It didn't take me long to pick out my outfit for my nightly flaunt around town. I went with a standard tan coloured shirt coupled with black coloured slacks. I also decided to go in the shower, I mean I smelled like crap. The shower didn't take me long but that wasn't what made me freeze when I stepped out of the bathroom.

I opened the bathroom door and standing before me wide eyed was a white coated mare holding a sheet in her magic. Let's just say it wasn't the best time to be wearing nothing but a towel.

“Uh, hi!” I say giving her a little wave.

The mare drops the sheet and covers her face with a hoof.

“I'm so sorry sir! I wasn't told anypony was in here!” She turns away. “Please forgive me!”

“Hey, don't worry about it. It's not the first time something like this has happened to me.” I walk to the bed and put on my shirt. “What's your name?”

The mare slowly turns back around. “It's Vanity, sir.” She looks to the floor.

“Well Vanity, my names John. Nice to meet you, even if it is one of those awkward situations.” I say with a smile.

“You're that human aren't you? The one the princesses told us about?”

“Yes I am.” I sit down on the bed making sure the towel covered my private areas. “I hope what was said about me wasn't bad, I hope to come back here again some day.”

“Oh no! The princesses were very discreet about what they told us but they did say to make your stay as pleasing as possible.”

“Uh! I'm not sure exactly what they mean by as pleasing as possible but with Princess Luna involved I have some idea.” I reply.

The unicorn mare steps closer to me, I noticed the small sway in her walk. “Well it could mean anything sir, I am happy to service you in anyway.” She looks up at me, her face bright crimson.

“Whoa! Whoa!” I grab her by her shoulders. “I'm sorry but I have marefriend! I don't think it would be a good idea to do something like that with a stranger.”

Vanity backs away, her ears flattened. “I'm sorry sir! I didn't mean to offend.” She turns to the door. “I-I'll just go, i'm sorry to have intruded!” Vanity uses her magic to open the door as she runs out, I just sit there stunned beyond belief.

“What the fuck is wrong with these mares?” I say to myself. “Seriously! What is so enticing about me?”

I finally decided to get changed, besides Canterlot was calling me. It didn't take me long to get changed and I was soon making ym way through the guest area hallway to the main exit of the castle. I then just realised something, because Luna teleported me here I had no idea how to get to the exit. I swallowed my pride and tried to find a pony to help me. I happen to find another pony maid leaving a room, so I thought I would ask her since she should know.

“Excuse me miss?” I shout.

The mare turns around and smiles at me. “Greetings sir, how may I help you?”

“Really? You're not going to say how tall or large I am?”

“No, that would be disrespectful. I was not taught to insult others.”

“Oh that's good, I suppose.” I look around to make sure no other ponies were listening. “Look this sounds really dumb but could you point the way out, preferably the main exit to the castle.”

“Certainly, the main exit is down this hall and turn left, then you walk down a flight of stairs and turn right that should lead you to the main atrium of the castle.”

“Thanks.” I go to walk off but I stop and turn back. “Oh if you see a pony called Vanity, tell her John said she did not offend him. She'll know what it means.”

“I will sir. You have a pleasant night.” The mare gives me a bow and I return it.

I leave the mare to her duties and continue along following her directions. In no time at all I reach the main atrium of the castle, I take the time to look over the inner walls and windows. All of the walls were painted with murals depicting various battles and heroic deeds. The stain glass windows were the same as most of the others, pictures of the princesses and other members of the royal family. I start to walk down the stairs towards the main doors only to be stopped by a familiar voice.

“Hey John! You going out!?”

I turn to face the pony though I don't recognise him. I think he notices as he laughs.

“You don't recognise me do you?” He walks right up to me. “It's me! Solar Flare.”

“Solar Flare? Wow do you look different!” I see that his natural coat is a dark blue with a mane of white and light blue stripes.

“Yeah, this is me without my armour.” He looks around. “Where's your marefriends?”

“They have gone to a spa, I respectfully declined. That stuff ain't to my liking.”

Solar Flare laughs. “Yeah I can imagine that.” Flare taps his chin. “Actually having mares prod every inch of your body doesn’t sound that bad.”

I face palm. “Look I just want to go out for some fun, maybe have a drink or two; I don't want to do anything sexual with a mare. Got it!” I prod Solar Flares chest.

“Hey no probs, anyway me and the guys are going to scratches tonight. We thought you might want to tag along, the guys have said they don't mind.”

“That sound like fun, lead on my friend.” I say followed by a 'you first' gesture.

“Cool! Follow me!”

I did just that, I followed Solar Flare out to the front courtyard of the castle. As we approached the front gate I saw two pegasi standing outside looking bored. Solar Flare gives them a shout.

“Hey guys! John said he'll join us!”

I see the two pegasi give each other a high hoof.

“John, these are the same pegasi that made your journey today pleasant.”

I look at the two pegasi and I realise they are the same ponies from earlier, however I do notice something odd.

“Flare if you don't mind me asking, why does their eye colour look the same as earlier yet yours doesn’t?”

“Ah, yes. You see these guys have been in the guard for longer and their armour has adapted to their bodies, mine has not yet so it hasn't changed my eye colour. But I hope it will any day now.” Flare replies.

Hello John, my names Swift Wing; and this is my brother Glider.” The first pegasi says.

“Nice to meet you two.”

“Like wise.” The second pegasi states.

“So, what's this Scratches we are going to?” I ask.

“Oh, it's only the best place to go here in Canterlot! It was started by none other than DJ Pon-3!” Solar Flare replies.

“Wait! You mean Vinyl? I didn't know she had a club here.” I say.

“You know Vinyl!?” Glider literally shouts at me.

“Of course, I have lived about four doors down from her for several weeks in Ponyville.” I reply.

“Holy Celestias light! Have you ever talked to her?” Solar Flare asks.

“Many times, mainly when I got to Sugercube Corner to get my breakfast. When ponies got to know me that is.”

“Man I would give my left hind leg to speak to her.” Swift Wing states.

“Well i'm sure I can get her to sign a few autographs for you.” I state.

“You would! Awesome!” Solar Flare jumps for joy. “Hey wait! Isn't she supposed to be playing at the club tonight?” Flare asks the other two.

“Yeah that's right! It's some sort of special event or something.” Glider replies.

The four of us reach a small deck platform outside of the castle grounds, Solar Flare presses a button and a bright red light activates on the top of a nearby pole.

“What's that for?” I ask.

“This is a taxi platform, I signalled that ponies were waiting.”

“Ah ok.” I reply.

In a few short minutes a taxi carriage arrives, it was pulled by a stallion earth pony with a brown coat and red mane.

“Evening Gents! Where to?” The stallion asks.

“Entertainment district please! We have some partying to do!” Solar Flare replies punching the air.

As we all pile in I see the stallion give me a quick glance.

“Is something wrong?” I ask him.

“No sir! I just haven't seen anything like you before, I apologise for staring.” The stallion bows his head.

“It's fine! Let's just go, ok?” I say after sighing.

“Yes sir!” The stallion states before taking off after we all find our seats.

The trip through Canterlot by Carriage was much better than flying I can tell you, at least this way I could see more of the place. We passed through several streets, bypassing theatres and posh restaurants. I look to the others and they just look bored, I guess being born or stationed here it would all get the same after a while.

“Hey guys, I never asked. Were you guys born here or somewhere else?” I ask.

“I was.” Solar Flare answers.

“We weren't, Born in Manehatten!” Glider states.

“Yup.” Swift Wing replies. “No posh blood in us!” Swift Wing gets a glare from Solar Flare.

I laugh as we start to encounter buildings that looked far more modern than the other buildings we passed.

“Wow these buildings look more recent.” I state leaning out the carriage.

Solar Flare joins me. “Ah yes this part of Canterlot was constructed after the princesses took power, it was Canterlots first ever real expansion.”

“So the entertainment district is new then?”

“Yeah, It was built roughly two centuries ago. It's now the proud centre of the more modern aspect of pony culture.”

“It's the place to PARTY!!” Glider shouts out of the other side of the carriage.

The three of us continue to stick half of our bodies out the carriage as I start to see what must be the entertainment district appear. And it didn't disappoint, neon lights and other high voltage signs hung form various buildings. The sound of more upbeat music entered my ears, then the carriage turned and entered what must have been the metaphorical twin of Times Square in New York. Buildings were wall to wall covered in billboards depicting beverages of every colour, some even depicting the sensual side Rarity hinted at.

But all this took a back seat as Solar Flare grabs my head and turns it to the front of the carriage.

“John, I give you Scratches.”

My eyes go wide as I stare at the building near the end of the open square littered with the young and old. Scratches was bigger than I thought it would be, I mean the building was huge. It was at least five stories. The buildings roof adorned the clubs name while showing a neon sign in the uncanny likeness of vinyl lifting her shades and offering a hoof bump. That is when I suddenly felt very nervous.

“Uh, I don't know if I can do this!” I just say aloud. The others look at me confused.

“What you mean?” Glider asks as the carriage comes to a stop. “You were up for this a moment ago.”

“I know but I have a slight problem with new places, I tend to get anxiety attacks.” I reply.

“I have no idea what anxiety is but i'm sure when you get in there you'll be fine.” Swift Wing states slapping me on the back as we all exit the carriage.

“I don't know.” I say as I stand there looking at the club we are about to enter, in my state of mind I even ignore or don't notice the ponies nearby stop and stare at me. “I just need a few minutes that's all.”

“And you'll get that once your inside.” Solar Flare says pushing me forward with his head. “Beside there maybe some pretty mares who would love to meet you!”

That snaps me out of my trance. “Pretty mares? Are you trying to insinuate something?”

“No but it got you walking didn't it?” Solar Flare and the others laugh at my expense.

“Oh ha ha.” I state crossing my arms and falling in beside them. “anyway it looks like it has a long line, how are we getting in?”

“With these!” Glider Produces four passes of some kind out of nowhere. “Back stage VIP passes! Took a lot of work to get these babies.”

“Glider where in the hell did you carry those?” I think for second and hold up my hand before he answers. “Actually, I don't want to know.” Glider chuckles and hands me one of the passes.

“Just wear this around your neck at all times, then it's free reign baby and discounted drinks!” Glider puts on the biggest smile I’ve ever seen a pony do, damn it was creepy.

I take the pass from him and put it around my neck, as soon as I completed the motion Solar Flare jumps up and puts one leg around my neck.

“So John, are you ready for the night of your life?” Flare gestures to the club with his free leg.

“I guess.” I reply shrugging. It was at that moment I noticed a small tingling in my body when Flare grabbed me, but it disappeared when he let go. 'Huh, what in the hell was that?' I think to myself, but again I shrug it off and step in behind the other guys as they head towards Scratches.

When we reach the door a large burly stallion stops us but then waves us through as he sees our passes. I nod as I walk pass the stallion who just looks at me with the 'don't start anything' expression. As the door opened I was suddenly and deafly hit with what resembled dupstep music, the thump thump was really recognisable. It wasn't hard to spot the DJ up on the platform, but my expression dropped when I saw it wasn't Vinyl but some stallion who I have never seen before.

“Well there goes our chance of meeting DJ Pon-3!” Solar Flare shouts beside me. I see the others just drop their heads.

“Hey now! Come on guys! I'm sure she's here somewhere!” I shout. I turn to Glider. “Maybe she's in the VIP lounge or something!”

“Probably! The VIP lounge is this way!” Glider replies, motioning for us to follow him.

After dodging other patrons and pushing passed several groups of rowdy party goers we find the VIP lounge. Funny enough through two double doors labelled VIP in neon lights. When we approach the stallion at the door he backs off seeing me, but when we show all our passes he smiles and opens the door for us. I give the stallion a little salute as I pass and he returns it, guess he thought I was in the guard or something.

The VIP lounge was as much as I expected it to be, very plush furniture, small private bar with an extremely bored looking bartender. Yeah I could see this was going to be a very 'exciting' evening. I followed the guys over to a corner booth near the window over looking the dance floor. The window was solid but not enough to keep all the music out, however it was better on the eardrums.

“So guys, what will be your poison?” Glider asks.

“I'll have a Canterlot special.” Solar Flare replies.

“I'll have that too.” Swift Wing answers.

“John, what about you?” Glider turns to me.

“I'm not familiar with pony drinks so I’ll just have a standered cider, at least I know what's in that.” I say.

“Coming right up!” Glider replies turning towards the bar and walking off.

“So John? How do you like the place so far?” Solar Flare asks me.

“I don't mind it, though the music isn't my taste. But what can you do?” I visibly shrug my shoulders.

“Ah you'll get used to it! Just let the culture surround you my friend!”

A few minutes later Glider returns with our drinks. Solar Flare levitates each of us our drinks and I take it out of his magic when mine reaches me. I take a sip. Oh yeah Sweet Apple acres cider, I know that taste anywhere. I sink into seat and continue to drink my beverage.

“Well well, Look who's here!”

Three of us look to the new voice, but Solar Flare just stares out the window apparently ignoring this new arrival. The new voice belonged to a stallion with a black coat and sporting a mane almost similar to Colgate's in Ponyville but with the colours reversed.

“Oh buck off Wind Weaver!” Glider says to the stallion. “Haven't you tormented us enough already!”

“No.” The stallion taps his chin. “I don't think I have.”

“Just get lost! Or better yet, go drown yourself!” Swift Wing states pointing at this Weaver pony.

“Now that's not nice! Saying things like that to a fellow guard member.” So this guy was a fellow guard to them, kind of an asshole though. He seemed to be also ignoring me, a slight fuck up on his part.

“I think my friends told you to fuck off.” I casually say drinking from my glass.

Weaver looks to me, and raises an eyebrow. “And who the buck are you?”

“Two things,” I say putting down my drink. “One, why are you still here! And two it's 'who the fuck are you'”

Weaver moves closer to me. “I’ll ask again then! Who the 'FUCK' are you?” Did that motherfucker just mock me?

I sigh to myself and shake my head. “Is this guy stupid or just dumb by nature?” I ask my companions.

“Bit of both I think.” Glider answers.

I push my glass away from me and I stand up, let's just say at that Weaver suddenly got that 'oh shit' expression. I moved around the booth's table and stood in front of Weaver. I put my hands on my waist before smiling at him.

“I tell you what Wind Weaver, i'm in a good mood tonight so i'm giving you five seconds to leave and go about your own business. If you don't then I may have to do something I might regret.” I hear Glider snigger. I start to count. “One....Two....three.”

“Fine! I'm going!” Weaver turns to my friends. “Just watch yourself! Your friend here won't be around all the time!” Weaver turns around and walks out of the VIP lounge.

I snort a laugh. “What was his problem?” I ask returning to my seat.

“That was Wind Weaver, he was up for the job of being Princess Celestia's personal carriage escort. But I got it instead, he blames me for losing the position.” Solar Flare answers turning to look at me.

“But why was he after you guys?” I ask Glider and Swift Wing.

“Because bros stick together!” Glider says grabbing Solar Flare and pulling into a head lock. Flare laughs.

“So he's going after you guys because you stick up for Flare?”

“Yup.” Glider replies.

“Well, I say he has one more now to worry about!” I state.

“Huh?” Solar Flare says.

“Yeah now he has me to contend with!” I point to myself with my thumb.

“John, you shouldn't get involved. It's not your fight.” Solar flare states.

“Why shouldn't I? There's one thing I hate in any world and that's bullies. Anyway I need to make more friends and you guys seem like the best candidates for the position.” I say holding up my glass.

“You know what, our little group could do with one more.” Swift Wing lifts up his glass in his mouth.

“Yup, Welcome to the group then John.” Solar Flare leans closer. “Are you sure you can keep up with us?”

“Bring. It. On!” I say grinning as we chink together our glasses.

Author's Notes:

Hi guys, as you see the title does not have Mind State part written in to it. It's because John is coming more to terms with being in Equestria and though there will still be WTF monets in the story they do not Warrent me putting John's current frame of mind in the chapter title.

But anyway hope you enjoy new chapter and next one will be one the way.