Read The Bridge

It was mid-afternoon, with a few hours until closing time in the Imperial Library. Not that its strangest occupant really minded. He just wanted his company to wake up soon, lest he have to carry her out. Xenilla studiously flipped through the pages of some study materials Key Ring had recommended him after theyd finished their short session. The unicorn might still be an option to aid Xenilla from time to time, but these would definitely speed the process up. The more he knew of this Equestrian magic, the more he might know to find a way to use it and get him and the others back home. It was fortunate that he came through the barrier as a spell casting species. From what he could tell, all of the major races, equine or otherwise, had some magical abilities of numeral varieties. Still, having a horn to channel said magic through made matters much easier, even if he couldnt do some of the skills the other species had.

Then again rapid plant growth and somehow physically pushing clouds werent likely to help his cause.

Reading through a tomes page and memorizing it word for word, Xenilla closed his eyes and concentrated on performing a telekinesis spell. True, he could pull that skill off since the day he was born with his innate psychic abilities, but practicing magic through his horn and not where his shoulder pylons used to be was necessary. After some trial and error, namely grasping the book’s pages with magic and NOT hurling it across the library on accident, he finally managed to turn the pages of his book with his horns power.

One spell down, several dozen to go

His company however was incredibly dull. Mostly because the guardsmare was still out cold on the cushion hed set her on after keeling over. Shame, after finding out that she knew of his brother and reeked of him; Xenilla was looking forward to some entertainment with this one.

His wishes were answered when a slow groan called out to his side. Xenilla flicked his ears, turning his head in time to see the red maned guard starting to pick herself from her bedding, still obviously groggy. He closed his book and shifted to face her.

Wondered when youd wake up.

Blade Dancers world had been a foggy, spinning mess when she first opened her dazed eyes. Upon hearing a familiar sounding voice, her attention snapped to and her eyes focused. Once she looked over at the being addressing her, she had to keep herself from being startled. Or, least not be startled after she jolted her head back to keep their muzzles from being less than an inch apart. Xenilla had a poor sense of personal space, but that wasnt her biggest concern. Memories came rushing back to her as her eyes widened. She remembered all shed seen at Canterlot, a pony who wasnt a pony. She also recalled the words last heard before blacking out. In the past week she met a titan masquerading as a stallion, and her audience was its sibling.

Y-oure one of those m-m-mo-mon-!

Xenilla had expected an amusing response when she woke up. But this babbling the guardsmare did as she braced up against the bookshelf behind her, it was just confusing. Poor thing couldnt even get her sentence out. Now he was just getting annoyed. Xenilla rolled his eyes, shrugging.

One of thooooose? What? Come on now, speak up if you want to be heard.

Blade Dancer spoke up alright, her eyes narrowed in determination as her pupils and irises were contracted with shock. Her wings shot out beside her, the instinctual response to look bigger towards a possible threat kicking in.

MONSTERS!

Blade Dancer stood there, breathing harshly but otherwise motionless. Xenilla had leaned his head back and away at the outburst, cocking an eyebrow. It was less in response to what she was shouting, and more surprise that she had the gall to yell at him and not be a demigod of an alicorn. She had some nerve, he’d give her that. Still, wasn’t to say her word wasn’t accurate. Darker thoughts and memories he’d much rather deal without swirled in his head, ushering out a momentary trickle of mixed feelings before Xenilla stifled them.

Monster? ….You have no idea…