Author's Notes:

Made some additions/alterations.

I've added some more dialogue between certain characters to deal with the lack of scepticism from the ponies to what Gordon says. I've also added a small scene at the end between Gordon and Bon Bon.

A thanks to Eon333MS for his suggestions. I've agreed to co-write this story with him, he's thrown in some good suggestions.

Gordon watched from the doorway as Rarity and Fluttershy made their way down the garden path. He gave a final wave to the girls before closing the door and making his way to his cellar, which he used mainly to keep many bottles of wine. He made his way down into the cellar, the chilly temperature doing nothing to cool his boiling blood. His ever increasing pace matched his rising anger as he got close to a brick wall, raised a fist and let out what could be described as a war cry.

The resounding crack of knuckles reverberated throughout the cellar. More followed as Gordon unleashed a furious tirade of punches and strong language against his inanimate opponent. He continued his tirade for a few seconds before one final punch and leaned his back against the wall, his shirt damp from sweat. Blood trickled down his hands and fingers, the coppery smell filling his nose as he panted for breath. His breathing became longer as is heart rate calmed down.

Not as angry as before he made his way to one of the bathrooms to clean himself up and change into clean clothes. After his refreshing shower he saw to bandaging his hands. Fortunately the damage was minimal and he hadn't broken any bones, as was the case with his bleeding head earlier. There was bleeding yes but nothing serious. The doctor removed Gordon's head bandage before to check up on it and was satisfied that all was OK.

Gordon was resting on the sofa trying to take in the days' events. Like when he won the lottery, his life changed overnight. He has been thrown into a world that has had unpleasant experiences with humans which resulted in him being met with distrust, suspicion and even violence. So far he only met four ponies who have treat him with respect. He hopes to meet another later by the name of Lyra, the more he can get on his side the more easy it will be to prove he's a good guy.

He was awoken by the door bell ringing. He couldn't pretend not be in so he got up and answered the door to see Rarity and Fluttershy.

"Good evening darling," said Rarity with a smile.

"Hi Gordon," added Fluttershy with a small wave.

"Hi girls, what's up?"

"Oh we were just wondering if you'd like to take a tour of the town?" replied Rarity.

Gordon thought about it. He didn't really want to, but it would give him something to do and get on good terms with them.

"OK, just let me get ready."

Gordon quickly got his red fleece and black shoes made his way out of the front door before locking it.

"So, where to first?" he asked.

"Why don't we start at my boutique?" suggested Rarity.

"Sure," replied Gordon.

The trio, accompanied by Luna's Thestral guards, made their way to the boutique without incident. Without incident because the town was deserted. Gordon felt like asking but had a pretty good idea that he was why there was no-one else out and about.

The tour, which lasted for about an hour and took in various sights of Ponyville including the schoolhouse and Mayor Mares’ office, ended at the Town Hall. Due to Twilight's belligerent attitude towards Gordon he wasn't shown the inside of the library.

"So," started Gordon, "Is this were we part ways?"

"Not quite yet," replied Rarity.

"What do you mean?" asked Gordon furrowing his eyebrows.

Rarity and Fluttershy walked over to the doors and opened them. They stood to the side and beckoned Gordon to go inside. Sighing Gordon walked inside and saw darkness.

Darkness, suspicious behaviour, no one in town.....Oh shit no.

"SURPRISE!!"

The lights suddenly came on as a large crowd of ponies stood in full view of Gordon.

"What's going on?" asked Gordon.

"It's your surprise party silly," replied an excited Pinkie.

"It's not my birthday."

"I know. Your birthday is on the 26th March. This is your 'Welcome to Ponyville Party."

Gordon just stood there with his mouth open.

"How the bloody hell did you know when my birthday is?"

"Because I'm Pinkie Pie."

"That's not really an answer."

"Yes it is silly. Now let's have less talking and more partying."

Pinkie bounced away to start the party as Gordon was flanked by Rarity and Fluttershy.

"Is she always like this?" asked Gordon.

"Most of the time, but you get used to it," replied Rarity, "Now come along darling, let's go and make you some friends."

Rarity hooked her arm around Gordon's arm and took him over to meet the pony most likely to like him.

Noticing Gordon approach, the pony in question squeed in glee. She launched herself forward and gave Gordon a bone crushing hug.

"Hello to you as well," wheezed out Gordon, "I'm guessing you're Lyra."

Lyra let go of Gordon and nodded vigorously with a huge grin and sparkly eyes.

"You must excuse Lyra," said Rarity, "She's rather fond of humans."

"Well in that case, I'm Gordon. Pleased to meet you Lyra," he said extending his hand.

Lyra reached out and shook his hand enthusiastically.

"I'M SHAKING HANDS WITH A HUMAN!"

"Lyra stop screaming, you'll scare him away."

Another mare with cream fur and a blue and pink mane stepped in from the side and removed Lyra's hand from Gordon.

"But Bon Bon he's a human," Lyra pouted as she looked at her.

Gordon couldn't help but stifle at laugh at Lyra's behaviour. He wasn't sure why but he found Lyra quite cute.

"It's fine....Bon Bon wasn't it?"

"Yes. What happened to your hands?"

Rarity and Fluttershy went wide eyed in realisation. They hadn't noticed them bandaged up.

"I punched a brick wall in my house."

The four mares eyes narrowed to pin-pricks.

"Why would you do that?" asked a very worried Lyra.

"I was angry at the way I'd been treated when I got here. I'm still feeling angry now. I punched the wall to vent some anger."

Rarity and Fluttershy looked a little guiltily at each other while Lyra and Bon Bon shared a concerned look.

Rarity placed a comforting hand on Gordon's shoulder "Darling we know we didn't have the best of introductions but harming yourself won't help."

Gordon sighed, "Would you prefer I take my anger out on you guys?"

"No but we don't like to see anypony suffer."

"What about earlier then in the hospital?" he asked a little more aggressively than he intended to.

Rarity and Fluttershy winced. They didn't believe what they saw when Celestia assaulted Gordon. They would never have thought that Princess Celestia of all ponies, the benevolent and kind ruler of Equestria, would act in such an uncivilised and inexcusable manner.

Lyra and Bon Bon looked at each other before turning back to Gordon and the girls, each with an eyebrow raised in confusion.

"What happened at the hospital?"

"Celestia slapped me after I told her that ponies broke into my home, assaulted me unprovoked and that they should be punished."

Bon Bon and Lyra just stood there with their mouths open.

"Oh and she hit me while I was strapped down to a bed so I had no way to defend myself or get away."

Lyra and Bon Bon were totally flabbergasted.

"That would explain the bruise on your face," said Lyra as she caressed Gordon's bruised cheekbone.

Gordon felt tingly inside as he felt Lyra's soft fur against his skin and smelt her minty aroma.

Bon Bon scoffed, "You expect me to believe that Princess Celestia attacked you. You're lying. Princess Celestia would never do that."

"Well she did to me."

"I don't believe you," replied an angry looking Bon Bon.

"It's true," interjected Rarity.

Bon Bon shook her head, "No no. I refuse to believe it."

"Well whatever's happened or will happen, I'll always stand at your side," said Lyra as she wrapped her arms firmly around Gordon.

Gordon returned the gesture, "Thanks Lyra. Does this mean we're friends?"

"Of course it does my silly human. Now come on, let's get some food."

Lyra took Gordon by the hand and lead Gordon towards the large assortment of food. Cakes and pastries of all kinds were on the table. Both Lyra and Gordon filled their plates and helped themselves to some Sweet Apple Acres Cider.

"I don't think Gordon truly realises what he's let himself in for befriending Lyra," state Bon Bon, "If you'll excuse me, I'll go and join them. Just to make sure Lyra doesn't get too carried away."

Bon Bon made her way over to Gordon and Lyra while Fluttershy and Rarity went to find the other girls.

She had been watching from a distance as Gordon mingled with her ponies. She watched as a mint green unicorn affectionately hugged him after he showed her his bandaged hands. Celestia didn't know what why his hands where bandaged but she felt she may be responsible in some way. Deciding she could no longer observe, she made her way over to Gordon who was sat at a table with the mint unicorn and Special Agent Sweetie Drops.

No, remember Tia, she scolded herself, she goes by the name Bon Bon now.

Celestia walked over, the gathered ponies all looked at her in surprise. None of them knew that she was there. They all bowed to the Princess who eventually stopped in front of Gordon's table. Gordon was the only one in the room not bowing to Celestia.

"Greetings Gordon. How are you?" she asked serenely.

Gordon scoffed at her question, "Like you care. Do you slap every restrained patient that says something that irks you?"

There was a chorus of gasps at Gordon's response and the gritting of teeth from Twilight Sparkle.

Celestia sighed. She had expected this response though she couldn't blame him either. He had every right to be angry with the way she acted.

"Yes. About my conduct at the hospital. I am deeply sorry about that. Though it is no excuse, I was overcome with anger at memories of my previous encounters with humans, and took that anger out on you."

There was a sea of open mouths as the ponies all heard their Princess confess to assaulting someone.

"I don't buy it," replied Gordon with a fierce glare, "You're not sorry at all."

Celestia winced at these remarks, "I realise I made a mistake and that you have no reason to believe me. All I ask is that you give me a second chance."

Gordon exhaled deeply, "Fine. It's more than you gave me. All I got from you was a slap to the face and a promise of life imprisonment."

Celestia had mixed emotions. She was pleased she was being given another chance but reminders of her behaviour made her feel ashamed, "I regret my actions and what I said. You will not be sent to the dungeons, unless of course you commit an act that would warrant such punishment."

"That seems reasonable enough. I do have some questions though."

"Then please ask."

"How did my house appear and how do I have running water? I don’t recall seeing workmen with water pipes."

"Without an investigation I cannot say how your house appeared and for running water, my guess would be that whatever brought you here also connected your house to the water mains."

"A little convenient but I’ll take what I can get. Now why is mostly everyone scared of me, or at least humans?"

"After their atrocities, stories were started on what they did. They were passed down from one generation to the next. Humans have generally become to be seen as a sign of chaos, hatred, violence, greed, lust and a few other negative traits. I have to admit to starting a few of the stories myself, as a way of protecting my subjects from harm against humans."

Gordon shook his head in disbelief, "So you told lies about humans. Whilst some humans are what you say, the vast majority are good people who do not condone violence or anti-social behaviour. If all humans were as you say we are then we would not have accomplished what we have, nor would there be so many of us."

An intrigued Celestia inquired further, "What kind of accomplishments?"

"Oh let's see. We completely eradicated a horrendous disease called smallpox, we put man of the moon five times, we've sent unmanned probes out of our solar system altogether, we've split the atom, we built the pyramids at a time when machines didn't exist, Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, the International Space Station and many more. I have a small library in my house full of books on humanity. Some of it is very dark and some of it is very bright."

Celestia and the other ponies could only stand there, some of these things sounded truly breath-taking. She would have to find out more some time. Gordon continued speaking.

"We humans do have dark periods of history. We know our past, even the bits we're ashamed of, but harmony cannot exist without chaos."

Celestia smiled. It would seem humans have changed over time.

"Indeed. Equestria too has had its dark times but now we bask in the light."

The scratching of a quill against parchment could be heard, "How many humans are there in your world?"

Gordon looked to the direction the voice came from. It came from Twilight.

"Pardon?"

"You said earlier and I quote, 'If all humans were as you say we are then we would not have accomplished what we have, nor would there be so many of us'. So I was just wandering how many of you there are."

"How many do you think there are, have a guess?"

"Well judging by what I've studied about humans and the way they live, I would say there couldn't be more than 20 million humans in your world."

Twilight had a confident smirk on show. Gordon wasn't sure how she came to that number, but he would enjoy telling her how many there really is.

"On Earth, the name of my world there are," he paused for dramatic effect, "7.4 billion humans."

The gasps could have sucked the oxygen out of the room. Twilight's eyes turned to pin-pricks.

"S-s-seven p-p-point f-four billion? But how is that possible? Humans enjoy killing each other, they do it for sport and entertainment; it doesn't make sense that humans would total 7.4 billion. You're making that up."

Gordon suppressed a furious outburst. He didn't appreciate being accused of lying and the assumption that humans enjoyed killing pissed him off, but getting angry wouldn't accomplish anything. He ignored Twilight's assumption for now and focussed in the topic of population.

"No I'm not. Over the past century the global population has gone from 2 billion to 7.4 billion. My country called England has a population of around 53 million. I have books at home that support what I say, I'd be more than pleased to show you. By the way, what is the population of this world and Equestria?"

Twilight quickly composed herself, "Well I accept your invitation to show me your books and to answer your question, here on our world Equus there is believed to be a global population of 400 million. Equestria itself has a population of 60 million. The rest are made up of Griffons, Minotaurs, Yaks, Diamond Dogs and other pony nations. There are around 250 million ponies in total on Equus."

Gordon nodded in understanding, "OK. Just one thing, how did you come to 20 million?"

"Well, I used what little information we have on humans and the Census records we have on them. I've studied humans, and I'd like to learn more if you'll help me."

Gordon thought for a moment. Twilight didn't exactly like him and he had reason to distrust her, but if he could get in her good books it would help tremendously. And prove to her that humans aren't bastards. Not all of them anyway.

"OK, I'll help you in your study on humans on the condition you don't assume we're all savage blood thirsty beasts, because we're not."

"Deal."

Celestia smiled. She had a feeling Twilight may lighten up in her attitude towards Gordon at his mention that he has a library of his own. But there was one more thing that concerned her.

"Gordon," she said looking worried, "Why are your hands bandaged?"

Gordon sighed, "I punched a brick wall several times out of anger at the way I'd been treated."

Celestia winced, she was right. She had been responsible in some way for his injuries. She approached Gordon and gently placed her hands on each of his shoulders.

"I will accept responsibility for that but promise me you won't harm yourself again."

Gordon looked into her eyes. Her deep gaze showing genuine concern, "I promise."

"Thank you Gordon. Now whilst it has been a pleasure attending, I must leave. I have business to attend to back in Canterlot."

"Before you go Princess, can I ask a question?"

Celestia nodded.

"What happened to the other humans?"

Celestia felt nervous. She knew what happened and Gordon had a right to know, but now wasn't the time.

"I will tell you. But now is not the time. I'll arrange for you to come to Canterlot some time so I can tell you in person."

"OK but I get the feeling I won't like the answer."

The Princess thanked Gordon and made her way out of the building and got into her chariot.

How did I not see that? wondered Gordon.

"Farewell my little ponies. Farewell Gordon."

The Princess was then flown away by the Pegasi Guards, leaving Gordon and several ponies to finish the party without her. They made their way back inside when Gordon was 'abducted' by Rarity again.

"Come on darling, let's go and meet the others."

Gordon wondered who 'the others' were until he saw a table where Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow Dash sat. Fluttershy and Pinkie were there also but he had no reason to be angry with them. He wanted to make a break for it but Rarity was surprisingly strong for a girl. She pulled out a chair with her magic and sat Gordon down, his cider and food were there waiting for him.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash were still giving Gordon death glares whilst Twilight was playing with her mane. Wanting to ease the tension, Gordon spoke up.

"So, how are you girls?"

Neither Applejack or Rainbow answered and Twilight was too busy playing with her mane.

"They're OK," said Fluttershy, "They're just scared of you."

Rainbow's wings flared open and she gritted her teeth, "I am not scared of a human."

"Then why do you keep ignoring him?" asked Fluttershy.

"Because he's a dangerous creature that's just waiting for the right time to attack you."

"Just like you did in my house this morning?"

"That's different."

"How?" inquired Gordon.

"I though you were going to attack my friends."

"You thought I was going to attack so you attacked me first, which would then give me justified cause to attack you?"

Rainbow tried to get a response out but her brain came up short.

"What about you?" Gordon asked looking to Applejack.

Applejack looked to Gordon with a hard, scrutinising stare. She was wary of Gordon and didn't trust him, but she knew a way she could get to know him better.

"Ah know a way ah could get ta know ya better. Come ta the farm tomorrow."

"Are you giving me a job or just trying to spy on me?"

Applejack sighed, "Look, humans have a bad reputation around here. I'm offering you a job and it's a good way ta find out if ya an honest, trustworthy fellow. If ponies see ya put in a hard days work they're more likely to warm up ta ya. Not ta mention ya'll get paid."

"Well I appreciate the chance. What would I be doing and what's the pay?"

"Jus' helpin' us pick apples off the trees and it's eight bits an hour."

"Sounds simple enough, not sure what money's worth here though, I'll have to try and work it out. I'll be there. What time?"

"7am sharp."

Gordon nodded. During his talks with Rarity and Fluttershy he found out Equestria has the same measurements of time as Earth, 24 hours in one day, seven days a week etc.

"Twilight, have you anythin' ya want ta ask?"

Twilight stopped playing with her mane and looked at Gordon. There was only one thing on her mind and it began with 'L' and finished with 'Y'.

"Can you let me see your library?" she asked almost bursting with glee.

Gordon showed no emotion as he answered, "Can you let me go so I can go to the toilet?"

Twilight's eyes narrowed to pinpricks and she blushed profusely, "Errr yeah. Rrrrrrrealy sorry about that. We didn't exactly behave or act in a civilised manner."

"Is that what you believe or are you just mimicking what your Princess says?"

"Look we were scared, and bearing in mind what happened the last time humans were here we had to be cautious."

"Be that as it may, it's still very demeaning to be strapped down to a bed and have to ask to be allowed to go to the toilet."

Twilight sighed, "Look, we're sorry. You've given the Princess a second chance, can you give us one?"

"I suppose so, it's only fair."

Twilight immediately perked up, "Does that mean I can see you library instead of you just showing me your books?"

"Another time. Tomorrow evening maybe."

Twilight launched herself forward and gave Gordon a body squeezing hug.

"Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou."

Everyone on the room looked at the scene and realising this Twilight let go of Gordon and returned to her seat, her face a little red.

"What about you RD? Do ya have anythin' ta say?"

Rainbow huffed in annoyance, "Just don't mess with my friends."

Rainbow flew away before anymore was said.

"Don't mind Rainbow," said Fluttershy, "She's really nice when you get to know her."

"I'm sure she is."

The party went on for a few more hours. Gordon met up with Lyra and Bon Bon again as well as meeting some more ponies. One in particular was Vinyl Scratch, or DJ Pon3, who was a nationally known musician along with her marefriend Octavia. Octavia was a cellist in the Canterlot Symphony Orchestra and one of the best there is. Vinyl and Octavia took a quick liking to Gordon, especially when he told her about his music room. Gordon invited them both to come over some time to have a practice session. Both Vinyl and Octavia accepted, he also invited Lyra as well when she mentioned she plays the Lyre.

Not all the ponies wanted to talk to him, or even see him. They said they just came for the free food.

It didn't bother Gordon. He didn't expect everyone to like him, besides he'd already made some friends which would go some way on proving that humans aren't bastards.

It was around midnight when the party finished. Everyone left quietly and made their way home. To his surprise Rainbow offered to walk back with him.

"So, what is it you do around here?"

"I'm the Weather Manager for Ponyville."

"Weather Manager? You're responsible for predicting the weather?"

"Predicting? Ha! You're funny human. I don't predict the weather, I make the weather."

Gordon's eyebrows furrowed, "Make it?"

"Yeah, you know, make it. Doesn't that happen where you're from"

"Where I'm from the weather happens on its own. No-one can control it."

"Huh. Kinda like the Everfree Forest."

"That huge forest on the edge of town?"

"That's the one."

Gordon was intrigued by the weather being controlled in Equestria. He'd have to ask about it another time when he's not half asleep. Rainbow and Gordon were at the gates of his house when Rainbow spoke up.

"You have a nice house."

"Thanks. Just a shame I'll never have my mother around again."

Rainbow winced. She wasn't the sappy type but the thought of never seeing her family again made her feel sad, so actually experiencing that must have been truly heart wrenching. Now that she thought about it, she felt like she'd been a bit of a bitch towards Gordon. She would make it up to him and she knew how to do it. She just hoped he would like them.

Looking at Gordon she could see he was getting a little misty eyed.

"Hey, you OK?"

"I'll be fine. I just miss my mum. What's worse is that there's no way to tell her that I'm OK. She'll be worried sick. She'll have turned up to where my house was earlier and see it's not there. Quite what the authorities will find or what conclusion they'll reach I have no idea."

Gordon suddenly felt something wrapped firmly around him. He turned his head and saw Rainbow was giving him a firm hug. He vibrant rainbow mane brushed against his face. Like Lyra, Rainbow had a pleasant aroma to her.

Gordon returned the hug and spoke up.

"I wouldn't have expected this from you Rainbow considering you've been hostile towards me."

Still firmly hugging him she replied, "Yeah I've been a bitch, my friends are giving you a chance so I will to, out of loyalty to them. Don't you dare tell anypony I hugged you though."

Gordon laughed, "I won't tell anyone."

The two stopped hugging and looked at each other.

"So, I'll see you tomorrow then," said Rainbow with a slight blush to her face.

"See you tomorrow then."

Gordon watched as Rainbow flew away back to her cloud house. As he was watching her he heard someone coughing behind him. Turning around he saw Bon Bon and Lyra.

Lyra was gently pushing Bon Bon towards Gordon who looked a little guilty.

"Bon Bon, what's wrong?"

Bon Bon turned round to look a Lyra who raised an eyebrow as if to say 'Well?'.

"I'm sorry for what I said earlier. It's just that Princess Celestia is the kindest pony there is. To hear anypony say she would deliberately harm another is unbelievable, yet you were right."

"You don't need to apologise, I'd probably think the same had I been brought up in Equestria."

"I do need to apologise. I shouldn't have just dismissed what you said, even when Rarity backed you up."

"Well, in the interests of diplomacy I'll accept your apology."

"Thank you. Here have these."

Bon Bon handed Gordon a paper bag. He opened the bag to see his favourite hard boiled sweet. Rhubarb and custard.

"They're-" Bon Bon started.

"Rhubarb and custard," Gordon finished.

"How did you know?" asked Bon Bon in surprise.

"We have them in my world. They're my favourite hard boiled sweet."

Bon Bon smiled, "Well then, in that case feel free to visit my sweet shop. I make the sweets in this town, including those in your hand."

"I'll be sure to visit."

"Well, since there's nothing else I'll see you around sometime."

"See you later."

Bon Bon and Lyra made their way away form his house and towards their own place. He walked down his garden path and went inside his home. He made his way straight to his room and after getting changed got into bed. He was actually looking forward to tomorrow working with Applejack. He got the impression that if he could get her on his side he would have an easier time with the other townsponies.

He felt the party went OK. Celestia's apology was a surprise as was Twilight's change in attitude. He knew he still had a lot to prove to the Princess. He couldn't help but feel that Celestia would be checking up on him periodically, though it's understandable.

If he worked hard and made friends he was sure he would be OK.

Of course though, nothing is ever that simple.

Is it?