The celebrations were well underway. John looked on as the ponies took part in the various games and shows set up. It was pretty similar to the impromptu party Pinkie threw him last night, just on a more grand scale. He began to wonder when the princess would arrive. His nerves were starting to act up. He was going to meet royalty, how was he supposed to act around her when she arrives. Royalty on Earth almost never makes public appearances. Furthermore, she had a way to send him home. He didn’t know whether to be excited or afraid of returning to his dimension, either way it wasn’t helping his nervous state.

“Sheesh partner you look kinda’ tense.”

The voice shook John from his thoughts, he looked down at Applejack.

“Yeah I guess I am.”

“What reason do ya’ have to be nervous?”

“I have lots of reasons, believe me.”

“Well, that shouldn’t stop ya’ from havin’ a little fun. Come on it’ll help you relax.”

Applejack took his sleeve in her mouth and dragged him over to a tub of water with apples in it. Ponies were gathered around it splashing the faces in.

“Ever played this game before?”

“This is a game?”

Applejack looked at him quizzically for a moment before letting out a small chuckle.

“Well o’course it is, here lemme show ya’ how its done.” She walked up to the tub and splashed her face in, re-emerging with a gleaming red apple in her mouth. She spit it into the air and gnashed the whole apple in one bite..

“Why don’t you give it a shot now?”

“Me?” he looked down at the tub of apples. Ponies have been sticking their mouths in that water for who knows how long. Applejack looked at him expectantly.

“Alright,” he said. I can put aside my hygiene issues for today.

He took a deep breath and plunged his face in. He came up with nothing, Applejack was laughing as he reared his soaked head. He gave her a sidelong glance, she gestured for him to try again. He turned his head once more to the tub of apples, a tiny pony walked up and plucked an apple out and carried on. Furrowing his brow, he carefully bore down on the nearest apple. It kept spinning as he tried to sink his teeth into it, finally catching it with his canines. He brought it up triumphantly, taking a chunk out of the apple as he grabbed it from his mouth.

“There, that wasn’t so hard. What's next?” he stated. Applejack was covering her face with her hat.

“What's so funny?” he asked.

“Nothin” she gave him a weak smile, “I don’t think I’ve seen anypony flounder for an apple so much.” Her already terrible poker face let loose a burst of giggles. “If ya’ want we can try somethin’ else. We still got plenty o’ time before the princess arrives.”

He almost forgot about the princess. Applejack`s advice worked, almost. He wiped his face, getting as much water off as possible.

“I could use a towel right now.”

“Ah don’t sweat it. Twilight can dry you off in a jiffy. Let’s go play pin-the-tail-on-the-pony.” she charged off in the direction of the large tent. John walked after her, finishing his apple.

“So you’re enjoying yourself then?” Atlas flashed up before him, a smug look on his face.

“For the most part, yes.” as he kept walking, getting a few stares.

“There’s nothing familiar about the kind of activities going on today?” Atlas said with an upward inflection.

“Not really, never been to party quite like this.”

“Are you sure, not even as a child?.”

John stopped as Atlas’ smugness took on a creepy wide grin. “What is it Atlas?”

“You know how I looked at my entire knowledge base, during our trip from the moon? Well I delved into the popular culture, natural history, and folklore sections. It seems that these activities are identical to ones employed at children’s parties, going by Earth’s current year, over hundred and forty years ago. Very uncommon in our time, thanks to electronic entertainment.”

John looked around, it was all very childish in nature. Balloons, games, decorations, all sorts of sweets, it didn’t take itself too seriously for a royal visit. It was just an innocent celebration where people could gather and have a little fun. He gave a small smile. He might reintroduce the bobbing apples game once he got back, get a few laughs of his own.

“Well thanks Atlas for that extremely useful tidbit,” he said with a smile, “If you want, you can try getting an apple. I’ll stick you right in the water. Make it easier for you.”

“No. No that’s alright. I’m perfectly fine, high and dry. I’ll just be in here till you need me.” he abruptly disappeared into thin air. John shook his head. He reached the tent, a long line had formed in front of wall with a pony’s picture on it. A blindfolded pony walked up to wall with a tail in her mouth. The onlookers voices rose and fell as she got closer. She pressed a pin on the back leg just below the mark, she pulled off her blindfold surprised at how close she was. The crowd stamped on the ground in applause, John smiled and applauded as well. A colt turned to see what the noise was by his ears was, he saw John’s hands clapping. He looked further up and found John’s face. John didn’t notice the wide eyed pony quietly shuffle away and out of the tent. Maybe I’ll skip this one, he thought. His original entrance was blocked off, he had to find a new exit, He spotted a path through the confectionery area of the tent. He was almost outside when a voice called out to him.

“Hey newcomer, glad to see you could make it to the celebration.” It was Mr. Cake, at a table on the edge of the tent. He still had the package with him, “I beg your pardon. It completely slipped my mind before, I didn’t catch your name son.”

“Oh, yeah, it's John”

“Do you wanna stay and chat for a bit. My wife’s bringing some of our famous cupcakes over, best you’ll ever have.” he beckoned him to sit across from him. John took the seat. How could he refuse a cupcake?

“You mean they’re better than Pinkie Pie’s?”

Mr. Cake allowed himself a small chuckle “Pinkie’s an excellent baker, but she can’t pull anything quite like my wife and myself.” He crossed his legs in front of himself with satisfaction.

“Sounds great, but I thought I should let you know. Pinkie has her sights set on that cake.”

“I know she does,” he said tiredly, “It’s not the first time we had to fend her off, but thank-you for the warning.” He leaned forward on the table, “Besides I have a few tricks in my apron.” He patted his own chest with a sly smile

At that moment a chubby blue pony carrying a platter came up to the table. Her pink mane sat atop her head like a custard topping.

“Okay dear we should be set for the next...” Her eyes came to rest on John “...oh my.”

Mr. Cake read his wife’s reaction and interjected.

“Dear, this is John, he’s the walker Pinkie told us about, John this is my wife.”

“Nice to meet you Mrs. Cake.”

“Oh.” she started, before regaining her composure, “Well its a pleasure meeting you as well dear.” she sat down by her husband. “Pinkie was very descriptive when she told us about you. I was astonished that it matched you to a ‘T’.”

“She’s pretty much the reason why no one here is running away at the sight of me.”

“Why would anypony run away from you?” Concern began to show on her face.

“Well I’m kinda... different.” John watched as the couple looked back at each other and back to him. Mr. Cake pushed the plate of pastries to John. He took a cupcake.

“John, lots of things are different. Its almost everyday you see something new and exciting in Ponyville. Quite frankly, I’m used to all the craziness that happens. I can’t say the same for everypony else, but I’m sure they’ve seen just as much, if not more than we have.” Mr. Cake took his wife’s hoof. “You may not be from around here son, but lemme tell you. It’s nice to have something different shake things up a bit.”

He turned the cupcake in his hands. This place was so different, yet eerily similar. It shook up his life when he was on the brink of death. It had awaken something dormant in him, something he shared with his closest friends on Earth. The thought of leaving new friends behind had flashed in his mind. He pushed that thought aside, first he had to return home, stop the singularity for good. If at all possible he can research a way for dimensional travel.
Impossible, John thought. He took a bite of the cupcake. They were right, these cupcakes were far better than Pinkie’s. His worries melted away with every bite of it.

“Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, I should be going. I need to make sure some things are in order before I leave.”

“You’re leaving Ponyville? When exactly?”

“As soon as the Princess is done with the celebrations.”

“You’re going home with Princess Celestia?” Mrs. Cake eyed him suspiciously.

“No, no. She’s sending me home, with magic. Don’t know if it will work, but it’s worth a shot.” John let out his breath as Mrs. Cake relented.

“We’ll make you a care package for the trip then.”

“That isn’t necessary.”

“Don’t be such a filly, you will need a snack for the trip. I’m guessing that you live very far away for the Princess to send you home. You’ll thank me.”

“You could say that.”

Mrs. Cake and her husband got up and trotted away. “We’ll find you when it`s time for you to go.” Mr. Cake said over his shoulder.

John proceeded out of the tent. Better find his armor, make sure it works. Who knows what Twilight did to it. He headed towards the park. The mornings events were finally catching up to him. He placed himself down on a park bench, looking onward at the scene. Nobody he knew was in sight, he had a small measure of peace. Something caught his attention on the right, on a bench nearby was a mint-green unicorn sipping a drink. It wasn’t the oddest thing he had seen yet, but it certainly stood out. The green unicorn was sitting just as he was. He didn’t notice when she turned her head to stare right back at him, straw still in mouth. John abruptly whipped his face straight ahead of him, keeping her in his peripherals.

Oh great, now she thinks I’m a creep, he thought. The green unicorn packed up her stuff and left. He let out a sigh of relief, only to suck it back in when he found the green unicorn appeared right beside him.

“You look pretty lonely by yourself, mind if I join you?” she asked. John stammered for a second.

“Listen I’m sorry for star...”

“Oh just move over will you.” John slid over, the unicorn placed her hind quarters on the bench then jumped off her front legs to lay her spine against the back.

“So, where you from?”

“Uh” John couldn't have felt more awkward in his life. Some random pony, who happens to have an odd habit, is trying to make small talk with him. He looked at the Unicorn’s face, golden irises sparkled in her eyes.

“From the stars.” he ventured. He waited till she stopped choking on her drink. A few coughs later she could properly laugh.

“So what? You’re an alien, is that what you’re saying?”

“Yeah.”

“So where’s your space suit?” she said still laughing

“Still wearing it.”

“Don’t play dumb with me, I know Rarities work when I see it.”

“It’s underneath. Hey, why are you even talking me?” he blurted out.

The unicorn stopped her laughing and put on a sly smile.

“Well I thought I would see if this lonely creature was interesting or not, but all I find out is that it's a rude, suspicious jerk.” she said matter-of-factly.

John placed his hand on his brow. “Okay, I’m sorry for snapping on you. This day has been kind of hectic.”

“I’ll say. Whenever Rainbow Dash does a sonic rainboom it’s probably for a good reason.”

“What on Earth is a sonic rainboom?”

“You know, it’s when a pegasus goes so fast there’s an explosion of sound and light, but I guess space aliens wouldn’t know about that.”

“Oh yeah.” One mystery solved, thought John. “Look, it’s nice meeting new people and all that, but I have to be going.”

“Where are you going?”

“Home.”

“In space? But, will you survive?”

John started feeling heavy and his suit had nothing to do with it.
“I’m going to find out.”

The cryptic quote had its effect. They sat quietly for a few moments before the unicorn spoke up.
“When are you leaving?”

“As soon as the lunar eclipse is over.”

“Oh” she set her drink in her lap. She focused on it for a minute before turning back to John, extending a hoof.

“My name’s Lyra by the way.”

John half smiled as he took the hoof and gave it a gentle shake. “I’m John.”

“Have you thought about staying for a bit longer. Can you go home at anytime?”

“It’s kind of important that I leave immediately.” he leaned forward. The sun reflected off the gems of his coat. She shielded her eyes. John sat up straight upon realizing his mistake.

“I’m sorry about that.” he said sheepishly

“No it’s fine. Stuff like that is a given when dealing with Rarity’s work. I really should be going, need to find a good spot to watch the eclipse. It was nice meeting you, and maybe you can come visit Ponyville again.” she hopped off the bench and trotted away.

“I think she likes you.” Atlas was leaning his holographic body on John’s arm. John gave him a dirty look.

“I think Arty sabotaged you. Or replaced the real Atlas with his personality” John stepped up to the water fountain holding his arm a few inches above the water.

“Whoa let’s not do anything rash, I was just making an observation.”

John retracted his arm. Altas ‘regained’ his breath after a close call,and then John heard a commotion from the tents. Ponies were converging from every direction. A fanfare blared through the air.

“John!” Twilight Sparkle shouted from behind him. “John, I’ve been looking everywhere for you, where have you been?”

“I’ve just be-”

“Never mind, the princess is coming, lets go!” she forced him along with her magic. His boots leaving a groove in the ground. It was like being on the blade of a bulldozer, and it was headed for a crowd of ponies. John stopped a few inches short of bowling them all over. Twilight flitted past him, motioning for him to follow. Weaving through the crowd he spotted the rest of her friends at the front alongside the road.

“You’re timing is impeccable Twilight, I see you’ve found our friend John.” Rarity stated.

John came up to front and took a knee.

“So what did I miss?”

“The princess is just about to march down the street.” John could see Twilight was excited, even more so than Pinkie Pie. Before he could pursue the thought any further, he felt a sudden weight drop on his shoulders. He turned to see what landed on him. He was met by an orange smiling face with large violet eyes.

“You remember me don’t ya’? Scootaloo? Mind If I sit up here? The view is awesome.”

“What?” he turned and seen that Scootaloo’s other friends had done the same, with their sisters. “Yeah I guess you can pipsqueak.” A harsh knock hit him on his temple. “Ow.”

“There’s more where that came from if I get anymore lip.”

Before he could respond another fanfare filled the air. The crowd hushed as a procession started coming into view.

The tiny pegasus was fidgeting on his head.

“I still can’t see, I need to get higher. Ahh!” John winced as she shrieked in his ear. Her legs were clamped around his head and neck as he stood up.

“Now that’s what I call a view.” She said as he reached full height

The procession was fairly close now. White Pegasi in golden armor trotted in unison past the crowds. They didn’t even bat an eye in his direction once they reached him.

“They’re good.” he whispered. He heard Rainbow snicker.

The crowds of ponies began to lower themselves to their knees. He was still standing, unaware of what was happening. A rapping on his head turned his attention to Scootaloo.

“Bow down.” she chastised him.

He returned to his knee once again. Scootaloo hopped off and bowed down herself. John was curious as to what this princess actually looked like. What could possibly be so great about her that these ponies revered her with such adoration. She must be a powerful unicorn, or something different altogether. His nerves were starting to act up again, he began to shake. Applejack nudged him, giving him a reassuring smile. He looked up from the ground to see a pure white full grown horse walking past. Her mane and tail resembled Rainbow Dash’s, except it had less colors and was light in hue. They drifted in an non existent breeze. An impressive pair of wings were flared out. So she was a pegasus, albeit a large one. His eyes traveled to look upon her face, she had foot-and-a-half long unicorn’s horn as well. There was no doubt in his mind that this was the princess. His jaw had gone slack at the truly regal sight. A she passed by, an eye flashed in his direction. Fear seized him, forcing him to avert his eyes to the ground. He awaited what would happen next. Nothing came. The procession continued. Slowly the ponies raised themselves up. Scootaloo clamped onto his head once more before he could stand. The sea of ponies began moving out on the road and following the procession. Twilight came up to his side.

“Isn’t she amazing?”

“Twilight, what is that?” Scootaloo laughed at his remark

“She’s the princess, what else do you want to know. She’s powerful, beautiful, kind, loving, and best of all she’s everypony’s friend.” Scootaloo finished by kicking him in the collar bone to emphasize the point.

“She has the time to go out and meet everyone?”

“Everypony,” Twilight corrected “No I’m afraid she’s much too busy for that, but given the chance she’ll definitely be your friend. She’s been a great friend of mine ever since growing up in Canterlot. I studied magic under her. You’ll be in good hooves.”

The crowd was slowing down. They had reached a stage lined with guard ponies. A podium stood in the middle of their ranks. A light tan pony with glasses came up to the podium, clearing her throat.

“Citizens of Ponyville and esteemed guests.” a few eyes fell upon John. “Today we are proud to host a visit from the Princess once again. Doubly proud that she will be creating a new celestial movement in honor of her sister’s return to the throne. Today we celebrate the official inauguration of Princess Luna, ruler of the night!” the crowd cheered vigorously, the official raising a hoof for silence.

“Now without further adieu, I give you Princess Celestia!” the ponies cheered louder than before, the roar was nearly deafening, or maybe that was Scootaloo cheering her lungs out. The pony stepped down from the podium to let the princess take her place.

“It’s so wonderful to see all of you here to welcome my sister back. It makes me proud that you would readily swear by her side as you have done mine. It pains me that she wasn’t able to join me here in Ponyville today as she is taking part in the ceremonies in Canterlot. It would’ve have brought her great joy to see that you love her as your princess as you love me.” a solemn silence fell upon the crowd. John heard a minute gagging sound on top his head, he gave Scootaloo a shrug, and nearly dismounted her. “To properly honor my sister I’ve allowed her the power to block the sun with the moon, in a lunar eclipse. The sun and the moon will share the sky for a short moment in history, but it will stay in our hearts forever.” The crowd cheered once more. The princess nodded in agreement with the crowd and left the podium with her guards. Scootaloo was whooping in his ears again.

“Alright that’s it Scoot.” he picked her off his head and set her on the ground.

“Aww, come on I wanna see.” she stuck out her lip and began to pout.

“I kinda like being able to hear.”

“Pretty please.” she anted up with a pair of bambi eyes. It was having it’s desired effect as John felt himself waiver. It pained him that he had to deny the tiny pegasus.

“No, now go play with your friends.” it took all the strength he could muster, but he denied her. She left, accepting defeat and chased after her friends. Twilight gave him a stern look.

“That wasn’t very nice.”

“Would you want kids climbing all over you?”

“What do goats have to do with her.”

“That’s not what I meant,” he sighed, “Mind if I tell you something Twilight?”

“Sure John, anything.”

“I would never admit this to anybody back home but...” Twilight moved closer. “...you ponies are too cute for your own good. Scootaloo almost had me there, and now I can’t wait to get out of here.”

Twilight just stared at him, and then gave him a sly grin.

“Well if that’s all it takes to control a walker then...” She rounded on him with eyes shining bright and a scrunched up smile, and her front legs crossed straight in front of her. “...pwease stay John.”

“Oh god.” he said under his breath, shielding his eyes from Twilight. “Can we just see the Princess already.”

“Oh, of course. We still have a little time before the eclipse starts. You'll love her.”

“I already feel like part of the family.”

“It’ll be fine. This way.” she trotted off towards the park, as John trailed her. She was easy enough to spot. The guards surrounded her as she conversed with the pony official. Twilight walked passed the princesses guards, neither of them second guessing her. John furrowed his brow. How could the guards just allow her near the princess. He ventured near the wall of ponies, abruptly shut out by their wings.

“Nopony gets near the princess without express permission.”

His eyes narrowed at John and his muscles began to tense. John took a few steps back.

“I’ll just wait for... Twilight to clear things up,” he said sheepishly.

He looked on as the princess's attention was on Twilight. She lifted a hoof in his direction, the princess's eye following it. He froze, a lump was forming in his throat, he swallowed hard as blood rushed to his head. The two ponies and the princess began to move towards him, the guards smoothly moving to her flanks. John’s heart was hammering, he tried controlling his breathing, it was becoming hollow and heavy. She was upon him, she stood taller than he did. His shoulder would probably be square with hers. He didn’t know what to make of her, she was just staring at him with a total deadpan expression, a sense of heavy scrutiny permeated it. He felt a bead of sweat drip from his forehead. She took another step forward, he twitched at the movement.

“There’s no need to be so tense, you are a guest in Equestria after all.” her voice was calm and soothing, cradled by a foundation of wisdom and experience.

“Huh?” John said, “Uh, Princess Celestia it’s an honor to meet you.” he took a low bow, and she leaned in closer

“It’s good to see you, John was it? Twilight was just telling me a little bit about yourself.”

John paused for a moment and his eyes darted quickly to Twilight.

“That's right princess, but thankfully there isn't that much to tell.”

The princess gave a light laugh and smiled

“I'm sure there's much more to you than that, and I wish you would consider staying longer to tell us all about your adventures.”

John followed up with a stunned stare.

“Princess, how are you going to send John back to his home? We can’t just teleport him out of Equestria.” Twilight’s teleport comment threw him off.

“Excellent question my pupil. We need powerful magic to locate and send him home, that’s why I had the elements of harmony brought along with me to assist us.”

This cued a pair of guards to bring forth a bejeweled chest. Princess Celestia opened the chest revealing several ornate necklaces, and a tiara with a uniquely shaped jewel in the middle of them. Upon further inspection, he noticed the jewel’s shapes were familiar. Pieces were falling into place.

“Those jewels, they match your friend’s marks.” John looked to Twilight for explanation.

“An astute observation John, as I said before my friends and I are able to harness the elements of harmony when Equestria needs it’s magic.” Twilight took John’s expression as permission to expand. “My friends and I have only ever used them twice, and now we’re going attempt to send you home by its power.”

John turned his head back to the jewelry box. It snapped shut, the guards withdrawing.

“It’s hard to believe that six pieces of jewelry can send me home.”

“The power doesn’t reside in the jewels, its in Twilight and her friends and you underestimate their power John. Is it not as hard to believe that you could ever wind up in a place like this?” The voice of the Princess flowed into his ears. A smile crept onto his lips.

“I guess not. I never thought a place like this could exist but once I go home...” he sighed, “...this will all be nothing more than a dream.” he cast his eyes to the ground. He froze as the Princess placed her head beside his.

“You know it is not a dream John and Equestria is open to you. As long as the future is not set, you still have control over what it holds.”

Spoken like a true matriarch, John thought. Nevertheless the words uplifted his spirit. She stepped back towards her guards.

“The lunar eclipse will start shortly. If I were you I’d find a spot to watch.” Celestia advised.

“Thank-you Princess, come John let’s find our friends.” Twilight galloped away. John stared after her with a puzzled expression. Celestia was looking at him with a large, bright, smile.

He quickly bowed and chased after Twilight.

He found Twilight and her friends at the same place as a few hours before. His armor still laying in the ground, and it sank about an inch. The cutie mark crusaders were examining the heavy piece of equipment. Twilight and her friends were idly visiting. John sat himself a little outside the group waiting for the eclipse to happen. Well his chat with the princess went well, or as well as it could, he thought. His nerves were acting up once again in anticipation and fear. The moment was near, soon he’d find out about the labs fate, and about his friends as well. If things went his way then he can determine a way to connect it to Equestria. If he did it once, he can do it again. But on the other hand. He shuddered at the thought of nothing but the cold vacuum of space awaiting him.

“Hellooo? John? What’re you doing way over here? Why don’t you sit closer, you’ll be able to see better.” Rainbow Dash was waving a leg in his face. Briefly forgetting where he was, John twitched at the sudden intrusion.

“Come on we got great seats.” she pulled on his arm with her front hooves as she beat her wings to drag him to the crowd of ponies. She forced him down between Fluttershy and Pinkie, interrupting what ever conversation they were having before.

“Hey Johnny!” Pinkie yelled in his ear, making him wince.

“Good to see you too Pinkie,” he said, “but you don’t have to use that much volume.”

“Hello John.” Fluttershy said, He barely caught the greeting.

“Fluttershy you have the right idea, but a little louder would be nice.”

“Oh. Okay.” she turned her face away, rounding back with sudden inspiration. “So how did your visit with Princess Celestia go? Is she going to help you home?”

Before he could answer Atlas flashed before them, startling both John and Fluttershy. Pinkie’s eyes gleamed in amazement.

“Ooo , that was a neat trick. Do it again!” the pink wonder demanded.

“Atlas!” John exclaimed

“I was going to tell them about your near disastrous encounter with Princess Celestia.”

“Everything went fine!” John countered.
“Not according to your vitals. You nearly fainted on the spot you were so tense. Your heart was going a mile a minute. I’m surprised you didn’t have an aneurysm. It could have been a total train wreck”

“I had everything under control.”

“You had me and the mayor worried John. Sure some pony’s get a little nervous when meeting royalty but you looked terrified.” Twilight Sparkle said pointedly. “You looked like you were going to wet yourself.”

“He nearly did.” Atlas remarked.

“Shut up you little liar.” John shot back. The ponies around him couldn't help but fall to the ground laughing.

“If only you guys had been there.” Atlas said laughing as well. “The only other time I've seen him that nervous was when he asked Vanessa out on a first date, eh John? John?”

John gave no reply. He disconnected Atlas and set him down by Twilight, leaving the group alone. He was right, he nearly did have a nervous breakdown, but to joke about Vanessa like that was completely out of line. John heaved out a long sigh and dropped himself on the ground. He looked to the sky to see the progress of the eclipse. The moon was touching the outer edge of the sun. Soft hoof steps approached from behind.

“Excuse me, but uh, Do you mind if I join you? That is if you want company. I understand if you want to be alone. But I just thought I’d ask.” only Fluttershy could be this considerate.

“No, it’s alright Fluttershy.” he said with sigh. She took a seat beside him, she was looking everywhere but at the eclipse.

“John, back there. Was it something I said?”

Her innocent question, caused the bottom of his brain to fall out. His face came to rest in his hand

“Fluttershy, you didn’t say anything.”

“Oh, right.” she said sadly. “But you’re not angry with us are you?”

No way she’s serious. He lifted his head to focus on Fluttershy. Genuine concern on her face, the same she had when he first saw her.

“No, I’m not angry. Just a little on edge, I don’t know what I’ll find when I get back”

“And Vanessa, who is that?”

A lump in his throat slowly formed, ceasing his ability to speak. His heart beat becoming sparse and weak. He forced himself to talk.

“A woman. Something happened to her before I...before I ended up here.” He gestured to the general area.

“She was special, wasn’t she?” She waited for his reply.

“Yes” he said quietly, staring straight ahead. The near inaudible answer spoke volumes as the two watched the moon begin to cover the sun.

“I hope you find her when you get back John.” She turned to give him the same whimsical smile that she dished out when he was injured. He returned a smile of his own.

“Thanks Fluttershy. I do too.” He turned his attention back to the solar eclipse. If this were his world he’d have severe retinal damage by now, he thought to himself. He felt a warm limb become draped across his back. Fluttershy had extended a wing over him. He gave her hoove a small squeeze causing her to blush. The moon inched further along masking the sun, becoming an opaque disk. The corona starting to give the moon a halo of pure light. It was one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen. The stars came out in their shining glory, the bodies of the heavens all brought under one sky.

Celestia may have the bodies of the sky at her will, but can she rip holes in space-time, John pondered. At least she had an idea of what to do. The moon wasn’t moving. John righted himself, something was wrong, it should have kept moving. The ponies around him were just as confused as he was. He decided it was best to check with Twilight.

“Come on Fluttershy let’s get back to the others.”

“Is everything alright?” Fear was entering her voice at an alarming rate.

“No no everything’s fine, I just want to check something with your friend.” he said trying to reassure her. They ran back to the group, John called out for Twilight.

“She’s gone John. She ran off ta find the Princess. I figure there’s somethin’ fishy goin’ on here. Hopefully nothin’ bad.”

“Thanks Applejack, I’ll go find her.” before he could run off an electronic voice called out.

“John don’t just leave me here.” it was Atlas. He was by his console where John left him. John picked him up and attached him to the gauntlet.

“Look John I’m sorry for earlier..”

“You can learn tact later, for now we gotta find Twilight. Did you see which direction she ran off in?” Atlas pointed the way, John following his directions. The air was brimming with confusion and climbing worry. He found the wall of guards surrounding the princess and Twilight.

“Stay where you are!” A guard barked, fixing John with a glare.

“I need to speak with Twilight.” John said levelly, matching the guards stare. The guard was ready to pounce when Twilight interjected.

“John, what are you doing here. Why aren’t you with everypony else?”

He was glad Twilight interrupted before getting into a fight with the royal guard.

“Something’s wrong Twilight, with the eclipse I mean. I figured you may have answers.”

“I know you want answers but I can’t help you. I’ve gone to the princess for the same reason.”

“It was noble of both of you to show concern over this predicament. But I fear this is beyond my understanding as well,” Celestia stated as she approached them.

“But you were in charge of the of movement were you not?”

“It’s a fair question, John, but something seems to be blocking my magic. The only other being capable of this is my sister. I shall go to Canterlot to see if she knows anything about this strange occurrence. Royal sentries stand on guard for when I return!” Her voice caused the ponies to stand to attention and bow their heads. “Stand back.” she added.

Light began to form around her horn, suddenly bursting into a giant orb. The flash nearly blinded John. He lowered his hands away from his eyes to find the princess was no longer standing in front of him.

“What the heck happened, did she just explode?”

Twilight paid no mind to fact that her princess just exploded. She took him by his sleeve.

“Let’s get back to the others.” she ordered.

They were not even half way back when ponies started shouting and screaming. John whirled about trying to get a fix on what was happening. Ponies were pointing towards the sky. John looked upwards, it wasn’t until his eyes fell upon the eclipse did he understand.

“Atlas are you seeing this.” his voice was hollow

“I see it, but I don’t believe it.” Atlas sounded shocked.

From the moon reached out a long opaque ribbon, weaving and slithering through the sky. John predicted it’s path. It was heading straight for them.

“Twilight! It’s headed straight for us!”

Too late, she already ran off towards her friends. He chased after her in frustration. When he reached them, Twilight was giving out orders.

“Rainbow, round up the pegasus ponies, we don’t want anypony going near that thing. Pinkie, Applejack start moving ponies to the other side of town, John go with them. Rarity, Fluttershy stay with me just in case. We need to make sure that if this things a threat it’s not going to hurt anypony. Move out.” None of them objected and moved to their respective duties. Twilight looked to John “Let’s go John, this could be dangerous.”

“I need my armor, then I’ll go, okay?”

“Alright but make it quick we don’t have much time.”

Time had already ran out. The black ribbon had touched down and was now swirling the air around it. The breeze picked up into a strong head wind. Ponies started panicking and charged away from the dark force. Rarity came galloping up to Twilight.

“Have you seen Sweetie Belle and her friends. I can’t find them anywhere!”

The ribbon became a giant mass, protrusions were stretching from the sides and growing into different shapes. John overheard Rarity’s concern and quickly looked around. To his horror he spotted three small dots in the same clearing as the black mass.

His armor was still on the ground, luckily he didn’t need to flip it over. He jumped in laying flat into it.

“Atlas get this thing on, now!”

His breath was knocked out as the armor’s plates viciously clamped onto his body. His clothes tearing as the armor sought contact with the suit underneath. The metal enveloped his head making him unable to breath. He clawed at the plates until it relaxed it’s grip on his face.

“Sorry John, there is still rust and salt deposits throughout the system.”

“Good enough now we gotta get down there fast!”

As soon as he felt the lightness take effect he charged down the hill. With Twilight shouting something unintelligible. He looked back, Twilight was now too far away, facing forward again he could fully take in the monstrosity before him. It had a long curved segmented tail with a four foot stinger attached to the end, eight legs sprawled from each side. To top it off, two car sized pincers extended from the front. The black mass was now a massive scorpion and it was headed straight for the frantically galloping cutie mark crusaders. John’s blood ran cold when they tripped over each into a pile. The scorpion was ready to smash them with its claw.

“I’m too far.” he called out frantically.

“Not if I have anything to do about it.” Atlas then let the exhaust port of the power pack on full blast. John rocketed forward, skidding over the ground. Before he knew it he was on top of the the crusaders. He threw his body into a sliding kick and swiped all three of them up in his arms. John’s head rattled as a bone shaking crash erupted behind him. The girls in his arms were screaming their heads off as he slid to the edge of a forest.

“Go now! Find your sister! GO!” John shouted, the crusaders did as they were told.

“John look out!”

The warning came too late. John felt his body smashed into the ground. He rolled onto his back as soon as he was free, the scorpion’s claw was raised to squash him again.

“Atlas, why didn’t you tell me it was right behind me!” He jumped to the left, narrowly escaping the crushing blow.

“This isn’t military hardware John. All I got is a barometer and a Geiger counter. It’s getting pretty hectic adjusting density for protection and mobility I recommend you disengage, now!”

“I would if I could!” he barely dodged a swipe from the claws. The tail sprung forward to impale him.

“Whoa!”

He turned to dodge the strike, and it missed him by inches. He grabbed onto the tail as it pulled its stinger out of the ground. A claw snapped at him as he passed, the speed of the tail out pacing the claw. John hung on for dear life as the tail flailed in every direction trying to shake him off.

“Atlas, maximum density!”

His grip began to slip as he got heavier. The tails movement slowed and began to curl, yet it was still holding him off the ground. Crap, John thought. Ropes flew through the air neatly catching the tail by it’s top segment. John twisted his head to see Applejack was letting ropes fly while her brother wrestled to tie them to trees. She managed to get several ropes onto the tail.

“Get down from there! We got this critter handled.”

John let go, he landed on the ground hard. Atlas reset his density and he raced over to Applejack.

“Fancy ropin’ there partner.”

“It’s all in the tail. We better git round to the front and tie him off though.” the trees were starting to strain from the vicious tugging. “Right now.”

The three of them gave the scorpion a wide berth as it scrambled to maul them. Applejack set off to work, she roped of its right claw, the much stronger appendage giving her and her brother grief. The scorpion stopped struggling, it backed up letting the ropes that held its tail go slack.

“Applejack! Mac! Watch out it’s going to...”

The scorpion’s tail lashed forward. The force of the strike coupled with the sudden tautness of the ropes severed its barbed tail. Black shadowy liquid spurted from the fresh wound, but the tail was still on a collision course for John. The blunt tail knocked him to the ground as he failed to get out of the way in time.

“John! Are you alright! You’re not going to believe this but we actually have sustained more damage than from reentry!”

“Keep it together Atlas, we still got too...”

He couldn't move away from the scorpion, his density was still set on high. He watched as the scorpion flung the two ponies off the rope, and turned it’s attention back to John, slowly advancing on him.

“Atlas now would be a good time to get us out of here.”

“...hardly any damage upon re-entry, not to mention a few years worth of high gravity maintenance. Hardly a scratch, then this thing comes along and puts dents in us it like a tin can...”

Atlas’ speech was rapid and frantic. John tried moving again, but he was stil too slow. He watched in horror as the scorpion bore down on him, he could see its eyes as glossy black sphere’s set on top of wriggling mandibles. John turned away, expecting a bite to be taken out of him. The monster squelched and screamed, John dared a look. The princess’ royal guard had entered the fray. Teams of pegasi flew in low, making distractions while other teams took the opportunity to buck at it. The scorpion reacted to the swarm of ponies by twisting and flailing, swinging and striking at nothing. It stomped around the clearing trying to shake off the ponies, nearly crushing John in the process. The pegasus ponies suddenly broke off leaving the scorpion alone. John wondered about the sudden surrender. That’s when flashes of lightning flew over his head and struck the scorpion in the side. It cried out in an awful screeching noise that felt like listening to grinding metal. John turned his head to see a line of unicorn guards, letting loose a volley of energy blasts before letting a fresh line take their place. “Fire!” bellowed one of the ponies. John tracked the lightning as it found its mark on the scorpion once more. The scorpion was retreating, defending itself with its claws.

“Atlas, we have back up!”

“...Backup? Good idea. I’ll be back in a bit with a previous version of myself. Supposed to be indestructible...”

John rolled his eyes, he struggled to hit the manual density control. He checked the soldiers progress, they were still beating it back. Good, he thought. He turned his suit’s density down, getting up he took a look at his armor, the chest piece took the brunt of the impact. Large dents and some plates were actually missing revealing the intricate machinery underneath.

“You, two-legs! Get out of there now!” John turned to see it was the pony in charge of the firing line, a commotion down range caused him to look back. The scorpion had broke through the ponies, ignoring further fire, and charging directly for John.

“Fire at will! I want that thing stopped in its tracks! Bring it down colts!” Fury and fire filled the pony’s commands as he himself let out intense rays from his horn. No matter how many direct hits, the scorpion kept charging. John scrambled to get away, only to be caught between the powerful pincers. Crushing pain shot through his ribs as the scorpion squeezed him. He let out a blood curdling cry as it drew him near to it mandibles once more. He struggled to pry open the claws, beating against them with his fists and legs. It presented him before it’s maw, the tiny arms grabbing at him. He swatted at them one at a time, eventually getting his arm caught. He yelled again as pain shot through his arm, it was going to get ripped clean off if he fought back, he could feel it biting down on his arm, not quite breaking the armor encasing. The force it exerted on his arm started dragging the rest of him in starting with his head. It wasn’t long before he couldn't see anything. His heart and mind were racing, trying to find some means of escape. The sound of gnawing, scratching and biting surrounded his head, sounds that threatened to crush him like a melon. Pain was ripping at his chest, he moved his other arm to cover the spot with missing plates. He struggled desperately with still free legs before they were clamped together and gnawed on as he entered further into the scorpions body. John was terrified, he had just been swallowed by a scorpion and didn’t know how it’s digestive tract worked. On top of that he couldn't see a thing. He moved his arm, it was no longer being acted upon, he checked his legs. He could move those to. He tried getting up, surprised and confused about being able to stand upright. He moved forward slowly, meeting no resistance. He brought up a hologram for light. The darkness went on forever it seemed. He could barely see his own hand, the light was just getting absorbed into the surroundings. John felt something spectral behind him, he turned to see what it was finding nothing. He felt another presence behind him once more. Whipping around he found nothing. The sickening sensation of deja vu found him as his heart dropped like a stone into his stomach. He bumped into something and John spun around. Standing before him was The Fist. Fear gripped him and he tried running. Only to be stopped as darkness reached out to grab him. John struggled against the darkness, fighting it off with little success. The pale apparition slowly circled him, examining John from head to toe.

“Overall optimal condition. Yes, a fine specimen indeed,” it said in a hollow, whispery voice.

“What are you doing here? How did you survive?” John shouted.

The Fist paid no attention to him.

“He’s perfect. Time to depart.” It walked off into the darkness and vanished.

“Hey, come back! What the hell is going on?” John struggled against his restraints once more. He gave up and looked around. “Atlas, you here?”

“Yes John,” there was a slight pause, “Where are we?”

“Somewhere bad. It’s the Fist, he survived the black hole and is controlling the scorpion.”

“What scorpion?”

“Priorities Atlas, we need to escape.”

“Yes, sorry. Can you move at all?”

“No. I’m tied up.”

“Where.”

“Arms and Legs.”

The small hologram gave him a grin. “I got this.”

The armor plates started shifting underneath the bonds, sawing their way through. Each line snapped one by one and John landed with a heavy thud once he was free.

“Great job Atlas, now all we need is to get out of here.”

“That may be more difficult.”

“Hit the lights”

The bright beams on his helmet couldn't penetrate more than ten feet in the darkness. John grimaced. He turned his head to the pitch black floor. He knelt down and drew his hand across it.

“Atlas, can we break this?”

“As long as it isn’t made out of adamantine alloy,” said Atlas.

John smiled and leaped into the air and came crashing down. He could feel the whole structure shake as he impacted. John checked for damage. John clenched his teeth, as he only felt a few hairline fractures.

“Where did he get an adamantine prison?” said Atlas in disbelief.

John shook his head. “Again.” He leaped up and thundered into the floor. The cracks were getting bigger.

“Again.”

The ground sank about an inch, but something in the dark was coming for him.

“Again!”

Light! Just coming through a hole the size of an atom, but there was light! John looked up to see The Fist emerging, with slow writhing black tentacles behind him. John leaped up for a final blow, but was caught mid air and was dangled upside-down in front of The Fist.

“A resourceful one, must remedy that trait.”

“What are you planning?” said John.

Once again it ignored him. It carefully stepped around the hole John made and placed a frigid hand on his chest. John felt his heart go numb and cold. His whole body shivered uncontrollably and suddenly he was afraid. He twisted away from the horrible figure as it turned and left him.

“On to the next one.”

John breathed heavily as his eyes darted around the darkness. He felt a pressure building in his head, the same as in his original nightmare. It forced him into submission as more darkness threatened to consume him. He felt his breath leaving him. The mounting pressure in his head and the lack of air were about to make him pass out.

“John? John!”

He could barely hear his own name.

“John! Wake up. We need to get out.”

“I can’t.”

“What do you mean you can’t.”

“I’m scare...” his voice trailed off.

“What?”

“The darkness, it’s everywhere, it’s in my head.”

“John? That doesn’t make sense, what’s in your head?”

“Black. Nothing.”

Atlas paused. He then accessed the suit and turned John towards the light.

“There’s light John, focus on it.” He waited a few minutes in silence.

“It is light.” John’s voice picked up.

“Yes, good, now where’s the light coming from?” He paused to let John answer.

“Outside.”

“And what else is outside?”

“Mountains. Trees.” John furrowed his brow as he tried to fight the darkness. “Houses. Ponies. Friends.” Something jolted his mind, as if it were let out of a vice. He sucked in a deep breath, but he could already feel the darkness creeping in again.

“Atlas listen close.” He winced in pain. “I want you remove the fuel cell.” He gasped as pain shot through his brain. “And then, ergh. And then I want you to... augh... to ignite it.”

Atlas panicked as John’s body went limp, but set off as instructed. He reached around and grabbed the fuel cell; without it they’d only have power for a few more minutes.

“If I could sweat, I’d be drenched John. John?” He got a indistinguishable mumble in return.

“Now how do I blow it?” said Atlas. He looked over the shoulder at the reactor. He looked back at the fuel cell.

“Sorry John.”

He reached back and held it next to the exhaust port. He crossed his fingers and fired the exhaust. It was almost instantaneous. The heat, and the force rocketed John and Atlas through the crack and out in the open. John started coming to, and he was turned around to see the black scorpion bursting from the inside.

“John, you’re alive!”

“I am? Where are we?”

“I believe we are what you call, shrapnel.”

It took John a second to realize they were careening through the air. He was fully awake by the time he saw the forest canopy coming to hit him.

“Prepare for impact.”

He crashed through the branches without slowing down, and a split second later he bounced off the ground and continued plowing through the growth. It wasn’t till he hit a tree with his entire body that he stopped. He slid off the trunk, leaving large gouges behind. John held his gut, trying to get his breath back. The armor slowly slid off his body and the light stung his eyes, even in the darkness of the forest. He collapsed in the broken pile of steel and clasped his eyes.

“He’s here Atlas. That psychopath is here.”

“The psycho is here, that much is true. But he is not the man that you once knew.”

John looked up to see a zebra standing in front of him.

“Zecora.” he said.

“We must treat you straight away. Or in you, the darkness, it will stay.”

John lifted himself to his knees.

“The darkness?”

Zecora got under his arm.

“Yes, an ancient evil which taints hearts. Especially creatures who are from the stars. Come, come, maintain your pace. For we must act with haste.”

John looked to see another hollowed out, well lit tree. He was brought inside and guided to the bed. He threw up his hand as Zecora shined an intense light on him.

“Remove your apparel.”

“Why?”

“If you do not you will be in mortal peril.”

John removed what was left of Rarity’s suit and took off the top part of his nanosuit. Zecora came up to him and smeared a luminous gel over his chest and forehead.

“So what happened exactly?” asked John.

Zecora looked at him and went back to applying the paste.

“I cannot be sure but it fits the signs. A great evil from ancient times.”

John scoffed.

“Sure The Fist is evil, but he’s not that old.”

“The one you call The Fist is not in control. It is possible the darkness already devoured his...” Her voice trailed off.

John turned to Zecora.

“His what?” asked Atlas. They both looked at him. Zecora busied herself with the gel again.

“Such grim matters will make the darkness grow. Call on positive thoughts, as many as you know.”

“What’s that gonna do?”

He was answered by a quick thump on the head.

“Do as your doctor says, as it will help you mend!” John rubbed the spot she hit. “Do you know what happened to our pony friends?”

“No, but I hope they’re alright. It seemed the giant scorpion was only after me.”

“That is a good thing to hear. The safety of our friends brings the heart great cheer.”

She placed a cup in front of him. John took it, gave it a sniff, then took a sip of the sweet tea.

“I never did thank-you for helping me out before.”

“Is nothing my dear. In Fluttershy’s care you had nothing to fear.”

“Except he wasn’t conscious, so fear wasn’t really an issue.” piped up Atlas

John shook his with a tight lipped smile.

“Shouldn’t you be conserving power?”

“Oh right.” Atlas flickered out. “I would appreciate it if you fix my power issue.”

“Don’t worry Atlas, I’ll figure something out.”

The computer blinked twice in acknowledgment and went out. Zecora turned back to John.

“He is a strange apparition. Perhaps I can remedy his condition.” She started mixing up another bowl of medicine.

“No, it won’t help, Zecora, I need to make him a battery.” He stood up and stepped out of the light. “Got any sulfuric acid?”

No sooner did he get up was he shoved back under the lamp.

“Please you must stay in the light. It is essential if we are to remove your plight.”

“What plight? I’m perfectly fine, aside from crashing through the forest, I think I got off pretty easy.”

“The damage is not on the outside, but where your heart resides. When you were inside the creature, the darkness invaded your heart. Had you fully succumbed to it, then Equestria’s worries would only begin to start.”

John looked back and forth across the ground, mulling things over in his mind.

“How do you know all this?”

“Ancient legends from ancient times my friend. But thanks to you Equestria is safe again.”

John furrowed his brow and looked at his cup of tea. He turned back to Zecora and smiled.

“At least I was more help to you then my own kind.”

This piqued Zecora’s interest.

“Please, continue. I would like to know what happened to you.”

John let out a light sigh.

“I meddled. I thought I was saving someone’s life but I only put myself and everyone I cared for in danger.”

“Who did you put in danger?” She saw John was hesitant. “You may speak freely, as I’m not a total stranger.”

John thought about all the people the Fist went through to get to him.

“Security, researchers, a brat,” he chuckled, “and then Vanessa.” He felt a pang of guilt for forgetting. “and Artie.”

“Seems they were your most important friends of all. Did they escape, if you can recall?”

John clenched his jaw.

“No. They fell. Same as I did. All because of that...psycho.”

“Calm yourself John this isn’t helping your condition. Tell me, what of your friend Arthur? What was his ambition?”

John was taken aback by the change of topic. He looked around nervously and back to his cup of tea.

“I graduated with Artie six years back and we’ve been working together ever since.” He laughed again. “That guy always had my back, no matter what.”

“You’re lucky to have such a loyal friend.”

“Yeah, but it shouldn’t have been the end,” he winced at his attempt to finish her sentence, “for him.”

Zecora just smiled back and gestured for him to continue. He tapped his knee trying to think of something to say.

“I remember his one time. Back in university, he uh, well he...” John cracked a smile. “...he inadvertently set me up with this girl who was from another university.”

“Ah, the smell of romance is in your tale.” She said with a warm smile. “Seeing how strong your heart is, how could you fail?”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, but uh it didn’t really work out the first time. It didn’t seem like she was the least bit interested. Artie kept pushing me on her, saying he knew something I didn’t, but for the life of me I couldn't tell what is was. I thought I was never going to see her again after we graduated. She got a top job for the government and Artie and I worked the private sector.” He stopped and smiled once more. “Then as if fate had different designs, we got assigned to the same project a two years ago. Things were a little uneasy at first. Then one day it just... clicked.”

He stopped and looked up at Zecora.

“I can’t believe I went through three years and I never asked her marry me.” He slapped himself in the face and clutched it. “I’m a bloody idiot.”

Zecora laughed warmly and stood beside him.

“Love has a way of making fools of us all. Still, it is better to love, than have never loved at all.”

“I didn’t want to lose Vanessa.”

They sat in silence for about a minute. Zecora laid a hoof on his arm.

“The medicine is working at last. And I must say, rather fast.”

John looked down at his body to see the luminous gel was getting black. Almost as if it were soaking up ink. Zecora took the lamp and brought it closer to the splotches on his skin, and, like water, they began to evaporate in a thick black steam. She hovered over every inch of his bare skin, making absolutely sure all the ink was evaporated. When she finished, John checked over his body in shock and amazement.

“What did you just do?”

“Drawing the poison from the wound,” she said as she tidied up, “With any luck, you should be on your way soon.”

“What? Why? Where do I have to go.”

“To save your friends you must prepare. For it can be a dangerous world out there.”

“What are you talking about? Do you mean Twilight and the others are in danger?”

“No, they are fine. It is your human friends that are in danger this time.”

John shook his head rubbed his temples. Even his legs going weak.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, back up there are others here?”

“It reacted quite slow to come after you. Which leads me to believe it was hunting others too.”

“Wait a second, while I was in the scorpion, The Fist said something like ‘on to the next one’.”

“Then that confirms my suspicions”

John snapped his head in her direction.

“For you I have an unsavoury, but vital mission.”

John faced her square, but his heart was pounding in his chest.

“This is a threat Equestria cannot handle alone. You must find your friends, you must take them home.”

John’s mouth was hanging open.

“The darkness is unforgiving and relentless, you must pursue and banish it back to the abyss.”

John dropped heavily back onto the bed. His felt his throat getting constricted and he breathed deeply to catch his breath.

“Zecora this is too much. I’m a scientist not a soldier. Isn’t there anything the government can do about this? They can find my friends right?”

Zecora gave him a pained look and shook her head.

“I’m afraid you must play a direct role. The fight for Equestria we must control.”

John closed his eyes and bowed his head. A soft hoof touched him on the shoulder.

“You have shown great courage thus far John Walker. And it is the strength of your heart that will take you farther.”

“I’m still not sure I can do this.”

“If you won’t do it for yourself you already lost. Surely finding your friends is an acceptable cost.”

John picked himself off the bed while grabbing his things. He turned back to Zecora.

“You’re right. I’m the one who got everybody in this mess, it’s my responisbility to get you all out of it.”

Zecora gave him a wise, beaming smile.

“Any ideas where I should start?”

“Like I said, you must prepare, but if all else fails follow the compass in there.” She planted a hoof on his chest. He could still feel his heart expanding and contracting with great zeal.

“Okay, I’ll see what I can scrounge up from Ponyville then be on my way.” He passed through the doorway and looked back to Zecora.

“Thank-you Zecora. For everything.”

Author's Notes:

Holy, that’s a long chapter. Thank you so much if you read the whole thing. I didn’t want to split this into two chapters because I don’t think it would have done it justice. Anyways I hope you liked it, and there’s plenty of adventure to be had in the land of Equestria.