll work in a general way?” “It’s an experiment that is certainly worth pursuing,” Celestia agreed. “I’ll make the necessary arrangements. “Was there any particular type of literature you would prefer?” “History and fiction, if possible,” Taze said. Celestia nodded. “We can do that. Our royal archives have plenty of material to draw from. I’ll arrange to have some delivered to you.” Luna grinned as she stared at the spread of food that laid before her and her guests. Her royal guards also sat at the table, with the exception of those necessary to keep watch over her and said guests. The sun laid low over the horizon, casting the castle into twilight. This meal was more heavy with meats along the line of pork and venison. Bacon, sausage, filets, and more were cooked and produced in a variety of inventive ways to present a feast that any carnivore would love. The obligatory grains and vegetables were also present to grant a properly balanced diet. “Well now. This looks great!” Taze commented, looking over the table. Matthew was surprised at the spread, especially at the number of greens. There weren’t just lettuce and cucumbers. Wildflowers and other blossoms and herbs were also included, sprigs and all. “Uh, do you guys have any pre-evening meal rituals?” Taze asked, not wanting to be rude. Luna shook her head. “No. Do your people?” Taze looked to Matthew. “Some of us do,” he admitted. “Well, I usually pray over a meal before eating, giving thanks to our God for the bounty before us. I can pray silently, if that is acceptable?” Luna nodded. “Of course. We will wait patiently.” Matthew gave a nod of thanks and bowed his head, clasping his hands together. A few long seconds of silence later, he raised his head and nodded to the princess again. “Thank you, Your Highness.” “Well then, please dig in, my friends,” Luna said as she began piling her plate. Taze immediately hopped to it, stacking his own plate as well. Shawn looked to the two stacking their plates before simply gathering a portion for himself, and Matthew followed suit. As Taze and Luna ate, their eyes met when they noticed the relatively even pace and portion size. An unspoken challenge passed between them. Quite suddenly, the two of them dug in deeper and more rapidly as they tore into their portions. Matthew looked to Shawn. “Uh, … are you getting flashbacks to Sterling?” he asked between bites. “This will end poorly,” Shawn remarked casually as he took another bite of his meal. “But for which party?” Matthew added with a slight chuckle. “Only Mother knows,” Celestia said suddenly from behind them, nearly causing Matthew to choke on his food. “My sister’s never lost before, though.” Matthew stepped out of the bathroom and looked around. Only Moonshade was in the room, since Taze and Shawn had stepped out. He sat down, frowning as he tried to fight the headache. He covered his eyes with his arm to ward against the stabbing rays of sunlight. “Is something wrong, human?” she asked. “Headache, and the docs aren’t sure the pain meds would work the same way,” he groaned. “And why are you saying human? My name is Matthew Washington Conner. Citizen of Earth. How’d you feel if I just called you Thestral all the time?” She gave a shrug. “I am what I am.” Matthew turned to try and find some comfortable position to rest his head. “And what is that? Annoying?” he groused as another stab of pain bit into his skull. “Then anytime I hear you call me Human, I’ll just return the favor with Thestral.” “Fair enough, human.” She smirked. “Any advice, then, for beating this headache? Close a window? Darken the room? Something, please, Thestral. I cannot just be out of commission. Folks need me. My friends need me up and about.” “You could always request a potion,” she said simply. “We have those, you know.” “Side effects unknown. They’d rather not test it on me. Apparently, the blood thinning potion is risky enough as it is. Or so they say.” “Then I'm not sure what to tell you, human. Darken the shades and wait it out.” Matthew grumbled as he did as suggested, only to fumble ridiculously as he tried to figure out how the system worked. “A little help, Thestral?” With a slight eye roll, she approached the shades and pulled a cord with her mouth, causing them to cover the window. “Th-thank you,” Matthew muttered as he stumbled toward the bathroom. A minute or so later, he emerged again bearing a wet cloth soaked with cold water. Then he laid down and placed the cloth over his closed eyes. “Can you make sure I can get some sleep, please?” “I’ll see to it that you remain undisturbed, Human,” she promised. “Thank you,” Matthew grunted. And then he turned all his efforts to the elusive reward of oblivion that was sleep. Matthew was on edge as he followed a lot more guards than normal into the depths of the Castle, past a multitude of checkpoints and flights of stairs. Eventually, they were led past a set of heavy metal doors engraved with a multitude of glyphs and sigils. Beyond the doors, an empty cavern awaited them, with only Clestia and Luna’s glowing magic to light the way. The floor was hard and well swept. The guards all stood watch at the doorway, but only Matthew, Shawn, and Taze crossed the threshold. At a subtle nod from the sisters, the doors slowly creaked shut, leaving the five alone in the chamber. “All right,” Celestia started. “I’m certain you’re all wondering why my sister and I have led you all the way down here in the first place.” “Something with magic and not wanting others to find out what is happening?” Matthew asked. “The rather big doors kind of gave that away.” “They’re there more for the protection of everyone above,” Celestia said seriously. “No one has crossed through the veil between worlds in millennia. That particular method of travel was lost to Equestria a very, very long time ago. The fact you managed to do so could have some lingering effects that you’ve … chosen to forget. To that end, Luna and I are going to try to help you remember them to ensure your safety and ours.” “Or rather, I will be, and my sister will be serving as support to make sure nothing happens while I do,” Luna commented. “Not that there should be trouble, but given the fact your race has no magic, we have no idea how you’ll react to dream walking.” “Strange, but I suppose that’s understandable?” Shawn remarked questioningly. “I concur. Safety is a good priority,” Matthew said. “So, how is this going to work?” Taze asked. “We’re going to put you to sleep. Then I will enter your dreamscape and see if I can find the memories within,” Luna said. Shawn blinked a few times. “That ... sounds like a method. Not one I was anticipating, to be honest.” “It’s the easiest way to sort through your memories without risking damage,” Celestia promised. “You all will live through that night again before you came to Equestria, and Luna will watch. Should anything go amiss, we’ll break the connection and draw you all back to the waking realm.” She waved her horn and the beds the trio had slept in were transported into the space. “Lie down, please. Then Luna will enter your minds.” While the trio settled onto the beds, Luna strode into the center and closed her eyes. Her wings extended and began to flap as energy gathered around her. A bell-like tone sounded crystalline and pure from the tip of her horn as she rose into the air, followed by tendrils of white energy that curled up around the grooves of her horn before emerging from the tip and stretching out to reach for each of the humans’ foreheads. A translucent sphere of energy surrounded the mare as ethereal winds stirred and passed through the chamber. “Time to sleep now,” Luna said as a shower of silver dust spread from her wings to touch each of the humans in turn and send them into the land of slumber. Once Celestia confirmed they were truly asleep, Luna nodded and concentrated, sending her mind along the tendril that connected her horn to the first of the humans. “Good luck, Sister,” Celestia said worriedly as she stood watch over the four. Matthew found himself in the front seat of an SUV. He was dressed in his costume as he and Luna listened to a very loud voice of a friend talking about Goku beating up many other anime characters and eating the world’s supply of chocolate in the shape of the White House. Matthew sighed from the conversation. Luna could see the face of a man who had listened to the same kind of loud conversation many, many times, and about topics that he was trying to follow.  “Don’t forget the whipped cream the size of the swimming pool in the White House,” a tall man added. “That’s the press room now.” Matthew tried to speak, only to be drowned out by a man whose hair was more wolf than human, complete with beard and sideburns. “Why can’t we have it both ways? The President giving press briefings while swimming laps!” He gave a manic grin and laughed. “Riku,” Matthew began. “Anyway,” Riku spoke again, “what about Nappa? What Pokemon should he start with? Come on, Matthew, you should know this. You’re the Pokemon expert.” “I don’t know who Nappa is. You know I don’t watch DBZ.” “Oh man, you’re missing the best, come on—” What followed was an hour of rambling about Nappa, Dragon Ball Z, and other anime as they drove from the mountains to the city, whose lights and size dwarfed most anything outside of Manehattan. Matthew never did answer what Pokemon Nappa would pick as a starter. Instead, he sighed in relief as they turned into a neighborhood of houses, all of them the size of many Nobleman’s summer homes. They pulled up to a dark house, with only a porch light on. Matthew opened the car door as his friends bid him farewell, and he grabbed his leather case and stepped onto the cement path. A furtive movement caught his eye, and he froze at the sight of a small-statured being at the side of the house. It raced toward an open gate in the backyard. There wasn’t time to think. “HEY!” Matthew shouted. The cloaked figure froze briefly, and he could swear he saw the hood on the cloak turn briefly before it raced into action. Matthew heard the car doors opening behind him as his friends called after him. There was no time to respond. He ran. One. Two. Three. Four. Five times, his feet pounded on dry grass in the chill night air. And then the world vanished as he tipped forward. He cried out, shoving his free hand forward to brace against the fall. He felt the sense of momentum carrying him beyond the plan of the ground. And as he was about to spin, everything went dark.  “And this was the last point you remember?” Luna asked as everything came to a halt. Matthew lowered his arm as he felt himself gradually being righted before standing on … nothing. Luna’s power really was incredible. “Yes,” he answered. “That was the last thing I remember. That … what was a child doing around my house? It was Two A.M., way past any kid’s bedtime, let alone out so late without any adult supervision.” He frowned. “I hope they weren't a runaway.” Luna shook her head. “I doubt it was a child. We have rare mentions about small creatures who appear and vanish randomly. Though most are thought to be simple myths.” “A,” Matthew started, then broke off. He tried again. “Well this…” Once again, he found himself without a proper train of thought. A creature? But how or why would a being from a magical myth in a magical world even be on Earth in the first place? “Are there any other details about this night you can recall?” “Like what? It’s hard to think when half of your mental energy is trying to keep up with my friend’s topics and conversations.” “Fair point.” Luna nodded. “You should awaken momentarily.” “Thank you,” Matthew answered weakly. “At least my last memories weren’t of my family. That … would have made things more difficult,” he said. Even the sight of the house had been enough to spark his homesickness. He shuddered to think how much worse it would have been to see his family’s faces as everything faded to black. Taze stretched his arms and cracked his neck as he walked down the road. Living slightly out of town had its advantages, especially on a night like this. And he intended to get some peace before he got to town and things got crazy. The night was quiet and clear. Thousands of stars shone down from above as the wind brought the promise of cold Canadian winter on the horizon. Around him, birch and pine trees swayed in the breeze as the night drew on. The thought of cutting, hauling, and chopping wood came to the back of his mind and was shoved aside with a groan as he tried to focus on the evening instead. The town’s lights shone in the distance, still a good way to go. A sudden rustling caught his attention, and he looked to the bushes thinking a coyote or something might have decided to get brave. Thankfully, he’d been born with relatively good night vision. Even in the dim light, he could see fairly well. And yet, as he looked, only one question crossed his mind. Was that a humanoid shape? But what would someone else be doing this far out of town? And why would they be running through the bushes instead of on the road? A prankster pressured into targeting him, perhaps? “Hey!” Taze called out. “Come on, kid. Whatever prank you're doing isn’t funny.” He ran toward the brush to try to head the figure off. The figure, in turn, reacted by turning and fleeing deeper into the brush. Taze picked up speed  and broke through the bushes into the forest proper. With each long stride, he seemed to gain that much more ground against his target. The kid didn’t seem to have a flashlight. They were going to get hurt if they weren’t careful. They seemed to be making for a large tree. The air wavered, as if in a heat mirage as the kid slashed at it with something. A knife? Some kind of prop for the costume? He didn’t have long to wonder. His foot caught on a root, and he tumbled headlong, struggling to right himself and maintain his balance. He crashed headlong into the dirt and began to roll. His neck ached and burned from the impact, as did his skull. The world started to fade, and that wavering in the air he’d noticed before seemed to expand to the point of consuming him. Then came the darkness as he slipped into unconsciousness. “And that's it?” Luna asked as the world froze. “Yeah. That’s it,” Taze commented as he found himself somehow on solid ground again, no longer living out his memory. “That’s all I remember. It was stupid, but I was trying to make sure no one messed with my neighbors.” “Very similar to Matthew’s case, then. You both seem to lose your memory before actually hitting the portal. Though in your case, I suspect that you touched the very edges of it before you lost consciousness.” Luna sighed. “I hope Lord Shawn’s dream will hold more answers.” “Well, sorry I couldn’t be of more help.” Taze shrugged. “It’s not your fault. I’m grateful you were willing to allow me to make the attempt. You’ll awaken shortly,” Luna promised before vanishing. Shawn blinked a few times as he came to. He was seated at a desk with a monitor in front of him. He rubbed at his eyes and returned his focus on the monitors, revealing a set of locations around his house. The one focused on in particular was the one at his front door. “Jeez, what time is it?” he muttered, looking at a nearby clock. The display read 1:00 A.M. He groaned to himself as he stretched briefly. “All right, must have fallen asleep.” Then he swore. “Damn it, I’ve got to open the shop in six and a half hours.” He stood from his chair and gave another stretch before turning his attention back to the monitor. Just before he reached the power button, a brief flicker caught his attention on one of the camera displays. Scanning over the image, he started to look through all the other cameras nearby to figure out what happened. Which, in turn, revealed a figure moving about near the side of his house. It was small and covered in a cloak. Whoever it was couldn’t have been more than four feet tall. The part that was most curious was the large backpack they were carrying, which nearly doubled their size. Shawn frowned to himself as he looked over his desk and seized the flashlight he’d kept there. Curiosity had won over him. He needed to figure out who was wandering around his place at one in the morning. That being said, he didn’t live in the best neighborhood. Deciding to err on the side of caution, he reached into another drawer of his desk and pulled out an unloaded glock. Steeling himself, he took hold of it and a magazine to load it, chambering a round before he placed it in his pocket. He chose to leave through the back door and kept his flashlight low as he made his way to the side of his house. Placing himself on the corner, he took a breath and finally rounded to confront whoever was there. “Look, pal, this isn’t a good idea—” Shawn stiffened as the individual turned to face him. Gray pale flesh greeted him with yellow sickly eyes and a skull that was clearly too large to be anything human. It gave a startled noise at his appearance, causing Shawn to take a few steps back as he grabbed his pistol. “What the fu—?” His boot caught over something, though he was certain there was nothing behind him moments ago. As he fell backwards, a deep chill coated the back of neck, followed by the entirety of his body. Then his body went numb. The flashlight and pistol both fell out of his grip as darkness started to greet his vision. At this point, everything froze. For a moment, Luna swore she saw a marking burned into the air in front of her. And then it was gone, and so was she as she was painfully ejected from the dream. In the corporeal world, there was a loud crackle like plasma firing between coils, and the white cords of magic severed with a plume of smoke. Luna twitched a little, attempting to catch her breath as she fell to the floor with a heavy clop. “Something is not right,” she said, panting. “Luna!” Celestia raced to her sister’s side. “Are you all right?” “You would be correct in that assessment,” a voice called back in return, followed by the sound of boots against the stone floor. “What art thou, spirit?” Luna growled, lighting her horn. “What I am is nothing as trivial as your spirits,” the voice replied again. While it was Shawn standing before them, his voice wasn’t right. “You weren’t careful in that spell of yours.” “What manner of creature are you, then?” Celestia asked as her horn ignited and she took a combative stance. “If you pose a threat to our kingdom….” “There are a rare number of things I care about in the physical realms. It just so happened that this one—” he gestured to himself, or the case being, Shawn’s body. “—caught my attention. A mortal being who tripped through the veil, and bore witness to many powerful entities. It’s a miracle his mind didn’t shatter.” “No creature passes through the void consciously,” Luna stated bluntly. “Yet he has,” the voice replied equally bluntly. “If it weren’t for the fact your spell couldn’t handle the strain that would follow that sight, I would have had to step in sooner. This, was your one chance. I won’t save you again. If you want, try to pry into his memories again. But know that it won’t end well for you.” “And what of your current host?” Celestia pressed. “In due time, the memories will surface, and knowledge will follow it. What he does with it, you will have to wait and see.” He shrugged.”And it won’t be just you two affected by this result. His friends appear to have been similarly marked, just without the side effects.” “And do you intend to remain and watch over Lord Shawn?” “Lord Shawn.” He gave a brief chuckle. “To answer your question, I watch over everything. For a time, I suppose I will watch over things here, and now.” “Inside of him?” “Everything,” the voice replied flatly. “Everywhere.” “Then you are a god?” “Not by definition.” “And should we expect you to … visit us like this in the future?” “For your sakes, pray that I don’t have to,” the voice remarked as Shawn’s eyes dulled. For the briefest of moments, it felt as though the shadows in the room receded, and the air felt clearer. After a second, Shawn dropped to his knees. Before he could hit the ground, he threw his arms out at the last moment, catching himself. “Wh—?” he gasped, reaching up to his chest. “What the hell happened? Why am I on the floor?” “There was an issue with the spell. Your mind was suppressing something, and it caused feedback,” Luna said, quickly piecing together an explanation. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think it would happen.” “I suppose that makes sense?” Shawn shook his head as he attempted to stand up. “But, how did I get over here though? Wasn’t I on the bed a moment ago?” “Magic can be strange sometimes when feedback is involved. You’re fortunate you only teleported to the other side of the room. You could have ended up anywhere,” Luna said. “That does sound fortunate.” He rubbed the side of his head. “Are the others fine?” “Yes. The spell went perfectly for them. They’ll wake up in their own time.” Shawn looked over the two before nodding to himself. After a second, he moved over to the bed meant for him and took a seat. “That was a strange experience.” “It must be doubly so for one who wasn’t raised with magic,” Celestia said sympathetically. “Indeed. Though it’s strange to me, because I can kinda remember … something. Though, it’s still foggy.” “Given the nature of the feedback caused, it might not be wise to dwell on it for now. Better to let it come in its own time, when you are ready to face it, rather than risk the consequences if you don’t.” Matthew sat up with a gasp and confusion. “Wh—?” he sputtered before looking and feeling the chill of the cave, then shivered and pulled his legs up to conserve body heat. “That … was maybe the fourth most vivid dream I’ve ever had.” Taze groaned as he sat up. “I dunno, seemed like a normal dream,” he said groggily. “Including Princess Luna appearing at the end of what has to be my…” he frowned. “My memories,” he choked out. “You okay?” Taze asked. “Just … off kilter, to be honest. Expecting the other shoe to drop now.” “I am not familiar with that phrase,” Celestia admitted. Matthew looked to Celestia. “Something happens, usually a bad thing. And it’s always attached to another event, usually in pairs or triples. The other shoe dropping essentially means that something bad or surprising is going to happen. For example, say the wheel of a wagon breaks, and when it breaks, your compass shatters or something.” Shawn looked to Matthew for a moment before turning his attention back towards Celestia and Luna. “I see. So, not unlike the fulfillment of the prophecy of my sister’s return, followed by the revelation that she always was my sister, a fact that shocked many a Pony at first,” Celestia mused. “Yes, something like that,” Matthew answered with a grin. “If it’s all right with you, Sister, I’d like to invite our guests to my personal balcony tonight to observe me raising the moon,” Luna said suddenly. “I think they have earned the pleasure.” Celestia raised a curious brow. “I don’t have anything against it if they wish to see it. Though I would think your dream spell would have held more interest for them.” “I mean, dreams are one thing but to actually see the night sky coming in, that would be a treat,” Taze commented. “Our species has tracked the stars for millennia.” Matthew smiled. “The stars guided our sailors home from abroad. Farmers used the stars to know when to plant, when to harvest.” Luna beamed at her sister. “Then it is settled.” “Be gentle with them, Sister. They haven’t teleported before.” “It will be fine, Sister,” Luna said. She ignited her horn, and moments later, she and the three humans vanished as though they hadn’t been present. Celestia sighed and used her magic to teleport the beds back to their proper locations. Then she ran over the wards with her horn. Hidden runes, sigils, seals, and other magical measures rippled at her touch and beamed softly as their glow resonated with hers. After all, she and Luna had cast these protections themselves. However, the fact that the spells not only appeared to have avoided being tripped, but even neglected to register the presence of an unauthorized entity was another matter altogether. She snapped her horn back, plunging the room into darkness again as she strode on trembling legs toward the double doors. Whatever this entity had been, it existed outside the standard rules of magic. And that, … that was worrying.