Newcomers and veterans alike, welcome to the world of ponies!

[aie_mods]

Who: YOU. And you. And you. And everyone!
What: What just happened!? You've been transported into the world of ponies, that's what.
When: November 10th
Where: Smack dab in the middle of Ponyville. And around Ponyville. And maybe a little outside Ponyville too.
Rating: You know you.

(Pssst. Check out the story so far to get an idea for what's happened prior to this point!)

It all happened in a flash. Short earthquakes and aftershocks rocked some of the buildings in Ponyville as a magical explosion wreaked its own brand of havoc across Equestria. Once the dust settled, however, the Ponyville ponies realized that there were some newcomers in their midst. Ones that were definitely not there before the explosion. So where did they come from, and how did they get here? Did the explosion bring them here?

Luckily, the actual damage from the earthquakes was minor, and there were no actual downed buildings, just some that were now slightly cracked and in need of repairs.

The natives slowly closed in on the newcomers, warily eyeing them and wondering what their intentions were. But rather than looking angry or upset, they just looked confused and curious. Why not introduce yourselves to them, and to each other?

The official royal welcome wagon might even show up soon!

Comments

The welcome wagon is officially here!

[aie_mods]

After a good half hour of mingling and meetings between the offworlder ponies and some of the natives, somepony had finally arrived to greet them.

Any who were used to how Equestria was would not be surprised to see one Princess Celestia arrive before them, but it seemed she was certainly surprised to see so many unfamiliar faces in such a large crowd. She took a moment to compose herself before continuing. After all, she already knew what had caused the explosion, and another troubling thing that she did not need to announce, to avoid worrying the natives.

"Well, well. I can say that I, at least, am rather surprised to see so many new faces here. Welcome to Equestria. You may be from a different time or a different place, but all are welcome here regardless. If you're unfamiliar with how things work here, I am more than happy to answer any questions you have. Do not fret - we will find a place for you to stay while we look into the matter of what caused that explosion."

Even though she let slip the fact that she was more than aware that the offworlder ponies may, in fact, actually be from other worlds, she seemed rather in control of the situation, and the native ponies began dispersing (after bowing before her respectfully) to give her and the offworlders some space.

[whatsmytalentagain]

By this point, Rantaro's at least got the whole walking-on-four-legs thing down, so here's a strange pegasus with no cutie mark slowly but steadily trotting up to the regal looking... What is that? A pegi-corn? He kind of wished Korekiyo was here right now.

"Excuse me, I'm really lost. What is this place, and why are we here?"

He's pretty sure this isn't going to be a Killing Game with ponies, but he has to be 100% positive on the matter.

[aie_mods]

Personally, Celestia's quite surprised that these offworlder ponies got cutie marks to begin with. Seeing someone with a blank flank made her wonder just what decides that for someone not from here...

"Why, this is Equestria. A fairly peaceful land. Most of us here are ponies, as you can see. Earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns. I am Princess Celestia, and I cannot say for sure why you have been brought here. But you may rest for as long as it takes for us to help you find a way home."

[whatsmytalentagain]

Especially since he seems a bit old to be a blank flank. Poor guy.

He seems a bit suspicious, but... Well. This place does seem plenty peaceful save for the explosion pony.

"Oh... Thanks. I guess we'll have to go to a hotel somewhere?" Do they know what hotels are?

[caelum_ignis_draconigena]

There were ponies, and then there was a very large, out of place looking dragon looking rather uncomfortable. He's doing his best to keep out of the way, but after noticing how other ponies seem to be bowing to her... She's obviously someone in power. No need to tick off someone who can make life miserable for him while he's here, but considering he's already gotten attacked once...

Better just to sit and wait for her to either take notice of him, or wait until he's sure that approaching her won't set off any trigger happy guards. It had happened before, not here in this world, but why take chances?

[aie_mods]

"It's quite alright," she said simply, turning her gaze over to Skyfire. "I must say, I'm rather surprised to see a dragon, but have no fear, I can see that you feel out of place among the ponies here. I will do my best to find a place for you to stay as well, if you would like."

[caelum_ignis_draconigena]

"I would be grateful for the assistance..." It's very clear that he's not sure how he should be addressing her. "I'm rather worried that I might break someone something in town." It's clear he's almost paranoid about watching where he's going, clearly not used to being among buildings like this.

She doesn't seem too concerned about him being a dragon, so he feels slightly relieved... even if he still isn't sure about what he eats as an organic... It can't be too bad if she's not worried, right?

[just_want_normal_knees]

"Um, excuse me!" And there's Ruby, finally on her hooves and meeting Celesetia and having to be completely honest - she's in awe over her. "Um, sorry, but, ah, you're not going to try to do anything secret and evil with us, are you? I just got through being caught up in so many plots from people who say they want to help us that I'm kinda tired of it now."

"Do forgive my companion-kupo." Drei said, the Moogle landing on Ruby's head. "Years of people leading her and her fellow friends along by their noses have taking their toll on the kindness of strangers just a bit-kupo.

[aie_mods]

She couldn't help laughing a little. "Why, no, of course not! I can understand being hesitant and apprehensive if you have gone through something like that. I have no evil or secret plans with all of you, and I unfortunately cannot prove that at this moment, but I do hope that you will give me and the residents of Equestria the benefit of the doubt for now."

She gave a soft smile.

"Sometimes it is better to be wary. I can assure you that I am in the dark about this as much as you are." ... Well, mostly. But until she had a concrete answer, there was no need to worry her. "While you are here you're free to do as you wish, and I am always around if you need something. You can even explore outside of Ponyville here, if you'd like."

Re: The welcome wagon is officially here!

[explosions_are_awesome]

Megumin explosioned previously and she rolls up to Celestia's hooves.

From the ground, she proclaimed, "Are you the most powerful pony here? Can you cast Explosion? Do you have a royal palace surrounded by seven demon lords one of them a really booby lich named Wiz? Can I see Kazutrash soon or is that out of the question?"

Megumin please.

[aie_mods]

This was an odd case, Celestia thought to herself. But she answered each of her questions in sequence. "Perhaps, no, no, and I'm afraid I don't know who this 'Kazutrash' is."

She looked down at Megumin. "Are you the one that created that explosion recently? Not the one that brought you all here, of course, but the one after that."

[explosions_are_awesome]

"Well that's okay, I didn't expect Kazuma to be here. He would have already made a fuss." remarked Megumin.

She beamed at the recognition however. "Yes! It's my Explosion Magic, Crimson Demons need to explode once a day."

No they didn't, she was just saying as much.

[burningbrighter]

Oh...oh goodness. That shining mane and crown could be seen above any crowd, and Sunset knew well what that meant. The princess was here, and she was due to make some painful apologies.

She bowed low for longer than most of the natives, trying to weather their disapproving glares. Their disapproval hurt, but it meant nothing compared to what she faced from the teacher she'd so coldly betrayed.

"Princess Celestia," she whispered, finally raising her head. "I'm the one who made the biggest mistake of my life that day."

She held her breath, more than prepared for punishment. If that meant more community service, banishment...even prison. She was ready.

[aie_mods]

It was hard not to hear the news of some interesting-looking ponies among the lot of offworlders. Ponies that looked very similar to Princess Twilight and her friends. She couldn't believe it herself, until she heard a name that gave her pause.

Sunset Shimmer.

So, she was back - was it by her own choice? No, she had nothing to do with the magical explosion. That was something she knew full well.

Seeing her approach caused her look to be quite fierce, as she stared for many moments after hearing her speak.

And then--

"Sunset Shimmer." A pause... and then her expression softened. "I hear you've been making a name for yourself in the human world. A good name. Is this true?"

[burningbrighter]

"I've been doing my best," Sunset answered, lifting her head a little. "It turns out that a few of my friends from school have been brought here too. Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie. From what Princess Twilight tells me, they're a lot like her and her friends---but not entirely. Our Twilight's actually a pegasus."

She sucked in a breath. "I know I have a lot of mistakes to make up for...but I'll do my best to keep them safe, if you'll let me."

[onaroll]

Amelie raises one hoof into the air.

”Pardonne? Just to be sure, there aren’t any, ah, giant magic rocks nearby, are there? Or strange holes?”

[aie_mods]

"Not near here, no," she said simply. "What do you mean by 'strange holes'? I imagine all the holes here are normal rabbit holes and the like."

[onaroll]

“The last world I was in lured us to it by the creation of holes shaped exactly like our bodies that we were hypnotically compelled to enter.”

[frozenmemories]

Cirno always had shrunk back when Celestia was near by and now really wasn't a change. She waited at least until others have spoken up before stepping forward to speak herself. Quiet and slightly unsure. For one who helped save so many people and places along with a Element holder...the blank flank thing came back to her.

"Um...To be fair Princess...I highly doubt where to stay is a top priory to some here."

She's not exactly convinced that this isn't going to be a train wreck in a matter of days. Jaded child is jaded but still polite...ish.

[aie_mods]

"Is it not?" There was an air of playfulness to her voice. "Well, this is true. I don't imagine it's everyone's biggest worry when arriving in an unfamiliar place. However, it is still a necessity and one that we will provide as best we can."

[neighfeni]

Oh, good, she didn't have to go to Canterlot to talk with the Princesses. That's awfully helpful.

Nephenee walked to up to the other alicorn, and bowed before her, wings slightly flared out from her sides. "It's an honor to meet ya, Princess Celestia. Thank ya for your hospitality. Ah...uh..."

Geez, where was she to begin?

"My name's Nephenee Knight...Ah'm...a Princess in another Equestria." In case the horn and wing combo weren't a good hint, Neph.

[aie_mods]

Now here was a strange thing - seeing an unfamiliar alicorn. And a Princess from another Equestria, from the sounds of it - with a name that's very un-Equestrian.

Not that she doubted Nephenee's words in the slightest - after all, she could sense the magic in her, and she could tell it was legitimate. Certainly there were other Equestrias...

"Well, it is a pleasure to meet you, Princess Nephenee Knight. I must admit, I never expected to meet somepony from a different Equestria."

[emet_selch]

...Holy Halone, that was a large pegasus. And horned, as well - Haurchefant heard those were rarities! He approached, before bowing - like the natives. If Celestia was taking notice of this pale pink pony, she might notice a flicker of... magic.

"Thank you for the warm welcome!" he said, first of all. "Am I to expect us to be seeking a way back to our realm?"

...because really, Haurchefant. Doesn't think he can do that.

[badassfreakingoverlord]

"Hey, Princess Sunbutt."

Just because Zetta hadn't earned the right to take such familiar tones with this Princess Celestia didn't mean he sure as hell wasn't going to anyway. The large alicorn regarded the Princess of the Day with a lazy smile.

"How's it hanging down this Equestria way?"

Re: The welcome wagon is officially here!

[glimmer_of]

Oh thank goodness, Princess Celestia. Though there seemed to be no flicker of recognition but Starlight spoke up. "Hey Princess Celestia? Not to sound ungrateful or anything but I need to bug out and head to Twilight's castle. She's probably got the stuff I need to research a solution for this."

Wow, informal as heck, as if talking to an equal. "I mean, I don't want to sound ungrateful for the help, but if Twilight's not here then it stands to reason that somepony needs to fill her research shoes."