“So Twilight, how do you like the new house?” Richard said as he brought Twilight to the freshly made house he had built in the exact location her old house was located. “Luckily for you, I was able to salvage your basement, seeing as how it was pretty much completely intact. Ton of fun objects down there, and I’m not talking about your science equipment. Gotta ask, what’s up with all the tacks?”

Twilight lit up in a nearly body-wide blush, her wings ‘pomf’-ed out, and she began looking in every direction that Richard did not occupy while Celestia sniggered at her expense but also held a knowing grin. “Well, I… You see…”

“Don’t worry, kiddo. You’re secret’s safe with me.” Richard assured, all the while knowing it gave Twilight no peace of mind to know. “So what do ya think?” The Terrarian human with shiny golden sunlight wings asked with pride and Twilight looked back at the new house.

“It’s… Not what I expected.” Twilight commented, staring at the large new building that had taken the place of her old tree shaped home. It was a five-story solid wood tower-like building. More like a cheap fortification than a home. It was the second-tallest building in town after town hall, and the wood panelling was sealed with some sort of green goo, giving it a natural and earthy look, like it was plucked right out of the Everfree. But it did have a few windows a side and per floor, so lighting wasn’t going to be an issue….

“Well, I’m sorry. I couldn’t find a Living Wood wand, so I couldn’t make you a new tree home.” Richard said indignantly. “I mean, it’s not like I just built you a brand new freaking house in less than two hours!” Richard gave a small harumph. “Well, anyways, I have to ask you stay out of the floor before the top. And don’t let anypony come in through the skyloft on the roof. Among things, those rooms aren’t finished, and I’d like to keep the fourth floor as a whole a secret.”

“But why the fourth floor and not the top floor? Is there a stairwell past the fourth floor?” Twilight asked as she approached the heavy front double-doors that she guessed she would have to get used to over her more friendly old front door.

“Of course there is. Heck, I even put in a stairwell out back and a way through the center of the building for those of us that can fly.” Richard explained as the group entered the new building. “You have no idea how hard it was to plan this while I was grabbing up the materials.

“Speaking of, what is this stuff?” Twilight asked, pointing to the line of green that sealed some floorboards together as she looked around, admittedly impressed with how the first floor was easily twice the size of her old home’s library as it was, and the shelves lining the walls were much larger. It would take some getting used to, not having the shelves carved into the walls.

“Well, mixed materials. This floor’s made of birch.” Richard said. “The next floor is made of mahogany, the third floor is made of willow, and the fifth floor is made of oak. In fact, your room is up there, and I used what was left of your tree to make certain aspects of it. Ya know, give you a reminder that this is home.”

“What about the fourth floor, Dickie?” Celestia asked, seeing as how Twilight was just marvelling over how diverse and amazing the house was from the inside, considering she was gazing upwards through the huge atrium-like hole in the center of the ceiling that went straight up to a skylight, carved to look like a stylized sun for each floor.

“Again, the fourth floor is a secret, and it’s going to stay like that until I finish it up with the proper materials.” Richard stated, not flinching from his original position on that floor. “Speaking of such, where is the nearest meteor strike site?”

“Just North of town, why?” Came Twilight’s sudden response as she snapped back into ‘nerd mode’. “Also, I meant the resin you used, I’ve never seen it before.”

“No reason that you should be concerned of.” Richard said. “And that? Well… that’s slime.”

“SLIME?! Ew-ew-ew-ew-ew!” Twilight girled-out as she used her wings to falteringly hover away from all the green surfaces much to Richard’s annoyance and Celestia’s amusement. “Why did you use slime?!”

“Because I had no nails? Also it makes a great adhesive and sealant. Soon these walls will be as firm as that tree you used to live in.” Richard explained.

“Oh don’t be so silly Twilight! Come down, I’ll have you know that slime is just fine, and also tasty in some cases.” Celestia assured with a lick of the lips. “Some taste like lime, others strawberry, it depends on coloration and region.”

“But if a pony eats too much they become a slime pony!” Twilight freaked out, looking herself over to make sure any she got on her wouldn’t stick and start sliming her or some other paranoid reason.

“And? Those things are cute as hell!” Richard said. “As long as they don’t go feral, that is. Plus, have you ever heard of an alicorn slime pony?”

“Well, there was that one, Dickie.” Celestia reminded. “Remember? She called herself Squishy?”

“Yeah, but she ascended as a slime pony and never went feral.” Richard countered. “Speaking of her, is she still…?”

“Oh yes, I actually have tea scheduled with her next week.” Celestia said, much to Richard’s happiness. “I’m sure she’d love to see you again as much as you would love to see her, considering she still cuts and shares her mane and tail as taffy.”

“Well, yeah. Last I checked she kind of had a thing for me.” Richard said. “Anyways, how are you liking the place, other than the slime?”

“-No signs of slimification, new information on alicorn slime pony named Squishy, add to potential studies….” Twilight mumbled to herself as she telekinetically wrote on a scroll and looked to Celestia. “And give slime a try if Celestia likes it.”

“It’s like taffy, jelly, and liquorice all in one.” Celestia admitted, poking her flank and showing Richard how despite her firm muscle tone, her hoof sank in a bit. “And Richard, slime can still convert alicorns, I’ve had to hold off long enough to recover now and then I’ll admit. As much as the thought of me being a slime is fun, I need to keep appearances for my little ponies.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know. The nobility care so much about what you look like, it has nothing to do with the fact that you would have turned into a slime and given them an opportunity to attempt to dethrone you and take over Equestria.” Richard said sarcastically. “Speaking of that, how big is the country now? Last I checked, the griffons still held the title as having the largest country.”

“Not since their fall. Now Equestria is the single largest country, right above the united Zebra tribes of Zebrica, followed by the nomads of Chineigh, and finally the Minotaurs of Bullgaria.” Celestia said. “Speaking of that, you became a legend of theirs. I’ve even heard from their dignitary that there’s cults that supposedly follow you.”

“Wait, what? Seriously? The hell are they fooling?” Richard said flabbergasted at the aspect that there might be people praying to him at any moment. “Kinda creepy if you ask me.”

“Well, don’t let the dignitary hear that. He’s apparently the head of one of the sects.” Celestia said.

“Great. Now, shall we get on with the-” Richard started before being interrupted by something taping on his head and going ‘plink’ on the ground. “The hell? What just popped me on the head?”

“Um, I think this is a nose ring?” Twilight said, levitating what was indeed a nose ring up to Richard’s face. “Um, do you know who this belongs to?”

“Not a clue.” Richard said as he took it in his hand. A voice called out from the nose ring the second he touched it.

“If you need Asylum, someone to talk to, or if I can; direct assistance, then feel free to call upon me. Bronze Brave of Space, master of spacial distortion.”

“... It’s one of those guys again.” Richard said with a groan. He started shouting at the nose ring. “Are you guys all just asking to come see me or something?! Vash never really explained how it works.”

“Ow! My ears! Hey, whoever’s saying that, could you I don’t know, explain how I’m hearing you?” The voice echoed out from the nose ring that seemed to actually have the boars engraved on it running around the ring, it turning around in Richard’s hand until it flipped over, and the boars were running widdershins.

“Yeah, how bout you come over here and you explain it to me.” Richard said, and suddenly the ring flew out of his hand, becoming huge and hanging in the air, before a bronze holster appeared in it’s piercing portion, and it lifted, before falling and making three knocks against the air, which then split open seamlessly as if it were a door, and it opened to reveal a black alicorn with silver shaggy and spiky hair wearing the same nose ring look out at the group in bewilderment from someplace out in a field.

“Huh...I was under the impression that Displaced traveled through the void….” The alicorn commented but paused to look at the seam between realities. “Ah, I see it. Barely within the visible spectrum, but the void’s still there, separating our realities.” He the punched the frame of the Doorway, it making a solid strike like he’d just hoofed a wooden door frame. “Interesting.”

“Um… The hell?” Richard said, bewildered. “How the hell-? The last guy came in through a portal! The fuck?!”

“And so is this. What is a Doorway, but a portal? Access to endless possibility just laying in wait on the other side. I learned that the hard way.” The alicorn chuckled as he stepped through and the door slammed shut behind him, making everyone but him flinch as the knocker shrank back down into a copy of the pony’s nose ring and hovered back to Richard. “So you found my token I see. I’m glad it’s so much more sophisticated than the ‘tumbling through the void’ version I’m guessing most Displaced have. What God of Space would I be if my dimensional transit wasn’t smooth?” He joked, but was obviously just as surprised as his audience.

“... Again, I say: the fuck?!” Richard said.

“Look, I’m not going to explain the whole sad story, but see these things?” The alicorn gestured to his wings and horn. “I didn’t ask for them, they kinda forced themselves on me. Hey sis, hey Twi.” The alicorn said to the other two alicorns in respect. “Though, I guess only by dimensional standards we’re siblings, considering my body was basically copied from Luna to save my life. Oh, and Twilight, please tell me you don’t know what internet is. My Twilight’s driving me crazy.”

“Dude, if you ruin my world right now with shit like that, I will not hesitate to stab you clean through.” Richard warned at the mention of the internet. “This world hasn’t been tainted by that shit, and I’m glad about that. And do you not know how unsound that whole siblings theory is?! Different dimensions can mean millions upon millions of different possibilities! That includes different genetic make ups!”

“Good, keep it that way. It’ll happen naturally eventually, but at least the ponies will try to keep it wholesome on the whole unlike humanity. Also, you don’t seem to grasp that dimensional variation isn’t as vast as you imagine. Similarities exist between dimensions because they follow a similar blueprint. If my DNA is not in any way related to your Celestia and Luna, I would be earnestly surprised. Until proven otherwise, I’ll do as my adoptive/new genetic siblings demand and call them sister in any instance.” The black alicorn insisted before he turned his dark blue eyes on Twilight and wilted a bit. “Ah man...even Twilight’s taller than me….”

“Alright, can we stop it with the whole ‘fucking with everyone’s brains’ bit?!” Richard complained. “I’d rather not have the second dimensional visitor to be the one who breaks everyone. Thank you.”

“In all fairness, I respect Tia and Twi’s mental capacities to not break from me spouting exposition. For instance, in my world, Twilight’s a unicorn, but yours is an alicorn? Good for you Twilight! You deserve it.” The black stallion congratulated before his legs started trembling and he sat down with a tired sigh. “Pardon my rudeness, I am Bronze Brave.” It was from that display that everyone noticed how scrawny he was. He WAS shorter than Twilight, even given her new growth what with her ascension, she was still only as tall as the average stallion now, but he was easily shorter than most mares too, and his muscles were so thin and weak, it was surprising he could even walk.

“Uh dude. Why you so short?” Richard asked bluntly with a chuckle. “What, the alicorns still a thriving race back where you’re from and you’re the runt?”

“Dickie!” Celestia chided with a severe frown.

“Oh come on! You’re thinking it, too!”

“Yes, but it’s not polite to say out loud! Also I was thinking of how much he looks like my father in his childhood if I remember his magical pictographs right...I’ll have to look in the archive.”

“Well, to answer the situation; no, alicorns are likely just as scarce in both our worlds. And as for that Tia, my body is basically a hastily created copy of Luna using my old body as well. I was ascending, and my minotaur body couldn’t handle the strain, and I was unraveling at the very seams. I was in too much pain to know how they did it, but my sisters used Luna as the template to guide my ascension safely. So teechnically...I’m actually Luna’s son. But, she insists on calling me her brother, even if she babies me like I’m her son.” Bronze rolled his eyes with a loving smile.

“So wait, how did you ascend through? Mine was through creating new magic, and coming to understand the true meaning of Friendship.” Twilight eagerly asked as her wings fluttered and her scroll continued to document in the air next to her.

“So by Enlightenment! Good for you Twilight. Mine was...there’s other ways to ascend, and unfortunately I found the route of Fate. I didn’t have a choice. Two worlds picked me, through utter chance, and I was constantly fed by the leylines of two worlds until I nearly quite literally burst and about caused a resonance cascade that could’ve destroyed two universes.” Bronze said sadly and wiggled his forelegs about. “Look at these noodly limbs! I used to be a 12-foot minotaur that could lift a 300 Stone safe with ease! Now I’m a scrawny nothing. How AJ is still attracted to me I have no clue.”

“And how many pounds is that?” Richard asked, unamused.

“281.25.” Both Bronze and Twilight answered at the same time, getting them to blink in surprise at each other.

“Goodie. Now, you wouldn’t happen to have any platinum, would you?” Richard asked out of the blue.

“Uh, maybe? I have a LOT of crap, hold on.” Bronze lifted himself off the floor, actually visibly struggling to stand back up to Twilight’s and Celestia’s concern, and he was panting by the time he managed to get back up.

“Well, if ya do. I need ten bars of it, a diamond and an anvil.” Richard said as if it were nothing out of the ordinary. “Oh! And a hammer, if ya can! But not too large!”

“Smith eh? Hold on.” Bronze opened one of his bat-like wings and used the largest joint to somehow knock on the air, and a ridiculously tiny door suddenly appeared and opened up, showing a ridiculously small humanoid golem in a tuxedo. “Jeeves, I need a shipment of things.”

“Of course sir. What would you be needing?” A clearly audible Braytish accented voice responded, and Bronze gestured with a hoof for Richard to repeat his order.

“Um… I need an anvil, ten bars of platinum, a diamond, and a hammer…” Richard repeated.

“How many ounces does each bar need to be, what karat and/or size of diamond, what kind of hammer, and what condition do you wish the anvil to be in? Scarred for aesthetics, or clean and fresh?”

“... Last time I did this, I just took it from the smithy…” Richard said, completely stumped.

“Things were indeed much simpler back then….” Celestia commented, clearly wistful with some nostalgia. “I simply had to ask something and it was done, but now I have to be utterly specific. I’m glad intelligence is much more prevalent these days, but some ponies just make things so complicated….”

“Yeah…” Richard said. “Well, if I have to be super specific, the diamond can be 12 karats, if ya can. I mean, 16 would be nicer, but-”

“A selection of blood diamonds then.” Jeeves stated before a sort of trapdoor opened over the floor, dumping a small pile of precious uncut diamonds on the floor. “From the compound of some mercenaries formerly based in Africa.”

“... The hell.” Richard said, staring at the collection of jewels. “Well, I guess this one will do.” Richard picked up a rather large diamond and held it to the light. “Ah, yes. This will do nicely. Now, about that platinum and the anvil.”

“Actually, there’s a smithy not too far from here. We could do it over there.” Twilight informed but then thought on it. “Or actually, let’s take these to Rarity. She’s the best jewel cutter I’ve ever scene, and I used to live in Canterlot, where everypony wears some form of jewelry more often than not.”

“Alright then.” Richard said to the group. He then leaned over to Bronze and Jeeves. “Although, I would like that anvil and hammer, though. I could use it in my private room.”

The trap door impossibly dropped a huge ancient anvil with scarring that would make anything beaten against it look like it’d been used for war, and a traditional smithing hammer clanked onto it before a small pile of platinum ingots clattered onto it all, and the doors vanished, Jeeves closing the tiny door he was in as well.

“... Not questioning it. Just. Not questioning it.” Richard said as he turned to walk out the front door with the chosen diamond in hand. “Just want to get this shit done with!”

Bronze, Twilight, and Celestia stood around for a moment. “He HAS to be Dox’s alternate universe counterpart. Way too similar.” Bronze commented in astonishment.

“Who is Dox?” Twilight asked as Celestia turned to follow Richard and make sure he found Rarity’s place alright as Bronze sat back down.

“Well, when I met him; Dox was a Changeling King who had an unusual fetish for thongs, and was ridiculously terrified of Pinkie Pie and existential anomalies….”

“I believe, from memory, that the third-tallest building in town is Rarity’s boutique. Well, fourth tallest now I suppose.” Celestia commented as she walked alongside Richard, ignoring ponies bowing to her as they passed. “The tallest is town hall, the second was Filthy Rich’s Barnyard Bargains. So that means this delightful place must be Rarity’s home from Twilight’s descriptions.” Celestia said as she and Richard paused in front of a three-story circular business/home.

“...Celestia, WHY is it designed after an age-old pony bondage game?” Richard asked in reference to the pony designs arranged around the exterior wall. “I mean, does this Rarity mare specialize in tack?”

“Well I’m not sure. I know that she makes magnificent dresses and incorporates gems in most of her work. I’ll have to ask. I need a new saddle and bridle~.” Celestia lilted, making Richard blush as she giggled and trotted towards the building. “Especially if I’m going to be helping you like in the old days.”

“Celly that was out of necessity, I don’t want you to demean yourself, especially with you being Equestria’s primary ruler...you are, right? I figured that much from your sobbing on my trunk.” Richard asked as he followed his marefriend up to the door, and Celestia scoffed.

“Please, Luna can handle the nobles now, especially since she terrifies them. They’re not scared of soft and kind old me, but my mercurial sister? Oh, she sends them fleeing.” Celestia giggled again. “Besides, I’ll have you know that Luna actually enjoyed it when she flew you around on her back. She never admitted it, but she felt so proud to help her friend and to be able to supply such direct combat advantages over most foes with a simple tactic as rider and mount.”

“Wait, that was you?! The famous creature that was said to have ‘tamed’ the Princesses?!” Twilight blurted out, revealing she and Bronze had followed them at a fair distance, Twilight actually letting the panting and exhausted stallion lean against her for support.

“I… Um… Well, you see...” Richard mumbled, getting very embarrassed over the entire spectacle. “Celestia… Help me…”

“Oh no Dickie, it’s quite true. Your adventures and I and Luna aiding you on them really calmed us down. Didn’t you notice I was becoming much less of a firebrand after our first ride together? Or Luna actually started warming up to you? There’s something obscenely calming of having experienced a true rider/mount relationship. Knowing you rely on each other, it’s a sort of teamwork we’ve tried emulating since, but most ponies still foolishly deride it as being undignified, or humiliating.” Celestia rolled her eyes.

“Yes, and I’m just fine with being rode on myself. I let Spike do it all the time.” Twilight commented cheerfully as she helped Bronze sit down without collapsing, said stallion too busy gasping for air and sweating buckets to add anything.

“Anyways! Let’s just get on with this!” Richard said. He walked up to the door and gave it a few knocks. A few seconds later the distinct ‘clip-clop’ of hooves could be heard from behind the door. The door opened a few seconds later, a small filly having answered the door. About five seconds after the door opened it was slammed shut, followed by screaming, probably from said filly. “And as usual, I’m a hit with the foals. I’m not even wearing armor or holding weapons this time for Pete’s sake.”

“To be fair dude, you kinda cut a rather intimidating vibe.” Bronze commented after having gotten enough air back.

“He has a point, Dickie. Might want to try and drop the air of being in combat from time to time.” Celestia said. “Just calm down, take a break or something. Go for a walk, drink some herbal tea, get laid.”

“What was that last one?” Richard said, snapping his gaze towards Celestia.

“Drink some herbal tea?” Celestia asked in what seemed to be earnest confusion. “I know you’re not a tea man Richard, but-.”

“Apologies!” Rarity practically screeched as her door flung open and she bowed. “I am SO sorry for my sister’s behavior! Please, come inside, it’s starting to get dark.”

“Yeah, thanks, um…” Richard said, forgetting the mare’s name.

“Rarity, darling. It’s Rarity.” She said as she ushered them inside. “And might I say, welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is chic, unique, and magnifique. How can I help you?”

“Well firstly, is it true that you are a skilled gem cutter Lady Rarity?” Celestia asked politely, and the unicorn practically inflated with pride.

“Yes Princess, I am perhaps the most skilled jeweler in town. I also do fittings, rings, necklaces, the whole lot.” Rarity said, putting on a little pose in her pride. “What, are you in need of some more jewelry? Perhaps a gown and a tuxedo? Or even some more utilitarian wear for your coltfriend?”

“N-no! No!” Richard squealed, his face having turned a bright crimson. “No, we just need you to cut this diamond. I’m using it in a staff.” He then took a second to take a deep breath and compose himself. “Actually, how hard would it be to make me some armor for me? In fact, Bronze, can you get me some obsidian?”

“W-wait! Obsidian? But that would shatter and just be so useless for armor!” Rarity said aghast, but then blinked and rubbed a hoof under her chin. “Then again, in the right amounts, melded with silk...I could easily make durable, very stylish and warm clothes from it, is that what you mean?”

“Yeah actually. The stuff itself is great for making sharp blades, but for anything else it’s best as being part of a formula. The original recipe I know of does in fact use silk.” Richard admitted with some expressed impress. “I’m amazed you figured that out just from the primary material and the intention.”

“Oh darling, I’ve done just about any crazy thing with my craft. I’ve made diamond thread before. I can easily make obsidian thread and weave together a suitable outfit for you. I just need the material. There’s no volcanos near here I’m afraid.” Rarity said before finally turning her attention to Bronze and she gasped as her cheeks turned pink. “Oh my! Might I ask your name sir?”

“Um, I’m Bronze Brave, Rarity...wow, meeting another version of one of my best friends is really surreal….” Bronze admitted with some astonishment, before he suddenly recognized some of the signs and blushed. “Oh, um. Sorry ma’am, but I’m already in a relationship with two mares...who kinda didn’t give me the option really.” Bronze chuckled. “AJ just kinda admitted her affection for me out of the blue, then while I was hospitalized she and Zecora hooked up and I found myself being snuggled by them both-wha-hey!”

“W-what are you doing?!” Richard flailed about as both he and Bronze were levitated by an excited Rarity who began trotting to her back room.

“Measurements! I must have them if I’m to get started designing~!”

As the boys wailed in fear of the dreaded fitting room, Twilight and Celestia both looked to each other and shrugged. “Rarity is Rarity.” Twilight stated, and then giggled, her mentor joining in with her.

“I hope she doesn’t take too long, I need to have my own measurements taken for my new tack.” Celestia casually stated, getting Twilight to blush as she followed her friend and mentor into Rarity’s drawing room, only to pause at the sight.

There, right in the middle of the room, sat Sweetie Belle, Rarity and the two boys only barely in the door and looking at her too, because something seemed off. Sweetie Belle did not respond to any stimuli such as Rarity calling out to her, she just sat there. Well, there was that and the fact that her eyes currently had no pupils… or irises. No, her eyes were pure white, as if she were possessed. Everyone stood around her, staring. She made no move, until Richard approached, and when he did, Sweetie Belle turned to him and said:

"This is going to be a terrible night..."

Author's Notes:

So, who saw this coming?
Here's a crossover with GameJunkie7 and his story Doorways.

Anyways, this is Music Mod, signing off.