Chapter 3: Different Life, Same Problem
Princess Celestia and Adam walked towards Twilight's library. Again a large group of ponies observed as they entered the library. Twilight ,Applejack, Rainbowdash, Fluttershy, and Rarity were already inside, and along with them was a hyperactive pink mare with a soft curly mane. She was sitting near a table with lots of treats and food on it.
Princess Celestia and Adam sat in the center of the middle room.
"Now, Mr. Splice is it?" The Princess asked.
"Yes your majesty. At your service." Adam said to her politely.
"I'll admit I was surpirised to hear that an angel had landed in Equestria." Princess Celestia said. Then Fluttershy piped up.
"Oh isn't it wonderful your majesty? We're in the presence of an ACTUAL angel!" Fluttershy said excitedly.
'Even the princess says I'm an angel, guess there's no turning back.' Adam thought to himself.
"OHMYGOSH I KNOW!" The pink mare yelled while popping out of nowhere. " Hi! I'm PinkiePie. And it's so super duperly fantastic to finally get to meet HEAVENLY being." Pinkie started bowing in front of him. Adam gave out a chuckle.
"Well princess it is a pleasure to meet you as well but um... I need to ask you something." Adam spoke up.
"Yes Adam?" Princess Celestia asked.
"Not to be rude, but I have a lot of responisbilites to tend to back in my world, so I- well, do you know of a way that I would be able to return to my world?" Adam inquired. Everypony gasped.
"Wh-what? Y-you're lea-ving!" Fluttershy asked, sniffling and stuttering as she did.
"But you've only been here a day. Why would you want to go?" Twilight asked.
"My world is currently enduring a fierce war, and I have to do my part in fighting against the Lupine armies in their attempt to extinguish humanity!" Adam explained. The ponies stood there shocked.
"Did you say.. Lupine armies?" Princess Celestia asked.
"Yes, why?" Adam was curious as to why she asked about them.
"You see, here in Equestria, large packs of wolves have been gathering in different parts of the land. We don't know why they've been doing this, but we don't want to risk anypony being near such large groups of predators." Celestia continued on. "They out number our armies and if they keep growing as they are, I fear it will be the end of Equestria." Everypony stared in awe. Adam was astounded.
'They're having the same problems that Tierra is having.' Adam thought.
"And I'm sorry. I'm afraid I don't know how to send you back to your world.I don't know where you're from, or what time. There's a lot of things that go into transporting a , well in your case, a person from one realm to another." Celestia explained.
"Wow... um I... I'm sorry. Now that I actually heard that, I feel like I've been kinda selfish." adam apologized.
"That's okay Adam. We understand. You have a lot of responsibilities in your home world." Twilight said walking up to him.
"That is pretty bad .. Not being able to go home I mean." Fluttershy added. Adam sat down and the six small ponies walked up to him slowly.
"There ain't nuthin ta worry 'bout sugar cube, Ya'll got new friends now." Applejack said. All the ponies nodded in agreement.
"Really? I don't even know any of you guys, yet you still consider me your friend?" Adam asked. "In my world, people aren't as friendly. Often at times it's either they automatically dislike you, or get to know them first."
"As you can see Adam, almost all Equestrians are friendly. These six ponies that stand before you represent the 6 elements that make up friendship. Applejack represents honesty, Rainbowdash represents loyalty, PinkiePie represents laughter, Fluttershy represents kindness, Rarity represents generosity, and Twilight represents magic." Celestia explained. Adam was confused.
"Wait, what does magic have to do with friendship?" Adam asked.
"Magic brings the other elements together." Twilight answered.
"Oh I see, it's a kind of bond that holds you all together right?" Adam tried clarifying.
"That's right." Celestia confirmed. They all walked over to Pinkie's assortment of food and began eating.
Everypony and Adam had finished their food and went further discussing about Adam's life.
"So Adam, I read that you had some military experience and from hearing about your troubles with the lupine armies I'm guessing your experiences are true?" Celestia asked.
"Indeed your majesty. I'm the commander of the Atomic squadron. We were a small group but we won every battle we had to fight in." Then Adam looked down in shame. "Well.. almost every battle." Adam said in a saddened mood. "I wonder how they're doing. I wonder if they got out of the battle grounds fast enough." Adam thought out loud.
"Don't worry Mr. Splice, I'm sure they're alright." Celestia comforted him. "But your military background is what I am most interested in." She admitted.
"Really? Why?" Adam asked. 'Of all the things she wants to know she wants to know about my military ranks. Why? I just want to forget it!' Adam tried not to seem frustrated. He really didn't want to think about his life in the army.
"We'll, I don't want to rush you into things but like I had told you before, my guards and soldiers are need of 'someone' of your experience." Celestia said.
"Wait! Princess! A-are you saying that..." Twilight asked in shock.
"I am." Princess Celestia answered. "Equestria is in need of help. I ask that with your leadership and fighting expertise, you assist us in the fight against these lupines. I don't wish to have anypony be hurt or killed by these predators and you yourself said you have dealt with a similar threat. Please." Celestia implored. Everypony looked at Adam. He got up and walked to the room he had slept in the night before. He looked back at them before closing the door.
"I need to think." Adam said as he closed the door. He sat on the bed and laid down. 'Wow. No matter where I go, there's always someone in trouble. These wolves are always giving me problems.' He thought as he stared at the ceiling. 'I just don't want to think of it anymore! And I'm surprised that the princess just asked me right now about being in her army. She doesn't even know me.' He sat up and turned to hang his feet off the side. 'I can't go back to my world, not now, and these ponies are in need of help. She does have a point, these wolves can be pretty brutal, especially with herbivores, those poor ponies.' Adam stood up and looked at the door. "I guess I don't have a choice." Adam said as he began walking tot he door. He opened it and walked through the door way. He closed the door and turned to the ponies. "Your majesty." He started. "I accept. It would be an honor to serve in your army and fight against the predators." he said bowing towards Celestia.
Celestia got up and walked toward Adam. "Thankyou Mr. Splice, it means a lot to us."
Adam smiled and looked them all. "Great! So.. when do I begin training." Adam asked.
Celestia looked out the window. She could see the night would soon begin. "Actually I don't mean to rush you any further, but it would probably be better if you came with me today." Celestia requested. Adam stepped back, and the ponies gasped.
"What! I can't believe this! I have to throw a 'HELLO PARTY' and a 'GOODBYE PARTY' at the same time. "Why DID NOPONY TELL ME!" Pinkie asked in yell.
"Does he really have to go now?" Rainbowdash asked slightly disappointed.
"I don't wish to question your decision your majesty but wouldn't it be alright if he could stay one more night?" Rarity requested.
"Yes, I-I would like him to stay as well." Fluttershy agreed.
"I'm sorry my little ponies but it is an urgent issue. It would be more convenient and the sooner Adam is enrolled in the Academy the better." Celestia explained. Adam was shocked.
"A-an academy? As in like, a place I'll be training with... ponies traning to be guards?" Adam shivered at the bizarre thought. Celestia giggled.
"Don't worry Adam. Since you're already a military leader in your world, you'll only be there a month or so. Just to learn how our army runs things and to get you settled in." Celestia clarified. She aggain looked at the window. It was almost the time of day where the sun would be setting. "Mr. Splice will you come with me?" She asked him.
Adam looked around. All the mane walked up to him.
"Well, it isn't totally good bye. We'll see you again." Rainbowdash spoke.
"Rainbow's right. A month or so and ya'll be back soon." Applejack added.
"I just hope you won't actually have to fight. I wouldn't want you getting harmed in anyway." Rarity pleaded.
"P-Please be okay." Fluttershy was sniffling. A friend she only new a day was leaving them. Then PinkiePie came out of no where.
"HERE YA GO! HAVE A HUUUUGE COOKIE!" Pinkie held a large cookie cake in front of Adam. It had icing letters that read. 'Good bye, and see ya soon.' "I thought it would be hard for you to carry a cake to Canterlot so I got this for you." Pinkie said. "Sooo bye! Don't forget to write!" Pinkie said hugging Adam.
Twilight walked up to him last. "Well, it looks like you're going. If you see my brother tell him I said hi." She requested.
"You have a brother?" Adam asked.
"Yep. His name his Shinning Armor. He's the captain of the Royal guard he's also my BBBFF." Twilight said. Adam was totally confused.
"Isn't it.. BFF, Best Friend Forever?" Adam asked to clarify.
"No. Big Brother Best Friend Forever." Twilight replied.
"Ah. Well... I guess I shall then." Adam accepted her request.
Celestia giggled. "Don't worry Adam, and that was very sweet of all of you to say such encouraging things." Celestia began walking towards the door. "I must be going. I'm sure I will see you all again very soon." A royal guard standing on the outside opened the door for her. She looked back again. "Coming Adam?" She called him.
Adam looked at the 6 mares staring at him. He smiled and bent down to their level. "Thank you all for helping me. I'm glad I met you all. Even though I've only known you guys for a day or less, you guys have more friendly to me than people I've known for years. I thank you for that." Adam looked at each one. "Make sure to tell 'everypony' that I left alright. I'll bet they'll be wondering where the angel went." Adam joked. All the ponies hugged him. He embraced them as well. He stood up and walked outside.
When he made it out of the door he saw a large group of ponies standing in the road. 'Guess they're here to see me off.' He looked around. Everypony smiled and looked at him as he walked to the Princess's carriage on the other side of the road. Adam heard a young voice coming out from the crowd. It seemed to follow him.
"See there he is! I told you I wasn't crazy!" It was SweetieBelle. She was being followed by a yellow Earthpony named Applebloom and an orange pegasus named Scootaloo.
"I believe ya. I saw him was at our farm yesterday." Applebloom retorted.
"That is so cool. can he fly?" Scootaloo asked. Adam was noble to hear the rest of the conversation.
He stepped foot on the carriage and sat next to Celestia. For a carriage meant for one pony it seemed pretty spacious. The two pegasus guards pulling the carriage began the take off. Adam waved at everypony as they were lifted.
"So long Mr. Angel!" One pony was heard.
"It was nice to see you sir!" Another yelled.
Adam watched as the the town began to shrink and the towns ponies' cheers grew fainter. He looked ahead and saw the city of which Celestia was talking about. He looked down and saw large grassy fields, some forests, a desert, and large hills below.
'Wow, rarely do you see large mountains, deserts, forests and towns within a few miles of each other back on Tierra.' Adam described the world around him to himself. On Tierra, each continent had its own features. One continent had large cities while another had jungles and forests while another was nothing but desert and savannah.
Celestia looked at Adam as he stared at the scenery. "Enjoying the view I see." Celestia said. Adam looked her.
"I am. It looks so peaceful and beautiful and..." Adam stopped himself when he saw a large canyon below. It looked dark and very dangerous. And not only that but several wolves had gathered on its edges. "Just like in my world. I don't know what with wolves and rocky areas. I can't look at an area like that and not think a wolf might be some where there." Adam continued to look down as several memories came to him. Him searching a rocky beach in the northern parts of the world looking for the leader of the Lupine Armies before Anio came into the alpha role. He would always find a factory like setting or ruin like area within the caves of the hills along the coast.
"Well it's nothing to worry about Mr. Splice. With you helping there should be no problem." Celestia comforted him as he continued his thoughts.
They finally arrived in the city. They first landed in front of the Canterlonian Military Academy. They had to be quick while inside. Celestia had to be in palace by sunset in order to fully bring the sun down.
Adam walked quickly to keep up with her. "Princess Celestia! Why are we in a hurry?" Adam asked.
"I have to enroll you now and so you can begin training tomorrow. I also need to get back to the palace to lower the sun and have set so Luna can have the moon rise." Celestia explained. Adam chose not to question the whole raising and lowering of the sun thing.
They finally made to the headmaster's quarters. Celestia called out for the headmaster. "General! I need a word with you!" Celestia said loudly. The door opened.
A tall brown unicorn with a short black mane stood before them. "Your majesty, how do you do?" He asked while bowing. "Is there something you need us to do?"
"Actually General, there's a new recruit I found that may spark your interests greatly." Celestia walked in and turned around to show the general Adam still standing in the hallway. "General, this is Adam Splice. Adam, this is General Marsh." Celestia introduced them to each other.
General Marsh stared in awe. "Fasinating, you aren't from around here are you?" He asked.
Adam was nervous.'Wh-what do I do? Do I salute? respond casually?' Adam decided to do both. "No Sir!" Adam saluted Marsh. Marsh chuckled.
"Fine, fine. What experience do you have Splice?" He asked. Celestia stepped into the conversation.
"Where Adam is from, he's a commander of his own squadron. He's won, well all but one battle and he's a very good leader. He's also very respectful and obiedient." Celestia answered. Marsh looked at Adam with a smile on his face.
"Well well, nice status you have.. Commander Splice. It is a pleasure to meet you." Marsh greeted.
"It is nice to meet you as well SIR!" Adam said standing up straight. Celestia stepped in again.
"Adam apparently has problems with Predator armies in his world as well. He has great combat expierience and is willing to help us fight them off." Celestia told Marsh. He nodded.
"Well then . We've never had a non equine in the force before, but it is nice to know that you're willing to fight for the cause." Marsh said extending a hoof. Adam shook it with a firm grip. "Wow! Nice grip there. I see those fingers of yours really help out, unlike these hooves that we ponies have." Marsh joked. He looked at Adam still standing there not doing anything. "Relax! You're not at a cadet review." Adam relaxed and slouched slightly.
"Sorry sir... I'm just not sure of the customs your military has. If the general I served saw me acting like I am now he'd throw me in the brig for a month." Adam said.
"Geez, bit harsh. But don't you worry commander. That's why you're going to start attending this academy, to learn about us and what we do here. You think you can start attending sessions tomorrow?" Marsh asked.
"Yes sir!" Adam said, still in his casual posture. "I'd be glad to sir. But won't I be a bit of a distraction? You know since I'm.." Marsh interrupted.
"HAHA! Not at all. In fact you might be just what our academy needs. You already got the ranks and expertise, you just got to learn how to show it to the other trainees so they get an idea of how to get along with the road they're taking with trying to join the royal guard and all." Marsh explained and encouraged Adam. "You should meet Shining Armor, he started out almost like you. Only he had less experience and was a pony like the rest of us."
"Really? His sister wanted me to meet him as well. Guess he's probably a pretty awesome guy huh?" Adam asked.
"Indeed he is. Probably the best captain the royal guard has ever had. With the two of you working together we should have no problem kicking those wolves' tail-sides." Marsh said enthusiastically. Adam chuckled.
Celsestia interrupted their discussion. "I'm sorry but remember Adam I have to be in the Palace now." She warned.
"Oh sorry Princess." Adam said walking toward her. "Goodbye sir! See you tomorrow." Adam said saluting again.
"Indeed Commander Splice. good talking to you. And good night your Majesty!" Marsh said to them.
"See you soon General." Celestia said before closing the doorway to his quarters. "Now , welcome to the Equestrian Army." Celestia said with a smile. She gave him the blessing by taping her horn on both of his shoulders.
"Thank you Princess." Adam said. They quickly made their way to the palace and made it before Luna was even aware.
Celestia led Adam to a large suite in one of the towers in her palace. "And this is where you'll be staying." She allowed him to walk in. He looked around and saw how fancy the decor was. "There's a washroom, queen sized bed, walk-closet and a large balcony outside the doors over there." Se pointed to the other side of the room where a door way to the outside was. "(Yawn) I am sorry but I must get to bed. Early to bed early to rise." She said definitely looking tired while trying to appear cheerful.
"Really you're majesty? It's probably at least 6:30 at night. It is still really early." Adam suggested.
"No(yawn) I need rest , I have to wake up early to raise the sun and watch over the affairs of Equestria, and there so many proposals from the other leaders of Equestria that I need to look into. (yawn) I shall see you in the morning Mr. Splice. Have a good night." Celestia walked out of the room and towards her chambers.
"Good night princess." Adam said. He walked to the balcony area and looked out to the night sky. He looked and saw that constellations were actually pretty similar to the ones that were in Tierra's night sky. He looked down and saw several small towns in the distance. 'Guess one of those is Ponyville.' Adam thought. He looked down and saw a large maze like area filled with bushes and statues. "Wow that's huge. I wonder why Princess Celestia has that anyway. Guess when she gets bored she goes down there to get lost and walk her troubles away. That's something I would do." Adam said to himself. He looked up at the moon. Then another thought popped in to his head. 'Wait... wasn't there another princess? I know there is one. But what was her name?' Adam continued to think as he paced around the balcony. He looked down and saw a large hot spring about 3 stories below his balcony. He looked up slightly and saw another balcony.
But on this other balcony, somepony was standing there. The pony had a long wavy mane like Celestia but this one was blue and had... constellations in it. The pony turned around and now her appearance was even more noticeable. She was dark blue instead of white and she was slightly shorter.
Then in a snap, Adam remembered. "LUNA!" That was her name." He said loudly. He covered his mouth hoping that she didn't hear him. He looked over the marble barrier that surrounded the outside of the balcony and got another glance at here. "Wow." He said. "That's amazing! I can actually see constellations in her hair!" He leaned over the side to get a better look at her mane. "I wonder what she's looking out at. Or what she's thinking. She's probably been staring at the sky for almost an hour." Adam leaned over more. Unfortunately Adam's curiosity got the best of him. He lost his balance and tumbled forward. "AH!" He cried out. Adam hung on the side of the balcony trying to climb back up. He looked back at the mare on the other balcony below and saw that she didn't really notice him. Adam rolled his eyes and shook his head. "I can't believe this. I guess she's not like her sister in the fact that doesn't seem to notice that someone... ISN'T HANGING BY A THREAD!" Adam yelled loudly.
'This is weird, why did I lose my balance.' Adam asked himself as his fingers began to slip and lose grip. 'And how can I be losing my grip? These gloves improve my upper body strength and my hand-eye coordination is also supposed to be better.' He slipped again. 'Well I guess that's it. I'm gonna fall to my death in a different realm and because I was just so curious to look at a princess's hair.' "This is a crappy way to go." Adam said to himself. He lost his hold of the edge and fell. He cried out for help as fell, but saw no sign that another living being was down in the courtyard towards which falling. "GAH!" He yelled once more before he ended up landing in a large body of water. "Wha?" His voice gurgled as he noticed that he had fallen in the spring below. "Bah, gawrate!" His voice distorted by the water. 'I won't die by falling. I'm gonna die by drowning." Adam thought to himself. One thing about Adam is, he can't swim. He looked around to see if there was a way to get out and saw a slanted piece of floor that led to shallower water. He tried walking in that direction only to be stopped by the traction created by the water filled environment. It was futile. Nopony was around and now he was probably taking his last breaths.
Suddenly a magical bubble formed around Adam. "(GASP) Whaa-what?" Adam coughed out water and gasped for air as the bubble formed around him. Then he began to feel lighter. "What. What's going on?" Adam began levitating towards the water's surface. He closed his eyes as he surfaced and was taken to a dry grassy side of the spring.
"Thou must be more careful if thou wishes to stay here." A deep feminine voice spoke up. Adam stilled had eyes closed and was coughing. "Art thou alright?" The voice asked.
"Guh.. y-yeah thanks a lot. I don't know what.." Adam opened his eyes and saw the mare that was standing on the other balcony. "I-it's you. I saw you up there and you.."
"I am Princess Luna, and thou art Commander Adam Splice, is this not true?" She asked. before he could answer she asked him another question.
"Thou must also be the new recruit that shall be attending the Military Academy in the morning, is this not true?" She asked. And again before he could respond she interrupted. "Thou doest not appear to be an angel, yet I have heard that thou art one. Is this also true?" She asked again. "ANSWER MY QUESTIONS OR I SHALL HAVE THEE ARRESTED FOR NOT COMPLYING WITH THY SUPERIORS!" She yelled out in a loud commanding voice. Adam cowered in fear.
'What is with her?' Adam thought. 'I haven't been this scared in like... forever.' Adam said to himself.
Luna looked down confused, then a warm smile took place on her face when she relaxed what was going on. "Forgive me commander. I am not used to taking part in conversation. especially with a stranger, another species for that matter." She said as continued to look at him. She looked into his light blue eyes, 'He doesn't look fierce. for being a commander, he looks so..innocent. Yet somewhat handsome.' She thought.
"Princess.. about those.. questions. They're all true. Including the one with me being an angel." He replied confidently.
Luna smiled again. She liked his attitude, "Doest thou need a lift to thy suite?" Luna offered to take him back to his suite. Adam accepted. "Then please climb on. I shall fly thee up to thy room."
"R-really princess? You want me to ride you?" Adam asked nervously. I mean... me... riding the princess of the night? I think that seems kind of improper." Adam suggested.
"Please, do not hesitate. And tis not improper. I merely wish to take thee to thy room directly than have thou walk alone through the palace." Luna requested. Adam didn't know his way around the palace and it would be easier to just fly up. Adam mounted and sat on Luna's back. She opened her large wings and began flapping them.
About a minute later Adam and Luna landed on the balcony outside his suite. He got off and Luna walked inside. He then went into the washroom. Inside he found some pajamas that actually fit him. There was a long sleve cotton shirt with matching bottoms. He put them on then headed to the sleeping area. To Adam's surprise, he saw Luna standing there waiting for him. Adam was embarrassed. Standing infornt of her in his pajamas. He didn't even say thank you to her.
"Oh. Princess, s-sorry. I didn't think you were still here." Adam apologized. "I want to thank you for, you know, bringing me back here and... I'm sorry if I'm being too informal." Adam stood there, sweating hoping she would forgive him for his behavior.
"Do not apologize, I understand thy predicament Commander Splice. But there is one thing I wish to know." Luna said.
"What is that princess?" Adam asked.
"Why did thou fall of the balcony in the first place?" Luna asked. Adam was getting nervous. He didn't want her to find out that he was looking at her.
"W-well..I was um... looking up at the sky, admiring it and seeing how beautiful it was... and how the land below looks so fascinating and eye-catching." Adam said. Luna began to blush, she knew he was lying but when he complimented the night sky as he did, it made her happy.
"Thank you . Thy compliments mean a lot to me, for I am the one who brings forth the night." Luna explained. Adam smiled and looked towards his bed.
"I guess I should get to bed. I've been in enough trouble already, and it is my first day tomorrow." Adam said to Luna. Luna nodded in agreement still appearing to be very happy. Adam walked over to his bed and lifted the covers to get in. He covered himself and Luna walked up to the bed. Adam was getting nervous because of this.
"Doest thou wish to be tucked in?" Luna asked. Adam blushed again and raised an eyebrow.
"Princess," He said while chuckling nervously, "you've done enough for me tonight. And I don't need to be tucked in."
"Oh, well then never mind." Luna walked out toward the balcony. "Good night ." Luna said to him.
"Good night Princess Luna." He responded. Luna opened her wings and flew over toward the front of the palace. Adam decided to stay in his bed and leave her to her business. He looked up at the ceiling. "So that was Princess Luna." He said to himself. "That mane of her's is amazing. She's even prettier up close and what an amazing voice, I was totally blown away, and I bet she's a real goo..." Adam sat up in his bed. "WHAT AM I THINKING! Remember you're not on Tierra anymore! You gotta forget that stuff." There are Anthropomorphic animals that live among humans back on Tierra, and there is a custom that allows humans to marry anthros. There were times when Adam came close to proposing to one, he was able to control himself though. "She isn't even anthro, it's wrong. She a beautiful princess, but she's a pony, I'm a human." Adam lifted the covers over his head.
'Why did she think I needed to be tucked in? I didn't age that far back. I'm not a kid." Adam thought. "But she is pretty nice. She must be a great leader." Adam took the covers off his head but still covered the rest of his body. "I think I should start learning to be more of a night person."
Adam then drifted off to a restful sleep.