Tuesday 8th April 2014
Ponyville General Hospital
09:48

"Try not to get into too much trouble out there," Nurse Redheart teases as she presents me with a small bag of mild painkillers and places them on the bedside table. I spent an entire week in hospital as they conducted basic tests and treated my burns. Apparently, Luna also persuaded them to keep me in the hospital longer than I was required to, probably her way of making sure I stayed in bed and didn't go off on another spontaneous adventure.

Throwing the bed sheets over the end of the bed I climb to my feet and stretch my body. My eyes drift to my right shoulder as I examine the bandaging, though most of the pain has gone I'm still left with a fairly nasty burn mark. "I'm not allowed to work, Princess Luna's orders. I'm pretty sure I can keep out of trouble for a while." Stepping to the armchair in the corner I gather the clothing that Rarity had brought for me. A set of grey cargo trousers, a tight fitting white t-shirt and the black jacket I took with me to the village last week.

"I don't know. You have a pretty poor track record."

Scoffing I shake my head as I sit down to put on my socks, "You should have seen me when I played rugby at school. It wasn't a proper game if I didn't finish the game with an injury."

Cocking a brow, Redheart turns to leave the room. "I have no idea what rugby is."

Grinning I reach for my boots and put them on, with a pull of the quick release zip they're easily secured. Grabbing hold of the prescription bag and my phone I make for the exit to leave as quickly as I can. A week in hospital is the most boring thing imaginable, especially when there's no TV to keep you occupied. At least everyone came around at some point to visit me. I would have gone mad if I spent the entire time by myself.

Strolling out of the hospital doors I run a hand over my short untrimmed beard, since I haven't got to work I decided that there was no need to shave again. Making my way down the streets I try to figure out where to go, no matter what choice I make I'll still need to get some basic supplies from my room at the barracks. Based on that, I make returning to the barracks my first priority.

Reaching the barracks I'm about to walk past the two guards posted there before the Corporal steps in the way. "Sorry, Sir, you're not authorised to enter the barracks at this time."

Cocking a brow I shift my gaze to the private mare as she stares straight ahead. Blinking I focus back on the Corporal as he looks back at me, "What?"

"Princess Luna's orders. She said we are to prevent you from entering the barracks until further notice."

Groaning I run my hand over my face. "Private, go inside and get Chaser for me."

As she's about to move away from the position, the Corporal raises his wing to stop her. "Sir, we have been told not to acknowledge your orders. As the commanding officer of the garrison, Lieutenant Venture has instructed us both to remain at our post until relieved."

"You're shitting me?" The Corporal doesn't respond as he looks straight at me. This is fucking ridiculous, Luna. If I'm to stay elsewhere then I need to be able to gather my things. Releasing a frustrated sigh I take a step back. Cupping my hand over my mouth I tilt my head back to look at the windows overhead, "SUNNY!? CHASER!? SOMEONE GET OUT THEIR ARSE OUT HERE!"

After a minute Chaser finally steps through the door. As the Corporal steps out of the way for him, Chaser approaches me with a bag in his hoof. "I was wondering when you'd show up." Holding the bag to me I take hold of it and open the flaps, "Everything is in there. Money, clothing, toiletries."

Checking everything inside I place the bag over my back, the strap digs into my shoulder slightly causing me to hiss in pain. "This is a load of crap. I'm not even allowed to stay in my own room."

"You'd just end up working. You're a workaholic."

"I'm not a workaholic."

Chaser raises an eyebrow, "You do nothing but work. I don't need to go far for an example, last week you discharged yourself and went halfway across Equestria. Let me tell you, the Princess was pissed when she found out."

Sighing I rub my face, "Yeah. She already gave me a bollocking, it seems that she's also determined to punish me by not letting me have my own fucking bed. Has anything interesting happened over the last week?"

"I can't say. We can't discuss work with you." Chuckling, Chaser shakes his head, "You're only reinforcing my point of you being a workaholic. Take some time off for ponies sake. Get some rest, spend some time with Moon Glow or something." Turning back to the door he glances to me, "Enjoy it while you can. I know I would."

As soon as he steps back through the door both the Corporal and Private immediately move back into position in order to block the doorway. So where the fuck am I supposed to go then? Rent a room at the tavern? No, I don't know how long it will be until I can come back so it could end up costing me a lot of money. Didn't Luna say she was going to speak to the girls? I guess I'd better head to Twilight's, I stayed with her when I first arrived so I suppose it makes sense.

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"It's bloody ridiculous," I complain to Twilight as she walks me down one of the many corridors of her new castle. "I've essentially been kicked out of my own house. I feel like a kid who's been grounded... except I can't go to my room." Groaning I rub the bridge of my nose, "I'm sorry for having to put you in this position, Twilight. I'd rather not invade your home, but Luna said she'd speak to you and the girls about giving me a place to stay."

"It's no worry at all, John. Princess Luna came around after she visited you and explained the circumstances. Honestly, I understand exactly how you feel. I'd rather get my head down into my books and continue my studies, but my friends taught me that sometimes it's best to take a breather."

"Exactly. I've spent a week in a hospital bed, I want to get on with some work." Stopping on the spot I close my eyes, "Wow. I really am a workaholic. Well... shit."

Twilight chuckles as she walks into the kitchen, "I guess we both have that in common."

As she starts to search through an overhead cupboard, I lean back against a central counter. "I guess so. It's just... I've used work here as a way to get my old life out of my head. By keeping myself busy I've been able to prioritise other things instead of thinking about home."

"I can only imagine how hard it must be, John. But you know we're here for you, right?"

"Yeah, I know. In all honesty, I've not really been thinking about home lately. I guess I've kinda accepted that this is my home now, no amount of wishing is going to get me home." Cocking a brow I watch as Twilight opens a small bottle of tablets from a small medicine box. Placing two tablets in her mouth she quickly fills a glass from the tap with her magic and washes the tablets down. "Is everything alright?" Twilight pauses as she turns back to me, "What are they for?"

Closing the bottle, Twilight places it back into the box and returns it to the overhead cabinet. "It's nothing to worry about. It's just... nevermind."

Cocking a brow I move away from the counter, "You can tell me, Twilight. It's not like I'm gonna blurt about this to the others."

Sighing, Twilight closes her eyes. "I take it you've heard about... heat cycles?" Twilight seems to blush as she says this.

"Yeah, only a little though. When me and Sunny hooked up she-" Pausing I lift my eyes to look back at Twilight. "-Oh. You're in heat?"

"It's nothing to worry about," Twilight responds almost immediately. "If you're in the Guard then you're also probably aware that there are suppressants available to help during heat."

"Oh, so you've taken just suppressants?" Twilight nods once again. As she leaves the kitchen I follow her into the corridor as we make our way through the castle. So I take it the suppressants act like the pill back home, acting not only as a way to prevent pregnancy but to also reduce the urges that come with heat. After all, when me and Sunny had sex she was in heat and didn't take her meds. Yet... I didn't get her pregnant, well that's to be expected since she's a different species to me.

As we continue to walk I begin to think about the possibilities of even having kids in the future. If Twilight was able to use a transfiguration to turn me into a pony, would I be able to get someone pregnant whilst I'm in that form? My curiosity eventually gets the better of me. "Twilight? I have something to ask you."

Tilting her head back she nods her head, "Yes?"

"Do you remember that spell you used which made me take the form of a pony?" Twilight nods. "Well... out of curiosity. Let's say, hypothetically, if I was in the form of a pony, would it be possible for me to... have children?"

Twilight comes to a stop as she looks to me, "I don't see why not. Why?"

"Well, if I'm going to be here for the rest of my life I may want to eventually have a family. It would just be nice to know that when I find the right girl I could potentially start a family."

Beginning to move once again, I follow Twilight as she takes a turn down the corridor. "In theory, it should be possible. When I use the transfiguration spell to change you into a pony I am in essence altering your DNA in order to achieve that. Genetically, whilst you are in that form you are a pony. So, yes. You should be able to have foals if you were to try."

Coming to a stop alongside a set of double doors, Twilight turns to me. "While you're here, I was hoping you could help me with a spell."

Cocking a brow I fold my arms, "A spell? I'm an engineer, not a magician."

"Well, I was hoping you'd help me with two spells, actually. One of which will hopefully benefit you."

Cocking a brow I look at Twilight sceptically, "A spell which will help me? Unless it's a healing spell to fix my shoulder then I doubt it'll help me."

Twilight responds with a smile as her magic opens the double door. Following her inside I see that Applejack, Rainbow and Spike are sitting on various cushions which are scattered around the room. Tall bookshelves cover the walls with a number of small tables situated around the room. Obviously Twilight got an upgrade when it comes to how many books she can store. This place could probably rival the national archives.

Stopping in the centre of the room, Twilight levitates a book from one of the nearby tables and flicks through the pages. "In a way, it will help your shoulder. My healing capabilities aren't as effective as Princess Luna's, but I have been looking into a spell which may help you." Stepping closer to me she places her hoof on my hand and turns it over revealing my palm to her. "I've been studying a spell which should repair any tissue damage, effectively healing permanent markings such as scars."

Looking to the palms of my hands, my eyes flick back and forth over the burn scars which mark my hands. When I got these I was told that they'd be permanent. To actually be rid of them... Closing my eyes I clench my fists together, "And you're certain this will work? No weird side effects?"

Closing the book, Twilight gives me a determined nod. "I'm certain. I've familiarised myself with the spell and will be able to cast it, I just... need a volunteer."

Looking to the others in the room I slowly nod my head. As they start to move towards me and Twilight, I open up my hands and hold them out for Twilight. Closing her eyes, Twilight lowers her head until her horn is positioned between both of my hands. After a few seconds, her horn illuminates as her magical essence caresses my hands, it feels as though someone is experimentally feeling my hands for the first time. As I wait for something to happen a sudden jolt pierces my flesh, pin and needles quickly cover my entire hands as the glow on Twilight's horn intensifies.

Closing my eyes I turn my head away as she continues. I can feel my skin tingling as it feels as though it's stretching, a fresh layer of skin being placed on my hand and connecting together to cover the scars. This sensation continues for another minute until I can no longer see the glow of Twilight's horn through my sealed eyelids. Cautiously I open my eyes to see her and the others all looking at my hands.

"Wow," Spike states as his eyes scan my hands. "You can't even tell that you had scars."

Twisting my head I slowly lift my hands before my face, my eyes widening at what they see. The scars... they're gone. My hands look as good as new, you couldn't even tell that a scar used to be on my palms. A wide grin spreads across my face as I start to laugh. I repeatedly clench and open my hands before running my fingers over my palms. I had forgotten what it feels like to have smooth hands. Leaning forward I quickly grab hold of Twilight and lift her up as I pull her close against me in a hug as I continue to laugh. The other three all laugh at my display as Twilight tries to wriggle free from my grasp.

"John," Twilight says as her hooves push against my chest. "I know you're happy but could you please put me down?"

Grinning I release Twilight allowing her hooves to once again touch the floor, "You have no idea how good it is to have my hands back to normal. I can't thank you enough, Twilight. The doctors told me that the scars would be permanent, I never thought I'd have normal hands again. Thank you."

Rainbow leans closer to Applejack and whispers into her ear, "He sure has a thing for his hands." Applejack responds with a small chuckle as she glances back to Rainbow.

As Twilight smiles at me I finally lower my hands, "Well, since you've done that for me I'll definitely help you with whatever else you needed. So, what do you need from me?"

Twilight pauses momentarily, "Well, you're not exactly required to do much for this."

I look at her in confusion, "Okay... so why do you need me? What is it?"

"Do you remember the transfiguration spell we were just discussing? I was hoping you'd be able to help me with some more research."

"You're not wanting to change me back to a pony, are you?" My mind runs back to that experience, the lack of fingers, walking around on all fours and Applejack having to teach me how to walk.

"Although I'd like to do a more in-depth study of the changes you experience as a pony, that is not what I'm considering at the moment." Levitating another book from the shelf, Twilight presents it to me. Looking a the cover I can see the picture of myself standing in front of a sketch of the Earth. The book she wrote about humans? Is she wanting to learn more?

Opening the pages I flick through the pages, "I take it you want to know more about humans? But what has this got to do with your transfiguration spell?"

"Well, this is where I need your help... and the girls." The girls and I exchange a quick glance as we all watch Twilight. "I've been able to learn a lot about your species, your culture, history and anatomy. However, I don't know much about the females of your species."

Applejack steps forwards as she eyes Twilight curiously, "Hold on, sugarcube. You want to turn one of us into a human?"

"Not it!" Rainbow shouts out.

Applejack turns to scowl at her friend, "You can't just call 'not it.'"

"I can and I just did."

Nodding I fold my arms, "She did."

Applejack's focus suddenly turns to me, "Why are you sidin' with her?"

"To be fair, the rules of 'not it' apply to most situations in life. Besides, you all forced me to be a pony. I'm curious to see what one of you would look like as a human." Pausing I turn my head to Twilight, "So why do you need me?"

Twilight steps between me and Applejack, "Well, we've only seen a female human briefly in your pictures and from your memories. I need you to tell me if there are any... abnormalities."

Applejack's eyes widen, "Abnormalities? You sure know how to make somepony feel safe, don't you Twi?"

"I don't mean like that, AJ. I meant it in the sense of any significant differences between an average female human. You won't be in any danger, John was safe when I did the same spell on him."

"Yeah, but you were turnin' him into a species which you knew plenty about."

"I've looked into this spell in great detail. I promise you'll be safe." Twilight looks to Applejack with her pleading eyes.

Defeated, Applejack releases a sigh, "What do you need me to do?"

"I only require you to go through some basic coordination tests. I'll also take a few measurements and observations of your body and any changes which may occur." Twisting her head she looks back to me, "John will simply be here to point out any areas which I'm unsure of."

Rolling her eyes, Applejack removes her stetson and the ribbons in both her mane and tail. Throwing them on a nearby table she moves to an open section of the room and turns back to Twilight. "Are you sure this is safe?"

"You may feel some discomfort like John did. Other than that, you're not in any danger." I remove my backpack and rest it on the floor as Twilight steps directly in front of Applejack. As Rainbow and Spike join me, we all watch as Twilight closes her eyes and begins to channel her magic. Her energy quickly transfers to Applejack, covering her in a magenta aura as her hooves rise from the floor. As Twilight puts more energy into the spell, Applejack is shrouded by in Twilight's magic cutting off our view of her.

This continues for a minute as the light from the ball of energy becomes too much. Shielding our eyes we turn our head away as we can hear groans of discomfort coming from within. Finally, the light fades as Twilight starts to breathe heavily. Turning back to Applejack my eyes widen at what I see before me. Applejack is curled up on the floor, but instead of being a pony she has been transformed into a human.

As she lies there my eyes quickly scan over her body. Her skin is lightly tanned but seems to be fairly clean and healthy, her body is also well toned from her work on the farm yet still maintains its natural feminine figure. Stepping closer she opens her eyes which remain the usual green colour she has as a pony, her blonde hair is swept back and draped over her shoulders revealing her lightly freckled face.

Slowly lifting her head her eyes lock onto me. Kneeling down I hold my hand out flat to her, "You okay?" Nodding she raises her arm yet immediately freezes, her eyes widen as she twists her forearm around and inspects the new limb. As soon as she lifts her arm I find myself unable to move my head away, moving away from the fetal position she unintentionally flashes her breasts which causes my eyes to snap onto them. Fucking hell, John! Control yourself, it's not like you've never seen a pair of tits before. Unable to move my eyes away I can't help but think that they're bigger than Jess'.

Clamping my eyes shut I turn my head away. As I look away I feel Applejack's hand rest against mine. Focusing back to her, our eyes lock with one another as I slowly rise to my full length. Pulling her up with me she stumbles forward against my chest. Instinctively I wrap my arms around her back to catch her but find my hands accidentally getting a bit too close to her ass, quickly shifting my hands up her back I turn my head away as I feel a blush pushing its way through my cheeks. Really!? Did I really just try to grab her ass?

Applejack's arms seem to mimic mine as they quickly wrap around my back, this is likely just to stop herself from falling as she seems to be squeezing fairly tight. Pulling back slightly, Applejack looks to me, "I... I never realised how tall you were."

Grinning I lean back slightly, "Feels good, doesn't it?" Looking at her body at a whole she is actually fairly tall, she's only about an inch or so smaller than me making her about six-foot tall. I can't help but feel my trousers tighten as her chest presses against mine. You've got to be kidding me! Now!? Releasing one of my arms from her back I slide it free from the sleeve of my jacket, once my arm is free I repeat the action with my other arm. With my jacket removed I drape it over her back in an attempt to cover her up slightly, probably for my benefit more than anyone else.

Lowering her head, her eyes lock onto her toes as she wiggles them. "How the hay are y'all supposed to stand with these?"

Chuckling I lift my feet, "Now you know how I felt when I was a pony. You'll get used to it." I cock a brow when I notice her cheeks blushing, following her eyes I notice that they seem to be focused on a rather sizable bulge in my trousers. My cheeks instantly ignite from embarrassment as I try to position my leg in front of the other to hide it, "S-sorry. Can't help it... haven't exactly seen a woman in a while."

"N-no..." Applejack stammers. "I get it... it's alright." Slowly her eyes trail up my body until they meet mine.

A heavy blush covers both of our faces as Twilight clears her throat. We both turn our heads to face her, in the background I can see Rainbow as she's covering her muzzle in an attempt to prevent herself from laughing. "Applejack, do you feel alright?"

Applejack nods as her grip on me relaxes, "I think so. It' just... I ain't exactly used to this body." As she steps backwards she nearly falls, she only prevents herself from falling backwards as her hands clamp down on my shirt.

Rainbow laughs out loud as she leans against the table, "And I thought seeing John as a pony was funny. This. Is. Hilarious!"

Applejack scowls towards Rainbow, "I'd like to see you try standin' on your hindlegs without your tail." Tilting her head back, Applejack shakes her hips in order to move her non-existent tail. I have to turn my head away from the display as I feel an uncomfortable pressure in my trousers.

As Twilight steps forward, she quickly comes to a stop as she looks away with a heavy blush on her cheeks. "John... are you-"

"-Can we just move on?" I interrupt Twilight as she raises her hoof to shield her eyes.

"Is he what?" Spike asks from further back in the room.

"Nothing!" Myself, Applejack and Twilight all shout in unison.

Clearing her throat, Twilight turns to Spike. "Maybe it would be best if you went about your chores, Spike."

Spike groans as he lifts his claws to point towards us, "Aww, come on. Why can't I stay?"

Before Twilight can answer, I interrupt her. "Spike, humans like to wear clothing. In our society, it's considered rude for a man to see a woman undressed, especially when they're around someone your age." Spike is about to respond before I can continue, "I know you're curious about female humans but at least give us some time so I can get Applejack some of my clothing to cover up. Okay?"

Spike sighs as he turns to leave, "Okay." Walking across the room he slowly leaves the room closing the door behind him.

Once he's left the room, Twilight turns to me, "Thank you, John."

We're suddenly reminded of Rainbow's presence as she continues to guffaw. Stepping up to us she shakes her head as her eyes notice the situation in my trousers. "Wow, AJ. You managed to get him all worked up."

Closing my eyes I groan out loud, "Not helping, Rainbow. I haven't seen a woman in months and now one is suddenly in front of me with no clothes on, it's kinda inevitable."

Trying to get her laughing under control, Rainbow starts to move her eyes up and down Applejack's frame. Scanning over her body her eyes come to a stop when they lock onto Applejack's chest. "What are those?" She asks as she lifts her hooves to point towards Applejacks breasts.

Sighing I slowly release my grasp of Applejack, as I let go of her her hands remain locked on my shirt in order to prevent her from falling. "They're called breasts. They're... mammary gland, for breastfeeding babies."

Rainbow looks to me in confusion. Lifting her hoof she pokes Applejack's breast, "Then why are they so large? AJ isn't having a foal." Shifting her gaze she looks at Applejack, "Are you?"

Applejack scowls at Rainbow as she swats Rainbow's hoof away, "Don't be ridiculous. Of course I ain't."

Slowly stepping to the side, I escort Applejack towards the table, "They just are, Rainbow. Different women have different sizes. In all honesty, you'd be better off asking a woman about these things, I don't really know all that much."

As Applejack leans back against the table, Twilight steps up to me. "We don't exactly have a human female to ask. So, unfortunately, you're the best we have."

Groaning I scratch my beard, "Great. Where the fuck is Wikipedia when you need it?"

The girls all watch me in confusion. "Wikipedia?" Applejack asks.

I wave my hand dismissively, "Never mind. That's not important." Focusing my eyes on Applejack I can't help but look down the centre of her jacket as my eyes drift from her breasts down to her groin. Quickly turning my head away before I look too low, I clear my throat. "Can you zip up the jacket and at least try to cover up?"

"Uh... we don't exactly wear clothes. I don't care what y'all three see."

"Besides," Twilight adds. "I need to study her anatomy."

When I turn back to Applejack I notice her hands moving the jacket to the side as she examines her body. "For fuck sake.. really, Applejack? I ask you to cover up and instead, you show me more of your body."

Applejack closes her jacket again, "I'm just curious."

"I know you are but I don't exactly want to spend a full day of being uncomfortable as I'm practically flashed. This is already awkward enough for me." Pulling a chair out from underneath the table, I move alongside Applejack and point to the chair. "Sit there. Let's just get this out of the way with before this becomes too awkward."

Applejack shuffles across the surface of the table until she reaches the chair. Rising to her feet she flails around her arms as she tries to keep herself balanced. Falling to the side I quickly rush forward to catch her. Grabbing hold of her waist I end up losing my footing as I fall backwards causing her to crash on top of me, this causes more awkwardness as she ends up essentially straddling me as her chest presses against mine.

We stare at one another wide-eyed as Rainbow is unable to contain herself, falling to the floor she laughs uncontrollably as she brings her hooves to her chest. Pushing herself up, Applejack sits against my crotch as she unintentionally pushes against the bulge in my trousers. Please... be an accident and tell me she wasn't just grinding against me. Grabbing hold of Applejack I move her off me to the side in order to get myself up. Once I'm standing I cautiously take hold of her arms and lift her up in order to escort her to the chair.

Once she is seated I move to Rainbow and pick her up off the floor. With my arms wrapped around her waist, she tries to wriggle free, "Hey!" She shouts at me. "What gives!?"

Stepping to the door I quickly open them up and drop her on the other side of the door on her hooves, "You are staying out here."

"What?" Before she can protest any further I close the doors on her and lean back against them. Things are already weird enough as it is. I don't want her laughing at my expense every two minutes. Waiting by the door I eventually hear her wings flapping as she seems to head down the corridor. Breathing a sigh of relief I make my way back to the other two girls as I notice Twilight taking a few basic measurements. This is going to be a very uncomfortable experience for me.

Twilight spent the next few hours conducting various tests in order to understand female humans better. I don't exactly appreciate being used as some sort lab experiment but I'm more than happy to help Twilight. Most of the tests required basic anatomy compared to human males. Apart from the usual assets, there were little to no differences between men and women. Female humans seemed to have less body hair compared to the males, their figures also seemed to be smaller along males but we were simply basing these from what John told us and the difference between me and him.

As the tests went on, John eventually went over basic body controls with me such as walking, balancing and fine motor skills. He would support me as I would try to walk across the room, just like I taught him how to walk as a pony it seems that he was returning the favour. I couldn't help but notice that his eyes would occasionally scan over my body, especially over my hips and chest. I can't exactly blame him, if I went for so long without seeing a stallion I'm sure I would try to sneak a peak every now and then.

As the evening starts to come around John sits back in the chair with my stetson on his head, "You're getting the hang of it, Applejack. Pretty soon you'll be wanting to walk around on two legs all the time."

Chuckling I join alongside him as I lean against the table, "I don't think so. Give me four legs any day of the week."

Twilight joins us as she rolls up her scroll, by the time we had finished all our tests the scroll seemed to reach half way across the floor. "I must say, I'm impressed with how quick you became accustomed to your new form. I can't thank you enough, Applejack." Placing the scroll on the table, Twilight steps in front of me. "I'll change you back now, AJ. Who knows how Granny Smith will react if she sees you walking towards the farm like that."

John leans forward as he rests his hand on his knees, "She doesn't look that bad. In fact, she actually looks pretty good by our standards. And I'm not just saying that cause you're the first woman I've seen in months," Grinning he winks at me.

Turning my head away I try to hide my cheeks as they heat up. Grinning I stand up and unzip the jacket before throwing it at John, "You'll probably want this back before Twilight changes me back." I can't help but smirk as John tries to avert his gaze yet his eyes seem to frequently flick back to me.

Channelling her magic, Twilight looks up to me. "Are you ready?" As soon as I nod, Twilight closes her eyes as she focuses all of her energy on me. In a matter of seconds, I find myself being lifted from the floor as her magical aura surrounds me. As the energy seems to pass through my flesh I start to feel some pain at the ends of my hands as the fingers begin to retract into my body. Forcing my eyes shut I wait for the experience to be over as Twilight focuses on the spell.

After a minute it finally comes to an end as I make contact with the floor once again. As Twilight's magic cuts off I slowly open my eyes to see John kneeling over me with his jacket on once again. Smiling at me he holds his hand out, "Feeling okay?"

I can't help but feel relaxed as he smiles at me. Looking down at my body I'm relieved to find that I once again have my hooves back, though those fingers have their advantages I'd go for hooves any day of the week. Lifting my hoof, John takes a hold of me and helps me back onto all fours. Lifting his hands, he removes the stetsons from his head and places it over my mane. Grinning I shake my head, "Thanks for keeping it safe."

Chuckling John stands once again at his full height, "No problem." After being his height for the last few hours, it feels strange to once again be smaller than him. Rubbing his hands together he looks between me and Twilight, "Well, I don't know about you girls but I could do with a drink. I'm gonna pop the kettle on and make a brew. Would you girls like a drink?"

Twilight nods to John. Smiling to the two of us John turns to leave the study. I can't help but look over his body as he leaves, my eyes drifting over his muscular frame in particular. I never noticed how strong his body was. When his body was pressed against mine I could feel his muscles against my body. Once he's out the room, Twilight begins to move towards the door to follow him. This is probably the best time... it's now or never.

Stepping up to Twilight I clear my throat, "Twi, can I ask you somethin'?"

Stopping on the spot she looks to me with a soft smile, "Sure, AJ. What's on your mind?"

"I... I wanted to ask you about... John."

Twilight's expression shifts slightly to one of confusion, "What about him?"

"I wanted to-" I pause as I try to force the words out. Come on, AJ. You can do this. "Do you..." Closing my eyes I turn my head away, "What do you think of him? As a pony... or person?" Darn it... what's wrong with me?

"Oh. Well, he's a fairly dedicated individual who seems determined to help those around him even if it means putting himself at risk. He's a bit like you in a way, he takes pride in his work and would prefer to help his friends rather than do something just for himself." Pausing, Twilight looks at me with curiosity, "Why?"

"I... I think I" -I force my eyes shut as I force the last words out- "like him."

Twilight's eyes widen as she takes a step back, "You do?"

"Y-yeah. I think I do. Why wouldn't I? He's hard workin', puts others before himself, is easy to talk to and can protect other ponies around him." Stepping to the side I take a deep breath, "It's hard to explain. I've felt like this for a while, Twi. Back before the remembrance parade in Canterlot when I stayed with him for the night. Do you think he... feels the same?"

"I'm sorry, Applejack, but I don't know. He seemed to be getting on really well with you today and he was more than happy to help you. To be honest, I don't even know if he's seeing somepony at the moment. He did ask me something earlier though."

"What did he ask you?"

Twilight runs a hoof under her muzzle, "He wanted to know if it would be possible to start a family if he found the 'right girl.' From that, I'd say that he is potentially looking for somepony to settle down with, if not now then at least in the future."

"He is?" Twilight nods as I feel something warm building up inside me. With a smile spreading across my muzzle I look to the side, "So... do you reckon he may be interested?"

"I couldn't tell you, AJ. There's a chance, but I wouldn't try anything until you know for sure."

"Don't worry, I won't." Smiling, Twilight leaves the study to join John in the kitchen. There's a chance then. He's looking for somepony to be with so there may be a chance he's interested in me. With a grin spreading over my face, I leave the study to join the other two in the kitchen.

I've just got to make sure I'm right before I go divin' in.