You woke up to the sound of your phone's annoying cricket ringtone going off. Still drowsy, you picked it up off your nightstand only to clumsily drop it directly on the bridge of your nose, which woke up any part of you that was still asleep. You grunted as you leaned over the bed and reached for the floor, picking it back up again and turning it on. 7:30. You felt tired an achy from such an irregularly long nap as you got out of bed and put on some clothes. You thought to yourself one last time if you really wanted to go through with this, and you naturally started thinking of worst-case scenarios. It could be some creep trying to lure you into a dark alley to steal your money, or just fuck you up and kill you. Uncertain of what this could really be about, you took your pocket knife and stuff it into your pocket, just in case. You knew you shouldn't have been so paranoid, but in the world you live in today, anything could happen and it doesn't hurt to be prepared. Once you finished getting ready, you headed out the door and locked it securely behind you.

There was still a faint amount of light coming from the sun below the horizon to the west. This was your favorite time of day. Where the sky evolved from blue to orange, and even sometimes purple. You could see why whoever wrote that letter chose to meet behind the student theater. It was all the way in the back of campus where almost no one bothered to go, especially at night. You had to admit that it was a pretty good idea to pick that spot for a secret conversation. However, that only made you more suspicious and cautious. As you started walking towards the theater, the night began to turn dark quickly as the last beams of sunlight finally sunk below the horizon. You were about halfway to your destination when you hear a loud *POP!* coming somewhere in the direction of the theater, which startled you a bit.

"Science department must have rented out the theater for lab work again"

You thought to yourself as you remembered a certain science professor that you used to have a class with that held the record for most broken and destroyed lab equipment in the entire university.

Still thinking out loud, "I wonder what that old geezers blown up this time".

When you eventually got to the student theater, however, you noticed that no one was there. No cars parked outside, no lights on inside, and absolutely no one around. For some reason, you started to get a little scared. Its wasn't like you to be scared, but that loud "pop" certainly came from this direction. Before you could contemplate further, you heard a "pssst" coming from behind the theater. You looked to where the noise was coming from, but you saw no one. You mustered up whatever courage you could find and started your way towards the back of the theater, but not without checking to make sure you still had your knife.
As you turned the corner, the first thing you saw was utter darkness. Whatever courage you managed to put together until now was starting to dissolve into nothingness until all you could focus on was the blackness that was behind the theater. Suddenly, a hushed but stern voice called out.

"Come, here"

Swallowing your fear, or at least attempting to, you slowly walked forward, checking for an escape route in case this rendezvous went south. As you walked forward, you started to notice a dark silhouette leaning against the back wall. You called out

"Hello? Who are you? Was it you who sent me tha-"

The dark figure cuts you off.

"Shh! Quiet human, or we will be discovered!"

Whoever this was, it didn't sound a bit like Princess Celestia would have sounded. But you did notice that the voice was that of a female. Wait, why did she call you a human?

"Sorry", you whispered, "was it you who sent me that letter?"

The dark figure was not leaning against the wall anymore, but was standing up and facing you directly. When did she do that? You didn't even see her move...Your soliloquy was cut short by the dark figure again,

"Yes, we were. But enough chat, human, we have important matters to discuss."

"Alright...but could you tell me who you are first? Do I know you from somewhere? And why in the world are you calling me 'human?'"

The figure seemed a bit taken aback by your last question, as if she expected you to know who she was.

"Thou doesn't know who I am? You insult me, Alex."

Her way of speech was weird...you've never heard anyone talk with such a victorian edge in public before, at least not here in America. But what really bothered you is how she knew your name.

"H-how do you know my name? Tell me who you are and what you want with me!"

"Doest thou really not know who thou art speaking to? What arrog-"

The girl figure cut herself off and started laughing lightly to herself after having remembered something.

"My apologies, human, perhaps if you saw my true form you would understand."

"What the...?"

Suddenly, before you could question what she had just said, a strange feeling came over you. It was if all the darkness around you was being absorbed by that girl. The narrow alley behind the theater began to suddenly get less dim as all of the shadows that were around you took physical form and shrouded the girl in darkness. You had strong ideas of running, but you were so awestruck by what was happening that the only thing you could do is stand and watch at all this. Fear had taken hold of you as the darkness started to settle on the girl, which started to take a different shape. Slowly but surely, the two legs of the girl sprouted into four, and her neck began to elongate and stretch as her body took a more horizontal shape. Suddenly, a group of 50 or so stars begain to float down from the sky one by one and collect on top of the newly formed head of the figure before you. Even though it defied all physical laws and explanations, you knew the person, or now mare, you were talking to this whole time was, but you were so shocked with awe that you couldn't manage to get any words out. All you could do was stare at the now fully transformed mare in front of you that, until now, you only thought was a fantasy. Your head started spinning and your heart raceed faster than it ever has before and you started to lose consciousness.

Eventually, you passed out.

As you started to come to, you remembered everything that happened before you went under. Princess Luna was still there, now knelt down over you and speaking to you, although your hearing was still not all there. Finally, you started to come to your senses. You had a million and one questions to ask but for some reason, you couldn't bring yourself to ask anything.

"Are you all right, human? Sir Alex?"

"I...I think so..."

You got up slowly, checking yourself to make sure your body didn't hit anything as it fell from consciousness. Seeing that everything was as it should be, you looked back to the figure in front of you, still dumbfounded by the immensity of what you just witnessed.

"I can see clearly that you are not used to seeing creatures such as I."

"Yeah...I mean, I've seen you before, just not in person I guess. I didn't know that you actually existed. I thought all this was just a story."

"I assure you, sir Alex, I, and others like me are all too real. Although, we inhabit another plane of existence than your own."

You were still a bit woozy so planes of existence just sound like gibberish to you right now. You tried to focus.

"Planes of...what? And please, just call me Alex."

"Very well, Alex. Now, I will try to explain our situation as accurately as we possibly can. Equestria, as I think you may know, does, in fact, exist. But, not in this plane of existence. Our world is much different than that of your own. To get there, one must travel through planes of existence, which are-"

"Kinda like time planes?" You asked, still somewhat confused.

"In a sense, yes. There are countless, maybe even infinite planes of existence, that exist at any given time... But now is not the time for physics lessons."

You paused for a second, trying to take everything in as best you could.

"So that was you that made that loud noise earlier? You were coming into my... Plane of existence, was it?"

"Yes, I had hoped my sister's teleportation spell would be less... Noisy."

"Okay... So why did you come all this way to talk to me?"

"You see, Alex, our world of Equestria isn't so oblivious to your world. We attempt to study your world in hopes that we may better understand it. However, traveling to your world is very dangerous and we would likely run into...complications."

"Complications? Like what?"

"Imagine if a pony from equestria were to be discovered in your world to the general public."

You didn't have to think hard to imagine how chaotic that would be.

"That would be a disaster." You said, laughing lightly.

"Quite. So Instead, my sister and I agreed to a different plan. Every hundred or so years, we travel to your world for a very short time, to seek out somepony, excuse me... Someone who we think will be able to handle crossing planes into Equestria so that we may study them and the current state of their world."

"So...what you're saying is that I'm the one you chose? And not just anyone could come with you?"

"Yes. The transfer between your realm and ours requires purity in heart and in mind. A person with corruption within them would be torn to pieces in the process. It is difficult to explain in detail. However, destiny would have it that you, Alex, have been chosen to travel to Equestria both in order for us to further our understanding of you and your world, and in order for you to further your understanding in ours. That is, if you agree to all of this.

No words came to your mind as you listened intently to what Luna was saying. You just sat there, taking everything in.

"Of course, I understand if you would need some time to think on this desi-"

"Sure, I'll go with you."

The Princess seemed to be surprised as she thought of what to say next.

"A-are you sure hum- er...sorry. Alex? This is a big decision that you must make, so please take your time before deciding. While you are gone, time in this plane will be stopped, so you will be able to return without arousing suspicion. But be warned, there is one other detail you must take into account."

"What is it?"

"Once you travel to Equestria, there is no certainty in which you will be able to return. You may be stuck in Equestria, unable to return to your true home. Will you be able to do this with that risk in mind?"

Well, that put a damper in your plans. Although you admit you answered her offer somewhat quickly, you really did want to go. This world, this life you live here, although it was nice, was very lonely and depressing at times, and you knew it. Your friends scattered to different colleges after high school, leaving you by yourself at the college you currently resided. Your relationship with your family wasn't all too well, either. Now, no one really put the time aside to spend with you. Lately, it seemed like your friends and family moved on with their lives leaving you behind to move on with your own. So, why would it be so wrong with choosing Equestria? Thinking about Equestria, all the wonderful people that are there... Where friendship spread all around and bound everyone together in harmony... It really wasn't that hard of a decision to make. There was no doubt that Equestria would be a much better place to live than this one. However...you still couldn't shake off what Luna said. You may not be able to come back. Ever. This world you live in was filled with hate, war and violence. But, it was still your home. It was where you grew up.

Still...

"Yes. I'm sure. I'll take you up on your offer, Princess." You said with a slight hesitation. You are certain, though. This was really what you wanted, and you knew that deep down in your heart.

"Then, it is decided." Princess Luna said as her horn began to glow a dark blue hue.

Suddenly, the blue magic from her horn shot towards the ground and began to take the shape of a plain wooden door, but without a door knob.

"Prepare yourself, Alex, for the journey ahead of you."

She reached behind her left wing and pulled out a doorknob made entirely of crystal. She touched her horn against it and it too began to glow with the dark blue magic. She then inserted the doorknob into the door, which then emitted a blinding light, changing the door into a dark royal blue door with golden trimming.

"After you." Luna said with a slight amount of sarcasm in her tone.

You walked up slowly to the magical door in front of you and took one last deep breath of the air of your world before you turned the knob and opened the door.

Suddenly, A blinding brightness surrounded you as you were sucked into the portal behind the door. You felt as if you were going at mach speed, your face being pushed back until you could feel your eyes going into your brain. You tried to close your eyes, but you soon found that you were going too fast to even attempt to do so. You had no idea which way was up and your body felt like it was being tossed like a rag doll though a vaccumm. For a moment you feared for your life as you lost all control. Finally, in the distance, you saw another door identical to the one you opened earlier. Afraid of crashing into it, you held out your arms and braced for impact, but at the last split second, the door opened and you were sucked inside, then everything went black.

You woke up on the ground, your entire body aching badly. You soon realized that the door you were sucked into threw you none other than straight down at the ground, which was comprised of marble and tile. You tried to get up as you realized that your impact cracked some of the tile. You were bleeding, but not badly, just a few scrapes and cuts. Once you got back on your feet and found your balance again, your mouth dropped as you surveyed your surroundings. Stain glass windows surrounded you with murals of ponies, odd shapes and more, causing a bright array of every color of light to hit your eyes all at once. It made you shield your eyes. The ceiling was as high as a cathedral and you almost lost your balance again trying to look up at it. It didn't take long for you to figure out where you were, because you recognized this room. You were flung into none other than the Princess's royal chamber.

"Whoa. No way...This is..." You think out loud, unaware that you weren't the only person in the room.

A voice behind you giggled slightly.

"Yes way."

You were almost too afraid to turn around and face what your mind was telling you to be true. You knew that voice all too well, but your body was frozen both in shock and fear. You knew that if the voice behind you was really who you think it was, there would be nothing to be afraid of. Still, your mind feared the worst. Maybe it was a nightmare and when you turned around there would be a giant red eyed monster that'll eat you? Was this real? You pinched yourself to make sure, and sure enough, your body told you that you were, in fact, awake.

"There's no need to be afraid, my faithful student. Please, turn around. We would all like to see your face."

Slowly, you urged your body to turn around, blocking out your urges that were telling you to run away. When you turned around, you got just what you imagined. Standing before you were four mares: a white mare with a rainbow mane, Luna, a pink mare with a multicolored mane of yellows purples and pinks, and a purple mare with a dark purple mane with a pink stripe. You already knew who all of these ponies were, but your mouth simply wouldn't cooperate, you didn't know what to say or how to say it.

"I...you...uh...umm...h-hi" You barely managed to blurt out.

The four ponies all giggled and laughed together at your humorous reaction. Princess Celestia stepped forward and bowed to you politely.

You continued, regaining your composure somewhat and you kneeled down before Celestia. "I- I mean, It's an honor to finally meet you, Princess Celestia."

The princess smiled back at your politeness. "Welcome to Equestria, sir Alex. My Name is Princess Celestia. This- " She pointed to Luna.

You realized that she was going to introduce everyone in the room and you already knew who all of them were, but you figured that it would be rude to interrupt, especially in the presence of a princess. So, you stood politely and listened.

"Is Princess Luna, Princess Cadence, and last, but not least, Princess Twilight Sparkle."

You finally mustered up the willpower to form complete sentences.

"H-Hi everyone, its a pleasure to meet you all. But please, just call me Alex."

From the corner of your eye, you could barely make out Luna rolling her eyes.

"Well, Alex, I'm sure you're wondering what you're doing here."

"Actually princess, Luna filled me in on the basics before we arrived."

You were trying to be yourself and not act awkward in front of royalty, but at the same time, you had no idea what would be considered rude. With a last ditch effort to escape the risk of appearing so, you blurted out.

"Y-your highness...sorry."

Celestia giggled once more, a little more discreet this time.

"Please, there's no need to be so formal. After all, from what I hear, you already know quite a bit about us."

Why would she bother introducing everyone if she already knew that you knew who they were? Oh well... You took the opportunity to drop your formalities and speak more naturally.

"Yeah, I guess you could say that."

"So, Luna already briefed you? You know why you've been summoned here to Equestria?"

"Yes, I understand, for the most part."

"Good. I'll leave you to introduce yourself with Luna, Twilight, and Cadence. But first, I need to give you some basic rules to follow while you are here in Equestria."

You looked up at the white alicorn intently.

"First and foremost, you shall not bring about any harm to anypony in this realm under me."

That would be simple to follow. You couldn't imagine hurting anypony like that. (You laugh to yourself mentally, you've only been here 10 minutes and you're already changing your vocabulary).

"Second. You are not to tell anyone outside of this realm that this realm indeed exists. And, you are also forbidden to disclose any information about this realm to your world, as it is not yet ready for the knolowedge."

"True that" you thought to yourself silently as you continue to listen.

"Third. You are under the command of our royalty and will obey as such."

Well, that was a given.

"And finally."

Celestia looked at you with a serious eye, making you both a bit uncomfortable and nervous. She then relaxed her tone and facial expression.

"Have fun and make new friends. This is Equestria after all, where friendship and magic rule over all of us."

You give Celestia a reassuring look "Yes, ma'am!"

"Good. You will be staying with twilight for the time being. Make sure she is aware of anything you may need." Celestia looked outside the window at the angle of the sun. "I'm sorry to leave you just upon your arrival, but princess duty calls!"

And just like that, a golden glow emitted from her horn and she vanished into thin air. An awkward silence hung in the room for a few moments, but was soon followed by Twilight and Cadence cantering over to you. You kneeled down again in politeness.

"It's so great to finally meet you Princess Twilight, Princess Cadence."

Twilight laughed a bit at your apparently overly-formal gesture. "Oh stop it, you don't have to worry about all that stuff with me."

You give her a smile in return and stand upright again.

"But wow...a live human! I must say I never thought I'd ever see a live one in my life!" Twilight exclaimed, obviously exited at the opportunity to learn new things about someone like you.

"The same could be said here." You say, just as interested in this new environment as Twilight was.

"Well, I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to meet with everypony later, but first, lets get you cleaned up. That transportation spell sure did do a toll on your clothes...and your body." Twilight eyed down at your body. If you didn't know any better, you'd think she had a bit of seduction in her eye.

It was just then that you realized that half your shirt was torn off. Your pajama pants weren't in the best shape, either. There was no need to sew them back together. They were practically ruined. You also saw that you were badly bruised in some places and you had some cuts along your arms and legs, but nothing that needed stitching up. Your mid section was completely exposed, letting Twilight have a full view of your moderately developed abs and pecs.

"And besides," Twilight continued as she gave a gesture for you to follow her. Her eyes finally ventured off of your partially exposed body. "you got a few cuts and bruises that I need to look at as well. I would've hoped Celestias spell would've been... Smoother... But then again, she managed to create a portal between realms! Isn't that neat?!"

You chuckled slightly at Twilight's excitement and gave a faint smile. "Yeah, it is." You and Twilight walked off together.

After a long silence, Luna turned to face Cadence.

"So which do you think he'll chose?"

"It's difficult to tell for sure." Cadence retorted. Her eyes stared at the ground, deep in thought. "His heart and his intentions are both pure, that much is certain. But..."

"Something troubling you?"

"Its just that the life he left back home... Wasn't an entirely good one. He may choose to actually accept Twilight's gift. If that happens..."

"If that happens, we'll be ready for it." Princess Luna interjected. "Besides, I'm sure someone like Alex will prove to be very useful to us in the long run, no matter which path he chooses. But, he still has a few days before he will have to make that decision. So, there's no point in worrying about it now."

Cadence inhaled and exhaled deeply, making a strange arm gesture inwards and outwards while doing so "You're right, I worry too much." She looked out of one of the windows that overlooked Ponyville. "Things are going to be very interesting for all of us in the near future, that much is for sure."