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.