Spirit of Knight

by Protopax

First published 3rd of November, 2011

A quest of discovery and adventure await a dimensionally displaced duo.

Our story follows John, an average early 22nd century man who makes an unexpected trip to Equestria following a terrible run in with an outlaw and a black hole. Aided by his friends and a young unicorn with a taste for adventure, they set out to find magical forces strong enough to return him home. Through his travels, John will encounter strangers in need, treasures more valuable than gold, dark forces beyond anything he could ever imagine, and a destiny tide to Equestria no one could have fortold

Part I

John swayed with the motion of the train. He rubbed his eyes and took a look around the packed car. Everyday he saw the same people, but not a one spoke to each other. He couldn't blame them, with the current state of things they shouldn’t have to worry about other people’s problems. He looked out the window. As the skyscrapers and advertisements passed by, he caught glimpses of the sunrise. He smiled to himself.

A few minutes later a panicked group barged in from one end of the car. John was given a vicious shove as they passed by. Some of the original occupants joined the group and scrambled to get to the other exit. John pressed himself against the wall as they stampeded through. Only a few people remained in the car. Then the door from where the mob came hissed open once more.

“...got more money if we started in the middle,” a small man pined.

“It doesn’t matter. They’re all heading for the same place. We’ll catch them there.”
The taller man pulled out a cigarette and stuck it between his lips. He raised his right hand and a small jet of flame came from a polished, metallic finger. He stopped at the doorway and looked around.

“Slim pickings,” he said. John watched the stranger scan the car. Their eyes met.

“What are you looking at? Never been robbed before?”

“Not by The Iron Fist,” John said evenly. The robber smiled.

“Good to know I have fans. Then you also should know how I work, so if everyone would kindly make a generous donation, I’ll be out of your hair. You sir, just volunteered to make the first donation.” He gestured his short friend towards John. Pulling out a computer and a card reader, he held it up for John. John tried to hide his shaking as he reached for his bank card and ran it through the scanner.

Twenty thousand dollars down the drain, he thought, I wonder if what they say about him is true.

As his partner went around to the other occupants, The Fist sat down by an attractive young woman. She was shaking and leaning away from him as he draped his prosthetic hand over her seat. His short companion came over to her last. She was paralyzed with fear.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart, all we’re asking is for a little donation,” he cooed, “Just pay us, and we’ll be on our way.”

“I-I-I d-don’t have any m-money,” she stammered. The Fist frowned.

“Tell you what. Whatever you have, I’ll take it. As long as it’s worth something.”

The woman was now shaking uncontrollably.

“I don’t have anything!”

“Oh come now sweetheart. No jewels, no personal info, nothing? What a shame.” He sighed, “Well I’m sorry sweetheart,” He stood up, “but there’s only one way to settle this now.”
Blades jutted out from his fingers, causing everyone, including his companion, to jump. The woman kept her eyes on the blades as he nicked her chin. John watched in horror as The Fist dramatically raised his hand to strike. John looked to the others in the car. All of them were shielding their eyes. Even the partner had his gaze averted.
“Nothing personal princess,” he winked. John charged forward as the woman shrieked and body checked The Fist to the floor.

“Get back!” John yelled to the woman. She didn’t move. John shakily moved himself between her and The Fist as he got back up. The Fist grinned.

“And I thought chivalry was dead,” he joked. “How would you like to make another payment, good sir?”

He started forward slowly. John grabbed the woman by the arm and started backing up. The Fist advanced, flicking his blades through the air, scraping them along the handle bars causing sparks. John bit his lip as he drew closer. The people in the car began moving with him, eyes fixed on the blades. John’s and The Fist’s eyes met once again. Despite his cool outside appearance, John could see a murderous rage in his eyes. He blinked when a playful slash was mere inches from his face. He laughed as he lunged forward to skewer John in the heart. John closed his eyes, only to hear a screech of metal. John opened his eyes to see a robot’s hand pierced by the blades. The Fist’s face contorted into frustrated rage, and withdrew to the other end of the car. John looked around to see a large police robot behind him.

“Move,” it said in a growling tone.

John complied as it stepped forward.

“Lowry Benns. You are under arrest. Put your hands behind your head and get down on the ground.”

“On what grounds officer?” Lowry said mockingly.

“Murder, grand larceny, fraud, domestic terrorism. I could go all day if I had too, now put your hands up.”

“You know I had a feeling this would happen, so I brought something along for the ride. Portley, would you mind?”

The smaller man pulled out an assault rifle and fired on John and the passengers. The cop blocked the bullets with his body and began to advance.

“It’s not working boss!” Portley squealed as he ejected a clip.

Lowry pulled out a small hand gun. He looked at it carefully as if examining it for imperfections. He took careful aim and shot a fiery bolt at the robots chest, knocking it to the floor. He then turned to the door and shot out the hinges. The vacuum ripped the door off and it sailed to the ground far below. He turned back to his partner.

“Come now Portley, that robot won’t stay down for long.”

His partner cautiously approached the door, gulping when he looked out of it. The Fist then gave him a swift kick and his partners scream trailed off. The Fist looked back at the woman.

“You don’t have to worry about me anymore, love. That man you’re clinging to will settle you’re debt.” He locked eyes with John, “With your life.”

He then jumped out the door to the ground below. The hole where the robot was shot was sparking. John stepped forward to take a look at it.

“Stay back, this is property of the metropolitan area police department and tampering with said property will result in a fine and jail time.”

“Is that recorded or is someone actually piloting this thing?” John knelt down next to the robot. “I can probably fix it enough for you to get it back to a police station,” John said. The police robot picked itself up.

“Fat chance.” He surveyed John and the rest of the passengers, “Is everyone alright?” Everyone nodded. “Then what happened? Who didn’t pay him?”

The woman was still behind John, and still shaking. She admitted that she didn’t pay him.

“Why not? He would have taken anything. That’s the safest way to deal with him.” he towered over top John and the woman. She shut her eyes and buried her face in John’s back.

“I don’t... have any information,” she admitted, “I don’t even live here.”.

“Alright,” he sighed, “You’re going to have to come with me Miss.”

He extended his arm and a handcuff snapped on to her wrist. She dug her nails further into John’s back. Winced and turned back to the cop.

“Wait a second, what are you doing?” John asked.

“I need to take her downtown for questioning. Have you been through immigration affairs miss?” The woman looked both ways before shaking her head.

“She was almost killed right now. She doesn’t deserve this,” John said.

“I can arrest you too if you want,” the cop growled.

“For what!?”

“For engaging dangerous criminals, endangering the public, and obstructing justice.” The cop leveled his face with John’s. John knew that the machine was nothing but an empty shell, but even then he could feel the pilot’s harsh gaze filtered through the bright blue optical sensors. John broke eye contact, and the cop turned away taking his charge with him.

“That isn’t justice,” John said the cop’s back.

The cop stopped as he was about to exit the car.

“What is?” he replied. “Listen son, I’d worry less about other people’s problems and worry more about your own. The Fist will find you and kill you, and not even a fortress can protect you if he puts his mind to it. Take my advice, and get out while you still can.” The door shut, leaving John and the remaining passengers alone. It seemed like everyone had been holding their breath. They all sat down in the nearest seat. A couple was consoling each other with gentle whispers. John leaned forward and stared at the floor. A hand fell on his shoulder and John turned to see it was an elderly woman. She nodded solemnly and removed her hand. John nodded back and stared out the window to the already high sun.

John stood outside a towering skyscraper.

“Any minute now,” he said quietly.

As soon as he spoke he heard a pair of voices behind him. Recognizing them he turned to see Artie and Vanessa approaching. He smiled broadly as Vanessa sprang to give him a hug.

“Thank God you’re okay,” she said, “I heard on the news that The Iron Fist was on your route today. There’s one dead after he tossed him out of the train.”

John’s gut dropped. She squeezed him tighter.

“That was his partner.” John voice was hallow.

“Did you see him? I mean you’d think a guy like that would look real nasty,” Artie said.

“He’s a lot worse,” John said. “Now before anything else happens, let’s get inside.”

He looked around cautiously as the trio proceeded into the building.

“Hey John!”

John’s heart skipped a beat. He stopped as the others continued. A skinny guard jogged up to him.

“Oh, morning Jason,” John replied.

“John! I just, I just heard. The Iron Fist. He was on your train this morning right?”

“Yeeess,” he said slowly. “How did you know?”

“News feeds! I been listening to them for twenty minutes now. They’re all buzzing about The Fist’s latest feat! I heard it was a life and death struggle and he was forced to abandon the train.”

John sighed.

“Don’t believe everything you hear Jason. It’s not as fun as it sounds.”

“You mean you saw him?”

“Yes.” John said quietly.

“Really?” he continued excitedly and leaned in close, “Did you use your biological enhancements on him?”

“What!? No! A patrol bot came and forced him off the train.”

Jason stood up straight and frowned at John.

“Then what are you guys doing down there?” He pointed a finger at the ground. “If it’s not bio-engineering, what is it? You’re way too ripped for scientists!”

“Jason,” John turned away for a second, biting his lip. “There are no lower levels except for the garage.” He pulled Jason closer, “Quit asking these questions, I don’t want you to lose your job.”

“Are you kidding? I’m one the best. There’s no way they’ll ever sack me.” He spun his rifle in fancy maneuvers only to fumble with it. John flinched.

“Okay so that may need some work.” He eyed John slyly. “I know they’re doing something to you guys, and I’m going to find out.”

John looked into Jason’s smug face and sighed.

“Alright, listen carefully” He leaned close, “its very labor intensive. They need technicians that can stand extra forces.”

“What kind of extra forces?”

John looked around before turning back to Jason.

“Have you ever felt ‘heavier’ when inside this building?” John asked.

“Well I did feel a little sluggish when I first started.” Jason’s eyes widened. “Whoa. Do you have anything to do with that?”

John nodded and patted him on the shoulder.

“See ya' later Jason.”

John left the guard and caught up with his friends. They piled into the already cramped elevator and punched in their level. John caught a last look at Jason and winked as he pointed down. Jason smiled as the doors closed. The elevator descended. A few seconds later, sirens blared and the interior suddenly turned red before slowing to a stop at the garage level. The doors opened to reveal a group standing before the elevator. Before any of them could move, a man jumped forward from the crowd.

“Well it’s about damn time. You know how long I was waiting?” he said.

John, Artie and Vanessa rolled their eyes.

“And you couldn't come to the lobby because...?” Artie asked.

“Because I can catch it here moron,” the man spat back. A person from the crowd stepped forward to get on the elevator. He slapped his arm across their chest.

“Whoa, what are you doing? This elevators going somewhere you idiot, if you wanna keep your job, your ass is going to stay right here.”

“But, but it’s going up isn’t it?” they said nervously. “I can’t be late.”

“No you retard it’s going down.”

“But there aren’t any levels lower than this.”

He turned to face the person.

“You know what? Get out of here. You’re fired. Comprendé?”

“Frederick, just get the hell in here,” Artie said. Fred turned to the elevator, then back to the scared worker.

“You’re lucky.” H

e slowly went to the elevator and squished himself between Vanessa and John. Vanessa grimaced when he put his arm around her.

“Hey baby,” he said.

John clenched his jaw as he watched Fred out of the corner of his eye. Fred rolled his head to lazily stare up at him.

“What’s wrong big guy?” Fred asked as he stroked her shoulder, “Nothing wrong with coworkers getting close, is there?”

“Says the walking sexual harassment case,” Artie whispered.

He grabbed Vanessa’s hips and pulled her close. Vanessa pushed him away and stamped on his foot. Fred suppressed a yelp as he fell against the door. She tried to hide a small grin that was creeping on her face. John saw it and returned a small smile.

“Oh baby, always playing hard to get.” Fred looked up at both of them, “That’s no way to treat your boss.”

“Last time I checked, my boss is your dad,” Artie said.

“Which, incidentally, makes me your boss.” Fred straightened himself up.

“If that day comes, I’m out of here so fast,” Artie muttered.

“Along with most of the company,” Vanessa said.

John nodded in agreement. The doors opened to reveal a sterile white room, complete with sterile white security guards. They filed out of the elevator and into separate change rooms. John approached a double door locker with his name on it. After inserting his key card, his locker hissed open. What was inside could have been mistaken for a small armory. Gadgets lined the interior of the deep locker while a suit hung in the middle.

“Good morning John,” A pleasant female voice said, “I heard reports of The Iron Fist robbing a train. The route you usually take to be exact. Are you in need of on-site counseling?”

John sighed, shaking his head.

“No Karma, I’m...I’m fine. Just a little shaken.”

“Ha! You’re such a coward John. If I had been on that train, he wouldn’t have thought twice about robbing it,” Fred boasted.

John curled up his fist. Taking in a deep breath, he slowly exhaled. Artie noticed his friend’s reaction.

“Hey John are you okay?”

“Hm? Yeah, like I said, perfectly fine.” He busied himself with his locker.

“Karma, perform a status check on Atlas and bring up the work order for today.”

“Same for me Karma,” Artie said as he opened his locker. As he opened it, a pale blue light was shining through the cracks. Inside was a fourteen inch man, who looked to be in his sixties, dressed in a sharp suit. The figure turned a kindly, wise smile to Artie.

“Hello Arthur,” it said.

“Hey Merlin, how’s virtual reality treatin’ ya’?”

“A few bugs here and there but nothing too serious,” Merlin replied. He gave a small cough.

Artie smiled and turned back too preparing his equipment. John had already put on the suit. He was now strapping on a miniature fusion reactor to his back. He switched it on and heard the low hum of the generator. His body tingled as the suit came to life and the fibers contracted and expanded to fit snugly against his body. Geometric lines glowed green with power as they ran across his body and connected small discs placed evenly over the suit. John flexed his muscles and the suit reacted along with it.

“John?” someone asked.

John looked into his locker to see another fourteen inch man. This one was a lot younger, and wearing plain clothes.

“Hey Atlas, you ready?”

“In two minutes, eighteen seconds. I’ll be fully disconnected from the main servers.”

John reached for the rest of his gear while he waited. He could feel Fred was eyeing Atlas.

“Karma. I need a functioning A.I. for today, give me John’s.” Fred commanded.

Atlas immediately turned to John.

“Please don’t let him take me.” Atlas begged. John looked from Fred to Atlas and leaned in close.

“I won’t let him take you.”

Fred’s eyes grew wide as he took in a harsh breath.

“You forget your place John. Now give him here.”

John was about to open his mouth when Karma stepped in.

“A.I. exchanges are strictly prohibited until an evaluation is scheduled. The next one is in four months.”

“Look I don’t care about evaluations. I need an A.I. right now, so give Atlas to me.”

“This lab is not your playground Frederick,” Artie said, “The whole building would come crashing down on our heads, if it was. Besides you’d probably break Atlas faster than you broke Venus.”

“I did not break her! She was crashing, she was ancient!”

“She was perfectly fine until you came along!” Artie said.

“The malfunction trend occurred shortly after your arrival,” Karma added.

Fred slammed his locker shut and strutted toward the exit.

“Fine, I’ll get my way, eventually.” he said before he left.

Artie had a triumphant smile on his face, and he pumped his fist.

“Boom! Denied. John, buddy, that was priceless. I didn’t know you had it in you. You served that brat his just desserts. I like it.”

John just shook his head. Artie rolled his head back and let his arms flop to his sides.

“Oh come on, he deserves it.”

“I didn’t say he didn’t,” John replied.

“Then what’s the matter? I know he gets under your skin.”

“More than you know, let’s go Atlas.”

Atlas jumped into a computer, the screen lit up with his presence.

“Maybe I won’t have to deal with him for much longer.” he said quietly

“What da’ ya’ mean by that?”

“Oh, uh, nothing.”

“Well he’s not going away anytime soon. Don’t tell me that creep is forcing you out of here.” He took a step closer to John, eyeing him quizzically. John returned a blank stare.

“No. He isn’t,” he replied. Artie relented and grabbed the rest of his gear.

“What ever you say John. Just don’t let those who wield power intimidate you.”

Artie slapped John on the back on his way to the exit. John rested his head against the locker and took a deep breath.

“Is everything alright?” Atlas asked.

“No Atlas. Things have gone horribly wrong.”

He finished attaching the protective plating to his suit, and placed the computer on his gauntlet. He scooped up the rest of his gear as he headed for the door.

The group was now inside a large freight elevator. They had all dressed into the same suit. Some were wearing the lab coats while others wore the protective gear. John weaved through the crowd as he tried to find his friends. He spotted them in the usual corner seats.

“Ladies and Gentlemen please take your seats as we will be descending shortly,” Karma said over the loud speaker. John secured his tool kit under his seat and strapped himself in. As soon as everyone else did the same, the elevator began descending.

“Please ensure that individual density manipulation suites are active and compensating for gravity changes.”

John could feel his body gradually getting heavier. John lifted his arm to test if the compensation was working.

“What’s the matter John?” Vanessa asked. “You’re shaking.”

Artie stole a quick glance at John, who immediately rested his arm down.

“Just nervous that’s all.”

“About what?” she pressed.

“Um, well, uh-”

“He wanted to ask you something. He just didn’t know if you would agree.” Artie gave John a quick wink. “What was it? A vacation?”

John was about to object when Vanessa spun around.

“Really? Where?”

John looked into her face. Her eyes were gleaming at him.

“I was thinking...possibly...”

“How do the floating resort cities of Hawaii sound?” Artie supplied.
Vanessa lit up with excitement.

“Oh John that sounds wonderful! When were you planning this.”

“For... a while now, actually.” John replied. Artie tried to hide a huge grin.

“When do we leave?”

“Uh, tomorrow.”

“That is...way too sudden.” she said quizzically.

“John’s got it all figured out. He even booked the days off for the both of you,” Artie said quickly. “Come to think of it, I think I need a break too. You mind if I join you two love birds on your little getaway?”

“Artie, you can’t just up and leave on a moment’s notice,”

“Watch me,” he said with a grin. “What da ya say John?”

John let out his breath and gave him a small smile.

“I’d like nothing better Artie.”

The elevator jerked to a halt and the doors opened. John unbuckled himself and walked past a group waiting to ride it up. Artie and Vanessa followed John as Fred hurried to catch up to them.

“Never ceases to amaze me,” Vanessa said as she looked out a window.

“Yeah, makes me feel like the Master Chief.” Artie’s joke elicited a chuckle from John and Vanessa. Fred rolled his eyes.

“Yes very funny. The facility had to be built in ring like modules to take advantage of the massive gravity given off by the black hole.” Fred explained, “You wouldn’t even know if you were upside down if at the bottom of the facility.”

“Tell us something we don’t know,” Artie said.

“Watch it Arthur,”

“Proceed to the inner maintenance bay,” Karma said.

“What do we need to do?”

“Run a diagnostic on the null array containment apparatus.”

“Didn’t we run one yesterday?” asked John

“No account of a diagnostic test or the results could be found.”

“Well how can that be? Frederick said he finished up the...” Artie furrowed his brow and turned slowly to Fred. Fred looked from side to side.

“I told you I needed an A.I.”

“You don’t need an A.I. you dolt,” Artie said, “You could have done it manually.”

“Don’t you dare talk down to me. As soon as this day is through you’re finished.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Artie turned his back on him. “I’m so sick of you.”

John pressed a button to call an elevator.

“Still, what’s the worst that could have happened between now and then, right?”

They went into yet another elevator and descended further. The elevator doors hissed open. John walked to the mirrors that were aimed at the black hole. He drew in a shallow breath at the sight before him. There was debris everywhere, zipping around the black hole. The undersides of the ringed laboratories were scuffed and gouged. It looked like a battlefield. Vanessa stood beside him with her mouth agape.

“This is bad,” she said.

“Oh hell,” said Artie

“You just had to say it, didn’t you?” Fred said venomously

Artie clutched his own face, and then brought it back up.

“Yeah, I suppose it’s my fault for not babysitting you when you were supposed to do your job.” Artie put on his helmet and headed for the door. “We could’ve caught this mess sooner.”

“Wait a sec,” John said, “we can’t go out there.”

“And why not?” Fred asked.

“Do you see those gouges? That debris is traveling too fast, one hit and you’re dead.”

John looked once more out the window and flinched when the mirror shattered.

“Well there must be something we can do,” said Artie.

“As a matter of fact there is,” Karma chimed in.

A hiss behind them caused them all to jump

“Behold the H-class Hazardous Environment Suit, dubbed Aegis.” Vaults opened up and four heavy duty arms extended with large hunks of metal attached to them.

“Oh that is cool,” Fred said, genuinely impressed. John and Artie exchanged glances that silently agreed with Fred.

“Step forward to the apparatus.”

John and the others did as they were told. Several arms jutted out and removed the plates that John already had on. Then the arm placed the main piece flat against his chest. John jerked as he felt two sets of cords slither under his armpits and over his shoulders to attach to his power pack. As soon as he heard a click, the suit began shifting individual plates over his body. He breathed heavily as they clamped around his lower back and worked its around his body. He gasped as a large hunk jumped on to his face and enveloped his head. He could see nothing but two slits and his breath quickened. A few seconds later, the entire room flickered into view. He looked over at Artie. He was just in time to see Artie’s head get swallowed up by the metal. A small picture of Artie’s face popped up in the corner of John’s view. He could see that Artie was bewildered by the sudden darkness. John saw that Fred was struggling, even so much as to shake the arm he was still attached to.

“If you just held still you wouldn’t be in this predicament,” Karma said.

“It’s not my fault you give me the worst equipment!” he yelled.

The armor decisively snapped around him like mousetrap, freezing him in place. Muffled cries could be heard inside.

“The Aegis has been designed for protection and functionality. Extra density manipulation modules have been built into the armor and react to incoming objects travelling above certain velocities. Keep your head low and arms as close as possible as collisions may still have enough force to break bones, dislocate, and or otherwise cause severe injury.”

The arms detached. John staggered around as he tried to find his balance

“Communication will be limited as electromagnetic transmissions tend to be absorbed after a certain point. John, Fred, you will go to the Primary arrays and begin the diagnostics test. As soon as it is complete, I will analyze the data and determine a course of action. Arthur, Vanessa, check the hard lines for obvious damage. The other team will be in shortly. Good luck out there,” Karma said.

John gritted his teeth.

“Thanks Karma. Okay, let’s go.” John led them out of the room onto the catwalks that wrapped around the black hole and the null arrays. Fred took this chance to sidle next to Vanessa.

“Okay, I’m taking Vanessa with me on this one.” Before he could run off, Artie grabbed him by the shoulder and steered him in front of John.

“He’s all yours,” Artie said with a grimace. Then he and Vanessa went to work. John stared intently at the cold, hard metallic face that stood before him. The video of Fred showed him he was giving John an annoyed look.

“What are you staring at? Get going.”

John turned on his heel and started down the catwalk. They made their way down to the diagnostic station. John pulled a cable from his gauntlet and plugged it in.

“Atlas, see if you can tell us what’s wrong.”

“Yes John. I’ll let you know once the diagnostics are finished.”

John stole a glance at Fred, who was looking over the catwalk into the depths below. He looked back at John. John turned back to the console. Fred slowly came over and stood next to him.

“How long is this going to take?”

“Shouldn’t be long,” John replied. He was scanning the diagnostic for anything suspicious.

“I hope so. You know, you’re a very lucky man John. Did I ever tell you that?”

John twisted his head slightly then turned back to the monitor. Fred continued

“I mean who would have thought that a girl like Vanessa would end up with a guy like you?”

John clenched his jaw as he searched the console.

“I mean, don’t get me wrong I think you’re a great guy, but what is that makes you think you have the slightest chance of competing with what I have to offer her.”

Fred crossed his arms and stood square to John. John slowly turned away from the console and faced Fred.

“Face it John. Anything she sees in you can be bought.”

John realized he was clenching his fist. He turned back to the console, trying to shut out what Fred had said. Fred tilted his head, shrugged, and leaned in close to John.

“Do you get it yet John? I. Own. Her.”

John lashed out with a vicious uppercut. The force sent Fred crashing to the floor. John stood at Fred’s feet

“Nothing, and I mean nothing, you ever do will make her yours. Not money, not power, not even God himself could make her want you. Second, I’m-”

“ A dead man! You are a dead man John! Do you hear me?”

John planted a foot on his chest and leaned forward.

“That’s news to me, you little brat. I’m tired of you running your mouth and how you treat this place. If I know your father, he’d rather burn this whole building to the ground than see it in your hands. You’re a complete screw-up and you‘re always making other people’s lives more miserable than your own.”

John increased his weight to keep the struggling Fred pinned.

“Y-you asshole! You’re fired, no. I’m suing your ass! Soon as my father hears about this-”

“He’ll what? Think he’ll listen to the screw-up son who treats his company like a playground?” John leaned down further, “You don’t deserve any of this. I don’t even know why you’re even here. In fact, get out. I’ll finish this myself.”

John lifted his foot off. Fred picked himself up. He staggered around and grabbed the rail to steady him.

“You’re dead. You are a dead man! I’ll make sure of it! She’ll have no problem choosing me once you’re a cold, dead corpse!” Fred turned tail and ran.

John turned back to the console and placed both hands on it, and hung his head low.

“Good riddance,” he said to himself, “Atlas, status repor-”

“The null array isn’t getting full power. One of the hard lines must have been damaged by the debris.”

John breathed a sigh of relief.

“Make sure the array is on parallel power support. Are the communication hard lines active?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, send the report to Karma and then we’ll-”

At that moment, the lights went out and John was pulled to the floor. A few seconds later, red emergency lights and sirens blared.

“All personnel evacuate the facility. Facility is on emergency power,” Karma said, “All personnel evacuate-”

Her voice turned to static and was replaced by something more sinister.

“Oh Joo-oohn, I’ve come to collect early.”

John ripped out the cable and ran.

“This isn’t happening,” John said, “please let this not be happening.”

John could feel his body getting heavier, and the suit making compensations as he ran. Out of nowhere, a large piece struck him in the shoulder, slamming him into the side rail. John screamed out in pain.

“John!” Atlas yelled. “Are you alright!”

John slowly picked himself up, and rubbed his shoulder.

“I can’t move my arm.”

More debris showered John and pounded on his injured arm. John bit his lip to stop from shouting.

“John, we must move. It’s imperative that we evacuate.”

John grabbed onto the rail and pressed forward. He tried to ignore the pain as more debris rained down on him.

“John? What are you doing out there? Move!” Artie shouted over his radio.

“Artie? Where are you guys? Are you safe?”

“Yes, we’re in the maintenance bay now move your ass! The catwalks are being pulled in!”

John looked behind him. Too his horror he could see that the network of catwalks were being sucked into the void. John bolted down the path towards the maintenance bay. Artie was waiting with the door open. John pushed hard but felt nothing beneath his feet. It took him a second to realize that he was falling. John desperately reached out with his good arm to grab onto the hanging catwalk. John’s face contorted with pain as his other arm reached up and grabbed hold. John screamed.

“I’m sorry John. I accessed the motor functions of the suit so I can assist.”

John looked down at the black hole beneath him. The null arrays projectors were starting to be pulled in. At that moment the section he was hanging onto finally ripped off. John watched silently as he started to plunge again. This time another arm reached out and grabbed the broken section.

“You’re not gonna be void fodder today John,” said Artie.

Artie pulled him back onto solid ground. He put John’s arm over his neck and supported him the rest of the way into the Maintenance bay. Once inside he handed John over to Vanessa.

“That emergency power won’t last long. As soon as it goes, so does this entire facility.”

They piled into the elevator and gripped each other tightly as it strained against the growing gravitational force. The elevator came slowly to a halt and continued to groan.

“Everybody out!” shouted John.

They leaped out of the car just before it shot back down into the abyss. They picked themselves up and ran with the other scientists towards the exit.

“Who could have done this?” asked Vanessa

“I think John knows.” Artie said.

John’s helmet uncovered his face and he looked at his friends.

“I am so sorry for this,” he said. “I didn’t think he would go after me so fast.”

“You mean? Could you have stopped all this?” Vanessa asked. “Then why didn’t you do something about it? If you knew something why did you hide it?”

“Because he’s out to kill me!” John stopped in the corridor. Artie and Vanessa froze in place.

“Who’s out to kill you?”

“The Iron Fist.” John said. Artie uncovered his face to reveal a look of shock.

“But...why?

“Because I stopped him earlier today, he’s out to get what I owe him. And I put everyone in danger because of it!” John slammed his fist against the wall, putting a large dent in the wall. He leaned his head up against it.

“I ignored the cop’s warning and now he’s going to tear this place apart looking for me,” John stood himself up straight.
“I should just save him and everyone else the trouble and find him.” He turned to Vanessa and Artie. “Find a safe place once we’re up top. I’m going to pay up.”

“What!? Are you insane!?” Artie rushed up and grabbed him by the shoulders. John winced in pain. “John that’s not fair to us or yourself. There’s no way I’m letting some stupid crime king kill you. Right Vanessa? Vanessa?” John and Artie turned to see her shoulders were shrugging rapidly. The face plates pulled back to reveal tears were streaming from her eyes.

“Why didn’t you tell us?”

John moved slowly forward and put a hand on her shoulder.

“I, I didn’t want you to worry-”

“And then what? Disappear? Leave us not knowing what happened to you?” She held back a new outburst of tears. John pulled her close.

“It’s alright,” he said soothingly, “I’m sorry I held the truth from you guys, but now I have to make this right.” Vanessa took a step back from him and wiped away her tears.

“I’m with Artie on this, we’re not going to leave you hanging.”

John looked from her to Artie, who was positively beaming.

“Well then let’s not waste any more time down here.” he said.

“Hell yeah,” said Artie, “Let’s do this.”

They ran towards the main elevator shaft, only to see that it had already left.

“Dammit! it’s already left.”

A screeching noise came from the shaft, and it was getting closer. Fast.

“Get back!” John yelled.

The trio dived back as the screeching elevator car crashed down. John turned back to the smoking wreckage. A silhouette stepped slowly out of the sparks and dust. Someone was struggling as the other marched forward. John turned on to his back and sat up. Fred now only had his basic suit on, and was being held around his neck by an arm. John eye’s followed it up to the face and his blood ran cold.

“That’s him,” Fred said in a panicked voice, “That’s him right there!”

“Hello there good sir,” The Fist said through a smile. “Did you miss me?”

He leveled the same weapon he had on the train at John’s chest.

“Alright you got him, now let me go!” Fred shouted.

“Hm? Oh yes, thank-you for your help. You’re free to go.” He let Fred fall to the ground.

“But you destroyed the elevator!”

The Fist gave him a devious smile

“I know.” He fired a bolt at John’s feet as Artie and Vanessa scrambled to pick him up.
“Ah, ah, ah, no sudden movements. Now kindly back away from the gentleman. He and I have unfinished business.”

Artie and Vanessa slowly backed away. The Fist leveled the weapon at John’s chest once more.

“Oh John, dear John, John, John. Look at the mess you’ve caused. All of this could have been avoided if you didn’t interfere.” his hand started to lower, little by little. “Consider our debt settled.” He hefted the small weapon back up.

“NO!” Artie lunged forward. The Fist quickly shot him in the chest and Artie crumpled to the floor. Vanessa screamed and The Fist aimed at her. John punched a hole in the floor that was ripped open by the gravity. John and The Fist fell through the gaping hole onto the maintenance bay below. John rolled in pain as he clutched his injured arm. The Fist, having only landed a few meters away from him, was already picking himself up. John did the same and limped towards him. The Fist picked up his gun and took careful aim. John trudged forward. A bolt struck him in the chest. John spun and landed on his knees from the impact. He clutched at the spot, as he was expecting to find blood. He looked down to see only a blast mark. He brought himself back up and faced The Fist. The Fist looked at him quizzically and fired again. John winced at the impact, but stepped forward. The Fist’s eyes grew wide eyed and shot him again and again. The bolts glanced off John as he moved forward. Ignoring the pain, he reached out. The Fist aimed at his other arm and shot it multiple times. John screamed and fell backwards. The Fist stood over John with a triumphant smile on his face.

“That’s an impressive piece of equipment you have. I may just take it for myself.” He brought the gun up to John’s face. “Any last words.”

John stared into the barrel, than up past the sights, all the way to The Fist’s face.

“Karma! Activate contingency: Darkstar!”

“Acknowledged.”

Suddenly the maintenance bay fell as it was pulled into the black hole, stopping once it hit the arrays. The Fist lost his footing and fell to John’s side. John leaped on top of him, trying to control his gun hand.

“You sneaky bastard. For that it’s going to cost you extra.” He then elbowed John in the face and shot at the main hall. Three bodies fell rapidly towards them. The Fist turned around and pointed the gun back at John’s face.

“This is where you pony-up.” He said, grinning maniacally.

“No!” John said. “It’s you who’s gonna pay.” He then grabbed The Fist by his collar and rolled backwards off the roof and into the void.

“Contingency Darkstar activated.”

John closed his eyes as he felt the mounting pressure and then bright white light penetrate his eyelids.

Atlas’ basic start up process appeared before him. He was still inside the portable computer. The suit was still connected, and the occupant was alive.

“John,” the A.I. said, “What happened?”

No response came from him. Atlas sluggishly brought up the life support system. The A.I. was shocked by the results.

“Oh spam.” He diverted power to the life support system. “What happened to you?”

Atlas looked along the grid lines of his virtual environment, which was currently devoid of activity. He was starting to get impatient. He looked over to where the Aegis was linked in. He walked over to it eyeing it cautiously.

“I...guess he won’t mind if I take control for a little while.” Atlas powered up the Aegis and brought up the optics. All he could see was vast, empty darkness. Atlas shook his head and heaved a sigh of frustration. A small glimmer caught his attention, then another, and another. He soon realized that the image was full of small points of light. Atlas leaned in closer, trying to make sense of it.

“I need a better view.” Atlas thought for a moment, and then brought up the suits motor control system. He manipulated John’s body carefully, trying not to disturb John. Atlas experimentally moved the head. A bright object was in the corner of his vision. He looked directly at it. The optics flared briefly and returned to normal

“A star?” He looked around and found another object. “A planet?”

Upon closer inspection he saw that it was blue, green, and terrestrial in nature.

“Could...could that be... Earth?” Atlas bristled with energy as he thought.

“If that is Earth, then we survived the singularity. Ha! Wait till John hears about this.”

It was at that moment that he sensed the all too familiar pull of gravity on his accelerometers. He whipped around expecting to find another black hole. Instead he found the moon bearing down on him like a gargantuan freight liner.

Atlas panicked, and blasted the exhaust to move out of the way. As it sputtered out the last of its helium, the moon’s gravity caught him in its wake.

“Great, I’ve become a satellite to a satellite.” Atlas checked on John again.

“Still not conscious. Would probably be best if he stayed that way.”

Atlas turned to face the surface of the moon. Its surface rose and fell, and was pockmarked from eons of asteroid collisions and long past volcanic activity. As Atlas surveyed the landscape, he couldn't help but feel uneasy about it.

“There’s something seriously wrong here.” Atlas went to his references and pulled up maps of the moon. He returned to the optics, and brought up a hologram to compare.

“Funny, none of the geophysical land marks match, it’s completely different.” Atlas’ thoughts were interrupted as the Earth appeared on the moon’s horizon. An idea started forming in his processors.

“I wonder if we can make escape velocity.”

He made the necessary calculations and lowered the suits density as low as possible. They were slowly gaining altitude from the moon’s surface. Atlas hit the exhaust and nearly crashed from the readings on his accelerometers. They cleared the moon’s orbit, and rocketed towards Earth. Atlas relaxed as he let John drift through space. He checked on John once more. Nothing changed.

“Good, at least he’s stable.” Atlas looked between the life support and the Earth. He sighed. It would still be a few days before they reached Earth.

“This is going to take forever.” He looked over towards his references. Atlas slowly approached the insurmountable database. Sizing up the material, he whistled softly.

“Now is a good time to catch up on my reading.”

While traveling through space, Atlas had finished his references. Twice. Atlas felt sluggish with the info that had passed through his processors. He was nevertheless pleased that he managed to process it and apply what he learned. He wrote a new program to keep him company and watch the suits systems, Fido. He was perusing eighteenth century history when Fido sent a surge towards him. Atlas jolted back to his main processor.

“What’s up Fido?” He switched to visuals and turned John’s unconscious head. The Earth filled his entire view and things were starting to get shaky.

“Fido, try hailing a satellite, maybe we can board the I.S.S.”

Atlas aimed his head towards the Earth.

“Where are the cities?” he asked out loud. “Fido, did you hail anyone yet?”

He waited for Fido’s answer.

“What do you mean you didn’t get a response?” Atlas waited again. “No satellites? How is that possible-” He looked around Earth’s orbit, and there were no satellites to be seen, or orbiting garbage for that matter. It was all pointing to one conclusion.

“We’re trapped up here.” Atlas took a step back. The situation was grim and he had to find help fast, for John’s sake. He looked at the life support. The heart beat remained steady for a while, but it was slowly growing weaker. He turned back to the image of the Earth.

“Desperate times...” he said softly. “Fido prepare for re-entry.”

Atlas brought up the Aegis’ controls once again. He curled John’s body into as tight a ball as possible and aimed them towards the earth.

“He will still have enough kinetic energy to do some damage, Fido we need to aim for the ocean, and it should be within a hundred clicks of a coast.” Atlas checked the suit’s integrity. He then shifted the computer gauntlet in towards the belly.

“Moment of truth.” Atlas then fired the exhaust full blast and his accelerometers sent him reeling. Atlas struggled to maintain control as the heat built up around him. He turned John around and fired the exhaust once more. As the internal temperature rose, Atlas could feel his processing power draining away.

“Just a few more seconds.”

The exhaust slowed them down and the temperature stopped rising. He was certain they were in the atmosphere now. Atlas outstretched the limbs, which sent him in an out of control spin. He quickly recovered from it. He thanked himself for looking up recreational activities. He pondered why humans would do such dangerous and reckless things. Nevertheless, he was glad to have a guide to follow. He spread the arms and legs wide. He checked his speed to see that they were approaching terminal velocity. Atlas corrected this by setting the density as low as possible. Atlas smiled when his speed dropped by a third. After punching through the cloud layer, he saw the ocean below.

“Good work Fido.” Atlas sighed with relief. “Prepare John for impact.”

Atlas watched as the ocean drew nearer. He flipped John onto his back and fired the exhaust, further decreasing their speed. Atlas then turned the density high the moment before impacting the water. Bubbles filled the optics and they began to sink. Atlas quickly turned the density to low and they floated to the surface. Atlas took a deep breath.

“Fido, systems status report.” Atlas nodded as soon as he heard that everything was still intact.

He took a look at John. He was surprised that the suit was so hardy, that it managed to protect John on re-entry. That's when he noticed labored breathing.

“He must have cracked his ribs on the ocean.”

Atlas faced the shoreline, and kicked John’s legs.

“Just hang in there John. We’ll get you help.”

Atlas had been traveling for hours. From the shoreline to an expansive forest, he trudged on. The salt water interfered with his circuitry, and it irritated him how he got sand in the motors.

“They’re going to put me offline for wrecking the Aegis.”

Fido agreed, but reminded him of how he had to save John.

“Thanks for the input,” he replied.

He walked on, wondering why he hadn’t run into a coastal city yet. He looked around at the tall trees, the birds flitting past him, and the occasional animal.

“Do you think we landed in a nature reserve?”

Fido suggested otherwise.

“All natural areas are considered reserves. There must be someone who can help nearby.”

Atlas spotted a tall hill. Once at the top, he took in the view. All he could see were miles of tree tops and the corridor the mountains formed on either side.

“Wow,” he said, “that’s a big reserve.”

He scanned the horizon and spotted a structure hanging off a mountain in the distance.

“That must be the reserve station.”

Fido suggested that they head towards it.

“My thoughts exactly.”

Atlas slid down the hill and quickened his pace. Atlas struggled through the growth. He tried to be gentle with the injuries John had sustained. He traveled for several miles when he noticed the joints were seizing up.

“No, no, no, no, no, no.” Atlas forced more power into the motors. “Don’t quite on me yet.”

Fido interrupted him about a change in John’s condition. Atlas handed the controls over to Fido and went over to life support. His heart beat was getting quicker. His movements acted against Atlas’ control.

“John?” he was relieved after getting a labored grunt “John, are you alright?” This caused a more stirred response and a spike in his heartbeat, “John relax. We’re getting you help, but you must remain calm.”

“Water.” John said in a raspy voice. Atlas’ circuits pulsated with relief.

“Fido find a water source, we need to-”

Something slammed into the side of them, causing Fido to veer off course and ram them into a tree. They fell to the ground where Fido continued to try running, spinning them in circles. A massive paw settled on John’s chest. Then a mouth full of teeth chomped on his head. Fido was still flailing John’s legs as he tried to run.

“Fido cut that out!” Atlas rested the controls from Fido. He took John’s good arm and started hitting the predator’s nose. The creature let out a deafening roar and John was blasted back by the force of it.

“Oh my maker.”

The sheer size of the lion forced Atlas to stop and think. It stood a few feet taller than John himself. The lion crouched down and lashed out with its scorpion tail. Atlas rolled out of the way. John grunted in pain as Atlas used his arms to pick himself up. The lion lashed out again, hitting John in the side. Atlas caught hold of a tree and brought John back up. Atlas ducked just in time as the stinger embedded itself in the tree.

“Atlas. Atlas what’s going on?”

Atlas suddenly lost the controls.

“John? John is that you?” He worked to try and get them back.

“Where are we? Are we dead?”

“John you need to listen. It’s not safe here. We need to get out of here!”

Atlas could see through the visuals that John was staggering around.

“I can hardly...” John turned to the beast, which pulled its tail out of the trunk.
“John, look out!”

John didn’t move, and the scorpion stung him in the arm. John let out a bellow of pain as he felt the venom contact his skin. Atlas took over once again. He burned a line in ground with the exhaust to make his getaway. As he ran, he could see John’s life signs were becoming erratic. He tightened pressure around John’s arm. He needed to find someone before his condition became worse. The forest started to give way to a small clearing. He spotted a small house just on the other side. He looked behind them to see that the lion was giving chase. He burned another wall of flame in the forest, the lion leaped over the flames and charged towards them. Atlas skidded to a stop and stood his ground. The lion made a final lunge.

“Sorry about this John.”

Atlas took the good arm and smashed it into the lion’s nose. The beast gave a yelp and scampered back into the woods. By now the suit was giving him warnings. Energy expenditure was high and the motor systems were overheating. He looked over to the house. The joints refused to move. He diverted more power to the servos as each step became increasingly difficulf. Atlas reached out as he neared the door. He even started diverting power from his computer to reach it. With his last watt of power he pushed on the door and shut down.

John and the armor fell into the door, tearing it off its hinges and crashing to the ground. A high pitched yelp echoed around the room as the armor slowly separated from John’s body. John tried to move, but could barely manage to lift his arm. A fuzzy silhouette filled his vision.

“Help...” he said before collapsing back into the armor.

Author’s note

Rewrite of the original, which you can find here Spirit of Knight Pt I. If you're starting on a story, this is a great guide on what NOT to do. Thanks to CartoonGeld for helping me realize how STUPID I am, and am currently consulting so I can become a more intelligent writer. Chapter 8 will come after I fix all my other chapters. Thanks for reading.

Part II

John had no idea where he was, but it sent chills up his spine. The space that surrounded him was nothing but an empty void. He could barely see his fingertips, and the weight of the darkness was suffocating. He tried walking through it, unsure of the steps he was taking. A sense of dread was slowly washing over him, like being dipped in a vat of icy water.
He turned around to see a pool of light in the distance, and three objects residing in it. John walked towards it as his uneasiness grew. The objects were covered by sheets, and upon closer inspection saw that they were bodies. John stopped a few feet outside the light. It was even more menacing than the Darkness. John carefully stepped forward. As soon as he was under the light, he felt as if a cold, hard gaze was upon him. John’s hand was shaking as he reached for a cover and pulled it up. He gasped and set it back down, covering his mouth with his hand.

“Artie,” he said.

He looked over to the others, thinking the worst. At the next body, he lifted the sheet and stared for a second longer before tearing his gaze away.

“Oh, Fred.”

John looked over to the last body. His heart was pounding and he broke into a cold sweat. He reached out to it, but withdrew his hand and pressed it against his skull. He drew in several quick, heavy breaths. He reached out again and pulled the sheet back and dropped it. John reeled at the site before him. He stood up and staggered around.

“No,” he said as tears started to form, “this can’t, this can’t be.”

John turned to see a demonic face inches from his. Screaming in terror, he fell back as an invisible force latched onto him. It brought him around to face the creature. It was all the more terrifying when John recognized it as The Iron Fist.

“Cooome to meeeee,” His voice was different. It was hollow, and penetrating. Each word pierced John’s heart.

The creature began to advance, and John fought against his restraints. They let go and John ran away into the darkness. He stopped as pressure in his head began building, the pain forced him to his knees. Darkness once again grabbed John and began pulling him away. He felt the air in his lungs being forced out. He struggled as hard as he could, but the darkness had an iron hold of him from every direction, still moving him towards the creature.

“Get away,” he pleaded.
The force was unyielding, and the creature drew closer.

“Get away! Get AWAY!” The darkness was about crush what little air he had left. The creature outstretched it’s arm.

“GET AWAY!!” His final scream brought him out of the world of darkness, yet all he could see was black. He tried blinking. His eyes were swollen shut. He untangled his legs from the sheets and pain shot through his left arm. He grabbed onto it and felt that it was wrapped up. He tried standing up only to crash to the ground. He cried out in pain. He then heard a flick. He could barely see the light through his swollen eyelids.

“Oh no. Easy boy.”

John scrambled away from the voice, trapping himself in a corner. He looked around wildly.

“Oh, please stop. You shouldn’t be moving.”

John shivered as the voice was over top of him, and brought himself in tighter.

“Easy now, I’m not going to hurt you. Don’t you think you’ll feel better in a nice warm bed?”

John clutched his face and began sobbing softly.

“Oh my. Looks like you had a bad dream. Am I right?”

John flinched as a blanket was draped over him.

“Everything is okay, now let’s get you back to bed.”

She tugged on his good arm and he wrenched it away from her.

“Um okay. Do you just want to sit here for a bit?”

John heard her sit down beside him. He looked to see a fuzzy silhouette. He then turned back and hung his head.

“I didn’t get to introduce myself. I’m Fluttershy.” She paused for a second. “Now what do we call you?”

“I a-am John.” he replied automatically. He flinched again as his keeper jumped.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said quickly, “I just wasn’t sure if you could really talk. Can you say anything else?”

“I...don’t know what to say.”

“You really can talk.” As an afterthought she added. “Can you tell me where you came from? Oh, how old are you? Do you have a family? How big do you get? What foods can you eat? Do get along with other animals?”

She bombarded him question after question, but he could only focus on one thing.

“Am I dead?” he asked.

She stopped her barrage. The silence was palpable.

“Where am I?”

There was another moment of silence.

“Well, you’re in my house. You were in very bad shape when you came here.”

“That’s... impossible...” He paused to think, “... last thing I remember was...”

The image of rolling off the roof with The Iron Fist flashed in his mind. He took in a shallow breath and bowed his head. Fluttershy broke the silence.

“Well, if you can’t remember where you came from. Can you tell me more about yourself?”
John looked in her direction, and winced at the pain in his spine.

“Did anyone else survive?”

“Survive...w-what?” her voice quivered.

John looked away.

“Terrorist attack,” he said bluntly. He lifted his head and jumped to his feet, only to have his legs give out from underneath him.

“Oh no, not again,” said Fluttershy.

“You got to get me out of here! He’ll be coming for me.” He crawled along the floor aimlessly. “If he knows I’m here he’ll rip this place apart!”

“Who’s going to rip this place apart!” she said with sheer panic.

“I need to go. This can’t happen again. I won’t let it!” His strength was being drained. He could no longer pull himself along. The already hazy light was fading into darkness. The last thing he knew before losing consciousness, was being pulled back into bed and gentle strokes across his head.

“Good night John.”

John heard voices the next morning. First it came as mumbling, then slowly became more intelligible.

“Since you found him. It’s been a week.” someone said.

“Who’s there?” John said weakly.

“And I see now that he can speak.” said the same voice.

“Who’s there?” he asked louder.

“Oh good you’re awake.” John was lifted into a sitting position. “John this is Zecora. She helped me with your injuries.”

“It it is true, your body seemed beyond repair, but with my remedies I could leave you in Fluttershy’s care.”

“Fluttershy?” said John.

“He is indeed a strange being you found. Are you sure that he is stable and his mind is sound?”

John looked in the voice’s direction.

“Why are you talking like that?”
“Don’t mind him, he’s just scared and lost. Oh, but please don’t tell anypony else about him. I don’t want him to get anxious.”

“I had the same idea about your guest, as he needs privacy so he can get his rest.”

They both turned as John crashed to the ground again.
“Why can’t I walk!” he shouted out painfully.

He was hooked under his right arm and brought upwards. Even so he still wobbled on his feet.

“Thanks,” he said, “Is there somewhere I can sit? I need to talk to you about something.”

He was lowered onto a seat and Fluttershy took the seat next to him. After they settled, he spoke.

“I wanna say thank-you, for helping me, but I need to leave as soon as possible.”

“B-but you’re not even fully healed. You must stay.”

“I can’t, it’s too dangerous.” he tried getting up, but failed to do so.

“You’re in no condition to travel, so rest while you can. And I assure, nopony knows you’re here, much less any man.”

“That means nothing, I was in a top secret research facility, and he still managed to find me.”

“Zecora, you know wha-”

“Shh dear child, now is not the time.”

Something grabbed his chin, and turned it from side to side.

“Perhaps it is best we heal his eyes.”
John quickly leaned back when some kind of gel was smeared over his eyes. At first it stung like alcohol in a fresh wound. He tried to wipe it off, but it absorbed quickly. He felt the swelling go down and his field of view became wider. He blinked away the blurriness to see he was in a brightly lit room with the sun shining in. He looked down at himself. His ribs were wrapped, his injured arm was in a splint and a sling, and his legs had lost most of their mass. It was then that his stomach growled loudly.

“Oh my, we’d better get you some food”

John looked in Fluttershy’s direction. All he saw was a small yellow and pink horse hop off the couch he was sitting on. The small yellow horse walked past a zebra with gold rings around it’s neck. John felt that it was scrutinizing him.

“Your presence here, is interesting John. We shall see what happens as the days go on. Your spirit is strong and put you on the mend. And I hope you consider us Equestrians as friends.” She stepped closer to John. “But something troubles you, no? You’re alive and well, so let the past go. The future holds new tales to tell. If the past catches up, your heart will swell.”

John listened intently to her words. He could’ve sworn the words came straight from the zebra’s mouth.

“I think what’s done... is done,” he answered cautiously.

“Very well.” She threw a cloak over herself and went to the door. “Your opinion may change, but until next time, farewell.”

She disappeared just as Fluttershy entered the room, carrying one tray on her head and another on her back.

“Oh, did Zecora leave? Oh well, I’m sure she had more important things to do.” she set both trays down next to John.

“I wasn’t sure what you are able to eat so I made a variety of things.”

John’s head was spinning. He leaned back against the couch and stared into the ceiling.

“Fluttershy. How are you talking? Wait! Don’t answer that.”

Fluttershy watched as John brought himself to his feet. Using whatever he could to support himself, he walked up to the window. As far as he could see, there were forests, grassy hills, and mountains.

“W-wha-what is this place?”

“Um, Equestria.”

John whipped around to the small horse. His heart was pounding a mile a minute.

“What’s Equestria?” He covered his mouth after he let the question slip.

“It’s...my home. It’s where all ponies live.”

John felt the blood leave his head. He swayed back and forth, and was about to fall over. Fluttershy swooped over to support him back to the couch.

“Here drink this,” she said as she brought a glass of water to his mouth.
He took the glass with his good hand and drank the cool liquid. He left a little so he could hold it against his forehead.

“Are you alright?” she asked.

John forced himself to look Fluttershy in the eye.

“You tell me,” he said

“Well,” she paused, “I tried fixing you up as best as possible, but, honestly I’ve never seen a creature like you before.”

John examined the bandages around his body. He gave his arm an experimental jiggle. It was completely immobilized in the splint, nevertheless he did feel pain in his shoulder.

“I guess I’m alright,” he said, “for now.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes. John started laughing.

“You know its funny, because it’s like one of those bad nights where you wake up and have no idea where you are or how you got there.” He gestured around the room. “I think this counts as worst case scenario.”

“Well, maybe, uh, nevermind” Fluttershy looked away from him.

John leaned forward.

“What is it?” he asked.

“I was just thinking, that, uh, the metal suit might tell us where you came from.”

“The Aegis?” he thought out loud. “That’s right.”

He looked around the room for the device.

“Where is it?”

“Oh um, my friend Twilight took it. She wanted to look at it.”

John hopped out of his seat before grabbing onto a rafter to steady himself. He looked accusingly at Fluttershy.

“I need that equipment right now. I can’t let him get his hands on it.”

“Who’s hands?” Fluttershy flinched at his sudden reaction.

John dropped to his knees so he could be eye level with her.

“What I’ve been trying to tell you the other night!” he yelled, “It’s the Iron Fist! There’s a chance he could’ve followed me here! He did this to me and he’ll do it you too! And he won’t stop there, he’ll take this land for everything it’s got!”

John took heavy, exasperated breaths. He slumped back as he started to shake.

“Please you have to let me go, it’s just not safe.”

To his shock, he was met with a warm embrace. She patted him lightly on the back as she gently rocked. John couldn't do anything but stare at the opposite wall.

“There, there, nopony is going to hurt you,” she pulled away to arms length, “I’ll take you to my friend, but...” she gestured to the platter, “...first you need to eat.”

John felt much better after having a hearty breakfast. Even more so by the fact that it was actual food.

“That was much better than pro-food any day.”

“Whats pro-food?” Fluttershy asked as she pulled her wagon.

“Processed food. By the time it gets to stores there’s hardly any real food left,” he said as he hobbled along, “The only good thing about it is that it’s cheap.”

“You poor thing. No wonder you were in bad shape when I found you.”
He could feel the strength in his legs slowly returning. They shared stories about their world as they made their way to PonyVille. PonyVille, as Fluttershy explained, was a small village where her friends live, along with a pony population.

“Ponies?” said John, “You really mean that everyone who lives here is a pony?”

“Well of course,” said Fluttershy, “and there’s also all sorts of species which drop by every now and then.”

Something else besides ponies live here? Did I fall into some little girls fantasy? He looked over at Fluttershy. Her bright colors and butterfly marks only reinforced his thoughts.

“So this, Twilight, friend of yours. What would she want with the Aegis?”

“I’m not sure, she was curious about it, she’s very smart you know.”

“I just hope she’s smart enough not to tamper with it.”

“Is it...dangerous?”

“No,” John scratched the back of his head, “it’s just very complicated and I don’t want it damaged.”

“Oh I see,” said Fluttershy, “is it important?”

John looked straight ahead. He was beginning to see the rooftops.

“It is.”

They continued in silence until they were on the outskirts. That’s when Fluttershy stopped.

“Excuse me, John?” she asked, “Can you get in the wagon and cover up. I don’t want to attract too much attention.”

John did as he was told.

“I’ll take the less busy streets and we’ll be at her place in a few minutes.”

“Suits me, I don’t think I could handle seeing a whole bunch of ponies right now.”

John ducked under the covers and felt the cart trundle along as she pulled it. All John could do now was wait and listen. He heard footsteps and and other carts, even conversations. John resisted the urge to peek over the edge. They veered off onto a quieter street.

“Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked.

“I’m fine, are we nearly there?”

“Yes, just another street and-”

“Fluttershy!” a voice suddenly rang out. Fluttershy yelped in response.

“Oh I’m so sorry for scaring you Fluttershy, but my pet is sick. Can you take a quick look?”

“Oh, my, I don’t know I’m in a hurry.” John gently rock the wagon.

“Please Fluttershy, just a quick look? It shouldn’t take long.”

John sat in silence, and held his breath as she hesitated.

“I...suppose I could.” John was slid towards the front as the wagon was unhitched. He had to suppress a grunt.

“Oh thank-you Fluttershy, it’s lucky you came along when you did.”

“Yeah, lucky,” he heard her say before the door swung shut.
John threw off the covers and climbed out of the wagon. He quickly looked around the empty street and took a deep breath. He rubbed his sore shoulder and looked around once more. He was surprised to see the buildings were small, simple structures. Nothing too elaborate, except for the one that looked like it was made of candy. Beyond it was a large tree, and it was riddled with windows and other structures. It was enough to distract him from the voices that were coming his way. He dived back into the wagon and threw the cover over top.

“Hey did you see that?” said a little girl.

John’s heart skipped a beat.

“See what?” another one asked.

“In the wagon over there, something moved.”

“Wait a sec’, that’s Fluttershy’s cart.”

They were moving closer, and John was starting to sweat.

“Wha’ do ya’ thinks in it?”

“I dunno, maybe we should find out.”

The voices were right beside the cart now, and John was trying not to move.

“I don’t think Fluttershy want us snoopin’ around her cart.”

“What’s the harm in taking one little peek?” He heard one of them step on to the cart. “Besides, maybe we can help her out once we get a look at it.”

“I still dunno..”

“Come on Applebloom, don’t be a chicken. Fluttershy never carries anything dangerous.”

“Okay...I guess one peak wouldn’t hurt nopony.”

John froze as he heard two more sets of hooves step up. Next thing he knew they completely ripped off the sheet.

“Whooa!” John yelled.

They screamed back at him, and jumped off the cart.

“What is it!?”

“It’s huge!”

“Where’d she get that thing!”

“Give that back!” he yelled back at them.

He jumped off the cart and grabbed at the sheet.

“Ruuun!” squealed the unicorn.

The three little ponies charged off, taking the sheet with them. John hobbled after them as fast as he could.

“Wait! Stop! What are you doing?”

Without breaking stride, they made a right turn into an alley. As soon as John rounded the corner, he saw that they were rounding one as well. John hesitated for a moment before picking up the chase again. He was rather perplexed when he saw that the corner lead to a dead end. Even more surprising was a tiny orange pony, furiously flapping her wings, trying to scramble up the wall. As his shadow fell over her, she gasped and turned around to face John. Her eyes were brimming with fear. John stepped a little closer.

“Some friends you got there, leaving you behind after getting over.” he said.

The filly gave him a puzzled look before turning into a sly grin.

“Maybe they’re a lot closer than you think. Hit him girls!”

“What the he-”

He didn’t get to finish his sentence as a heavy sack of grain slammed him into the wall and pinned him to the ground. John gasped heavily while trying to shake off his blurry vision.

“We caught ‘im. I can’t believe that actually worked! Scootaloo are you okay?”

“Yeah I’m fine Applebloom, good timing on the toss Sweetie Belle. I thought I was a goner for sure.”

“This is amazing! Did we get a creature catcher cutie mark?”

“Quickly, check!”

John’s vision cleared up to see the three fillies eagerly checking their rumps, only to be dissappointed.

“Aaww. A creature catcher cutie mark would’ve been cool.”

“Speakin’ o’ creatures what do you suppose this one is.”

Applebloom’s face popped up in front of him, causing him to throw his head back against the wall.

“Ow,” he said, “get off of me.”

Applebloom flew back to her friends. John looked at the large sack of grain and then to the fillies. With his good arm he began pushing on the sack.

“Listen you. That there grain bag is real heavy, so it’s no use...”

John ignored them, with effort he rolled the grain bag off. He dropped his arm and inhaled deeply. Grateful for a full breath of air.

“...tryin’.” she finished weakly. All but Scootaloo started to back away.

“Maybe we should get somepony to handle this.” before Sweetie Belle could run away Scootaloo bit on her tail and dragged her back.

“Juth’ wai’ a thec’.” She spit the tail out. “I think it’s hurt.”

“Yeah and it could be dangerous!”

“We should run. Right Naow!”

“You guys! If Fluttershy can handle it, why can’t we?”

“Because Fluttershy does this full time! Now let’s go!”

“No, I’m going to stay.”

“We’re going, now come on.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Yes.”
“No.”

“Yes.”

“Enough!” John shouted. he was now staring into three sets of very surprised eyes. John was just as surprised as they were. Seeing their tiny faces and large eyes was making his own eyes bug out. John shook his head and tried to push himself up. The three little ponies backed away as John struggled. The three were just staring at him and he was starting to feel awkward. He gave up and he looked them in the eye.

“You weren’t even supposed to know I was here, but you had the gall to go snooping into people’s stuff. Do you have any respect for other people’s privacy!”

“What’s peo-”

“I’m not finished!” he jabbed an accusing finger at them. They hung their heads in shame. John faltered in his tirade, but continued on in a lowered tone.

“Look, I’m sorry if I sound mean, but the last thing I expected this morning was to find I was being taken care of by a horse, much less being attacked by preschool ponies.

“Hey, we’re in elementary school.” Applebloom stuffed her hoof in Scootaloo’s mouth.

John smirked and got up. Groaning as the pain shoot through his ribs.

“Now I have to find Twilight on my own, no thanks to you three. Hnngh!”

John dropped down on one knee as the pain took over. This time it creeped into his head, causing it to throb. Noises floated through his head. Noises of guilt, suffering and loss. His vision went dark, then suddenly cleared up, and little Applebloom was looking up into his face.

“Are you alright? Your...skin just went all white.”

John took a few deep breaths, stood up and began walking down the alley.

“Yeah fine. Just fine.”

He could hear the soft trots of the trio following him.

“We’re real sorry for treatin’ ya like that.”

“Forget it, what’s done is done,” he replied.

“Can we make it up to ya’? We could get ya’ ta’ Twilight’s!”

John stopped and leaned against the building.

“No, I think Fluttershy’s a good enough guide thanks.”

“But she could be anywhere right now. She searches everywhere for a missing animal and I mean everywhere,” said Scootaloo.

“It’s not that far. Honest.”

The three zipped in front of John and put on their most winning smile. John tried his best to keep a straight face. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. Sighing heavily, he said.

“Fine. Just don’t hit me with any more sacks.”

“Great, lets go!”

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle began pushing on his legs. Ushering him out onto the street. By now there were a few ponies out on the street, but none of them had really taken notice. John turned back into the alley, but Scootaloo flew into his stomach.

“What’s the matter? Twilight’s house is this way.” She grunted.

John scooped her up in his good arm.

“Listen kid, I don’t think this is a good idea. It might attract attention.”

“Well why not? And why’d you call me a goat?”

“Because...” A few ponies were beginning to notice.”...just because, now lets take a path that no one else uses.”

He tried going back into the alley, but Applebloom and Sweetie Belle blocked his path.

“C’mon don’t be a chicken. Nopony is gonna hurt ya’ we’ll just walk by em’ and they’ll barely notice.” Applebloom pushed him back out onto the street. There were even more ponies looking his way now.
“Won’t even notice. Right.” he muttered. He sauntered off after the two fillies.
“Whoa this is cool. Hey can I ride on your shoulders?” asked Scootaloo.
“How about you just fly off?”

John looked into her hurt eyes that were now the size of saucers. He groaned and lifted her up to his shoulder. She happily threw a leg over his neck and grabbed onto his head.

“Hey look you guys, he’s giving me a pony ride.”

“Hey that’s not fair!” Sweetie Belle squeaked back.

“Well too bad thpptht. Giddyup! Uh...um...what’s your name?”
“John,” he put simply.

“John! John, that’s a boring name, you need to be called something cooler.”

“I like it just fine. So what do I call you three?”

“Oh, oh.” Sweetie Belle hopped excitedly in front of him. “You can call us the cutie mark crusaders!” she squealed loudly.

“It’s trademarked,” added Applebloom.

John chuckled. he heard whispering. John stole a quick glance to the side. Every pony he passed was now looking at him. He could feel his head getting hot, and sweat was forming on his brow.

“How much further?”

“Oh not far, you can see the library just up ahead.”

John looked from left to right.

“What library?”

“The big tree just straight ahead, ain’t you seen a library before.”

John spotted the large tree and raised an eyebrow.

“Could’ve fooled me.”

When they reached the door, Applebloom rapped on it. The top half was promptly opened and a small reptilian head poked out.

“Oh hey Applebloom, what bri- holy guacamole what is that!?” he half shouted.

“I was about to say the same thing,” said John.

“Pretty neat ain’t he Spike?”

“I’ll say.What is he?”

“Um.” Applebloom looked up at John. “We don’t know, but he wants to see Twilight. Is she home?”

“Ye-yeah she’s in the basement. Come on in and I’ll grab her. She’ll definitely want to see this.” The reptile opened up the rest of the door and let them in. John stooped to get under the frame and was cuffed on the head to go lower. He then plucked Scootaloo off his shoulders and put her on the floor.

“Uh hey, are those other ponies with you too?” the dragon asked.

“Other ponies?”

John slowly turned around and looked out the door. Sure enough there was a small crowd not thirty feet away. John carefully shut the door, not taking his eyes off of them. He turned to the dragon.

“No.”

“O-kay then. I’m just going to get Twilight. Take a seat in the living room.”

John followed the dragon into the room. He stopped to take in his surroundings. He placed his hand on the wall and ran it along the grain.

“Actual wood.” he said to himself. He smiled and looked around the rest of the room. It was completely carved out of the tree. What surprised him more was what the carved shelves contained.

“Books.” John said quietly

He went to the nearest shelf. He grazed the spines with his fingertips, reading the names as he went along.

“The How to Guide on Gardening, Sport and Nutrition, Equestrian History...”

“Don’t tell me you’ve never seen a book before.” said Scootaloo.

John turned back to her.

“This is the most books in one place I’ve ever seen. And they’re not locked up. This is amazing.”

She was gave him a quizzical look. He turned back to the bookshelf and carried on. Then stopped at a familiar subject.

“Ah, physics.”

He picked it off the shelf and examined the book. The hard cover book was heavy, and weathered from use. He liked how it felt in his hands. He turned it over to look for the author. Albert Equinestein. John took in a shallow breath. Setting the book on a ledge, he gingerly turned the pages. As he read, he couldn't help but contort his face in confusion.

“What is this crap? This is completely wrong. How on Earth can tha-”

“Hello! Is somepony up there?”

John suddenly snapped the book shut and spun around to the source..

“We’re up here Twilight and we brought some...thing to meet you,” supplied Scootaloo.

“Something as in...” A purple unicorn emerged the basement and looked at John. “...oh.”

They stood in silence for a full minute, and it took John a moment to realize what she was wearing.

“Are you wearing my suit?” he asked.

The unicorn shook her head, and looked down at the glowing skin tight suit she was wearing.

“Your suit?” she asked.

“Yeah, my suit. How did you get it on?”

“There was some issues with the nano layer configuration, but I managed to reprogram it to fit non-human subjects,” said Atlas.

His hologram floated in front of Twilight. He gave John a smile.

John stepped forward, making Twilight and Spike flinch, and knelt down to his level.

“Atlas? Is that you?” he said.

“Indeed it is. I am quite relieved you survived re-entry.”

John raised an eyebrow. Before he could reply Twilight stretched her neck through his hologram.

“What was outer space like?” she said excitedly, “Could you breathe? How big are the stars? Is there anything on the moon? How in Equestria did you survive the fall?”

John gripped his forehead. His head was spinning. He reached out for something to steady himself. Twilight flinched when his hand came to rest on her shoulder.

“I don’t understand,” he said, “I don’t remember any of that happening. I just...” His voice trailed off and he slumped down. “... I just remember falling into the black hole, with The Fist. And then I woke up.” He took a look at his bandages.

“You were unconscious during our time in space. Just as well, it was a long journey, although a stasis module would have kept you in better condition for when we got help. Muscle atrophy and bone deterioration alone almost killed you.”

“That...explains a lot actually.” John said as he looked at his skinny legs.

“I suppose it didn’t help that I crash landed you in the ocean at over three hundred miles per hour.”

“What!?”

“To add further complications, you suffered a severe reaction to an animal’s sting.” he concluded.

John stared at Atlas with his mouth hanging open.

“That is the craziest thing I ever heard. How did I survive?” he said.

“I repurposed the Aegis into a life support system, and spacecraft.” He winked. “And I brought you here. The armor saved your life, but I also had to sacrifice it to do so.”

He sounded worried, John leaned towards him.

“Thanks Atlas, I owe you one.” He turned to Twilight. “Do you still have the Aegis?”

“I do,” she said, “I was helping Atlas repair it.”

“I thought you said you had to sacrifice it.”

“It’s possible that we may be able to restore limited functionality to it. It is the motor systems that suffered the most damage.” Altas supplied.

“So why are wearing my suit instead of fixing the Aegis?” John asked.

Twilight gave him a warning look.

“Your friend needs power and he’s more useful if he’s right there helping. So he helped me put it on this ‘nano’ suit. I’ve also been running experiments.”

“What kind of experiments?” John asked.

Twilight gave him a grin and walked to the centre of the room. She touched her nose to the computer that was attached to her left leg. She hopped on the spot a few times to test the setting. Spike went and stood by John and the crusaders.

“I’d move back if I were you.” said Spike.

John looked at the dragon quizzically for a second, and then did as he was told. He and the crusaders took position on the far side of the room.

“Okay, here goes.” said Twilight.

She hunched down low. John’s eyes widened as he realized just what she was going to do.

“Wait! You’re gonna-”

Before he could finish his sentence, Twilight leaped into the air. John tracked her as she ascended twenty feet to the ceiling, pricked it with her horn, and began her descent. It was interrupted when something blue crashed through a window and collided with her in midair. The collision sent the two barreling towards him. John dived forward, and looked back just in time to see the impact rock the bookcase, sending books flying. John looked at the heap at its base to see Twilight and a blue pegasus, with a rainbow mane, dazed and covered in books. Then a shadow fell over him. He looked up and instinctively threw his arms up as the book case toppled over. John cried out in pain as a shelf connected with his injured arm and a hot sensation in his other arm. He tried pushing it back up, but failed.

“Twilight, you okay?” he asked.

“Wha? What happened?” she said in response.

“I don’t know, but could you move? This case is really heavy.”

“Don’t worry ‘bout that partner. I gotch’ ya covered.”

John heaved a sigh of relief as the bookcase was lifted off him. Twilight was slowly starting to rise and the pegasus was blinking away.

“Thanks for stopping that thar’ book cay-ay-ayase! Ahh!”

John whipped around to the source to see a stunned orange and blonde pony, with a stetson perched atop her head. She was flanked by two equally stunned ponies, one of bright pink and the other, a white unicorn. Fluttershy poked her head out from behind them. The silence was broken by a rustle from the books

“Don’t worry Twi. I’ll clean this up.” The pegasus said groggily. “What were you doing near the ceiling anyways, and what’s with the weird suit?”

Twilight was looking at the mess of books in dismay.

“Well it was just an experiment, to show our friend John what I could do.”

“Ha, you got a colt friend now Twi? Where is he, I bet he’s an egghead just like...”

It was at that moment that she finally noticed John, not even a few feet away from her. He could see her entire iris shrink with her pupils. Fluttershy was tending a new cut on his good arm.

“Hi.”

“Aahh!” She yelped and streaked into the air. Stealing a glance at the other ponies, she regained her composure and gave him a glazed look and replied. “Hey.”

John looked around. He was surrounded by six ponies now. The four new ones were just standing there staring at him.

“Um everypony, this is John.” Fluttershy said meekly.

“Ya’ went an’ named him? It? Whatever it is?” said the orange pony.

“Of course she named him! What kind of pet would he be without a name? How would he now when he’s being called?” The pinkie zipped forward.

“Pinkie, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” said Fluttershy.

“Who’s a good Johnny boy? huh? Who’s a good Johnny cake?” John was wrenched forward by Pinkie and petted viciously on the head. “You are! Yes you are!”

“What are doing? Stop that!” he said.

John pushed the pink pony away.

“Ohmygosh you can talk!” She inhaled deeply, “I had no idea space animals could talk! None of Fluttershy’s other pets can talk! Do you like cup cakes? Can you say cup cakes? Say it with me.” She spread her hooves out and slowed her speech “Cuuuup. Caaaakes. Cuup. Caakes. Cup. Cakes! It’s easy! You try.”

“Pinkie!” Twilight shouted.

“What’s a cupcake?”

Pinkie was literally about to erupt \ in his face. John let out a sigh of relief when Twilight body checked her out of the way.

“Sorry about that, Pinkie gets very excited about making new friends, but I believe now’s a good time to introduce ourselves. I’m sure you’ve gotten to know Fluttershy since you stayed at her place.”

“This is what you’ve been hiding all this time, Fluttershy?” It was the blue pony again, pointing her hoof in John’s direction.

“Anyways,” Twilight continued, “the one hiding in the window is Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow Dash leaped from the sill. Gliding down in a few graceful arcs and landed in front of Twilight.

“I was not hiding, that just happens to be my favorite spot in your house.”

John noticed all the ponies roll their eyes. The blonde pony stepped forward and took off her hat.

“I admit, it was plenty shockin’ haven’ never seen a creature like you before, but for what it’s worth.” She slipped her hat back on and extended her hoof. “Name’s Applejack, Pinkie you already met, and this here’s Rarity.”

John hesitated before taking her hoof. She gave him brief, firm shake and withdrew.

“My goodness, Fluttershy, how did this poor creature end up in this dreadful state?”

John was slightly taken aback over Rarity’s sudden concern.

“I can recite the events that led to John’s current condition if you’d like.” Atlas put in.

“Ah! Another one.” said Rainbow.

“And isn’t he just adorable. I could just tote him in my saddlebag all day long. What’s your name darling?” said Rarity

“I am artificial intelligence and assistance unit Atlas. My purpose is to assist John in his research and containment of the spatial anomaly known as a singularity.”

Everyone in the room just stared at him. John grabbed his own face.

“So stupid.” he said, muttering under his breath.

“Can somepony tell us what he said in English please?” said Applejack.

“It is in English, Applejack. It’s just science is what it is.” Twilight was getting excited. “He’s a scientist, a sentient being. And what’s more, he was studying one of the most mysterious celestial objects in the sky, the black hole.” Twilight turned to John. “I’m right, aren’t I?”

John looked into her bright, almost smug, smile. He smiled back.

“Yes. You’re right. We managed to generate a black hole from a prototype fusion reactor. Enlarging the reaction chamber allowed scientists, such as myself, to go inside and conduct experiments or maintain the containment system.”

John was interrupted by a cough.

“If ya’ll don’t mind. Your day job sounds nice an’ all, but that doesn't explain what you are or why you’re here. Like what do mean by ‘we’? And what’s all this talk of fusion, reaction, and containment?”

“There are more of you?” Twilight’s eyes were gleaming.

“Well, yeah. Almost eleven billion.”

“Eleven billion?” Rainbow had asked the question “Whoa, I can’t begin to imagine living with eleven billion ponies. Must be packed, huh?”

“Now that you mention it.” John looked around the spacious room. “This place is almost empty.” He shivered.

“Rarity, I have an idea!” shouted Sweetie Belle. “Let’s go get a walker for ourselves. Can we? Can we?”

“Goodness no Sweetie Belle... what is a walker?”

“He didn't say what he was, so I made up something for him.” Sweetie Belle smiled broadly.

John chuckled.

“Sorry Sweetie, but I’m called something different. I’m just a regular human being.”

Twilight stepped in close, her expression was that of shock.

“I knew it,” she said quietly

John looked closely at Twilight. She withdrew, regaining her normal composure.

“Oh. I just knew you couldn't be named something like Walker.” She smiled weakly back at him, which only made him feel uneasy.

“Okay so you’re a human, but that doesn’t explain how you got here.”

“For the life me I can’t figure it out.”

“For which you are lucky to have such a problem.” quipped Atlas.

John gave him a glazed over look.

“I don’t remember you having a sense of humor before going into the black hole.”

“That’s it!” shouted Twilight. All the attention was on her now as she beamed back at them.

“What if, your black hole was a magic portal and when you went into it, it sent you here.”

John cocked an eyebrow at the grinning mare. He was interrupted by Atlas before he could speak.

“Impossible. Magic of such nature does not exist.”

John furrowed his eyebrows in deep thought.

“It does too, and I can’t think of any other way you two got here.”

“I can,” said John. All eyes suddenly shifted to him. “It all makes sense now.”

“Well can you hurry up an’ explain, some o’ us have work to do.” This earned her an elbowing from Rarity. John took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“Alright. First off, the singularity is a high mass object-”

“High mass. Oh man this is going to be boring.” Rainbow Dash said as she flipped onto the sofa. John cleared his throat.

“It is so heavy that it warps and tears at the very fabric of space and time itself.”

“Mmm, yes, uh do go on.” said Rarity.

“But here’s the thing no one, as far as I know ever went into a black hole. At least... not voluntarily.”

He saw the ponies faces turn worrisome.

“Why? What’s in a black hole?” asked Fluttershy.

“Nothing. Black nothingness. A void. A death sentence. Call it what you want. The point is, you’re never going to get out.”

“Whoa, cool.” John cast a glance at Rainbow Dash. “So what made you decide to do something as crazy as jumping into a bottomless pit.”

“It wasn’t entirely my choice, but it does lead up to how I got here.”

Everypony was now listening with rapt attention.

“Before I fell, I commanded that the facility collapse the black hole, and as I was falling, I must have passed through multiple ‘rips’, or portals, in the space time fabric. Basically, I just traveled between dimensions. And it seems I just passed into yours as the black hole fully collapsed.”

It was blank slates across the board, except for Twilight, she was giving Atlas a smug look.

“And apparently we ended up in space. Flew to down to Earth and I just woke up today.”

“That makes no sense whatsoever.” said Rainbow Dash “Tch, fabric in space, what’ll he say next?” This earned her a glare from Twilight.

John waited for someone else to speak up. Twilight took this opportunity to do so.

“I see, and now, I guess that means you’re stuck here.”

John thought for a second.

“Yeah I guess it does. Ah.” He grabbed the arm with the fresh cut. The bandage was now soaked. “Oh man. That’s pretty bad.”

“Hang on. I’ll get you a fresh bandage.”

“No need Fluttershy, a simple healing spell should do the trick.” said Twilight.

She stepped up to John and lowered her horn to his arm. John instinctively pulled back.

“Relax John, this won’t hurt one bit.”

Twilight closed her eyes and her horn began to glow, she gingerly set the tip on the sting mark. John looked back at Twilight when nothing happened. Then the cut lit up with white hot intensity, the same initial pain was magnified. John yelled as the white hotness travelled through his blood. Rapidly running through his spine, up to his cranium, down to his toes. The pain was unbearable, he thought his veins would burst. He fell down onto the floor, writhing. The white hotness began cooling in his body, it wasn’t long before he could breathe again. Twilight stood over him, a panicked look on her face.

“Oh no, John are you alright!? That wasn’t meant to happen, I didn’t think it would react so violently!”

John picked himself up. He looked at his arm, expecting pain. The cut was gone, not even a scar was left. He took a deep breath, and was surprised when his ribs didn’t ache. He gave his left shoulder an experimental roll. He took off the sling and waved his arm back in forth.

“Very interesting.” said Atlas.

“This is... freaking me out.” said John. He looked up into Twilight’s shocked face.

“It’s okay Twilight. I’m fine now. That, whatever it was, helped a lot.” Twilight let her breath go. John stood up and smiled when he could properly keep his balance. He looked out the window to see the sun was setting.

“By the way John will you be staying here in Ponyville now that you’re better?”

John stopped staring out the window. He didn’t have an answer. Fluttershy spoke up.

“He can stay at my place again, If no one else wants him to stay. I could use the company on my way back.” She looked down at the floor, avoiding their eyes. John felt his heart twinge. Twilight smiled at her.

“I guess that settles it, in which case you should all be going.”

“Wait, I still got questions!” Rainbow hopped up into the air.

“They’ll have to wait until next time, now go home.” Twilight showed them to the door. A puzzled look grew on her face “Where’s Pinkie?”

The doorbell rang. Twilight walked up and opened it. Pinkie was waiting with a huge smile and a box balanced on her head. A crowd of ponies stood behind her.

“Surprise!!” the pink wonder said exuberantly. Her friends all stood in shocked silence, John included.

“Pinkie what is this.”

“We never threw him a party. At first he was sick, so I was gonna throw a get well party, but then he got better, thanks to you, so it would have been a got well party, but then I realized he never had a welcome party. It was a doozy of a pickle so decided to throw a triple party!”

Streamers exploded from behind her and she lead the herd into Twilight's house. John considered sneaking out when, out of nowhere, Pinkie pinned him against a wall, her hooves on his chest. She balanced the box in his face, bearing it contents to him.

“Take one!” She excitedly exclaimed into his chest. John was worried.

“What are they?”

Pinkie Pie just giggled.

“They’re cupcakes Johnny! You’d like ‘em cause they’re out of this world, just like you!” she laughed into his chest again, John laughed nervously with her and took a cup cake. He wondered if it was edible. He shrugged and took a bite. His taste buds nearly exploded. He spat it out just from the sugar shock.

“Oh, augh, that’s sweet!”

Pinkie’s eyes watered as she raised an eyebrow at him.

“You don’t like it?” Even her lip was quivering.

John stopped massaging his cheeks and looked at the cupcake. Cautiously, he brought it back up to his mouth and took a smaller bite. It was more pleasant, less sugar to deal with. It was one of the most savory things he had in his life.

“Thanks Pinkie.” he said.

Pinkie just smiled and trotted off.

“Hey John!” the crusaders shouted.

John watched them as they charged towards him. Scootaloo was already in midair, aiming for stomach. Like an orange football he caught her as the other two latched onto his legs. They were laughing maniacally as he stumbled around with a filly on each leg.

“Hey what are you doing?” he said as he shifted Scootaloo to his shoulder.

“What does it look like? We’re havin’ fun aren’t we?”

“We have two very different ideas of fun.” He was now trying to pry Applebloom off. “Now let go.”
“Nuh-uh. Its our duty as cutie mark crusaders to keep an eye on inter-dimensional aliens from outer space.”

“Oh really? It’s dangerous to mess with aliens you know.” he said.

“We’ll watch ya’ if if it means putting our lives on the line.”

John looked into each of their determined faces. He crossed his arms and let out a chuckle.

“Okay then, you asked for it.”

He kicked up his right leg as high as he could, and leaned back at the same time. Applebloom and Scootaloo squealed in delight. He let his right leg drop in a giant stride, bowing forward. He choked slightly when Scootaloo squeezed his neck. Sweetie Belle laughed as he kicked his left leg up and leaned back once more.

“It takes more than silly fillies to stop me.”

He took another stride forward.

“I’ve survived a black hole.”

He brought his knee up to his chest.

“I fell for thousands of miles and lived.”

A group of ponies separated as he passed.

“And that, was while I was sleeping.”

“Then what grand adventures should we expect while you’re awake?”

Rarity was standing in front of him, giving him a glazed over look. John looked from side to side, then straightened himself up. He felt the crusaders grip loosening under her stare. Unexpectedly her frown turned into a smile.

“Thank-you for watching them Mr. Walker, but I must take them home.

“Aww, can’t we stay?”

“Sweetie Belle, Mr. Walker has had quite a trying experience getting here, I’m sure he wants a little peace.”

“But sis!”

“That’s enough, it’s time to get you home. I’m sorry Mr. Walker I do hope they weren't bothering you.” John stood himself up.

“Not at all. They were just having fun,” He winked their way, “and just John will do.”

“Well ‘just John’ you enjoy the rest of your evening.” she began walking the three to the door. “Oh, one more thing, If you would like, perhaps I can make you some proper clothes? My boutique is open tomorrow, you can drop by whenever you’re ready.”

John looked at his clothes. His shirt was already coming apart from his escapades earlier that day. John looked back.

“I would be very grateful. You have a good night miss.” she gave him a polite smile and walked out the door, fillies in tow.

“Bye John!” the three shouted back. John gave them a small wave and turned back to his cupcake.

“John Walker, huh?” he mused.

He felt a tug on his sleeve he looked down at Twilight, she motioned him to follow her. She lead John up the stairs, up to the topmost balcony of her home.

“John, I was wondering if I could ask you some questions?’

John walked to the edge, its rails were far too low to lean on. He opted to sit down and lean up against it instead.

“Uh, sure. Go ahead.”

“From what I could tell, you became very smart. I mean how else could you have traveled here.”

“It was more of an...accident. And how I explained it makes most sense to me, it’s all theoretical.”

“It never occurred to you to use it as a portal?”

“Not until recently, and even then I'd never imagine it'd take me to a place like this.”

Twilight looked down, a look of concern on her face.

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

“Hm? No. Actually yes, I was wondering about the, uh, the black hole." She paused for a moment, looking thoughtfully at him. "Will anyone else get through?”

John shook his head.

“Some of my friends and a few others may have came through. It would be a long shot if they landed in the same universe, even with an Aegis.”

“You had human friends?”

John clenched his jaw and nodded.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

John let out a laugh.

“You wouldn't believe me even if I told you.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah, I mean you know how stupid it sounds when you say you rode in from outer space like a shooting star, but you weren't awake to see it?”

“Ever heard of cotton candy clouds raining chocolate milk?”

“What?”

“Exactly, now tell me what happened.”

John turned to the rail and leaned on it. He looked back over his shoulder at Twilight.

“Fine. Here it is.” Twilight took a seat beside him. “It all started when I rode the train to work.”

“You have trains?”

“Don’t talk just listen.”

“That’s terrible,” said Twilight when he finished his story.

“How could he just...”

“I don’t know.”

“And your friends, are they...”

John bit his lip and squeezed his clasped hands tighter.

“I see. For what it’s worth, I’m proud of what you did, and I'm sure that they would be proud of you.”

John shut his eyes tightly, trying hard not to cry. Nevertheless a tear managed to escape. He felt something soft brush against his cheek. He opened his eyes to see Twilight was examining her hoof. She looked back at him and smiled.

“It's alright M- John. We're here for you now.”

John turned back to the sky. They were no bathed in the full moon’s glow.
“You know what’s interesting John? I think I was tracking you the entire time you were in space.”

John turned back to Twilight.

“Really?”

“Yeah, It seems you originated frommmm, there.” she said as she pointed to the sky.

John followed her hoof and gave her a skeptical look.

“You’re kidding, I came from Orion?”

It was Twilight’s turn to give him a skeptical look.

“You know that constellation?”

“Yeah, it’s a side subject of astrophysics. See how far the bodies are moving apart, at what rate, and whatnot. Plus it gets you to read a few good stories.”

“That’s weird. How our two worlds have the same night sky. Kinda makes you wonder what else is the same.”

John stayed silent and watched the moon. It was a while before he could hear the partying die down.

“Well, I think that's enough excitement for one night. I’ll make room downstairs, you and Fluttershy can stay here tonight. Here.” She set Atlas down beside him.

“Agreed, I’ll just be up here a bit more, enjoying the breeze.” he said. Twilight moved downstairs.

“Wait.” Twilight stopped on the stairs. “Were you serious when you said there was magic that could open portals”

Twilight paused for a long time before answering him.

“Yes.” She continued down the stairs, and John turned back to the rail

Atlas flickered on.

“It looks amazing doesn’t it? Even better up close. Too bad you weren’t awake for that.”

John laughed.

“Yeah, too bad.”

Author's Notes:

I have made a few minute changes that will hopefully add a bit of subtlety to the current narrative. Basically I needed a bigger reason for John to be in Equestria than to accidentally fall in, fight the monster, win and then return home. Luckily, with a few small changes, I can add a new narrative layer that directly links John's destiny to that of Equestria and blow your freaking mind. Granted it's not gonna happen for a while. So to the readers who are invested in this story, I've made a shitty return. I built up your hype and let it crash down. This story should've been finished by now and I have the same amount of time now as I did when I was putting out a chapter a week. You people are awesome and I was really happy you were reading my story and enjoying it.

Last note: This story ends before Season 3, and I have an idea for it's sequel. WHERE JOHN DIES.

Part III

John tiredly climbed down the stairs. It had been a long day and he had just finished listening to Atlas’ account of their trip through space. Twilight was laying extra bedding in her living room. She looked up as he was coming down.
“Is something wrong?” John met her gaze.

“Yeah, my entire predicament.” he replied.

“Wanna talk about it?”

“Can it wait till morning.” John said with a yawn. Twilight nodded her head. She finished levitating everything into place.

“Well, here’s where you’ll be sleeping. Fluttershy will be up in my room. If you need anything don’t be afraid to ask.”

John nodded. The energy he seemed to have gained from Twilight’s spell dissipated as quickly as it had come.

“Thanks. I’ll see you in the morning.” He flopped onto the makeshift bed. A sigh escaped his body. Twilight permitted herself a smile, proceeding upstairs.

“Have a good night.” the lights were extinguished. John found himself in the dark, the only light was coming in through the windows. He suddenly remembered last night’s nightmare. He was glad it wasn’t pitch black in here. He lay there, his brain was restless. Atlas was pretty stupid for using him as a human spacecraft, but then again what other choices were available to him. He was unconscious and would not have survived if it wasn’t for him. Turning himself over he looked to the ceiling, the ambient light traveling inside unhindered by the broken window. He lay like that for a while, pondering what had happened to his best friend, to Vanessa, to anyone he cared about. The black hole filled his mind. He needed to get back, no matter if there was nothing left to go back too. He settled in his mind to seek help tomorrow, he looked up once again to ceiling. A shadow flitted past the ray of light. John froze, he waited to see if it would pass again. It didn’t. He started to relax when he noticed another shadow appear from a ground floor window. He sat up straight, trying to track it. He lost it, another appeared, and then another. His eyes barely able to keep up. As soon as one disappeared another one took its place. John hopped out of the bed and pressed himself against a wall. His heart was hammering against his chest. He looked up towards Twilight’s room. Maybe this warranted her attention. He ran when a shadow flew in through the broken window. He could hear the air churning as the shadow swept around the place. He reached Twilight’s bed. He grabbed her hoof and shook it.

“Uh.., John what is it?” John held a finger over his mouth. He leaned in closer.

“There’s something in your house.”

Twilight got up, concern shaking off sleep. She walked to the ledge, the shadow was flying all over the place barely concealed anymore. John looked on as Twilight extended her hoof and the shadow landed on it, hopping from it to her back. Twilight approached John.

“Is this the thing that has kept you up?” she turned. Ambient light fell upon a tiny barn owl.

“Whooo.” it cooed softly.

John let out a sigh of relief. “Yeah that would be it. Sorry for that, I’ll be going to bed now.”

He headed back down the stairs and fell back onto the bed. Hoping that sleep would find him. He listened to his own heart as its beat got softer and softer, the slowing tempo lulling him.

He was awoken by the sound of activity. The sun was shining brightly already, a beam cutting the air through the broken window. He turned his head, noises were coming from what must be the kitchen. Some shuffling paper rustled from his other side. He saw the baby dragon picking up some books and paper. It turned to look at him, then back at his work load.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you.” it said, as John sat up.

“No that’s alright, I needed to get up anyways. What’s your name again?”

“Spike, I’m a dragon.” He extended a clawed hand. “And you are?”

“John, alien.” he took his hand and shook it. Spike gave a chuckle, overridden by a low growl. Spike clasped his mouth with his claws. John’s eyes grew wide.

“Hey are you alright? WHOA!” He ducked as the dragon let loose a fiery emerald belch right past his head. A scroll manifested itself in the flames and hung in the air. John picked it cautiously, he looked at the crest, it bore a golden horseshoe. He looked back at Spike who recovered from the scorching discharge.

“Thanks for getting that, I’ll take that to Twilight.”

“What? You mean that’s normal for you?” stupid question, he thought. A lot of things aren’t normal here. He handed Spike the scroll. Spike nodded in appreciation and walked off to the kitchen. John watched him go. He heard footsteps, behind him, turning around he saw Fluttershy in the doorway.

“Oh good, you’re awake, come this way please.” She turned back into the kitchen.

John walked in, a single set of dishes set on the table.

“What would you like for breakfast?”

“Aren’t you guys going to eat?”

“No we already had breakfast.”

John found a clock, and it was nearing ten.

“I can eat anything. Except hay.”

“Then you won’t mind oatmeal? It’s all I have for the moment.”

“That’s perfect, thanks.” John sat down on one of the cushions by the table, barely low enough to be comfortable. Twilight began working her magic. Fluttershy took a seat beside him. She had a concerned look on her face.

“John, did you have another nightmare last night?” John was thrown off by her comment.

“No an owl just put me on edge a little, that’s all.”

The two friends looked to each other then back to John.

“No, I meant while you were sleeping. It happened a little while after you went to bed. You were causing quite a stir.”

John looked down at the table, his brow furrowed. Surely he would have remembered dreaming, and he never really moved in his sleep before, as far as he could tell. A bowl of oatmeal was pushed in front of him and Twilight joined the table.

“We kept an eye on you for about half an hour. The whole time you were tossing and turning, almost as if you were struggling. Every so often we heard you murmur something we couldn’t make it out. Do you remember anything?”

John reached for a spoon, finding nothing.
“Not a thing.” He sighed and resorted to shoveling the food into his mouth.

“Well from what Fluttershy told me, and the weird stuff from last night, it sounds like you may be suffering from some kind of stress.”

John finished off the oatmeal. He looked across the table at their concerned faces.

“I read up on it,” she ventured.
“Maybe, maybe not. They’re only dreams.” They sat in silence for a full minute. Fluttershy was first to speak up.

“Well I really must be going. The animals need me today, John you’re welcome to come back to my cottage, that is if you’d like too. But uh, you have all your belongings here so it doesn’t really matter. Just be safe today. Twilight I might not make it too the celebration today.”

Twilight was visibly saddened by this. “What? You have to come. We don’t celebrate lunar eclipses often.”

“Oh, I know Twilight, and I’m deeply sorry I won’t be there. The animals never seen one before. I’ll try to make it if everything goes well.”

“What’s so special about an eclipse?”

They both looked at John. He had cocked an eyebrow at them.

“It’s a celebration to honor Princess Luna,” she explained, “and it doesn’t occur very often.”

“So why does she need this massive celebration if shes a princess everyday. I mean did the King of Equestria decree every solar eclipse a reason to celebrate his brat?”

Twilight gave John a reprimanding look.

“First off, Princess Luna is not a brat. Second, we don’t have a King, or Queen for that matter. Third she rules alongside her older sister and my teacher Princess Celestia. And fourth, Luna is a wonderful pony who isn’t usually recognized. That’s why we celebrate eclipses.”

“Alright I get it, sorry for being a jerk. I just.. I just got a lot on my mind.”

Twilight turned back to her usual inquisitive self.

“So you are having troubling thoughts?”

“Ye- I mean no, no forget about it. Can we just talk about something else?

They all sat in silence for about a minute.

“Something interesting about the lunar eclipse celebration, is, well, this is the first one since she reclaimed her throne.”

John welcomed the change, but had to do a double take.

“What did she do to get removed in the first place?” Twilight was getting more anxious.

“Well it happened a long time ago. She wasn’t feeling appreciated back then and that allowed a dark force to manipulate her. She went by the name of Nightmare Moon.”

“I see, so you’re saying that something made her evil, is that correct?” John couldn't quite believe what he was hearing. Twilight relaxed a little bit and nodded.

“She threatened to keep Equestria in eternal night. That’s when her sister, Princess Celestia, used the Elements of Harmony to imprison her in the moon.”
Wow, thought John, What a load of bull.
“I’m not sure I follow,” he substituted.

“Our world is filled with magic. The most powerful magic being the Elements of Harmony. We used them on Nightmare Moon after she escaped her thousand year imprisonment.”

“One thousand years? Now I know you must pulling my leg.”

“No, I’m quite serious.” she was trying not to laugh. “The princesses are over a thousand years old and my friends and I used the Elements to change Nightmare Moon back to Princess Luna.”
This left John even more confused. He leaned back against the wall, letting out a slow breath of air.

“This place is enough to make you go crazy,” he thought aloud.

“Ah ha ha, yes, it can be sometimes.” Twilight quickly changed the subject. “Something important that you should know is that I wrote a letter to Celestia this morning, telling her about you. Spike brought me her reply.”
“The reply that nearly incinerated me.” John said.

“Spike doesn’t have any control over when the letters arrive, I’m sorry about that.”

“Just means I have to watch my back around him.”

“Anyway,” she was getting slightly annoyed, “she says she would be delighted to meet you and offer any assistance that she can.”

“Your Princess wants to help me?”

“That’s the idea.”

John leaned back against the wall and put his hand to his forehead.

“Well, what can she do?”

“I told her what you told me John. And she may have a solution for you to go home.”

John removed his hand,

“How is that possible? I explained it all yesterday. I’m stuck. Unless you got a magic portal stashed around here. You know, in case of portal emergency.”

“And I explained that the Elements of Harmony is the most powerful source of magic here in Equestria.” John’s blank face caused to her continue. “That’s your ticket home John.”

John paused for a moment.

“Do you expect me to believe some mystical force has the power to rip holes in time and space?”

Twilight was taken aback.

“If it means getting home, isn’t it at least worth a shot?”

John got up and paced the small kitchen. He leaned up against the door frame and turned back to Twilight.

“Guess I gotta start somewhere.”

“That’s the spirit, now we’d better make the time we have left count. I know Rainbow and Pinkie will want to hang out.”

John gave her a puzzled look.

“You want me to hang out with your friends?”

“Well yes, since you’re not going to be here much longer maybe we can get to know you a little better.”

“Won’t do much good. If I’m leaving then what’s it gonna matter.”

Twilight was taken aback, a stern look came to bare.

“Well what about Fluttershy, after all she’s done for you, you’re just going to leave without even saying good-bye?” A stab of guilt entered John, she continued. “If given a chance all these ponies would have done the same for you, the least you can do is pay them the respect of properly thanking them. You can return that favour with what little time there is.”

The guilt was driven deeper. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, all were willing to offer him assistance whether he was willing to accept it or not. Why did Twilight have to be right?

“You’re right, it’s the least I can do.”

A gentle smile replaced the glare.

“Plus I’d also like to think that you will remember us as we will remember you. It’s not everyday you make a friend with an extra-dimensional primate.”

John snapped his head up at the remark. Twilight winked. A smile began creeping into John’s face.

“Now that that’s settled. I think Pinkie is working today getting the food ready.”

“Oh please don’t send me out with Pinkie alone.”

“For crying out loud, she’s not as bad as you think. You’ll get used to her.”

“If you say so, just point me in the right direction.”

“She lives at Sugar Cube Corner. She’s there most of the time. If not, just take a walk, I’m sure some of the locals will have questions for you.”

“Here goes nothin’.” He got up and over to his equipment. Strapping on the power pack first, then picking up Atlas.

“John I was wondering, If I could talk to Atlas. You said he’s like a giant library, I’d like to learn more about you, and your species in general. If it isn’t too much trouble. And maybe I can fix your armor?” John looked back at her then to Atlas.

“Atlas, Twilight would like to speak with you, use discretion. And see what you can do with the Aegis.” He set him down on a table.

“Thanks John.” Atlas and Twilight said in unison.

“Maybe I should leave him with you when I go home.” Atlas turned his head quizzically to Twilight.

John smiled and headed out the door.

Sugar Cube Corner wasn’t hard to find. Twilight practically lived right next to it. He walked up to the door which displayed a friendly open sign. He pushed on it. A novel bell ringing over his head. The proprietor came out of the back from an otherwise empty shop.

“Hello there, wel...” he stopped his sentence short, “...come. Welcome! Well this is certainly a surprise. You must be the newcomer, eh uh Walker! Yes the Walker that Pinkie had a party for last night.”

John was taken aback, he didn’t think the rest of the town’s ponies would treat him like a human being. Guess that party really helped with his image. He took a mental note to thank Pinkie Pie when he caught up with her, if he caught up. He stepped up to the counter.

“Yeah I guess that’s me. I just came looking for Pinkie. Is she in?”

“She’s actually in town preparing for the Princess’ visit. Taking care of the food and all that. Oh which reminds me.” He ducked into the back for half a second, re-emerging with a box. He placed it on the counter in front of John. He beckoned him closer. John leaned in.

“Can I trust you with something?”

“Uhh, well...” John was quite dumbfounded by the yellow pony’s question

“Its okay, I feel you can take care of this.” he placed his hooves on the counter to get closer. “This is made from a secret recipe I’ve been developing. It was made from some of the finest ingredients this side of Equestria. Needless to say they were expensive, that’s why this cake is so small. If Pinkie were to even get a whiff of what’s in here she’ll wait for the perfect moment to strike,” he dropped a hoof down on the counter to reiterate his point. “I needed somepony to bring this cake to my wife while I watch the shop. She’ll keep it safe till the Princess arrives. Would you be willing to deliver it?” He was giving John a serious look.

“Okay, but why are you whispering?”

The shop owner gave a wary look around.

“Pinkie has a way of picking up on these things.”

John was getting more spooked by the minute.

“Okay I’ll do it. Uhh...what’s your name?” John said as he gently took the box.

“Mr. Cake, my wife Mrs. Cake is in town square, just a short walk to the south. Remember to avoid Pinkie. And thanks a lot for helping a pony out, take care.” Mr. Cake disappeared into the back once more. John stared after him for a second. Odd that Mr. Cake was so defensive, it was as if he thought she had some kind of sixth sense or something. John had just barely turned to leave when he was greeted by a bushy pink mane with a giant grinning face beneath it.

“Hi John!” she screamed in excitement.

“WHHHAAAAAA!” John screamed back. Nearly crushing the cake from his death grip on the box. “Never do that!” he shouted back.

“Do what!?”

“I don’t know! Just, appear!”

Mr. Cake rushed out of the back. One look at Pinkie and he was shaking his head. He looked up at John.

“Well I at least thought you’d get out the door. Oh well, Pinkie can you close the shop? I have to run an errand up town.” He walked up to John, he beckoned for the cake to be set on his back and rapidly exited the bakery. Leaving Pinkie and John alone. She looked up at him. Her back left leg twitched.

“Okey-dokey-lokey, I’ll have this place cleaned up in a jiffy, then we can go play!” she zipped to the back of the store. John followed, as he wondered how ponies actually cooked. Turns out it wasn’t that different from a human kitchen. With only a few user friendly changes. He picked up a whisk.

How did they use this?

His question was answered when Pinkie took it from his hand with her mouth. He watched as Pinkie’s speed approached the sonic barrier. The oven right next to him timed out and began to buzz. Pinkie dropped what she was doing and pulled a pan of pastries out of it. She set them up top to cool and turned the oven off. Her actions became a blur as the kitchen became squeaky clean.

“All done.” She wasn’t even out of breath “Time for cupcakes. Come over here, you can help decorate.” S

he already had the frosting and other decorations ready. He stood by Pinkie as she expertly frosted a cupcake, with her teeth no less.

“You see how I did it, now you try. Just take the tube of frosting in your mouth and...” John picked up the tube and squeezed out the frosting, a great deal less expertise in his execution. Pinkie was watching in amazement.

“OOoohhh. That’s really handy.”

John snorted at the unintentional pun. Pinkie laughed and snorted too.

“I didn’t know walkers could make that sound,” she giggled.

John smiled and shook his head.

“It’s been awhile since I last did that.”

“Did what?” she asked nonchalantly.

“Laughed.”

Pinkie stopped decorating and turned a shocked look towards him.

“Why in Equestria wouldn’t you laugh.”

John shrugged his shoulders.

“Haven’t had much to laugh about lately. I don’t know if you noticed, but my story from last night was pretty grim.”

‘Oh yeah,” said Pinkie. She turned back to him with bright smile, “At least you’re laughing now, right?”

John chuckled.

“Yeah you’re right Pinkie. All things considered, this is the most fun I had since coming here.”

With that, Pinkie Pie leaped onto his back in a tight hug.

“That makes me so happy that you’re happy!” she turned back and frosted the last cupcake.

“All done! Dig in!”

She managed to fit three at a time in her mouth. John grabbed one quickly before they all disappeared. The sweet sugar laden treat was just as good as last nights.

“I don’t know how you do it, but these are really good.” He took another bite. “Gonna have to search the entire world, once I get back, for one’s as good as these.”

Pinkie stopped scarfing all the cupcakes, she swallowed hard and turned to John.

“Are you really going to be leaving us? I mean you just got here, there’s so much to do! Please don’t leave!”

The rapid fire pleading pony ended up attached to both his ankles. He steadied himself on the counter. He looked down to the biggest, bluest pair of puppy dog eyes he had ever seen. He felt a hot stab in his heart, he quickly looked away to avoid further guilt. He tried moving his feet apart, no use. He set his head down on the counter, resigned to his pink shackle.

“Look Pinkie. When your princess comes it’ll be time for me to go, and you can bet that I’ll never forget this or any of you.” the blue eyes opened up to look at him again. “Sure I’ll be gone, but I doubt you’ll ever ever forget me either.”

“I guess so, I mean I never forget a pony’s face once I meet them, but I’m worried I might not remember yours, since I never met a walker before and I’m not sure of what you all look like. Then I remembered you’re the only walker I ever seen.” She sprung up into his arms and grabbed his face. “So I not gonna have any trouble remembering a face like yours.”

“Glad to hear it. Now I should be going there’s still other ponies I got to meet.” He set her down and turned to go.

“NO! I still want you to sta-ha-hay!” She launched herself at his legs, which caused him to topple to the floor. Pinkie was sobbing into the back of his calves.

“Great,” he muttered.

He began clawing his way towards the door, hoping someone would be there. He reached the door frame, struggling to pull himself through it. His head poked past the frame. Someone was there!

“Hey! Can you help me!? I’m having a bit of trouble..aack!” he was ripped away from the door frame, Pinkie gaining an unnatural amount of strength dragging him back while in her dismal state. The pony up front literally bolted in a second later, looking wary and suspicious, her face changing to total surprise at the sight before her. John reached out a tensed hand.

“Save me Rainbow!” he got no sympathy from her. She just fell to the floor laughing like there was no tomorrow. He pushed himself off the ground, only to be shoved back into it by four hooves on his back.

“Dashie, what brings you here? The Corner is closed today!” A combination of confusion and excitement filled her voice.

“I went to see if John was at Twilight’s, she told me he went over here and the sign said it was open so I came in.”

“Perfect timing too.” John said into the floorboards. Pinkie stepped off his back and picked him up.

“Well Rainbow, what can I do for you?”

Rainbow smiled. He could see her wings were tense with excitement.

“Well, just to talk I guess. It’s not everyday you meet a giant monkey. No offence.”

“That one’s free, but yeah I can talk.”

The three of them stood in awkward silence. Rainbow Dash ruffled her feathers and cleared her throat.

“Do you wanna go for a walk?” blurted Rainbow

“Yeah let’s go for a walk,” he said just as fast.

John started for the door. He couldn't move his right leg. Pinkie was attached again.

“Oh for crying out loud, Pinkie.” Puppy eyes were her only answer. John clutched his face.

“Pinkie?”

“MMhmm?” she whined.

“Do you want to come with us?”

“Oh that would be great!” She immediately let go and bounded for the door. John left the Corner, Pinkie was flipping the sign to closed. John could see Rainbow was getting impatient.

“The celebrations are that way,” She pointed with her wing, “we should probably get over there.”

John walked in indicated direction and was flanked by the two ponies.

“So, uh,” said Rainbow, “Are you like an earth walker?”

“Yes?” he said slowly, unsure of where she was going with this.

“Are there pegasus walkers?” she asked.

“Ye- wait, what?”

“You know, walkers with wings.” She flapped her own to emphasize.

“Oh, uh no, humans don’t have wings.”

“Eleven billion walkers and none of you have wings?” Rainbow looked at the ground. “That’s kinda lame that you can’t fly.”
It was John’s turn to look at the ground.

“Well, we do fly,” Rainbow cocked her head to John, “We just use machines.”

“Yeah right, there’s no such thing as a flying machine.”

John looked around at the simple village.

“Didn’t think there was.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes.

“Okay, let’s just say there are air machines. How would you know how to fly?”

“How’d did you learn?”

She shrugged her wings.

“I just went for it. I had a few crashes but I still did it.” Her eyes went wide and she grinned at John. “Oh I get it, ha ha, sometimes you just gotta fly. Must have taken some guts to try flying without wings. Let alone jump into a bottomless pit.

John opened his mouth to reply, but words failed him. Rainbow took notice of this.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to bring that up,” she said, “but if it’s not too much ask, why did you jump in the first place.”

John stopped in his tracks. Pinkie and Rainbow stopped a few feet ahead of him. They both looked expectantly at him as he dropped down on one knee.

“Here’s what I told Twilight. I was dealing with something greater than me, something dangerous, and there was no way I could stop it. So I thought maybe I could take it with me and... end it.”

John shuddered and closed his eyes. He could still remember The Fist’s iron grip on him was even greater than the crushing gravity.

“Uh, John? You in there?” John opened his eyes as Rainbow was waving her wing in front of his face. “Sorry but, you spaced out for a second. Are you... alright?”

John got up and started walking.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

Rainbow and Pinkie easily trotted back to his flanks.

“So uh, do you like flying?” Rainbow asked.

“Me? No I hate flying, you can’t get me to fly even if my life depended on it.”

Dash whipped her head towards him in disbelief.

“How could you not like flying? It’s like the best thing ever!” She started to hover at his height. “You walkers can fly, and you don’t even like it. You don’t know what you’re missing!”

“Yeah, but-”

“I mean if I didn’t have wings and somepony offers me the chance to fly, I’d take it in an instant.”

“It’s just-”

“Why be on the ground when you can be ripping around in the sky. It’s so cool, you should try it-”

“Rainbow!” exclaimed John. Rainbow turned back in mid air. “I don’t like to fly.”

“Alright fine, I heard you the first time, no need to get cranky.” She dropped back down to his side, and then immediately looked to the sky. “Uh oh, here comes trouble.”

“Trouble? What kind of- WAAHaha!” He jumped as a loud crack erupted behind him and he propelled himself up into a thick, black, cottony substance. He popped out on the other side and clawed at the fluffy stuff. Then his ears rang as a surprised, grey pegasus screamed in his face. John clamped his ears over his head, only to realize he was sinking back down. He quickly amended his decision.

“Where am I now!” he shouted back.

“Why are you yelling at me?” the new pegasus asked, nigh unto tears.

“Relax Derpy,” Rainbow Dash, “This is my friend John, he’s just hanging out for a while.”

“Haha that doesn’t explain where I am.” John clawed for a good grip once again.
“Oh, you’re in my cloud,” Derpy said proudly.

John stared incredulously at her, and noticed that her eyes were pointed in different directions. She smiled politely back as John forgot he was still sinking.

“Well could you get me out, it’s really cold in here.”

“Oh, sure thing,” said Rainbow.

Both she and Derpy took one his arms and lifted him out.

“You’re actually pretty light, it’s probably why you didn’t just fall back through the cloud.”

“How did I end up in the cloud though?”

“You jumped.”

It was at that moment that they reached the edge of the cloud, and vertigo hit John with a vengeance. All his muscles tensed up and his breaths became quick and sharp.

“We’re that high up!? This isn’t safe. Get me down now! For God’s sake don’t let me go!”

“Oh for pete’s sake, just calm down.”

“Rainbow Dash, I still have to deliver that storm cloud,” Derpy said anxiously.

“Go ahead, Derpy I can handle him.” Rainbow gingerly took John under her legs as Dery flew off.

John couldn't even move. His eyes were fixated on the ground, he just hoped Rainbow would get down there as fast as possible.

“You really don’t like flying do you.”

“Is it that obvious?” he said through gritted teeth.

“Hehe yeah, but I’d bet you’d really enjoy it if you flew my way.”

“No thanks, the ground is fine by me.”

Rainbow brought her head as close to his as possible.

“Do you know what you need?” she asked with an evil grin. John reflected a horrified look.

“Shock therapy!” She then proceeded to dive bomb to the ground below.

John could feel the skin on his face trying to peel away. He gripped tightly onto Rainbow’s hooves as the rocketed to their doom. She then pulled up at the last second, and John’s reality was, for a brief moment, an explosion of sound, colour, and gut wrenching acceleration. The ground was getting further and further away at a frightening speed, even the clouds were far below them at this point. Just when he thought things couldn't get any worse, Rainbow Dash let go. John spun to catch hold of her, but he was too late. The deceleration was slow and sickening as he reached the apex of his trajectory. John briefly caught a look at all that was Equestria. A glimmering city, a wide desert, massive forests, and even tiny old Ponyville. He was jerked back to reality as gravity kick in and pulled him back to Earth. John tumbled through the air, yelling the entire time. He only stopped when he saw Rainbow falling beside him.

“You wanna flying lesson?” she yelled.

“No!” he yelled back. He was clawing at the air trying to get himself upright.

“You might break something if you keep tumbling like that.”

“I’m gonna die, so don’t sass me!”

“No you’re not, now do as I do, spread your whole body out, it’ll make you fall slower.”

“WHY!? It’s still gonna kill me!”

“Just do it!”

John spread eagled, and ended up falling backwards. Rainbow came over, rotated him, and bent his arms and legs accordingly.

“There is that better?”

John could hardly speak. He was so petrified of hitting the ground, although they were still fairly high up.

“Yeah. Yeah I’m good,” he said, not daring to move a muscle.

“Perfect, lesson two.” she pressed her legs against her body and she fell like an anvil.

“If you can catch up I’ll save you!” she yelled.

“WHAT!?” She was out of earshot and getting further. John breathed heavily as he thought what about what to do. His mind went back to his last crazy decision in the labs.

“You better hold up your end, Dash.” John reluctantly folded in his arms and legs and accelerated. He could still see Rainbow Dash up ahead, then again it wasn’t hard to miss her. The wind stung his eyes as he got closer to her and the ground.

“Come on...”

Dash was only a few metres away, but the ground was coming up fast.

“Almost...”

John quickly latched onto Rainbow’s neck while she spread her wings, just in time to pull away from the tree tops.

“You better not freakin’ land Rainbow, because when we do I’m gonna ground for good!” he shouted at the top of his lungs.

“Fine by me!” she laughed. She banked hard and aimed for a cluster of clouds. She beat her wings and gently touched down on the cumulus. She looked back at John.

“I told you not to land.” He glared.

“Were not on land smart guy.” She bucked him over her head and he landed spread on the clouds. To his surprise , he was floating. He experimentally closed his arms to his sides and kicked his legs, which propelled him through the clouds. Rainbow gave him a puzzled look as he passed her.

“What are you doing?”

“I think I’m swimming,” John lifted his head and dog paddled back. “I think my suit is on the same setting as Twilight left it yesterday. If I could just...”

John brought up the gauntlet that usually held Atlas. He could see the suits density manipulation suite was in the negative range. He slowly slid his finger across the panel, and his body slowly rose out of the clouds. He flopped back onto the cloud once he was sure he wasn’t sinking anymore.

“Rainbow Dash, you’re either the worst flyer in Equestria or the best. I can’t really decide right now cause my brain got lost somewhere between the explosion and the freefall.”

“I didn’t think you’d make it in time. I was about to pull up just before you caught me.”

John gave her a horrified look. She tried containing her laughter, but she started clutching her sides as she fell into the cloud.

“Sweet Celestia, your face! That was priceless!” she squealed. “I didn’t think you’d actually believe I’d leave you hanging.”

“Good to know.” John sighed. “But seriously Rainbow that was the scariest moment of my life.”

“Even scarier than when you jumped?”

John stared into the deep blue sky before answering her.

“Yeah. Definitely.”

Deep rumbling could be heard in the distance. John and Rainbow sprang upright as a large stormfront gathered.

“Aww nuts, that storm’s headed straight for Ponyville. I’m gonna have to get a team to move it.”

“You can do that?”

“Yeah, didn’t you see Derpy fly off with her cloud?”

“I was seventy feet in the air, with my life flashing before my eyes.”
“How many times did you see that movie?” She said as she hooked under his arms.

“Too many times.” John breathed a little sharper once they got over the edge, but his fear was nowhere near as bad as it was before.

“I’m just gonna fly in for a closer look. See how many pegasi we need.”

They drew in close, and the storm bristled as if it was alive. Lightning lashed out every few seconds, and it was only getting worse as they drew near.

“Geez that one’s a doozy, I’d better get the entire team on this one.”

Just as Rainbow was about to turn away, a wild strike blazed past their right side, forcing them back towards the storm. Everywhere she tried to turn the lightning seemed to anticipate her movements and guide them towards its heart.

“Rainbow, what’s going on!?”

“It’s a rogue storm, looks like we’re gonna have to do a thunder run. Hang on tight!”

John did as he was told and Rainbow charged in. The dark thundercloud prevented any light from coming in. The only light came from the searing bolts as they streak past, missing them by mere inches. The thunder was loud enough to rupture John’s eardrums. Rainbow dodged and weaved through the plasma net, and then a small tunnel in the clouds gave way to clear skies, Rainbow sped towards it. The lightning grew more intense before his eyes, eagerly flashing to catch them in their escape. They accelerated, and the dark clouds were replaced by blue skies.

“Awww Yeah!” Rainbow whooped. “I haven’t done a run in ages. Wasn’t that awesome!”

John was clenching his teeth so hard he couldn't open his mouth, so he gave her a thumbs up instead. A split second later, his body surged with energy, his skin felt like it was on fire, the suit rippled from the sudden burst. He slipped out of Rainbow Dash’s grip like an eel and began to plummet. He turned, the ground was meeting him at break neck speed. He turned back to protect his head. Hitting the ground was painful, he fell deeper into it, bringing him to a full stop. The shock to his spine knocked the breath out of him, his lungs refusing to inhale. John thought he going to suffocate. It wasn’t for a few moments that his ability to breath returned, he greedily gulped down air. Lifting his head he saw a blurred silhouette flying towards him. It landed on the edge of the hole he currently occupied.

“Oh my gosh! Are you alright!? Please be alright! I didn’t mean to drop you, you just got really heavy all of the sudden, I couldn't hold on! Can you hear me!? John!?”

“I’m guessing that was the shock portion of the therapy.” John said through gritted teeth. His vision cleared, Rainbow was biting her lip.

“Wow, you fell really fast after that lightning bolt hit you. Almost as fast as a cannonball!” John turned his head to see Pinkie Pie standing right beside him. John closed his eyes and laid his head back down in the dirt.

“Just tell me one thing Pinkie.” John tried to push himself up. “How’d you follow us?” he fell back into the dirt, his body too heavy to move.

“She just does. It makes no sense but even I can’t outrun her.” Rainbow’s voice was filled with relief as she jumped into the crater. “Let’s help you up.”

“You can’t, the suit’s density polarity must have been switched when I was struck. You have to flip it on my gauntlet so I can return to normal weight. Its the computer on my left arm.”

“Computer?” they both asked. John looked back at them.

“Uh the, uh, tiny window on my arm, yeah, all you have to do is touch it and drag across, got it?” no sooner had he finished his explanation than he felt his normal weight return to him. Pinkie took control sliding her nose across the screen.

“Clever pony,” said John.

He cautiously sat upright making sure he was in one piece, his spine still hurt like hell. He tried wiggling his toes to check for spinal injury, relieved when he felt them inside his boots. He stood up nearly losing his balance, the shock of the impact was still in his system. He looked around, he was standing in the middle of a crater about five feet deep. He climbed out into the surrounding foliage.

“Hey John?” said Rainbow Dash. “Are you really alright? I mean I had some really bad crashes myself but...” She turned away. “...I’m really sorry for dropping you, I tried flying after you, but I couldn't catch up. I thought we were clear. But I was wrong” her voice trailed off, she looked like she was on the verge of tears, holding them back through sheer willpower.

“Hey, Rainbow, it’s alright as long as I didn’t land on my head,” he said, “the lightning switched my suit from light to heavy. If I hadn’t slipped, we both would have been in that hole, and I would have had a pony on my hands that would have been seriously injured or worse.”

He was met with a hoof punch to his chest. It knocked him back into the hole.

“What was that for!?” he shouted as he brought himself up to the ledge.

“You idiot, you almost died! I don’t even know how you’re standing, and it would’ve been my fault!”

“Fair enough.” he stepped out of the hole once again. “Please don’t ever do that again.”

“What? Drop or punch you?

“Both.”

“Just as long as you don’t try to be a hero.”

“Deal.”

“Anyway,” she said, “we should get back to Ponyville. The ceremonies are going to begin pretty soon. You wouldn’t mind flying again would you?”

“Yeah I’ll be alright with that, just nothing too fancy.” John looked for Pinkie. She was nowhere to be seen. “How does she do that?”

“Beats me, come on we gotta fly!” John was once again plucked from the ground before he could make himself lighter. He managed to turn it down mid-flight, allowing Rainbow to reach top speed. He watched as Ponyville grew in the distance. He tracked a point on the ground as it came up, underneath, and past him. That’s when he noticed he wasn’t wearing clothes. They must have ripped off at some point while flying.

“Hey Rainbow!” He shouted over the wind. She didn’t acknowledge. He tapped her leg, she turned down to look at him.

“Stop. At. Rarity’s!”

She nodded. Ponyville was close now, and she slowed down and turned towards a small purple house.

This landing was much softer, John thought, as Rainbow set him gently down.

He was about to open the door when Rainbow blocked him with a leg.

“Before you go in there, there’s something you have to know.”

John stepped back, his full attention on Rainbow Dash.

“If you go in there, it’s possible you may not come out.” John shifted a little further from the door

“Why’s that?”

“Rarity’s ob...” before she could finish her sentence the shop door flew open.

“What is all the commotion out here?” Rarity stepped out. “Oh hello Rainbow Dash, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”

“I... uh... came to drop John off, he said he wanted to see you.” Rainbow let her breath out when Rarity turned her attention to John.
“Well it’s good to see you again John. You must be here for new clothes, on the account that you are not wearing any.”

“I still have my suit.” That didn’t stop his face from reddening though. He cleared his throat.

“Come on inside then, I’ll be with you in a minute. Rainbow Dash are you coming in dear?”

“Uh...no thanks. I gotta clear the skies. Right now. Bye!” she blasted upwards, a rainbow trail following her.

Rarity turned inside, John proceeded in. He was met with by the sight of an expansive studio that was lined with mannequins, each dressed with a unique article of clothing and unfinished projects. Most of them being dresses. He stopped at one to examine it. It was a thing of beauty, designed to complement the wearers unique shape and movement. The personality for whom it was made for was embedded in the fabric. Back on Earth these would be considered dresses for dignitaries or even celebrities. He still couldn't believe ponies had a need to dress up every once in a while, let alone make something of such quality. His thoughts were interrupted when Rarity stepped into the room. He squared himself to her.

“Alright everything is ready, step onto this platform John, and remove your hoofware if you please.”

He did as he was told. He towered over Rarity once on the platform. He watched as she levitated a measuring tape and began snaking it through the air around John, pressing it against his body for measurements. He could see how Rainbow tried to warn him.

“I don’t need anything too complicated.” he said.

Rarity stopped for half a second before continuing.

“If it isn’t too much trouble, John, I would like to leave my mark so you may remember this place for when you return home.”

“How did you know I was leaving?”

“Twilight visited me earlier today, she told me everything. And I must say your friend Atlas is a charming fellow.” She said smiling.

“Pft. Yeah right.” Just how much did Atlas have to say? “Did he tell you how we landed in Equestria?”

“Why yes, such a heroic story. A true gentleman. You may step down now.”

She moved over to a sewing machine, floating fabric and thread to converge on the machine. He looked once more at the dresses. He stopped at one, he felt he recognized it somehow, it looked organic, natural, subtle butterflies decorated the dress.

“Do you like it Mr. John. I had that dress made for Fluttershy when we all went to the Grand Galloping Gala. You wouldn’t believe what I had to go through to make those dresses.”

John looked down the line to the five other dresses. He could easily tell who they belonged to. Rainbow’s gold adornments, complementing the flying colors. Applejack’s rustic gear spiffied up to brand new. Pinkie’s tamed explosion of pink and candy. Twilight’s stars showered the midnight blue hem. The final dress, Rarity’s, was fit for royalty.

“They’re... nice.” John said.

The sewing machine stopped, Rarity looked up from her work. She raised an eyebrow at him.

“What I meant was that, uh, not that I’m into fashion or anything, but you obviously put your heart and soul into these dresses, and to be honest it’s hard not to stare.”

“You don’t need to explain yourself to me, but I’m glad you understand my love of my craft. Just wait till you see what I have made for you, I’m sure you’ll love it.”

It wasn’t long before Rarity called John back, she had finished her latest masterpiece. He stood on the platform admiring the suit she had made. It was simplistic, like he asked, but it was the exquisite type of simplistic. The navy blue material felt natural, as it draped over his body. It was snug but the movement of his joints were unrestricted. Gold thread traveled along his contours in elegant curves. White diamond shaped gems were sewn into the coat, placed with geometric precision, and wrapping around his right shoulder. The left shoulder was covered in a small winter gray cape with a gold outline. His high tech suit was completely hidden from view.

“This is simplistic?” he asked with a smile.

“It is for me darling.” she said “Well what do you think?”

John looked down at her hopeful face, his smile grew wider as he shook his head.

“I love it,” he said almost reluctantly.

“Yes!” Rarity said with a start. John flinched at her sudden outburst. “Well, I’m glad you like it John. Now you’ll be the envy of your planet once you get back.”

John laughed. “I’m sure I will. I can’t thank-you enough, there must be something I can do.”

“I would very much appreciate it if you let ponies know who designed your clothes and that I’m willing to expand my clientele, if they so happen to come to Equestria.” she winked. Hers eyes drifted towards the clock. “Oh my goodness it's almost time for the celebrations. We really should get a move on.”

“Let’s.” John said.

John collected his things and proceeded to the door. Rarity cleared her throat subtly, He picked up on her cue and held the door open for her.

The walk to the town’s park was a short one, it was alive with activity. Ponies of every shape and size were mulling about, the celebrations had already begun. A large tent held the confections. John could see Mr. Cake as he went back forth between ponies and the food. A group of children ran past him, too busy having fun to notice a strange creature among them. Rarity lead him over to a clear patch on the ground where the rest of her friends were waiting.

“Hey John.” Twilight said, “I’m glad Rarity didn’t keep you for too long.”

“I never miss a deadline Twilight, especially when the clients life depends on it.”

Twilight rolled her eyes as she pulled Atlas out of a saddle bag and handed him to John.

“He’s taught me so much, about your history, your culture, your science, and almost everything about humans.” Twilight watched as John attached Atlas to his gauntlet, “He showed me a lot of things, both good and bad.”

John froze. He dared a look at Twilight.

“I know that nopony is perfect, you shouldn’t be ashamed of what others have done, because I don’t think it reflects on who you are.”

John nodded.

“Thanks Twilight.”

“But you should also be proud of the things you do, like your sacrifice. It probably wasn’t an easy decision, but you saved a lot of lives.”

John looked to Atlas.

“She asked I just answered.”

John looked back to the stack of ponies. Warm smiles on each of their faces.

“Thank-you. Thank-you all. I’ll miss you guys.” Rainbow jumped forward and punched him in the arm. “What was that for?”

“Reason number one. Being a hero.”

‘No fair I wasn’t even on the same planet”

“Reason number two. You’re not gone yet, and there’s still tons of stuff to do before you go!”

“That’s right!” Pinkie yelled, “I smell a tasty cake with my name on it!”

John smiled. He felt a nudge in his side, it was Fluttershy.

“Oh sorry Fluttershy I didn’t notice you there.”

“Me too, Angel has everything under control. I also wanted to see you before you went and..” She paused for half a second, drawing something from a saddlebag. “I made this for you.”

John took the ornament from her mouth. It was small pale flower remarkably shaped like a heart. John placed it in one the button holes.

“Thanks Fluttershy, for taking care of me,” he leaned in close, “and thank your zebra friend as well.”

Fluttershy gave him a light hug, and trotted off back to her friends. John looked over to Twilight.

“By the way I have to grab my armor from your home.”

“Got it covered, Applejack is bringing it over. You’ll also be happy to know that Atlas and I got it working again. Kinda,” she finished nervously.
He just noticed that she wasn’t there. He heard a creaking coming up from behind him.

“Right on time,” said Twilight.

John turned around to see Applejack and a large red pony pulling a cart towards him. They were both harnessed to the cart, and wore out by their heavy load. Once they reached them, they unhooked, tilted the cart back, and dumped John’s armor unceremoniously on the ground.

“Hoo-ee, that was some workout, eh Big Mac?” Applejack flopped on the ground.

“Eeyup.” He was just tired as Applejack, but stood standing, an indifferent stare directed at John. Applejack took notice and leaped to her feet.

“Ah Big Mac, I see you haven’t met John, yet. He’s here visitin’ and the princess is going to send him home after the celebrations. Go ahead don’t be nervous.” she jabbed him in the side to move closer.

This guy’s huge, John thought. Compared to everyone else, his face was nearly level with John’s.

“Good to meet you Big Mac.”

“Likewise.” Was all he had to say. He trotted off towards the confection tent. Applejack came up beside John.

“Don’t worry about it, he’s not muchuva’ talker. Hey everypony, let’s chow down, it’s supposed ta be a party!”

Applejack lead the group of ponies towards the tent, John followed behind. At least he was going to have a good time before going home.

Part IV

The celebrations were well underway. John looked on as the ponies took part in the various games and shows set up. It was pretty similar to the impromptu party Pinkie threw him last night, just on a more grand scale. He began to wonder when the princess would arrive. His nerves were starting to act up. He was going to meet royalty, how was he supposed to act around her when she arrives. Royalty on Earth almost never makes public appearances. Furthermore, she had a way to send him home. He didn’t know whether to be excited or afraid of returning to his dimension, either way it wasn’t helping his nervous state.

“Sheesh partner you look kinda’ tense.”

The voice shook John from his thoughts, he looked down at Applejack.

“Yeah I guess I am.”

“What reason do ya’ have to be nervous?”

“I have lots of reasons, believe me.”

“Well, that shouldn’t stop ya’ from havin’ a little fun. Come on it’ll help you relax.”

Applejack took his sleeve in her mouth and dragged him over to a tub of water with apples in it. Ponies were gathered around it splashing the faces in.

“Ever played this game before?”

“This is a game?”

Applejack looked at him quizzically for a moment before letting out a small chuckle.

“Well o’course it is, here lemme show ya’ how its done.” She walked up to the tub and splashed her face in, re-emerging with a gleaming red apple in her mouth. She spit it into the air and gnashed the whole apple in one bite..

“Why don’t you give it a shot now?”

“Me?” he looked down at the tub of apples. Ponies have been sticking their mouths in that water for who knows how long. Applejack looked at him expectantly.

“Alright,” he said. I can put aside my hygiene issues for today.

He took a deep breath and plunged his face in. He came up with nothing, Applejack was laughing as he reared his soaked head. He gave her a sidelong glance, she gestured for him to try again. He turned his head once more to the tub of apples, a tiny pony walked up and plucked an apple out and carried on. Furrowing his brow, he carefully bore down on the nearest apple. It kept spinning as he tried to sink his teeth into it, finally catching it with his canines. He brought it up triumphantly, taking a chunk out of the apple as he grabbed it from his mouth.

“There, that wasn’t so hard. What's next?” he stated. Applejack was covering her face with her hat.

“What's so funny?” he asked.

“Nothin” she gave him a weak smile, “I don’t think I’ve seen anypony flounder for an apple so much.” Her already terrible poker face let loose a burst of giggles. “If ya’ want we can try somethin’ else. We still got plenty o’ time before the princess arrives.”

He almost forgot about the princess. Applejack`s advice worked, almost. He wiped his face, getting as much water off as possible.

“I could use a towel right now.”

“Ah don’t sweat it. Twilight can dry you off in a jiffy. Let’s go play pin-the-tail-on-the-pony.” she charged off in the direction of the large tent. John walked after her, finishing his apple.

“So you’re enjoying yourself then?” Atlas flashed up before him, a smug look on his face.

“For the most part, yes.” as he kept walking, getting a few stares.

“There’s nothing familiar about the kind of activities going on today?” Atlas said with an upward inflection.

“Not really, never been to party quite like this.”

“Are you sure, not even as a child?.”

John stopped as Atlas’ smugness took on a creepy wide grin. “What is it Atlas?”

“You know how I looked at my entire knowledge base, during our trip from the moon? Well I delved into the popular culture, natural history, and folklore sections. It seems that these activities are identical to ones employed at children’s parties, going by Earth’s current year, over hundred and forty years ago. Very uncommon in our time, thanks to electronic entertainment.”

John looked around, it was all very childish in nature. Balloons, games, decorations, all sorts of sweets, it didn’t take itself too seriously for a royal visit. It was just an innocent celebration where people could gather and have a little fun. He gave a small smile. He might reintroduce the bobbing apples game once he got back, get a few laughs of his own.

“Well thanks Atlas for that extremely useful tidbit,” he said with a smile, “If you want, you can try getting an apple. I’ll stick you right in the water. Make it easier for you.”

“No. No that’s alright. I’m perfectly fine, high and dry. I’ll just be in here till you need me.” he abruptly disappeared into thin air. John shook his head. He reached the tent, a long line had formed in front of wall with a pony’s picture on it. A blindfolded pony walked up to wall with a tail in her mouth. The onlookers voices rose and fell as she got closer. She pressed a pin on the back leg just below the mark, she pulled off her blindfold surprised at how close she was. The crowd stamped on the ground in applause, John smiled and applauded as well. A colt turned to see what the noise was by his ears was, he saw John’s hands clapping. He looked further up and found John’s face. John didn’t notice the wide eyed pony quietly shuffle away and out of the tent. Maybe I’ll skip this one, he thought. His original entrance was blocked off, he had to find a new exit, He spotted a path through the confectionery area of the tent. He was almost outside when a voice called out to him.

“Hey newcomer, glad to see you could make it to the celebration.” It was Mr. Cake, at a table on the edge of the tent. He still had the package with him, “I beg your pardon. It completely slipped my mind before, I didn’t catch your name son.”

“Oh, yeah, it's John”

“Do you wanna stay and chat for a bit. My wife’s bringing some of our famous cupcakes over, best you’ll ever have.” he beckoned him to sit across from him. John took the seat. How could he refuse a cupcake?

“You mean they’re better than Pinkie Pie’s?”

Mr. Cake allowed himself a small chuckle “Pinkie’s an excellent baker, but she can’t pull anything quite like my wife and myself.” He crossed his legs in front of himself with satisfaction.

“Sounds great, but I thought I should let you know. Pinkie has her sights set on that cake.”

“I know she does,” he said tiredly, “It’s not the first time we had to fend her off, but thank-you for the warning.” He leaned forward on the table, “Besides I have a few tricks in my apron.” He patted his own chest with a sly smile

At that moment a chubby blue pony carrying a platter came up to the table. Her pink mane sat atop her head like a custard topping.

“Okay dear we should be set for the next...” Her eyes came to rest on John “...oh my.”

Mr. Cake read his wife’s reaction and interjected.

“Dear, this is John, he’s the walker Pinkie told us about, John this is my wife.”

“Nice to meet you Mrs. Cake.”

“Oh.” she started, before regaining her composure, “Well its a pleasure meeting you as well dear.” she sat down by her husband. “Pinkie was very descriptive when she told us about you. I was astonished that it matched you to a ‘T’.”

“She’s pretty much the reason why no one here is running away at the sight of me.”

“Why would anypony run away from you?” Concern began to show on her face.

“Well I’m kinda... different.” John watched as the couple looked back at each other and back to him. Mr. Cake pushed the plate of pastries to John. He took a cupcake.

“John, lots of things are different. Its almost everyday you see something new and exciting in Ponyville. Quite frankly, I’m used to all the craziness that happens. I can’t say the same for everypony else, but I’m sure they’ve seen just as much, if not more than we have.” Mr. Cake took his wife’s hoof. “You may not be from around here son, but lemme tell you. It’s nice to have something different shake things up a bit.”

He turned the cupcake in his hands. This place was so different, yet eerily similar. It shook up his life when he was on the brink of death. It had awaken something dormant in him, something he shared with his closest friends on Earth. The thought of leaving new friends behind had flashed in his mind. He pushed that thought aside, first he had to return home, stop the singularity for good. If at all possible he can research a way for dimensional travel.
Impossible, John thought. He took a bite of the cupcake. They were right, these cupcakes were far better than Pinkie’s. His worries melted away with every bite of it.

“Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, I should be going. I need to make sure some things are in order before I leave.”

“You’re leaving Ponyville? When exactly?”

“As soon as the Princess is done with the celebrations.”

“You’re going home with Princess Celestia?” Mrs. Cake eyed him suspiciously.

“No, no. She’s sending me home, with magic. Don’t know if it will work, but it’s worth a shot.” John let out his breath as Mrs. Cake relented.

“We’ll make you a care package for the trip then.”

“That isn’t necessary.”

“Don’t be such a filly, you will need a snack for the trip. I’m guessing that you live very far away for the Princess to send you home. You’ll thank me.”

“You could say that.”

Mrs. Cake and her husband got up and trotted away. “We’ll find you when it`s time for you to go.” Mr. Cake said over his shoulder.

John proceeded out of the tent. Better find his armor, make sure it works. Who knows what Twilight did to it. He headed towards the park. The mornings events were finally catching up to him. He placed himself down on a park bench, looking onward at the scene. Nobody he knew was in sight, he had a small measure of peace. Something caught his attention on the right, on a bench nearby was a mint-green unicorn sipping a drink. It wasn’t the oddest thing he had seen yet, but it certainly stood out. The green unicorn was sitting just as he was. He didn’t notice when she turned her head to stare right back at him, straw still in mouth. John abruptly whipped his face straight ahead of him, keeping her in his peripherals.

Oh great, now she thinks I’m a creep, he thought. The green unicorn packed up her stuff and left. He let out a sigh of relief, only to suck it back in when he found the green unicorn appeared right beside him.

“You look pretty lonely by yourself, mind if I join you?” she asked. John stammered for a second.

“Listen I’m sorry for star...”

“Oh just move over will you.” John slid over, the unicorn placed her hind quarters on the bench then jumped off her front legs to lay her spine against the back.

“So, where you from?”

“Uh” John couldn't have felt more awkward in his life. Some random pony, who happens to have an odd habit, is trying to make small talk with him. He looked at the Unicorn’s face, golden irises sparkled in her eyes.

“From the stars.” he ventured. He waited till she stopped choking on her drink. A few coughs later she could properly laugh.

“So what? You’re an alien, is that what you’re saying?”

“Yeah.”

“So where’s your space suit?” she said still laughing

“Still wearing it.”

“Don’t play dumb with me, I know Rarities work when I see it.”

“It’s underneath. Hey, why are you even talking me?” he blurted out.

The unicorn stopped her laughing and put on a sly smile.

“Well I thought I would see if this lonely creature was interesting or not, but all I find out is that it's a rude, suspicious jerk.” she said matter-of-factly.

John placed his hand on his brow. “Okay, I’m sorry for snapping on you. This day has been kind of hectic.”

“I’ll say. Whenever Rainbow Dash does a sonic rainboom it’s probably for a good reason.”

“What on Earth is a sonic rainboom?”

“You know, it’s when a pegasus goes so fast there’s an explosion of sound and light, but I guess space aliens wouldn’t know about that.”

“Oh yeah.” One mystery solved, thought John. “Look, it’s nice meeting new people and all that, but I have to be going.”

“Where are you going?”

“Home.”

“In space? But, will you survive?”

John started feeling heavy and his suit had nothing to do with it.
“I’m going to find out.”

The cryptic quote had its effect. They sat quietly for a few moments before the unicorn spoke up.
“When are you leaving?”

“As soon as the lunar eclipse is over.”

“Oh” she set her drink in her lap. She focused on it for a minute before turning back to John, extending a hoof.

“My name’s Lyra by the way.”

John half smiled as he took the hoof and gave it a gentle shake. “I’m John.”

“Have you thought about staying for a bit longer. Can you go home at anytime?”

“It’s kind of important that I leave immediately.” he leaned forward. The sun reflected off the gems of his coat. She shielded her eyes. John sat up straight upon realizing his mistake.

“I’m sorry about that.” he said sheepishly

“No it’s fine. Stuff like that is a given when dealing with Rarity’s work. I really should be going, need to find a good spot to watch the eclipse. It was nice meeting you, and maybe you can come visit Ponyville again.” she hopped off the bench and trotted away.

“I think she likes you.” Atlas was leaning his holographic body on John’s arm. John gave him a dirty look.

“I think Arty sabotaged you. Or replaced the real Atlas with his personality” John stepped up to the water fountain holding his arm a few inches above the water.

“Whoa let’s not do anything rash, I was just making an observation.”

John retracted his arm. Altas ‘regained’ his breath after a close call,and then John heard a commotion from the tents. Ponies were converging from every direction. A fanfare blared through the air.

“John!” Twilight Sparkle shouted from behind him. “John, I’ve been looking everywhere for you, where have you been?”

“I’ve just be-”

“Never mind, the princess is coming, lets go!” she forced him along with her magic. His boots leaving a groove in the ground. It was like being on the blade of a bulldozer, and it was headed for a crowd of ponies. John stopped a few inches short of bowling them all over. Twilight flitted past him, motioning for him to follow. Weaving through the crowd he spotted the rest of her friends at the front alongside the road.

“You’re timing is impeccable Twilight, I see you’ve found our friend John.” Rarity stated.

John came up to front and took a knee.

“So what did I miss?”

“The princess is just about to march down the street.” John could see Twilight was excited, even more so than Pinkie Pie. Before he could pursue the thought any further, he felt a sudden weight drop on his shoulders. He turned to see what landed on him. He was met by an orange smiling face with large violet eyes.

“You remember me don’t ya’? Scootaloo? Mind If I sit up here? The view is awesome.”

“What?” he turned and seen that Scootaloo’s other friends had done the same, with their sisters. “Yeah I guess you can pipsqueak.” A harsh knock hit him on his temple. “Ow.”

“There’s more where that came from if I get anymore lip.”

Before he could respond another fanfare filled the air. The crowd hushed as a procession started coming into view.

The tiny pegasus was fidgeting on his head.

“I still can’t see, I need to get higher. Ahh!” John winced as she shrieked in his ear. Her legs were clamped around his head and neck as he stood up.

“Now that’s what I call a view.” She said as he reached full height

The procession was fairly close now. White Pegasi in golden armor trotted in unison past the crowds. They didn’t even bat an eye in his direction once they reached him.

“They’re good.” he whispered. He heard Rainbow snicker.

The crowds of ponies began to lower themselves to their knees. He was still standing, unaware of what was happening. A rapping on his head turned his attention to Scootaloo.

“Bow down.” she chastised him.

He returned to his knee once again. Scootaloo hopped off and bowed down herself. John was curious as to what this princess actually looked like. What could possibly be so great about her that these ponies revered her with such adoration. She must be a powerful unicorn, or something different altogether. His nerves were starting to act up again, he began to shake. Applejack nudged him, giving him a reassuring smile. He looked up from the ground to see a pure white full grown horse walking past. Her mane and tail resembled Rainbow Dash’s, except it had less colors and was light in hue. They drifted in an non existent breeze. An impressive pair of wings were flared out. So she was a pegasus, albeit a large one. His eyes traveled to look upon her face, she had foot-and-a-half long unicorn’s horn as well. There was no doubt in his mind that this was the princess. His jaw had gone slack at the truly regal sight. A she passed by, an eye flashed in his direction. Fear seized him, forcing him to avert his eyes to the ground. He awaited what would happen next. Nothing came. The procession continued. Slowly the ponies raised themselves up. Scootaloo clamped onto his head once more before he could stand. The sea of ponies began moving out on the road and following the procession. Twilight came up to his side.

“Isn’t she amazing?”

“Twilight, what is that?” Scootaloo laughed at his remark

“She’s the princess, what else do you want to know. She’s powerful, beautiful, kind, loving, and best of all she’s everypony’s friend.” Scootaloo finished by kicking him in the collar bone to emphasize the point.

“She has the time to go out and meet everyone?”

“Everypony,” Twilight corrected “No I’m afraid she’s much too busy for that, but given the chance she’ll definitely be your friend. She’s been a great friend of mine ever since growing up in Canterlot. I studied magic under her. You’ll be in good hooves.”

The crowd was slowing down. They had reached a stage lined with guard ponies. A podium stood in the middle of their ranks. A light tan pony with glasses came up to the podium, clearing her throat.

“Citizens of Ponyville and esteemed guests.” a few eyes fell upon John. “Today we are proud to host a visit from the Princess once again. Doubly proud that she will be creating a new celestial movement in honor of her sister’s return to the throne. Today we celebrate the official inauguration of Princess Luna, ruler of the night!” the crowd cheered vigorously, the official raising a hoof for silence.

“Now without further adieu, I give you Princess Celestia!” the ponies cheered louder than before, the roar was nearly deafening, or maybe that was Scootaloo cheering her lungs out. The pony stepped down from the podium to let the princess take her place.

“It’s so wonderful to see all of you here to welcome my sister back. It makes me proud that you would readily swear by her side as you have done mine. It pains me that she wasn’t able to join me here in Ponyville today as she is taking part in the ceremonies in Canterlot. It would’ve have brought her great joy to see that you love her as your princess as you love me.” a solemn silence fell upon the crowd. John heard a minute gagging sound on top his head, he gave Scootaloo a shrug, and nearly dismounted her. “To properly honor my sister I’ve allowed her the power to block the sun with the moon, in a lunar eclipse. The sun and the moon will share the sky for a short moment in history, but it will stay in our hearts forever.” The crowd cheered once more. The princess nodded in agreement with the crowd and left the podium with her guards. Scootaloo was whooping in his ears again.

“Alright that’s it Scoot.” he picked her off his head and set her on the ground.

“Aww, come on I wanna see.” she stuck out her lip and began to pout.

“I kinda like being able to hear.”

“Pretty please.” she anted up with a pair of bambi eyes. It was having it’s desired effect as John felt himself waiver. It pained him that he had to deny the tiny pegasus.

“No, now go play with your friends.” it took all the strength he could muster, but he denied her. She left, accepting defeat and chased after her friends. Twilight gave him a stern look.

“That wasn’t very nice.”

“Would you want kids climbing all over you?”

“What do goats have to do with her.”

“That’s not what I meant,” he sighed, “Mind if I tell you something Twilight?”

“Sure John, anything.”

“I would never admit this to anybody back home but...” Twilight moved closer. “...you ponies are too cute for your own good. Scootaloo almost had me there, and now I can’t wait to get out of here.”

Twilight just stared at him, and then gave him a sly grin.

“Well if that’s all it takes to control a walker then...” She rounded on him with eyes shining bright and a scrunched up smile, and her front legs crossed straight in front of her. “...pwease stay John.”

“Oh god.” he said under his breath, shielding his eyes from Twilight. “Can we just see the Princess already.”

“Oh, of course. We still have a little time before the eclipse starts. You'll love her.”

“I already feel like part of the family.”

“It’ll be fine. This way.” she trotted off towards the park, as John trailed her. She was easy enough to spot. The guards surrounded her as she conversed with the pony official. Twilight walked passed the princesses guards, neither of them second guessing her. John furrowed his brow. How could the guards just allow her near the princess. He ventured near the wall of ponies, abruptly shut out by their wings.

“Nopony gets near the princess without express permission.”

His eyes narrowed at John and his muscles began to tense. John took a few steps back.

“I’ll just wait for... Twilight to clear things up,” he said sheepishly.

He looked on as the princess's attention was on Twilight. She lifted a hoof in his direction, the princess's eye following it. He froze, a lump was forming in his throat, he swallowed hard as blood rushed to his head. The two ponies and the princess began to move towards him, the guards smoothly moving to her flanks. John’s heart was hammering, he tried controlling his breathing, it was becoming hollow and heavy. She was upon him, she stood taller than he did. His shoulder would probably be square with hers. He didn’t know what to make of her, she was just staring at him with a total deadpan expression, a sense of heavy scrutiny permeated it. He felt a bead of sweat drip from his forehead. She took another step forward, he twitched at the movement.

“There’s no need to be so tense, you are a guest in Equestria after all.” her voice was calm and soothing, cradled by a foundation of wisdom and experience.

“Huh?” John said, “Uh, Princess Celestia it’s an honor to meet you.” he took a low bow, and she leaned in closer

“It’s good to see you, John was it? Twilight was just telling me a little bit about yourself.”

John paused for a moment and his eyes darted quickly to Twilight.

“That's right princess, but thankfully there isn't that much to tell.”

The princess gave a light laugh and smiled

“I'm sure there's much more to you than that, and I wish you would consider staying longer to tell us all about your adventures.”

John followed up with a stunned stare.

“Princess, how are you going to send John back to his home? We can’t just teleport him out of Equestria.” Twilight’s teleport comment threw him off.

“Excellent question my pupil. We need powerful magic to locate and send him home, that’s why I had the elements of harmony brought along with me to assist us.”

This cued a pair of guards to bring forth a bejeweled chest. Princess Celestia opened the chest revealing several ornate necklaces, and a tiara with a uniquely shaped jewel in the middle of them. Upon further inspection, he noticed the jewel’s shapes were familiar. Pieces were falling into place.

“Those jewels, they match your friend’s marks.” John looked to Twilight for explanation.

“An astute observation John, as I said before my friends and I are able to harness the elements of harmony when Equestria needs it’s magic.” Twilight took John’s expression as permission to expand. “My friends and I have only ever used them twice, and now we’re going attempt to send you home by its power.”

John turned his head back to the jewelry box. It snapped shut, the guards withdrawing.

“It’s hard to believe that six pieces of jewelry can send me home.”

“The power doesn’t reside in the jewels, its in Twilight and her friends and you underestimate their power John. Is it not as hard to believe that you could ever wind up in a place like this?” The voice of the Princess flowed into his ears. A smile crept onto his lips.

“I guess not. I never thought a place like this could exist but once I go home...” he sighed, “...this will all be nothing more than a dream.” he cast his eyes to the ground. He froze as the Princess placed her head beside his.

“You know it is not a dream John and Equestria is open to you. As long as the future is not set, you still have control over what it holds.”

Spoken like a true matriarch, John thought. Nevertheless the words uplifted his spirit. She stepped back towards her guards.

“The lunar eclipse will start shortly. If I were you I’d find a spot to watch.” Celestia advised.

“Thank-you Princess, come John let’s find our friends.” Twilight galloped away. John stared after her with a puzzled expression. Celestia was looking at him with a large, bright, smile.

He quickly bowed and chased after Twilight.

He found Twilight and her friends at the same place as a few hours before. His armor still laying in the ground, and it sank about an inch. The cutie mark crusaders were examining the heavy piece of equipment. Twilight and her friends were idly visiting. John sat himself a little outside the group waiting for the eclipse to happen. Well his chat with the princess went well, or as well as it could, he thought. His nerves were acting up once again in anticipation and fear. The moment was near, soon he’d find out about the labs fate, and about his friends as well. If things went his way then he can determine a way to connect it to Equestria. If he did it once, he can do it again. But on the other hand. He shuddered at the thought of nothing but the cold vacuum of space awaiting him.

“Hellooo? John? What’re you doing way over here? Why don’t you sit closer, you’ll be able to see better.” Rainbow Dash was waving a leg in his face. Briefly forgetting where he was, John twitched at the sudden intrusion.

“Come on we got great seats.” she pulled on his arm with her front hooves as she beat her wings to drag him to the crowd of ponies. She forced him down between Fluttershy and Pinkie, interrupting what ever conversation they were having before.

“Hey Johnny!” Pinkie yelled in his ear, making him wince.

“Good to see you too Pinkie,” he said, “but you don’t have to use that much volume.”

“Hello John.” Fluttershy said, He barely caught the greeting.

“Fluttershy you have the right idea, but a little louder would be nice.”

“Oh. Okay.” she turned her face away, rounding back with sudden inspiration. “So how did your visit with Princess Celestia go? Is she going to help you home?”

Before he could answer Atlas flashed before them, startling both John and Fluttershy. Pinkie’s eyes gleamed in amazement.

“Ooo , that was a neat trick. Do it again!” the pink wonder demanded.

“Atlas!” John exclaimed

“I was going to tell them about your near disastrous encounter with Princess Celestia.”

“Everything went fine!” John countered.
“Not according to your vitals. You nearly fainted on the spot you were so tense. Your heart was going a mile a minute. I’m surprised you didn’t have an aneurysm. It could have been a total train wreck”

“I had everything under control.”

“You had me and the mayor worried John. Sure some pony’s get a little nervous when meeting royalty but you looked terrified.” Twilight Sparkle said pointedly. “You looked like you were going to wet yourself.”

“He nearly did.” Atlas remarked.

“Shut up you little liar.” John shot back. The ponies around him couldn't help but fall to the ground laughing.

“If only you guys had been there.” Atlas said laughing as well. “The only other time I've seen him that nervous was when he asked Vanessa out on a first date, eh John? John?”

John gave no reply. He disconnected Atlas and set him down by Twilight, leaving the group alone. He was right, he nearly did have a nervous breakdown, but to joke about Vanessa like that was completely out of line. John heaved out a long sigh and dropped himself on the ground. He looked to the sky to see the progress of the eclipse. The moon was touching the outer edge of the sun. Soft hoof steps approached from behind.

“Excuse me, but uh, Do you mind if I join you? That is if you want company. I understand if you want to be alone. But I just thought I’d ask.” only Fluttershy could be this considerate.

“No, it’s alright Fluttershy.” he said with sigh. She took a seat beside him, she was looking everywhere but at the eclipse.

“John, back there. Was it something I said?”

Her innocent question, caused the bottom of his brain to fall out. His face came to rest in his hand

“Fluttershy, you didn’t say anything.”

“Oh, right.” she said sadly. “But you’re not angry with us are you?”

No way she’s serious. He lifted his head to focus on Fluttershy. Genuine concern on her face, the same she had when he first saw her.

“No, I’m not angry. Just a little on edge, I don’t know what I’ll find when I get back”

“And Vanessa, who is that?”

A lump in his throat slowly formed, ceasing his ability to speak. His heart beat becoming sparse and weak. He forced himself to talk.

“A woman. Something happened to her before I...before I ended up here.” He gestured to the general area.

“She was special, wasn’t she?” She waited for his reply.

“Yes” he said quietly, staring straight ahead. The near inaudible answer spoke volumes as the two watched the moon begin to cover the sun.

“I hope you find her when you get back John.” She turned to give him the same whimsical smile that she dished out when he was injured. He returned a smile of his own.

“Thanks Fluttershy. I do too.” He turned his attention back to the solar eclipse. If this were his world he’d have severe retinal damage by now, he thought to himself. He felt a warm limb become draped across his back. Fluttershy had extended a wing over him. He gave her hoove a small squeeze causing her to blush. The moon inched further along masking the sun, becoming an opaque disk. The corona starting to give the moon a halo of pure light. It was one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen. The stars came out in their shining glory, the bodies of the heavens all brought under one sky.

Celestia may have the bodies of the sky at her will, but can she rip holes in space-time, John pondered. At least she had an idea of what to do. The moon wasn’t moving. John righted himself, something was wrong, it should have kept moving. The ponies around him were just as confused as he was. He decided it was best to check with Twilight.

“Come on Fluttershy let’s get back to the others.”

“Is everything alright?” Fear was entering her voice at an alarming rate.

“No no everything’s fine, I just want to check something with your friend.” he said trying to reassure her. They ran back to the group, John called out for Twilight.

“She’s gone John. She ran off ta find the Princess. I figure there’s somethin’ fishy goin’ on here. Hopefully nothin’ bad.”

“Thanks Applejack, I’ll go find her.” before he could run off an electronic voice called out.

“John don’t just leave me here.” it was Atlas. He was by his console where John left him. John picked him up and attached him to the gauntlet.

“Look John I’m sorry for earlier..”

“You can learn tact later, for now we gotta find Twilight. Did you see which direction she ran off in?” Atlas pointed the way, John following his directions. The air was brimming with confusion and climbing worry. He found the wall of guards surrounding the princess and Twilight.

“Stay where you are!” A guard barked, fixing John with a glare.

“I need to speak with Twilight.” John said levelly, matching the guards stare. The guard was ready to pounce when Twilight interjected.

“John, what are you doing here. Why aren’t you with everypony else?”

He was glad Twilight interrupted before getting into a fight with the royal guard.

“Something’s wrong Twilight, with the eclipse I mean. I figured you may have answers.”

“I know you want answers but I can’t help you. I’ve gone to the princess for the same reason.”

“It was noble of both of you to show concern over this predicament. But I fear this is beyond my understanding as well,” Celestia stated as she approached them.

“But you were in charge of the of movement were you not?”

“It’s a fair question, John, but something seems to be blocking my magic. The only other being capable of this is my sister. I shall go to Canterlot to see if she knows anything about this strange occurrence. Royal sentries stand on guard for when I return!” Her voice caused the ponies to stand to attention and bow their heads. “Stand back.” she added.

Light began to form around her horn, suddenly bursting into a giant orb. The flash nearly blinded John. He lowered his hands away from his eyes to find the princess was no longer standing in front of him.

“What the heck happened, did she just explode?”

Twilight paid no mind to fact that her princess just exploded. She took him by his sleeve.

“Let’s get back to the others.” she ordered.

They were not even half way back when ponies started shouting and screaming. John whirled about trying to get a fix on what was happening. Ponies were pointing towards the sky. John looked upwards, it wasn’t until his eyes fell upon the eclipse did he understand.

“Atlas are you seeing this.” his voice was hollow

“I see it, but I don’t believe it.” Atlas sounded shocked.

From the moon reached out a long opaque ribbon, weaving and slithering through the sky. John predicted it’s path. It was heading straight for them.

“Twilight! It’s headed straight for us!”

Too late, she already ran off towards her friends. He chased after her in frustration. When he reached them, Twilight was giving out orders.

“Rainbow, round up the pegasus ponies, we don’t want anypony going near that thing. Pinkie, Applejack start moving ponies to the other side of town, John go with them. Rarity, Fluttershy stay with me just in case. We need to make sure that if this things a threat it’s not going to hurt anypony. Move out.” None of them objected and moved to their respective duties. Twilight looked to John “Let’s go John, this could be dangerous.”

“I need my armor, then I’ll go, okay?”

“Alright but make it quick we don’t have much time.”

Time had already ran out. The black ribbon had touched down and was now swirling the air around it. The breeze picked up into a strong head wind. Ponies started panicking and charged away from the dark force. Rarity came galloping up to Twilight.

“Have you seen Sweetie Belle and her friends. I can’t find them anywhere!”

The ribbon became a giant mass, protrusions were stretching from the sides and growing into different shapes. John overheard Rarity’s concern and quickly looked around. To his horror he spotted three small dots in the same clearing as the black mass.

His armor was still on the ground, luckily he didn’t need to flip it over. He jumped in laying flat into it.

“Atlas get this thing on, now!”

His breath was knocked out as the armor’s plates viciously clamped onto his body. His clothes tearing as the armor sought contact with the suit underneath. The metal enveloped his head making him unable to breath. He clawed at the plates until it relaxed it’s grip on his face.

“Sorry John, there is still rust and salt deposits throughout the system.”

“Good enough now we gotta get down there fast!”

As soon as he felt the lightness take effect he charged down the hill. With Twilight shouting something unintelligible. He looked back, Twilight was now too far away, facing forward again he could fully take in the monstrosity before him. It had a long curved segmented tail with a four foot stinger attached to the end, eight legs sprawled from each side. To top it off, two car sized pincers extended from the front. The black mass was now a massive scorpion and it was headed straight for the frantically galloping cutie mark crusaders. John’s blood ran cold when they tripped over each into a pile. The scorpion was ready to smash them with its claw.

“I’m too far.” he called out frantically.

“Not if I have anything to do about it.” Atlas then let the exhaust port of the power pack on full blast. John rocketed forward, skidding over the ground. Before he knew it he was on top of the the crusaders. He threw his body into a sliding kick and swiped all three of them up in his arms. John’s head rattled as a bone shaking crash erupted behind him. The girls in his arms were screaming their heads off as he slid to the edge of a forest.

“Go now! Find your sister! GO!” John shouted, the crusaders did as they were told.

“John look out!”

The warning came too late. John felt his body smashed into the ground. He rolled onto his back as soon as he was free, the scorpion’s claw was raised to squash him again.

“Atlas, why didn’t you tell me it was right behind me!” He jumped to the left, narrowly escaping the crushing blow.

“This isn’t military hardware John. All I got is a barometer and a Geiger counter. It’s getting pretty hectic adjusting density for protection and mobility I recommend you disengage, now!”

“I would if I could!” he barely dodged a swipe from the claws. The tail sprung forward to impale him.

“Whoa!”

He turned to dodge the strike, and it missed him by inches. He grabbed onto the tail as it pulled its stinger out of the ground. A claw snapped at him as he passed, the speed of the tail out pacing the claw. John hung on for dear life as the tail flailed in every direction trying to shake him off.

“Atlas, maximum density!”

His grip began to slip as he got heavier. The tails movement slowed and began to curl, yet it was still holding him off the ground. Crap, John thought. Ropes flew through the air neatly catching the tail by it’s top segment. John twisted his head to see Applejack was letting ropes fly while her brother wrestled to tie them to trees. She managed to get several ropes onto the tail.

“Get down from there! We got this critter handled.”

John let go, he landed on the ground hard. Atlas reset his density and he raced over to Applejack.

“Fancy ropin’ there partner.”

“It’s all in the tail. We better git round to the front and tie him off though.” the trees were starting to strain from the vicious tugging. “Right now.”

The three of them gave the scorpion a wide berth as it scrambled to maul them. Applejack set off to work, she roped of its right claw, the much stronger appendage giving her and her brother grief. The scorpion stopped struggling, it backed up letting the ropes that held its tail go slack.

“Applejack! Mac! Watch out it’s going to...”

The scorpion’s tail lashed forward. The force of the strike coupled with the sudden tautness of the ropes severed its barbed tail. Black shadowy liquid spurted from the fresh wound, but the tail was still on a collision course for John. The blunt tail knocked him to the ground as he failed to get out of the way in time.

“John! Are you alright! You’re not going to believe this but we actually have sustained more damage than from reentry!”

“Keep it together Atlas, we still got too...”

He couldn't move away from the scorpion, his density was still set on high. He watched as the scorpion flung the two ponies off the rope, and turned it’s attention back to John, slowly advancing on him.

“Atlas now would be a good time to get us out of here.”

“...hardly any damage upon re-entry, not to mention a few years worth of high gravity maintenance. Hardly a scratch, then this thing comes along and puts dents in us it like a tin can...”

Atlas’ speech was rapid and frantic. John tried moving again, but he was stil too slow. He watched in horror as the scorpion bore down on him, he could see its eyes as glossy black sphere’s set on top of wriggling mandibles. John turned away, expecting a bite to be taken out of him. The monster squelched and screamed, John dared a look. The princess’ royal guard had entered the fray. Teams of pegasi flew in low, making distractions while other teams took the opportunity to buck at it. The scorpion reacted to the swarm of ponies by twisting and flailing, swinging and striking at nothing. It stomped around the clearing trying to shake off the ponies, nearly crushing John in the process. The pegasus ponies suddenly broke off leaving the scorpion alone. John wondered about the sudden surrender. That’s when flashes of lightning flew over his head and struck the scorpion in the side. It cried out in an awful screeching noise that felt like listening to grinding metal. John turned his head to see a line of unicorn guards, letting loose a volley of energy blasts before letting a fresh line take their place. “Fire!” bellowed one of the ponies. John tracked the lightning as it found its mark on the scorpion once more. The scorpion was retreating, defending itself with its claws.

“Atlas, we have back up!”

“...Backup? Good idea. I’ll be back in a bit with a previous version of myself. Supposed to be indestructible...”

John rolled his eyes, he struggled to hit the manual density control. He checked the soldiers progress, they were still beating it back. Good, he thought. He turned his suit’s density down, getting up he took a look at his armor, the chest piece took the brunt of the impact. Large dents and some plates were actually missing revealing the intricate machinery underneath.

“You, two-legs! Get out of there now!” John turned to see it was the pony in charge of the firing line, a commotion down range caused him to look back. The scorpion had broke through the ponies, ignoring further fire, and charging directly for John.

“Fire at will! I want that thing stopped in its tracks! Bring it down colts!” Fury and fire filled the pony’s commands as he himself let out intense rays from his horn. No matter how many direct hits, the scorpion kept charging. John scrambled to get away, only to be caught between the powerful pincers. Crushing pain shot through his ribs as the scorpion squeezed him. He let out a blood curdling cry as it drew him near to it mandibles once more. He struggled to pry open the claws, beating against them with his fists and legs. It presented him before it’s maw, the tiny arms grabbing at him. He swatted at them one at a time, eventually getting his arm caught. He yelled again as pain shot through his arm, it was going to get ripped clean off if he fought back, he could feel it biting down on his arm, not quite breaking the armor encasing. The force it exerted on his arm started dragging the rest of him in starting with his head. It wasn’t long before he couldn't see anything. His heart and mind were racing, trying to find some means of escape. The sound of gnawing, scratching and biting surrounded his head, sounds that threatened to crush him like a melon. Pain was ripping at his chest, he moved his other arm to cover the spot with missing plates. He struggled desperately with still free legs before they were clamped together and gnawed on as he entered further into the scorpions body. John was terrified, he had just been swallowed by a scorpion and didn’t know how it’s digestive tract worked. On top of that he couldn't see a thing. He moved his arm, it was no longer being acted upon, he checked his legs. He could move those to. He tried getting up, surprised and confused about being able to stand upright. He moved forward slowly, meeting no resistance. He brought up a hologram for light. The darkness went on forever it seemed. He could barely see his own hand, the light was just getting absorbed into the surroundings. John felt something spectral behind him, he turned to see what it was finding nothing. He felt another presence behind him once more. Whipping around he found nothing. The sickening sensation of deja vu found him as his heart dropped like a stone into his stomach. He bumped into something and John spun around. Standing before him was The Fist. Fear gripped him and he tried running. Only to be stopped as darkness reached out to grab him. John struggled against the darkness, fighting it off with little success. The pale apparition slowly circled him, examining John from head to toe.

“Overall optimal condition. Yes, a fine specimen indeed,” it said in a hollow, whispery voice.

“What are you doing here? How did you survive?” John shouted.

The Fist paid no attention to him.

“He’s perfect. Time to depart.” It walked off into the darkness and vanished.

“Hey, come back! What the hell is going on?” John struggled against his restraints once more. He gave up and looked around. “Atlas, you here?”

“Yes John,” there was a slight pause, “Where are we?”

“Somewhere bad. It’s the Fist, he survived the black hole and is controlling the scorpion.”

“What scorpion?”

“Priorities Atlas, we need to escape.”

“Yes, sorry. Can you move at all?”

“No. I’m tied up.”

“Where.”

“Arms and Legs.”

The small hologram gave him a grin. “I got this.”

The armor plates started shifting underneath the bonds, sawing their way through. Each line snapped one by one and John landed with a heavy thud once he was free.

“Great job Atlas, now all we need is to get out of here.”

“That may be more difficult.”

“Hit the lights”

The bright beams on his helmet couldn't penetrate more than ten feet in the darkness. John grimaced. He turned his head to the pitch black floor. He knelt down and drew his hand across it.

“Atlas, can we break this?”

“As long as it isn’t made out of adamantine alloy,” said Atlas.

John smiled and leaped into the air and came crashing down. He could feel the whole structure shake as he impacted. John checked for damage. John clenched his teeth, as he only felt a few hairline fractures.

“Where did he get an adamantine prison?” said Atlas in disbelief.

John shook his head. “Again.” He leaped up and thundered into the floor. The cracks were getting bigger.

“Again.”

The ground sank about an inch, but something in the dark was coming for him.

“Again!”

Light! Just coming through a hole the size of an atom, but there was light! John looked up to see The Fist emerging, with slow writhing black tentacles behind him. John leaped up for a final blow, but was caught mid air and was dangled upside-down in front of The Fist.

“A resourceful one, must remedy that trait.”

“What are you planning?” said John.

Once again it ignored him. It carefully stepped around the hole John made and placed a frigid hand on his chest. John felt his heart go numb and cold. His whole body shivered uncontrollably and suddenly he was afraid. He twisted away from the horrible figure as it turned and left him.

“On to the next one.”

John breathed heavily as his eyes darted around the darkness. He felt a pressure building in his head, the same as in his original nightmare. It forced him into submission as more darkness threatened to consume him. He felt his breath leaving him. The mounting pressure in his head and the lack of air were about to make him pass out.

“John? John!”

He could barely hear his own name.

“John! Wake up. We need to get out.”

“I can’t.”

“What do you mean you can’t.”

“I’m scare...” his voice trailed off.

“What?”

“The darkness, it’s everywhere, it’s in my head.”

“John? That doesn’t make sense, what’s in your head?”

“Black. Nothing.”

Atlas paused. He then accessed the suit and turned John towards the light.

“There’s light John, focus on it.” He waited a few minutes in silence.

“It is light.” John’s voice picked up.

“Yes, good, now where’s the light coming from?” He paused to let John answer.

“Outside.”

“And what else is outside?”

“Mountains. Trees.” John furrowed his brow as he tried to fight the darkness. “Houses. Ponies. Friends.” Something jolted his mind, as if it were let out of a vice. He sucked in a deep breath, but he could already feel the darkness creeping in again.

“Atlas listen close.” He winced in pain. “I want you remove the fuel cell.” He gasped as pain shot through his brain. “And then, ergh. And then I want you to... augh... to ignite it.”

Atlas panicked as John’s body went limp, but set off as instructed. He reached around and grabbed the fuel cell; without it they’d only have power for a few more minutes.

“If I could sweat, I’d be drenched John. John?” He got a indistinguishable mumble in return.

“Now how do I blow it?” said Atlas. He looked over the shoulder at the reactor. He looked back at the fuel cell.

“Sorry John.”

He reached back and held it next to the exhaust port. He crossed his fingers and fired the exhaust. It was almost instantaneous. The heat, and the force rocketed John and Atlas through the crack and out in the open. John started coming to, and he was turned around to see the black scorpion bursting from the inside.

“John, you’re alive!”

“I am? Where are we?”

“I believe we are what you call, shrapnel.”

It took John a second to realize they were careening through the air. He was fully awake by the time he saw the forest canopy coming to hit him.

“Prepare for impact.”

He crashed through the branches without slowing down, and a split second later he bounced off the ground and continued plowing through the growth. It wasn’t till he hit a tree with his entire body that he stopped. He slid off the trunk, leaving large gouges behind. John held his gut, trying to get his breath back. The armor slowly slid off his body and the light stung his eyes, even in the darkness of the forest. He collapsed in the broken pile of steel and clasped his eyes.

“He’s here Atlas. That psychopath is here.”

“The psycho is here, that much is true. But he is not the man that you once knew.”

John looked up to see a zebra standing in front of him.

“Zecora.” he said.

“We must treat you straight away. Or in you, the darkness, it will stay.”

John lifted himself to his knees.

“The darkness?”

Zecora got under his arm.

“Yes, an ancient evil which taints hearts. Especially creatures who are from the stars. Come, come, maintain your pace. For we must act with haste.”

John looked to see another hollowed out, well lit tree. He was brought inside and guided to the bed. He threw up his hand as Zecora shined an intense light on him.

“Remove your apparel.”

“Why?”

“If you do not you will be in mortal peril.”

John removed what was left of Rarity’s suit and took off the top part of his nanosuit. Zecora came up to him and smeared a luminous gel over his chest and forehead.

“So what happened exactly?” asked John.

Zecora looked at him and went back to applying the paste.

“I cannot be sure but it fits the signs. A great evil from ancient times.”

John scoffed.

“Sure The Fist is evil, but he’s not that old.”

“The one you call The Fist is not in control. It is possible the darkness already devoured his...” Her voice trailed off.

John turned to Zecora.

“His what?” asked Atlas. They both looked at him. Zecora busied herself with the gel again.

“Such grim matters will make the darkness grow. Call on positive thoughts, as many as you know.”

“What’s that gonna do?”

He was answered by a quick thump on the head.

“Do as your doctor says, as it will help you mend!” John rubbed the spot she hit. “Do you know what happened to our pony friends?”

“No, but I hope they’re alright. It seemed the giant scorpion was only after me.”

“That is a good thing to hear. The safety of our friends brings the heart great cheer.”

She placed a cup in front of him. John took it, gave it a sniff, then took a sip of the sweet tea.

“I never did thank-you for helping me out before.”

“Is nothing my dear. In Fluttershy’s care you had nothing to fear.”

“Except he wasn’t conscious, so fear wasn’t really an issue.” piped up Atlas

John shook his with a tight lipped smile.

“Shouldn’t you be conserving power?”

“Oh right.” Atlas flickered out. “I would appreciate it if you fix my power issue.”

“Don’t worry Atlas, I’ll figure something out.”

The computer blinked twice in acknowledgment and went out. Zecora turned back to John.

“He is a strange apparition. Perhaps I can remedy his condition.” She started mixing up another bowl of medicine.

“No, it won’t help, Zecora, I need to make him a battery.” He stood up and stepped out of the light. “Got any sulfuric acid?”

No sooner did he get up was he shoved back under the lamp.

“Please you must stay in the light. It is essential if we are to remove your plight.”

“What plight? I’m perfectly fine, aside from crashing through the forest, I think I got off pretty easy.”

“The damage is not on the outside, but where your heart resides. When you were inside the creature, the darkness invaded your heart. Had you fully succumbed to it, then Equestria’s worries would only begin to start.”

John looked back and forth across the ground, mulling things over in his mind.

“How do you know all this?”

“Ancient legends from ancient times my friend. But thanks to you Equestria is safe again.”

John furrowed his brow and looked at his cup of tea. He turned back to Zecora and smiled.

“At least I was more help to you then my own kind.”

This piqued Zecora’s interest.

“Please, continue. I would like to know what happened to you.”

John let out a light sigh.

“I meddled. I thought I was saving someone’s life but I only put myself and everyone I cared for in danger.”

“Who did you put in danger?” She saw John was hesitant. “You may speak freely, as I’m not a total stranger.”

John thought about all the people the Fist went through to get to him.

“Security, researchers, a brat,” he chuckled, “and then Vanessa.” He felt a pang of guilt for forgetting. “and Artie.”

“Seems they were your most important friends of all. Did they escape, if you can recall?”

John clenched his jaw.

“No. They fell. Same as I did. All because of that...psycho.”

“Calm yourself John this isn’t helping your condition. Tell me, what of your friend Arthur? What was his ambition?”

John was taken aback by the change of topic. He looked around nervously and back to his cup of tea.

“I graduated with Artie six years back and we’ve been working together ever since.” He laughed again. “That guy always had my back, no matter what.”

“You’re lucky to have such a loyal friend.”

“Yeah, but it shouldn’t have been the end,” he winced at his attempt to finish her sentence, “for him.”

Zecora just smiled back and gestured for him to continue. He tapped his knee trying to think of something to say.

“I remember his one time. Back in university, he uh, well he...” John cracked a smile. “...he inadvertently set me up with this girl who was from another university.”

“Ah, the smell of romance is in your tale.” She said with a warm smile. “Seeing how strong your heart is, how could you fail?”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, but uh it didn’t really work out the first time. It didn’t seem like she was the least bit interested. Artie kept pushing me on her, saying he knew something I didn’t, but for the life of me I couldn't tell what is was. I thought I was never going to see her again after we graduated. She got a top job for the government and Artie and I worked the private sector.” He stopped and smiled once more. “Then as if fate had different designs, we got assigned to the same project a two years ago. Things were a little uneasy at first. Then one day it just... clicked.”

He stopped and looked up at Zecora.

“I can’t believe I went through three years and I never asked her marry me.” He slapped himself in the face and clutched it. “I’m a bloody idiot.”

Zecora laughed warmly and stood beside him.

“Love has a way of making fools of us all. Still, it is better to love, than have never loved at all.”

“I didn’t want to lose Vanessa.”

They sat in silence for about a minute. Zecora laid a hoof on his arm.

“The medicine is working at last. And I must say, rather fast.”

John looked down at his body to see the luminous gel was getting black. Almost as if it were soaking up ink. Zecora took the lamp and brought it closer to the splotches on his skin, and, like water, they began to evaporate in a thick black steam. She hovered over every inch of his bare skin, making absolutely sure all the ink was evaporated. When she finished, John checked over his body in shock and amazement.

“What did you just do?”

“Drawing the poison from the wound,” she said as she tidied up, “With any luck, you should be on your way soon.”

“What? Why? Where do I have to go.”

“To save your friends you must prepare. For it can be a dangerous world out there.”

“What are you talking about? Do you mean Twilight and the others are in danger?”

“No, they are fine. It is your human friends that are in danger this time.”

John shook his head rubbed his temples. Even his legs going weak.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, back up there are others here?”

“It reacted quite slow to come after you. Which leads me to believe it was hunting others too.”

“Wait a second, while I was in the scorpion, The Fist said something like ‘on to the next one’.”

“Then that confirms my suspicions”

John snapped his head in her direction.

“For you I have an unsavoury, but vital mission.”

John faced her square, but his heart was pounding in his chest.

“This is a threat Equestria cannot handle alone. You must find your friends, you must take them home.”

John’s mouth was hanging open.

“The darkness is unforgiving and relentless, you must pursue and banish it back to the abyss.”

John dropped heavily back onto the bed. His felt his throat getting constricted and he breathed deeply to catch his breath.

“Zecora this is too much. I’m a scientist not a soldier. Isn’t there anything the government can do about this? They can find my friends right?”

Zecora gave him a pained look and shook her head.

“I’m afraid you must play a direct role. The fight for Equestria we must control.”

John closed his eyes and bowed his head. A soft hoof touched him on the shoulder.

“You have shown great courage thus far John Walker. And it is the strength of your heart that will take you farther.”

“I’m still not sure I can do this.”

“If you won’t do it for yourself you already lost. Surely finding your friends is an acceptable cost.”

John picked himself off the bed while grabbing his things. He turned back to Zecora.

“You’re right. I’m the one who got everybody in this mess, it’s my responisbility to get you all out of it.”

Zecora gave him a wise, beaming smile.

“Any ideas where I should start?”

“Like I said, you must prepare, but if all else fails follow the compass in there.” She planted a hoof on his chest. He could still feel his heart expanding and contracting with great zeal.

“Okay, I’ll see what I can scrounge up from Ponyville then be on my way.” He passed through the doorway and looked back to Zecora.

“Thank-you Zecora. For everything.”

Author's Notes:

Holy, that’s a long chapter. Thank you so much if you read the whole thing. I didn’t want to split this into two chapters because I don’t think it would have done it justice. Anyways I hope you liked it, and there’s plenty of adventure to be had in the land of Equestria.

Part V

“Okay just make your way through the dark, intimidating forest and it’ll be a straight shot to bright, happy Ponyville,” John said through gritted teeth.

Even though it was the middle of the afternoon, the canopy was far too thick to let any reasonable amount of light through. He even had trouble seeing the beaten path it was so dark. Not to mention it was so overgrown he didn’t know how it was considered a path in the first place.

“Well this is just fantastic. I can’t find my way out of a bush, how am I supposed to find Vanessa and Artie?”

He paused to let Atlas answer, and was reminded how he was shut off to conserve his power.

“Gotta fix you up too.” He swatted some leaves out of the way. “How the hell am I going to do that?”

He swatted some growth out of the way.

“A capacitor would be the best bet, but I doubt they even have simple batteries.”

He stumbled over a large root.

“Maybe even a simple lead acid one. No that won’t keep him online for a minute.”

He booted a rock only to have it bounce back towards him. Then his stomach took a dive when a deep, reverberating growl emanated not a few feet in front of him. The noise died down and was followed by licking chops and a massive yawn. As soon as his eyes adjusted, he could see a large hairy lion slumbering right on the path. John shakily took a step back from the giant onto fragile twig making a crisp, clear snap. John froze on the spot as the lion’s eyes snapped open and rounded on the source.

“Oh god.”

John bolted in the opposite direction, and from the commotion behind him he could tell the creature wasn’t far behind him.

“Don’t look back, don’t look back, Don’t look back!”

John stole a glance over his shoulder to see the massive form leaping for him.

“SHHHHHH-” The ground fell out beneath him and he slid down a steep slope. The lion soared over top of him. John spotted it spread it’s wings before he slipped below the canopy once again.

“Great, the lion has wings.”

John hit the ground running.

“What kind of lion has freakin’ wings!?”

He hid behind a thick tree trunk.

“Well if ponies can have wings, why not eight hundred pound predators!”

The tree was ripped out of the ground and snapped in half by the powerful jaws. John hesitated only for a second before bolting off again. He spotted a grove of low hanging vines and charged for them. As he passed underneath he pulled more down to ensnare the beast.

“See ya sucker!”

John’s little taunt seemed only to enrage it. It was tearing through the vines like tissue paper.

“Dammit.”

He didn’t know how much further he could keep running like this. The adrenaline was already used up and he could barely keep ahead of the monster. Finally, he tripped into a large pile of wood. John painfully turned onto his back to see his end come. To his surprise, the Lion was just standing at the edge of the pile while it swished it’s scorpion tail back and forth. It gave John a menacing stare then crept back into the woods. John let out the breath he had been holding and laughed heartily. When he caught his breath he turned his head to a snarling, wooden wolf. Then the tinder underneath heaved and shifted John scrambled over top the mass of moving twigs, all while avoiding snapping jaws, till he was at the edge. He turned around to see that he had landed in what looked like a pack of wolves, and they were made entirely out of wood.

“Even the lumber is trying to kill me.”

Without a second thought he ran again, followed closely by howls and the quick groans of their joints. John found himself in mid air once again, this time he desperately reached out for something. John caught a vine and gripped it tight as he swung through the forest at ludicrous speed. He dared a look at the receding pack.

“HA! You like that, you tick ridden tinder piles! Yeah!”

His celebrating ended early as he took a hard hit from an oak tree. John bounced off said tree and landed painfully on the ground.

“Ow,” he groaned.
The sound of the pack was getting nearer. John sprang up and tried to ignore the pain as he ran. He could only make it to a small clearing, before he was completely surrounded. Out of desperation, he picked up a large stick and held it out, ready to strike. He whipped around trying to keep an eye on all of them as they circled him.

“Well, what are you waiting for? I haven’t got all day.”

This prompted one of the smaller ones lunge at him. John took a wild swing and hit it square on the head. The small wolf yelped, and bounded for the safety of the pack.

“Yeah? Who else wants some!”

This time the largest one stepped forward. John swallowed hard. The massive wolf slowly circled him, and was getting closer with each step. John didn’t dare take his eyes off of it, not even to wipe away the heavy sweat on his brow. Then the wolf faced him squarely, baring its jagged teeth at him. John slowly slid a foot back. The wolf’s joints groaned like bending branches ready to spring back. John knew he wouldn’t be able to get out of the way in time. Only a miracle could save him now.

“Da da da DAH! Rainbow Dash to the rescue!”

All the wolves, including the large one turned to the sky. John threw his stick at the large wolf and jumped into the air. Reaching up, he caught Rainbow Dash by the hooves, and lifted his legs as the wolf lunged and missed. Rainbow Dash pumped her wings hard as they made their getaway.

“Geez John, you don’t have to hold on so tight!”

“I kinda like living!”

“Oh yeah! You’re heights thing!”

“Glad you remember!”

“Calm down we’re almost in Ponyville!”

John was backwards so he just spotted the edge of the forest. He allowed himself a relaxing breath as they made their slow descent. It wasn’t long after that he was dropped in front of the library.

“What are we doing here?” he asked.

“Everypony’s been looking for you. My team and the guards chased the bird up until it exploded. So we split up into search parties.”

John let his jaw hang.

“The scorpion changed into a bird?”

“Yeah. Anyway, we were supposed to bring you back to Ponyville if we found you.”

“Whoa, wait a second, what do you mean by if?”

Dash pawed at the ground.

“We weren’t sure what happened, but it left as soon as it had you. I didn’t know what else to do but chase after it.” She ruffled her feathers and pawed the ground some more. John gave her a quizzical look.

“What happened?”

“It was too fast alright,” she snapped, “nothing is faster than me, but it was getting away.”

“Lucky I blew it up then.”

“You did that!?”

John nodded.

“And you were in the Everfree forest since then?”

He nodded again and was punched in the chest.

“What was that for?” he wheezed as he clutched his solar plexus.

“I told you to leave that hero stuff behind, now get in here.” She pushed open the door to Twilight’s house. “I gotta hoof to you though, you got guts for staying alive as long as you did.

“Oh that’s comforting.”

John followed her into the main room of the library and was once again brought before Twilight, her friends, and Princess Celestia.

“Listen I’m sorry for getting you into this mess, but I got a plan to fix all this. If you just let me-” Celestia cut him off.

“There is no need to explain John. It was dangerous and foolish what you did,but I'm sure these three fillies are especially grateful for your recklessness.”

Celestia moved to the side as the cutie mark crusaders made a beeline for John and bowled him over.

“John you’re alright!”

“You saved us!”

“Did you kick that Scorpion’s butt?”

All three latched onto him in tight hug. John could feel his face heating up as everyone else in the room gave him an endearing smile. Pinkie was chuckling noisily while everyone snickered under their breath.

“Okay,” he said quietly, “That’s enough for now. You can let go. Alright, just one more, now go on.”

He pried each one of his body and set them down gently.

“I couldn't just stand there and let anyone get hurt.” He raised an eyebrow as Dash huffed. “But I do want some answers.”

“That’s fair John, I’ll answer as best as I can.”

“What was that thing and why was it after me?”

“I can’t say much on either account. It may just have to do with the simple fact that you, as a human, attracts such a force.”

“That still leaves a lot of guess work.”

“Which is why we must send you back to where ever it is you came from immediately.”

John widened his eyes.

“No, you can’t!”

“The princess is right John, you can’t stay here. It will only come back,” said Twilight.

“Look I can’t go because there are others here just like me. They’re stuck, or stranded. With no way back, they’re being hunted just like me. You send me back now, they are as good as dead.”

Celestia narrowed her eyes.

“How do you know this?”

John rounded on her.

“So they are here?”

Celestia was caught off guard by her slip up. Applejack spoke up.

“You’re sayin’ there’s more walkabouts like John here in Equestria?”

“Yes,” Celestia sighed. “Though we cannot find them, and yes they are most likely being hunted, which is why I planned to send them home as soon as I found them to eliminate the new threat.”

“Princess, you’ve been around for an awfully long time,” said Twilight, “do you have any idea what that thing was.”

“I don’t know everything Twilight, and I’m afraid that this may be new or even before my time.”

“I have a new question,” said John, “Do you know for sure that sending me, and the others, back to Earth will solve your problem? Better yet, do you know where Earth is?”

Celestia gave him a blank stare.

“It is my first and best option, I’m sorry John but your safety takes precedence. We will do what we can for your friends.”

“Wait, you can’t do this.”

“I can and I will. Guards.”

John was immediately flanked by two burly unicorns.

“Take him outside and send him home.”

“You heard her majesty, move it.” One of the unicorns said gruffly.

John held up his hands and moved out of the door at horn point. He stopped in the middle of the street and was turned to face the monarch and the Elements of Harmony.

“Is Everypony ready?” she asked.

Each of them looked to each other with a sad look on their face. Twilight looked up to the Princess.

“Is it alright if we say our goodbyes? He is our friend after all.”

Celestia nodded and the group trotted up to John. Fluttershy fluttered up and gave him a gentle hug.

“I’m glad I met you John. You take care of yourself, okay?” She smiled when John nodded back. “And don’t forget to eat lots of fruit and vegetables, they’re good for you.”

“I’ll try Fluttershy.”

“Git yurself lotsa apples ya hear?” Applejack winked.

“My pockets aren’t that deep,” said John with a smirk.

Rainbow Dash zipped in front of him with a large grin on her face.

“Admit it. You liked flying didn’t ya’?

John glared at her, then softened his expression

“I’ll jump in another blackhole before I ever fly again.” he sighed. Rainbow Dash giggled under her breath and held out her hoof.

“Pound it.”

John rolled his eyes, balled up his fist and knocked it against her hoof. As soon as she was out of the way he was being fixated by Rarity. Her pursed lips told him she wasn’t happy.

“Is this how you treat designer clothing on your planet?”

“Not normally?” he said awkwardly, “I didn’t know I was getting attacked by a giant scorpion.”

“I suppose you’re right. And you did save my sister, so you may have a reward. Kneel down if you would be so kind.”

She leaned in and planted a kiss on his cheek. Again he felt as if his face was going to catch on fire. He tried to keep a straight face as the guard on either side of him snickered.

“Thank-you, Rarity.” he said. He did a quick head count. “Where’s Pinkie?”

At that moment, confetti exploded above him as Pinkie lead the Cakes towards him.

“This-is-your-very-first-farewell, by-your-pal-Pinkie-Pie,” BANG, “I’m-gonna-miss-you-so-much, I-don’t-wanna-say-goodbye!”

Pinkie squeezed John to her side and snapped a photo at arms length. John blinked away the flash and Pinkie was dancing in front of him once again.

“We-hope-you-will-remember-us, where-ever-you-may-be, because-you-will-be-in-our-hearts-for-all-eternityyyyyyyyyyyy!”

Pinkie’s flourish was accompanied by a final explosion of confetti. John’s jaw was slack, but Pinkie managed to sneak up and close it for him and brought him into a bone crushing hug. She then looked back to the Princess.

“Can he stay awhile longer? Pleeaase?”

Princess Celestia did nothing but smile, and raise an eyebrow at her.

“Pretty please?” Pinkie begged, “Pretty please with a cherrychanga on top?”

“As enticing as that sounds, Pinkie, he must go.” As an afterthought, Celestia added. “Preferably while he still breathes.”

Pinkie turned back in surprise to see John’s purple face. She released him and John greedily gasped for air.

“He changes color? He’s the coolest pet ever!”

John grimaced at the pet remark, but got back up to one knee. John gave his attention to Twilight as she approached him. She averted her eyes and stared at the ground.

“I can’t help but feel like this is my fault. If only I knew more about you and your people, then maybe this could have been prevented. I’m sorry that we have to say good-bye like this.”

John opened his mouth, and then shut it. Twilight closed her eyes and turned back to the Princess.

“Twilight,” John called out. Twilight whipped around to face John, “I want you to do something for me.”

“What is it?” she said softly.

John took a breath and looked directly into her eyes.

“Please find them, and bring them home safely okay? Can you do that, Twilight.”

Before Twilight could speak, Princess Celestia stepped forward.

“You have my word, John. We will find them for you.”

John furrowed his brow and bowed his head.

“I’m ready.”

Celestia took her place behind the elements of harmony as the guards slowly backed away from John. John looked up as something was happening to Twilight. The air started to churn and crackle with energy. He could feel it travelling along his bones and into the crevices of his brain.

“Hey guys.” John said.

It starting to feel exactly like when Twilight touched him with her horn. His blood began to glow white hot in his veins.

“Stoooop!” he cried.

“Princess we’re hurting him!”

“Don’t stop Twilight! The fate of Equestria depends on it.”

John cried out in agony as the area bristled with magic. Twilight opened her now luminous eyes and a rainbow erupted from their necklaces skyward. John trembled as the ribbon of magic reached its apex and descended on him with the wrath of a tsunami. The force knocked him flat into the ground and held him in place. John bellowed out loud as it permeated his entire body. His heart was pounding a mile a minute the whole time, but at the height of the pain and helplessness, his heart suddenly became calm. A warm feeling washed over him as he struggled to remain conscious. Now John was in the dark place that he knew from before, except there was a light, floating in front of him. He reached out and put his hand into it, and it immediately split up into several smaller lights that shot off into the distance. Each one was a different distance away, and strobed with a different intensity. There was even a massive cluster off in the distance. As John took in the spectacle, a bright light shone from behind. The source grew more intense and completely filled his vision. As quick as it had come, it was replaced as quickly by a hazy, heavy darkness. His body was being shaken while a muffled sound called out from a distance.

“John? John!”

John tried opening his heavy eyes.

“I think he’s waking up! John are you alright?”

“Vanessa?” John gasped, “Is that you?”

There was a hushed pause followed by quick whispers.

“Does he think he’s back... oh no.”

John bolted upright and grabbed onto shoulders.

“Please let it be you,” he whispered.

John blinked away the blurriness only to come face to face with a stunned Twilight. John let his trembling hands slip off and let them fall to his sides.

“John, are you alright?”

John clenched his jaw hard to keep his tears back, and averted his eyes. He wanted to run, but his body was too heavy to respond.

“John, it didn’t work, I’m so sorry.”

He couldn't hold himself up any longer. John closed his eyes and fell forward. Instead of falling into the ground, Twilight rushed forward and caught him in her front legs. John tried to pull away as she held him tight to her chest and gently caressed his head.

"There, there, it's alright. You're safe."

John stopped struggling against her as she started to rock. Tears formed as he rested his head against Twilight's soft purple coat.

"It's not me I'm worried about," he whispered

Twilight looked over to her friends and back to John.

"I know what you mean, not knowing what happened to your friends can be painful."

John shuddered at the thought, and held onto Twilight. John almost fell asleep when a shadow loomed over them both.

"Princess. What do we do now?" Twilight asked.

John turned to the towering princess. She returned his gaze and took a deep breath.

"In a situation like this, it is best that we put him under protective custody. It is necessary that we keep a close eye on him."

"You're gonna lock him up!" shouted Rainbow Dash. "Princess, he didn't do anything wrong."

"I know he didn't, but it is too dangerous to let him roam free. At least if the creature comes back for him we will be prepared."

John couldn't stand it anymore, he pulled away Twilight's legs and stood up so he could be face to face with the Princess.

"So that's your solution? Lock us up one by one and hope you can protect us. I feel safer already."

"That's not what I mean John, this is for your own good."

"You have no idea what is good for me."

Celestia hit him with a piercing stare and John did his best to withstand it.

"Guards, take him," she said after a long silence.

Using their magic, the unicorn pulled John's hands behind his back and shackled them. John gave Celestia one last dirty look before he was hauled towards a waiting carriage

"I'm sorry John, but I will fulfill my promise to you."

"Yeah? And when will you find them? Today, tomorrow, in a year!" he shouted as he was shoved into the carriage. "If that thing finds them first, they're as good as dead!"

Celestia said nothing, but turned her back on him and started to walk away. Twilight was quick to join her side.

"Princess," she started, "this all seems a bit... extreme. Is there no other way to help him."

The princess inhaled deeply.

"I'm afraid not Twilight. If we had a clue as to where these humans are, then the situation may not be so grim."

"Wait!" John shouted.

Twilight and Celestia whipped their heads around as John poked his head out the carriage window.

"I can find them."

"How?" Celestia demanded.

"I don't know, I just..." John focused on Celestia's eyes. "...the elements told me."

Celestia just stared back at him. John could only wonder what was happening in her brain.

"Then you will tell us where they are." she said evenly.

"Won't do you much good," he said, "I only caught a glimpse, and from what I could tell, they're scattered everywhere." John sat back in the carriage. "So what's it gonna be Princess. Gonna lock me up and go on a wild goose chase? Or let the only guy who has a clue, go find his friends."

Celestia held his gaze for a few seconds before breaking it.

"We will discuss this matter further in Canterlot." With that, she pivoted and strode off, accompanied by her battalion of guards. Twilight took this opportunity to walk up to the window of the carriage.

"John, if there's anything we can do for you, don't hesitate to ask. Okay?"

John looked at Twilight's sincere face.

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."

"I'll see what I can find out about humans in the archives. There must something that can help you."

"I hope so Twilight," he sighed heavily. Twilight smiled back and stepped away from the window as the guards piled in. John was squashed between two unicorns while two others and a pegasus sat across from him. He leaned forward to wave goodbye to his friends. Without further adieu the carriage lurched forward and began climbing into the sky with sun about half way below the horizon. John clutched his legs tightly as the flying carriage made him slightly nauseous, he leaned over to reduce his sickness.

“You okay?” one of them asked.

“Yup, just fine.” he replied quickly.

The silence lasted for a few minutes before the pegasus spoke up.

“Fillies say what?” The pegasus was nudged hard by the unicorn next to him.

“What?” said John. Immediately biting his lip afterward, he faced the snickering pegasus.

The pegasus was pretty much quaking with excitement and had the biggest grin on his face.

The guard who elbowed him gave him a warning look. The pegasus ignored it.

“So, uh. I heard you made a little trip to the moon. Came back down the hard way didn't ya?”

“How did you know how I got here?” John asked. The pegasus’ smile widened as the guards looked to each other in astonishment.

“Ha! I knew it! Sandblast, you owe me five bits.” he pointed and gloated excitedly.

“I was not expecting that.” said a voice to John’s right. Sandblast was levitating a few coins over to the pegasus.

John’s head was spinning at the surreality of his predicament. He was being taken as a prisoner or VIP or something, and his equine keepers were taking bets and making small talk in a carriage that had no business being in the air. The pegasus starting babbling again.

“Hey I’ll make you a deal. Next bet is double or nothing, you could win your bits back and more.”

“You may take that risk Dice, but I won’t. You can keep your sly tongue to yourself.”

“How did you know that I came from space?” John asked, getting slightly annoyed.

“Space? Oh you mean the stars. I admit I wasn’t sure how you got down, but thanks to that little ‘bit’ of information, you just won me five bits.” he said as he brought his hooves together.

He looked out the window to the now starry sky.

“Must be cool living in the stars. Do you have your own constellation? Ooo I bet you're Orion! The way you handled that giant scorpion was freakin' awesome! No wait," he quickly looked out the window, "you're still up there. Or is somepony house sitting for you?"

John could hardly follow the fast talking pegasus.

“What? No, I don’t live there are you stupid?”

“You see Dice. Even he thinks your obsession is ridiculous.”

“It's no use. He’ll just keep chasing it.” said the unicorn to his left.

“Well now you know I wasn’t chasing myths and legends. He’s living proof for Celestia’s sake! I plan to collect on this fact. Let's see, where’s my balance book of bets made in foalhood.”

The guards groaned.
“You’re not serious are you? Why not just throw that thing away.”

“This thing has great memories! And a few bad ones. Besides it was more of a keep sake until Orion here gave it new found value.” Dice said excitedly.

John sat there with his mouth hanging open. He couldn't believe his circumstances of riding in a flying carriage, and speaking with a gambling pony.
“You plan on calling up people you made bets with in childhood and demand money for being right? That's one of the dumbest things I have ever heard.”
They all turned to John, who was giving Dice a deadpanned stare. Dice leaned over and patted him on the head.

“You got a few words mixed up pal, but you’ll get the hang of it. And to answer your question. Buck yeah I do!” he began laughing maniacally as the rest of the guards let out a synchronized groan.

“Whatever Celestia has planned for me can’t be worse than this.” John muttered more to himself.

“I hear that!” John felt a heavy hoof slap down on his back.
The force behind it nearly launched him off the seat. The guards chortled with laughter as Dice frowned and began pouring over his book. There was a rapping on the window. Sandblast opened it up to speak to the pegasus outside.

“The Captain wants you to keep it down back there. You’re not to talk to the charge for the remainder of the trip.”
The pegasus then overtook the carriage while Sandblast shut the window.

“How did your Captain know?” John asked.
No one gave him an answer, even dice managed to shut up by burying his nose in the book he carried. John looked to Sandblast who just waved his hoof in front of his neck. John turned back, the relief of conversation no longer held its domain over his slight nausea. The sooner they got to Canterlot the better.

It was late by the time they approached Canterlot, John was trying to stay awake to avoid falling over. The carriage turned and beyond the window was the great city attached to a mountain side. Its structures were easily visible through the moonlight. Towers stretched upwards, gleaming in the night sky. Sleep quickly vanished from his mind as he took in the sight.

“Welcome to Canterlot," said Sandblast.

John was hit with a mix of wonder and cynicism. The beauty of the city was equal to the shock of just how impossible it was, either way it left him in total awe. He thought how back on Earth there were cities built into the mountains, just not on this kind of scale. The carriage started its descent, now passing between the towers. It was shortly after that a jolt indicated that they had landed. The guards exited the carriage making sure John was last to leave it. Outside Dice was waiting with a pair of cuffs in his mouth.

“Great more cuffs”

“Don' worry 'bout it. Itsh jusht shtandard proschedure.” the cuffs were immediately ripped out of Dice’s mouth and slapped on John’s wrists. John winced at the force with which they were thrown on, he looked to the unicorn who perpetrated it. Sandblast gave him an apologetic look before standing at attention when the Captain came.

“Good work gentlecolts. Now, mm, John is it? If you would follow me. Colts you're dismissed.”

“Yes Sir!” they shouted. John spotted Dice giving him a wink before flying off.

“I trust you didn’t give my guards any trouble on the way over?” Ray Shear asked.

“No. If anything that pegasus was a real nuisance-” he was cut off by Ray Shear’s chuckling.

“Relax, I probably should have known better than to put you in the same coach as that Dice character. He can be insufferable at times, but he’s a good guard.”

John continued walking along him in silence. Questions danced around in his head and wondered which ones this colt would answer.

“Captain, can I ask you a question?”

“Perhaps you should save it for the Princesses. Their wisdom should be more than sufficient to answer your questions.” he replied evenly. “In fact you can ask them in a few moments.”

"Princesses?"
He stopped before a heavy set of ornate doors. With a flash from his horn the doors slowly opened revealing a grand hall. At the other end of the hall stood two figures on a flight of stairs. The white one he recognized as Celestia, the other was dark blue and slightly shorter. That must the other Princess, John thought. As he walked his eyes were drawn to the stained glass windows that adorned the walls. Each one had a story to tell. He slowed down as he passed a certain pane. He was sure he recognized the ponies in it. He was nudged along by the Captain. The Princesses met them at the bottom of the stairs. John started feeling uncomfortably scrutinized once again this time by the smaller dark one, though it felt less invasive, but more like fascination. Celestia gave him a quick look over and turned to her Captain.

“Ray Shear remove the cuffs, they are no longer needed.”

“Yes your majesty” without a moment's hesitation he released them and slid them into his armor. John took the opportunity to rub his wrists. “Anything else your highness.”

“Would you fetch a tailor. I think our guest would like some new clothes.” her order reminded John that his nano suit was all he had been wearing since he destroyed Rarity’s suit.

“Yes your highness.” without further delay he trotted out of the room, leaving John alone with the Princesses.

John’s heart was starting to beat hard. It had hardly been a minute and he could feel a sweat starting to break.

“We have discussed your proposition John Walker.” Celestia said

John eyed them quizzically. "And?"

"We realize now that to hold you would be wrong." Replied the smaller, dark one. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Princess Luna, ruler of the night. It is quite an honor to meet you at last."

Luna brought herself up to her royal posture and moved forward.

"We have been informed about the attack on Ponyville and your intervention, capture, and the eventual destruction of scorpion. We were also informed of your insistence on your need to find your friends and were resistant to the idea of sending you home through the elements of harmony."

"Which didn't work."

Luna gave him a stone cold glare before moving on.

"A very curious thing indeed. Usually anything threatening to the natural harmony of Equestria would be expelled by the elements."

John rolled his eyes.

"But," she continued, "for some reason, the elements of harmony have not deemed you a threat to equestria." She came up close and locked eyes with him. "Tell me John, what happened when you were hit by the spell?"

John couldn't turn away from her deep blue eyes. He even struggled to speak.

"It...it was painful. In my bones, in my brain, in my heart. And then the pain stopped. I was warm, at peace. And then a star. A star that split into smaller stars. They shone like beacons, beacons calling for help, but they were so far. Then a light, a bright light overwhelmed me and then I was asleep. A deep sleep."

Princess Luna broke eye contact and joined her sister. John staggered on the spot as he pinched his nose and took a few breaths.

"It seems that the elements of harmony have left you in an interesting predicament John."

John looked back up to the Princesses.

"What'd they do to me?"

"We are not sure, but it is obvious the elements have a purpose for you."

"To find the humans." he said.

"Yes, and possibly combat the evil that has befallen this land."

John's eyes widened. He took a step back and ran a hand slowly through his hair and down his neck.

"I said I wanted to find my friends, nothing more."

"And do you think whatever is hunting them will just leave you be?" Celestia countered. "I've witnessed how hard it fought against my finest guards just to capture you. You must fight equally hard in order to save your friends."

"I can't do that. There must be-"

"And didn't you vehemently protest that if I found any humans, including yourself, they wouldn't be safe under my custody? In my opinion, it would be best to eradicate this threat in the field, where it will pose no danger to anypony else."

"If you would just-"

"Not to mention that you are very new to Equestria, and I'm fairly certain you have no idea what other obstacles are out there besides giant scorpions."

John's thoughts trailed back to the Everfree forest. He visibly shuddered.

"Being locked up is starting to sound like a good idea." he muttered.

Luna let out a quaint giggle, while Celestia just smirked.

"Out of the question John. You so desperately wanted to find your friends and you shall. Just as soon as you completed our training."

There was a long pause as John matched the two princesses gaze.

"What kind of training?"

Part VI

Celestia smiled. John steeled himself for their ultimatum. Celestia nodded to her sister. Luna approached John, her gaze far harsher than Celestia’s staring him down.
“John Walker, as Equestria’s rulers we are tasked with the protection and well being of all who dwell in Equestria. In our offer we extend the same privilege to you, in return you must render us a service.”

Luna paused to let this sink in. John gritted his teeth.

“It is unfortunate, but my sister and I cannot attend to all the needs and woes of our subjects. Which is why we want you to be one of our errants.” Luna stopped again.

John still had nothing to say.

“As an errant, not only would you be helping us, but you would be doing Equestria a great service.” Luna finished triumphantly, giving him a small, hopeful smile.

“What is an errant?” John asked cautiously.

Luna gave him a surprised look, before she could answer Celestia stepped in.

“The errants are our royal agents. They dedicate their lives to seeking those who are beyond our reach. They are a friend and a protector, they are comfort and peace. They determine their own path, as it is a lifelong journey both for the mind and the body. They face adversity everyday yet their strength knows no bounds. Their spirit stands as strong as the day they were knighted. They are our messengers, our sentinels, and our beacon in the night. They are the Equestrian errants.”

Her words flowed with the same wisdom and strength that she had first greeted him with.

“We do not choose candidates lightly, as it is a tremendous undertaking.”

John was awed by Celestia’s explanation, and was at a loss for words once again.

“If it would make you feel better, we can allow some time to consider our offer. To, sleep on it, if you will.”

“What happens if I refuse?”

“Then I’m afraid your search will be much more dangerous and difficult.”

“That’ll factor in.” John said under his breath.

“Then it’s settled, John will stay overnight here in Canterlot and come to a decision by tomorrow morning. Captain Ray Shear!”

Ray Shear entered the room, trotting up to John’s side. “Yes milady.”

“Take him to the guest quarters, and assign him an escort should he need something.”

“Yes your highness. Follow me John.” he calmly trotted away, John doubled his pace to keep up. Once out of the room the Captain spoke up. “I presume the meeting went well, seeing as we’re not headed for the dungeons.”

“That’s one way of putting it.” John smiled lightly as they walked.

“You're quite privileged you know, being considered for becoming an errant. It is one of the greatest things you can do for your fellow pony. We’re here.” he abruptly stopped at large pair of doors.

He pushed it open and led John in. His jaw dropped at the stunning amount of luxury that permeated every square inch of the place. Never in his life could he afford such extravagance back on Earth. The bed alone was big enough to get lost in. He went forward and pressed his hand in it, it swallowed up his arm it was so plush. He backed away for fear of falling in.

“I will send somepony to stand guard tonight. You will find everything you need in here. As well, the tailor will arrive shortly. In the meantime, relax. You will have a busy day tomorrow.” Captain Ray Shear turned to leave.

“Excuse me, Captain?” John asked.

The Captain turned his head slightly.

“..I...uh” his thoughts were battling inside his head. Each thought fighting for intellectual supremacy in order to be expressed.

“How did you know that’s what we were talking about?”

Ray Shear gave him a wise smile.

“It doesn’t take a thousands of years of wisdom to see an errant in the making. Well, maybe just a few.” he said.

He slipped through the door and shut it behind him. John sat on the foot of the bed, where it gave way causing him to roll backwards into the soft bed. He struggled to pull himself into a sitting position.

"What have you got yourself into," he said, " Hey Atlas? Can you-"

John looked at the dim gauntlet. He let out a deep sigh and flopped back onto the bed, sinking in about a foot. A repugnant odor invaded his nostrils. He shifted his towards his armpits. He winced as the terrible smell burned his nose and he swam out of the bed.

“Oh man, I was right in front of the Princesses too.”

Luckily there was a bath in the suite, and a spacious one at that. He let it fill with hot soapy water and stripped off the nano-suit.

“Gotta find out if this thing is machine washable.”

The hot water scalded him as he gingerly inserted himself in the basin, relaxing as the sweeter smells replaced the foul ones.

“I could get used to this.” his thoughts trailed back to the Princesses. The luxury of the moment put the world into a haze, his eyelids became heavy as he let the comfort envelope him. A knock on the door jolted him awake. He looked for the source. It was coming from the entrance to his room.

“The tailor is here, do you want her to come in?”

“Not now, I’m in the bath.” John called out.

“Yes of course.”

That voice sounded familiar. He scratched his cheek as he pondered.

"When was the last time I shaved? It's never been this thick."

He moved to get out of the tub, placing his hand on the edge. As he stood up he slipped and fell flat on his face.

"Ow," he muttered.

He was felt positively waterlogged. Dazed, he brought his hoof up to his sore nose. Hoof? HOOF!? He launched himself off the ground trying to stand on his hind legs, trying to make sense of what used to be his hands. In the process of doing so, his legs slipped out from underneath him sending him careening backwards into the tub. His surprise made him gasp in a mouthful of hot, soapy water. He barely pulled himself out of the water before drowning, coughing up water as he did so. He whipped his head around, then clambered out of the tub, and, with difficulty, made his way to a mirror. It was fogged up so he tried to wipe it away with his hand, only to shatter it with his hoof. He let out a yelp at the shattered glass and his transformed arm. He fumbled with a towel before bringing it up to the largest unbroken piece. He dreaded what he was about to see, as he slowly wiped away the fog. He wished, hoped, pleaded that this was all dream, that he was still in the bath. He came face to face with his new equine form.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” he shrieked.

The doors burst open and in came a pegasus that knocked him to the floor and pinned him there.

“Who are you? And what have you done with Orion?” he demanded.

John, terrified as he was, looked directly at the pegasus.

“Dice! You gotta help me! Something terrible has happened!” he grabbed onto him, shaking him as he spoke.

“What!? I never met you in my life, now where’s the guy?” he slammed John back into the ground.

“No, no you don’t understand it’s me, John! The human. I’ve been ponified!”

“Don’t lie to me, that’s not his name, you’re going downtown buddy.”

“Wait I can prove it too you! On the carriage ride over, you bet Sandblast five bits that I came from the stars and you won, now please help me!” Dice relented slightly.

“How did you know about that? Nopony knew we were transporting him except those who were there. Are you a spy?” he gave John’s leg a painful twist.

“No I swear it’s me, look over there, there’s my stuff, the suit, the boots, everything. I was just in the bath minding my own business, you guys knock, I reply, then next thing you know I’m a freakin’ pony!” Dice eyed him heavily.

“I still don’t believe you.”

“Argh! Geez, you wanted to collect on bets you made in your childhood!”

Dice’s hardened face instantly turned to shock. He stepped off John and took a few steps back.

“Is that...is that really you?”

John nodded as he awkwardly got to his feet. Trembling as he did so. Whenever he tried to get up on two feet he would find himself careening towards the ground and he would flail his front legs to prevent him from face-planting. He awkwardly made his way over to the sink to support him as he stood up. He looked over a Dice who was trying extremely hard to hold his breath.

“What!?” John snapped

Dice could no longer hold it in. His voice box exploded with laughter as he fell to the ground, holding his gut. John raised an eyebrow as the guard regained a little composure.

“Oh Celestia, you should see yourself right now. You look like a newborn foal trying to walk.” he let out another round of laughter. “When I heard that girly scream, I thought you were in trouble, so I dash in, take you down, but your face, your face was absolutely priceless ahahaha!”

John couldn't believe what was happening. He had been turned into a pony and this guard thought it was some kind of joke.

“And now you’re here, all wet and scared like a little filly, trying to stand on two legs.”

He then retreated in another fit of laughter. John grimaced as he carefully inched his way towards Dice. Dice peeked up and snorted in laughter.

“Oh man, this is great, this is too good. I can’t wait to tell everypony about this.”

“I still have a problem here!”

“Hey relax, if anything this opens up opportunities for you.”

“And what would that be!”

“For instance, I was asked to keep you on the castle grounds so you don’t scare anypony. Seeing as you’re not human anymore we can have a night on the town.”

“No way, I am not going out in public like this!”

“Aw come on it isn’t that bad. Come down from the wall. Let’s take a look at ch’ya.”

John let his hands hit the floor, it felt weird at first, having all four limbs touch the ground, but he let the stability it offered comforted him. Dice gave him a nudge towards the mirror. He threw his legs forward to catch himself.

“Okay good, now move your back legs.” he guffawed.

He slowly lifted his left leg and brought it slightly forward. Then his right one.

“Great now try moving all of them together.” Dice encouraged. John moved each foot one at a time. At first methodically moving the front then the back legs, this elicited several snickers from Dice.

“No, try and find an alternating rhythm between your front and back legs.” John did as he was told. Slowly but surely he found a comfortable way to walk and was now at the mirror facing his reflection, awestruck at his current form.

“Honestly you’re a lot easier on the eyes now. Overall you’re not a bad lookin’ colt.”

John looked over his skin now covered in a light gray coat. His mane and tail were cropped short and matched his original color of hair, which was dark blonde. Even a few of his features transferred over. Dice was thoroughly examining him.

“Hm, yeah, not bad. Fairly muscular. Guess that’s expected of an earth pony.” he then grabbed John’s ears, peering into both of them. Then grabbed his mouth and opened it.

“Yeah you got good teeth too, everything seems to check out. You even have a cutie mark to boot.”

John whipped his head around to look at his rump. There it was, just stamped along his leg. A golden fist surrounded by a shining halo, with spikes jutting from it like beams of light. He sat himself on the floor staring at his new body. This is way too surreal, he thought. He let him arms drop, he felt like fate was just taking one big dump on him after another. Dice took notice of this.

“Hey, it’s not all bad. At least you didn’t turn into a mule.”

“Oh yeah a mule is the worst thing I could possibly turn into.” he said sarcastically.

“Look if it makes you feel better we can always get Princess Luna to change you back.” he smiled hopefully. John gave him a deadpanned look.

“I don’t know, last time they used magic on me, it didn’t go exactly as planned and it hurt.” as an afterthought he added, “a lot.”

“I’m sure it won’t be that bad, but hey, how about that night on the town huh? Show you the sights, the sounds, it’ll be my treat. Now whataya say we get you cleaned up and out of here? It’ll be fun.”

"Dice, I've had enough fun for one day."

"Come on," he grinned, "You're gonna be stuck here for a while, enjoy your freedom while it lasts."

John shot him a look and sighed.

"Alright."

“Yes!” he yelled as he leaped into the air. “Okay, you get cleaned up, forget about clothes you won’t need 'em, and I’ll tell the tailor to come back tomorrow. Chop, chop, let’s go!” he zipped out the door leaving a dripping John as he stared back into the broken mirror.

John certainly was taking in the sights. He didn’t expect these ponies to have such nightlife. All around him there was activity. Carriages took up the main pathways while slower traffic stuck to the sidelines, and John was definitely the slowest of the traffic.

“Come on pick up the pace, the night is still young, but we’re going to waste it at this rate.”

“If I go any faster I’ll find myself eating dirt.”

It was true, he attempted getting up to a trot but found his own legs got in the way of each other.

“Fine, we’re almost there anyways. I know some of the ponies, so I can vouch for you to get in.”

“What place?” his ears involuntarily twitched in the direction of small building with a long line out the front of it. Thunderous music could be heard blasting inside. He could feel the vibrations in his hooves even from where he stood.

“Heavy.” he said.

“I know right? Come on we’ll go in through the side entrance.” he took John and slipped into an alley. They rounded a corner a nearly bumped into the biggest unicorn John had ever seen. He was nearly twice his height and ugly as hell. His gigantic golden shod hooves would sway any wayward scum from tangoing with him. John put this up as the second scariest thing he had seen in his life, just underneath being turned into a pony. Dice just walked up to him and smiled.

“Hey Frankie, how’s it going?”

“Ah hey, not bad little guy. I gotta thank-you for the advice the other day, I won big at the tracks.” he said proudly.

“Did I tell ya’ or did I tell ya? Hey listen do you think you can hook me and my friend up here. He’s new in town so I thought I'd show him a good time.”

“I don’t know Dice he looks a little suspicious to me.” he began eyeing John menacingly. John felt his facial features go slack. Dice’s smile wavered as his eyes darted back and forth. The giant unicorn then began to laugh. John and Dice joined him, albeit nervously.

“I’m just yanking your chain, you go ahead, enjoy yourselves, but don’t make me have to come in there and get you. And Dice you owe me one.”

“That I do, thanks a bunch Frankie.”

He passed through the door that was previously hidden by Frankie’s hulking frame, John followed suit, his brain had finally learned how to move him faster. Inside it was dark. They had to move down a small passage way to get to the main room, with each step forward the music was getting louder. The bass was so deep he could feel it grab his heart and shake it as violently as possible. The sight before him was reminiscent of dance clubs he went to in his younger days. The strobe lights, lasers, giant subwoofers. He looked to see who was playing the music. It was a pure white unicorn with electric blue hair. She sported a pair of dark shades while expertly manipulating the tracks with her hooves and magic. John couldn't believe the entire scene, it was just so archaic, so primal, but it resonated with him. He turned to Dice who was grinning maniacally at him. He trotted off before John could say anything, not that he could with volume up. Instead he followed him up to a bar and propped his legs up on it. Dice waved to get the bartenders attention, few gestures later he produced to mugs and two small blocks of salt. John just stared at the drink in front of him. Dice tapped his shoulder to get his attention. He then took his salt block and dropped it into his drink, which began to fizz and bubble. He grabbed the mug with his teeth and sloshed it back. He turned back to John with a satisfied grin on his face and motioned for him to do the same. John looked from him to the barkeep, which was looking at him expectantly. John sighed. He reached for the salt block before realizing that his mouth might work better, he spit it into his drink and watched it as it fizzed as Dice’s did. He bit the mug and sloshed back the drink. The carbonated salty sweetness filled his mouth as he drank. He couldn't help but grin as he finished the last gulp and put the mug down. He gave Dice his nod of approval who then excitedly ordered another round. They both downed them as quickly as the first. Dice motioned for him to follow. John followed him to the dance floor, where Dice gave furtive glances to every mare that turned his way, most of them turning their nose in disgust. He would just shrug and carry on his way. John just hung by the sidelines and watched as he mingled, he also noticed he was getting a few stares too. It was soon after he was beginning to realize that he could hear voices again, the music was dying down and allowed for somewhat normal conversation to occur. He saw Dice was making his way over to him.

“Oh pony, You should’ve been out there. The mares are just crazy tonight, think it has something to do with that bombshell up on the decks.” he half yelled.

John looked up at the DJ sort through her vinyl records. He felt his heart drop like a stone. Those were almost nonexistent back home. The ones he did see were treasured artifacts of museums.

“Yeah she’s amazing isn’t she, come on lover-colt, let’s go where it’s a bit quieter.”

Before John could object, Dice trotted off, nearly leaving him lost in the sea of ponies. He was lucky that dice waited for him by a door that was guarded by a smaller yet just as brawny bouncer pony. He stepped aside to let them in, and moved his monolithic self back into position once they were through. The room inside was definitely quieter. booths lined the walls filled with all manner of ponies. Diced picked one along the wall, where he could get a full view of the room. He motioned for a waitress pony to set two of the same drinks as before on their table.

“You got some connections.” John said, taking a swig.

“Yeah comes with being a guard pony, well that and my previous lifestyle.”

“And what was that like?”

“I’d rather not talk about it. let’s just enjoy the rest of the night. Speaking of which, you fancy that DJ mare up on stage, don’t cha?” he grinned.

John choked on his drink, setting it down before he spilled all of it. “No, it was just the vinyl.”

“That’s what I thought too, I’ve been to so many of her concerts and she puts on an awesome show every time, I kind of had a feeling it was her based on how loud it was. But you haven’t been back for more than a few days and you’re gushing over her like a fancolt.” John tried to sputter out an answer before having an entire hoof shoved in his mouth.

“M’fa hall?” he mumbled

“Just be cool, drop dead gorgeous mare at twelve o’clock and she’s staring right at us.” he immediately removed his hoof and propped his chin on it, casting his most seductive gaze in her supposed direction. John spat out what Dice’s hoof left behind and simply turned to see what was so fascinating about this mare. He set eyes on a slender figure sipping a dainty drink through a straw. Her voluminous pink mane reached back down to her hind quarters and nearly covered her peach colored body. He locked eyes with her shining pink eyes before he took a quick glance at her cutie mark, three simple hearts. She slowly turned back to her drink, a small smile on her lips. John turned back to Dice, who was giving him a wide grin.

“You dropped something buddy.”

John snapped his jaw shut, and gave him a hard stare. “Do you have idea how stupid you look right now?”

“Probably no more stupid than you.” he was still wearing that stupid grin. “She’s probably had her eye on you ever since we came in. It’s obvious she’s interested.”

“I’ve been getting a lot of weird stares.” John said defensively.

“Oh don’t give me that crap. She’s been checking you out. Trust me I would know.”

“It still seems weird to me.”

“Ah, how could you say no to that? Look at her, she’s perfect. Her mane looks tantalizing, like it’s drawing you in.” he noticed John was oddly entranced by his description, he continued slyly. “And those eyes. You could stare into them forever like fuchsia stars. Her coat looks velvety smooth even from over here. Makes you wanna run your hooves over her body, from her slender neck, past her chest, around her slim waist and ending around her curvaceous...”

John just realized he was doing exactly as he was saying. He snapped out of his trance and whirled on Dice.

“Stop that.” he warned.

“...but that’s just my opinion.” Dice summed up before taking a swig.

John sighed and leaned back against the booth. He was beginning to regret going out of the castle. A waitress stopped by their table and placed two more drinks in front of them.

“Compliments from the Lady across the room, she also wanted you to have this.”

She passed a small note to John. John took a moment to read it.

Please join me after you’ve finished your drink

His heart began thumping in his chest he could feel his blood pumping to his face. He stole a glance to the peachy mare across the room who was glancing back at him. He raised his glass in a small toast. She nodded and turned back to her booth. He immediately slapped his hoof to his face. Dice was just finishing his drink.

“Wha’s wrong?”

“This is getting out of hand.”

“Hoof *hic*”

“Yeah, right, whatever, I think we should go.”

“What a sec’ wha’d tha’ note say.” he deftly grabbed the note before John could. His eyes went over it, and widened at the end of it.

“Ho boy, you gotta go now.” he said gleefully.

“Not a chance”

“Ah come on, wha’s the worst she could do?”

“I don’t want to find out.”

“Why nat?”

“Dice have you forgotten that I’m actually human.”

“She doesn’t need to know that.” he snickered.

John facehoofed once again, he stole another glance in her direction. She was now idly playing with the straw. John turned back to Dice who was nodding his head in her direction. John sighed.

“Okay, I’ll go see what she wants, and then we leave, got it?”

“Go get ‘er buddy.”

John awkwardly stumbled out of the booth. That drink was a little stronger than he expected. He slowly made his way over to the Mare, her eyes never left his face once he started moving. He tried looking everywhere but directly at her. He nearly bumped into her table as he preoccupied himself with a stain on the floor. Her subtle smile broadened just slightly

“I was beginning to think you wouldn’t come, please, sit.”

Her sultry British accent, just put John off even more. Even so, he took a seat opposite her, unable to find words.

“Let me introduce myself, I am Aurora. And you would be?” she offered.

“Oh...uh, I would be...” he wondered if giving out his actual name would be a good idea. “Orion...Orion Pax.” he added. She raised an eyebrow at him. John smiled back nervously.

“Well, Mr. Pax, are you a hunter from the heavens that has taken the guise of a pony? Fancy that mare's make for good sport?”

“Uhh...” he stammered. She smiled.

“Relax Mr. Pax. I actually wanted to know about your cutie mark. It is quite a fascinating, unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Would you care to share how you got it?”

“I...uh...well...you know” he stammered some more as she smiled expectantly. “It just came out of nowhere.”

“They seem to do that, don’t they.” all this woman needed was a cigarette and a stick to hold it in and the image would be complete, John thought. He struggled to find words.

“I got it for historic studies. Yes, I find the past very interesting.”

“Really? I find it's more of a mark of the warrior. The champion of justice if you will. There's only a hoof-full of cutie marks out there that truly reveal a ponies character. ”

He had himself pressed against the back of the booth. He considered bolting out of there at that moment, but he didn’t want to leave Dice behind. But this woman knew his secret what was he going to do? How did she even know? Just what the hell is going on? He suddenly noticed a few ponies grouped around his previous table. They were discussing something with Dice, and he was trying to peek past them at John. He could see that he was trying to signal him come back. John quickly turned back to Aurora.

“I have to go” he was all too grateful to leave the table. He felt a hoof on his shoulder.

“I recommend you take a bubble bath.” she said.

John looked at her as if she were crazy. He walked up to the group gathered around Dice.

“You gave us phony numbers kid, you have any idea what this means?”

“I told ya’ ta’ use ‘‘em with discretion *hic*.”

“Discretion, every number you gave us was a loss, you expect us to use discretion when we ain’t even gotta chance at winnin’?

“Anypony could see they were bogus, you’re just too stupid to figure it out yerself.”

“That’s it you little punk, you're stayin’ in the gutter tonight, compliments of Mr. Stone and Mr. Crush. Take ‘'em boys.”

“Hey what's going on?" John asked.

The grouped looked around to see the owner of the voice. John looked to each of the three ponies.

"You work here?"

Dice nodded vigorously behind their backs.

"Yes." he said simply.

"Oh, okay. I guess, uh, I guess we'll leave then."

The short lead pony turned around.

“Look out!” Dice yelled. John looked his way before feeling a massive shock to his jaw. His body crumpled to ground as his brain sent mixed messages everywhere. He felt the ground meet him and heard cackling laughter above him.

“I can’t believe it! I can’t believe he fell for the oldest trick in the book! Oh pony, that is just priceless. Holy Luna I wish I had a camera right now so I could cherish this memory forever. Anyway, drag 'em out to the alley and finish Dice and toss him over with his friend. Enjoy yourselves boys.”

The blurry silhouette of the leader vanished, leaving two large, blurry shapes dragging him and a struggling Dice out the same entrance they used to get in. What ensued was the sound of an opening door. Some surprised exchanges and then two heavy thuds hitting the ground. John rubbed his head and looked at the mass that was blocking his view. He then slowly looked up to the beast that was Frankie. He let out small squeal.

“What happened?” he growled.

“Some ponies tried to get Dice.” John groaned. "I tried to help him

“Some help you were, he looks pretty drunk, gotta take him to back home” he looked back down the way he came. “Do you know where the castle is? Take him there. They take care of the royal guards.” he hoisted Dice up and placed him on John’s back. “If anything else happens to him, I will find you and I will crush you. You got that?”

John nodded and started off in the castle’s direction. He was glad he could move at faster pace than before, even though he had a heavy pony on his back. Maybe this place wasn’t so different from Earth after all. He wiggled his jaw to remove the numbness. The Princesses expected him to wander Equestria, getting into situations like this? Sure he was willing to help, but how was he going to last a day by himself? He heard weak moans emanating from his back. He turned to check on Dice.

“Dice are you okay?” John was met with a crooked smile.

“Did you score?” he then fell into a fit of giggles.

John shook his head.

“We’re almost at the castle,” he turned to see the gates up ahead, "sorry I couldn't help"

“S’alright, they can’t kick worth shit. So what’d she want? You gonna hook up later?”

“Knock it off, it was just weird. The entire time she was dropping hints that I she knew I wasn’t a pony.”

“She’s probably into that kind of thing.”

“Damn it Dice!” John bucked him off onto the castle grounds. He turned his face to the battered pegasus. “This is nothing to joke about, I don’t like being a pony, and I especially don’t like the fact that I get stares even though I look exactly like everyone else. Worst of all, you’re trying to trick me into liking mares. As a human it goes against every fiber in being.”

“Are you sure tha's the way you really feel? Not even a little bit? Cause I used to know a guy like you who had nooooo problems.” Dice fell into a laughing fit.

“I...ugh.” he didn’t want to talk any longer “Let’s just get you some help.”

“Where hast thou been all night?”

John froze in place. Princess Luna had made her appearance.

“John, Corporal Dice, explain yourselves.”

John slowly turned around to face the moon princess. She looked even more intimidating now that he was a foot shorter. Dice groggily stood at attention.

“Princess I...”

“I convinced him to let me out of the castle thinking I was less conspicuous. It turns out I was wrong and Dice came to get me.” John interrupted.

“I see.” she looked to each of them with a discerning look. “I guess that will have to do, Corporal, I commend you for your actions of taking your charge seriously, step forward.”

“With all due respect Princess, I can hardly stand.”

“Very well.” she approached him and lit him up with her horn, a few seconds later the glow faded and he looked good as new. Dice permitted himself a small smile.

“Thank-you Princess,” he bowed. She turned to John.

“I’m surprised you managed to turn yourself into a pony. Was thou curious to how my little ponies lived?”

“I have no idea how this happened, and I’ve been a pony long enough to last a lifetime.”

She smiled “Thou hast obviously not been a pony long enough. Perhaps I should leave you this way. It would certainly make our lives easier.”

“No, please change me back, I like being me.” he said desperately. Luna sighed.

“Very well, be still.” her horn began to glow John felt himself being lifted off the ground as swirling light enveloped him. He shut his eyes expecting pain that is usually associated with magic, all he felt was a tingling sensation all over his body. He opened his eyes and found that he had hands once again. The magic gently set him down and faded away. He smiled as he felt his face and wiggled his fingers. Luna and Dice were staring in shock

“Yes!” he cheered. The draft caused him to look down. “No!”

He then felt a flash of electricity shoot through his body and he toppled backwards. He immediately propped himself up off the ground to find that his body reverted back to pony form. He hung his head in disappointment. The princess and Dice looked sheepishly around.

“It seems the source of the transformation was caused by something else, I’m sorry Orion but you are to remain as a pony for the time being. Corporal take him to his chambers and make sure he stays there, I will send for a second guard to aid thee. I bid thee goodnight my little ponies.”

“Good night Princess.” Dice stated. As soon as she left he turned too John. “You didn’t have to do that you know.”

“It was the least I could do since nothing else seemed to help.” he said as they trotted back to his room.

“All the same I owe you. Next time it’ll be more fun, less hurt. And since you’re staying as a pony you know what that means.”

John looked at him quizzically. The pegasus took on his stupid grin again.

“We gotta get ‘ch ya a fillyfriend.” he hopped to the side as John tried to punch him. John was wishing he had his fingers so he could strangle this idiot. He sighed and let the momentarily dark thoughts leave him.

“You’re never gonna let up are you?” John asked.

“Nope.”

They were approaching his room. A unicorn guard was already waiting there. John recognized him as Sandblast from the carriage.

“Should have known it was you. Only you would’ve been idiotic enough to take a risk like that. By the way is that him? I was informed by I didn’t quite believe it," said Sandblast

“Yeah it’s him, you should see him in action, this guy's a total stud.” this elicited grimaces from both of them.

“Okay I’ve had enough, I’m going to bed, hopefully this was all a bad dream, and I’ll wake up in a normal human body. Sandblast take her easy.”

“It’s going to be a long night.” he said sardonically. John walked in and kicked the door shut behind him. This was certainly a night to remember, no matter how much he wished this was a dream he knew that he was going to be like this in the morning. The bed looked inviting. He leaped into its center and lay there. A thought popped into his mind, he hadn’t given any consideration to the Princesses offer. At most he had a few hours until sunrise. He turned to his side and saw a shadow in the window for a fleeting second. John picked up his head, staring after it. He looked to the door of his room. He could hear the soft mumble of conversation coming through the door. John struggled to remove himself from the bed. He went to the window and nudged it open. He stretched his neck outside seeing nothing but the grounds below. A glint caught his eye from the ledge. It came from a small vile filled with herbs and tied to it was a note.

This should help.

It was in the same writing as that mare from the club. John took one last look outside before bringing in the vial and closing the window. John set it on the desk by his bed and stared at the note. Things were just getting weirder and weirder. His attention turned to the vial of herbs. What could those be used for? he asked himself. He was interrupted as the discussion outside became more heated. He decided it was best to wait for morning before tackling this mystery. He climbed back into the bed and waited for sleep to take him.

Hearth's Warming Special

Some time later...

The weather has taken a turn for the worse, John thought. He couldn't see anything in front of him as the wind whipped the snow into a frenzy. His cloak was failing to protect him from the bitter wind. His heavy backpack didn’t help him neither.

“H-how f-far are we?” asked a chilled unicorn. John turned to Lux.

“Not far, maybe a few miles.”

“W-what!? W-we’ll f-freeze before we get to P-Ponyvile.” she said as her teeth chattered. John knelt down and took off his cloak. He carefully wrapped it around her, tucking it underneath the winter saddle.

“Better?” he asked. She nodded with a smile. “Just hang in there, soon we’ll be out of the cold and in front of a fire.” he stood himself up and put on his helmet to ward off the wind. He hoped to himself that the town wasn’t much further along, his toes had gone numb a long time ago, and he was suspecting he was getting frostbite. Nevertheless he trudged forward, only to be halted when he stubbed his foot. John hopped as the biting numbness allowed the annoying pain through. Lux trotted forward and wiped the snow off what John hit.

“A rock?” she turned to John “You hit your hoof on a rock?”

“I wish I had hooves, then stupid stuff like that wouldn’t happen.” he let out a steamy breath. “lets get going.” no sooner had he maneuvered around the rock than he found himself falling face first into the snow. Lux brushed off the object he tripped over.

“Another rock?”

John pushed himself up. Fantastic, he thought, it seems that the elements are against me, he surveyed the ground. As far as he could see there were small lumps in the snow. He reached for the nearest one, brushing it off to confirm his suspicions. Sure enough underneath it was a rock.

“Great, now we got a field of rocks to get past.” Lux whirled at his comment.

“Did you say field?” her eyes suddenly widened and began prancing on the spot. “I bet that this is a rock farm, and if it is there’s gotta be a shelter nearby, come on let’s go!” she charged off ahead of a confused John.

“Hey, wait a second. Argh.” he immediately got up and charged after her. What is that silly filly thinking, he thought. He could barely see her outline, he wouldn’t be able to keep up on his own two legs. Just as she was about to disappear, a dim light faded into existence, giving Lux a soft outline. John thanked his stars that Lux was headed straight for it. The light grew ever brighter, revealing a grain silo and a modest barn. Lux was already at the door rapping on it, by the time he got to the yard. The door opened to reveal an old tan stallion, he turned a kindly smile to Lux. She pointed back just as John approached the door.

“What in blazes!? Quick get in!” the old stallion jumped forward and simultaneously put Lux behind him.

“Lux!” John shouted, he charged forward at the old pony.

“Stop, the both of you!” Lux shouted back. The old pony and John looked back at her. “John this is Mr. Pie, Mr. Pie this my friend John, and we need your help.”

Mr. Pie looked from Lux to John, then back again.

“What is he?” the confused pony asked. John took off his helmet and kneeled.

“I am a human, now in the service of the royal princesses as an Errant. You might know me better as Orion.”

It took a moment for Mr. Pie to collect himself.

“Thought I heard an Errant was traveling these parts, just didn’t expect one to drop on my doorstep, much less a non-pony one.”

“We were wondering if we could stay for a bit while the storm dies down, it’s really cold out here.” Lux interrupted, she was shivering from head to hoof.

“Oh dang it, I forgot, get inside, the both of you, before you catch a cold.” Lux rushed in, followed by John and Mr. Pie.

“Sue. Sue we have guests.” a light grey mare trotted in. Older but vitality still filled her soul. Her immediate attention was focused on Lux.

“Oh you poor dear, let’s get you warmed up. Who in their right mind would make you travel in this horrible weather?” Lux smiled and tilted her head in John’s direction. Sue turned to her husband and John standing behind him. The glasses that sat atop her nose slid off and hung around her neck, while Lux stifled a laugh at her reaction. Mr. Pie let out a small chuckle.

“Oh sorry dear. This is the Errant that’s been romping around. He just happened to be in our back yard.”

“You mean,” Sue turned back to Lux. “He takes you on dangerous, perilous journeys?” she said, she turned on John. “How could you risk this filly’s life, what do you have to gain from dragging her around?”
John flustered at the older mare’s accusations, his explanation failing to be voiced. Lux just laughed some more.
“No, you got it wrong Mrs. Pie. I go on the dangerous, perilous journeys. He just tags along.”

Mrs. Pie was evidently not amused, she eyed Lux in a reprimanding manner.

“And it was your idea to travel during a snow storm?”

“Well I said we should stayin Manehatten, but he wanted to get back to Ponyville for the holidays.” she said as she rolled her eyes.

“Ponyville? Our farm is just outside of it. But, uh, what reason do you have to visit?” Mr. Pie asked.

“Some friends asked if I could join them for the holidays. Manehatten wasn’t that far away so I thought we could make the journey.” answered John. This satisfied the colt, but he was still getting a scowl from Mrs. Pie.

“Well that was the most foalhardy thing I ever seen somepony do. Come with me, the both of you, you must be frozen.” she trotted into a living room with John and Lux in tow. The room was festively decorated and a bright fire was burning in the stove. John and Lux sighed as they entered the warm room.

“Take a seat, would you like something hot to drink?”

Lux nodded vigorously with a happy smile. John laughed softly at his young companion, he turned to Mrs. Pie. “Yes please.” he replied. As she left the room Mr. Pie took her place, taking a seat across from them.

“So, you from around these parts.”

“Are you kidding, this is the famous Orion who traveled here from the stars! Riding in on a ball fire, battling for his very survival! His bravery against the dreaded Scorpio proved to Celestia that he is Equestria’s greatest champion! The best part is, he’s showing me how to be a hero so that I can be an Errant just like him!” Lux’s sudden outburst left Mr. Pie astonished. He slowly turned his head to John.

“She exaggerates.” John said, tousling Lux’s mane. He was always careful to avoid touching the horn. “A lot”

“Come to think about it, I think I heard that story before.” Mr. Pie mused. Mrs. Pie brought in a tray of steaming cups and stopped in front of John. He took one off the tray as Lux levitated herself one. He wrapped his numb fingers around the mug and inhaled deeply. The rich scent of dark chocolate was divine, he took a careful sip, even the smallest drop was enough to ward off the cold and bitterness. Lux, on the other hand, immediately took a gulp. The consequence of her mistake came to fruition as she spat out her tongue trying to cool it off.

“Oh for Celestia’s sake, come with me, we’ll take care of that.”

Lux woefully obeyed as she was led in to the kitchen. Mr. Pie turned his attention back to John. “She’s an interesting unicorn.”

“You don’t know the half of it.”

“I see. Well since you were on your way back to Ponyville, you wouldn’t by any chance know my daughter would you?”

“Pinkie Pie?” John hazarded. The old pony beamed at him.

“So you have heard of her. Did she invite you back here?

“Yes, her friends did as well. Said to come back before Hearth’s warming Eve is over. Unfortunately I’ll be late.” John craned his neck to see that the wind was still howling outside. The old colt smiled.

“Lucky for you Ponyville isn’t as far as Manehatten.” a knock at the door caused both them to turn in their seats. “I wonder who that could be?” he said in mock surprise.

He got up to get the door, leaving John alone. John sat back as he heard voices coming from the door, and one super excitedly, bubbly, rapid fire voice. John smiled as Mr. Pie led in Twilight Sparkle and her friends into the living room. Their faces lit up like a chandelier in the dark when they saw him. He sprang up to meet them, only to catch a pink missile that nearly took him down in a full body hug.

“Oh my gosh I missed you!” Pinkie squealed with delight. John managed to hug her back even though she was nearly crushing him. It didn’t help that she wasn’t grounded to the floor. The others just laughed.

“Pinkie I don’t think he can hold you anymore.” Twilight giggled. Pinkie let him go and went to give her father a more gentle hug.

“Brbrbrbrb it was cold outside, we didn’t think you were going to make it. This is going to be the best Hearth’s Warming Eve ever!”

“Indeed, it was quite surprising to find you here, of all places.”

“Yup, sure is a mighty fine coincidence.”

They bombarded John with questions about his travels. Answering as best as he could he told them about the adventures, the mishaps, and the ponies he met along the way. Specifically a troublesome little unicorn by the name of.

“That’s not how it happened!” came an irritated shout.

Lux. She was standing just outside the room, and immediately withdrew when she realized who John was talking too. John smiled as he moved to her. She looked nervous. Funny she never gets nervous, he thought. He got down close.

“Something bothering you?”

“No.”

“Really? All this time and your suddenly afraid of other ponies, what gives?”

Lux avoided eye contact and pawed at the floor.

“It’s just that...” she stammered “You’re cool and all but... they’re my real heroes.”

She turned to face John a pleading look in her eyes. John just placed his hand on her shoulder.

“So what does it have to do with me?” he asked. She looked up at him in surprise.

“You mean you wouldn’t be jealous?”

“Never.”

“What if I started hanging out with them instead of you?” she teased.

“By all means, go for it.”

“Wait a minute, this is just another trick to get me to stop following you!”

“Horse-apples, it almost worked too.” John snapped his fingers in mock defeat. Lux gave a small laugh. “So, do you want to meet your heroes?” Lux’s eyes grew as wide as saucers, then quickly retracted to their normal size.

“Uh... yeah! What kind of question is that?” she immediately raced past John to the micro herd of ponies.

“Hi everypony! Name’s Lucky Lux. But you can call me Lux.” after loudly introducing herself she continued. “I am such a big fan of you guys. I mean defeating Nightmare Moon and Discord? That is legendary. I can’t believe I’m in the same room as you. This is just so.. so..”

“Awesome?” Rainbow Dash supplied before getting a nudge from Applejack.

“Yes! I-”

“Whoa, slow down Lux. You’re scaring them. Everybody this is Lux, she’s my guide, but more often than not, she guides me straight into trouble. But if it wasn’t for her, I probably wouldn’t be here right now.”

“So this is the adventurous unicorn we’ve heard so much about.” Twilight said as she extended a hoof to Lux. “Pleased to meet you, I am Twilight Sparkle.”

Lux turned her head to John “You told them about me?”

“In my letters. What else did you think I was scrawling?” he smiled.

Lux turned back and eagerly shook Twilight’s hoof. “This keeps getting better and better.”

Her jaw went slack when Rainbow Dash approached her.

“I didn’t think you’d be so short. John makes you out to be something pretty special in his letters.”

“Does he now?” John turned away as Lux eyed him. “Thanks Rainbow Dash! The stuff we’ve been through is almost as cool as the sonic rainboom, if not cooler.” she said nonchalantly.

“You wanna swap stories after?” Rainbow was intrigued. Lux’s eyes couldn't get any brighter. John noticed she was starting to shake like Pinkie. He decided to intervene before she got out of hand.

“I’m really happy that you guys are here. It means alot that I have people to spend the holidays with.”

“Hey, you always got me.”

“Lux, that’s a given.”

“Oh.”

“So now what I want to know is what are we celebrating?”

Twilight and the gang smiled as they exchanged glances.

“Hearth’s Warming Eve celebrates the birth of Equestria and the founding principles it’s based on.”

“Humility.” said Applejack

“Courage.” said Rainbow Dash

“Cooperation.” spoke Fluttershy

“Unity.” said Rarity

“Fun!” yelled Pinkie. Everyone just stared at her, to which she responded. “What? you can get happiness from fun.”

“Before Equestria was founded, unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies all lived separately. A brave group of ponies decided it was time all ponies started sharing their abilities with each other.” Twilight continued. “They managed to convince all Equestrians that we each had something to offer each other, and thus create a better life for themselves as well.” she stopped to look back at her friends. “So in the spirit of our ancestors we honor our fellow ponies with a gift as they did when unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies came together this very night.” she turned back to John. “We’re so glad you could be here John, nopony should be alone on Hearth’s Warming Eve.”

“Thank-you Twilight. I wouldn’t have been all alone.” he said, giving Lux a wink. Then he put on a large grin. “So, do you girls want your gifts now or wait till tomorrow morning?”

All seven sets of eyes grew wide.

“You got presents!” shouted Pinkie.

“So that’s what was in the bag!” Lux said ecstatically.

“Wait how did you know to get a gift, and what does tomorrow morning have to do with anything?” Twilight asked. John was reaching for his backpack when he replied.

“You’re not going to believe this, but back home, on Earth. We had a holiday similar to this one. But then again, there were a lot of holidays going on at this time of year. People would squabble about the petty differences, demanding equal treatment or political correctness. You had to watch your step when the holidays came around. But when you were in the privacy of your home, surrounded by people you love, you celebrated Christmas. It’s a shadow of what it used to be, but my friends and family did their best preserve the spirit that came with the season.” Twilight and the others were saddened by his recollection.

“Why was everything so different? Couldn't you have just put aside you differences as we did?”

John just shrugged. “I wish it were that easy, it is extremely hard to change a person’s mind or an overpopulated planet for that matter. And we, as a species, generally don’t like change.”

“I see, well continue more about this ‘Christmas’.”

“The spirit of the season was to show love for your fellow man, peace on Earth, and bringing good cheer to all around you. Gifts are a convenient way of showing your appreciation for someone, but there were other ways too. I remember helping out at shelters, laughing and joking with downtrodden homeless people. One time I was stuck at my college due to a snow storm and Artie threw a huge party on a whim for all the other stranded students. I decorated a tree once, it was beautiful. Delicate ornaments hung from every branch, it was topped off with a glowing star.” he was lost in his reminiscing, Pinkies voice jerked him back to consciousness.

“Tree decorations! That sounds great! I’ll get right on that.” she zipped out of the room, and before you could say cupcakes she zoomed back in planted a lush four foot pine tree in the corner. It was riddled with ornaments from tinsel to Christmas lights. “Oop, one more thing.” she placed a star at the top, which began glowing on it’s own accord.

“Just...like that.” John was astonished at just how strikingly similar it was. He cleared his throat. “So in the spirit of the holiday, I wanted to show how much you guys mean to me by getting you each a gift.” he began digging in his pack once again. “As for tomorrow morning, well we usually waited for Christmas day to open gifts, but sometimes we got carried away. Not that it matters, I had no time to have them wrapped before coming here. Fluttershy?”

“Y-yes?”

“This is for you.”

She walked up cautiously to see what John had. Upon laying her eyes on it he could see that they were starting to well up. It was an egg, wrapped snugly in a bundle of cloth. She took it gently in her forelegs.

“It so warm.”

“It’s a phoenix egg, the owner said this one was about to hatch. I figured this was probably the only animal you didn’t have.”

“It’s perfect, thank-you.” she gave him a hug, squeezing the egg between them. The heat it was giving off was warming his heart. John reached in his bag and pulled out another present.

“Applejack?”

“Yup.” she tried to hide her excitement, failing miserably.

John presented a golden apple, before she could take it, he withdrew his hand a bit.

“Be extremely careful with this. It is a tool for chaos. I had a heck off a time wresting this out of the wrong claws, but I trust you will keep it safe. As for Applebloom,” he shuddered at the thoughts going through his head “, don’t even let her near this thing.” He extended his hand once again. She held it in her hoof, examining it closely like one would a diamond.

“Well bless my heart, this is one a’ the finest apples I’ve ever seen. Is there anymore like it?”

“Yes, but they’re guarded by a multi-headed lizard that feeds off of them.”

She gave him a shocked look. “Well I ‘preciate you goin’ through the trouble John, it’s too bad this thing is goin’ ta’ spoil though.”

“Eventually, give or take a few thousand years.” John said nonchalantly.

Surprise filled her face once again, then turned in to a warm smile.

“Thank-you John, you won’t regret givin’ this here apple ta’ me. Ain’t nopony gonna lay eyes on it but the Apple family for generations ta’ come.” John smiled as she returned to her friends, they each gave it an admiring look, before turning back to John as he began to rummage again.

“Pinkie Pie.” as soon as he looked up she pressed her face into his. A squee came from somewhere, just another thing he didn’t have the patience to figure out. He shook his head and pulled his arm out revealing a set of vinyl records.

“This is the latest album from DJ PON3. Not to be released for another three months and guaranteed to bring down the house at any party, literally.” he said deadpanned

“That was like the best night ever.” Lux said enthusiastically.

“We’re lucky we survived.” John shot back. She only shrugged in response.

Pinkie’s teeth began to chatter in excitement. “Oh my gosh I want to play it right now!”

“Perhaps it can wait Pinkamena.” said her father, who sounded a little nervous at the prospect of having his house blown up by music. Pinkie complied with her father but chose a different outlet for her excitement. John was crushed in another hug.

“Okay, Pinkie. That’s enough. Can’t breath.” she immediately let go and stepped back showing the set of vinyl to her friends.

“Rainbow Dash I have two gifts for you.”

This got her attention, she immediately bolted forward hovering in front of him. He pulled out the first gift.

“Saw this in a surplus store, thought it would be pretty useful, in case you ever needed to fly by night.” he tossed her a pair of night vision goggles. She turned them over in her hooves.

“I guess these are pretty cool, thanks John.” she gave him a weak smile.

“Wait a sec’, here’s your other gift.” He handed her a card. She took it and carefully opened it. She perused the contents. The sudden realization of what they were caused her to whoop up in the air, squealing like a fangirl. She came in and grabbed John in a tight hug.

“Oh thankyouthanyouthankyouthankyouthankyou-” she said as fast she could fire the words off.

“What did you give her?” asked a curious Twilight.

“My seasons pass for the Wonderbolts.”

“What!? We could’ve seen more shows.” whined Lux.

“Oh come on we can’t just follow them around, we have other things to do.”

“BUT NOW I CAN!!” Rainbow gave a final cracked whoop before settling down.

John turned a raised eyebrow to Rarity next who blushed and stepped forward.

“These are all such stellar gifts. I can’t imagine what incredible gift you have for me.”

“I think you’ll like these.” he said as he pulled out a pair of diamonds, each the size of a grapefruit. Rarities eyes sparkled at the lustrous gems.

“How in Equestria did you get these?” she asked utterly in shock.

“Three words. Angry. Old. Dragon.” he said, “Throw some diamond dogs in the mix and it becomes a near catastrophe.”

She leaned forward and planted a kiss on his cheek. Lux rolled her eyes in disgust.

“It’s good to see you’re in one piece after the heroics are said and done.” she retreated back to her friends. Twilight eagerly stepped forward. John gave a small sigh. Now or never he thought.

“Twilight I...don’t have your gift with me.” it was obvious to John that it hurt Twilight. The rest of her friends gave him a stare.

“How could you possibly not have a present for Twilight?” Pinkie asked.

“Look, I do have a gift for her. It was going to be delivered from Canterlot today, but I guess the weather saw shut down the mail.” he ran his hand through his hair after seeing the sad look on her face. She then gave him a small smile.

“It’s okay John, presents are nice but I prefer to be with my friends more than anything. And like you said, that’s what the holidays are about. Now come here.” John was grabbed in a field of magic and pulled in for a hug, the others joined in as well. John spotted Lux slowly inching away.

“Oh no, you’re going to join us in this special moment and your going to like it.” he grabbed Lux and pulled her in, putting her between him and Twilight. Lux squirmed at first, then gave in too sheer amount of love that was going around.

“Thank-you John for sharing Christmas with us. Making my friends happy is all I could ask for.” Twilight said. They let go of him. Lux was still holding on to John, content as anypony could be. “So what was my gift, if you don’t midn telling me.”

“Oh. It was a book.” he said as he stroked Lux’s mane.

“Any subject in particular, or author?” she asked

“Ah yeah... the subject is humans, and the author is Atlas.” he said sheepishly. Lux gave him a look. he continued. “It’s just a basic picture of the human race as Atlas perceives us. He told me in the last letter that the compilation was nearly complete and that the first volume was fresh off the presses-”

“F-first volume?” Twilight stuttered.

“Uh yeah. I’m beginning to think he went overboard. As far as I know there are thirteen volumes. Going by chronological order. Since it’s the only set of books in Equestria, I thought you should have first dibs on them.” Twilight let her mouth drop. After a moment she snapped it back shut.

“I don’t know what to say. It’s an honour to get to know more about you. Where you came from. I can’t thank-you enough.”

“Don’t mention it. I just wish Atlas could be here to see his hard work appreciated.”

“That could be arranged.”

Everyone jumped at the sound of the new voice. Standing behind them all were Princess Celestia and Princess Luna along with a brown earth pony who had a holographic man on her back.

“Princesses.” they immediately bowed before them.

“Greetings my little ponies. I hope you don’t mind the intrusion Mr. and Mrs. Pie.”

Mr. Pie took off his hat, his wife stepped forward.

“Not at all your Highnesses. You’re more than welcome here. Excuse us while we get something for everypony to eat. She back peddled into the kitchen, giving her husbands tail a quick tug before disappearing completely. The ponies in the room gathered around the princesses, idly talking. John turned to Lux.

“Well aren’t you going to talk to the princesses?”

“Aren’t you?”

“If I can avoid it.”

“Looks like that won’t happen.”

Celestia was first to approach John, giving him a warm smile.

“How are you enjoying your first Hearth’s Warming Eve?”

“...” John didn’t want to talk to her, but one look at the happy scene before him told him other wise. “Just fine. Princess.”

She lost her smile at the tone of his voice. “Well I’m glad to hear that John. You always seem to make the best of any given situation.”

“With no help from you, your majesty.” John took a deep breath, he wasn’t about to ruin this night for his friends.

“Indeed. Well I’m sure Luna will want to speak with you, she’s been anxious to personally evaluate you.”

“Evaluate me?”

“Yes she’s very excited to see what you have learned.”

John’s stomach twisted in a knot. He wasn’t so keen on studying what had been given to him by Luna. The massive amount of knowledge would have him trapped in a library for years. She was not going to be happy when she found out he had been skipping out on studying.

“Uh, well I’d love to show her what I can do but I’m a little under the weather.” he forced himself into a coughing fit, which only garnered Luna’s attention.

“Then you should let her know immediately.” Celestia’s smile returned. John was about to retort when the prominent blue figure of Luna came before him. He was quick to bow.

“How have the seasons treated thee Orion?”

“Uh, great, just great Princess. But I...seemed to have caught a something. It might be contagious. For your own safety stand back.”

“You haven’t shown my sister the same courtesy of telling her you’re sick.” Luna glowered at him. John could feel his face getting hotter. “Pray tell, have you been studying like I asked?”

“I got the essentials.” he said weakly.

“No he hasn’t Princess!” Lux’s shout caused John to jump, he immediately faced the princess, expecting her trademark voice to split his head.

“I am disappointed in you Orion, it seems you haven’t prepared for any evaluations.”

John looked the other way. John felt magic grab his chin and point so that he was facing Luna. She was wearing a smile that was almost as warm as Celestia’s.

“I won’t test you now since it’s the eve of Hearth’s Warming, but I do expect you catch up on your studies after the celebrations are done. Twilight Sparkle, I have a favour to ask you.”

“Yes Luna?”

“Orion has fallen behind, so until further notice he is to reside in Ponyville. He will not leave until he has completed his scholarly teachings. I wish for you to keep but an eye on him, and report any deviations to me.”

“Understood Princess.” Twilight saluted.

“Wait a minute, you can’t do that to me.”

“I just did.” Luna grinned and walked off, leaving John flustered and frustrated. Twilight Joined him as Luna left.

“I’m sure it won’t be that bad. Besides you should feel privileged that you get to study under Luna.”

“Yeah I guess you’re right.” John said with a heavy sigh. “Come on let’s get your present.”

John led Twilight to Atlas and the brown pony who was carrying him. He was eager to see him, it had been a while since he last visited Canterlot and his last visit didn’t go over so well. John could see Atlas beaming as he approached.

“Hey John, it’s been a while. Is it okay if I wish you a Merry Christmas?” John stopped for a second. He watched as Atlas’ expression started to change to uncertainty. John smiled at him.

“If you had a body, I would hug you right now.” Atlas was relieved by his answer. “By the way do you have that book with you? I wanted to give it to Twilight.”

“In fact we do, Cherry if you would please?”

The brown mare reached back, pulling out an immense tome out of her saddle bag. John took it out of her mouth before she could drop it.

“Oh sorry. It’s good to see you again Cherry. I hope Atlas hasn’t caused you any trouble.”

“Nothing the off switch can’t handle.” she chuckled as Atlas gave her a sidelong look. “His book has been running me ragged though.”

John took a look at the title and smirked, he turned over to Twilight.

“Here you go.” she took the book, her eyes filled with wonder.

“The Atlas' Apex Anthology of Anthropology: Volume I.” she read aloud.

“I suggested the title, I thinks it suits it perfectly, don’t you Atlas?” Cherry asked in a teasing tone. Atlas shrugged.

“I don’t see how ‘Humans: A Machines Perspective’ wouldn’t have sufficed” she only chuckled at his response.

Twilight was already flipping through the pages, every so often squinting her eyes, grinning with excitement, along with a few looks of disgust and even taking a deep breath of the the freshly printed pages. She turned to Atlas.

“This book is amazing.” she turned back to the book, flipping through the pages. She stopped at a certain page and began staring at it intently. She took a quick glance at John then back to the page.

“What’s wrong?” John asked.

“Nothing, its just, I didn’t know you had Errants too.” John furrowed his brow and moved to view the page Twilight was on. John was surprised to see an image of man wearing armor not so different from the armor he was wearing now, minus the Equestrian insignias. He was standing tall holding a banner and a shield. The detail in the face showed hard resolve in his steely expression. Cherry came over to see what they were looking at.

“Ah, I see you’ve found the medieval period section. What you’re looking at is the knight errant that served the nobility at the time. It was quite surprising when I found out they were held to most of the same standards as our own Errants. Its a shame that they themselves didn’t survive the middle ages, but their code of conduct lives on.”

John smiled and gave a small laugh. “Hate to break it to you, but I never met anyone, besides Arty who acted even remotely chivalrous.”

“Well that makes three then.” Cherry replied. John gave her a quizzical look, and received a wink in return. Atlas turned a slightly darker shade. Twilight closed the book.

“I can’t wait to get started, seems we both have a lot to learn right John?”

“Yeah I can hardly wait.” he said wryly. “Hey Cherry? Can I borrow Atlas for a minute?”

“Thought you’d never ask.” John retrieved Atlas’ computer from the saddle bag, grabbed his cloak and headed for the door. The wind had died down and a gentle snow was falling. A few of the clouds had parted to reveal the half moon, illuminating the snow in a silver bath. A stack of logs were to his left, he walked over, pulled the axe out of the chopping block and sat down on it. He propped Atlas on his knees. The small figure looked expectantly up at him.

“What is it John?”

John took a deep breath of cold air, and slowly let it out.

“Could you, or do you have pictures of...”

“Vanessa?” Atlas finished for him. “I should, hang on one minute.”

John sat in silence admiring the scene before him. The moon was slowly disappearing behind cloud cover. The storm had died down enough that he could see lights from the town. An image of a beautiful woman flashed in front of him.

“This was all I could muster. Unfortunately I never had access to social networks.”

“This is fine Atlas. Thank-you.” he said quietly. It was an ordinary company profile picture. Professional and bland, but even then she still looked beautiful. John stared into her blue eyes and the light that was in them. He brought his hand up as if to brush her cheek, letting his hand pass through the hologram.

“Who’s she?” the inquisitive Lux said. John was mildly surprised that she followed him out here.

“She’s a good friend of mine.”

“Seems like you were more than just friends.” John shifted in his seat at her statement. “Hey relax, its me you’re talking to.” she came up and placed a hoof on his arm. John looked at her. She was wearing a bright smile to match her large deep green eyes. He turned back to the image.

“I’d like to believe we could have had something special. But now... I’m never going to find out.”

“I don’t think it’s any of your business, now run along you silly filly.” Atlas said

“Hey! I’ve been hangin’ around him alot longer than you have, so you can just cram it, air head!” she stuck her tongue out at him and blew a raspberry. The resulting unintelligible bickering caused John to laugh.

“Alright that’s enough. Atlas she’s been traveling with me for a while now. I think she’s entitled to a little info. Lux, don’t antagonize him. Best thing to do is turn him off.”

“Hey wait-” he was cut off as John hit the switch. He resumed watching the drifting scene before him, with Lux by his side. She slowly turned her gaze towards him.

“You think you’ll ever see her again?” John heaved a sigh as he turned to her.

“Not likely.”

“Oh come on, what kind of attitude is that?”

John looked at her in surprised manner.

“Nopony knew what was going to happen after they founded Equestria, but at least they had hope that it would turn out for the better. That’s the only reason we are here today. So why can’t the same happen to you? If there’s anything you should have John, it’s hope.”

John reached over and stroked her mane.

“Thanks Lux. I’m lucky to have you as a friend.”

Lux blushed and leaned into John. He took the excess of his cloak and wrapped it around her. The two sat serenely as the snowflakes danced around them. From inside the melodious voice of Fluttershy began singing a carol the likes John had never heard. Smooth and flowing, John could have sworn it was an angel singing. For the first time since he came to Equestria, he was completely at peace. He let the magic inside of him spur and pour into his entire being, to ward off the cold night air. Lux sighed heavily as she snuggled closer to John’s heated body.

Everything is perfect, he thought.

Remember I love you all!!
Enjoy your holidays.
And kill those exams. One down four to go.
Yes this canon for my story

Part VII

A steady stream of beats we’re slowly getting louder and louder. John opened his eyes to stare past his muzzle into ceiling. Someone was knocking at the door. John smacked his lips as he tried to get some moisture in his dry mouth. The knocking was becoming more fervent. John took a quick look around, sighed when he saw he was still a pony and proceeded to flounder out of the bed. The sun was already shining through the window and its rays were hurting his head. A few drinks and a late night did not make for a good morning. He walked up to the dresser on which the vial rested. He scratched his chin as he pondered it carefully, thinking back to Aurora. Harsh knocks interrupted his train of thought. He grumbled as he trotted over to the door, and grumbled some more when he reached his hoof towards the handle. He fumbled with it as the knocks persisted until he got fed up and bit down on it to open it.

He was expecting to see Dice and Sandblast, instead he was greeted by two different guards.

“The Princesses require your presence.”

John inspected the seemingly far less friendly guards.

“By all means, let’s go.” he said politely.

John exited his room and the two guards walked on either side of him.

“Why isn’t Dice or Sandblast here this morning.”

“They were in need of relief.” the guard answered curtly.

They arrived in the grand hall that he was brought in last night. The princesses being in the exact same spot as well. With a look from Celestia the guards departed and John continued on his own up to them. John felt himself starting to tense up again, he was about to sign his life away. The princesses, on the other hand, were ever poised and relaxed. He stopped a few feet short of them. He felt utterly insignificant at the way Celestia towered over him.

“Normally ‘tis common courtesy to bow before royalty.” Luna said.

John gave her a look before he received one back. He awkwardly tried kneeling on his forelegs. This garnered a chuckle from Celestia.

“That’s close enough. Rise John.”

As he did so, Celestia slowly circled him, he could feel her eyes run up and down his body. He was wired enough as it was without the Princess examining him.

“This is an interesting development. I was told about your misadventure last night with Corporal Dice.” John felt the hairs on his skin raise and his tail stick straight out. He let out a slow breath of air.

“Since you are not a citizen of Equestria yet, we will overlook your mistake this time. But bear in mind we will consider a punishment for you later.”

She stopped circling him and joined her sister.

“Perhaps you should stay as a pony, what do you think Luna?”

“He wishes to be human again, dear sister, but my magic failed in changing him back. Thy magic is mightier, will thou give it a shot?”

“No!” John stated as he stood on his hind legs, waving his forelegs in front. He immediately dropped back down. “What I meant was, I want to be human again, but now’s... not the time.”
Celestia raised an eyebrow, and turned to Luna, who sighed.

“He’s insecure.”

John smacked himself in the face.

“I think its time for the real issue at hand.”

John turned back to Princesses, holding his face as seriously as possible to hide his embarrassment. It didn’t help that Luna was silently laughing.

“Have you come to a decision on whether you will accept our offer to become a citizen of Equestria and serve fellow citizens by undergoing knighthood to be one of our Errants?”

John could see the steely resolve in her eye. If it there was anytime to back out, now would be the time. Unfortunately he didn’t have that luxury.

“John, your decision?”

“What choice do I have?” he said.

“Excellent news, we should start your training right away.”

“Wait, training? Right now?”

“Yes. There isn’t a problem with that is there?”

“Uh...no, there isn’t. Can I get Atlas. I’m sure he’ll want to be kept in the loop.”

“There’s no need. We are making arrangements for your friend while you are training. Ms. Skip?”
The pony Celestia called in had a brown coat, with a dark chocolate mane which was tied in the back. It bounced slowly along with her trot as she held up her nose in an airy manner. She trotted up a few feet to his side.

“Yes princess?” she asked, her voice was soft, almost tired sounding.

“Ms. Skip, this is John. He has a friend that is still in the guest room, would you go get him.”

“Yes princess.”
Before going she gave John a bored once over. Then left the chamber.

“Well I think we should get started. First you should meet your instructors, so I introduce you to my sister, Princess Luna.” Celestia stepped aside as her sister stepped forward. John’s jaw dropped.

“What? I mean... why?”

“It has been part of our duty to prepare the Errants for what lies ahead. Celestia has trained many Errants during my imprisonment, and I felt I should resume my responsibilities again with the next enlisted Errant.” Luna came even closer, she gave him a bright smile. “This wasn’t what I expected, but I digress. We shall meet the other teachers that Celestia and I personally picked out.”
She began trotting off. John was still frozen in place. He turned to Celestia who shook her head in Luna’s direction. John scampered off to catch up.

The Princess had taken John to the University. It’s campus was bustling with scores of ponies and its halls were packed, but no one was busy enough to not quickly bow to Luna.

“Pardon me Princess, but what exactly are we doing here?”

“Meeting your second teacher. He will be teaching you all there is too know about how our world works. He is quite knowledgeable and one of the great geniuses of our time. I’m sure you will like him.”

Luna came up to a desk. The mare behind jumped when she looked up.

“Oh, good morning Princess, is there anything I can do for you today.”

“Greetings my loyal subject, I request to see the Doctor. Is he in today?”

“Yes Princess, go right in.” she said politely.

Luna opened the doors with her magic and proceeded through. She held them just long enough for John to sneak in before they snapped shut. A humming sound came from across the room, and chalk was being scratched softly across a board. John traced the source to a tan colored unicorn with a shaggy grey mane. John could just see the endings of a moustache on his muzzle. He didn’t seem to notice that they even came in, Luna took this opportunity to silently approach the pony.

“Good to see your still hard at work Doctor.”
The unicorn gave a surprised yelp and chuckled a little when he saw the princess.

“Hohoho, good to see you again my Princess. To vat do I owe ze honor?” he asked.

“I require your assistance Doctor. I have accepted an Errant and I would like thee to teach him.”

“Vhy yes Princess. Anyzing for you. But I must know if he vill be gut schtudent.”

“John would thou come over here. I would like you to meet the famous Doctor Albert Equinestein.”

“Oh Princess, you are too kind.” he chuckled.

John just stood there with his mouth hanging open. He was excited and flabbergasted at the same time. He could feel goosebumps rippling over his body. He tried to make his mouth work, but the shock of the uncanny resemblance scrambled his mind. Luna and the doctor stared at him awkwardly. Albert cleared his throat.

“Vell.” he sauntered up to John and extended a hoof. “Its a pleasure to meet you John. I’m sure ze Princess has great things in schtore for you.”

John raised his hoof and shook it.

“Good to meet you Dr. Ein... I mean Equinstien. If it isn’t too much to ask, what were you working on over there?”

“Vhat? Zat? It is nothing but a side project. I am curious as to how magic fits in our world. Possibly even discover if magic is not needed in our world. As an example, common theory is zat magic is responsible for gravity, hence pegasi are not as affected by it, but I believe anozer variable is responsible for it,” he jabbed the air to punctuate. “I can feel it. As if its right under my hooves.”
He clenched his hoof and looked off to the side. Trotting back up to the board, he began scribbling with his chalk again.

“Okay then,” whispered John. “This pony’s...eccentric.”
Luna just smiled.

“The doctor is full of new and progressive ideas. I’m confident it will become useful to you in your duties. Perhaps you can share some of your knowledge as well.”

Albert turned his head at this.
“Ah, so you are training a scholar. Very vise choice your majesty, it vill be an honor vorking vith him. Now if zat is all, I vish to return to my vork.” he turned back to the board.

“There’s one little detail I should warn you about.” John started
Luna gave him a scowl and shook her head. Albert gave him a quizzical look out of the corner of his eye. “You might just get more than you bargained for.” he finished, nervously. Luna relented. The Doctor turned back to his chalk board, muttering under his breath about mass having properties of attraction.

“Why not tell him that I’m human?”

“What the Doctor doesn’t know can’t hurt him. Besides,” she flashed him a mischievous grin, “It shall be more fun once we return you to your original form.” John didn’t know if he liked that smile.

“So where are we going now?”

“You’re physical training instructors.”

Just as she finished her sentence, the set of doors they stood in front of burst open, revealing a brigade of ponies in a flurry of activity. Some were running laps around a track. A line of them were on the ground doing pushups, the pegasi had their wings tied. Another group was wearing harnesses with spears attached to them. They charged forward, impaling the dummy targets. The Princess marched forward into the ordered chaos. John cautiously followed her, only to be cut off by a marching line of ponies. They paid no attention to him, but a large screaming stallion stopped his tirade to give John a menacing stare before resuming his verbal assault on the group. John waited for them to pass and quickly caught up to Luna.

“Try not to fall behind.” she said.

John hardly heard her. He was whipping his head around trying to catch everything going on around him. Fast movement caught the corner of his eye. He turned to see a couple of ponies in heavy padded gear, ferociously duking it out. A crowd had surrounded them and was cheering them on. One pony had a considerable size advantage, but the smaller was faster and more agile. He took some heavy hits from the big one but kept standing. He seemed dazed so the larger prepared to strike by rearing up. A split second later the smaller dashed underneath him and used the momentum to propel the larger pony over top and slam him thunderously into the ground. The crowd erupted in applause as both ponies panted heavily, the big one in too much pain to move. The smaller pony sat back and pulled the helmet off, revealing a bright pink face with a lustrous golden mane. John just stared in amazement. The mare looked around proudly.

“And that, fillies and gentlecolts, is how it’s done.” she looked down to her opponent. “Sorry for roughing you up, son. Somepony get him to the infirmary. The rest of you, dismissed.” she left the helmet where it was and trotted away.

John started as the Princess spoke right into his ear.

“Amazing isn’t she? Lieutenant Hart is our premiere martial arts instructor and has helped many ponies. She will aid you along with your main instructors during your training, primarily as a sparring partner.”
John swallowed hard.

“And just who are my other instructors?” John said nervously.

“First off I would be one of them.”

John turned to the familiar voice that belonged to Captain Ray Shear.

“Princess at first I thought you were exaggerating. Personally I don’t see it as much of a problem since it makes my job easier.” he chuckled.

“You would have had help Captain. I hired a professional more...similar to John’s original body shape to compensate.”

“What do you mean, would have?” asked John.

He felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end as tiny puffs of air blew gently back and forth across it. John turned and was nose to nose with a large canine creature. It emitted a low growl from its throat and slowly backed away.

“This pony smells funny, all ponies smell funny, but this one’s different.” the dog said in a deep voice.
He turned to the Princess, revealing a small collection of swords slung over his back.
“This was the whelp you wanted me to train?” He jabbed a long finger at John.
The dog stood at around six feet all, John guessed. It was black with patches of brown. John never seen many dogs, but he guessed this one was a doberman. His pointed snout wrinkled once again.

“Yes, Sir Oreshine. Believe me when I say we didn’t expect this to happen.”

“Expect what to happen? He’s a pony, I was told I'd have a special student. Now I don't, end of story. I want my bits, then I’ll take my leave Princess.”

“Very well then.” her horn began to glow, then with a flash, a small bag appeared in the air. The dog grabbed the bag and began tromping off, his bag of swords clanging against each other as they went.
“I have one last request, Sir Oreshine.” Luna said.

The dog stopped and sighed heavily.
“What is it?”

“Would you care to stay in Canterlot Castle for the day? I’m sure you can use a rest from traveling.”

“No.” he put simply and began to walk away.

“Not even for a... sapphire?” her horn began to glow again.

“Please princess, you think that I am so weak willed that I would give in to a small worthless ro-ro-ro-rahahah.”
The dog turned to see that she was levitating a massive sapphire about the size of John’s head. The dog slowly turned around to face the Princess.
“So... that can be mine... as long as I stay...for one day. Yes?”

Luna smiled and nodded curtly.

“Perhaps your stay will change your mind about our Errant.”

Dover slid his attention from Luna to John and gave a small huff.

“Not likely.” he said and stalked off for the final time.

Luna let her magic fade and the massive sapphire turned back into a puny rock.

“Well played your majesty.” Ray Shear quipped.

John was confused after what just happened.

“What on Earth did you want him to teach me?” John said.

“Sir Oreshine is a master swordsdog. It was plainly obvious you didn’t have much in the way natural weaponry, but you do seem to possess versatility. I was going to experiment with how you handled his training and change your regiment as we go along. Now the only problem is getting him to stay.”

“With respect your highness, we may be better off without him.” Ray Shear glanced in John’s direction. “While he’s here, should I show him around Princess?”

“Of course Captain. Once you’re finished, send him to the infirmary so we can see what exactly transformed him.”

“Yes your highness.” He bowed as she left. He turned to John “Well you heard the Princess, it time to whip you into shape! Let’s see what the Lieutenant has to say about you.”
He trotted over to a building with the word GYM on the front door. He pushed past it, John followed him in. Once again he was amazed that ponies were able to do very human things, albeit with some modifications to the equipment, but still, he saw a pony bench pressing what looked to be three hundred pounds. There was even a boxing ring in the middle of the room. John was getting a few stares from the ponies just as he was from the club, he decided it was best to focus on the Captain and not let his eyes wander. At that moment the Captain stopped in front of a set of lockers, John came up to his side to see the same mare that flattened the stallion. She was rubbing a towel around her head as she glanced over.

“Captain, what can I do for you?” she saluted quickly. She gave a quick glance at John, cocked her brow and turned back to the Captain.

“Lieutenant this is our newest recruit. He will be joining the Errants and it is our duty to make sure he’s prepared.”

“Really, sir?” her eyebrow raised. “Has he had any experience?”

“Green as grass, soldier, he needs to get up to speed. I’m sure you can handle that.”

Hart leaned up against the lockers. She looked John over with a quizzical expression. Heaving a heavy sigh she trotted forward.

“Alright get in the ring. We’ll see what we have to work on.”

“Wait. Like right now?”
“Yes right now, move you plot soldier.”

“My what?”
“Question me again and I will make you regret it.” she said in a warning tone. John shut his mouth and moved to the ring, he slowly got up the steps and clambered through the ropes. Hart wasn’t far behind him. A crowd was gathering around the ring as Hart circled John.

“State your name soldier.” she commanded. John looked to the crowd of ponies watching him. Leers and curiosity filled their faces. The captain was looking at him expectantly.

“My name is...John.” he said. The crowd started sneering and mumbling to each other.

“Alright then John, prepare yourself for lesson one.”

She immediately lunged forward and body checked him to the side.

“Never let your guard down.”

John got up. She hit hard.

“Ah, come on don’t go easy on him!” someone shouted. Hart charged at him. John instinctively sidestepped, but found his front legs were gone after she passed. He dropped on his face.
“Lesson two. No such thing as a fair fight.”
Dazed he slowly got back up. Hart was standing over him. She reared up on her hind legs. Before she could bring her hooves down John leaped forward into her midsection, taking them both to the ground. Not that it did much good since she was able to keep rolling, putting John flat on his stomach. There was a sudden pain in his shoulder as she twisted his front leg behind his back and pulled on his mane with her teeth.

“‘O ‘ou ‘ield?” she mumbled.

John was staring up into the ceiling.

How do I get out of this mess? An idea came to him. If I am a pony, then maybe I should start acting like one.

He slowly got up, while she was still sitting on top of him. He was struggling to push himself up on his one leg. She twisted his leg a little more, forcing him back down. He planted his hind feet on the ground launched Hart forward. The sudden bucking caused her to lose her grip on his leg. She recovered by wrapping her legs around his neck in a choke hold. With all four legs on the ground John leaped to his feet and started to buck. He jumped around the ring wildly as Hart worked to sink her choke hold deeper. The crowd went into an uproar. He reared and jumped but nothing seemed to shake her. She then clamped her hind legs around his stomach and squeezed his neck as hard as she could. John could feel the pressure shutting down his brain. He thought up one last ditch effort to shake her. He burst forward, her grip loosened then he came to a full stop. He felt her body lift off his, but she still had a grip on his neck. Using her momentum she swung around and slammed John into the mat, keeping him in a headlock so he couldn't stand. John struggled to get out of the hold, but it was too tight. He was about to pass out when the pressure was suddenly released. John’s head was dropped to the mat as he slowly regained his breath. The Captain filled his vision.

“You alright there rookie?” he asked.

“I hate being a pony.” John replied gasping for breath.

“She went easy on you. You should be grateful she didn’t break anything.”

“Just my pride.” John groaned.

“Well that’ goes without saying around here. So lieutenant what do you think?”

“Well he’s brash, untrained, and full of spirit. We got a long way to go.” she said with a shrug “I wasn’t expecting to break a sweat, now I need another shower. Captain.” she curtly nodded.
She trotted up to John and checked him over.
“Nice moves there rook. Let that be lesson three. Never give up, no matter how hopeless it seems. You got that?” She jabbed a forceful hoof in his chest to reiterate.
“Yes sir, uh ma’am. Miss.” John smiled weakly.
“Miss or lieutenant rook and don’t forget it.”
“Uh yeah, sure. Miss.” She nodded and set off for the showers.
“She always that tough?” John asked.

“Yes, she’s a good teacher that way. Now we must get you to the infirmary. See what’s wrong with you. Aside from broken bones.” He said as he gave him a rough pat. John followed the Captain out of the gym.

Next thing John knew was that he was being poked and prodded by a doctor, who had a constant scowl on his face.

“Normally this space is reserved for patients who are actually sick.” the doctor said.

“So you find nothing wrong with him?” asked Luna.

“No. He’s healthy as a horse, as the saying goes.”

“I don’t think you understand.” John started.

“What’s not too understand?” the doctor rounded on him. “Are you an expert on equine physiology? Have you ever written books on ailments and treatments? No? Well then what am I failing to understand?”

“I’m… not actually a pony. I’m an alien from another dimension.”

The doctor just turned a grimace to Luna. “You do realize your majesty. That this is a hospital, and not an asylum?”

“Of course Doctor what gave you the impres-”

“Then get him a shrink and don’t waste my time!” he packed up his equipment and started for the door.

“THOU WILL DIAGNOSE THE PATIENT AGAIN, AND THOU SHALT NOT SPEAK TO YOUR PRINCESS IN THAT MANNER!

The magnitude of her voice sent John and the doctor flying across the room, with debris piling up against them. John burst forth from the wreckage at the same time as the Doctor. John ear’s were ringing as he rubbed them to get his hearing back, the doctor was trembling as he spoke something inaudible. John was then pulled out by the doctor and was prodded again. The doctor seemed to have found something. John strained to hear what was being said. The princess seemed satisfied by the doctor’s answer and began addressing John. Nothing but unintelligible mumbling reached his ears. She then nodded her head in a direction. John’s hearing started coming back.

“Well you heard her, get out of here.” The doctor said impatiently.

“Right.” John headed for the door and proceeded into the direction of where the Princess nodded. He came to a T in the hall way and ventured left, he was suddenly picked into the air and spun into the opposite direction. He looked at Luna who gave him smile as he trotted off in the new direction.

John had no idea where he was going. The white corridors seemed to go on forever.

“Why in the hell did she just send me off on my own like this?” He stopped to read a sign, unsure of which direction to take. “Why didn’t I ask somepony for directions?” He stopped reading and set his head against the wall. “I’m getting too used to this.”

Hoofsteps echoed through the halls. John started walking in their direction, hoping the pony they belonged too would get him out of here. The steps were getting louder, John picked up his pace. He rounded a corner and collided with another pony sending them both on their rumps.

“Oh crap, I’m sorry about tha...Dice?” the pegasus opened his eyes at the mention of his name.

“Thank Celestia I found you. Everypony’s been worried sick.” he got up and dusted himself off.

“What do you mean?”

“Well you were supposed to be in the bath for treatment, but you never showed. So they sent me looking for you about an hour ago. Come on now it’s time to get you fixed up.”

Dice trotted back in the direction he came from, and John quickly followed.

“What treatment? Bath? Did I miss something?” Dice just looked at him strangely.

“Are you sure the Lieutenant didn’t bash your brains in? Because I was told you were in the doctor’s office just beforehoof. Luna’s orders were clear, take a bath, become human again.”

“She knew,” John said quietly. “That pony knew.”

“Who knew what now?”

“Nothing. Let’s go.”

John picked up his pace. Dice shifted his eyes from side to side before joining John.

“So how does it feel to be part of the most honorable branch in the service of Equestria?” He asked. John looked at his right shoulder. It was still sore from being twisted.

“Feels like whatever they got planned is going to suck.”

“Yup, odds you’re going to wash out.”

“Hey.” John rounded on Dice who threw up his hooves in defense.

“I’m just sayin’, that’s what everypony else thinks. They don’t know you like I do.” He gave John a friendly tap on the shoulder. “You know what else? This comes as a unique opportunity to capitalize off this.” He stared off into space while rubbing his hooves together. John just gave him a puzzled look

“I don’t follow.”

“Well considering nopony thinks you’re Errant material, they think you’ll just quit in a few days. But I’m willing to bet that you can make it more than a few days. Hay, I’d bet my entire savings that you’ll be knighted. I could be living on easy street with odds like that.”

“That’s insane.”

“But it would be worth it.”

John paused for a minute. He turned to Dice.

“You really think that I’ll be knighted?”

Dice smirked. “I don’t think so. I know so.” He turned his attention forward. “Looks like we’re here.” Dice stopped in front of a nurse.

“Here’s the patient.” Dice said. The nurse motioned for John. The nurse guided him to a basin filled with hot water, adding varying ingredients to it. The thick layer of bubbles reminded him of Aurora. The nurse told him to get in. He slid himself amongst the hot suds, relaxing as he did. Dice set himself on a bench next to the door.

“What’s this going to do?” John asked the nurse. She turned to look at him.

“It’s a cure for Poison Joke. There have only been a few cases in Canterlot, mostly from careless flower shop owners. Either way, you’re the plot end of the joke, and this will fix you up.”

“Wait a second I was poisoned!?”

“Don’t shout, it’s not even poisonous. Just wait for the medicine to run its course and I’ll check up on you later.” She left the baths. John turned to Dice.

“How long will this take?”

“Beats me, I was never dumb enough to go near Poison Joke before.” He smiled. John rolled his eyes and settled back down in the water. The warmth and sweet scents were soothing his mind. “Then again, I never saw such a… comprehensive transformation.” John trained his eyes on Dice.

“You mean you dealt with this stuff before?” Dice grinned.

“I grew up on the ground. It was real fun, during school, when we tricked somepony to touch it. The craziest things would happen and we would just laugh our plots off.” John gave him a disapproving look. “Course that was after I took bets on what would happen.”

“You’re more insane than I thought you were.” Dice just shrugged

“Oh come on it was all in good fun. It was even funnier when you turned out to be right.” John just shook his head. “That’s when this baby appeared.” He gestured towards his cutie mark of a set of red die. “My super-special-awesome talent.”

John looked at the cutie mark and thought for a moment.

“Aren’t you afraid you’ll lose?”

Dice chuckled. “I lose once in a while, but they’re nothing huge. I’m always careful because I bet on the sure thing.”

“How do you know what the sure thing is?” John challenged.

“That is a valid question. Let’s see if I can drum up an example here,” he looked around the room. His eyes fell on John, then the bubble bath, and then the door exit. A smile crept across his lips. “Okay, you should almost be finished. Get your hoof out and let’s see.” John did as he was told and let out a sigh of relief when a hand emerged. “Perfect. Now I’m gonna bet you ten bits that the nurse is going to flip out over your grotesque appearance.”

“That’s… unlikely. In Ponyville no one paid me much attention.”

“That was the country, this is the big city. Lot of sheltered ponies. Easier to scare.” He whispered.

“I don’t even have any money.”

“You’ll get paid. Eventually, look take it or leave it. I just wanted to show you what a sure thing looks like.” John rolled his eyes and nodded his head. Dice’s grin grew impossibly wider.

“Oh nurse!” he called in a sing song voice. She came in a second later.

“I think the patient is cured.” The nurse walked over to the basin as John eyed Dice, trying to discern what he was up to. Dice was biting his lip trying not to laugh. The nurse looked straight at John. She took his head and started examining it.

“Seems like the bath did its job. Get out and let’s check the rest of you.”

John gave Dice a smug look who returned a knowing smile of his own. As soon as John reached for a towel the nurse had frozen in fear. John covered himself as he got out and the nurse was slowly backing away. John furrowed his brow.

“What’s wrong?” He covered his ears from her shriek and she bolted out of the door. His ears where still covered in fur and that they were still on top of his head. He touched the rest of his head and confirmed that it was still a ponies head. He rounded on Dice who fell off the bench laughing.

“You knew this would happen!” He grabbed Dice’s shoulders and shook him.

“That’s why you owe me ten bits now.” He fell into another fit of laughter. John let go of him and ran a hand through his mane, clutching at the extra hair.

“Now what!?”

Dice calmed himself down and stood up.

“Oh don’t worry, this is an easy fix all we have to do is…” he gave John a shove, making him dive back into basin head first. John breached the water a second later. “...fully submerge the patient.” John felt his head to reassure that he had a normal human head. “And now you know what the sure thing is.” Dice looked to the door.

“I’m going to see if the nurse is alright. There’s a package of clothes for you at her desk. And then you’re supposed to meet the Princess in the grand hall.” Dice went through the door as John stared after him, utterly speechless.

John was finding it easier to get around the castle. It wasn’t long till he was in the hall walking towards the princess and the brown pony from before. As John got closer, he easily recognized Atlas, who seemed to be in deep conversation with the other two.

“Interesting, so you want me to help organize his training?” Atlas said.

“Correct pale one. Your expertise on humans would be of great use to us.” Luna said. “Of course, Cherry will be your permanent liaison.”

Cherry’s face lost its color.

“Princess with all due respect I have other duties that I simply can’t abandon.”

“No need to worry. You are hereby relieved of your previous duties so you can devote your energies to your new assignment.” Cherry opened her mouth to object but shut it and bowed.

"Yes, your majesty," she said reluctantly.

"Oh, dear sparks no," said Atlas.

“Hey, don't do that you'll drain his power!” John said. Atlas grinned.

“Where have you been? My accelerometers haven’t had a moment’s peace since riding in her saddlebags.” Cherry blew a puff of air at Atlas.

“I told already there’s no way I could possibly carry you.”

Atlas threw up his arm and let it slap to his side while giving John a bewildered look.

“This is what I had to deal with all day. A temperamental equine.” Cherry threw her nose up in indignation.

"Why are you not shut down?" John asked

"You can shut down this infernal being?" Cherry replied.

"I recommend against such action, but yes. John they supplied me with a new power source, and I must say it feels even cleaner than fusion power."

John looked back and forth between Atlas and Cherry.

“I’ll let you two sort this out.” John got back up and squared himself to the Princess “You wanted to see me?”

Luna smiled.

“Yes , It seems we have a new development concerning you. Follow me.” Cherry and Atlas’ voices were escalating.

“Ms. Skip, Atlas please stop that incessant arguing and follow us. You will need to see this as well.”

The trio took a winding path through the castle halls. Eventually he could hear voices. Princess Luna stopped in front of a door with a window and beckoned him to take a look. John did as he was told. He came up to the window and beheld a room full of tiny ponies all sitting at desks. John noticed that every single one was a unicorn. At the front of the room a unicorn filly was floating a piece of ribbon through the air in intricate patterns as her horn glowed with soft silvery light. The class applauded for her performance and she sat back down at her desk near the door. She noticed John standing outside. She waved shyly at him. John slowly returned the wave. The little unicorn’s face lit up and she happily turned back to face the front.

“What is this place?” he asked Luna.

“This place is where those gifted with magic come to master it.”

“Explains all the unicorns. What does this have to do with me?”

“Come a long there is much to explain.”

She started walking again, slightly faster than before. John and Cherry picked up their pace.

“Do you have any idea what transformed you John?”

“The Poison Joke?”

“Yes. It seems the doctor was able to determine you contracted it. A troublesome plant indeed, but an easy cure is readily available.”

“Perfect, now if only I knew what it looked like.”

“Large blue petals make it easily recognizable,” she added, “Moreover I was less troubled on how you were transformed, but more on the matter of why?” Luna stopped before a large set of doors and pushed one open with her magic. John followed her in. Inside the room were towers of tomes, mountains of manuscripts, and stacks of scrolls. Each one threatened to collapse if the delicate balance was disturbed. As John moved, he left his footprints in a thick layer of dust.

“Then it struck me. It was the only logical conclusion, but it just didn’t seem right. I consulted your friend on the nature of magic in your world.”

“What nature?” John said.

“His thoughts exactly, but that still didn’t explain your current situation.”

“And what would that be?”

Luna stepped in close until she was mere inches from his face.

“There is magic in you.”

John took a step back.

“Okay, that’s just about as crazy as being imprisoned on the moon.”

The air suddenly went cold, sending chills up John’s spine. A strong draft blew around the room sending papers flying. John looked around wildly at the impromptu paper storm as Cherry hid behind a stack of books. A shadow loomed over John as Luna approached him. He backed stepped and tripped. Looking up at her face he saw that her eyes were glowing white with power. Cold sweat poured down his face as he backed away until he hit a wall. He closed his eyes expecting the worst. He felt encased in warmth as the cold and winds disappeared. He was being lifted back onto his feet. He opened his eyes and saw that Luna’s eyes were filled with sorrow.

“That was a terrible experience for us. Do not take it so lightly in the future.”

John slumped against the wall and bowed his head.

“I’m sorry that happened to you Princess.”

“What’s done is done. I have paid the consequences and moved on. There is no need for apologies.” She took in a deep breath “Pay attention, all of you. John, come forth.”

Luna pointed to a desk with a large book splayed on top. John approached the desk, wondering what the book had in store for him. He was puzzled to see that it was in a different language, it wasn’t in anything he was familiar with.

“Orion, what I said was true. There is magic in you. If it wasn’t before, I know not how it got there, only that it is there.” She paused as John stared intently at the book.

“We want to know if you can harness that magic. Turn the page.”

John looked back to Luna who cocked her head to the book. As he reached for the end he felt a gentle slap of air and immediately withdrew it.

“With your mind.” she said.

“You can’t be serious.”

“You witnessed how serious I can get, now turn the page.”

John sighed. “Alright I’ll try.”

“No” Luna said suddenly. “Do or do not. There is no try.” The weight of her voice sank deep into his mind.

John turned back to the book and instinctively reached out his hand again. This time he stopped a few inches short. John’s face contorted as he concentrated on lifting the page.

Okay... turn the page. Turn the page. Turn the- his thoughts were interrupted as a small spark jumped across his fingers and the page waved ever so slightly. He turned to the Princess who was beaming.

“What just happened?” he asked.

“What do you think?”

John looked back at his hand. Nothing was different about it.

“I…I'm not sure I believe what happened.” he said as he turned towards the Princess. She only smiled in return.

“Very good, we are making progress.” John gave her a quizzical look as she headed for the door. “I suggest you retire early. Tomorrow the real training begins.”

John complied and followed her out. Luna turned her head back to face him.

“There is a little known fact about Poison Joke. The plant has no magic of its own to cause a transformation. Instead its spores use the magic that is already present in a living being. Something for you to think about.”

John stopped and let the Princess carry on by herself, trying to make sense of what she said.

John was back in his guest room standing in front of the mirror, studying himself. Atlas was allowed to stay with John for a final night before his training began.
“So you became a pony?” Atlas asked.
“Uh-huh” John said simply. He rubbed the stubble on his face. He looked for anything that looked remotely like a shaver. He cursed under his breath after finding nothing but a long folding blade.

“And what was that like?”

John took the blade out and analyzed it, thinking how archaic it was.

“It was…” he lathered his face with a thick layer of soap. “Weird.”

“Besides that. Did you interact with the locals?”

John hesitantly set the razor against his skin. “Yes.” He gently pushed on it.

“So what are ponies like?”

“Pardon? Ack.” He checked the mirror to see a small cut on his jaw. He set the razor down and washed the cut. “They are just like us, in more ways than one.”

"Let me clarify my query, how would you describe their society?

Another stroke of the blade, smoother this time.

"Almost... human. They like to party if anything."

"I see. Maybe if this Cherry partied more, she wouldn't be a total-"

"Come Atlas you just met her."

"Perhaps I should become a pony, to put her at ease. How does one do this, I must know."

"You're a hologram Altas you can be a pony anytime you want," John said sarcastically.

He washed his face in cold water and grabbed a towel. Atlas shrugged as John picked him up and carried him over to the dresser, which still had the vial on top of it.

“I’m just glad it’s over.”

“It’s far from over John. That pales in comparison to what they have planned for you.” John locked eyes with Atlas.

“What do they have planned?”

“They didn’t tell me. But I won’t be around to warn you when they involve me. All I can say is get your rest.”

John sighed, letting his shoulders sink. “Okay, thanks Atlas. See you in the morning.”

Atlas flickered off and John flopped onto the bed. He was going over in his mind how his teachers were going to react when they saw him tomorrow. Especially Sir Oreshine and Lieutenant Hart, he groaned at the thought of getting beaten to pulp before he had a chance to speak. A cool draft made him shiver. He looked to the window to see that it was wide open. He climbed out of the bed and moved to shut it.

“Good to see you are back, Mr. Pax.”

John whirled around to the direction of the voice and found himself face first on the floor.

“You! What are you doing here? Get off of me!”

“I’m sorry Orion, but this is for my own protection.” He heard a locking sound and the pressure was released. John tried to bring his hands forward but they were cuffed. He rolled onto his back to face Aurora.

“Protection from what!?”

“From you of course,” John looked at her dumbfounded. She rolled her eyes. “Well you weren’t clever enough to know what the herbs were for. I guess it was too much to expect you to know about your true purpose.”

John stood himself up and took a step towards her. “Just what the hell is going on?”

“Hell is what will be on our doorstep if you don’t return to the stars.”

John closed his eyes and shook his head.

“Look, I’m tired, I was beaten up. I just returned to normal. I survived a horrific incident that destroyed everything I ever knew only to arrive in a strange place that seems bent on driving me up the wall. So please tell me something useful because I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

Aurora jumped onto the bed and made herself comfortable. “Fair enough human, take a seat and I’ll explain as best as possible.” John leaned himself against the dresser reaching for Atlas, only to find he wasn’t where he left him.
“Looking for this?” She said. She pulled the console out of her saddlebag. John moved towards her. “Ah ah ah manners. You wanted an explanation, so only you will get one. Now sit.” John did as he was told. “Have you ever wondered why Celestia was so eager to make you an Errant?”

“All the time, It’s like I had no choice.”

“You always have a choice.” She said. “She just made the choice extremely,” she stretched out on the bed “attractive.” John looked off to the side. She smiled and continued. “The truth is you are a danger to yourself and others.” John turned back to her.

“You think I don't know that.”

“Well I’m sure you don’t mean to be” she walked closer to John. “It’s just that trouble has a way of following you.” She was behind John now.

“I’ve noticed, just look what’s happening now.” He said. Aurora craned her head around next to his ear.

“Aw and I thought you would’ve been happy to see me.” She swept her soft tail underneath his chin. “But I guess that’s the way the salt gets licked.” She gently swatted his nose with her tail as she jumped off. She turned around and folded her front legs and placed them on the bed. She looked up at him with her bright pink eyes.

“Alright so why am I a trouble magnet?” he said.

Aurora smiled and shrugged.

“Oh no reason I guess. Only human in Equestria for three thousand years, valuable resource, fate of the cosmos could depend on it, that kind of thing.”

“You’re kidding.”

“No I’m quite serious.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“Suit yourself, by the way you’ll never get a handle on magic with that attitude.” John was silent as she uncuffed him and stepped onto to the window ledge.

“I’ll be back again soon. Don’t wait up for me.” She was just about to jump.

“There’s a certain pony that’s going to miss Atlas you know,” he said.

“Really? The way they were going at it, I’d think I was doing her a favor.”

“He could just as easily do it to you. And I’m sure the Princess will have Canterlot searched to get him back.” She smacked herself in the face and shook her head. She rummaged in her saddlebags and tossed Atlas to John. “One other thing, what kind of resource am I?”

She paused for a second before turning back outside. “A weapon.”

Part VIII

“Wait a second, what did you mean by that?”

Aurora had already jumped out the window. John bolted over to the sill and spotted her silhouette galloping across the gardens. Looking over the side, he found there was no way to climb down easily, but there was a heavy mist on the ground below. John looked from the mist to Aurora, as she vanished into the garden. He took a heavy breath and vaulted out the window. lost it as he plummeted into the thick, icy cloud, and landed hard on the ground.
John groaned, picked himself up and limped towards the garden.

“Aurora!” he called.

He was getting deeper and deeper into the garden. The hedges were towering above him, and strange noises echoed all around him. Something screeched at him from the side, which caused him to jump into a stone wall. After rubbing his shoulder, he eyed the wall and his eyes came to rest on a large plaque.

WARNING: DO NOT ENTER

“Weird.”

He followed the wall until he came across a large steel gate that was ajar. Upon closer inspection he found it used to be bound by chains and a heavy lock, until they were broken. John inhaled sharply, when he heard movement coming from inside. Throwing himself against the wall, he inched over to the gate. He peeked around the corner to see a deserted courtyard with a lone statue in the middle. After making sure the coast was clear, he moved in, keeping as close to the wall as possible. He was the only being inside a large enclosure, and there wasn't anything near the statue. John carefully stepped out of the shadows and towards the center.

"Is anyone here?" he whispered.

No answer. The only sound came from his feet as he stepped across the grass. John set his sights on the statue in the center.

"Holy... that's ugly."

The statue was an amalgamation of several creatures, as far as he could tell, it had an eagle's claw, a lion's paw, a body of a snake, and the head of a pony. John looked back at the broken gate.

"Why would anyone break in to see this?"
John reached out and touched the warm stone, and immediately withdrew it when it cracked.

"JOHN WALKER."

John jumped as high as an Olympic athlete when he heard the powerful voice. Luna descended on him and shook the ground as she landed.

"What are you doing out here this late? This is no time to be out wandering by yourself."

John caught his breath and held out his hand.

"Relax Princess, I was just... going for a walk."

Luna eyed him suspiciously.

"A strange time to be going for a walk, especially where you're not supposed to be." She pointed at the gate. "Did you do that?"
"No," he said, "that was like that when I got here."

"And what brought you here?"

"I was ch-" John thought about Aurora. "I thought I saw something," he muttered.

"In that case you should have alerted the guards. You're not ready to handle things on your own. Now lets get you inside, before anything happens."

Luna strode past him towards the gate. John followed suit, but allowed himself to look back at the statue.

"John."

John half sighed and half yawned.

"Coming Princess."

"I didn't think you were much of a nocturnal creature."

"There's a lot of things that keep me awake lately," he replied.

"Mm, yes. Your time here in Equestria has been rather trying."

"That's an understatement." He was answered by a harsh look. "Princess." He added.

"I understand we put you through a lot, but believe this," she turned her head back to him, "this pales in comparison to what lies ahead. You need to summon every ounce of strength you have to overcome it."

They stepped into the main hall of the castle.

"You will be on your own, but that doesn't mean you have to rely solely on yourself."

"I thought you didn't want anyone to get hurt."

"Nopony will suffer the wrath of the darkness, you will make sure of that, but it would be wise to take any assistance that is offered, you can't afford to turn it down."

The princess slowed her pace as they approached the guest room.

"One last thing John. The elements of harmony." She touched a hoof to his chest. "They left you with a wonderful gift."

"I only remember getting a magic burn."

Princess Luna gave him a small smile.

"It is there." She tapped him gently. "Trust me, I received it too."

She removed her hoof and opened the door with her magic. John stepped inside and looked back at Luna.

"Rest well John," she said before closing the door with a soft click.

"Good night Princess," he whispered.

John flopped back on the bed. The window was still open, letting a cool breeze blow over him as he slowly drifted off to sleep. As soon as his reality went dark he could see a glimmer in the distance, but it was drifting towards him. It was a large globe of light as he had seen before. John hesitantly reached out to touch it, and when he did, it exploded into several smaller lights, just like before. John took more time to examine them this time. Each one strobed, like before, and with varying strength. One light caught his eye, as it was beating harder than the rest. As he focused on it, the light's strobe grew faster and faster. Until it stopped. John watched as it turned a dark red and then winked out of existence. At the same moment, a deep feeling of dread washed over John. All the stars dimmed and placed him in total darkness, then a bright light filled his vision. John bolted upright in a cold sweat to the sound of loud knocks on his door.

"Come on sleepy head, the Princess is waiting for ya'," said the ever enthusiastic Dice.

"I'll be out in a sec!" John said, as he clutched his head. He looked at the clock to see it was still early, but a sense of urgency was overtaking him nonetheless.

"You better be out in here in the next ten seconds, or Princess Luna will teleport your plot out here."

"There's that plot again." John mumbled as he jumped into his clothes.

"You shouldn't make a habit of sleeping in." Luna stated.

"I don't think I can afford it anymore Princess."

Luna gave him a quizzical look.

"Is something bothering you, John?"

"Yes," he said as they started to walk, "I had another dream last night, about the stars."

"What happened?"

"It was almost the same as the first one, except for one star. It was pulsing fast for a while and then it just quit, turned red and died. I couldn't help but feel like something terrible happened."

Silence passed as they walked in deep thought.

"That is rather disturbing," said Luna at last, "If your dreams are connected to the lives of your friends then we cannot waste anymore time."

John slowed his pace as he thought about Artie and Vanessa and the star that went out. He shook his head and caught up to Luna.
"You're right Princess. I can't let them down."

Luna smiled as they entered the barracks, where Captain Ray Shear was waiting. He stood at attention, his face as grim as the plague.

“At ease Ray Shear,” said Luna, “I trust the other mentors will be here soon.”

“They will your majesty. In the meantime I will take care of his training.”

“Excellent Captain. I-”

A panting guard sprinted towards them and skidded to a halt before Luna.

"Princess Celestia requires your presence your highness. She says it is urgent."

Luna furrowed her brow then turned her attention to the captain

“I shall return to check his progress. Show him no quarter Captain, show him the full force of what lies ahead.”

She turned and headed back to the castle. John whipped around and called after.

“Hey! What did you mean by that!?”

Next thing he knew, a harness was violently strapped to him. John looked over his shoulder to see the Captain on a chariot holding reins with his magic.

“Alright son, it’s time to whip you into shape.” He snapped the reins which stung John’s back.

“Is this some kind of sick joke?”

He was answered with a leer.

“No joke. Every errant must complete rigorous physical training. I had to do it and so shall you. Now git!”

He snapped the reins a second time and John jumped forward in response. The chariot inched forward.

How do they expect me to do this?

He heard a heavy sigh behind him.

“We’ve got a long way to go.” he cracked the reins one more time. “Let’s go, filly!”

John collapsed on the ground of the barracks. The ponies had cleared and watched as he struggled to pull the chariot to the centre. As he struggled to regain his breath, the captain stood over top of him. He took out a watch and looked down at John.

“Four and and a quarter hours, not bad.” He dropped his head down next to John’s. “IF WE WERE RACING SNAILS! On your feet soldier, we’re burning sunlight!”

He covered his ears. The captain’s voice matched Luna’s in spirit if not in volume. John struggled to pull himself up. He was feeling the effects of having missed out on sleep.

“We’ll skip the rest of the warm up...” said the captain.

Thank God

“...and move straight to the training portion, follow me soldier.”

Ray Shear trotted towards the gym. John stared after him in disbelief, ready to collapse where he stood. It was at that moment that he noticed a small crowd had gathered around him. They were exchanging glances and whispering back and forth. John decided to follow the captain before drawing any more attention. Once inside, he could see the gym was just as busy as yesterday. Some ponies stopped their workout to stare at him as he passed. When John met their gaze, they would turn back to what they were doing before, and occasionally steal a glance at him. At the far end was Sir Oreshine and Lieutenant Hart, and they were staring each other down. Captain Ray Shear approached them.

“You’re late,” growled Oreshine, not taking his eyes off Hart.

“Then let’s not waste anymore time, Hart you’re up.”

“If it’s alright sir, the dog can go first.”

“That’s Sir Oreshine to you, and how do expect me to train a pony?” he snarled.

“That’s for you to figure out dirt breath.” she snapped back.

“You're one to talk, especially when I can smell what you had for breakfast.” They were both in each others faces now. The Captain’s horn began to glow as he loudly cleared his throat.

“Lieutenant stop this at once! Sir Oreshine, will you do the honor of training our errant first?”

“I don’t see the point in...” The dog’s eyes widened as they came upon John. With lightning speed he drew a sword and lunged at John. John stepped back, but was too slow as Oreshine’s blade sped toward his neck.

“Stop!” yelled the Captain.

John opened his eyes to see the blade resting on his neck. His eyes traveled the length of the steel blade all the way into the diamond dog’s icy blue eyes.

“This is the new errant we are to train. It wouldn’t do us any good to have a headless apprentice.”

John and Oreshine were still frozen in place. John could feel Oreshines eyes examining him. It was only after another minute that he lifted his blade from John’s neck and placed it ceremoniously back in his pack.

“Maybe I should train him first,” said Hart, “you know, before the diamond dog kills him.”

Oreshine rounded on Hart.

“Is that a fact? And what can he learn from you? Better I go first, that way you can’t tamper with my instruction.”

"Not like you need my help to do that."

Hart didn't even bat an eyelash as he snapped his teeth at her. Captain Ray Shear shook his head as John took a step away from the two. Sir Oreshine whipped around and pointed a finger at him.
“You, in the ring.”

John did as he was told and was followed by the dog. Already the duo were attracting attention.

“Stand in the center.”

John went over and faced Oreshine.

“Now what?” he asked.

Sir Oreshine gave him a toothy grin as he slung his pack of swords in front of him. Keeping a hold of the carrying case, he hefted the swords in the air. John shuffled to avoid them as they struck down into the mat.

“What the hell was that!?”

“My mat!” cried Lieutenant Hart, “You’ll pay for that you dirty dog!”

Oreshine ignored the both of them and walked around the rough circle of swords. Each one was unique in size and shape. Sir Oreshine pulled out one with a short curved blade and a large, ornate hilt.

“What do you know about swords?” he asked as he examined the blade. John watched him as he moved around.

"They're sharp, and pointy. That's all I need to know"

Oreshine gave him an impatient glare and set the sword in the mat. Hart winced.

“'All I need to know', my minecart. Pay attention because this is the most important lesson I will ever teach you.”

He picked up a sword with thin, straight blade and large hilt. He tossed it up in the air above him.

“A sword is not just 'sharp and pointy'.” The sword twisted in the air in graceful arcs. “Nor is it just a weapon.” the sword began its descent. “It is more akin to your body, even, your soul.” the sword landed with a thud in the mat. Hart buried her face on the ring.

“That being said, your body and soul is unique, and so should be your blade. I have mastered every blade that fell into my paws, but there is none I favor more than this one.”

His paw came to rest on a simple blade with one edge and a slight curved. He plucked it out of the mat and gripped it in his paws. A smile crept across his face.

“I have dedicated years to this sword alone, my spirit is as much embodied in this sword than it is an extension of my body. With it, I am whole.”

The abject silence caused him to look around him. The ponies shuffled awkwardly while Hart stifled a snicker. Sir Oreshine let out a low growl.

“The point is we need to find you a blade, but that will come later. For now we spar. Pick up the rapier and we will start.”

John reached for the nearest sword, but had his hand slapped.

“No that’s the cutlass you fool, the rapier’s behind you.”

“What!?” John whipped around.

Sir Oreshine growled as the ponies chuckled.

“En-garde!” he shouted and lunged at John.

John dodged the strike and squared himself with Oreshine.

“What are you waiting for? Pick up a weapon!” he charged at John again.

John dived out of the way and looked between the weapons. He grabbed the nearest one and held it in front of him.

"You're insane!"

“You're the one insane enough to choose the sabre. Ha! You think that will keep me at bay?” he lunged in and swatted it out John’s hand. John watched the sword fly out of his hand. Not a moment later, he ducked and vaulted to the other side of the ring.

“Hey, remember what I told ya,” Hart was shouting from the side, “No such thing as a fair fight and-”

“Always keep your guard up, I remember!” John rolled out of the way before Oreshine could strike.

“Do you know how many times I could have killed you already, whelp? Pick up a weapon and fight!”

No matter which sword he plucked from the mat, each one seemed useless against Oreshine’s onslaught. Swords littered the mat as he withdrew. The dog punched him in the chest, and sent him to the mat.

“I knew I was wasting my time here.” Oreshine said as he stood over John. His icy eyes were boring through him. He raised his sword over his head, ready to strike.

“Time to pony up whelp!” And brought his blade down.

John quickly rose up and grabbed onto the dog’s thick wrists, pushing with all his might. John stared past the blade, mere inches from his face, into the now snarling eyes. With a final effort, John spun around and threw the dog into the mat.

“Woohoo! Waytago rook!” shouted Hart.

John kept an eye on Oreshine and put some distance between him. Oreshine picked himself up.
“Very good, you’re not a complete coward. Now fight!”

As quick as lightning, Oreshine closed the gap. John jumped back to avoid the lunge, which forced him into a corner. John’s hands rested on the ropes, but jerked his right hand when he felt something sharp. Sure enough, there was a shallow cut on the tips of his fingers. He looked down to see the biggest, broadest sword of the dog’s collection. It was easily over four feet long, and the hilt was long enough for two hands. John was snapped back to reality when Oreshine charged once again. Without hesitation John grabbed the sword and hefted it over his head, onto the incoming Oreshine. The impact caused them both to quake. Oreshine struggling to push the massive blade away, and John trying to force it down. Oreshine’s eyes flitted back and forth with steely precision. Analyzing every aspect of him in that one moment.

“The claymore. Excellent choice.” He stepped out from under the blade and John was carried to the mat by the weight of the sword.

“But poor execution. You’re undisciplined and brash. I’ll beat that out of you.”

John picked himself up as Oreshine retrieved his swords and exited the ring. Hart was quick to take his place.

“Not if I do it first,” she said, “Alright rook, show me what you got.”

“I think he’s had enough sparring today Lieutenant. Just go over the basics.”

John silently thanked the Captain as he stood to face Hart.

“Ok then, uh Captain, what am I dealing with here, he’s not like anything I’ve ever seen.”

“Good observation, until we consult Atlas make due with what you got.”

Hart turned back to John, scratching her chin.

“Ah! I got it.”

She reared up on her hind legs and stretched backwards.

“It’s been awhile since I did this. Could use the practice anyways.”

She strutted around the ring on her hind legs, much to John’s and everpony else’s amazement. She looked up at John and smirked.

“What? Walking on two legs is nothing special.”

“But I never said-”

“Enough,” she tossed him a white jacket, “We are going to practice some Ju-do.” She said as she wrapped a jacket around herself.

“You’re a quick learner, show me the move you used on Oreshine, just now.”

She held out out her legs and gestured for him to grab them. John hesitantly reached for her. She narrowed her eyes.

“Are you sure about this? I don’t want to hurt you.” said John.

He could have sworn he heard her teeth grinding against each other.

“Don’t worry about me rook, it’s yourself you should be worried about.”

John shook his head and grabbed her shoulder and arm. Without warning, she reached up and cuffed him on the head.

“Ah! What was that?”

“Rule one. Always be on guard. Now try the move.” she shook her hoof in his face.

“Right.”

John thought about the process in his head. He spun into her and pulled her leg over his shoulder. Hart soared over his shoulder into the mat, but she kept rolling. John's arm was wrapped around her and she pulled him to the ground. He was now flat on his back and a pair of legs buried themselves in his chest. His arm was wrenched back, and pain was coming from his elbow. The more he moved, the more pressure was applied. Hart only laughed.

“You got the right idea rook, but, as you can see, you’ve got a lot to learn.”

John put his head on the mat and let out a moan.

The university was far less crowded. Which made it easier for John to find Albert’s lab. The same mare, that watched his lab, was once again startled by John’s visit. John gingerly opened the door, and let himself in. He walked along the rows of chemistry sets and microscopes. Scores of papers and notes littered the counter tops, John picked some of them up in curiosity. Suddenly, a door burst open and a levitating stack of papers and equipment entered the room.

“Hallo? Is somepony there?”

“Uh, yes Doctor it's me, John.” he said as he put the papers back.

“Gut. Zhen vould you mind lending a hoof. Is difficult to see past all zhis.”

“Sure,” John chuckled, “I’ll lend you a hand.”

“Hand? Strange substitute, but carries zhe same convention. Vould be most appropriate if one vasn’t equin, but seeing as ve are, zhere is no need...”

John took the stack of equipment out of the air. He craned around to see the look on the Doctor’s face, and stifled a laugh. The doctor dropped his stack of papers as he stared blankly back at John.

“Sorry for not telling you earlier Doc. The princess thought it’d be funnier this way.”

He set equipment down in the nearest clean space. The doctor was staring blankly into space. John kneeled down and waved his hand in front of the pony’s face.

“Doc? Are you...” He leaned in close to examine the blank stare. “...alright?”

“HAAH!” The Doctor bellowed in his face.

John jumped backwards and slammed into a counter. The mountain papers above toppled, and a flurry of sheets buried him. He swatted the sheets out of the way to see the doctor was leaning up against a desk, holding his sides as he laughed.

“Oo, ah, zhat hurts. Aheh hee. You see my friend? Is not so easy to fool me. You must stay ze entire night up if you vish to get ze drop on old Albert. Here.”

With a glow of his horn, the paper pile zipped neatly back into its place. Albert smiled and trotted over to the chalkboard.

“So vhat shall ve learn today. Hm? You say you are scholar? Perhaps zhere is not much I can share zhat you already don’t know.”

John came up beside him.

“Well no, I’m actually a scientist. Stuff I deal with is sub-atomic particles and the nature of the universe.” He took a piece of chalk and tossed it lightly. “I don’t know jack about Equestria.”

The Doctor gasped and stared at John.

“Vhat vas the ze Princess thinking.” He sat down and held his head. “Zhe secrets of zhe universe. Knowledge zhat nopony has ever dared to dream about. At my hoof tips.”

He had an unpleasantly large grin on his face. He looked back at John and frowned.

“Yet you have no idea of zhe vay Equestria vorks?.”

John shook his head. The doctor furrowed his brow and went back up to the board.

“Oh come now, surely you know Equestria is ruled by zhe princesses.”

“Yes”

“And zhat ve have laws and regulations.”

“I guessed that much.”

“Are you familiar customs and traditions among our kind?”

“Uh, no.”

“Not even a little.”

John shook his head.

“Vell it’s not my problem. Zhe problem is, however, it's as if you are missing an entire lifetime. I never met a being so out of place, regardless whezher you fell out of zhe sky.”

John just smiled at the perplexed pony.

“I think maybe I should teach the lesson for today.”

“Ha, I enjoy a good scholarly discussion. Come, ve shall do it over tea.”

The doctor sat quietly as John recounted his life’s work and the events that led him up to being taken under the Princess’ wing. John was quite impressed with how reserved he was, even after telling him about his human counterpart. When he finished, Albert finished the rest of his tea and pressed his hoof to his chin.
“Very interesting, John. It is somewhat difficult to believe, but if it is true, zhere could be extreme ramifications for equestrian science. Needless to say, you are lucky to be alive.”

“I know nobody at home would believe this,” said John, “especially the part about the land of ponies.” John laughed, but stopped when Albert was only giving him a puzzled looked.

“You know, it's actually pretty funny, if you think about it. Out of all possible things that could have happened, when I jumped, I could have died, or landed on the supermodel planet, the heart of a sun, or some other weird place. But no, I had to wind up here." John allowed himself to pause. "Why here Doc?”

The doctor was looking at him sternly. John bowed his head to the teacup he had cradled in his hands. Albert tapped his muzzle in deep thought.

“It is hard to say. Isn't zhat a question everypony ask zhemselves every vonce in a vhile?" he chuckled.
John only raised his head slightly. Albert cleared his throat and continued.
"John, my boy, zhe universe works in mysterious vays. I know you didn't plan on coming to Equestria. If you meant to, zhe calculation alone vould take centuries to complete, but do you know vhat I think?"
Albert leaned close and beckoned John to do rthe same.
"I think zhe universe meant for you to come here. Ve all serve a purpose and I, for one, cannot vait to see how you fit into zhe grand scheme of things. And zhat is not such bad thing, eh?” He nudged John slightly. “Neizher is landing in Equestria, hm?”

John cracked a small smile in agreement. Albert smiled back.

“You see? Is not so bad. Just you vait and see, ve’ll make you into Equestria’s finest errant yet. Strong and intelligent, powerful and benevolent.”

“You can add broke to that list too.” Dice was leaning on the entrance.

“Oh, hi Dice.” John said icily. Albert looked back and forth between them.

“I’m sorry, who is zhis gaurd.”

“Name’s Dice Doc,” He stepped into the room. “John’s best buddy in Canterlot.”

“Ah, vell in zhat case. Vhat can I do for you Corporal.”

“Just needed to bring him to his next lesson, that’s all.” Dice was grinning extra wide.

“Oh ya, it’s about zhat time. Take care John, and bring Atlas by next time, I vould like to speak vith him.”

“Will do Doc, but we gotta get him to his next lesson,” Dice said excitedly.

Dice flew behind John and pushed him out the door, through the hallways and off the campus. He only slowed down once they were on the streets of Canterlot.

“Geez Dice, what's got you so excited?” he said as Dice dug into his saddlebag.

“I’ll tell you in a sec’. Put this on.” Dice whipped out a large, light gray sheet and draped it over John. John pulled it over and gave Dice a stern look.

“Don’t tell me you’re in charge of the next lesson.”

“As a matter of fact I am, special assignment from Princess Luna herself."

John adjusted the cloak and turned back to Dice.

"So what is it?"

"Just follow me."

Dice trotted away down the street with John in tow. Thankfully there weren't many ponies out to stare at him.

"Dice, are you sure this is a good idea? I mean going out in the open like this."

Dice, seemingly ignoring the comment, just kept trotting.
"Well that's part of the lesson. The idea is that errants are supposed to travel around Equestria to solve problems right?"

"So I've gathered."

John spotted a little pegasus in the corner of his eye, who was tugging on his mothers wing and pointing at him. As soon as she got a good look at him she was quick to scoop up her foal and fly off. John looked back at Dice.

"So how can I help if everyone just runs away from me?"

"Look, buddy, they don't know you like I do, and you're...uh...you're..."

"Different?"

"Yeah. But don't sweat it, it's gonna take a bit of time for everypony to get used to you. But for now we got a little further to go. It's just around the corner."

John took a deep breath and followed Dice. Just like he said, their next stop was around the corner, and what John saw made him do a double take.

"Dice what is this?"

"It's a soup kitchen pal. These ponies are hungry and they need our help. Come on we can go in through the back."

"So my lesson, and you're special assignment. Is community service?"

"Oh come on it's not that bad. I had to do it loads of times."

As they passed the long line of ponies, John couldn't help but stare, and some even returned his gaze. A few huddled next to the building as he passed. Not that he noticed, because he was preoccupied with how many looked sad and disheveled. John clenched his jaw as he passed a family with two young foals, who looked up at him with pleading eyes. John wrenched his gaze away from the line and kept following Dice. They were almost at the end when a unicorn came rushing up to Dice.

"Hey, is the soup kitchen open yet?" she asked.

"It will be in a minute," said Dice, "We have something special planned today." He nodded in John's direction. "Say hello to our errant in training."

"There's an errant here? Where?" she asked excitedly.

"Look up."

The unicorn at first didn't understand, but she looked up anyway and stopped when her eyes met John's. Dice gave John a gentle kick.

"Well don't just stand there, introduce yourself."

John turned back to the stunned unicorn. He got down on one knee and extended his hand.

"Hello there. My name's John. It's, uh, good to meet you."

The unicorn's mouth was agape. She turned from John to Dice then back to his hand.

"Oh my gosh this is so cool." She grabbed his hand with both hooves and began to shake vigorously. "Name's Lucky Lux and it's such an honor to meet you."

She wouldn't stop shaking. John gave Dice a pleading look, but Dice was doing all he could to keep himself from smiling.

"I had no idea they trained errants from different races. You're the first one I've seen in forever. What are you exactly? Are there more of you? When did you start? Can you put in a good word for me? Do you know the princesses? How did you get picked to become an Errant?"

Lux's excitement began to draw a lot of attention. The ponies in line were straining their ears to try and catch what she was exclaiming.

"There's an errant here?"

"Thank Celestia!"

"Bout time."

Whispers slowly circulated and a crowd began to close around him. John pulled his hand from Lux's grip, stood up and slowly faced the crowd. All eyes were on him, filled with wonder, apprehension, and curiosity. Dice flew above the crowd and cleared his throat.

"Alright everypony give him some space. You can all gawk at him when he's serving you soup."

Whispers flitted around in communal agreement and they all started to get back in line. John twitched when he felt a sudden tug on his cloak. He looked down to see two colts craning their necks to look at him.

"Excuse me mister?" one of them squeaked.

John looked to the moving mass of ponies and then crouched down.

"What is it?"

The one who asked the question cowered for a second before taking a big gulp of air.

"Are you here help us?" He squeaked again.

"Well I..." he started. He felt like someone was watching him. He took a moment to look behind him to see Lux was not two feet from him. He turned back to the little colts.

"Yes, I'm here to help."

"Can you help our family find a home?"

John shifted his weight uncomfortably and reached for the back of his head.

"Gee, kid, I don't know if I can..."

John couldn't even finish his sentence they looked so heart broken. He let his arm drop, then brought his hand underneath the colts chin.

"Hey, hang in there little buddy. I'm sure your family will find a home. In the meantime, lets get you something to eat. Okay?"

The colt gave him a weak smile, and then took his brother back to the line. John watched as they went back, he didn't even noticed Lux come up beside him.

"That was a good thing you did."

John, slightly surprised she was even there, gave her a quizzical look.

"What'd I do?"

Lux just rolled her eyes and smiled.

"You did what an errant is supposed to do." With that, she trotted past him and joined the line. Dice whistled for his attention and gestured to the back entrance. John brought himself over and walked in. He also noticed Dice was wearing his biggest smile to date.

"Oh sweet Celestia, that went great! You were perfect. I tell ya bud, the whole town's, no, the entire country's gonna love you by the time we're through." Dice tossed John an apron.

"Look Dice, I'm not sure this is all a good idea," he said as he put the apron on.

"No, no, no this is great. It really helps with your public image. I mean, talking to those colts was just precious. Everypony will eat that up."

"Dice!" said John, "I don't want to make promises I can't keep."

Dice stopped mid air and faced John.

"What do mean?"

John leaned against the counter and folded his arms.

"They asked if I could find them a home. If I said yes I'd be lying. If I said no they'd be crushed. So what can I do as an errant huh?"

Dice got to work bringing the dishes out. He brought a load over to John.

"Honestly bro, as an errant, you do the best that you can with what you got." He dropped the load into John's arms. "And if the best you got is just a sliver of hope, then you have done your job. It's not everypony's expecting you save the planet."

"I thought I was doing that."

"That's not the point. Now get up to the front, they're waiting for you."

John smiled and headed for the swinging door.

"Oh yeah, and John" Dice called back. John stopped midway through the door. "If it makes you feel any better, I'll donate your first paycheck to the homeless shelter."

John chuckled silently and nodded in agreement. As he stepped up to the server station he could feel all the eyes on him. He took a deep breath to steady his pounding heart.

"Okay, who's first?" he asked.

The evening was going by quickly. John wasn't expecting it to be as... fulfilling as it was. As he served them he asked a few questions about themselves, got a few life stories in return, and was silently thanked. Others were still a little apprehensive, but John stuck with the same routine, asking questions and trying to look as friendly as possible.

"Hey there little buddy, what can I get you?"

The little colt he was talking to earlier could hardly see over the counter.

"Uh, I would like the barley, with extra carrots please. And my brother likes potatoes in his."

John half smiled and handed the two their soup.

"Uhm, Mister? What's your name?"

John helped the colt's parents and turned back to him.

"I'm John."

"Just John?" The other one finally spoke up. "That's a strange name."

"Oh yeah, well what's your name?"

The silent one hid behind his brother who answered first.

"I'm Kipler and he's Whisper Breeze, or Whisp for short."

John half smiled once again and put his hand to his chin.

"Well those are strange names, but I don't think I will forget them."

Both boys smiled graciously and took their dinner. John looked down, ready to serve to the next pony.

"Tomato with a piece of rye. And a sprig of parsley if you could spare."

John immediately froze. There was no way he could mistake that sultry British accent. John calmly served up the order and pushed it over the counter.

"Why are you here?" he asked.

"To get a bite to eat, why else?"

"Yeah, right. Why don't you leave this for someone who needs it." John reached for the dish. She immediately reached out and touched his hand.

"This is important. I need your help."

John looked down the queue.

"Get in line."

John went over to the next pony and quickly served him up. Aurora followed him as he moved.

"Oh, you're not sore about last night are you?" She said it loud enough for more than half the establishment to hear. John clenched his jaw as he felt his face heat up. Aurora turned a sultry smile to him as a few young mares giggled.

"Hell, I love wild goose chases." John leaned across the counter. "What do you want?"

"This seems right up your alley, as I need you to help me catch somepony. If you meet me later tonight, I'll make it worth your while." She said as she batted her eyelashes.

John just glowered and helped the next pony along.

"I'm busy."

Aurora just shrugged and turned away.

"Yes I can see that. It's a shame really, he would be extremely helpful in finding your friends."

John fumbled with the soup, much to an irate pony's dismay. Aurora flashed him a small, belying smile.

"Feel free to drop by, if you ever reconsider." Was all she said before disappearing out the door. John stared at the door, wondering how on Earth she expected him to find her. John just let his breath go and set about serving up the last of the ponies. Once again he was face to face with the unicorn he met outside, Lux. She flashed him a brilliant smile and anxiously waited till he came to help her.

"Hey there, you remember me right? We just met outside about an hour ago?"

"How could I forget." John said as he picked out a bowl. "Lux, isn't it?"

"And you're John," she said abruptly, "uh, hey is it okay if I hang out with you back there?"

John looked up from his task and looked into her large green eyes. Her locks of pale blue and green mane fell loosely around her horn and sometimes had to brush them out of her face. John kept quiet as he gave her the bowl. Lux didn't immediately take it, but she stared back at him, waiting for an answer.

"Why?"

"Well. Maybe. I dunno, I was thinking, it'd be cool to hang out, you know." John just gave her a deadpanned expression. "So... can I come back there?"

"I don't see what's stopping you," John replied.

Lux smiled broadly and leaped over the counter, much to John's surprise.

"Come on, let's eat!"

"What a sec I still got other..." he looked back to see the hall was now half empty as patrons started leaving. Dice came up to his shoulder.

"You're good man, I'll catch any stragglers." He then shoved a bowl into John's hands and shoved him to the kitchen. John whirled around to object.

"Go get her tiger." With a wink he shut the door in John's face. John turned around to face the expectant unicorn.

"Aren't you gonna sit down?" she asked, pointing to a cushion she set beside her.

John took the seat, but not before rustling around the kitchen to find a spoon. Lux never took her eyes off him for a second, she hardly ate as they sat in silence for the first few moments.

"Soooo... where you from?"

John mulled the question over in his mind.

"Earth."

That only raised more questions than it answered, according to Lux's face.

"Where on Earth?" she hazarded.

"Oh. I'm not from this Earth." John ate another spoonful of creamy soup.

"Wha!? Come on stop playing around." She punched him lightly in the arm.

"Ah, don't touch me," said John.

Lux bit her lip as she retracted her hoof. John did a double take and added.

"I mean, I'm pretty tender right now, so yeah, the slightest touch is really painful."

Lux chuckled and brushed her mane out of her face.

"I thought errants were supposed to be tough."

"Tell that to my teachers," John finished his serving and leaned back. "So what's with you? You have a hard time keeping your hooves to yourself."

Lux toyed with her empty bowl as she thought up a response.

"Well... what can I say, It's pretty cool meeting somepony new, especially somepony who looks like you."

John's eyes flew wide open as he jerked upright.

"You met other humans?"

"Other what-nows?'

"Humans! Have you met any humans?"

"Whoa, calm down man you're the first human I ever met, what's the big deal."

John let out a deep breath.

"Nothing, forget about it."

"Hang on, why was it so important you wanted to know if I met any humans? What so special about you guys."

"It's... it's none of your concern. Now eat your soup or go."

"Aha! There is something special. Tell me what it is. Tell me!"

"What? No."

"Tell me."

"No."

"Tell me, tell me tell me tell me, tell me, I can keep this up all day."

"Okay that's it. You're gone. Go, now, chop chop."

Lux planted her hind quarters firmly on the cushion and vigorously shook her head. John got up, went around and pushed her and the cushion towards the exit. Lux was quick to kick the cushion out from underneath her and use to magic to fling it, full force into John's face. The impact knocked him to floor, and was soon crushed under Lux's full weight on his chest. She folded her fore legs neatly as she smiled smugly at him.

"Now will you tell me your little secret?"

"Why do you wanna know so bad?" John guessed she was about Lieutenant Hart's size.

"Helloooo. Royal Errant, mystery species, that snooty mare, I smell adventure, and I want in."

Luckily she wasn't that heavy. John lifted and pushed himself out from underneath, whirled and grappled around her stomach. He then heaved her towards the exit, except Lux was quick enough to plant all fours on the door frame.

"Just go. It's too dangerous." He pushed with all his might.

"Fat chance of that happening now!" she grunted.

As they struggled, a loud crash came from the hall. John hesitated, and Lux launched herself backwards into John. Both of them careened across the span kitchen. Lux hit the wall first and slammed her head against the steel casing. She bowed her head to rub the spot, unable to see John's frame crashing towards her a split second later. Then he felt it. It was a sharp, edgy pain the likes he never felt before. He looked down to see Lux's horrified expression, but it was what was between that held his attention. Buried about an inch deep in his chest, was the unicorn's horn. John knew what was coming next, but this time the fire was in his heart, and expelling outwards to the rest of his body. Light formed around the horn that was still embedded in chest, the same light traveled through the veins in his arms. Once the fire reached his brain, it was like every neuron was being fired off simultaneously, Aural and visual cues flashed in his mind, things he never remembered doing before, and all he could do was scream at the top of is lungs. That's when Lux kicked him off, John crumpled to the floor as the fire died in his brain. He was in a cold sweat as Lux stood over him.

"Sweet Celestia, are you alright?"

John pawed at the hole in his chest, only to find it had sealed back up, and let out a sigh of relief. Suddenly voices came from the hall.

"What in blazes was that? Dice are you pulling some kinda trick on us?"

"Me? No. I have no idea what's back there. Everypony left like an hour ago."

"Whatever, Mr. Stone, go check it out."

"I know that voice." John gasped. He was still glowing faintly. "We need to go."

John crawled forward, struggling to get to his feet.

"Let me help you," Lux offered. She wrapped him in her magic and laid him over her back, "since I, you know, stabbed you."

"Don't mention it." John nearly fell off when she bolted underneath a table.

The door to the hall opened slowly and a husky pony tiptoed in, sweeping across the entire area.

"Nopony here boss."

Lux and John breathed a sigh of relief.

"Did you check it out, thoroughly"

"Dammit," they said simultaneously. They gave each other a deadpan glance before concentrating on the goon, who was slowly making his way into the kitchen.

"Anypony here?"

"What do we do?" Lux seethed.

"Why are you asking me?" he seethed back.

"You're an errant, can't you just jump out and knock his lights out."

"This my first day on the job, and in case you didn't notice, I just got stabbed."

"Well you seem fine enough to talk. There's just a little scar now."

John looked down his shirt at what was indeed a scar. This got him thinking.

"Lux how good are you at magic?"

"I'm a unicorn how good do you think I am."

"Fine, whatever, hit the lights."

With a soft glow of her horn the kitchen was plunged into darkness.

"Hello! Who's there!" said the hench pony, nevertheless he kept pressing forward.

"Now touch me with your horn when he comes around."

"What's that gonna do?"

"I don't know, but trust me okay?"

He was getting nearer. John slipped out from under the table and brought himself up to his full height. The pony caught his motion and whipped his head around in time to see John's dark silhouette rise up. John heard the pony swallow hard.

"Who the hay are you? Get lost ya big... big... freak!"

"Now," John whispered.

Lux gently tapped his leg, and the charge shot straight to his heart and pumped to the rest of his body. He was expecting the same burning sensation to fill his body, but this time it was warm, powerful, directly charging his muscles to peak condition. Then something new happened. John found himself in a brightly colored room. Toys littered the floor, and he was. Coloring. The strange thing was that the crayon was held in a golden magical field. A knock came from behind caused him to turn a around to see a pale pink mare standing in the doorway.

"Mommy, you're home!' he said, but it wasn't his voice.

He even charged towards her and threw his hooves around her.

Oh no not this again.

"Hi sweetie, what are you drawing there?"

He charged back and eagerly picked the drawing up in his mouth.

"It'h me ona a'venthure. I'm safing the world."

The mare picked him up in a tight hug, as they both giggled.

"That's saving, my little lucky charm."

They both laughed as she nuzzled his nose. The scene quickly faded and John clutched his head as if he were suffering from severe vertigo. He slowly pulled away his hands to see he was back in the kitchen, with two very stunned ponies.

"Why'd you turn on the lights?" John seethed at Lux

"Turn yourself off you living light bulb." she seethed back.

John did a double take and grabbed the nearest pot. His veins, and even the whites of his eyes had a glow to them.

"You are some kind of freak!" said Rock, "Stay back! I'm warning you." He was having a hard time back pedaling while shaking like a leaf.

John looked down at Lux, who was giving him the most genuinely evil grin he had ever saw on a face of a pony. He pointed in the pony's direction and raised his eyebrows, and Lux nodded clapping her hooves together. John turned back to the terrified pony.

"You know what time it is little pony?" John said as he slowly circled the table.

Rock suddenly bolted towards the door, but couldn't pry it open. John noticed a golden field of magic was holding it closed. Lux gave him wink and zipped back under table. Mr. Stone heaved on the door with all his pony might, but twisted head around to see John standing a few feet away, towering over him.

John leaned in close.

"It's time to make some pony soup."

John tried hard to keep a straight face when the pony's pupils shrunk to the size of a pinhead.

"No, Celestia no! Please don't make me into pony soup! AAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

Lux finally let go of the door and the pony, like a shot from a cannon, vacated the building, screaming:

"It's a monster! Run for your lives! Don't let it eat me."

Dice, the midget and his other stooge, were staring with their mouths agape after the streak. Slowly they turned back to the kitchen, where John was standing in the doorway. John looked straight into the midgets eyes and bared his teeth.

"Crush, could you wait here a minute."

"Duh, sure boss. W-why."

"So he gets you first!"

The pony called Crush looked back to see his boss was already out the door. He Looked back at John, and with a nervous laugh he promptly exited the building.

"So long, thanks for droppin' by, tomorrow's special is pasta a la Istalliano," Dice called after them.

"You alright Dice?" John asked as he approached him.

"Yeah I'm good, they didn't get much of a- whoa, hey, turn it down, will ya'. You gonna make me go blind."

John looked back at his luminescent body.

"I... can't. It's really weird. It happened when Lux touched me. And it feels...different."

"Lux? Who's this Lux character? What feels different? You know what, let's just get you back to the Princess, she'll know what to do."

"Wait!" cried Lux, "Take me with you."

John looked back to Dice who shook his head.

"No can do sweetheart, this is a matter for a very tight circle."

"But maybe I can help figure this out. After all he couldn't have pulled scaring those goons off without my help."

"Wait you helped him out? You did this to John?" Dice grabbed John's arm to iterate.

"Yeah, but he told me to do it," she said quickly, "The first time was an accident and he was like freaking out and, and the second time, all of the sudden he's super mellow. It was kinda cool." Lux smiled weakly.

Dice looked back to John.

"What do you think buddy. Should we take her with us?"

Lux was bobbing up and down on her hooves waiting for a response. John reached for the back of his neck, trying to come up with an easy way to say no.

"Please?"

John ground his teeth before letting out a heavy sigh.

"Alright fine."

"Sweet! You won't regret this I promise." she said as the trio left the soup kitchen.

"I hope not. Lucky charm."

Lux stopped in her tracks as Dice and John carried on.

"Hay! How'd you know about that! You psychic or something?"

Part IX

"This is a most peculiar condition John," said Luna.

Luna, John, his teachers and Lux had all convened in Luna's private study to examine John and his new found bioluminescence. Lux, was overjoyed when she was allowed to accompany John while at the castle, much to a few members objection, especially Oreshine. Lux leaned over to John

"What's his problem?"

John made a hush gesture and turned back to the Princess, who was pacing the room.

"What brought this on in the first place?" she asked.

John noticed Lux shift uncomfortably before he could speak.

"Lux," he gestured toward her, "she did it with her horn."

"That is incongruent with the time Twilight Sparkle healed you," said Atlas, "The elements of harmony had a similar effect."

"Liar." said Sir Oreshine, he was standing over by the window staring out of it.

"How can you tell?" asked the Princess.

"I can smell it on him. It's worse than everything else in the room."

"Why you mangy, flea bitten, old-" Lieutenant Hart was shushed by her superior officer.

"Sir Oreshine isn't far off, but John isn't just keeping something from us. He's protecting something." Ray Shear shifted his gaze to Lux. "John why don't you show us your latest injury."

John looked around the room to all the expectant faces, and finally to Lux. Small beads of sweat started to collect on her forehead.

"Captain, a unicorns touch heals me, whatever injury I had is gone."

"John," The Captain took a step forward, "The injury must have been severe to leave a scar like that."

"I beg your pardon!" said Luna.

"Alright! Fine! I'll come clean!" shouted Lux.

Princess Luna kneeled down in front of Lux, which only made her fidget even worse. Luna just wore a kind smile.

"Be not afraid little Lux. We wouldn't have brought you here if you were guilty for something." She gave a quick wink to Lux. "We are only looking out for John and we need to know what happened."

"Well I..." Lux looked back over to John, who nodded. "...I kinda almost nearly killed him."

"She tried to kill you?" asked Atlas

"No!" said John.

"Where were you!?" Hart accused Dice.

"But she almost did," said Atlas

"I was occupied!" exclaimed Dice

"Yes, I mean no. Atlas forget it." said John

"With what, you were supposed to watch him!" Hart was staring Dice down.

"Enough. The both of you." said the Captain.

Luna sat quietly then turned to John

"Is this true?"

John bit his lip for a moment before nodding silently.

"Thank-you Lucky Lux for your honesty. Now lets take a look at your injury, John."

The Princess leaned in close to peer at the stained hole in his shirt. Luna tore it open a little and gasped softly. She shook her head and moved away.

"You are indeed lucky to be alive, John. If anything, Miss Lux's magic saved you." She turned another kindly smile to Lux. "I'm also willing to stake that it was the cause of this... aura."

"You voudn't be far off, Princess." Albert was busying himself stuffing a pipe over by the fireplace. "His magical conductive properties are quite amazing, if I do say so myself, almost like a crystal, but as far as I can tell, he has not learned to use the environments magic, it seems more like he is borrowing it."

John furrowed his brow and walked over to the doctor.

"What are you saying Doc?"

Albert tapped the side of pipe before lighting a small magical fire inside of it.

"Crystals can easily absorb concentrated magic energies, but have great powers of retention. Zhere is no easy vay to release magic energy vithout applying a different kind of energy, be it mechanical, kinetic, thermal or othervise."

"That actually makes sense," said Oreshine.

"That is not how crystals work." Atlas said flatly.

"Vell maybe not vhere you come from. But zhat is vay zhings vork 'round here. Take it or leave it." Albert puffed on his pipe while Atlas tried to come up with a retort.

"Friggin' smart horse," said Atlas. Cherry was quick to hit his off switch.
"Alas, he has absorbed a large amount of magic, like air in a balloon, and now he is slowly releasing zhat magical energy back into zhe environment, hence zhe aura."

John heard whispering over by the door. Dice was whispering into the Lieutenants ear. It was particularly disconcerting because she was starting to smile. After a quick hoof shake, she walked up to the Captain.

"I think I have an idea sir."

"By all means, speak your mind Hart."

"I think we should test his capabilities when he's in such a state, it might be useful to him later on."

Captain Ray Shear raised an eyebrow as she approached John.

"How do suggest we test him Lieutenant?"

Hart got close and examined his scar, then turned on the spot to face her Captain. Dice had a confident smile on his face

"Oh, I was just thinking we go over the basics again."

John's eyes widened as he saw each muscle in her legs start to coil up.

"Wait, do-"

Hart planted both hooves on his chest, but instead of sending him reeling backwards, or crushing his ribcage, he felt the force absorb and collect inside. The force morphed and shot back out the way it came, straight back at Lieutenant Hart. The process was nearly instantaneous and it propelled her above the ducking Captain and slammed her into the door beside Dice. Sir Oreshine was holding his sides as he howled with laughter.
"Just like a crystal! Exactly like a crystal Doctor!" he wheezed.

"How hard did you kick him?" Dice was trying to hold back a fit of laughter. "By the way you owe me five bits."

"I hate you." Was all she said as she slid down the wall.

"What the hell just happened?" said John.

"Energy vas applied, energy vas released, much to zhe lieutenants misfortune."

"I'll take her to the hospital wing," said the Captain.

"I'll, I'll be fine Captain." Hart rubbed her head. "Least we know he's good for something now."

"That's enough soldier, we should adjourn this meeting it's getting late."

"Agreed Captain. I think that's enough excitement for one night. You are all dismissed," said Princess Luna John got up to leave the room with Lux tagging along behind him. "Except for you two."

John halted, hoping she meant someone else. He could feel her eyes stinging the back of his head. Or was that magic? He turned around to face the Princess.

"Your majesty?" Lux answered for him.

Princess Luna smiled at her.

"Luna will do just fine Lux. You two seem to have become fast friends."

"Well I wouldn't say- ouch." Lux kicked John softly in the shin, as soft as a pony could kick anyway.

"The best!" She said with a large smile. Luna allowed herself a little laugh.

"So what is it that you want?" John asked. Luna gave him a reproachful look. "Princess."

"I wanted to know if you would consider a partnership, one based on a strong bond that could be beneficial to you both."

They stood in silence. John furrowed his brow as he walked up to Luna.

"Please tell me you're not."

"Oh I am."

"But she's just a kid."

"What do goats- oh. No, she isn't that young."

"So why do I need her?"

"She can help you. The fact still stands that you are a stranger here, who needs guidance. She's a spry, brave pony who has so much potential."

"Yeah I'm spry!" Lux jumped in. "Princess I humbly accept your offer."

"I don't." said John.

"Why not?" she whined.

"Because it's... too dangerous."

Lux just gave him a deadpan stare.

"Do we really have to do this again? You know I'll just wipe the floor with you."

"Don't be so sure short stuff. Look Princess, is there any...pony else you'd rather have."

"John," Luna placed a hoof on his shoulder, "It has to be her."

"John I can help you. Just look at what we did tonight, we made a great team."

John looked into her dark green eyes and shook his head.

"It's going to be different from here on out. You have no idea what's going on."

"Maybe I'll change my mind if you tell me the whole truth then." Lux stated.

John was about to retort, instead he resigned and straightened himself up.

"Fine, it’s worth a shot."

"Sweet!" Lux shouted.

"Come, let us walk." Luna suggested.

John and Luna walked beside each other on the castle grounds while Lux explored ahead of them. The stars shone brightly as they walked through the gardens.

"She is quite special you know."

"She's kind of a pain in my opinion." John rubbed the scar on his chest.

"That's not fair John, she genuinely cares about you." John didn't reply. "As you for her."

"Princess that's, uh, what I mean is-"

"You don't need to explain yourself to me. We are not so different." There was a pause as they walked.

"How can you tell?"

"Tell what?"

"Nothing."

Luna smiled and put a wing on his arm.

"I don't know, it's just easy to tell with you what you're thinking from the way you, how should I put this, carry yourself."

"Magic?"

"No. More like instinct."

"Of course." John said with resignation. Lux had her head buried in a patch of flowers, inhaling deeply. "Would she be able to tell?"

"Once she spends a little time with you, yes.”

"Oh man," he sighed.

Lux was still running around, exploring every inch of the place. "Princess, I really think this is a mistake."

The princess looked back at him with a small smile on her face.

"Have faith in her, she certainly has faith in you."

Lux was starting to trot back to them.

"Who knows, this may be something you need right now." Luna just finished before Lux approached them. "Ah Lux, it is getting late, you must retire soon."

"Princess I don't know how I can sleep at all now."

"Come then, there is something I must show the both of you."

Luna took them out of the gardens and into John's room.

"Lie down John," she said as she pointed to one of the sofas.

John did as he was told, but Luna and Lux hovered over his head.

"I'm going to put you to sleep John."

"I'm a little old to be tucked in Princess," he said as he yawned.

"You'll be under a spell. Then we will be able to see your dreams."

John stared in disbelief at the Princess.

"You're gonna read my mind?"

"No, we will be watching your dreams."

"Good luck with that," John said, "Even if you could, I don't see what the point is."

"John, we only need to see the one particular dream. The one with the lights."

John furrowed his brow.

"What if I don't dream about it? What can else can you get from it?"

"That is what we will find out, now I need you to trust me."

John was about to object when Lux touched him on the shoulder.

"John she's only trying to help. I'm sure of it. Just relax okay?"

John looked at the hoof on his shoulder then up to Lux's face, her green eyes were pleading with him again. John sighed and relaxed. Luna nodded to Lux and turned back to John.

"While you're sleeping I will teach Lux the spell to see your dreams. We will see you in the morning." Luna's horn lit up with a soft glow, it was also emitting a silvery mist which glided down and fell upon John's brow and slid over his eyes.

"Hey how long before... I'm..."

"This is the one? After all these years..."

There were voices in the distance. John couldn't focus on them.

"Yes, it's really him. Have you discovered anything else?"

"It's hard to tell, what with the barriers in place. It would make our progress easier if we took them down-"

"No, we can't risk losing Mars. Leave him be for now."

"Yes sister." there was a pause. "I can only imagine what this is putting you through."

There was no answer and once again John drifted off.

John awoke with a start. The sun also had to be in the perfect position to blind him when he sat up right. He felt a slight headache and grabbed his head. After slipping off the couch he wondered to the door. After opening it he peeked through it only to find two drowsy guards.

"Hey you." John said. One guard turned an annoyed eye to him. "Where is Princess Luna?"

"Mph. They're in the room straight across from you." The door he was pointing at had muffled voices behind it. "Apparently that is the unicorns new quarters."

"Thanks," said John. He walked across the hall and entered the room, leaving the puzzled guard behind him. Sure enough Luna and Lux were across the room. John could feel the hushed tone of their conversation.

"It's a little early isn't it?" he asked.

"Oh good, you're awake, but it's quite the contrary, I'm letting you sleep late just this once."

"I didn't mean that Princess, I meant..." He gestured to room. "It's a little early for Lux to be settling in, isn't it?"

"No, not really." she said.

John shook his head as he tried to hide a smile.

"So did you find anything, while you were poking around in my brain."

"We weren't 'poking around'. We were searching."

"And you'll never guess what we found!" said Lux. Luna clenched her jaw and turned an eye toward John

"What?" John replied.

"Take a look and see." She waved for him to come over.

The both of them were standing over a low table with a map spread over it. The map itself was dotted with circles, all in different sizes.

"I'm guessing this is a map of Equestria?"

"Yes, pay closer attention to what is marked on the map. I marked out general areas-"

"Luna figured out a way to track down your friends! Look how many we got!" Lux shouted.

John stepped up to the map and examined it closely. He found Canterlot easily enough so he went to the nearest circle. Somewhere near a place called Cloudsdale. He did the same with each circle, noting their location.

"There are even more John, although it was harder to locate them the further they were."

"Th-that can't be right." John poured over the map once more.

"What's wrong?" asked Lux.

"This must be some kind of mistake. Are you sure thats what my dreams mean?"

"Yes," replied Luna, "from what I could tell your dream seemed to reveal the location of your friends."

"Friends?" John leaned over the map. "These aren't my friends. My friends are now needles in a haystack, spread over hundreds of miles." John looked over his shoulder at the Princess. "Just what are these things?" He jabbed his finger at a random circle.

Luna seemed taken aback. She carefully circled the table and stood next to John while examining the map.

"I just assumed they were humans. Humans that came with you, but... you are not familiar with them?"

John stared at the map for a moment. His eyes darted back and forth across the map. He shook his head and straightened himself up.

"Something's up Princess. Either the spell is wrong or the cosmos just plain hate me, but I'm looking for two people and a way back home. I can't waste my time running around Equestria, looking under every rock just because a hallucination said so."

"John we're telling you," Lux piped up, "There was a pattern in your dream. Whatever its trying to tell you could be really important. Whatever we got marked down has got to be worth checking out."

John rounded on Lux.

"We don't have to do anything. Unless I know exactly what's out there I'm not budging."

John swore the temperature in the room dropped. He could feel something boring into his back. He slowly turned back to the smiling lunar princess.

"That is where you are wrong John." Luna started heading to the door. "You see as a Royal Errant it is your sworn duty to serve Equestria and it's citizens. And I feel it is in Equestria's best interest to have these areas investigated." The doors swung open and she trotted through. "Consider it your first royal assignment."

"Yeah! Or maybe you just need someone to do your dirty work finding Mars!"

Luna froze mid stride, the mood change affected John as he realized what he said was a mistake. Without a word the doors slammed shut behind her, leaving John dumbstruck. He leaned back on the table and hung his head. Lux reached up and touched his shoulder.

"Hey it's alright, I'm sure you didn't mean it."

John shook his head. Lux gingerly lifted her hoof off and placed it on the ground. He didn't even bother to respond.

"We've changed up your regiment John. Apparently the humans aren't as strong as your average pony."

"Thank-you Atlas." John said under his breath. The Captain's ear twitched.

"But it's my aim to make you that strong. I even had Atlas' approval on the new regiment."

"Damn you Atlas."

The Captain chuckled as they approached the stables.

"Did Atlas say anything about chariots being hazardous to human health?"

"Oh come on boy, don't be such a whiner, hard work never killed anypony." the Captain paused for a second before continuing. "We'll set aside the standard chariot. For now we'll use this modified one."

"Do I have to?"

"Yes," Captain Ray Shear snapped the new harness onto John and hopped into the chariot. "And no slacking, I want to get some actual training in today."

Sir Oreshine pulled the massive claymore sword out of his case threw it to John. The weight of it nearly took him to the ground.

"That thing hits mat and you're dead Rook." whispered Lieutenant Hart.

John's forced smile quickly disappeared, so he turned back to Oreshine

"This thing weighs a ton, how am I gonna use it?"

"You seemed just fine yesterday."

"I know but that was just-"

"Dumb luck? Instinct? Yes it was, you had no idea what you were doing but you accomplished it anyway. So now we must find out how to replicate it." Sir Oreshine pulled something small from his case. "We shall start with simple sparring. Ready your weapon."

John hefted the weapon in front of him, lowering the point towards Oreshine like a Lance. He didn't know how much longer he could hold it there as Sir Oreshine started to grin.

"Attack!"

John lunged forward and swung at him. The diamond dog ducked underneath the blade and rose up. John could see a small silver object speed towards his face. What ever it was, it connected, and it stung. John turned away and clutched his face.

"What the hell was that!"

Sir Oreshine flipped up the object in his paw.

"A spoon!?"

"At Princess Luna's request," Sir Oreshine sighed, "she asked that I find a way to 'enhance' your training while avoid anything that might kill you."

"You beat me with a spoon?"

"Hardly a challenge. You're moving too slow."

"Because of this big ass sword."

"Ha! Don't make me laugh, it does not resemble Hart's mother at all."

"You son of a-" Hart's face went a deep shade of purple. What was even more frightening was how fast it returned to normal color.

"Rook, get out. Right now."

"Ready Rook?"Lieutenant Hart asked.

John stood against the wall, dumbfounded at the wanton destruction Sir Oreshine and Hart caused. Lockers were either collapsed in on themselves or sliced in half. Weights were scattered everywhere, some were lodged into the brick wall. The boxing ring itself was shredded to pieces. There was a point where it seemed Oreshine had the upper hand, but in the end Lieutenant Hart's fury crushed all opposition and sent him flying through the steel entrance.

"Leave the sword where you're at before you come up." She said as she did her stretches

John had a hard time prying his hands off the hilt. He laid it on a bench and climbed into the ring. He noticed he had something tied to her tail this time around.

"Sorry about that rook, let's get started. We will do some simple boxing today, just do as I tell you okay?"

John nodded and squared himself up to her.

"Change up your stance, your profile is too big. Keep your arms in, they're pretty small and you gotta protect a big area. Alright now jab."

"You know we got boxing where I'm from." John jabbed. "Did you ask Atlas about it."

"No. Hook."

"Then how do you know what you're doing?"

"I just think about what'd work best for you."

"Really? So what else are we gonna work on?" John jabbed a few more times. Hart took a moment to look him from head to toe.

"Legs. Definitely need to work those legs. They gotta be pretty strong since you're standing all day."

"You gotta point there." John panted. "By the way what's with the weight thing on your tail?"

"What that?" She flicked her tail forward so they both could see it. "It's just what it is, a weight to help me stand. Haven't used it in years though. Not since I first started training."

"Training in what, exactly?"

John was answered by a quick slap upside the head.

"Be on your guard! Geez how many times do I have to tell you?"

"Right, sorry."

"Course I'm right, and don't be sorry."

They traded punches for few minutes in silence

"You know you're starting to stir up a couple stories in and around Canterlot already."

"Really?" John took one in the gut. "What'd they say?" he wheezed.

"Bunch of tall tales," she said with a smile, "Only nutjobs and conspiracy theorists would believe 'em. Stories that you can shapeshift, make your skin as hard as steel, light up like a lightbulb, or, my favorite, that you can fly."

"Who says that stuff?" John gave her a quizzical look. She only shrugged.

"Same ones who say there are 'changlings' among us, and Luna is still Nightmare Moon in disguise." She blocked John's punch and reeled him in close. "There are some who say they've seen creatures like you around before, just not too long ago."

John gazed at her.

"How much of that is true do you think?"

Hart launched him into the ropes and resumed her stance.

"Everything's has a small ring of truth to it."

John pushed away from the ropes and lined himself up to Hart.

"So you owe money to Dice too now."

"Don't start with me Rook."

Not a moment later Sir Oreshine crashed through the crumpled doors of the gym, brandishing his signature blade.

"REVENGE!" He cried.

"You're dismissed Rook, I'm gonna take the dog out for a walk." she said as she cracked her hooves.

John nodded and bolted for the rear exit.

John was now inside the lab of Doctor Albert Equinestein, trying not to quiver as he drank the tea that was offered to him.

"Zhat is quite amazing, my boy, but how can you be sure the other humans aren't with you?"

"I'm telling you Doc, Equestria has had a human infestation for a while now. I don't how long they've been here or what they're doing, but they've done a pretty good job hiding their existence." John pressed his head against the wall. "It's like one big conspiracy."

"Hmmm. You act as if itz a bad zhing."

"I don't know, it could be." John pointed at the Doctor. " Think about it. Wouldn't you think its suspicious if someone's trying to hide?"

"Do you suppose zhey are afraid?"

"Maybe, I mean that dark monster tracked me down pretty fast. I wonder how they avoided it for this long?" John slumped down on a desk.

"But how did zhey get here?"

"I don't know, homegrown humans? Magic Portals? The tooth fairy? Take your pick."

"I vouldn't take zhis so lightly, zhey need your help."

"Do they? I mean they managed for this long, what if I screw something up?" John sighed heavily. "But that doesn't change my assignment"

"Vhat is it?"

"I gotta find them all."

John was pretty sore that day, and it didn't help that Dice was having him help build houses for the Pony Placement Services. John was sent all over the work site, hauling one thing or another, cleaning up after the crew and even helping out with minor parts of the construction. When it was the end of the day, John joined Dice after he was finished wrapping his hands.

"What happened to your... what do you call 'em?"

"Hands. I hit it with a hammer and got a whole bunch of splinters in them."

"Ouch. Glad I got solid hooves." Dice clacked them against the pavement.

"Uh huh, but you can't use hooves to swing a hammer."

"What are you talking about, my hooves are hammers."

"Ah, gimme a break."

"Dude, hooves are just as good as any tool, even if you can't use it, then again that's what your mouth is for."

"Yeah? You wanna put some money in there while you're at it?"

John gave him a half smile as he perked up his ears.

"What do you have in mind?"

"Oh nothing I thought I'd challenge you to a simple game."

"What game?"

"Just something we humans like to call rock, paper, scissors."

John noticed the corners of Dice's mouth quiver for an instant.

"Alright, how much are we bettin'?"

"Ten bits."

"Whoa, trying to win everything back eh? Well that's fair, but how about we raise the stakes a little bit. Make it interesting."

John shifted uneasily.

"I just wanna be even man."

"How about if you lose, you owe me ten bits, plus..." Dice's evil smile crawled up his face. "... you have to party it up with me when I get time off."

"What?" John blinked a couple times. "As a pony?"

"No as yourself, buddy. That isn't really a loss in my opinion, whadaya say?" Dice stuck out his hoof.

John took a few steps around Dice before turning back to him.

"Okay, but now I don't want just ten bits anymore."

Dice just smiled.

"Name it."

"If you lose, you have to go one on one with Lieutenant Hart in her boxing ring."

It was Dice's turn to blink.

"You serious?"

"Dead serious."

"Dude that ain't fair, alright then, when we're partying I'm gonna make you kiss a stallion."

"You wouldn't."

"It'll be pretty easy once I drink you under the table."

"A:You're half my size, and B: There's no way that'd happen. You know just for that you gotta steal one of Oreshine's swords."

"A: I’m half you’re height. Big difference. B:You are seriously twisted man. Now I'll make sure a stallion beds you. You wouldn't believe what some ponies are into."

"That's such a load of crap, have fun getting your butt handed to you."

"Let's go then."

John shook his head as he got down on one knee, raising his fist so that it was level with Dice's muzzle.

"Ready?"

"On three."

"One. Two. Three."

John flashed out a flat hand in front of Dice, smiling as he did so. Except it didn't last long, since Dice was also smiling.

"You thought I was gonna raise my hoof, didn't you?" he said.

Dice waggled his right wing. All the feathers except for two were tucked in.

"Now, I guess that means that you chose paper huh?" Dice extended his wing and covered John's hand. "Snip snip."

With that Dice turned back around and headed for the castle. John stood up, readjusted his cloak, and followed.

"You know I'm never hanging out with you again."

"Oh I have my ways."

"Never in a million years."

"You say that now."

John hastily pushed the doors open while making a beeline for Luna's study. His swift pace was making it hard even for Lux to match his pace.

"Hey what's the rush?"

John gave Lux a quick glance and resumed being fixated on the study's general direction.

"Luna and Dice."

"Well that's just vague and weird."

"Look the Princesses said they'd have answers for me. Plus Dice has it in for me, I don't want to get into the details."

"Well I can take care of Dice for you if-"

"No!" he shouted as they reached the study. "No, just uh, forget about him, come on."

John forced the doors open, and a gust of wind came out of the study.

"Princess?"

Luna was not in the study, at least not in plain sight. John quickly scanned the room to see if he missed her. The scrolls and manuscripts she was usually going through were untouched from the night before. John whipped around as the doors snapped shut, locking both he and Lux inside.

"Something is wrong here," said Lux as she backed into John.

"Wrong? Why would anything be wrong?" The voice was followed by a deep cackle.

John's eyes darted all over the room.

"Who are you?" John shouted.

"Who am I? Why, I think the better question is, who are you? Let take a quick looksee."

It stayed silent for a moment, from across the room, a pair of disembodied, yellow and red eyes were staring at him.

"It can't be." The eyes moved in conjunction with the speech. "One of my favorite playthings in the entirety of everything! Come here ya big lug!"

John was swept into the air and was being crushed by an invisible bear hug.

"John!" Lux cried.

The invisible force relented but still had him held high in the air.

"Oh don't make such a fuss my dear Lux," The air shifted around John to reveal the voice's owner. "It's just been ages since I last saw a genuine human being."

"I’ve seen you before." said John, after getting over the creature's shocking appearance. "There was a statue of you in the garden."

"Correction! I was that statue, but, thanks to you, I'm free to roam Equestria once again!"

The creature tumbled happily through the air, making John a little queasy on the inside.

"Oh! Where are my manners," It casually tossed John into a pile of books. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am the spirit of disharmony and chaos, or as the ponies like to call me, Discord. But you..." Discord slipped out from behind John's shoulder. "...your kind knows me all too well."

"Keep your grimy claw and paw off of him Discord."

Discord wound his snake like body through the air and hovered in front of the defiant Lux.

"And just who are you to tell me what to do?" he said as he stared her down.

"I'm his squire, and we'll change you back into a statue if it's the last thing we do."

Discord feigned a frightened look before bursting out laughing. It went on for half a minute before he could speak again. In one paw he scooped up Lux and held her up to his face.

"My dear deluded Lux, don't you know that only the elements of harmony hold any power over me?" He took a nervous glance around the room. "Unless I'm mistaken, they can't possibly be here now, could they? No that's just silly."

Discord nonchalantly tossed her like one tosses a used napkin, straight into John in fact, burying both them in the books

"Ow. Nice save," Lux muttered.

"Anytime," John muttered back.

Discord grabbed hold of John's leg and extracted him from the book pile.

"Now where were we? Ah yes! So how were the past few thousands of years? Did little Alex fulfill his dreams of conquest? Oh! What ever happened to Pandora, I absolutely adore her antics."

John just stared and finally let out a resigned sigh.

"Would be easier to tell you if I wasn't hanging upside down."

"Oh, well, would you look at that, it’s been so long I've forgotten how humans work."

Discord placed John right side up and dusted off his head.

"There, right as rain. Now, indulge me."

Before John could speak, a book bounced off the back of Discord's head and he whipped around only to catch another book to the face. Before another one could connect, his disembodied head went up as his body went down.

"Stop that!" he growled.

The barrage of books ended abruptly from the back of the room. Discord grinned as he made his way over.

"Really? Taking clichés to next level are we?"

Discord discovered nothing at the source of the flying literature, but one book had a curious golden glow around it. He leaned closer before it flipped open and clamped onto his face. Discord flailed around as the book held on tight.

"Eat that Discord!" Lux shouted.

Discord pried the book from his head, but his face was still attached inside.

"Aaand that's disgusting," she said.

"Less talk more running!" John grabbed Lux by the tail and bolted down the hallway.

Discord mouth spread over the pages in a wide grin and began chuckling.

"Oh goody, I love it when they run."

He snapped the book shut and was promptly reminded his face was still inside it.

"MMrph," he grumbled.

"John stop!" Lux yelled as she was being dragged at high speed.

Lux used her magic to grab hold of a heavy statue, winced as her tail went taught and heard a heavy thud. She turned around to see John flat on his back, and having finally let go of her tail she inspected the damage.

"I told you to stop."

"Couldn't," he forced his words out, "this have waited, till we escaped?" John raised himself up. "Come on we can't stay."

"But what about Discord?" Lux whined.

"What about him? There's nothing we can do. He nearly killed you."

"What an outrageous accusation!" Discords voice rang through the air sending a chill down their spines. “I may be evil, but I am no monster."

"M-maybe we should consider falling back," said Lux.

"Oh that would be most wise, but I think you will find that quite difficult."

The hall way shuddered momentarily and then went completely silent. John and Lux cautiously backed away, searching for a sign of Discord. There was nothing but the cavernous corridor.

"Maybe he was bluffing," said Lux.

The nearby classroom door shattered as something punched through. Lux yelped and jumped backwards into John.

"What the hay is that!?" she shouted. The other classroom doors shook violently as similar skinny protrusions penetrated them. The doors crashed down and and the objects clambered over each and flooded into the hallway. John was dumbfounded.

"Are those freakin' desks?"

Lux jumped back as a leg speared the ground, smashing through the tile.

"Freakin' desks of death! Let's book it!" Lux chomped on John's collar and dragged him away as fast she could gallop.

"Lux stop!"

"I cahn'd 'ear 'ou!" Lux grinned slightly and skidded to a halt when the passage in front of her became a wall of desks. John hopped to his feet and checked back at the pursuing desks. He turned back to the encroaching barrier. John spotted a door just off to the side.

"Lux, in there!"

They dashed inside and slammed it shut once they were inside. They panted heavily as John barricade the door with his body.

"We should be safe in here." John took a moment to survey the room.

"Oh yeah, I feel real safe in a janitors closet," heaved Lux.

John let out a soft groan and let his head fall back against the door. A leg speared through the door, just a few inches from his head. John dived forward before any more could impale him and watched as the door shuddered under the impact.

"Oh come on Discord this isn't fair!" Lux yelled.

"Not fair? But you have the home field advantage. On top of that, I've been holding back." Discord's laugh rang in their heads, and shook the room. John spotted a ventilation grate on the far side of the room.

"Over here!" He called to Lux. John ran over to the grate, yanked it off, and hauled himself inside. He turned around and outstretched his hand. "Come on I'll pull you up."

Lux pranced on the spot as she looked nervously between the vent and the rapidly degrading door.

"Come on, what are you waiting for!"

The door burst off the hinges and Discord's animated army flowed in. Lux sucked in a deep breath and leaped full force into the vent. John pulled the rest of her inside and pulled up the grate, just as the desks piled up against it. John breathed heavily as he shifted away from it, hoping it would hold. He squeezed up next to Lux, who was visibly shaking.

"You alright?" he asked.

"F-fine. Never better," she said between quick breaths.

John's eyes grew wide. He shuffled past her and turned around.

"Look at me. I need you to calm down Lux. It won't do us any good if you pass out on me."

"I. Can't. It's too. Small." Lux's eyes darted around the shaft.

"No, look at me." He grabbed her hoof and gave it a reassuring shake. "I need you to stay with me okay?

Lux nodded as her breathing started to slow.

"That's good, now just come with me." He gave her hoof a gentle tug. She clutched his hand tight as she inched forward. "Thats it just keep your eyes on me."

Lux gave him an uneasy smile as they slowly made their way through the ventilation. After a while Lux calmed down enough to speak again.

"So... any idea where we're going?" She tried to keep focused on him.

"Anywhere is fine. As long as it doesn't have killer desks." After a slight pause he added. "After all my years of schooling I never figured one of those would come back to bite me in the ass."

This elicited a small chuckle from Lux.

"Ah yes, human wit at its finest, someone should put that in writing," Discord said in a sarcastic tone, "Enough fooling around my little escape artist. It's time for your lesson!"

The air inside the ducts began to pick up speed, forcing John and Lux along slowly. John tried to brace himself, but he was slipping along the ducts surface.

"Lux hang on!"

A blast of air shot them through the airways, becoming battered as they bounced around corners until they were shot outside into the castle grounds. John threw his arms up to his head before he impacted the ground. Instead of cold hard dirt like he was expecting, he fell deep into something soft. And sticky. John waded to the top of the pink pile of fluff and grabbed a handful.

"Is this..."

"Cotton candy?" Lux finished for him. They both looked at each other and started to laugh. John leaned back and rubbed his brow.

"There's just no way."

"Well if it wasn't for me, you'd be a mangled pile of flesh on the ground," said Discord as he wolfed down an impressive amount of cotton candy.

John did a double take and and fell out of the cotton candy pile. He shuffled backwards and bumped into Discord.

"Oh come now, I think we're past running and screaming." he said as he arched over John, "Just Relax, I've had my fun. For now." He floated gently over John and settled in the cotton candy.

John got off the ground, being very cautious as he watched the nonchalant spirit.

"What do you want?"

Discord kept packing away the cotton candy. John eyed him, waiting for any answer.

"Hey! He asked you a question," said Lux as she popped out in front of Discord's face.

Discord held up his claw and swallowed.

"I already have what I want," He said as he picked up Lux and sat her next to John, "You have my thanks for setting me free."

"That's impossible."

"Oh but it is. You my dear Johnny boy have upset the balance between chaos and harmony, much to my delight." Discord scooped up some more cotton candy and gave a heaping helping to John. "Back when your kind roamed Equestria chaos flourished, a good time was had by all. Well, mostly me."

John tossed aside the candy ball.

"You mean you knew these humans?"

"I knew them better than they knew themselves, even more so about you specifically." Discord said with a grin.

"Yeah right. If you're done playing we'll call it even and go our separate ways. Let's go Lux." John turned on heel, walking away as Discord chortled.

"Go if you must, but you should know their Royal Highnesses are keeping a big secret from you."

John and Lux both hesitated.

"Secrets? The Princesses don't keep secrets. Do they?" Lux asked.

"I wouldn't put it past them."

"As you rightly shouldn't." Discord whispered, "They don't trust you, and for good reason. The humans of the past haven't exactly left a good legacy.".

"So what's the big secret?"

"Tut tut, all in good time. It's no fun if it's easy." Discord's eyes darted around. Immediately he flew into the sky and faced John once more. "Until we meet again Mars."

John's eyes grew wide as he charged toward Discord

"Wait! How do you kno-"

With that Discord snapped his claw and disappeared. John and Lux stared, dumbfounded as to what just happened. They snapped out of it when they heard the beating of wings and several pegasi guards landed all around them, aiming their weapons at the pair. John raised his hands in the air as the guards closed in.

"Where is the fugitive Discord? We know you were with him!" he shouted in a gruff voice.

"Nonononono you got it all wrong!"

"We were fighting Discord!"

"We can explain!"

"He got away!"

"Shut it! You are both under arrest!" Cuffs were slapped on John and Lux and lead away.

John and Lux sat in a dark room with a table and a thick mirror. The two kept silent the whole time they had been here. Lux leaned over to John.

"What do you thinks gonna happen?"

"I don't know must be pretty serious. I think we just let a criminal escape."

"Yeah, but we tried to help. You're an Errant, that should be enough to spring us out of here."

"Maybe they just don't know." John jerked his head towards the heavy steel door as it creaked open.

Two moustache toting ponies walked in giving John dirty looks. John just looked back at them incredulously as they took seats opposite of them. The larger one looked as if he had spent one too many hours at the donut shop than chasing bad guys. John covered his mouth as he snickered.

"Is somethin' funny to you ape-boy?"

John wiped his mouth and looked straight at them.

"No sir, nothing at all."

"Good. 'Cause there's nothing funny about your little escapade."

The fat one pulled out a folder and let drop on the table. John looked from it back to the pony.

"Where'd did you pull that out of, one of your folds?" John was elbowed hard in the ribs by Lux who was turning bright red trying not to laugh. The pony, on the other hand, did not find it so funny and would've leaped over the table if not for his partner.

"Hey, hey calm down Barney, we don't need this right. Go outside, take a breather."

Barney did as he was told, but not before pointing at John and mashing his hooves together did he leave.

"Yeah and down a side of donuts while you're at it," John muttered. This got him a stern look from the other younger pony.

"I was just curious 'cause none of you have pockets."

"You're walking a thin line pal, push it any further and you'll end up in worse trouble than you already are."

"Trouble for what exactly?"

The pony just pushed the folder towards Lux. John looked back forth between the officer and Lux.

"Recognize your handy work?"

Lux opened the folder to reveal pictures. John picked one of them up. It was dark and unfocused but you could clearly see it was the silhouette of a pony.

"What're you saying?" Lux asked.

"I'm saying there were reports of a suspicious female unicorn hanging around the castle gardens late at night, especially in the area of the Discord statue." The officer paused. "We were going to wait and investigate further what you were planning but you, and your accomplice here, had already sprung your target." He grimaced and shook his head.

"Do have any idea what you just did? Now that he's out there, there's-"

"I- we didn't release Discord! This is a huge mistake."

"Well the evidence suggests otherwise. And if you can't come up with an explanation in five seconds, I got no choice but to lock you up!"

"It was me." John said abruptly. Both ponies turned to look at him. "I did it. I was the one who released Discord and this is not Lux in the photos."

The officer eyeballed John and leaned forward.

"How did you do it?"

John took a deep breath.

"Discord attacked me and told me, I released him. Just by being here I upset the balance of chaos and harmony. It would've happened anyway, whether I wanted it or not."

The pony gave him a hard stare

"And the photo?"

"Her name is Aurora. She's the one who's been snooping around the castle and lead me to the statue in the first place."

The officer was taken aback. He leaned on the table and let out a long breath. John and Lux exchanged glances. He looked back at them and shook his hoof.

"If you're talking about who I think you're talking about, then that changes things."

"Why? Who is she?" Lux asked.

The officer mulled it over then leaned back.

"This Aurora is an infamous treasure hunter, and it's not the first time she's infiltrated castle grounds. She once tried to steal Celestia's crown while posing as a teacher in her school."

"Whoa, cool." She received a scowl in response.

"My departments been trying to track her down for years, yet we can't lay a hoof on her. She's been right under our nose the whole time and we didn't even know." He slammed his hoof on the table.

John jumped a little in his seat. He then looked at the officer.

"I can help officer. I'm with the Errants, there's got to be something I can do."

"The Errants hah!" he scoffed, "The best way you can help is sit tight and wait for further questioning. I need every last detail you have on Aurora."

"I think the time for questioning is over." Luna said as she stood at the door. The officer nearly had a heart attack as he scrambled to bow.

"Forgive me. Your majesty. But the suspect has vital information that could lead to a critical arrest," he sputtered out quickly.

"you will be given the appropriate resources to track down and capture this miscreant Officer, Stoker, is it?"

Stoker removed his hat and held it to his chest.

"Yes ma'am Chase Stoker, but I must object, we don't have anything to follow up on. If you give me a few more minutes I could-"

"It would be a waste of the new Errants time to answer any questions. If the suspect is as good as you say she is she would have fled Canterlot by now."

Officer stoker was near flabbergasted but quickly regained composure.

"This is why I need his cooperation. We need to find a clue as to where she's heading."

Luna raised her eyebrows, causing the officer to tense up.

"You said she's a treasure hunter, so she is motivated by treasure, correct?" Stoker nodded. "Then Discord must know of a secret treasure hidden away, which is why she tricked John, so he can escape. You find Discord, you find your thief. Your cooperation is much appreciated Officer Stoker, I will see that you get recognized for it." Luna turned and started walking.

"Great, how are we supposed to find Discord," Stoker mumbled.

Luna stopped and turned her head slightly.

"He is not so subtle. Lux, John, come."

John and Lux trailed after Luna, leaving a dumbfounded Officer behind. As soon as they left Barney came back, with a box perched on his back and struggling to swallow three donuts. As soon as he looked in the interrogation room he spat them all out.

"Geez I leave for two seconds, and you let 'em walk. You should've left me with 'em Chase, I would've shown that big galoot a thing or two in three seconds flat."

Chase's eyes glazed over.

"Are either of you injured?" Luna asked.

"No." They both replied. Luna let out a deep breath.

"That is good. And Discord what did he want with you?"

"Just screw around with me I guess. Mess with our heads."

Luna nodded in silence.

"He does that." Luna shifted uneasily. "I am glad you two are alright. The situation could have been much worse given the circumstances. If it's any consolation I blame myself entirely for not being there."

Luna, John, and Lux arrived in Luna's study where a slew of ponies were investigating. Luna shook her head and covered her face with wing.

"This is a disaster," she said.

"Have you talked to Celestia about it?" asked Lux.

"I am most certain she has heard the news already."

"Indeed I have," said Princess Celestia. John and Lux were startled by her sudden appearance. She looked over to Luna who was avoiding her gaze.

"We will talk later," said Celestia. Luna nodded in agreement. Celestia seemed satisfied with that and went into the study, leaving John, Lux and Luna at the door.

"Where did that come from?" asked John.

"I think it is best you retire for the night and contiue training tomorrow," said Luna as she started down the hall. John and Lux were quick to follow.

"Look I understand that I let you down but she can't just take it out on you. She can't blame you for what Discord did."

"You didn't let me down John, there was very little you could do. As for the Discord situation," she sighed, "my sister is entitled to voice her concern over the matter. Now I suggest you lay said matter to rest."

John opened his mouth, but thought better of it. He stopped to let her go.

"One last thing Princess." Luna looked back. "Discord mentioned a name. Mars. Do you know what he means by that?"

Lux sharply inhaled, catching John's eye for a second. Luna simply stared at him.

"Like you said before. Discord was merely messing with you. You shouldn't trust a word that comes out of his mouth." With that Princess Luna left them. Meanwhile Lux was trying to sneak away. John turned towards her and crossed his arms.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"Oh! You know..." she started. She looked at her hoof and made an exaggerated yawn "...I was just on my way to get some shut-eye, 'cause that's really important!" She smiled weakly.

"Isn't your room that way." John pointed in the opposite direction.

Lux's smile quickly disappeared and she bolted past John leaving him spinning.

"Hey!" he called after her. "Get back here!"

But she was long gone. John grimaced, but smiled as he walked down the hall after her.

"Oh I'm gonna make you spill it Lux," he muttered.

John sat by his window sill looking at the fantastic view a mountainside castle can provide. From there he could see the garden which housed Discord, the barracks where he trained, the club he and Dice visited, and the valley below the mountain. There was a soft knock on his door. John left the window and opened his door.

"May I come in?" asked Princess Celestia.

"Uh, yes, come on in." he said.

Celestia smiled lightly as John retreated to the window.

"I thought you would've been surprised."

John gave her a sidelong glance.

"After today nothing can surprise me." He paused for a moment. "Except silent hoofsteps."

"A Princess is light on her feet."

"Then Lux is certainly no candidate." John chuckled out loud, but stopped when Celestia didn't join in.

"Is everything alright? After your...confrontation with Discord?" she asked.

"Yes, I'm fine. It was pretty crazy but I'm fine."

Celestia nodded and continued.

"I hope you can forgive Luna for her absence. If she had been there to protect you-"

"Say no more. I don't blame her. Shit happens." John happened to notice her brow twitch while clenching her teeth. "Whoops," he added.

Celestia relaxed and let out a sigh.

"Good, I'm glad you're okay. Work hard in your training and pay attention in your studies."

She turned to leave.

"Wait," said John. "I want to know. Who is Mars? Why is he or she so important?"

Celestia couldn't face him. She batted her eyes to fight off the wave of tears.

"Mars is very important to me," she said simply, "he helped me through a difficult time in my life. And I had to send him away."

John leaned into every answer.

"Well have you heard from him or talked to him?"

"No," she replied quickly. "It's been years, and I don't know if he'll come back."

John bowed his head.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

Both stood quietly. John studied the floor, while Celestia examined him. She cleared her throat.

"It's getting late. You should rest up. I'm sure the regiment you are on requires you to be in top form. I wish you luck."

"Thank-you. Princess."

Celestia smiled as she exited the room.

"Thank-you. John."

Author's Notes:

I'll leave this here. Also I have another chapter at 12,000 words and counting. I can't put it up here, so if you want it please send a private message.