“Wait a second, what did you mean by that?”

Aurora had already jumped out the window. John bolted over to the sill and spotted her silhouette galloping across the gardens. Looking over the side, he found there was no way to climb down easily, but there was a heavy mist on the ground below. John looked from the mist to Aurora, as she vanished into the garden. He took a heavy breath and vaulted out the window. lost it as he plummeted into the thick, icy cloud, and landed hard on the ground.
John groaned, picked himself up and limped towards the garden.

“Aurora!” he called.

He was getting deeper and deeper into the garden. The hedges were towering above him, and strange noises echoed all around him. Something screeched at him from the side, which caused him to jump into a stone wall. After rubbing his shoulder, he eyed the wall and his eyes came to rest on a large plaque.

WARNING: DO NOT ENTER

“Weird.”

He followed the wall until he came across a large steel gate that was ajar. Upon closer inspection he found it used to be bound by chains and a heavy lock, until they were broken. John inhaled sharply, when he heard movement coming from inside. Throwing himself against the wall, he inched over to the gate. He peeked around the corner to see a deserted courtyard with a lone statue in the middle. After making sure the coast was clear, he moved in, keeping as close to the wall as possible. He was the only being inside a large enclosure, and there wasn't anything near the statue. John carefully stepped out of the shadows and towards the center.

"Is anyone here?" he whispered.

No answer. The only sound came from his feet as he stepped across the grass. John set his sights on the statue in the center.

"Holy... that's ugly."

The statue was an amalgamation of several creatures, as far as he could tell, it had an eagle's claw, a lion's paw, a body of a snake, and the head of a pony. John looked back at the broken gate.

"Why would anyone break in to see this?"
John reached out and touched the warm stone, and immediately withdrew it when it cracked.

"JOHN WALKER."

John jumped as high as an Olympic athlete when he heard the powerful voice. Luna descended on him and shook the ground as she landed.

"What are you doing out here this late? This is no time to be out wandering by yourself."

John caught his breath and held out his hand.

"Relax Princess, I was just... going for a walk."

Luna eyed him suspiciously.

"A strange time to be going for a walk, especially where you're not supposed to be." She pointed at the gate. "Did you do that?"
"No," he said, "that was like that when I got here."

"And what brought you here?"

"I was ch-" John thought about Aurora. "I thought I saw something," he muttered.

"In that case you should have alerted the guards. You're not ready to handle things on your own. Now lets get you inside, before anything happens."

Luna strode past him towards the gate. John followed suit, but allowed himself to look back at the statue.

"John."

John half sighed and half yawned.

"Coming Princess."

"I didn't think you were much of a nocturnal creature."

"There's a lot of things that keep me awake lately," he replied.

"Mm, yes. Your time here in Equestria has been rather trying."

"That's an understatement." He was answered by a harsh look. "Princess." He added.

"I understand we put you through a lot, but believe this," she turned her head back to him, "this pales in comparison to what lies ahead. You need to summon every ounce of strength you have to overcome it."

They stepped into the main hall of the castle.

"You will be on your own, but that doesn't mean you have to rely solely on yourself."

"I thought you didn't want anyone to get hurt."

"Nopony will suffer the wrath of the darkness, you will make sure of that, but it would be wise to take any assistance that is offered, you can't afford to turn it down."

The princess slowed her pace as they approached the guest room.

"One last thing John. The elements of harmony." She touched a hoof to his chest. "They left you with a wonderful gift."

"I only remember getting a magic burn."

Princess Luna gave him a small smile.

"It is there." She tapped him gently. "Trust me, I received it too."

She removed her hoof and opened the door with her magic. John stepped inside and looked back at Luna.

"Rest well John," she said before closing the door with a soft click.

"Good night Princess," he whispered.

John flopped back on the bed. The window was still open, letting a cool breeze blow over him as he slowly drifted off to sleep. As soon as his reality went dark he could see a glimmer in the distance, but it was drifting towards him. It was a large globe of light as he had seen before. John hesitantly reached out to touch it, and when he did, it exploded into several smaller lights, just like before. John took more time to examine them this time. Each one strobed, like before, and with varying strength. One light caught his eye, as it was beating harder than the rest. As he focused on it, the light's strobe grew faster and faster. Until it stopped. John watched as it turned a dark red and then winked out of existence. At the same moment, a deep feeling of dread washed over John. All the stars dimmed and placed him in total darkness, then a bright light filled his vision. John bolted upright in a cold sweat to the sound of loud knocks on his door.

"Come on sleepy head, the Princess is waiting for ya'," said the ever enthusiastic Dice.

"I'll be out in a sec!" John said, as he clutched his head. He looked at the clock to see it was still early, but a sense of urgency was overtaking him nonetheless.

"You better be out in here in the next ten seconds, or Princess Luna will teleport your plot out here."

"There's that plot again." John mumbled as he jumped into his clothes.

"You shouldn't make a habit of sleeping in." Luna stated.

"I don't think I can afford it anymore Princess."

Luna gave him a quizzical look.

"Is something bothering you, John?"

"Yes," he said as they started to walk, "I had another dream last night, about the stars."

"What happened?"

"It was almost the same as the first one, except for one star. It was pulsing fast for a while and then it just quit, turned red and died. I couldn't help but feel like something terrible happened."

Silence passed as they walked in deep thought.

"That is rather disturbing," said Luna at last, "If your dreams are connected to the lives of your friends then we cannot waste anymore time."

John slowed his pace as he thought about Artie and Vanessa and the star that went out. He shook his head and caught up to Luna.
"You're right Princess. I can't let them down."

Luna smiled as they entered the barracks, where Captain Ray Shear was waiting. He stood at attention, his face as grim as the plague.

“At ease Ray Shear,” said Luna, “I trust the other mentors will be here soon.”

“They will your majesty. In the meantime I will take care of his training.”

“Excellent Captain. I-”

A panting guard sprinted towards them and skidded to a halt before Luna.

"Princess Celestia requires your presence your highness. She says it is urgent."

Luna furrowed her brow then turned her attention to the captain

“I shall return to check his progress. Show him no quarter Captain, show him the full force of what lies ahead.”

She turned and headed back to the castle. John whipped around and called after.

“Hey! What did you mean by that!?”

Next thing he knew, a harness was violently strapped to him. John looked over his shoulder to see the Captain on a chariot holding reins with his magic.

“Alright son, it’s time to whip you into shape.” He snapped the reins which stung John’s back.

“Is this some kind of sick joke?”

He was answered with a leer.

“No joke. Every errant must complete rigorous physical training. I had to do it and so shall you. Now git!”

He snapped the reins a second time and John jumped forward in response. The chariot inched forward.

How do they expect me to do this?

He heard a heavy sigh behind him.

“We’ve got a long way to go.” he cracked the reins one more time. “Let’s go, filly!”

John collapsed on the ground of the barracks. The ponies had cleared and watched as he struggled to pull the chariot to the centre. As he struggled to regain his breath, the captain stood over top of him. He took out a watch and looked down at John.

“Four and and a quarter hours, not bad.” He dropped his head down next to John’s. “IF WE WERE RACING SNAILS! On your feet soldier, we’re burning sunlight!”

He covered his ears. The captain’s voice matched Luna’s in spirit if not in volume. John struggled to pull himself up. He was feeling the effects of having missed out on sleep.

“We’ll skip the rest of the warm up...” said the captain.

Thank God

“...and move straight to the training portion, follow me soldier.”

Ray Shear trotted towards the gym. John stared after him in disbelief, ready to collapse where he stood. It was at that moment that he noticed a small crowd had gathered around him. They were exchanging glances and whispering back and forth. John decided to follow the captain before drawing any more attention. Once inside, he could see the gym was just as busy as yesterday. Some ponies stopped their workout to stare at him as he passed. When John met their gaze, they would turn back to what they were doing before, and occasionally steal a glance at him. At the far end was Sir Oreshine and Lieutenant Hart, and they were staring each other down. Captain Ray Shear approached them.

“You’re late,” growled Oreshine, not taking his eyes off Hart.

“Then let’s not waste anymore time, Hart you’re up.”

“If it’s alright sir, the dog can go first.”

“That’s Sir Oreshine to you, and how do expect me to train a pony?” he snarled.

“That’s for you to figure out dirt breath.” she snapped back.

“You're one to talk, especially when I can smell what you had for breakfast.” They were both in each others faces now. The Captain’s horn began to glow as he loudly cleared his throat.

“Lieutenant stop this at once! Sir Oreshine, will you do the honor of training our errant first?”

“I don’t see the point in...” The dog’s eyes widened as they came upon John. With lightning speed he drew a sword and lunged at John. John stepped back, but was too slow as Oreshine’s blade sped toward his neck.

“Stop!” yelled the Captain.

John opened his eyes to see the blade resting on his neck. His eyes traveled the length of the steel blade all the way into the diamond dog’s icy blue eyes.

“This is the new errant we are to train. It wouldn’t do us any good to have a headless apprentice.”

John and Oreshine were still frozen in place. John could feel Oreshines eyes examining him. It was only after another minute that he lifted his blade from John’s neck and placed it ceremoniously back in his pack.

“Maybe I should train him first,” said Hart, “you know, before the diamond dog kills him.”

Oreshine rounded on Hart.

“Is that a fact? And what can he learn from you? Better I go first, that way you can’t tamper with my instruction.”

"Not like you need my help to do that."

Hart didn't even bat an eyelash as he snapped his teeth at her. Captain Ray Shear shook his head as John took a step away from the two. Sir Oreshine whipped around and pointed a finger at him.
“You, in the ring.”

John did as he was told and was followed by the dog. Already the duo were attracting attention.

“Stand in the center.”

John went over and faced Oreshine.

“Now what?” he asked.

Sir Oreshine gave him a toothy grin as he slung his pack of swords in front of him. Keeping a hold of the carrying case, he hefted the swords in the air. John shuffled to avoid them as they struck down into the mat.

“What the hell was that!?”

“My mat!” cried Lieutenant Hart, “You’ll pay for that you dirty dog!”

Oreshine ignored the both of them and walked around the rough circle of swords. Each one was unique in size and shape. Sir Oreshine pulled out one with a short curved blade and a large, ornate hilt.

“What do you know about swords?” he asked as he examined the blade. John watched him as he moved around.

"They're sharp, and pointy. That's all I need to know"

Oreshine gave him an impatient glare and set the sword in the mat. Hart winced.

“'All I need to know', my minecart. Pay attention because this is the most important lesson I will ever teach you.”

He picked up a sword with thin, straight blade and large hilt. He tossed it up in the air above him.

“A sword is not just 'sharp and pointy'.” The sword twisted in the air in graceful arcs. “Nor is it just a weapon.” the sword began its descent. “It is more akin to your body, even, your soul.” the sword landed with a thud in the mat. Hart buried her face on the ring.

“That being said, your body and soul is unique, and so should be your blade. I have mastered every blade that fell into my paws, but there is none I favor more than this one.”

His paw came to rest on a simple blade with one edge and a slight curved. He plucked it out of the mat and gripped it in his paws. A smile crept across his face.

“I have dedicated years to this sword alone, my spirit is as much embodied in this sword than it is an extension of my body. With it, I am whole.”

The abject silence caused him to look around him. The ponies shuffled awkwardly while Hart stifled a snicker. Sir Oreshine let out a low growl.

“The point is we need to find you a blade, but that will come later. For now we spar. Pick up the rapier and we will start.”

John reached for the nearest sword, but had his hand slapped.

“No that’s the cutlass you fool, the rapier’s behind you.”

“What!?” John whipped around.

Sir Oreshine growled as the ponies chuckled.

“En-garde!” he shouted and lunged at John.

John dodged the strike and squared himself with Oreshine.

“What are you waiting for? Pick up a weapon!” he charged at John again.

John dived out of the way and looked between the weapons. He grabbed the nearest one and held it in front of him.

"You're insane!"

“You're the one insane enough to choose the sabre. Ha! You think that will keep me at bay?” he lunged in and swatted it out John’s hand. John watched the sword fly out of his hand. Not a moment later, he ducked and vaulted to the other side of the ring.

“Hey, remember what I told ya,” Hart was shouting from the side, “No such thing as a fair fight and-”

“Always keep your guard up, I remember!” John rolled out of the way before Oreshine could strike.

“Do you know how many times I could have killed you already, whelp? Pick up a weapon and fight!”

No matter which sword he plucked from the mat, each one seemed useless against Oreshine’s onslaught. Swords littered the mat as he withdrew. The dog punched him in the chest, and sent him to the mat.

“I knew I was wasting my time here.” Oreshine said as he stood over John. His icy eyes were boring through him. He raised his sword over his head, ready to strike.

“Time to pony up whelp!” And brought his blade down.

John quickly rose up and grabbed onto the dog’s thick wrists, pushing with all his might. John stared past the blade, mere inches from his face, into the now snarling eyes. With a final effort, John spun around and threw the dog into the mat.

“Woohoo! Waytago rook!” shouted Hart.

John kept an eye on Oreshine and put some distance between him. Oreshine picked himself up.
“Very good, you’re not a complete coward. Now fight!”

As quick as lightning, Oreshine closed the gap. John jumped back to avoid the lunge, which forced him into a corner. John’s hands rested on the ropes, but jerked his right hand when he felt something sharp. Sure enough, there was a shallow cut on the tips of his fingers. He looked down to see the biggest, broadest sword of the dog’s collection. It was easily over four feet long, and the hilt was long enough for two hands. John was snapped back to reality when Oreshine charged once again. Without hesitation John grabbed the sword and hefted it over his head, onto the incoming Oreshine. The impact caused them both to quake. Oreshine struggling to push the massive blade away, and John trying to force it down. Oreshine’s eyes flitted back and forth with steely precision. Analyzing every aspect of him in that one moment.

“The claymore. Excellent choice.” He stepped out from under the blade and John was carried to the mat by the weight of the sword.

“But poor execution. You’re undisciplined and brash. I’ll beat that out of you.”

John picked himself up as Oreshine retrieved his swords and exited the ring. Hart was quick to take his place.

“Not if I do it first,” she said, “Alright rook, show me what you got.”

“I think he’s had enough sparring today Lieutenant. Just go over the basics.”

John silently thanked the Captain as he stood to face Hart.

“Ok then, uh Captain, what am I dealing with here, he’s not like anything I’ve ever seen.”

“Good observation, until we consult Atlas make due with what you got.”

Hart turned back to John, scratching her chin.

“Ah! I got it.”

She reared up on her hind legs and stretched backwards.

“It’s been awhile since I did this. Could use the practice anyways.”

She strutted around the ring on her hind legs, much to John’s and everpony else’s amazement. She looked up at John and smirked.

“What? Walking on two legs is nothing special.”

“But I never said-”

“Enough,” she tossed him a white jacket, “We are going to practice some Ju-do.” She said as she wrapped a jacket around herself.

“You’re a quick learner, show me the move you used on Oreshine, just now.”

She held out out her legs and gestured for him to grab them. John hesitantly reached for her. She narrowed her eyes.

“Are you sure about this? I don’t want to hurt you.” said John.

He could have sworn he heard her teeth grinding against each other.

“Don’t worry about me rook, it’s yourself you should be worried about.”

John shook his head and grabbed her shoulder and arm. Without warning, she reached up and cuffed him on the head.

“Ah! What was that?”

“Rule one. Always be on guard. Now try the move.” she shook her hoof in his face.

“Right.”

John thought about the process in his head. He spun into her and pulled her leg over his shoulder. Hart soared over his shoulder into the mat, but she kept rolling. John's arm was wrapped around her and she pulled him to the ground. He was now flat on his back and a pair of legs buried themselves in his chest. His arm was wrenched back, and pain was coming from his elbow. The more he moved, the more pressure was applied. Hart only laughed.

“You got the right idea rook, but, as you can see, you’ve got a lot to learn.”

John put his head on the mat and let out a moan.

The university was far less crowded. Which made it easier for John to find Albert’s lab. The same mare, that watched his lab, was once again startled by John’s visit. John gingerly opened the door, and let himself in. He walked along the rows of chemistry sets and microscopes. Scores of papers and notes littered the counter tops, John picked some of them up in curiosity. Suddenly, a door burst open and a levitating stack of papers and equipment entered the room.

“Hallo? Is somepony there?”

“Uh, yes Doctor it's me, John.” he said as he put the papers back.

“Gut. Zhen vould you mind lending a hoof. Is difficult to see past all zhis.”

“Sure,” John chuckled, “I’ll lend you a hand.”

“Hand? Strange substitute, but carries zhe same convention. Vould be most appropriate if one vasn’t equin, but seeing as ve are, zhere is no need...”

John took the stack of equipment out of the air. He craned around to see the look on the Doctor’s face, and stifled a laugh. The doctor dropped his stack of papers as he stared blankly back at John.

“Sorry for not telling you earlier Doc. The princess thought it’d be funnier this way.”

He set equipment down in the nearest clean space. The doctor was staring blankly into space. John kneeled down and waved his hand in front of the pony’s face.

“Doc? Are you...” He leaned in close to examine the blank stare. “...alright?”

“HAAH!” The Doctor bellowed in his face.

John jumped backwards and slammed into a counter. The mountain papers above toppled, and a flurry of sheets buried him. He swatted the sheets out of the way to see the doctor was leaning up against a desk, holding his sides as he laughed.

“Oo, ah, zhat hurts. Aheh hee. You see my friend? Is not so easy to fool me. You must stay ze entire night up if you vish to get ze drop on old Albert. Here.”

With a glow of his horn, the paper pile zipped neatly back into its place. Albert smiled and trotted over to the chalkboard.

“So vhat shall ve learn today. Hm? You say you are scholar? Perhaps zhere is not much I can share zhat you already don’t know.”

John came up beside him.

“Well no, I’m actually a scientist. Stuff I deal with is sub-atomic particles and the nature of the universe.” He took a piece of chalk and tossed it lightly. “I don’t know jack about Equestria.”

The Doctor gasped and stared at John.

“Vhat vas the ze Princess thinking.” He sat down and held his head. “Zhe secrets of zhe universe. Knowledge zhat nopony has ever dared to dream about. At my hoof tips.”

He had an unpleasantly large grin on his face. He looked back at John and frowned.

“Yet you have no idea of zhe vay Equestria vorks?.”

John shook his head. The doctor furrowed his brow and went back up to the board.

“Oh come now, surely you know Equestria is ruled by zhe princesses.”

“Yes”

“And zhat ve have laws and regulations.”

“I guessed that much.”

“Are you familiar customs and traditions among our kind?”

“Uh, no.”

“Not even a little.”

John shook his head.

“Vell it’s not my problem. Zhe problem is, however, it's as if you are missing an entire lifetime. I never met a being so out of place, regardless whezher you fell out of zhe sky.”

John just smiled at the perplexed pony.

“I think maybe I should teach the lesson for today.”

“Ha, I enjoy a good scholarly discussion. Come, ve shall do it over tea.”

The doctor sat quietly as John recounted his life’s work and the events that led him up to being taken under the Princess’ wing. John was quite impressed with how reserved he was, even after telling him about his human counterpart. When he finished, Albert finished the rest of his tea and pressed his hoof to his chin.
“Very interesting, John. It is somewhat difficult to believe, but if it is true, zhere could be extreme ramifications for equestrian science. Needless to say, you are lucky to be alive.”

“I know nobody at home would believe this,” said John, “especially the part about the land of ponies.” John laughed, but stopped when Albert was only giving him a puzzled looked.

“You know, it's actually pretty funny, if you think about it. Out of all possible things that could have happened, when I jumped, I could have died, or landed on the supermodel planet, the heart of a sun, or some other weird place. But no, I had to wind up here." John allowed himself to pause. "Why here Doc?”

The doctor was looking at him sternly. John bowed his head to the teacup he had cradled in his hands. Albert tapped his muzzle in deep thought.

“It is hard to say. Isn't zhat a question everypony ask zhemselves every vonce in a vhile?" he chuckled.
John only raised his head slightly. Albert cleared his throat and continued.
"John, my boy, zhe universe works in mysterious vays. I know you didn't plan on coming to Equestria. If you meant to, zhe calculation alone vould take centuries to complete, but do you know vhat I think?"
Albert leaned close and beckoned John to do rthe same.
"I think zhe universe meant for you to come here. Ve all serve a purpose and I, for one, cannot vait to see how you fit into zhe grand scheme of things. And zhat is not such bad thing, eh?” He nudged John slightly. “Neizher is landing in Equestria, hm?”

John cracked a small smile in agreement. Albert smiled back.

“You see? Is not so bad. Just you vait and see, ve’ll make you into Equestria’s finest errant yet. Strong and intelligent, powerful and benevolent.”

“You can add broke to that list too.” Dice was leaning on the entrance.

“Oh, hi Dice.” John said icily. Albert looked back and forth between them.

“I’m sorry, who is zhis gaurd.”

“Name’s Dice Doc,” He stepped into the room. “John’s best buddy in Canterlot.”

“Ah, vell in zhat case. Vhat can I do for you Corporal.”

“Just needed to bring him to his next lesson, that’s all.” Dice was grinning extra wide.

“Oh ya, it’s about zhat time. Take care John, and bring Atlas by next time, I vould like to speak vith him.”

“Will do Doc, but we gotta get him to his next lesson,” Dice said excitedly.

Dice flew behind John and pushed him out the door, through the hallways and off the campus. He only slowed down once they were on the streets of Canterlot.

“Geez Dice, what's got you so excited?” he said as Dice dug into his saddlebag.

“I’ll tell you in a sec’. Put this on.” Dice whipped out a large, light gray sheet and draped it over John. John pulled it over and gave Dice a stern look.

“Don’t tell me you’re in charge of the next lesson.”

“As a matter of fact I am, special assignment from Princess Luna herself."

John adjusted the cloak and turned back to Dice.

"So what is it?"

"Just follow me."

Dice trotted away down the street with John in tow. Thankfully there weren't many ponies out to stare at him.

"Dice, are you sure this is a good idea? I mean going out in the open like this."

Dice, seemingly ignoring the comment, just kept trotting.
"Well that's part of the lesson. The idea is that errants are supposed to travel around Equestria to solve problems right?"

"So I've gathered."

John spotted a little pegasus in the corner of his eye, who was tugging on his mothers wing and pointing at him. As soon as she got a good look at him she was quick to scoop up her foal and fly off. John looked back at Dice.

"So how can I help if everyone just runs away from me?"

"Look, buddy, they don't know you like I do, and you're...uh...you're..."

"Different?"

"Yeah. But don't sweat it, it's gonna take a bit of time for everypony to get used to you. But for now we got a little further to go. It's just around the corner."

John took a deep breath and followed Dice. Just like he said, their next stop was around the corner, and what John saw made him do a double take.

"Dice what is this?"

"It's a soup kitchen pal. These ponies are hungry and they need our help. Come on we can go in through the back."

"So my lesson, and you're special assignment. Is community service?"

"Oh come on it's not that bad. I had to do it loads of times."

As they passed the long line of ponies, John couldn't help but stare, and some even returned his gaze. A few huddled next to the building as he passed. Not that he noticed, because he was preoccupied with how many looked sad and disheveled. John clenched his jaw as he passed a family with two young foals, who looked up at him with pleading eyes. John wrenched his gaze away from the line and kept following Dice. They were almost at the end when a unicorn came rushing up to Dice.

"Hey, is the soup kitchen open yet?" she asked.

"It will be in a minute," said Dice, "We have something special planned today." He nodded in John's direction. "Say hello to our errant in training."

"There's an errant here? Where?" she asked excitedly.

"Look up."

The unicorn at first didn't understand, but she looked up anyway and stopped when her eyes met John's. Dice gave John a gentle kick.

"Well don't just stand there, introduce yourself."

John turned back to the stunned unicorn. He got down on one knee and extended his hand.

"Hello there. My name's John. It's, uh, good to meet you."

The unicorn's mouth was agape. She turned from John to Dice then back to his hand.

"Oh my gosh this is so cool." She grabbed his hand with both hooves and began to shake vigorously. "Name's Lucky Lux and it's such an honor to meet you."

She wouldn't stop shaking. John gave Dice a pleading look, but Dice was doing all he could to keep himself from smiling.

"I had no idea they trained errants from different races. You're the first one I've seen in forever. What are you exactly? Are there more of you? When did you start? Can you put in a good word for me? Do you know the princesses? How did you get picked to become an Errant?"

Lux's excitement began to draw a lot of attention. The ponies in line were straining their ears to try and catch what she was exclaiming.

"There's an errant here?"

"Thank Celestia!"

"Bout time."

Whispers slowly circulated and a crowd began to close around him. John pulled his hand from Lux's grip, stood up and slowly faced the crowd. All eyes were on him, filled with wonder, apprehension, and curiosity. Dice flew above the crowd and cleared his throat.

"Alright everypony give him some space. You can all gawk at him when he's serving you soup."

Whispers flitted around in communal agreement and they all started to get back in line. John twitched when he felt a sudden tug on his cloak. He looked down to see two colts craning their necks to look at him.

"Excuse me mister?" one of them squeaked.

John looked to the moving mass of ponies and then crouched down.

"What is it?"

The one who asked the question cowered for a second before taking a big gulp of air.

"Are you here help us?" He squeaked again.

"Well I..." he started. He felt like someone was watching him. He took a moment to look behind him to see Lux was not two feet from him. He turned back to the little colts.

"Yes, I'm here to help."

"Can you help our family find a home?"

John shifted his weight uncomfortably and reached for the back of his head.

"Gee, kid, I don't know if I can..."

John couldn't even finish his sentence they looked so heart broken. He let his arm drop, then brought his hand underneath the colts chin.

"Hey, hang in there little buddy. I'm sure your family will find a home. In the meantime, lets get you something to eat. Okay?"

The colt gave him a weak smile, and then took his brother back to the line. John watched as they went back, he didn't even noticed Lux come up beside him.

"That was a good thing you did."

John, slightly surprised she was even there, gave her a quizzical look.

"What'd I do?"

Lux just rolled her eyes and smiled.

"You did what an errant is supposed to do." With that, she trotted past him and joined the line. Dice whistled for his attention and gestured to the back entrance. John brought himself over and walked in. He also noticed Dice was wearing his biggest smile to date.

"Oh sweet Celestia, that went great! You were perfect. I tell ya bud, the whole town's, no, the entire country's gonna love you by the time we're through." Dice tossed John an apron.

"Look Dice, I'm not sure this is all a good idea," he said as he put the apron on.

"No, no, no this is great. It really helps with your public image. I mean, talking to those colts was just precious. Everypony will eat that up."

"Dice!" said John, "I don't want to make promises I can't keep."

Dice stopped mid air and faced John.

"What do mean?"

John leaned against the counter and folded his arms.

"They asked if I could find them a home. If I said yes I'd be lying. If I said no they'd be crushed. So what can I do as an errant huh?"

Dice got to work bringing the dishes out. He brought a load over to John.

"Honestly bro, as an errant, you do the best that you can with what you got." He dropped the load into John's arms. "And if the best you got is just a sliver of hope, then you have done your job. It's not everypony's expecting you save the planet."

"I thought I was doing that."

"That's not the point. Now get up to the front, they're waiting for you."

John smiled and headed for the swinging door.

"Oh yeah, and John" Dice called back. John stopped midway through the door. "If it makes you feel any better, I'll donate your first paycheck to the homeless shelter."

John chuckled silently and nodded in agreement. As he stepped up to the server station he could feel all the eyes on him. He took a deep breath to steady his pounding heart.

"Okay, who's first?" he asked.

The evening was going by quickly. John wasn't expecting it to be as... fulfilling as it was. As he served them he asked a few questions about themselves, got a few life stories in return, and was silently thanked. Others were still a little apprehensive, but John stuck with the same routine, asking questions and trying to look as friendly as possible.

"Hey there little buddy, what can I get you?"

The little colt he was talking to earlier could hardly see over the counter.

"Uh, I would like the barley, with extra carrots please. And my brother likes potatoes in his."

John half smiled and handed the two their soup.

"Uhm, Mister? What's your name?"

John helped the colt's parents and turned back to him.

"I'm John."

"Just John?" The other one finally spoke up. "That's a strange name."

"Oh yeah, well what's your name?"

The silent one hid behind his brother who answered first.

"I'm Kipler and he's Whisper Breeze, or Whisp for short."

John half smiled once again and put his hand to his chin.

"Well those are strange names, but I don't think I will forget them."

Both boys smiled graciously and took their dinner. John looked down, ready to serve to the next pony.

"Tomato with a piece of rye. And a sprig of parsley if you could spare."

John immediately froze. There was no way he could mistake that sultry British accent. John calmly served up the order and pushed it over the counter.

"Why are you here?" he asked.

"To get a bite to eat, why else?"

"Yeah, right. Why don't you leave this for someone who needs it." John reached for the dish. She immediately reached out and touched his hand.

"This is important. I need your help."

John looked down the queue.

"Get in line."

John went over to the next pony and quickly served him up. Aurora followed him as he moved.

"Oh, you're not sore about last night are you?" She said it loud enough for more than half the establishment to hear. John clenched his jaw as he felt his face heat up. Aurora turned a sultry smile to him as a few young mares giggled.

"Hell, I love wild goose chases." John leaned across the counter. "What do you want?"

"This seems right up your alley, as I need you to help me catch somepony. If you meet me later tonight, I'll make it worth your while." She said as she batted her eyelashes.

John just glowered and helped the next pony along.

"I'm busy."

Aurora just shrugged and turned away.

"Yes I can see that. It's a shame really, he would be extremely helpful in finding your friends."

John fumbled with the soup, much to an irate pony's dismay. Aurora flashed him a small, belying smile.

"Feel free to drop by, if you ever reconsider." Was all she said before disappearing out the door. John stared at the door, wondering how on Earth she expected him to find her. John just let his breath go and set about serving up the last of the ponies. Once again he was face to face with the unicorn he met outside, Lux. She flashed him a brilliant smile and anxiously waited till he came to help her.

"Hey there, you remember me right? We just met outside about an hour ago?"

"How could I forget." John said as he picked out a bowl. "Lux, isn't it?"

"And you're John," she said abruptly, "uh, hey is it okay if I hang out with you back there?"

John looked up from his task and looked into her large green eyes. Her locks of pale blue and green mane fell loosely around her horn and sometimes had to brush them out of her face. John kept quiet as he gave her the bowl. Lux didn't immediately take it, but she stared back at him, waiting for an answer.

"Why?"

"Well. Maybe. I dunno, I was thinking, it'd be cool to hang out, you know." John just gave her a deadpanned expression. "So... can I come back there?"

"I don't see what's stopping you," John replied.

Lux smiled broadly and leaped over the counter, much to John's surprise.

"Come on, let's eat!"

"What a sec I still got other..." he looked back to see the hall was now half empty as patrons started leaving. Dice came up to his shoulder.

"You're good man, I'll catch any stragglers." He then shoved a bowl into John's hands and shoved him to the kitchen. John whirled around to object.

"Go get her tiger." With a wink he shut the door in John's face. John turned around to face the expectant unicorn.

"Aren't you gonna sit down?" she asked, pointing to a cushion she set beside her.

John took the seat, but not before rustling around the kitchen to find a spoon. Lux never took her eyes off him for a second, she hardly ate as they sat in silence for the first few moments.

"Soooo... where you from?"

John mulled the question over in his mind.

"Earth."

That only raised more questions than it answered, according to Lux's face.

"Where on Earth?" she hazarded.

"Oh. I'm not from this Earth." John ate another spoonful of creamy soup.

"Wha!? Come on stop playing around." She punched him lightly in the arm.

"Ah, don't touch me," said John.

Lux bit her lip as she retracted her hoof. John did a double take and added.

"I mean, I'm pretty tender right now, so yeah, the slightest touch is really painful."

Lux chuckled and brushed her mane out of her face.

"I thought errants were supposed to be tough."

"Tell that to my teachers," John finished his serving and leaned back. "So what's with you? You have a hard time keeping your hooves to yourself."

Lux toyed with her empty bowl as she thought up a response.

"Well... what can I say, It's pretty cool meeting somepony new, especially somepony who looks like you."

John's eyes flew wide open as he jerked upright.

"You met other humans?"

"Other what-nows?'

"Humans! Have you met any humans?"

"Whoa, calm down man you're the first human I ever met, what's the big deal."

John let out a deep breath.

"Nothing, forget about it."

"Hang on, why was it so important you wanted to know if I met any humans? What so special about you guys."

"It's... it's none of your concern. Now eat your soup or go."

"Aha! There is something special. Tell me what it is. Tell me!"

"What? No."

"Tell me."

"No."

"Tell me, tell me tell me tell me, tell me, I can keep this up all day."

"Okay that's it. You're gone. Go, now, chop chop."

Lux planted her hind quarters firmly on the cushion and vigorously shook her head. John got up, went around and pushed her and the cushion towards the exit. Lux was quick to kick the cushion out from underneath her and use to magic to fling it, full force into John's face. The impact knocked him to floor, and was soon crushed under Lux's full weight on his chest. She folded her fore legs neatly as she smiled smugly at him.

"Now will you tell me your little secret?"

"Why do you wanna know so bad?" John guessed she was about Lieutenant Hart's size.

"Helloooo. Royal Errant, mystery species, that snooty mare, I smell adventure, and I want in."

Luckily she wasn't that heavy. John lifted and pushed himself out from underneath, whirled and grappled around her stomach. He then heaved her towards the exit, except Lux was quick enough to plant all fours on the door frame.

"Just go. It's too dangerous." He pushed with all his might.

"Fat chance of that happening now!" she grunted.

As they struggled, a loud crash came from the hall. John hesitated, and Lux launched herself backwards into John. Both of them careened across the span kitchen. Lux hit the wall first and slammed her head against the steel casing. She bowed her head to rub the spot, unable to see John's frame crashing towards her a split second later. Then he felt it. It was a sharp, edgy pain the likes he never felt before. He looked down to see Lux's horrified expression, but it was what was between that held his attention. Buried about an inch deep in his chest, was the unicorn's horn. John knew what was coming next, but this time the fire was in his heart, and expelling outwards to the rest of his body. Light formed around the horn that was still embedded in chest, the same light traveled through the veins in his arms. Once the fire reached his brain, it was like every neuron was being fired off simultaneously, Aural and visual cues flashed in his mind, things he never remembered doing before, and all he could do was scream at the top of is lungs. That's when Lux kicked him off, John crumpled to the floor as the fire died in his brain. He was in a cold sweat as Lux stood over him.

"Sweet Celestia, are you alright?"

John pawed at the hole in his chest, only to find it had sealed back up, and let out a sigh of relief. Suddenly voices came from the hall.

"What in blazes was that? Dice are you pulling some kinda trick on us?"

"Me? No. I have no idea what's back there. Everypony left like an hour ago."

"Whatever, Mr. Stone, go check it out."

"I know that voice." John gasped. He was still glowing faintly. "We need to go."

John crawled forward, struggling to get to his feet.

"Let me help you," Lux offered. She wrapped him in her magic and laid him over her back, "since I, you know, stabbed you."

"Don't mention it." John nearly fell off when she bolted underneath a table.

The door to the hall opened slowly and a husky pony tiptoed in, sweeping across the entire area.

"Nopony here boss."

Lux and John breathed a sigh of relief.

"Did you check it out, thoroughly"

"Dammit," they said simultaneously. They gave each other a deadpan glance before concentrating on the goon, who was slowly making his way into the kitchen.

"Anypony here?"

"What do we do?" Lux seethed.

"Why are you asking me?" he seethed back.

"You're an errant, can't you just jump out and knock his lights out."

"This my first day on the job, and in case you didn't notice, I just got stabbed."

"Well you seem fine enough to talk. There's just a little scar now."

John looked down his shirt at what was indeed a scar. This got him thinking.

"Lux how good are you at magic?"

"I'm a unicorn how good do you think I am."

"Fine, whatever, hit the lights."

With a soft glow of her horn the kitchen was plunged into darkness.

"Hello! Who's there!" said the hench pony, nevertheless he kept pressing forward.

"Now touch me with your horn when he comes around."

"What's that gonna do?"

"I don't know, but trust me okay?"

He was getting nearer. John slipped out from under the table and brought himself up to his full height. The pony caught his motion and whipped his head around in time to see John's dark silhouette rise up. John heard the pony swallow hard.

"Who the hay are you? Get lost ya big... big... freak!"

"Now," John whispered.

Lux gently tapped his leg, and the charge shot straight to his heart and pumped to the rest of his body. He was expecting the same burning sensation to fill his body, but this time it was warm, powerful, directly charging his muscles to peak condition. Then something new happened. John found himself in a brightly colored room. Toys littered the floor, and he was. Coloring. The strange thing was that the crayon was held in a golden magical field. A knock came from behind caused him to turn a around to see a pale pink mare standing in the doorway.

"Mommy, you're home!' he said, but it wasn't his voice.

He even charged towards her and threw his hooves around her.

Oh no not this again.

"Hi sweetie, what are you drawing there?"

He charged back and eagerly picked the drawing up in his mouth.

"It'h me ona a'venthure. I'm safing the world."

The mare picked him up in a tight hug, as they both giggled.

"That's saving, my little lucky charm."

They both laughed as she nuzzled his nose. The scene quickly faded and John clutched his head as if he were suffering from severe vertigo. He slowly pulled away his hands to see he was back in the kitchen, with two very stunned ponies.

"Why'd you turn on the lights?" John seethed at Lux

"Turn yourself off you living light bulb." she seethed back.

John did a double take and grabbed the nearest pot. His veins, and even the whites of his eyes had a glow to them.

"You are some kind of freak!" said Rock, "Stay back! I'm warning you." He was having a hard time back pedaling while shaking like a leaf.

John looked down at Lux, who was giving him the most genuinely evil grin he had ever saw on a face of a pony. He pointed in the pony's direction and raised his eyebrows, and Lux nodded clapping her hooves together. John turned back to the terrified pony.

"You know what time it is little pony?" John said as he slowly circled the table.

Rock suddenly bolted towards the door, but couldn't pry it open. John noticed a golden field of magic was holding it closed. Lux gave him wink and zipped back under table. Mr. Stone heaved on the door with all his pony might, but twisted head around to see John standing a few feet away, towering over him.

John leaned in close.

"It's time to make some pony soup."

John tried hard to keep a straight face when the pony's pupils shrunk to the size of a pinhead.

"No, Celestia no! Please don't make me into pony soup! AAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

Lux finally let go of the door and the pony, like a shot from a cannon, vacated the building, screaming:

"It's a monster! Run for your lives! Don't let it eat me."

Dice, the midget and his other stooge, were staring with their mouths agape after the streak. Slowly they turned back to the kitchen, where John was standing in the doorway. John looked straight into the midgets eyes and bared his teeth.

"Crush, could you wait here a minute."

"Duh, sure boss. W-why."

"So he gets you first!"

The pony called Crush looked back to see his boss was already out the door. He Looked back at John, and with a nervous laugh he promptly exited the building.

"So long, thanks for droppin' by, tomorrow's special is pasta a la Istalliano," Dice called after them.

"You alright Dice?" John asked as he approached him.

"Yeah I'm good, they didn't get much of a- whoa, hey, turn it down, will ya'. You gonna make me go blind."

John looked back at his luminescent body.

"I... can't. It's really weird. It happened when Lux touched me. And it feels...different."

"Lux? Who's this Lux character? What feels different? You know what, let's just get you back to the Princess, she'll know what to do."

"Wait!" cried Lux, "Take me with you."

John looked back to Dice who shook his head.

"No can do sweetheart, this is a matter for a very tight circle."

"But maybe I can help figure this out. After all he couldn't have pulled scaring those goons off without my help."

"Wait you helped him out? You did this to John?" Dice grabbed John's arm to iterate.

"Yeah, but he told me to do it," she said quickly, "The first time was an accident and he was like freaking out and, and the second time, all of the sudden he's super mellow. It was kinda cool." Lux smiled weakly.

Dice looked back to John.

"What do you think buddy. Should we take her with us?"

Lux was bobbing up and down on her hooves waiting for a response. John reached for the back of his neck, trying to come up with an easy way to say no.

"Please?"

John ground his teeth before letting out a heavy sigh.

"Alright fine."

"Sweet! You won't regret this I promise." she said as the trio left the soup kitchen.

"I hope not. Lucky charm."

Lux stopped in her tracks as Dice and John carried on.

"Hay! How'd you know about that! You psychic or something?"