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

“Yeah, my entire predicament.” he replied.

“Wanna talk about it?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“There’s something in your house.”

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

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

“Whooo.” it cooed softly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“What would you like for breakfast?”

“Aren’t you guys going to eat?”

“No we already had breakfast.”

John found a clock, and it was nearing ten.

“I can eat anything. Except hay.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“What’s so special about an eclipse?”

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

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

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

Twilight gave John a reprimanding look.

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

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

Twilight turned back to her usual inquisitive self.

“So you are having troubling thoughts?”

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

They all sat in silence for about a minute.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Your Princess wants to help me?”

“That’s the idea.”

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

“Well, what can she do?”

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

John removed his hand,

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

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

John paused for a moment.

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

Twilight was taken aback.

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

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

“Guess I gotta start somewhere.”

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

John gave her a puzzled look.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A gentle smile replaced the glare.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John smiled and headed out the door.

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

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

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

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

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

“Can I trust you with something?”

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

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

“Okay, but why are you whispering?”

The shop owner gave a wary look around.

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

John was getting more spooked by the minute.

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

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

“Hi John!” she screamed in excitement.

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

“Do what!?”

“I don’t know! Just, appear!”

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

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

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

How did they use this?

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

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

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

“You see how I did it, now you try. Just take the tube of frosting in your mouth and...” John picked up the tube and squeezed out the frosting, a great deal less expertise in his execution. Pinkie was watching in amazement.

“OOoohhh. That’s really handy.”

John snorted at the unintentional pun. Pinkie laughed and snorted too.

“I didn’t know walkers could make that sound,” she giggled.

John smiled and shook his head.

“It’s been awhile since I last did that.”

“Did what?” she asked nonchalantly.

“Laughed.”

Pinkie stopped decorating and turned a shocked look towards him.

“Why in Equestria wouldn’t you laugh.”

John shrugged his shoulders.

“Haven’t had much to laugh about lately. I don’t know if you noticed, but my story from last night was pretty grim.”

‘Oh yeah,” said Pinkie. She turned back to him with bright smile, “At least you’re laughing now, right?”

John chuckled.

“Yeah you’re right Pinkie. All things considered, this is the most fun I had since coming here.”

With that, Pinkie Pie leaped onto his back in a tight hug.

“That makes me so happy that you’re happy!” she turned back and frosted the last cupcake.

“All done! Dig in!”

She managed to fit three at a time in her mouth. John grabbed one quickly before they all disappeared. The sweet sugar laden treat was just as good as last nights.

“I don’t know how you do it, but these are really good.” He took another bite. “Gonna have to search the entire world, once I get back, for one’s as good as these.”

Pinkie stopped scarfing all the cupcakes, she swallowed hard and turned to John.

“Are you really going to be leaving us? I mean you just got here, there’s so much to do! Please don’t leave!”

The rapid fire pleading pony ended up attached to both his ankles. He steadied himself on the counter. He looked down to the biggest, bluest pair of puppy dog eyes he had ever seen. He felt a hot stab in his heart, he quickly looked away to avoid further guilt. He tried moving his feet apart, no use. He set his head down on the counter, resigned to his pink shackle.

“Look Pinkie. When your princess comes it’ll be time for me to go, and you can bet that I’ll never forget this or any of you.” the blue eyes opened up to look at him again. “Sure I’ll be gone, but I doubt you’ll ever ever forget me either.”

“I guess so, I mean I never forget a pony’s face once I meet them, but I’m worried I might not remember yours, since I never met a walker before and I’m not sure of what you all look like. Then I remembered you’re the only walker I ever seen.” She sprung up into his arms and grabbed his face. “So I not gonna have any trouble remembering a face like yours.”

“Glad to hear it. Now I should be going there’s still other ponies I got to meet.” He set her down and turned to go.

“NO! I still want you to sta-ha-hay!” She launched herself at his legs, which caused him to topple to the floor. Pinkie was sobbing into the back of his calves.

“Great,” he muttered.

He began clawing his way towards the door, hoping someone would be there. He reached the door frame, struggling to pull himself through it. His head poked past the frame. Someone was there!

“Hey! Can you help me!? I’m having a bit of trouble..aack!” he was ripped away from the door frame, Pinkie gaining an unnatural amount of strength dragging him back while in her dismal state. The pony up front literally bolted in a second later, looking wary and suspicious, her face changing to total surprise at the sight before her. John reached out a tensed hand.

“Save me Rainbow!” he got no sympathy from her. She just fell to the floor laughing like there was no tomorrow. He pushed himself off the ground, only to be shoved back into it by four hooves on his back.

“Dashie, what brings you here? The Corner is closed today!” A combination of confusion and excitement filled her voice.

“I went to see if John was at Twilight’s, she told me he went over here and the sign said it was open so I came in.”

“Perfect timing too.” John said into the floorboards. Pinkie stepped off his back and picked him up.

“Well Rainbow, what can I do for you?”

Rainbow smiled. He could see her wings were tense with excitement.

“Well, just to talk I guess. It’s not everyday you meet a giant monkey. No offence.”

“That one’s free, but yeah I can talk.”

The three of them stood in awkward silence. Rainbow Dash ruffled her feathers and cleared her throat.

“Do you wanna go for a walk?” blurted Rainbow

“Yeah let’s go for a walk,” he said just as fast.

John started for the door. He couldn't move his right leg. Pinkie was attached again.

“Oh for crying out loud, Pinkie.” Puppy eyes were her only answer. John clutched his face.

“Pinkie?”

“MMhmm?” she whined.

“Do you want to come with us?”

“Oh that would be great!” She immediately let go and bounded for the door. John left the Corner, Pinkie was flipping the sign to closed. John could see Rainbow was getting impatient.

“The celebrations are that way,” She pointed with her wing, “we should probably get over there.”

John walked in indicated direction and was flanked by the two ponies.

“So, uh,” said Rainbow, “Are you like an earth walker?”

“Yes?” he said slowly, unsure of where she was going with this.

“Are there pegasus walkers?” she asked.

“Ye- wait, what?”

“You know, walkers with wings.” She flapped her own to emphasize.

“Oh, uh no, humans don’t have wings.”

“Eleven billion walkers and none of you have wings?” Rainbow looked at the ground. “That’s kinda lame that you can’t fly.”
It was John’s turn to look at the ground.

“Well, we do fly,” Rainbow cocked her head to John, “We just use machines.”

“Yeah right, there’s no such thing as a flying machine.”

John looked around at the simple village.

“Didn’t think there was.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes.

“Okay, let’s just say there are air machines. How would you know how to fly?”

“How’d did you learn?”

She shrugged her wings.

“I just went for it. I had a few crashes but I still did it.” Her eyes went wide and she grinned at John. “Oh I get it, ha ha, sometimes you just gotta fly. Must have taken some guts to try flying without wings. Let alone jump into a bottomless pit.

John opened his mouth to reply, but words failed him. Rainbow took notice of this.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to bring that up,” she said, “but if it’s not too much ask, why did you jump in the first place.”

John stopped in his tracks. Pinkie and Rainbow stopped a few feet ahead of him. They both looked expectantly at him as he dropped down on one knee.

“Here’s what I told Twilight. I was dealing with something greater than me, something dangerous, and there was no way I could stop it. So I thought maybe I could take it with me and... end it.”

John shuddered and closed his eyes. He could still remember The Fist’s iron grip on him was even greater than the crushing gravity.

“Uh, John? You in there?” John opened his eyes as Rainbow was waving her wing in front of his face. “Sorry but, you spaced out for a second. Are you... alright?”

John got up and started walking.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

Rainbow and Pinkie easily trotted back to his flanks.

“So uh, do you like flying?” Rainbow asked.

“Me? No I hate flying, you can’t get me to fly even if my life depended on it.”

Dash whipped her head towards him in disbelief.

“How could you not like flying? It’s like the best thing ever!” She started to hover at his height. “You walkers can fly, and you don’t even like it. You don’t know what you’re missing!”

“Yeah, but-”

“I mean if I didn’t have wings and somepony offers me the chance to fly, I’d take it in an instant.”

“It’s just-”

“Why be on the ground when you can be ripping around in the sky. It’s so cool, you should try it-”

“Rainbow!” exclaimed John. Rainbow turned back in mid air. “I don’t like to fly.”

“Alright fine, I heard you the first time, no need to get cranky.” She dropped back down to his side, and then immediately looked to the sky. “Uh oh, here comes trouble.”

“Trouble? What kind of- WAAHaha!” He jumped as a loud crack erupted behind him and he propelled himself up into a thick, black, cottony substance. He popped out on the other side and clawed at the fluffy stuff. Then his ears rang as a surprised, grey pegasus screamed in his face. John clamped his ears over his head, only to realize he was sinking back down. He quickly amended his decision.

“Where am I now!” he shouted back.

“Why are you yelling at me?” the new pegasus asked, nigh unto tears.

“Relax Derpy,” Rainbow Dash, “This is my friend John, he’s just hanging out for a while.”

“Haha that doesn’t explain where I am.” John clawed for a good grip once again.
“Oh, you’re in my cloud,” Derpy said proudly.

John stared incredulously at her, and noticed that her eyes were pointed in different directions. She smiled politely back as John forgot he was still sinking.

“Well could you get me out, it’s really cold in here.”

“Oh, sure thing,” said Rainbow.

Both she and Derpy took one his arms and lifted him out.

“You’re actually pretty light, it’s probably why you didn’t just fall back through the cloud.”

“How did I end up in the cloud though?”

“You jumped.”

It was at that moment that they reached the edge of the cloud, and vertigo hit John with a vengeance. All his muscles tensed up and his breaths became quick and sharp.

“We’re that high up!? This isn’t safe. Get me down now! For God’s sake don’t let me go!”

“Oh for pete’s sake, just calm down.”

“Rainbow Dash, I still have to deliver that storm cloud,” Derpy said anxiously.

“Go ahead, Derpy I can handle him.” Rainbow gingerly took John under her legs as Dery flew off.

John couldn't even move. His eyes were fixated on the ground, he just hoped Rainbow would get down there as fast as possible.

“You really don’t like flying do you.”

“Is it that obvious?” he said through gritted teeth.

“Hehe yeah, but I’d bet you’d really enjoy it if you flew my way.”

“No thanks, the ground is fine by me.”

Rainbow brought her head as close to his as possible.

“Do you know what you need?” she asked with an evil grin. John reflected a horrified look.

“Shock therapy!” She then proceeded to dive bomb to the ground below.

John could feel the skin on his face trying to peel away. He gripped tightly onto Rainbow’s hooves as the rocketed to their doom. She then pulled up at the last second, and John’s reality was, for a brief moment, an explosion of sound, colour, and gut wrenching acceleration. The ground was getting further and further away at a frightening speed, even the clouds were far below them at this point. Just when he thought things couldn't get any worse, Rainbow Dash let go. John spun to catch hold of her, but he was too late. The deceleration was slow and sickening as he reached the apex of his trajectory. John briefly caught a look at all that was Equestria. A glimmering city, a wide desert, massive forests, and even tiny old Ponyville. He was jerked back to reality as gravity kick in and pulled him back to Earth. John tumbled through the air, yelling the entire time. He only stopped when he saw Rainbow falling beside him.

“You wanna flying lesson?” she yelled.

“No!” he yelled back. He was clawing at the air trying to get himself upright.

“You might break something if you keep tumbling like that.”

“I’m gonna die, so don’t sass me!”

“No you’re not, now do as I do, spread your whole body out, it’ll make you fall slower.”

“WHY!? It’s still gonna kill me!”

“Just do it!”

John spread eagled, and ended up falling backwards. Rainbow came over, rotated him, and bent his arms and legs accordingly.

“There is that better?”

John could hardly speak. He was so petrified of hitting the ground, although they were still fairly high up.

“Yeah. Yeah I’m good,” he said, not daring to move a muscle.

“Perfect, lesson two.” she pressed her legs against her body and she fell like an anvil.

“If you can catch up I’ll save you!” she yelled.

“WHAT!?” She was out of earshot and getting further. John breathed heavily as he thought what about what to do. His mind went back to his last crazy decision in the labs.

“You better hold up your end, Dash.” John reluctantly folded in his arms and legs and accelerated. He could still see Rainbow Dash up ahead, then again it wasn’t hard to miss her. The wind stung his eyes as he got closer to her and the ground.

“Come on...”

Dash was only a few metres away, but the ground was coming up fast.

“Almost...”

John quickly latched onto Rainbow’s neck while she spread her wings, just in time to pull away from the tree tops.

“You better not freakin’ land Rainbow, because when we do I’m gonna ground for good!” he shouted at the top of his lungs.

“Fine by me!” she laughed. She banked hard and aimed for a cluster of clouds. She beat her wings and gently touched down on the cumulus. She looked back at John.

“I told you not to land.” He glared.

“Were not on land smart guy.” She bucked him over her head and he landed spread on the clouds. To his surprise , he was floating. He experimentally closed his arms to his sides and kicked his legs, which propelled him through the clouds. Rainbow gave him a puzzled look as he passed her.

“What are you doing?”

“I think I’m swimming,” John lifted his head and dog paddled back. “I think my suit is on the same setting as Twilight left it yesterday. If I could just...”

John brought up the gauntlet that usually held Atlas. He could see the suits density manipulation suite was in the negative range. He slowly slid his finger across the panel, and his body slowly rose out of the clouds. He flopped back onto the cloud once he was sure he wasn’t sinking anymore.

“Rainbow Dash, you’re either the worst flyer in Equestria or the best. I can’t really decide right now cause my brain got lost somewhere between the explosion and the freefall.”

“I didn’t think you’d make it in time. I was about to pull up just before you caught me.”

John gave her a horrified look. She tried containing her laughter, but she started clutching her sides as she fell into the cloud.

“Sweet Celestia, your face! That was priceless!” she squealed. “I didn’t think you’d actually believe I’d leave you hanging.”

“Good to know.” John sighed. “But seriously Rainbow that was the scariest moment of my life.”

“Even scarier than when you jumped?”

John stared into the deep blue sky before answering her.

“Yeah. Definitely.”

Deep rumbling could be heard in the distance. John and Rainbow sprang upright as a large stormfront gathered.

“Aww nuts, that storm’s headed straight for Ponyville. I’m gonna have to get a team to move it.”

“You can do that?”

“Yeah, didn’t you see Derpy fly off with her cloud?”

“I was seventy feet in the air, with my life flashing before my eyes.”
“How many times did you see that movie?” She said as she hooked under his arms.

“Too many times.” John breathed a little sharper once they got over the edge, but his fear was nowhere near as bad as it was before.

“I’m just gonna fly in for a closer look. See how many pegasi we need.”

They drew in close, and the storm bristled as if it was alive. Lightning lashed out every few seconds, and it was only getting worse as they drew near.

“Geez that one’s a doozy, I’d better get the entire team on this one.”

Just as Rainbow was about to turn away, a wild strike blazed past their right side, forcing them back towards the storm. Everywhere she tried to turn the lightning seemed to anticipate her movements and guide them towards its heart.

“Rainbow, what’s going on!?”

“It’s a rogue storm, looks like we’re gonna have to do a thunder run. Hang on tight!”

John did as he was told and Rainbow charged in. The dark thundercloud prevented any light from coming in. The only light came from the searing bolts as they streak past, missing them by mere inches. The thunder was loud enough to rupture John’s eardrums. Rainbow dodged and weaved through the plasma net, and then a small tunnel in the clouds gave way to clear skies, Rainbow sped towards it. The lightning grew more intense before his eyes, eagerly flashing to catch them in their escape. They accelerated, and the dark clouds were replaced by blue skies.

“Awww Yeah!” Rainbow whooped. “I haven’t done a run in ages. Wasn’t that awesome!”

John was clenching his teeth so hard he couldn't open his mouth, so he gave her a thumbs up instead. A split second later, his body surged with energy, his skin felt like it was on fire, the suit rippled from the sudden burst. He slipped out of Rainbow Dash’s grip like an eel and began to plummet. He turned, the ground was meeting him at break neck speed. He turned back to protect his head. Hitting the ground was painful, he fell deeper into it, bringing him to a full stop. The shock to his spine knocked the breath out of him, his lungs refusing to inhale. John thought he going to suffocate. It wasn’t for a few moments that his ability to breath returned, he greedily gulped down air. Lifting his head he saw a blurred silhouette flying towards him. It landed on the edge of the hole he currently occupied.

“Oh my gosh! Are you alright!? Please be alright! I didn’t mean to drop you, you just got really heavy all of the sudden, I couldn't hold on! Can you hear me!? John!?”

“I’m guessing that was the shock portion of the therapy.” John said through gritted teeth. His vision cleared, Rainbow was biting her lip.

“Wow, you fell really fast after that lightning bolt hit you. Almost as fast as a cannonball!” John turned his head to see Pinkie Pie standing right beside him. John closed his eyes and laid his head back down in the dirt.

“Just tell me one thing Pinkie.” John tried to push himself up. “How’d you follow us?” he fell back into the dirt, his body too heavy to move.

“She just does. It makes no sense but even I can’t outrun her.” Rainbow’s voice was filled with relief as she jumped into the crater. “Let’s help you up.”

“You can’t, the suit’s density polarity must have been switched when I was struck. You have to flip it on my gauntlet so I can return to normal weight. Its the computer on my left arm.”

“Computer?” they both asked. John looked back at them.

“Uh the, uh, tiny window on my arm, yeah, all you have to do is touch it and drag across, got it?” no sooner had he finished his explanation than he felt his normal weight return to him. Pinkie took control sliding her nose across the screen.

“Clever pony,” said John.

He cautiously sat upright making sure he was in one piece, his spine still hurt like hell. He tried wiggling his toes to check for spinal injury, relieved when he felt them inside his boots. He stood up nearly losing his balance, the shock of the impact was still in his system. He looked around, he was standing in the middle of a crater about five feet deep. He climbed out into the surrounding foliage.

“Hey John?” said Rainbow Dash. “Are you really alright? I mean I had some really bad crashes myself but...” She turned away. “...I’m really sorry for dropping you, I tried flying after you, but I couldn't catch up. I thought we were clear. But I was wrong” her voice trailed off, she looked like she was on the verge of tears, holding them back through sheer willpower.

“Hey, Rainbow, it’s alright as long as I didn’t land on my head,” he said, “the lightning switched my suit from light to heavy. If I hadn’t slipped, we both would have been in that hole, and I would have had a pony on my hands that would have been seriously injured or worse.”

He was met with a hoof punch to his chest. It knocked him back into the hole.

“What was that for!?” he shouted as he brought himself up to the ledge.

“You idiot, you almost died! I don’t even know how you’re standing, and it would’ve been my fault!”

“Fair enough.” he stepped out of the hole once again. “Please don’t ever do that again.”

“What? Drop or punch you?

“Both.”

“Just as long as you don’t try to be a hero.”

“Deal.”

“Anyway,” she said, “we should get back to Ponyville. The ceremonies are going to begin pretty soon. You wouldn’t mind flying again would you?”

“Yeah I’ll be alright with that, just nothing too fancy.” John looked for Pinkie. She was nowhere to be seen. “How does she do that?”

“Beats me, come on we gotta fly!” John was once again plucked from the ground before he could make himself lighter. He managed to turn it down mid-flight, allowing Rainbow to reach top speed. He watched as Ponyville grew in the distance. He tracked a point on the ground as it came up, underneath, and past him. That’s when he noticed he wasn’t wearing clothes. They must have ripped off at some point while flying.

“Hey Rainbow!” He shouted over the wind. She didn’t acknowledge. He tapped her leg, she turned down to look at him.

“Stop. At. Rarity’s!”

She nodded. Ponyville was close now, and she slowed down and turned towards a small purple house.

This landing was much softer, John thought, as Rainbow set him gently down.

He was about to open the door when Rainbow blocked him with a leg.

“Before you go in there, there’s something you have to know.”

John stepped back, his full attention on Rainbow Dash.

“If you go in there, it’s possible you may not come out.” John shifted a little further from the door

“Why’s that?”

“Rarity’s ob...” before she could finish her sentence the shop door flew open.

“What is all the commotion out here?” Rarity stepped out. “Oh hello Rainbow Dash, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”

“I... uh... came to drop John off, he said he wanted to see you.” Rainbow let her breath out when Rarity turned her attention to John.
“Well it’s good to see you again John. You must be here for new clothes, on the account that you are not wearing any.”

“I still have my suit.” That didn’t stop his face from reddening though. He cleared his throat.

“Come on inside then, I’ll be with you in a minute. Rainbow Dash are you coming in dear?”

“Uh...no thanks. I gotta clear the skies. Right now. Bye!” she blasted upwards, a rainbow trail following her.

Rarity turned inside, John proceeded in. He was met with by the sight of an expansive studio that was lined with mannequins, each dressed with a unique article of clothing and unfinished projects. Most of them being dresses. He stopped at one to examine it. It was a thing of beauty, designed to complement the wearers unique shape and movement. The personality for whom it was made for was embedded in the fabric. Back on Earth these would be considered dresses for dignitaries or even celebrities. He still couldn't believe ponies had a need to dress up every once in a while, let alone make something of such quality. His thoughts were interrupted when Rarity stepped into the room. He squared himself to her.

“Alright everything is ready, step onto this platform John, and remove your hoofware if you please.”

He did as he was told. He towered over Rarity once on the platform. He watched as she levitated a measuring tape and began snaking it through the air around John, pressing it against his body for measurements. He could see how Rainbow tried to warn him.

“I don’t need anything too complicated.” he said.

Rarity stopped for half a second before continuing.

“If it isn’t too much trouble, John, I would like to leave my mark so you may remember this place for when you return home.”

“How did you know I was leaving?”

“Twilight visited me earlier today, she told me everything. And I must say your friend Atlas is a charming fellow.” She said smiling.

“Pft. Yeah right.” Just how much did Atlas have to say? “Did he tell you how we landed in Equestria?”

“Why yes, such a heroic story. A true gentleman. You may step down now.”

She moved over to a sewing machine, floating fabric and thread to converge on the machine. He looked once more at the dresses. He stopped at one, he felt he recognized it somehow, it looked organic, natural, subtle butterflies decorated the dress.

“Do you like it Mr. John. I had that dress made for Fluttershy when we all went to the Grand Galloping Gala. You wouldn’t believe what I had to go through to make those dresses.”

John looked down the line to the five other dresses. He could easily tell who they belonged to. Rainbow’s gold adornments, complementing the flying colors. Applejack’s rustic gear spiffied up to brand new. Pinkie’s tamed explosion of pink and candy. Twilight’s stars showered the midnight blue hem. The final dress, Rarity’s, was fit for royalty.

“They’re... nice.” John said.

The sewing machine stopped, Rarity looked up from her work. She raised an eyebrow at him.

“What I meant was that, uh, not that I’m into fashion or anything, but you obviously put your heart and soul into these dresses, and to be honest it’s hard not to stare.”

“You don’t need to explain yourself to me, but I’m glad you understand my love of my craft. Just wait till you see what I have made for you, I’m sure you’ll love it.”

It wasn’t long before Rarity called John back, she had finished her latest masterpiece. He stood on the platform admiring the suit she had made. It was simplistic, like he asked, but it was the exquisite type of simplistic. The navy blue material felt natural, as it draped over his body. It was snug but the movement of his joints were unrestricted. Gold thread traveled along his contours in elegant curves. White diamond shaped gems were sewn into the coat, placed with geometric precision, and wrapping around his right shoulder. The left shoulder was covered in a small winter gray cape with a gold outline. His high tech suit was completely hidden from view.

“This is simplistic?” he asked with a smile.

“It is for me darling.” she said “Well what do you think?”

John looked down at her hopeful face, his smile grew wider as he shook his head.

“I love it,” he said almost reluctantly.

“Yes!” Rarity said with a start. John flinched at her sudden outburst. “Well, I’m glad you like it John. Now you’ll be the envy of your planet once you get back.”

John laughed. “I’m sure I will. I can’t thank-you enough, there must be something I can do.”

“I would very much appreciate it if you let ponies know who designed your clothes and that I’m willing to expand my clientele, if they so happen to come to Equestria.” she winked. Hers eyes drifted towards the clock. “Oh my goodness it's almost time for the celebrations. We really should get a move on.”

“Let’s.” John said.

John collected his things and proceeded to the door. Rarity cleared her throat subtly, He picked up on her cue and held the door open for her.

The walk to the town’s park was a short one, it was alive with activity. Ponies of every shape and size were mulling about, the celebrations had already begun. A large tent held the confections. John could see Mr. Cake as he went back forth between ponies and the food. A group of children ran past him, too busy having fun to notice a strange creature among them. Rarity lead him over to a clear patch on the ground where the rest of her friends were waiting.

“Hey John.” Twilight said, “I’m glad Rarity didn’t keep you for too long.”

“I never miss a deadline Twilight, especially when the clients life depends on it.”

Twilight rolled her eyes as she pulled Atlas out of a saddle bag and handed him to John.

“He’s taught me so much, about your history, your culture, your science, and almost everything about humans.” Twilight watched as John attached Atlas to his gauntlet, “He showed me a lot of things, both good and bad.”

John froze. He dared a look at Twilight.

“I know that nopony is perfect, you shouldn’t be ashamed of what others have done, because I don’t think it reflects on who you are.”

John nodded.

“Thanks Twilight.”

“But you should also be proud of the things you do, like your sacrifice. It probably wasn’t an easy decision, but you saved a lot of lives.”

John looked to Atlas.

“She asked I just answered.”

John looked back to the stack of ponies. Warm smiles on each of their faces.

“Thank-you. Thank-you all. I’ll miss you guys.” Rainbow jumped forward and punched him in the arm. “What was that for?”

“Reason number one. Being a hero.”

‘No fair I wasn’t even on the same planet”

“Reason number two. You’re not gone yet, and there’s still tons of stuff to do before you go!”

“That’s right!” Pinkie yelled, “I smell a tasty cake with my name on it!”

John smiled. He felt a nudge in his side, it was Fluttershy.

“Oh sorry Fluttershy I didn’t notice you there.”

“Me too, Angel has everything under control. I also wanted to see you before you went and..” She paused for half a second, drawing something from a saddlebag. “I made this for you.”

John took the ornament from her mouth. It was small pale flower remarkably shaped like a heart. John placed it in one the button holes.

“Thanks Fluttershy, for taking care of me,” he leaned in close, “and thank your zebra friend as well.”

Fluttershy gave him a light hug, and trotted off back to her friends. John looked over to Twilight.

“By the way I have to grab my armor from your home.”

“Got it covered, Applejack is bringing it over. You’ll also be happy to know that Atlas and I got it working again. Kinda,” she finished nervously.
He just noticed that she wasn’t there. He heard a creaking coming up from behind him.

“Right on time,” said Twilight.

John turned around to see Applejack and a large red pony pulling a cart towards him. They were both harnessed to the cart, and wore out by their heavy load. Once they reached them, they unhooked, tilted the cart back, and dumped John’s armor unceremoniously on the ground.

“Hoo-ee, that was some workout, eh Big Mac?” Applejack flopped on the ground.

“Eeyup.” He was just tired as Applejack, but stood standing, an indifferent stare directed at John. Applejack took notice and leaped to her feet.

“Ah Big Mac, I see you haven’t met John, yet. He’s here visitin’ and the princess is going to send him home after the celebrations. Go ahead don’t be nervous.” she jabbed him in the side to move closer.

This guy’s huge, John thought. Compared to everyone else, his face was nearly level with John’s.

“Good to meet you Big Mac.”

“Likewise.” Was all he had to say. He trotted off towards the confection tent. Applejack came up beside John.

“Don’t worry about it, he’s not muchuva’ talker. Hey everypony, let’s chow down, it’s supposed ta be a party!”

Applejack lead the group of ponies towards the tent, John followed behind. At least he was going to have a good time before going home.