The Princesses' departure left me alone with my thoughts. Immediately, I began thinking about the situation I now faced. If I really was dead, then this was a fucked up start to my afterlife. It could also all be a dream, but the more time that passed, the less likely that possibility seemed to be. For starters, just thinking about the possibility of being in a dream should have ended it. I spent a few minutes trying to will myself awake anyway, just in case. It didn't work.

Out of boredom, I considered all the dream cliches I could think of. I may have been naked and in the spotlight, but so was everyone else, and I at least had a blanket to cover myself with. Given the physical proportions of most of the 'ponies' I had met and the fact that I had yet to see any males of their kind, it could have been one of those types of dreams. On the other hand, pretty much all we did was talk for about an hour. A dream would have taken a different track, and I surely would have woken up right when it got to the good part. I pressed my tongue against my teeth, but they were all firmly rooted in place, not likely to start falling out on their own any time soon. Finally, I got brave enough to step out on the balcony and noted its height above the ground and, more importantly, its structural stability. It would certainly be a long fall, more than long enough to wake up from a bad dream, but it appeared just as solid as the palace it was built into.

While I was thinking about the balcony, it occurred to me that I was technically under quarantine still. I shouldn't have had a balcony open to outside air. I soon noticed a very faint, reddish-purple bubble surrounding me. Looking across to one of the other towers, I saw banners and flags swaying in what looked like a fairly strong breeze, but I couldn't feel a thing from where I stood. Maybe it was some sort of barrier, probably more of that 'magic' the aliens were talking about before. Tentatively, I reached out to test my theory. I was somewhat apprehensive due to my earlier experience, but all I felt was a transparent wall.

There wasn't much else worth noting on the balcony, just a bench and a pair of planters that stood empty. While the bubble seemed to block wind and solid objects, it must not have been intended to insulate temperature differences. There was a definite chill in the air, even more so than inside.

'I wonder if this place has seasons like Earth does,' I mused to myself as I stepped back inside.

Earth. Home. With everything going on since I woke up, it hadn't really hit me that I was somewhere far away from home with no way back. Now there were no such distractions.

How long would it take for someone to notice I was gone? School was already out for holiday break, so no one would notice my absence from class. I didn't have a job, because I had plenty of money to live off of while attending classes, and work would have drastically cut into my study time.

How long before my family realized something was amiss? I wouldn't be able to return their holiday calls, and I wouldn't be visiting them now that I'd been abducted by aliens. Surely, they would figure it out by then.

If nothing else, my landlord would definitely notice me failing to drop off my rent check, but that wouldn't be for another couple weeks.

It was overwhelming: thinking of home, my family, my friends. I had no way of telling them I wouldn't be around for the holidays. I couldn't even tell them I was alive and, for the most part, okay. I let myself fall onto the bed, wrapped myself tightly under the covers, and cried my eyes out into the pillow.

I got up when I realized I needed to use the bathroom. I must have zoned out at some point, because when I looked up, the sun had already set, and another food cart had appeared in the sitting area. I was a little hungry, but food could wait while I took care of business. Unfortunately, it meant leaving the blanket behind and braving the chill of the room.

The bathroom looked like it was built for a person half my size. The counter was barely higher than my knees, and the top of the mirror was right around eye level. Luckily, whoever dropped off the food had thought to leave the stool and urine sample kit on the counter, presumably to remind me that I still had to give those samples if I ever wanted to leave the room. As luxurious as my accomodations were, I didn't want to spend all my time locked up here, alone, with nothing to do but dwell on my situation. I began to regret sending the Princesses off, if only because then I would have had someone to talk to.

The 'toilet', as far as I could tell, was little more than an oddly-shaped basin that rose about a foot out of the floor and had a seat with a U-shaped channel at the back. I had to squat down to make sure everything went where it was supposed to. Then, I opened up the collection kit and tried not to make a mess out of the whole thing.

While I tended to nature's call, I looked around the bathroom. Thankfully, the bathtub was big enough to accomodate someone my size, and it even had a showerhead that I might be able to fit under. On the counter was everything I needed to maintain basic hygiene. I had a toothbrush, toothpaste, a small selection of soaps and shampoos for the bath, and a few hairbrushes of different sizes. I would've preferred a comb, but I could probably ask for one later. Washcloths and towels of various sizes hung on racks in appropriate places. Since this was a guest room in what I assumed was their royal palace, everything had ornate gold trim and looked as clean as if it were on a showroom floor.

I got worried when I noticed that there wasn't any toilet paper, but then I found a pair of levers within easy reach that had diagrams next to them to indicate their function. One indicated a mass of liquid going down a drain, so I guessed that was the flushing lever. The other appeared to be a jet of water directed at the backside of a pony-like figure. I'd never used a bidet before, but I had some idea how they worked and could recognize one if I saw it. Apparently, alien toilets had them built in.

Upon completing my business, I left the collected samples on the counter and washed my hands in the sink. I had to do it in an awkward kneeling position because everything was so low, but given the design of the fixtures, the diagrams on the toilet levers, and (more vividly) the images in their porno mags, I found it easier to believe that the pony-aliens really were transformed quadrapeds. What I'd seen so far didn't make any sense otherwise.

I walked back out into the main room and headed towards the food cart. The layout was similar to the one earlier. This time, the spread resembled something more like a salad bar with all sorts of leafy greens and other raw vegetables laid out. There were even a few flowers to choose from. However, what stood out to me was the note leaning against a bowl of what looked like spinach.

Bill,

I wanted to apologize again for what happened earlier, but I didn't want to disturb you while you slept. Words can't express just how sorry I am for causing you pain. It violated everything I stand for as a practitioner of medicine. If I had thought there was even the slightest possibility you would react the way you did, I wouldn't have insisted on using the spell. I have informed the others that until we learn more about its effects, the use of magic directly on you is strictly prohibited unless your life is at risk.

I know a simple apology letter may not earn your forgiveness, but I hope you can at least understand that we don't intend to harm you.

Sincerely,

Pink Joy

In truth, I hadn't really thought much about the incident with the nurse since I found out the circumstances of my arrival. Sure, it hurt more than anything I could remember, but it was only temporary. I had bigger problems occupying my mind. Whether or not I would see my home again stood chiefly among them, and from my position, there was dick-all I could do about it.

One thing I could take care of was how hungry I was after everything I went through since waking up in this crazy place. The cinnamon roll, while very tasty, hadn't done much toward filling the void in my stomach. I pushed the food cart towards the bed, so I could shelter myself from the cold while I gathered my meal.

Most of the cart looked like a salad bar minus the bacon bits, but everything had a clear lid or cover over it, most likely so I could see what it all was without leaving all the food exposed for hours. That didn't really appeal to me very much. I didn't get over six feet tall by eating rabbit food, and I didn't intend to start now. Fortunately, I found something more suitable on the end. I made myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and stuck it on a plate with some potato chips. I also poured myself a glass of water to wash it all down with.

I decided a little change of scenery might help me clear my head while I ate. I took my blanket and my meal out to the balcony so I could eat under the stars.

The bench was wide enough for me to sit with my legs folded up in front of me, and I made sure to wrap myself up completely to keep the cold out. I still left gaps for my hands to hold onto my food and drink, but I managed to not freeze. A clear sky allowed the stars to provide plenty of light for me to see while I ate.

My guest room must have been at the back of the palace, because the balcony overlooked a nearly vertical cliff face that dropped into a wide valley below. I could see small clusters of lights in the distance that I guessed were towns or villages.

I was only a few bites into my sandwich when movement in one of the other towers caught my attention. Judging by the multicolored hair, I realized it was Celestia. I couldn't see the expression on her face, but I noticed her looking in my direction before heading back inside. I paid no mind and continued eating, shifting my attention back to the stars.

I wasn't much of an astronomer. The only constellations on Earth I could identify with any confidence were Orion and the Big Dipper. Still, I knew deep down that that didn't matter, because I wasn't on Earth, and none of the constellations would match anyway. I was just stargazing for lack of anything else to do, and having something pretty to look at helped to calm my thoughts.

Several minutes later, as I finished the last remains of my meal, a new voice addressed me, "Would you like some company? I have wished to speak with you since my sister informed me of your waking."

Only slightly startled, I turned to see who had addressed me. Another one of the alien females met my eyes with a gentle smile on her face. This one had a horn and a pair of wings just like Celestia and Twilight Sparkle, but her coloration was a dark shade of blue. Her hair and tail, which resembled the night sky, blew in the same non-existent breeze that Celestia's did. She was also naked, but that was par for the course so far. However, that didn't stop me from quickly looking away before I replied, "Yeah, sure, I don't mind."

The newcomer apparently picked up on my reaction, because she asked, "Do you truly find our lack of adornment so disturbing?"

I hesitated to answer. Although it was nice to have someone to talk to, this wasn't a conversation I wanted to have right now. I just gave a noncommital grunt in response.

She tried a different tack, "I notice you still retain your coverings even when alone."

"It's cold," I said.

"Winter begins in a mere fortnight," she stated. "If you are cold out here, then perhaps we could go inside?"

"It's cold in there, too. Besides, I'd rather be out here right now. Staring at the walls gets boring after a while."

"Very well. Then I shall join you out here. Pity you cannot see my Moon from this side of the Palace. It is quite magnificent this night." I detected a hint of pride in the mysterious pony-woman's voice.

"Just who are you, anyway?" I asked, tired of not having a name to put with the voice.

"I am Luna, Princess of the Night." As she introduced herself, she sat down next to me.

"You can call me 'Bill'," I replied, more out of politeness than anything else. She didn't talk like a doctor or nurse, so it only made sense that she was a Princess.

"It pleases me to make your acquaintance, Bill, though I understand if you do not share my sentiment." As she said that, she draped her wing over my shoulder, wrapping it around and pulling me closer.

I tensed at the contact. Like Celestia, Luna was definitely bigger than me, and I didn't want to take my chances in a physical struggle. Her being naked didn't help things either. On the other hand, the chill that had been starting to penetrate my defense was completely cut off by the added layer.

"How considerate of you," I replied, after a brief pause, "but don't get too friendly with me. I just want to go home as soon as possible."

"And you shall be returned to your home world with all due haste, once we have learned a way to proceed."

'That's what the other ones said,' I thought to myself.

Luna continued, "You can relax as well. If you mean what I believe you mean when you say, 'Don't get too friendly,' know that I have no intention of, 'pouncing and having my way with you,' as you so eloquently phrased it to my sister and her student." She sounded amused, but I wasn't sure. I'd been making a point to not look at her since she sat down, instead rotating my focus between the sky, her wings, and various points on the floor.

So the royal family weren't all related by blood. Thinking back to my interactions with the other two, I assumed Celestia was Luna's sister, and Twilight Sparkle was the student. Although Twilight did most of the talking, Celestia was clearly in charge, judging by how everyone deferred to her. I also picked something else out of Luna's words, "They told you about that, did they?"

"They did, along with everything else that has transpired since you awoke."

I didn't raise my voice, but I did let my anger put an edge on my reply, "Then you should know that after all the crap you and yours have put me through since I've been here, you're lucky I'm even being civil."

The Princess took a deep breath and let it out before she said, "I am grateful for that much. It is our genuine desire to help you."

"But you don't know what you're doing any more than I do." I'd had several hours by myself to think about things, and I wasn't about to accept empty words.

After another pause, she finally admitted, "I cannot refute your words."

"Then the least you could do is tell me what you're doing and why. I deserve that much. None of this taking what you want from me while I sit here without a clue. I'm no doctor, but I wasn't born yesterday. I know blood test results don't change just because I woke up."

Once again, Luna hesitated, probably thinking about what to say next, "After your ordeal with the ejaculation spell, I see no reason to conceal our purpose. You are indeed correct that the collection of those samples was not to determine the safety of lifting your quarantine. We are looking for ways to extract the magic you absorbed when the portal to your world collapsed. Due to its unique nature, we cannot do so by more direct means."

My mind flashed back to Nurse Joy's spell. "Speaking of which, do you even know how your so-called magic affects me? I don't want a repeat performance of before."

"The magic you absorbed should be harmless, as it has no will attached to it. As for the incident in question, the nurse did not anticipate your sensitivity to magic, which greatly amplified the effect of her will on the effect of the spell."

That answered some things, but only raised more questions, "Why didn't she anticipate it?"

"There was a miscommunication between the guards and the medical staff." Luna paused, but took my silence as a cue to elaborate, "When we attempted to open the portal, we did so in a remote location. When the spell failed, you laid unconscious in our circle, and we thought it best to transport you here for examination. The guards responsible for your transport reported that you began to stir during your transit. They cast a dreamless sleep spell in order to avoid having to deal with a panicking creature with unknown capabilities. The spell should have worn off after a few hours. Instead, it lasted four days."

'In other words, the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. Typical.'

Oblivious to my internal musing, the Princess kept talking, "Make no mistake, the doctors and nurses charged with your care were not chosen lightly, nor were the guards who accompanied us to the portal site. Their report contained every detail. It was simply not delivered to everypony who needed to see it. That error has since been corrected."

"Well that's one mystery solved," I mumbled to myself.

"What do you mean?"

"Huh what?" I stammered before catching myself and finding some words to fill the gap. "Oh, I'm just trying to make sense of what's happened."

"I see," Luna replied. "May I ask you something?"

"Sure," I conceded, seeing no harm in a little conversation.

"Why have you not looked at me since we have been talking?"

Now it was my turn to be confused, "What do you mean? You're naked. Didn't the others tell you about that?"

"They did, but I do not believe that is the underlying cause for your discomfort."

"How do you figure that?" I asked, not too thrilled about being psychoanalyzed by an alien. "Please enlighten me about my own thoughts and feelings."

"The nurse showed you a pornographic magazine did she not?"

"Yes," I confirmed, wondering where Luna was going with this.

She continued, "The ponies in that magazine were naked, and yet you reported no arousal at all from the images inside. If the absence of clothing was sufficient to explain your reaction to Twilight and her friends, then you would have been aroused."

"So what do you think it is?"

"I believe it is our resemblance to females of your kind. Am I wrong?"

'Shit.' I wanted to argue, but she had me dead to rights on that one. On top of that, it brought my mind around to the thoughts I'd been trying to ignore for the entire conversation. Except for the tails and the wings, everything from their knees up to their shoulders and down to their hands was close enough to human women that it made no difference to the more primitive parts of my brain. If anything, certain aspects were slightly exaggerated to enhance their appeal, much like how a photo in an ad might be altered to make the model more attractive. Granted, there was an added weirdness factor due to the layer of dense, short hair covering their whole bodies, but in this case, that wasn't enough to distract my traitorous libido.

While I hesitated, Luna stretched her legs out into my field of view and said, "Take your time to think about it."

I was thinking about it alright, and while sifting through the mental images from earlier in the day, I noticed things that I hadn't been paying attention to before. The similarity definitely ended at the knees. They still had hooves where a person's toes would have been. I could also see what was most likely the remnants of the pony body structure in what were now their heels (or whatever those backwards knee things on a horse were called). It gave the impression that they were all trying to walk around on their tiptoes. 'Small wonder they can't walk around without tripping over themselves.

That just left their faces. They didn't fit neatly into either the 'human' or 'pony' category. Sure, there were some vaguely pony-like features such as ears on top of the head and a short muzzle. There were also human features. The style and placement of their hair wouldn't be out of place on Earth (disregarding the colors of course), and they were able to show the full range of human facial expressions, unlike any ponies or horses from back home. So, they weren't completely human, but they weren't completely pony either. The overall effect was alien, but not unappealing.

After a few minutes, I finally broke the silence and sighed, "Fine. You're right. Happy now?"

Luna hooked a finger around my chin and turned my head to face her. "There is no shame in admitting when you like what you see."

Shifting uncomfortably, I moved my head back to face forward again. "But that doesn't make it any less distracting," I countered.

"That is something you must learn to deal with. You are a guest, not a prisoner. At sunrise, your quarantine will be lifted, and you will be free to come and go as you please."

In response, I just closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

At that point, someone else made her presence known on the balcony. She was one of the night nurses checking to see if I was still there. I couldn't see her from where I sat because Luna was in the way. I waved a hand out to confirm my presence, and that seemed to satisfy the nurse.

"It is getting late," Luna stated. "Perhaps we may continue this tomorrow."

I opened my mouth to reply, but all that came out was a big yawn. I guess being out cold for four days didn't do much for fatigue.

"Get some rest. The others will likely ask you to join them for breakfast in the morning."

"Fine," I finally grumbled, getting to my feet as soon as Luna removed her wing. I made my way inside ahead of her.

Once inside, I started rummaging through the dressers that Twilight Sparkle and her friends had gotten their blankets from before. My current one was covered in bread and chip crumbs from my lunch-slash-dinner-slash-midnight snack.

"What are you looking for?" the Princess asked as I finished searching one that was full of nothing but bedsheets.

"A big, heavy comforter," I replied. "With the room as cold as it is, these thin blankets aren't gonna cut it."

"You shall find them in the tall wardrobe to your right."

"Uhh, thanks." I walked past another low chest of drawers to the wardrobe Luna pointed out. It also had a thinner blanket like the one I'd been wearing as a robe all day. I took one of those too, just for good measure.

Luna spoke up again, "Would you mind if I helped myself to some of this food? I am feeling rather peckish at the moment."

"No, I don't mind," I said absently. I was focused on more important things than a food cart stuffed with more food than I could put away in a whole week. I laid out the clean blankets on the bed without looking up while the Princess browsed the selection of salad ingredients.

'With any luck, I'll wake up back in my own bed, and all of this will have been a really strange dream.'

"If you will excuse me, I bid you good night," Luna said, apparently done assembling her snack.

I just grunted in acknowledgement as I made my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth.

"And Bill," she got my attention. I actually turned and looked, having been addressed by name. For once, I actually managed to focus on her face. Surprisingly, the look in her eyes gave the impression of sadness, or possibly regret. "If I may offer some advice from a pony who has learned the hard way, you do not have to be alone if you choose not to be."

I just stood there, unsure of what to say. Before I could find any words, she strode to the door and out of the guest room.

I went back to brushing my teeth. After that, I downed another glass of water and then climbed into bed to try and get some real sleep. Luna's parting words still sounded in the back of my mind.

'What did she mean by that?'