A steady stream of beats we’re slowly getting louder and louder. John opened his eyes to stare past his muzzle into ceiling. Someone was knocking at the door. John smacked his lips as he tried to get some moisture in his dry mouth. The knocking was becoming more fervent. John took a quick look around, sighed when he saw he was still a pony and proceeded to flounder out of the bed. The sun was already shining through the window and its rays were hurting his head. A few drinks and a late night did not make for a good morning. He walked up to the dresser on which the vial rested. He scratched his chin as he pondered it carefully, thinking back to Aurora. Harsh knocks interrupted his train of thought. He grumbled as he trotted over to the door, and grumbled some more when he reached his hoof towards the handle. He fumbled with it as the knocks persisted until he got fed up and bit down on it to open it.

He was expecting to see Dice and Sandblast, instead he was greeted by two different guards.

“The Princesses require your presence.”

John inspected the seemingly far less friendly guards.

“By all means, let’s go.” he said politely.

John exited his room and the two guards walked on either side of him.

“Why isn’t Dice or Sandblast here this morning.”

“They were in need of relief.” the guard answered curtly.

They arrived in the grand hall that he was brought in last night. The princesses being in the exact same spot as well. With a look from Celestia the guards departed and John continued on his own up to them. John felt himself starting to tense up again, he was about to sign his life away. The princesses, on the other hand, were ever poised and relaxed. He stopped a few feet short of them. He felt utterly insignificant at the way Celestia towered over him.

“Normally ‘tis common courtesy to bow before royalty.” Luna said.

John gave her a look before he received one back. He awkwardly tried kneeling on his forelegs. This garnered a chuckle from Celestia.

“That’s close enough. Rise John.”

As he did so, Celestia slowly circled him, he could feel her eyes run up and down his body. He was wired enough as it was without the Princess examining him.

“This is an interesting development. I was told about your misadventure last night with Corporal Dice.” John felt the hairs on his skin raise and his tail stick straight out. He let out a slow breath of air.

“Since you are not a citizen of Equestria yet, we will overlook your mistake this time. But bear in mind we will consider a punishment for you later.”

She stopped circling him and joined her sister.

“Perhaps you should stay as a pony, what do you think Luna?”

“He wishes to be human again, dear sister, but my magic failed in changing him back. Thy magic is mightier, will thou give it a shot?”

“No!” John stated as he stood on his hind legs, waving his forelegs in front. He immediately dropped back down. “What I meant was, I want to be human again, but now’s... not the time.”
Celestia raised an eyebrow, and turned to Luna, who sighed.

“He’s insecure.”

John smacked himself in the face.

“I think its time for the real issue at hand.”

John turned back to Princesses, holding his face as seriously as possible to hide his embarrassment. It didn’t help that Luna was silently laughing.

“Have you come to a decision on whether you will accept our offer to become a citizen of Equestria and serve fellow citizens by undergoing knighthood to be one of our Errants?”

John could see the steely resolve in her eye. If it there was anytime to back out, now would be the time. Unfortunately he didn’t have that luxury.

“John, your decision?”

“What choice do I have?” he said.

“Excellent news, we should start your training right away.”

“Wait, training? Right now?”

“Yes. There isn’t a problem with that is there?”

“Uh...no, there isn’t. Can I get Atlas. I’m sure he’ll want to be kept in the loop.”

“There’s no need. We are making arrangements for your friend while you are training. Ms. Skip?”
The pony Celestia called in had a brown coat, with a dark chocolate mane which was tied in the back. It bounced slowly along with her trot as she held up her nose in an airy manner. She trotted up a few feet to his side.

“Yes princess?” she asked, her voice was soft, almost tired sounding.

“Ms. Skip, this is John. He has a friend that is still in the guest room, would you go get him.”

“Yes princess.”
Before going she gave John a bored once over. Then left the chamber.

“Well I think we should get started. First you should meet your instructors, so I introduce you to my sister, Princess Luna.” Celestia stepped aside as her sister stepped forward. John’s jaw dropped.

“What? I mean... why?”

“It has been part of our duty to prepare the Errants for what lies ahead. Celestia has trained many Errants during my imprisonment, and I felt I should resume my responsibilities again with the next enlisted Errant.” Luna came even closer, she gave him a bright smile. “This wasn’t what I expected, but I digress. We shall meet the other teachers that Celestia and I personally picked out.”
She began trotting off. John was still frozen in place. He turned to Celestia who shook her head in Luna’s direction. John scampered off to catch up.

The Princess had taken John to the University. It’s campus was bustling with scores of ponies and its halls were packed, but no one was busy enough to not quickly bow to Luna.

“Pardon me Princess, but what exactly are we doing here?”

“Meeting your second teacher. He will be teaching you all there is too know about how our world works. He is quite knowledgeable and one of the great geniuses of our time. I’m sure you will like him.”

Luna came up to a desk. The mare behind jumped when she looked up.

“Oh, good morning Princess, is there anything I can do for you today.”

“Greetings my loyal subject, I request to see the Doctor. Is he in today?”

“Yes Princess, go right in.” she said politely.

Luna opened the doors with her magic and proceeded through. She held them just long enough for John to sneak in before they snapped shut. A humming sound came from across the room, and chalk was being scratched softly across a board. John traced the source to a tan colored unicorn with a shaggy grey mane. John could just see the endings of a moustache on his muzzle. He didn’t seem to notice that they even came in, Luna took this opportunity to silently approach the pony.

“Good to see your still hard at work Doctor.”
The unicorn gave a surprised yelp and chuckled a little when he saw the princess.

“Hohoho, good to see you again my Princess. To vat do I owe ze honor?” he asked.

“I require your assistance Doctor. I have accepted an Errant and I would like thee to teach him.”

“Vhy yes Princess. Anyzing for you. But I must know if he vill be gut schtudent.”

“John would thou come over here. I would like you to meet the famous Doctor Albert Equinestein.”

“Oh Princess, you are too kind.” he chuckled.

John just stood there with his mouth hanging open. He was excited and flabbergasted at the same time. He could feel goosebumps rippling over his body. He tried to make his mouth work, but the shock of the uncanny resemblance scrambled his mind. Luna and the doctor stared at him awkwardly. Albert cleared his throat.

“Vell.” he sauntered up to John and extended a hoof. “Its a pleasure to meet you John. I’m sure ze Princess has great things in schtore for you.”

John raised his hoof and shook it.

“Good to meet you Dr. Ein... I mean Equinstien. If it isn’t too much to ask, what were you working on over there?”

“Vhat? Zat? It is nothing but a side project. I am curious as to how magic fits in our world. Possibly even discover if magic is not needed in our world. As an example, common theory is zat magic is responsible for gravity, hence pegasi are not as affected by it, but I believe anozer variable is responsible for it,” he jabbed the air to punctuate. “I can feel it. As if its right under my hooves.”
He clenched his hoof and looked off to the side. Trotting back up to the board, he began scribbling with his chalk again.

“Okay then,” whispered John. “This pony’s...eccentric.”
Luna just smiled.

“The doctor is full of new and progressive ideas. I’m confident it will become useful to you in your duties. Perhaps you can share some of your knowledge as well.”

Albert turned his head at this.
“Ah, so you are training a scholar. Very vise choice your majesty, it vill be an honor vorking vith him. Now if zat is all, I vish to return to my vork.” he turned back to the board.

“There’s one little detail I should warn you about.” John started
Luna gave him a scowl and shook her head. Albert gave him a quizzical look out of the corner of his eye. “You might just get more than you bargained for.” he finished, nervously. Luna relented. The Doctor turned back to his chalk board, muttering under his breath about mass having properties of attraction.

“Why not tell him that I’m human?”

“What the Doctor doesn’t know can’t hurt him. Besides,” she flashed him a mischievous grin, “It shall be more fun once we return you to your original form.” John didn’t know if he liked that smile.

“So where are we going now?”

“You’re physical training instructors.”

Just as she finished her sentence, the set of doors they stood in front of burst open, revealing a brigade of ponies in a flurry of activity. Some were running laps around a track. A line of them were on the ground doing pushups, the pegasi had their wings tied. Another group was wearing harnesses with spears attached to them. They charged forward, impaling the dummy targets. The Princess marched forward into the ordered chaos. John cautiously followed her, only to be cut off by a marching line of ponies. They paid no attention to him, but a large screaming stallion stopped his tirade to give John a menacing stare before resuming his verbal assault on the group. John waited for them to pass and quickly caught up to Luna.

“Try not to fall behind.” she said.

John hardly heard her. He was whipping his head around trying to catch everything going on around him. Fast movement caught the corner of his eye. He turned to see a couple of ponies in heavy padded gear, ferociously duking it out. A crowd had surrounded them and was cheering them on. One pony had a considerable size advantage, but the smaller was faster and more agile. He took some heavy hits from the big one but kept standing. He seemed dazed so the larger prepared to strike by rearing up. A split second later the smaller dashed underneath him and used the momentum to propel the larger pony over top and slam him thunderously into the ground. The crowd erupted in applause as both ponies panted heavily, the big one in too much pain to move. The smaller pony sat back and pulled the helmet off, revealing a bright pink face with a lustrous golden mane. John just stared in amazement. The mare looked around proudly.

“And that, fillies and gentlecolts, is how it’s done.” she looked down to her opponent. “Sorry for roughing you up, son. Somepony get him to the infirmary. The rest of you, dismissed.” she left the helmet where it was and trotted away.

John started as the Princess spoke right into his ear.

“Amazing isn’t she? Lieutenant Hart is our premiere martial arts instructor and has helped many ponies. She will aid you along with your main instructors during your training, primarily as a sparring partner.”
John swallowed hard.

“And just who are my other instructors?” John said nervously.

“First off I would be one of them.”

John turned to the familiar voice that belonged to Captain Ray Shear.

“Princess at first I thought you were exaggerating. Personally I don’t see it as much of a problem since it makes my job easier.” he chuckled.

“You would have had help Captain. I hired a professional more...similar to John’s original body shape to compensate.”

“What do you mean, would have?” asked John.

He felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end as tiny puffs of air blew gently back and forth across it. John turned and was nose to nose with a large canine creature. It emitted a low growl from its throat and slowly backed away.

“This pony smells funny, all ponies smell funny, but this one’s different.” the dog said in a deep voice.
He turned to the Princess, revealing a small collection of swords slung over his back.
“This was the whelp you wanted me to train?” He jabbed a long finger at John.
The dog stood at around six feet all, John guessed. It was black with patches of brown. John never seen many dogs, but he guessed this one was a doberman. His pointed snout wrinkled once again.

“Yes, Sir Oreshine. Believe me when I say we didn’t expect this to happen.”

“Expect what to happen? He’s a pony, I was told I'd have a special student. Now I don't, end of story. I want my bits, then I’ll take my leave Princess.”

“Very well then.” her horn began to glow, then with a flash, a small bag appeared in the air. The dog grabbed the bag and began tromping off, his bag of swords clanging against each other as they went.
“I have one last request, Sir Oreshine.” Luna said.

The dog stopped and sighed heavily.
“What is it?”

“Would you care to stay in Canterlot Castle for the day? I’m sure you can use a rest from traveling.”

“No.” he put simply and began to walk away.

“Not even for a... sapphire?” her horn began to glow again.

“Please princess, you think that I am so weak willed that I would give in to a small worthless ro-ro-ro-rahahah.”
The dog turned to see that she was levitating a massive sapphire about the size of John’s head. The dog slowly turned around to face the Princess.
“So... that can be mine... as long as I stay...for one day. Yes?”

Luna smiled and nodded curtly.

“Perhaps your stay will change your mind about our Errant.”

Dover slid his attention from Luna to John and gave a small huff.

“Not likely.” he said and stalked off for the final time.

Luna let her magic fade and the massive sapphire turned back into a puny rock.

“Well played your majesty.” Ray Shear quipped.

John was confused after what just happened.

“What on Earth did you want him to teach me?” John said.

“Sir Oreshine is a master swordsdog. It was plainly obvious you didn’t have much in the way natural weaponry, but you do seem to possess versatility. I was going to experiment with how you handled his training and change your regiment as we go along. Now the only problem is getting him to stay.”

“With respect your highness, we may be better off without him.” Ray Shear glanced in John’s direction. “While he’s here, should I show him around Princess?”

“Of course Captain. Once you’re finished, send him to the infirmary so we can see what exactly transformed him.”

“Yes your highness.” He bowed as she left. He turned to John “Well you heard the Princess, it time to whip you into shape! Let’s see what the Lieutenant has to say about you.”
He trotted over to a building with the word GYM on the front door. He pushed past it, John followed him in. Once again he was amazed that ponies were able to do very human things, albeit with some modifications to the equipment, but still, he saw a pony bench pressing what looked to be three hundred pounds. There was even a boxing ring in the middle of the room. John was getting a few stares from the ponies just as he was from the club, he decided it was best to focus on the Captain and not let his eyes wander. At that moment the Captain stopped in front of a set of lockers, John came up to his side to see the same mare that flattened the stallion. She was rubbing a towel around her head as she glanced over.

“Captain, what can I do for you?” she saluted quickly. She gave a quick glance at John, cocked her brow and turned back to the Captain.

“Lieutenant this is our newest recruit. He will be joining the Errants and it is our duty to make sure he’s prepared.”

“Really, sir?” her eyebrow raised. “Has he had any experience?”

“Green as grass, soldier, he needs to get up to speed. I’m sure you can handle that.”

Hart leaned up against the lockers. She looked John over with a quizzical expression. Heaving a heavy sigh she trotted forward.

“Alright get in the ring. We’ll see what we have to work on.”

“Wait. Like right now?”
“Yes right now, move you plot soldier.”

“My what?”
“Question me again and I will make you regret it.” she said in a warning tone. John shut his mouth and moved to the ring, he slowly got up the steps and clambered through the ropes. Hart wasn’t far behind him. A crowd was gathering around the ring as Hart circled John.

“State your name soldier.” she commanded. John looked to the crowd of ponies watching him. Leers and curiosity filled their faces. The captain was looking at him expectantly.

“My name is...John.” he said. The crowd started sneering and mumbling to each other.

“Alright then John, prepare yourself for lesson one.”

She immediately lunged forward and body checked him to the side.

“Never let your guard down.”

John got up. She hit hard.

“Ah, come on don’t go easy on him!” someone shouted. Hart charged at him. John instinctively sidestepped, but found his front legs were gone after she passed. He dropped on his face.
“Lesson two. No such thing as a fair fight.”
Dazed he slowly got back up. Hart was standing over him. She reared up on her hind legs. Before she could bring her hooves down John leaped forward into her midsection, taking them both to the ground. Not that it did much good since she was able to keep rolling, putting John flat on his stomach. There was a sudden pain in his shoulder as she twisted his front leg behind his back and pulled on his mane with her teeth.

“‘O ‘ou ‘ield?” she mumbled.

John was staring up into the ceiling.

How do I get out of this mess? An idea came to him. If I am a pony, then maybe I should start acting like one.

He slowly got up, while she was still sitting on top of him. He was struggling to push himself up on his one leg. She twisted his leg a little more, forcing him back down. He planted his hind feet on the ground launched Hart forward. The sudden bucking caused her to lose her grip on his leg. She recovered by wrapping her legs around his neck in a choke hold. With all four legs on the ground John leaped to his feet and started to buck. He jumped around the ring wildly as Hart worked to sink her choke hold deeper. The crowd went into an uproar. He reared and jumped but nothing seemed to shake her. She then clamped her hind legs around his stomach and squeezed his neck as hard as she could. John could feel the pressure shutting down his brain. He thought up one last ditch effort to shake her. He burst forward, her grip loosened then he came to a full stop. He felt her body lift off his, but she still had a grip on his neck. Using her momentum she swung around and slammed John into the mat, keeping him in a headlock so he couldn't stand. John struggled to get out of the hold, but it was too tight. He was about to pass out when the pressure was suddenly released. John’s head was dropped to the mat as he slowly regained his breath. The Captain filled his vision.

“You alright there rookie?” he asked.

“I hate being a pony.” John replied gasping for breath.

“She went easy on you. You should be grateful she didn’t break anything.”

“Just my pride.” John groaned.

“Well that’ goes without saying around here. So lieutenant what do you think?”

“Well he’s brash, untrained, and full of spirit. We got a long way to go.” she said with a shrug “I wasn’t expecting to break a sweat, now I need another shower. Captain.” she curtly nodded.
She trotted up to John and checked him over.
“Nice moves there rook. Let that be lesson three. Never give up, no matter how hopeless it seems. You got that?” She jabbed a forceful hoof in his chest to reiterate.
“Yes sir, uh ma’am. Miss.” John smiled weakly.
“Miss or lieutenant rook and don’t forget it.”
“Uh yeah, sure. Miss.” She nodded and set off for the showers.
“She always that tough?” John asked.

“Yes, she’s a good teacher that way. Now we must get you to the infirmary. See what’s wrong with you. Aside from broken bones.” He said as he gave him a rough pat. John followed the Captain out of the gym.

Next thing John knew was that he was being poked and prodded by a doctor, who had a constant scowl on his face.

“Normally this space is reserved for patients who are actually sick.” the doctor said.

“So you find nothing wrong with him?” asked Luna.

“No. He’s healthy as a horse, as the saying goes.”

“I don’t think you understand.” John started.

“What’s not too understand?” the doctor rounded on him. “Are you an expert on equine physiology? Have you ever written books on ailments and treatments? No? Well then what am I failing to understand?”

“I’m… not actually a pony. I’m an alien from another dimension.”

The doctor just turned a grimace to Luna. “You do realize your majesty. That this is a hospital, and not an asylum?”

“Of course Doctor what gave you the impres-”

“Then get him a shrink and don’t waste my time!” he packed up his equipment and started for the door.

“THOU WILL DIAGNOSE THE PATIENT AGAIN, AND THOU SHALT NOT SPEAK TO YOUR PRINCESS IN THAT MANNER!

The magnitude of her voice sent John and the doctor flying across the room, with debris piling up against them. John burst forth from the wreckage at the same time as the Doctor. John ear’s were ringing as he rubbed them to get his hearing back, the doctor was trembling as he spoke something inaudible. John was then pulled out by the doctor and was prodded again. The doctor seemed to have found something. John strained to hear what was being said. The princess seemed satisfied by the doctor’s answer and began addressing John. Nothing but unintelligible mumbling reached his ears. She then nodded her head in a direction. John’s hearing started coming back.

“Well you heard her, get out of here.” The doctor said impatiently.

“Right.” John headed for the door and proceeded into the direction of where the Princess nodded. He came to a T in the hall way and ventured left, he was suddenly picked into the air and spun into the opposite direction. He looked at Luna who gave him smile as he trotted off in the new direction.

John had no idea where he was going. The white corridors seemed to go on forever.

“Why in the hell did she just send me off on my own like this?” He stopped to read a sign, unsure of which direction to take. “Why didn’t I ask somepony for directions?” He stopped reading and set his head against the wall. “I’m getting too used to this.”

Hoofsteps echoed through the halls. John started walking in their direction, hoping the pony they belonged too would get him out of here. The steps were getting louder, John picked up his pace. He rounded a corner and collided with another pony sending them both on their rumps.

“Oh crap, I’m sorry about tha...Dice?” the pegasus opened his eyes at the mention of his name.

“Thank Celestia I found you. Everypony’s been worried sick.” he got up and dusted himself off.

“What do you mean?”

“Well you were supposed to be in the bath for treatment, but you never showed. So they sent me looking for you about an hour ago. Come on now it’s time to get you fixed up.”

Dice trotted back in the direction he came from, and John quickly followed.

“What treatment? Bath? Did I miss something?” Dice just looked at him strangely.

“Are you sure the Lieutenant didn’t bash your brains in? Because I was told you were in the doctor’s office just beforehoof. Luna’s orders were clear, take a bath, become human again.”

“She knew,” John said quietly. “That pony knew.”

“Who knew what now?”

“Nothing. Let’s go.”

John picked up his pace. Dice shifted his eyes from side to side before joining John.

“So how does it feel to be part of the most honorable branch in the service of Equestria?” He asked. John looked at his right shoulder. It was still sore from being twisted.

“Feels like whatever they got planned is going to suck.”

“Yup, odds you’re going to wash out.”

“Hey.” John rounded on Dice who threw up his hooves in defense.

“I’m just sayin’, that’s what everypony else thinks. They don’t know you like I do.” He gave John a friendly tap on the shoulder. “You know what else? This comes as a unique opportunity to capitalize off this.” He stared off into space while rubbing his hooves together. John just gave him a puzzled look

“I don’t follow.”

“Well considering nopony thinks you’re Errant material, they think you’ll just quit in a few days. But I’m willing to bet that you can make it more than a few days. Hay, I’d bet my entire savings that you’ll be knighted. I could be living on easy street with odds like that.”

“That’s insane.”

“But it would be worth it.”

John paused for a minute. He turned to Dice.

“You really think that I’ll be knighted?”

Dice smirked. “I don’t think so. I know so.” He turned his attention forward. “Looks like we’re here.” Dice stopped in front of a nurse.

“Here’s the patient.” Dice said. The nurse motioned for John. The nurse guided him to a basin filled with hot water, adding varying ingredients to it. The thick layer of bubbles reminded him of Aurora. The nurse told him to get in. He slid himself amongst the hot suds, relaxing as he did. Dice set himself on a bench next to the door.

“What’s this going to do?” John asked the nurse. She turned to look at him.

“It’s a cure for Poison Joke. There have only been a few cases in Canterlot, mostly from careless flower shop owners. Either way, you’re the plot end of the joke, and this will fix you up.”

“Wait a second I was poisoned!?”

“Don’t shout, it’s not even poisonous. Just wait for the medicine to run its course and I’ll check up on you later.” She left the baths. John turned to Dice.

“How long will this take?”

“Beats me, I was never dumb enough to go near Poison Joke before.” He smiled. John rolled his eyes and settled back down in the water. The warmth and sweet scents were soothing his mind. “Then again, I never saw such a… comprehensive transformation.” John trained his eyes on Dice.

“You mean you dealt with this stuff before?” Dice grinned.

“I grew up on the ground. It was real fun, during school, when we tricked somepony to touch it. The craziest things would happen and we would just laugh our plots off.” John gave him a disapproving look. “Course that was after I took bets on what would happen.”

“You’re more insane than I thought you were.” Dice just shrugged

“Oh come on it was all in good fun. It was even funnier when you turned out to be right.” John just shook his head. “That’s when this baby appeared.” He gestured towards his cutie mark of a set of red die. “My super-special-awesome talent.”

John looked at the cutie mark and thought for a moment.

“Aren’t you afraid you’ll lose?”

Dice chuckled. “I lose once in a while, but they’re nothing huge. I’m always careful because I bet on the sure thing.”

“How do you know what the sure thing is?” John challenged.

“That is a valid question. Let’s see if I can drum up an example here,” he looked around the room. His eyes fell on John, then the bubble bath, and then the door exit. A smile crept across his lips. “Okay, you should almost be finished. Get your hoof out and let’s see.” John did as he was told and let out a sigh of relief when a hand emerged. “Perfect. Now I’m gonna bet you ten bits that the nurse is going to flip out over your grotesque appearance.”

“That’s… unlikely. In Ponyville no one paid me much attention.”

“That was the country, this is the big city. Lot of sheltered ponies. Easier to scare.” He whispered.

“I don’t even have any money.”

“You’ll get paid. Eventually, look take it or leave it. I just wanted to show you what a sure thing looks like.” John rolled his eyes and nodded his head. Dice’s grin grew impossibly wider.

“Oh nurse!” he called in a sing song voice. She came in a second later.

“I think the patient is cured.” The nurse walked over to the basin as John eyed Dice, trying to discern what he was up to. Dice was biting his lip trying not to laugh. The nurse looked straight at John. She took his head and started examining it.

“Seems like the bath did its job. Get out and let’s check the rest of you.”

John gave Dice a smug look who returned a knowing smile of his own. As soon as John reached for a towel the nurse had frozen in fear. John covered himself as he got out and the nurse was slowly backing away. John furrowed his brow.

“What’s wrong?” He covered his ears from her shriek and she bolted out of the door. His ears where still covered in fur and that they were still on top of his head. He touched the rest of his head and confirmed that it was still a ponies head. He rounded on Dice who fell off the bench laughing.

“You knew this would happen!” He grabbed Dice’s shoulders and shook him.

“That’s why you owe me ten bits now.” He fell into another fit of laughter. John let go of him and ran a hand through his mane, clutching at the extra hair.

“Now what!?”

Dice calmed himself down and stood up.

“Oh don’t worry, this is an easy fix all we have to do is…” he gave John a shove, making him dive back into basin head first. John breached the water a second later. “...fully submerge the patient.” John felt his head to reassure that he had a normal human head. “And now you know what the sure thing is.” Dice looked to the door.

“I’m going to see if the nurse is alright. There’s a package of clothes for you at her desk. And then you’re supposed to meet the Princess in the grand hall.” Dice went through the door as John stared after him, utterly speechless.

John was finding it easier to get around the castle. It wasn’t long till he was in the hall walking towards the princess and the brown pony from before. As John got closer, he easily recognized Atlas, who seemed to be in deep conversation with the other two.

“Interesting, so you want me to help organize his training?” Atlas said.

“Correct pale one. Your expertise on humans would be of great use to us.” Luna said. “Of course, Cherry will be your permanent liaison.”

Cherry’s face lost its color.

“Princess with all due respect I have other duties that I simply can’t abandon.”

“No need to worry. You are hereby relieved of your previous duties so you can devote your energies to your new assignment.” Cherry opened her mouth to object but shut it and bowed.

"Yes, your majesty," she said reluctantly.

"Oh, dear sparks no," said Atlas.

“Hey, don't do that you'll drain his power!” John said. Atlas grinned.

“Where have you been? My accelerometers haven’t had a moment’s peace since riding in her saddlebags.” Cherry blew a puff of air at Atlas.

“I told already there’s no way I could possibly carry you.”

Atlas threw up his arm and let it slap to his side while giving John a bewildered look.

“This is what I had to deal with all day. A temperamental equine.” Cherry threw her nose up in indignation.

"Why are you not shut down?" John asked

"You can shut down this infernal being?" Cherry replied.

"I recommend against such action, but yes. John they supplied me with a new power source, and I must say it feels even cleaner than fusion power."

John looked back and forth between Atlas and Cherry.

“I’ll let you two sort this out.” John got back up and squared himself to the Princess “You wanted to see me?”

Luna smiled.

“Yes , It seems we have a new development concerning you. Follow me.” Cherry and Atlas’ voices were escalating.

“Ms. Skip, Atlas please stop that incessant arguing and follow us. You will need to see this as well.”

The trio took a winding path through the castle halls. Eventually he could hear voices. Princess Luna stopped in front of a door with a window and beckoned him to take a look. John did as he was told. He came up to the window and beheld a room full of tiny ponies all sitting at desks. John noticed that every single one was a unicorn. At the front of the room a unicorn filly was floating a piece of ribbon through the air in intricate patterns as her horn glowed with soft silvery light. The class applauded for her performance and she sat back down at her desk near the door. She noticed John standing outside. She waved shyly at him. John slowly returned the wave. The little unicorn’s face lit up and she happily turned back to face the front.

“What is this place?” he asked Luna.

“This place is where those gifted with magic come to master it.”

“Explains all the unicorns. What does this have to do with me?”

“Come a long there is much to explain.”

She started walking again, slightly faster than before. John and Cherry picked up their pace.

“Do you have any idea what transformed you John?”

“The Poison Joke?”

“Yes. It seems the doctor was able to determine you contracted it. A troublesome plant indeed, but an easy cure is readily available.”

“Perfect, now if only I knew what it looked like.”

“Large blue petals make it easily recognizable,” she added, “Moreover I was less troubled on how you were transformed, but more on the matter of why?” Luna stopped before a large set of doors and pushed one open with her magic. John followed her in. Inside the room were towers of tomes, mountains of manuscripts, and stacks of scrolls. Each one threatened to collapse if the delicate balance was disturbed. As John moved, he left his footprints in a thick layer of dust.

“Then it struck me. It was the only logical conclusion, but it just didn’t seem right. I consulted your friend on the nature of magic in your world.”

“What nature?” John said.

“His thoughts exactly, but that still didn’t explain your current situation.”

“And what would that be?”

Luna stepped in close until she was mere inches from his face.

“There is magic in you.”

John took a step back.

“Okay, that’s just about as crazy as being imprisoned on the moon.”

The air suddenly went cold, sending chills up John’s spine. A strong draft blew around the room sending papers flying. John looked around wildly at the impromptu paper storm as Cherry hid behind a stack of books. A shadow loomed over John as Luna approached him. He backed stepped and tripped. Looking up at her face he saw that her eyes were glowing white with power. Cold sweat poured down his face as he backed away until he hit a wall. He closed his eyes expecting the worst. He felt encased in warmth as the cold and winds disappeared. He was being lifted back onto his feet. He opened his eyes and saw that Luna’s eyes were filled with sorrow.

“That was a terrible experience for us. Do not take it so lightly in the future.”

John slumped against the wall and bowed his head.

“I’m sorry that happened to you Princess.”

“What’s done is done. I have paid the consequences and moved on. There is no need for apologies.” She took in a deep breath “Pay attention, all of you. John, come forth.”

Luna pointed to a desk with a large book splayed on top. John approached the desk, wondering what the book had in store for him. He was puzzled to see that it was in a different language, it wasn’t in anything he was familiar with.

“Orion, what I said was true. There is magic in you. If it wasn’t before, I know not how it got there, only that it is there.” She paused as John stared intently at the book.

“We want to know if you can harness that magic. Turn the page.”

John looked back to Luna who cocked her head to the book. As he reached for the end he felt a gentle slap of air and immediately withdrew it.

“With your mind.” she said.

“You can’t be serious.”

“You witnessed how serious I can get, now turn the page.”

John sighed. “Alright I’ll try.”

“No” Luna said suddenly. “Do or do not. There is no try.” The weight of her voice sank deep into his mind.

John turned back to the book and instinctively reached out his hand again. This time he stopped a few inches short. John’s face contorted as he concentrated on lifting the page.

Okay... turn the page. Turn the page. Turn the- his thoughts were interrupted as a small spark jumped across his fingers and the page waved ever so slightly. He turned to the Princess who was beaming.

“What just happened?” he asked.

“What do you think?”

John looked back at his hand. Nothing was different about it.

“I…I'm not sure I believe what happened.” he said as he turned towards the Princess. She only smiled in return.

“Very good, we are making progress.” John gave her a quizzical look as she headed for the door. “I suggest you retire early. Tomorrow the real training begins.”

John complied and followed her out. Luna turned her head back to face him.

“There is a little known fact about Poison Joke. The plant has no magic of its own to cause a transformation. Instead its spores use the magic that is already present in a living being. Something for you to think about.”

John stopped and let the Princess carry on by herself, trying to make sense of what she said.

John was back in his guest room standing in front of the mirror, studying himself. Atlas was allowed to stay with John for a final night before his training began.
“So you became a pony?” Atlas asked.
“Uh-huh” John said simply. He rubbed the stubble on his face. He looked for anything that looked remotely like a shaver. He cursed under his breath after finding nothing but a long folding blade.

“And what was that like?”

John took the blade out and analyzed it, thinking how archaic it was.

“It was…” he lathered his face with a thick layer of soap. “Weird.”

“Besides that. Did you interact with the locals?”

John hesitantly set the razor against his skin. “Yes.” He gently pushed on it.

“So what are ponies like?”

“Pardon? Ack.” He checked the mirror to see a small cut on his jaw. He set the razor down and washed the cut. “They are just like us, in more ways than one.”

"Let me clarify my query, how would you describe their society?

Another stroke of the blade, smoother this time.

"Almost... human. They like to party if anything."

"I see. Maybe if this Cherry partied more, she wouldn't be a total-"

"Come Atlas you just met her."

"Perhaps I should become a pony, to put her at ease. How does one do this, I must know."

"You're a hologram Altas you can be a pony anytime you want," John said sarcastically.

He washed his face in cold water and grabbed a towel. Atlas shrugged as John picked him up and carried him over to the dresser, which still had the vial on top of it.

“I’m just glad it’s over.”

“It’s far from over John. That pales in comparison to what they have planned for you.” John locked eyes with Atlas.

“What do they have planned?”

“They didn’t tell me. But I won’t be around to warn you when they involve me. All I can say is get your rest.”

John sighed, letting his shoulders sink. “Okay, thanks Atlas. See you in the morning.”

Atlas flickered off and John flopped onto the bed. He was going over in his mind how his teachers were going to react when they saw him tomorrow. Especially Sir Oreshine and Lieutenant Hart, he groaned at the thought of getting beaten to pulp before he had a chance to speak. A cool draft made him shiver. He looked to the window to see that it was wide open. He climbed out of the bed and moved to shut it.

“Good to see you are back, Mr. Pax.”

John whirled around to the direction of the voice and found himself face first on the floor.

“You! What are you doing here? Get off of me!”

“I’m sorry Orion, but this is for my own protection.” He heard a locking sound and the pressure was released. John tried to bring his hands forward but they were cuffed. He rolled onto his back to face Aurora.

“Protection from what!?”

“From you of course,” John looked at her dumbfounded. She rolled her eyes. “Well you weren’t clever enough to know what the herbs were for. I guess it was too much to expect you to know about your true purpose.”

John stood himself up and took a step towards her. “Just what the hell is going on?”

“Hell is what will be on our doorstep if you don’t return to the stars.”

John closed his eyes and shook his head.

“Look, I’m tired, I was beaten up. I just returned to normal. I survived a horrific incident that destroyed everything I ever knew only to arrive in a strange place that seems bent on driving me up the wall. So please tell me something useful because I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

Aurora jumped onto the bed and made herself comfortable. “Fair enough human, take a seat and I’ll explain as best as possible.” John leaned himself against the dresser reaching for Atlas, only to find he wasn’t where he left him.
“Looking for this?” She said. She pulled the console out of her saddlebag. John moved towards her. “Ah ah ah manners. You wanted an explanation, so only you will get one. Now sit.” John did as he was told. “Have you ever wondered why Celestia was so eager to make you an Errant?”

“All the time, It’s like I had no choice.”

“You always have a choice.” She said. “She just made the choice extremely,” she stretched out on the bed “attractive.” John looked off to the side. She smiled and continued. “The truth is you are a danger to yourself and others.” John turned back to her.

“You think I don't know that.”

“Well I’m sure you don’t mean to be” she walked closer to John. “It’s just that trouble has a way of following you.” She was behind John now.

“I’ve noticed, just look what’s happening now.” He said. Aurora craned her head around next to his ear.

“Aw and I thought you would’ve been happy to see me.” She swept her soft tail underneath his chin. “But I guess that’s the way the salt gets licked.” She gently swatted his nose with her tail as she jumped off. She turned around and folded her front legs and placed them on the bed. She looked up at him with her bright pink eyes.

“Alright so why am I a trouble magnet?” he said.

Aurora smiled and shrugged.

“Oh no reason I guess. Only human in Equestria for three thousand years, valuable resource, fate of the cosmos could depend on it, that kind of thing.”

“You’re kidding.”

“No I’m quite serious.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“Suit yourself, by the way you’ll never get a handle on magic with that attitude.” John was silent as she uncuffed him and stepped onto to the window ledge.

“I’ll be back again soon. Don’t wait up for me.” She was just about to jump.

“There’s a certain pony that’s going to miss Atlas you know,” he said.

“Really? The way they were going at it, I’d think I was doing her a favor.”

“He could just as easily do it to you. And I’m sure the Princess will have Canterlot searched to get him back.” She smacked herself in the face and shook her head. She rummaged in her saddlebags and tossed Atlas to John. “One other thing, what kind of resource am I?”

She paused for a second before turning back outside. “A weapon.”