Changing Lanes 22

>"Anonymous, please stop fidgeting, we are almost there."
"Why did we have to take a train anyways? Couldn't we have just teleported?"
>Rainbow Dash sits slumped in her seat.
"Rainbow, you didn't have to tag along, you know."
>She sits up abruptly, almost knocking Twilight out of the seat next to her.
>"Hey, I want to be as supportive as I can, seeing as how you have to tell Celestia you have the magic of one of Equestria's worst ever threats inside you."
>Luna stares at Rainbow Dash, cocking an eyebrow.
>"Er, no offense, Princess Luna."
>"Perhaps you could be a bit more encouraging by not saying anything."
>Twilight gets out of her seat, sitting in front of you on the floor and resting a hoof on your leg.
>"It will be fine, Anon. Celestia will understand when we fully explain everything."
>The sensation of movement slows as the train nears the station.
"Seeing as how both you and Rainbow freaked out before Luna and I could fully explain, I hope she gives us the chance."
>The airbrakes hiss as the train comes to a stop, the doors sliding open.
>The four of you walk out, taking your time as you cross the busy platform.
>Ponies bowing on every side of the two alicorn princesses slow your pace further.
"You two can't be taken anywhere without causing a fuss, can you?"
>Twilight seems embarrassed, while Luna gives you a smartass grin.
>Rainbow soars above the three of you, showing off as usual.
"This has to be the most dysfunctional looking group in the history of ever."

>After what seems like about an hour of slogging through the streets, the four of you make it to the castle walls.
"Maybe we should have just teleported in.
>"Anon, I believe it was you that wished to take the time to travel normally to 'regain your composure'. Has it not helped?"
"Not really. It gave me more time to think about all this. Which is not good."
>Luna pulls you close with her wing, almost causing you to lose your balance.
>"You must stop this nonsense. As I have said once, and will say it again, our sister adores you."
>The gates slowly open, and the you stride inside.
>Despite being here for a month, the numerous guards seem to keep an extra close eye on you.
>It doesn't help your already frayed nerves.
>You like Celestia, and you know Luna is right.
>But the circumstances of this visit are what cause the concern.
>The castle itself could almost be considered a city, with the amount of ground you have to traverse to get to the doors of the main hall.
>As you reach out to push them, they slowly open, with the aid of Luna's magic.
>You walk in first, with Luna, Twilight and Rainbow behind you.
"So, she's expecting us right?"
>"Yes, Anonymous, we sent a message just before we left."
>As the four of you finally get through the long hall and into the throne room, Celestia is sitting at the top of the steps.
>"Ah, Anonymous. It is a pleasure to see you again. As well as you, Rainbow Dash"
>You bow, as do your friends in a gesture of respect.
>"Sister, we apologize for visiting on such short notice, but we have much to talk about regarding Anonymous."
>The white alicorn rises from her seat, looking down at you with a warm smile.
>At least she's smiling.
>"Yes, I received your message. And if I may, I would like to speak to Anonymous in private."
>Surprise crosses the face of you and your group.
>Luna is the first to speak.
>"Sister, perhaps you should at least allow us in this discussion, as we have information we can better fully explain."
>Celestia closes her eyes, her smile disappearing.
>"No Luna, I am afraid this must be between Anon and I."
>You feel nauseous as the tone of her voice changes.
>With no other options, Twilight and Luna nervously give you a hug as they depart, while Rainbow bumps her hoof to your fist as she follows.
>The guards also leave, closing the doors behind them.
>You turn back to Celestia, who is now standing in front of you.
>Was she always this tall?
>And intimidating?
>"Hm. By the look on your face, I would say you seem a bit nervous."
"I guess you could say that, yeah."
>In all honestly, you feel like you're about to shit your pants.
>She turns around, leaving you a bit confused as she starts to walk away.
>"Good."
"What?"
>"Consider this experience repayment for your surprise dyeing of your white coat."
>She chuckles a bit as you breathe a sigh of relief.
>"Come now Anonymous, am I truly that intimidating?"
"Yes."
>She climbs the stairs and takes a seat on her throne, gesturing you to sit in what is normally Luna's throne.
>The sudden change from cold and formal to friendly and carefree throws you through a loop, but you oblige her.
>"Now, Luna says the two of you know why you share the same link she and I have?"
>Your nerves come back again as you quickly go through in your head how to word it all.
"Yes, and it might sound bad at first, but hear me out."
>As if it is a replay, she utters a familiar phrase.
>"I'm all ears."
"Okay, well obviously you know all about the spell that Luna cocked up that had us in each others' bodies. Apparently in the process of reversing that mistake, something from Luna came back with me. Er well, not necessarily from Luna."
>Celestia cocks an eyebrow as she remains silent.
"I mean, she didn't come back with me, but I guess when we switched back, I guess her magic came back with me."
>"Whose magic?"
>Crap, you forgot to try to bury her name in that sentence.
>No options now, as Celestia waits for a response.
>"Nightmare Moon."
>"I see. Luna informed me she had been let loose in your mind and tormented you. But how did you two come to this conclusion?"
>You explain to her Luna's theory, and everything that happened that night.
>Well, aside from what happened after Twilight woke you up.
>Celestia seems to focus on your every word, and is still silent when you finish.
>As she absorbs it all in, she finally cracks her serious face and emits her trademark benevolent smile.
>"It seems I made the right decision regarding you, Anon."
"What do you mean?"
>"Your first day in Equestria, when you arrived and we first met, I took the time to look through your memories of your past, to ensure you were not a threat to our home or ponies. The amount of destruction, war and greed that I saw from your world through your eyes made me very unsure what to do. And yet, through all of that, something drove me to give you a chance, to prove to me what I saw did not represent your kind as a whole."
>You sit there a bit stunned, as she takes your silence as a cue to continue.
>"Anonymous, you have given me something back that I have not seen in many many years. You have given me back my sister, reignited her passion I thought had been lost long ago. For that, you have my eternal gratitude."
>If you didn't know any better, you'd say her voice cracked a bit, but she continues.
>"Luna and Twilight both have spoken highly of you in the correspondences I have received from them since you have arrived, and I can see why. You may have grown up in a rather sick world, but you still develop and hold true to your values and urge to do the right thing."
>She leans towards you, lowering her voice to almost a whisper.
>"And I would say judging by their reactions, you, Luna and Twilight have developed into more than mere friends."
>You feel your face grow hot as she lightly chuckles, her horn glowing.
>The doors open, with both Twilight and Luna falling forward, and Rainbow hovering in a rather erratic manner.
>"I would also be willing to bet there are a few ponies that were so concerned for you that they were willing to attempt to eavesdrop on a private meeting."
>Luna quickly gets back to her hooves.
>"Apologies sister, we were trying to stop Twilight and Rainbow from listening in when you opened the door."
>Twilight and Rainbow scowl at her as she grins sheepishly.
"So, what do you want me to do now that we know I have.... well, magic in me, I guess?"
>Celestia ponders your question as your friends walk into the room towards you.
>"Princess Celestia, if I may, I think I have an idea."
>Twilight steps forward cautiously.
>"Yes Twilight, go ahead."
>Twilight grins as she approaches you.
>"Obviously with somepony from a world containing no magic suddenly being imbued with it is a unique occurrence. Perhaps this would be an opportunity to further unlock secrets of how magic works, by working with Anon to see if he can somehow tap into that and be taught how to use it."
>The room falls silent again as Celestia eyes you, deep in thought.
>If silence could be deafening, your eardrums would have burst by now.
>"I have taken a chance with Anon once, and am delighted I chose to follow my instinct. Twilight, Luna, if you both are willing and committed, working with Anon may unravel many questions that still exist about magic. If you choose to, I want you both to be patient and cautious as you attempt to see if indeed, he may possess the ability to harness our world's magic."
>"YES, YE- I mean, I accept this responsibility. Thank you Celestia."
>Celestia smiles, then turns her attention to her sister.
>"Luna,what do you think?"
>Luna looks at you, silently and stoic.
>Finally, she cracks a sly smile.
>"It would be a pleasure to work with two of our closest friends as we delve into the unknown."
>Celestia seems to sense your hesitance.
>"Anon, do you have any qualms with what Twilight has proposed?"
>Twilight cocks her head to one side in curiosity.
"I just... what if I unlock something that I can't control?"
>The white alicorn turns to Twilight for an answer.
>The purple pony spreads her wings and hovers over to you at eye level.
>"Anon, if I did not think you could do this, I would not have suggested it. But, if you do not feel comfortable with this idea, I will support your decision to not go through with this."
>She leans in close to your ear, while the three others in the room look on in anticipation.
>"I...I love you, Anon."
>And with that, her hooves return to solid ground, looking up at you.
>Seeing as how Twilight's specialty is fricking magic, and she thinks you can do it.....
>"I'm game. Let's see if I got the magic touch."
>"I know with both my sister and Princess Twilight as your guide, you are in good hooves. I would urge during this time for at least one to be with you at all times in case something should somehow happen, but I don't think that will be a problem at all."

>After staying for a few hours for a more casual visit and conversation, your posse returns to the train station to head home.
>Rainbow finally gives her wings a rest as you all enter the last train coach.
>"So Anon, I have to ask. What made you change your mind on this whole experiment? And what did Twilight say to you?"
>You look over your shoulder at Twilight, who is blushing profusely.
>She must still be rather uncomfortable with the idea of you and her being public. After all, she admitted to you a while ago she still has a bit of social anxiety despite being a newly crowned princess.
>Well that and you being with Luna as well, which she spread word of rapidly.
"She just said she believed in me. I guess that just struck a chord."
>You don't hear it, but you can sense Twilight letting out a massive sigh of relief.
>As you all take a seat, you focus on Luna, who is next to you.
"I thought you said you told Celestia about our relationship."
>"Well... I had planned on it Anonymous, but we have been so busy lately, it slipped our mind."
>You throw an arm around her.
"It doesn't matter. Your sister already knew anyways. Whether she can read minds or is just that receptive is up for debate, because she already knows a few new things."
>You look at Twilight, who seems to understand your cryptic words as she fidgets nervously.
>It's cute as hell, but you feel bad for making her uncomfortable.
>Quickly, you change the subject.
"So, what are you two going to be trying to teach me first?"
>Luna and Twilight share glances, before Luna speaks up.
>"Twilight and I have discussed this matter in private before we left Ponyville, and both of us agree that your first foray into magic should be where you first demonstrated it - the dreamscape and dreamweaving."
>You feel a bit uneasy starting out with what seems rather advanced to you.
>Luna senses your anxiety, and answers your silent qualms.
>"Anonymous, you have already shown you can control and change things in the dreamscape. But for our sake, never play that song again."
>You laugh as Twilight and Rainbow look on, not understanding the joke.
>"What you must remember Anon, is that you are imbued with Nightmare Moon's power and magic, which was at one point mine before the split. Our abilities may be the easiest to harness, as you may consider it a head start."
"Well, obviously fucking with people's dreams is the main one, but what else do you have?"
>"Yes, there is the dreamscape which in broader terminology is a specialty in illusionary magic, as well as shapeshifting."
"Whoa, back up. You can shapeshift? Why didn't you just do that instead of trying to possess me when you wanted to take a spin in my Superbird?"
>It is Luna's turn to be embarrassed.
>"It is not an ability I use much, Anonymous. I am very much out of practice with it, so it is unlikely any attempt would have been successful."
>She clears her throat, as if signalling the return to the previous conversation.
>"Anyways, you seem to already be able to change things in the dreamscape, as well as access memories. While shapeshifting is likely an unattainable goal, becoming nearly as proficient as we are in the the dreamscape is very much a possibility."
>Your attention focuses on Twilight, who has been siting quietly with her eyes fixated on you.
"So, what will you teach me after this first hurdle?"
>Twilight instantly becomes animated, her grin stretching wide.
>"Well, once Luna is confident you have a good grip on things in the dreamscape, we will see if that magic in that level of consciousness can transfer into this one, starting with illusions."
>You glance over at Rainbow Dash, who has been silent this whole time.
>She lays sprawled out on the seat, suddenly noticing you.
>"Don't look at me, magic is out of my realm."
>You smile, then turn back to Luna.
"So, when do we start?"
>That suave, sly smile returns.
>"Tonight."

>You all finally arrive back in Ponyville late in the afternoon.
>Dash is eager to return home, and bids you all good luck.
>Apparently the newest release in her favorite book series should be in the mail today.
>You find it shocking how similar Daring Do is in this world to Indiana Jones back in yours.
>You lead the way back to your home with Luna and Twilight in tow.
>Twilight has been rather quiet much of the way, deep in thought.
>You open the door to your home, allowing your friends in before you.
>Kicking off your shoes, you flop onto the couch in the living room, Luna and Twilight joining you on either side.
>"Luna, I have an idea you might not like, but hear me out."
>Twilight finally breaks out of her deep brainstorm, startling Luna and you.
>"Yes Twilight, what is it? You have been quiet for some time now."
>"Well, I want to get prepared for when we decide to move on with Anon to magic in the physical world, but obviously we don't even know if it would even be possible for him. Or worse, it could somehow cause him harm."
>She turns to you.
>"No offense Anonymous, but I don't want to refresh on a ton of basics if it will not matter anyhow. And I care too much to see you get hurt."
>You nod, she has a very good point. Even if she is thinking way too far ahead.
>"While I understand your dilemma, what other way is there to find out?"
>The purple alicorn hesitates a bit before continuing.
>"Well, there is one pony I know of that could possibly help us, seeing as how he can sense magic and its usage under some conditions. Well, he's not a pony..."
>"You refer to Discord. No, I very much despise this idea, Twilight."
"Reel me into the loop here. Who is this guy, and why is this a bad idea? I'd rather not risk exploding if I can help it."
>Luna huffs, the mere idea of mentioning him apparently frustrating her.
>"Discord is a draconequus, and the spirit of chaos and disharmony, as his hideous chimaerical form demonstrates. Sister and I overthrew him and locked him away many years ago, which is when we took to the throne. A few years ago, he made his escape and returned, and after being stopped by Twilight and her friends, was supposedly reformed and on our side."
>Chimaera? Wait a minute, that window in the old castle-
>[Make no mention of this. Ever.]
>You look at Luna, her eyes closed and slightly shaking her head.
"So I take it you don't trust him?"
>"We have never trusted him. He has betrayed ponykind in the past, it is only a matter of time before his mischievous spirit gets the best of him once again."
>Twilight's face goes from curious to irritated with Luna's rather pessimistic comment.
>"Luna, with all due respect, I believe he deserves a fair shake. After all, Celestia forgave you when we freed you from Nightmare Moon's grasp."
>Luna seems to realize she's trapped herself in a box now.
>You run your fingers through her mane, causing her to relax and look at you.
"I hate taking sides, but Twily does have a point. With untreaded ground ahead of us, any information on the road beyond would make me more comfortable."
>Mentioning her name, your other hand runs through Twilight's mane.
>"I suppose your charm has gotten to us. We will see what he has to say tomorrow evening."
>Her smile returns as she snatches a kiss, slipping a bit of her wide tongue in as well.
>"But you owe me."
>Twilight squirms a bit next to you.
>"Well, I think I should head home now, so you can get started on learning the intricacies of the dreamscape. See you both in the morning?"
>As Twilight starts to get up, Luna leaps in front of her, startling her.
>"You as well greatly owe us."
>She leans in as if to whisper something.
>Before duplicating the kiss she just shared with you.
>You aren't sure who is shocked more, Twilight or you.
>Probably Twilight, as she sits still, unblinking.
>You match her example, as Luna looks at the both of you.
>"What? You did not expect to be the only one to benefit from this rather unconventional relationship, did you?"
"Uh, no. I... guess not. Maybe surprised it took such a short time to develop would be a better explanation?"
>"Perhaps we are more open to new things. I must head home and get ready for my royal duties tomorrow. I will see you tonight, Anon. Twilight, until tomorrow night, take care."
>"Okay."
>Luna looks at you, smirking, before teleporting in a flash.
>"Anon, what was that?"
"I think that was Luna's way of telling you she doesn't have a problem with this arrangement."
>"It was.... er, that's.... good?"
>You can't resist the temptation and lay your own sneak attack on Twilight as you lean in.
>Unlike the first time, there's no surprise, as she wraps her forelegs around your neck, her soft lips locked with yours.
>Just another day in Equestria.
>Never boring.