Chapter Five: Not Alone

Even after that night of restless turning and worrying, I didn't find myself tired. I was too worried to be tired. So many bad things could happen, or could be happening, or will happen, or... hmm. I was sitting alone, studying the book Twilight had found. It had a little more to it. It was saying that it was theorized--like much of the information the book provided--that if the source of the damage to the universal barrier were to be destroyed, or if all trans-universal beings returned to their universes, things might correct themselves. Of course, it didn't say anything about how the individuals who crossed universes were supposed to get home. It also said that if the barrier is weakened further by some dramatic chaotic event, some of the elements of this universe would seep into ours as thoughts of civilized people in the other afflicted universe. This would explain how My Little Pony happened. It must have been the chaotic event that was Nightmare Moon's return that triggered Lauren Faust's accurate imagining of the universe. But like everything else, it was theory. So much theory. How much of it was true, if any? If any of it was true, Discord might have to be destroyed, or I had to get all the humans out of Equestria, and all the ponies off of Earth. I hoped it was the former, as the latter one would be extremely difficult.

Twilight had rushed out as soon as possible to assemble her friends, and had asked me to take another look at the book for any clues. Twilight had left Spike with a pile of books from her research project to sort through and put away, and had forgotten to let him know what was going on. I noticed him coming into the main chamber of the library. He hadn't met me yet, as he had been asleep when I arrived on both occasions. I was quite a bit taller than Spike, even when sitting down. I lifted my head from my now distracted reading, and he looked nervous as he introduced himself.

"Um, hi, I'm Spike."

"Hello Spike, I'm Zach," I introduced myself in turn.

"Where are you from? I've never seen anyone like you before."

"Twilight didn't tell you?"

"No, she didn't tell me anything about you except that we had a guest. Is something bothering her? She seemed really worried, like when she had a late letter to Princess Celestia that one time and made a big deal out of it."

"Oh, she's worried. You see, I'm from another universe, and I was trying to get back home and had asked Twilight for help. But then Twilight found out that I might not be the only one of my kind here, and that one of our universes would be destroyed if we didn't stop it. Since she found out about all this herself, she thinks it is her responsibility to make sure that we do not fail," I explained.

"Wow, our universe could be destroyed!?" Spike was visibly overwhelmed.

"Yes. That is, if I and others who have entered Equestria don't perform heroic deeds or something like that, this would happen. I never saw myself as a hero of any sort."

This was true. Suddenly, Spike backed up, puffed out his cheeks, and spat out a letter. I picked it up and opened it. Spike tried to tell me that letter was for Twilight and not me, but I shushed him. It could be important.

'My Faithful Student,

It has come to my attention that some new creatures have appeared in Equestria. They don't have a clear goal to my knowledge, but some of them have proven themselves to dangerous, and may not be of this world. I request that you and your companions come to Canterlot, as the Elements of Harmony may be needed. Be careful, Twilight Sparkle, I hope to see you soon.

Sincerely, Princess Celestia.'

"Oh, no..." I muttered.

"What? What is it?" Spike was confused and curious.

"Princess Celestia says that some new creatures have appeared--meaning others like me--and that they're causing trouble. Twilight and the Elements of Harmony have to go to Canterlot in case something bad is going to happen."

"We have to tell Twilight!" Spike verbalized my thought.

"I agree, let's go."

I picked up the book, and turned to leave the library. Spike followed.

"Where do we go? Twilight could be anywhere!" Spike's question would not be answered, as I heard approaching hooves on the road. I turned to see Twilight and the other three earthbound ponies walking (or in Pinkie's case, bouncing) at a fast pace toward us, with the two pegasi above. They stopped in front of us.

"There, everypony is here. As I said, we have a big problem-" Twilight was starting a speech. I interrupted her.

"Twilight! We were just going to look for you. A letter from the Princess arrived, and it's urgent." I offered the letter to her.

"A letter from the Princess?" She levitated the letter from my extended hand to her face. She gasped.

"We have to get to Canterlot as soon as possible!"

"Uh, why? What's so important?" Applejack piped up. Twilight hadn't told any of them anything.

"I hope everything is alright..." Fluttershy said.

"I'll explain on the way," I offered.

"How are we going to get there fast? Do we have to walk?" Rarity added. She wasn't thrilled at the prospect.

"Maybe I could get a sky chariot to pick us up!" Rainbow Dash offered.

"I don't know, even four ponies is a lot for one of those. Eight is too big a party for even a land chariot!" Pinkie interjected, as though she had experience in the matter. I didn't doubt that she did.

"Looks like we're going to have to hike," I concluded aloud, not too happy about it myself.

"Let's get a move on! We can't keep the Princess waiting forever!" Applejack said enthusiastically.

With that we went on, and soon left Ponyville, bound for the capital.