“Easy there,” the pink mare encouraged. The gray stallion had begun lifting the second block and was clearly struggling. “You’re doing fine. Just keep your mind focused on where you want the blocks to be.”

“You say that,” the stallion grunted as he sweated over dividing his focus between speaking and lifting the block as he’d been shown. “But it’s harder than it looks.”

“It’s only hard because it’s new,” the mare advised. “No more new than learning how to walk on four hooves, I imagine.”

“Yeah, but walking didn’t have this…” he strained as he considered the words. “Tingle.”

“Very well,” the mare said with a nod. “I think that’s enough for today. You may stop now.” She motioned with her hoof to set the blocks down gently, and rewarded him with a smile when he completed his last task instead of just letting them drop. “You performed excellently, Mr. Gregory.”

The gray stallion panted as he struggled to keep his legs from falling out beneath him. “Thanks, Mrs. Peach. You’re not so bad, yourself.”

“I should think not,” Peach huffed. “I was hoof chosen by Queen Celestia for my skills in helping late bloomers.” It was the polite way to say a unicorn who didn’t get adequate training as a foal, resulting in substandard magical skills later in life. As such, when Celestia needed a teacher to lend a hoof to Equestria’s newest citizen, there really was no better choice.

There was a knock at the door.

“Come in,” Peach called politely.

The door opened a crack and in poked the immaculately white muzzle, blond mane, and chiseled jaw of Prince Blueblood. His artic blue eyes scanned the room until he found his target sitting across from the aged pink mare. He was a stallion, average height, gray fur, messy brown mane, and deep emerald eyes the prince could stare into for hours. He was also an unusual sight as one of the only ponies to wear clothing full time, especially indoors. Today featured a pair of casual black slacks, teasingly covering what Blueblood knew to be a shapely rump, and a simple blue vest. Further, as a human pony, Gregory’s eyes were a bit smaller than usual; his ears came out more to the sides as opposed to the top of the head; as a unicorn, his horn had a slight curve to it; and, when he smiled, you’d find he still kept his omnivorous teeth, namely the sharp cutting tools in the front reminiscent of bat ponies.

“Gregory!” Blueblood rushed over to the pooped stallion’s side. “Are you alright?”

“Y-yeah,” Gregory panted. His strength was returning, but he still had to work to keep his head up. The concern in Blueblood’s eyes was appreciated and he smiled in payment. “No need to worry.”

“On the contrary,” Blueblood turned his nose up in a melodramatic huff. “As prince, it is my sworn duty to concern myself with the wellbeing of all my citizens. This holds especially true for citizens Aunty has assigned to my personal care. Now, let me help you up.” He offered his hoof.

Peach rolled her eyes at the display. Blueblood’s gestures were completely transparent, yet the naïve human pony still didn’t see it. Since Gregory’s arrival and assignment as the prince’s ward, the white stallion had done everything short of dropping from his sheath and kissing him full on the mouth. It would have almost been cute if it weren’t so incredibly one-sided.

Gregory took the hoof and climbed to all fours, his legs wobbling momentarily. “Thanks Blue.” He knew Blueblood liked to be referred to by his nickname when he could afford to be more casual. “Any particular reason you’re here?”

“Besides wanting to spend time with my favorite human pony in all Equestria?” Blueblood asked as he moved to Gregory’s side and threw a hoof over his shoulder, pulling him close. The prince inhaled softly and was pleased to find the smaller stallion had used the shampoo he’d given him.

“I thought I was the only human pony in Equestria.”

“Strictly speaking you’re the first full blooded human pony in nearly 200 years. If you look close enough you can see evidence of your predecessors in their descendants, but that’s beside the point.” Blueblood waved his hoof dismissively. “Speaking of which, how are you adjusting? Anything new to report?”

Gregory gave a half smile as he looked down at his gray forelegs and hooves. “Just really missing having hands,” he sighed and looked away. “Among other things.”

Blueblood felt his heart sink. His first instinct was to nuzzle the poor stallion and tell him all was okay, but he knew he couldn’t. Besides Gregory still acclimating to the more physical nature of pony interaction, Blueblood was heartbroken to learn that the poor fellow had the misfortune of being bent, and worse, only towards females. Truly it was a tragedy that this strapping young fellow would go through life without knowing the full pleasures of another stallion’s company, but Blueblood nevertheless steeled himself. Not wanting to frighten the poor chap with overt displays of affection, he settled on tightening his grip around Gregory’s withers.

“I know it’s hard and I can’t begin to imagine what you’re going through,” Blueblood said sincerely. “Not only has fate conspired to hurl you from your old world, but you’ve also been forced to lose your old form just to survive.” Equestria had a magically heavy atmosphere. As non-magical beings, all humans who came here were given the false choice of transformation or death. “And while things might seem daunting at times, I can assure you that you are not alone.” He gave the stallion his best smile. “Not only is the castle staff at your beck and call, but you have myself and the queens here to help you out through the hard times.”

Gregory chuckled and met Blueblood’s eyes with a warm smile. “Thanks. That helps me feel better,” he said, unknowingly sending the prince’s heart into a flutter.

“Oh, but where are my senses?” Blueblood asked, removing his hoof and urgently shaking his head to keep from doing something he might regret. “Queen Celestia wishes to have an audience with you, post haste.”

“Then what are we waiting for?”

And the two stallions galloped out of the room, leaving a very confused Peach Tree to wonder if perhaps the rumors she’d heard about Blueblood’s snobbery were less than accurate.

***

The audience, as it turned out, was lunch in the royal dining hall. Unlike the main dining hall, which was large enough to hold up to three hundred guests for royal banquets, the royal dining hall had rarely sat more than twenty in its thousand year existence. It was considered one of the highest honors to be invited here, typically reserved for Equestria’s most important citizens, or at least those who held the queens’ favor. But recently a common sight at the table had been the human pony Gregory Grimory.

At the head of the table sat Queens Celestia and Luna, rulers of the Equestrian Empire. To Celestia’s right sat her adopted nephew Prince Blueblood. To Luna’s left sat today’s special guest. Gregory was still impressed by the splendor of the high ceilings, stained glass windows, and general fanciness of the table cloth and even the plates.

At the same time, the human pony was mindful to keep checking on Luna every now and then. The younger queen was infamous for her love of practical jokes, of which Gregory had become her new favorite victim. It was why he’d developed a habit of always checking his chair before sitting. Even so, he still considered her a good friend, always willing to lend a hoof, except during game night, when tensions could run rather high. Luna met his eyes, and gave an unconvincing smile of innocence.

Lunch consisted of elaborate salads on Celestia’s side of the table while Luna’s side enjoyed a greater variety, namely the main course being a thick juicy steak with carrots and tomato slices to the side. Alicorns, as amalgamations of all pony tribes, possessed the ability to consume virtually any kind of organic matter, including tree bark on occasion. Gregory was thankful for this, as well as the presence of bat ponies in the night guard, as it meant that his need for animal proteins were met in ways most of Equestria was, for the most part, unable to.

“I just got word from Peach Tree,” Celestia said. “You’re making fine progress in your magic lessons.”

“Are you sure?” Gregory asked as he began cutting into his steak. He still didn’t fully grasp how hooves were able to grip things, but decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth. “I’m still struggling with holding the second block.”

“All foals did at some point,” Celestia corrected in a motherly tone. “And all foals eventually learned to master the skill as easily as basic grammar.”

“That is debatable,” Luna countered after swallowing a mouthful. “I have been reading reports most troubling regarding the state of Equestria’s public education system.”

“Lulu,” Celestia sighed, knowing how hot blooded Luna could get about these things.

“Really?” Blueblood asked. “Because I’ve read that Princess Twilight’s new education programs have been yielding remarkable results where they’ve been implemented. Why not simply declare the experimentation phase over and distribute her curriculum on a wider scale?”

“Because the Canterlot nobility are comprised primarily of a bunch of mule-headed fools!” Luna slammed her hoof to the table, before glancing apologetically at Blueblood. “No offense.”

“None taken,” Blueblood said with a shrug. “It’s hard to disagree, but I think such matters can be held for later. Didn’t you want to say something to our dear Gregory, Aunty?”

The pony in question set his fork down and looked up.

“Yes indeed.” Celestia smiled gratefully at her nephew for derailing her sister’s tangent and getting matters back on track. “Gregory. It has come to my attention that in the three weeks you’ve been in Equestria, you have not set foot outside the palace.”

“Sorry.” Gregory cringed. He’d been expecting this conversation sooner or later.

“You’re not in trouble,” Celestia reassured. “Though I am curious why.”

“Well, I thought I was still on probation until I’m, ya know, ready to integrate.” His nerves were plain for all to see and it was clear he was not comfortable with the idea of being fully introduced to Equestria. However, the royal family was not content to let him sit around forever.

“Your lessons in etiquette have also yielded acceptable results,” Celestia continued. “There are still areas where you struggle, but there is no greater teacher than real life. Which is why, tomorrow, you shall accompany Blueblood to a charity banquet in the city.”

“But… I…”

“Oh, you’ll love it,” Blueblood cheered. “Fancy Pants is a marvelous stallion with a reputation as a friend of both the crown and the common pony.” But he could still see the worry in Gregory’s eyes. “His guest lists are also notoriously exclusive, being available only to those ponies who’ve demonstrated a genuine care for the wellbeing of the empire. Everyone attending such a function is well aware to be on their best behavior.”

“Gregory,” Celestia interjected. “I know it’s a daunting task, but you can’t just keep yourself shut in forever. You need to get out and see the world, and experience all the wonders it has to offer.”

Gregory sighed, knowing she spoke the truth. And knowing Blueblood would be there meant he wouldn’t be completely alone. “Sure,” he acquiesced.

“Excellent!” Blueblood clopped his hooves together. “That being said, we will have to find you some more fitting attire. This is a public event where many ponies come to be seen.”

“Forsooth!” Luna declared with an extended hoof. “The stallion must be taken shopping for an outfit befitting such an occasion. And we shall proudly offer our aid!”

“Say what?”

“Aunty Luna,” Blueblood began gently. “I’m not sure that’s such a-”

“Fine idea, sister,” Celestia declared, cutting off her nephew.

“Indeed it is.” Luna touched her hoof to her chest in pride. “Tis been far too long since our last outing among the commoners.”

“You had your own charity ball just last week,” Blueblood countered.

“Precisely!” Luna agreed. “Far too long. Besides, that was a formal event. This is an outing of a casual nature,” she said as if such a thing made it more important before literally inhaling the remainder of her meal. “We shudder to think how our ponies have suffered in this prolonged absence. Hurry, young Gregory. Finish thine meal that we may depart for a day of glorious shopping!”

Glancing between the ponies he considered the more sensible of the bunch, Gregory was met with a look of encouragement from Celestia and one of defeated acceptance from Blueblood. Lunch was hurried and soon the trio were off, Blueblood struggling to keep up as Luna practically carried Gregory by the hoof.

Seeing as there was still meat left on Gregory’s plate, Celestia levitated the last bite into her mouth and savored the juicy texture before swallowing. She giggled at the thought of her citizens’ horrified response if they saw their beloved queen do such a thing, but then her thoughts turned to Gregory and those who had come before. She and Luna had aided in the naturalization of human ponies since coming to Equestria, taking from the traditions of old and adapting new policies as times changed. All in all, she felt confident that this would do his duty the same as the others. “He’ll do fine.”

Author's Notes:

And thus the reboot begins. Hopefully I managed to convey the big details regarding what’s happing, which was a big complaint from my editors and the few commenters the first time around. Not everything is explained, of course. The ideal I was shooting for the last time was something that immersed you into the situations of the characters, but leaves just enough questions about the world to keep people intrigued as the story developed.

Lots of changes made to this world compared to that of the show. Celestia and Luna are queens, but Twilight is still a princess. Blueblood is a good guy from the start, so hopefully he won’t have the same issues of my other attempt to write him. The setting, as shall be revealed in time, takes place many years down the road from the show. We’ll be meeting numerous characters who, hopefully, have developed in interesting ways from what we’ve seen.

As usual, constructive criticism is more than welcome, so please share your thoughts.