"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.