They appeared just as they had disappeared, with a small wink of light and sound. However, they did not come out how they went in. All nine ended up in a pony pile, with Bet and Simon at the bottom. Fluttershy was luckily placed up top.

Simon chuckled as best he could. He then said, “That's a bit forward, don't you think, everypony? I know I'm amazing, but...” Once the thoughts crossed their minds, everyone scrambled off the pile, leaving Simon sitting on Bet's chest. He let out a final, “Awkward...”

Bet sat up suddenly, tossing Simon off him with a grunt. He managed to land on his feet, however, rolling into an upright position.

Bet did as his instincts told him to do, and he looked around. “A bedroom?” He turned around, and saw the Princesses behind him. “That explains it.”

Simon offhandedly commented, “They have a giant bed right there... and they teleport us onto the floor?”

Celestia's gaze hardened from her usual easy smile. She lightly stomped forward and glared at Simon. He only managed to say to himself, “Must not smart off to royal duo.”

Celestia strongly said, “You smell of death and decay.”

“Well, that was fast.” He turned to Bet. “New Record?” He received a nod. Turning back to Celestia, he replied, “And you smell of sunflowers and raisins. With a hint of burning?” He looked down to see his arm a little charred. “Ah, my mistake. That's me.”

Bet turned to the other princess in the room, and in an attempt to remain earthside initiated damage control. “Last night was amazing, Luna. Thank you.”

You could hear a pin drop. Simon then said, “You realize that-”

Bet sighed, “As soon as I said it. Yup. Now Celestia, before you go all-oh wait you're already burning mad. I think we should run, Simon. Are you up for a race?”

“Always.”

“First one to the door survives?”

“Indeed.”

They ran. They didn't make it far, Celestia teleporting in front of them before they reached the door. Bet sighed, and turned to Simon. “You have any regrets?”

Simon turn to face him. “Besides the obvious? … … no, not really.”

Bet then grinned. “Then I guess you won't mind if I do this?” He reached out and petted Celestia's mane.

Simon managed to mutter, “Dang, now I'll never get to taste hay fries...”

As Celestia was still shocked at the action, Bet flashed a grin to Simon. “Sayonara... sucks to be you.” His whole form glowed a dirt brown, and he fell into the floor.

Simon took advantage of Celestia's predicament. He dashed in front of Luna, knelt and tried his best at Doe eyes. She giggled at the ridiculous situation.

Rainbow Dash then said to her friends, “Why aren't we helping?”

Pinkie answered, strangely enough, in a normal fashion. “Do you want to get in the middle of that?”

Twilight added, “Princess Celestia... is... well... protective of her subjects?”

Fluttershy had an answer of her own. “To be honest, I just find this fascinating.”

Applejack asked, “Which one?”

Bet climbed out of the floor behind her. “I'll take that as a compliment.” He then fell back into the ground, the hole sealing itself up as he went.

Appearing again in front of Princess Celestia, he waved a hand in an attempt to get her attention.

Simon was currently running his finger's through Luna's mane. He saw Bet, and then said to him, “You magnificent Bear, you, I take back everything I said about you last week.”

Bet ignored him in favor of trying to grab Celestia's attention. “I think something's wrong here. She's not moved in three minutes and she should be miffed at us right now. Especially 'cause you're kinda, in a way, molesting her sister.”

Simon was confused, “What do you mean, molesting her-” His hand accidentally bumped Luna's horn. She froze, and Simon muttered, “Oh dear, I am so moonside...” At Bet's angry look, he added “What, and you weren't?”

The air in the room grew hot, unbearably so. A glance towards Celestia told Bet what he needed to know. She was absolutely livid. Bet acted quickly. His whole body glowed a light blue. His own eyes hardened as the air in the room swirled, abating the searing heat. He called out, “Fluttershy! This is why it doesn't work on me.”

His eyes glowed a bright blue as he glared straight into Celestia's. Simon was pleading and apologizing to Luna.

As Celestia returned Bet's gaze, he spoke. Both with his mind, and with his mouth. In Japanese, he said, “Princess Celestia. You need to calm down. You're scaring everypony here-- I'm sure that Luna is among them.” As he spoke, his stature grew. His shoulders broadened and he grew taller. “If you don't stop the fire, I'll have to put it out myself. I won't be gentle.”

Celestia's eyes betrayed her surprise, before she answered back, this time in Japanese as well. “It's been a long time since I've heard this tongue. What are you?”

Bet stopped growing, but the wind began to whistle, drowning out the noise from outside. “A benevolent being who does not wish to cause harm; but I will not let my friends be hurt. Especially those who you yourself are supposed to protect.” He pointed harshly towards the group of six ponies and a dragon cowering in a corner of the room. “They are your loyal subjects, and they love you dearly. And yet you scare them.”

He took a step forward. Celestia unconsciously took a step back. Bet continued, “If you value your little ponies, you'll stop and we'll talk this out like civilized beings. If not, I guess I'll just have to stop you myself.”

Celestia's anger faded a little, reminded of a parent chastising a child. Only this time, she was the child – something she hadn't experienced in a long time. The chill of Bet's hurricane overcame the heat of Celestia's anger. The room was returning to it's normal temperature.

Celestia took a step forward, and her resolve returned. Bet's glare intensified, he took another step forward. He then said low enough so that only they could hear, “I'm much stronger than Discord. He's only powerful because he's unpredictable. I'm just powerful. Now grow up.”

Bet took another step forward. His voice grew softer, calmer. He also switched back to the common language. “And don't be afraid.” He took a final step, shrinking back to his original seven-foot stature. The winds died down quickly. Bet threw his arms around Celestia in a hug, no longer glowing. He finished, “To let it out.” With a gust of wind, both Celestia and Bet turned to dust that blew out of the room.

Those in the corner of the room had the expected reaction. In a moment of sudden harmony, all seven gasped at the same time. They burst into a confusion mass of unanswered questions. Twilight was the only one that remained silent.

Taking a few short, wavering steps, she looked very distressed. “Okay. What do we know.” She spoke lowly to herself, “A creature none of us has seen before yesterday just overpowered Princess Celestia. He spoke with her in a language none of us know... and then they both disappeared after he grabbed her.”

Simon grimaced, 'That's not good.' He spoke up, turning from Luna. “He didn't overpower her, exactly. None of us would be standing here if that happened. He just got to her with words and his please-don't-hate-me aura cranked to ten.”

Twilight shouted back, worried, “That doesn't matter! What matters is that they both turned to dust! To dust!”

“Well, from what I hear, hurting me is therapeutic. Maybe it will calm you down?” Simon said, grinning at Applejack's embarrassed look. Simon eased Twilight's fears, “Anyways...  she's not dead.” He barely stopped himself from making another joke.

Rainbow questioned him, trying to hide her worry. “How can you tell?”

Simon gave her a flat look. “Duh. And, well, that much power has to go somewhere. And it usually does so... quite violently. And the contract I have with him is still limiting my power. So, as long as that happens, he's still alive.” At their looks, he added, “It's very binding. Don't worry, we'll probably tell you about it some other time.”

A cloud of dust blew into the room through one of the windows, probably forced open by the small hurricane. The dust gathered and formed into the shapes of Celestia and Bet, now standing side by side.

Simon struck fast with his comment, “Eighty seconds, Beary? Wow, you work fast.”

The commotion had calmed, the ponies and dragon no longer freaking out. Twilight kicked Simon as it occurred to her he was insulting the Princess.

Applejack, both Luna and Celestia, as well as Rainbow Dash caught the meaning... and blushed. Bet chuckled, “I was going to tell you all the details, but now I'm just going to keep them to myself.”

Celestia looked mortified, “But we-”

Bet whispered into her ear, “I'm just going to mess with them a bit, don't worry.”

Simon cackled in the background.

Bet spoke up again, “Actually, I changed my mind.” Celestia didn't look any less worried. “It was infinitely better than I first expected. With her skills rusty, and mine - while good, are not those of a master – I expected it to be a lot rougher. In fact, her lips formed the most... perfect... words. It turns out, she actually is fluent in Japanese... which is what I expected. Who knew, huh?”

Simon looked disappointed, Twilight still looked clueless, and Celestia looked relieved. Rainbow, Applejack and Spike laughed, Luna gave a giggle, and the others remained just as clueless.

Twilight voiced her confusion, “Spike! What's so funny? I don't get it!”

Spike couldn't hear her over his laughter. Or maybe he ignored her, but he didn't answer nonetheless.

Bet returned the subject of the conversation to something more fitting, “Alright, now that we've got that out of our systems... I believe we should return to formal introductions and speak apologies.” He walked over to Simon and pulled him up to his feet. “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna... I am Bet, and this one,” he shook Simon a bit for emphasis, “Is Simon. We're here by ways that are not known to us, and through a stroke of luck – good or bad, yet to be known – we have another's consciousness, and memories, inside our skulls.”

Simon butted in, “I call it a Fey.” At Bet's glare, he wilted. “Shutting up now.”

Bet continued, “Anyway... we've come to introduce ourselves and our... 'Fey's so that you know we're not a hostile threat. I'm sure you see that you teleported us here ahead of schedule, and you can see how that ended.”

Simon butted in again, “It's actually 'Fey' in both singular and plural.” Another glare, and he wilted once more. “Shutting up.”

Bet spoke again, “Back to the discussion... I would like two things from you. The first, is permission to build a house near Ponyville. Don't worry, I can handle it and it will keep Simon busy. The second is something I'd like from everypony here.”

Simon struck, “Is it their ch-” He was silenced by Bet's vine this time.

Bet finished, “No. It's a simple promise of secrecy – I don't want anypony to talk about our Fey outside of those who already know. Please? It will help us immensely if everypony doesn't think we're insane, or something.”

Pinkie immediately agreed, “I won't say a word! Or a phrase! Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!”

Spurred by Pinkie, Applejack gave her own oath, “I won't say anything; you can count on me!”

The promises continued around the room, until Twilight, Spike, and the Princesses were left. Celestia spoke, “A promise from me is a powerful thing... I hope you know what you're doing. I, Princess Celestia, promise not to speak of the 'Fey' to anypony that hasn't already heard of it.”

Twilight's eyes went wide, showing her surprise. She cried in disbelief, “What?! But Princess, you-”

Celestia stopped Twilight, “Trust me, my most precious student. We were gone longer than you think; Simon was quite wrong with his joking.”

Spike's fears were removed. “Well, if Princess Celestia trusts them... I guess I do too. I promise not to talk about it to anypony who doesn't already know.”

Luna followed suit, “Well... Tia's always been a good judge of ponies. I think we should trust them, so... I, Princess Luna, promise not to speak of the Fey to those who lack previous knowledge.”

Twilight was similarly surprised, “But Princess Luna, what about-”

Bet sighed and cut her off. “Please, Twilight? It really means a lot to us. Well... to the Fey, really. Mine doesn't want to be widely known until he can speak separate of myself. I assume Simon's Fey is just following mine's lead.”

Twilight's expression betrayed her annoyance. “Fine... I, Twilight Sparkle, promise not to speak of the Fey to anypony who lacks previous knowledge. There, I did it. Now you owe me something.”

Bet smiled, “Magic?”

Twilight nodded, “Magic.”

Bet turned to Celestia, “I think it's time you send them home. They've had... a strange day, to say the least.”

Celestia nodded, “Yes, they do seem rather... unsteady.” Her horn glowed and a glyph appeared on the floor. “Walk onto the glowing symbol and you'll be taken back to the Library in Ponyville. Don't worry my little ponies, we just need to discuss a few things before Bet and Simon can leave.”

The six ponies and dragon friend walked onto the glowing glyph one by one, disappearing with a wink.

Celestia then appeared before Simon. She nearly spat, “I don't like you.”

Simon replied, “Kinda figured that one out.”

Celestia sighed, then continued, “But... Bet says you're not evil, and I guess I can trust him.” She sighed, then muttered under her breath, “So far he's been quite... candid.”

Celestia rounded on him again, “But if you harm my sister or any of my little ponies, I will find you. And I'll make sure that you Stay. Down.”

Simon's face became serious. He raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by the threat. “Then you'd be a hero to countless and the crusher of many a dream.” he scoffed, “Besides, taller, more cunning and I'm pretty sure more powerful have tried. You're just the latest on the list.” He distinctly didn't mention that Bet had a hand in his survival on quite a few counts.

However, like a switch, Simon's face fell back into a grin. “So... about little Luna... Can I write?”

Celestia glared, but the doe eyes from her sister got to her. She sighed, “You'd find a way to do it anyway...” She turned to Bet, “So I'll let you handle it.”

Simon couldn't resist a fist-pump, his Fey influencing him.

Bet nodded, “I'll make sure he's... appropriate.” Simon loosed a raspberry at him in response. “There's just a few minor things I'd like to take care of before we leave.” Bet motioned for both Luna and Celestia to come closer.

Bet glanced to Simon, who nodded. Bet's hands glowed blue, and he formed a sphere in his hands. As the air swirled, he poured his mana into the sphere, then shrunk it to the rough size of a marble.

Simon followed suit; his hands glowed gray, and he formed a similar sphere in his own hands. As the shell was formed, he poured his mana into the construct, similarly shrinking it.

Bet spoke, “These orbs are made using our Mana; it's what fuels our spells and our magic. As each Unicorn has their own aura, so do we have our own unique mana.” Both Bet and Simon held the small orbs in front of them, hovering a bit over their palms. Bet continued, “These orbs serve two purposes; the first, is that it will allow you to recognize us, no matter our appearance. The second, is that it will help us both study your magic, as you no doubt want to study ours.”

Celestia nodded, but Luna was entranced by the dim, swirling light inside the orbs. After a nudge from Celestia, Luna nodded, reminded of herself. Celestia spoke, “Your magic is... unique, yes. Thank you for these gifts.” Celestia's horn glowed, a similar glow surrounding the tiny orbs. Luna followed suit, their telekinetic aura blending.

The Princesses closed their eyes in concentration, feeling out the mana, and it's differences. It was vastly different to their own energy, as Alicorns, and still unique when compared to the Unicorn's energy.

However, after a moment, it seemed very familiar. Luna brought it up, “Tia, does this Mana remind you of something?”

Celestia nodded, still in thought. After a moment, she spoke, “I can't place it right away, but this energy seems very familiar...” They both opened their eyes. “I think we've got the feel memorized; and you were right. It's very different from our own magic.”

Bet nodded, “I thought so. So tell me, does your own magic function by way of lingual direction, pre-set spells or intention followed by energy?”

Celestia pondered something a moment; “There are common spells, but beyond those, magic here is directed by intention.”

Bet grinned, “And a unicorn's energy is based upon both their talent, their practice and their age, am I correct?”

Luna nodded at this one, “Yes. However, very young unicorns can exhibit uncontrolled magic. As they get older, their capacity grows with their use.”

Celestia smiled proudly, “That's right.” Her telekinetic aura whisked the orbs into the air; they dissipated into nothing after they were a few meters away from Bet and Simon. “And just as I expected, your Mana can't last well without some sort of container, correct?”

Bet nodded at this, “We often used gems and crystals to store our Mana; However I don't expect to find the right types in this world anytime soon. Perhaps we should ask Rarity for some assistance?”

Simon nodded, “That would be a good idea.”

Celestia smiled. “I think that's enough about Magic, Bet. There were other things you wanted to discuss?”

Bet replied, “Since we're kinda new here... I think a map of Equestria would be very helpful. More specifics on the spot to build the house would be helpful.”

Celestia was about to answer, but Luna cut her off. “I have a map! It's around here somewhere...” Her horn glowed as she turned around, digging through her things. “Book? No. Book? No. Not that... nor that. Where is the... aha! Found it!”

After making a pile of books, Luna had found the map she was looking for. She explained, “Tia gave this to me a few days after Twilight and her friends... well...”

Bet smiled warmly, “'Saved' you? Don't worry, we don't blame you.” Simon mirrored his smile.

Luna cleared her throat, “Anyway... Tia gave me the map so I could learn what things had changed while I was gone. I've already memorized it, so I think you should have it.” She levitated the rolled and bound map into the air in front of Bet. After he grabbed it, he placed it in his pack.

Bet voiced their thoughts, “Thanks, Luna. I'm sure this will be a huge help.”

Celestia then spoke, giggling at her sister's antics. “I'll give you some of the land between Ponyville and Fluttershy's cottage; it should be plenty for your purposes. It should also keep you close enough for comfort, but far enough away for you to keep your privacy.”

Simon surprisingly shouted, “Yes! We finally get a house again!” He jumped, then was stopped by Bet.

Bet spoke, “I promise we'll make good use of it.” He mirrored Celestia's grin. “Thanks for all your help. But I need to show you one last thing...”

Simon paused, “Uhm... Beary? Are you going to-”

Bet cut him off, “Yes. I have to, as much as I don't want to. I'm not going to risk their trust now.”

Both Celestia and Luna looked confused. Luna asked first, “What do you mean?”

Bet smiled, “I've explained my profession before; I'm a Druid. My people back 'home' are close to nature. We can speak with animals, talk to the trees, flowers... and we can become one with nature.”

Bet grimaced, “Please stand back. It's been a while since I've done this; just... whatever you do, don't be afraid. I'm still me.”

The Princesses nodded, then backed away. Bet moved to the center of the room and closed his eyes. As his breath evened out, Bet relaxed. Suddenly, however, something changed.

It was subtle at first; barely noticeable. Bet's hair seemed to grow spikier for a moment, before receding back into his head. He somehow grew even taller. His arms grew hairier, wider. After a moment, Bet's clothing disappeared. Underneath, however, he was covered in fur.

Sickening cracks sounded as Bet fell from his upright position onto all fours. The Princesses looked on, their expressions torn between horror and fascination.

Suddenly, Bet's form glowed a bright white. Flinching and shielding their eyes, the Princesses looked away for but a moment.

They looked back, and a huge, furry bear was in Bet's place. It was easily as tall as Celestia, and likely two or three times the weight.

A unique feel remained, however. The bear's eyes were still green, when they should be brown or black.

Simon spoke first, “And this, is why I call him Beary.”

The bear somehow managed to look annoyed.

The Princesses were startled, but showed a sense of understanding. Celestia spoke first, “I understand why you would want to hide this, Bet. But don't be afraid, my little ponies are accepting.”

Bear-Bet's eyes glowed blue, then the three heard a voice inside their heads. “I'm not afraid of that; I just don't want this to be getting around. I need to have some secrets, yes? Anyway, this isn't my only... 'alternate' form. I can also become a wolf, even an Ent... which is a walking tree.”

Bet's form glowed white, and when the glow disappeared he was back to normal, in his human form. He spoke through his mouth this time, “That is actually the only skill I can use in that form.”

Celestia looked startled, “Was that... telepathy?”

Bet chuckled, “Ah... of a sorts, yes.” He sighed, “Anyway... I think we'd best get going. We've got to return to Ponyville. Don't worry, we'll keep in touch.”

Bet looked to see that Simon and Luna were making faces at each other. He sighed, and Celestia followed his gaze.

Celestia would have glared if it wasn't for Bet's hand on her shoulder. “Don't. Let them have a bit of fun, Tia.” Celestia's eye twitched at the nickname, but nothing else happened. “Simon's a bit of a kid at heart... right now, anyway. And Luna's still got the social issues from her... ah, trip to the moon.”

Celestia sighed, then smiled. “At least she's making friends. Though I can't help but wonder of the quality of her latest one...”

Bet chuckled, “Don't worry. He's not nearly as bad as he looks. I'll vouch for him on that one.” Bet then whistled sharply, causing Simon and Luna to flinch.

Looking towards the noise, they met the matching expressions of an annoyed Bet and Celestia. Simon couldn't help but chuckle; Luna's giggles followed soon after. Moments later, all four had begun to laugh.

Bet grinned, “Well... I think it's best that we take our leave.”

Celestia stopped him from continuing, “Wait, please. There's one thing I want to know... why did you show us that... other form you have?”

Bet sighed, and opened his mouth to speak... but was cut off by Simon before he could begin, “'Cause he's a sucker for ponies.” It made both princesses blush lightly.

Bet glared at him for a moment, then explained, “Well... as a result of my 'ability' there are times that I can't control my form; that is, I can't choose which form to stay in. Some shifts result from poisons, others from magic sources, and a few through means that I'm not entirely sure of. However, even though I'll be forced into those forms doesn't mean I won't be myself; I just wanted to show it to you two so that you won't be scared and try to kill us again.” Celestia had the grace to look sheepish, even if only for a moment.

“Uhm... Sorry?” She cleared her throat, “I give my thanks for your insight; that could have ended up much worse were this not the case.”

Luna did have something to add. “What about you, Simon?” Her voice was normal, the Royal Canterlot Voice deemed to be used to address those outside the castle.

Simon put a hand on his chin in thought, “Other forms? Not really.” He smirked, “Though I do admit to myself being taken in by my beauty from time to time.”

Bet sighed, “I think you're forgetting the armor.”

Simon's expression changed into one of understanding. “The bone armor thing? Doesn't really count as shapeshifting; but it does make me look a lot more intimidating.”

Bet looked annoyed, “I forgot you're an idiot for a moment there.” Simon opened his mouth but was cut off, “No.” He turn to the Princesses, looking a little disappointed, “Alright. Now that we've taken care of business, I think it's time we should leave.”

Celestia sighed, “It's time we get back to our own duties, as well. I trust you can keep in touch?”

Luna added, “Simon too?”

Simon nodded. “Definitely!”

Bet smiled and said, “Of course. If nothing else, we can always ask Spike, right? Anyway, we must take our leave.” He put his arm on Simon's shoulder, then said, “See you!”

They turned into dust and blew out the window, and away into the wind. Next Chapter: Scratch my back, I'l Scratch yours Estimated time remaining: 28 Minutes