A tired yawn escaped from Cloudy Sapphires mouth, causing her jaw to crack. "I'd forgotten how long a trip this actually was. Why does Canterlot always seem so close yet the trip seems to drag on and on?" This long trip was the largest reason why Cloudy didn't get to see her high school pal all that much. She felt guilty if all things were considered, she should have been up here long before.

She had been forced to rent an over the land carriage rather then the air one, she learned that the air carriages were only for the day. As the carriage was making it's way out of the city, Panic had set in. The Manehatten police were out on patrol en mass. It seemed like they were waiting for, something, but fortunately her and her charge were not stopped. Orion's reaction was strange, when he saw the police, he flattened himself to the carriage floor. The look on his face was worry, unusual for him. He peeked occasionally over the window, ducking quickly down again.

The moment they left the city limits behind, both of them breathed a sigh of relief. Orion sitting back in his seat, though with a slouch. Though she wondered why he had acted that way. The police had never had a reason to show up at the orphanage during his stay, despite the three fights that he had been apart of. Though this last one did warrant police interference.

Conversation was, stagnant. Orion didn't show any curiosity in why she chose Canterlot for his refugee. Or where in the city they were going. Just quietly staring out the window. The neutrally angry look again on his face. Time for some questions.

"This was really foalish of you Orion," she spoke after an hour of silence. They were well outside the city now. "You went way to far today. Not only have you hurt three colts but two of them are staying overnight till their injuries are healed fully."

Nothing. Then, "Yeah I know."

That was it. All the questions she had, and she knew she wouldn't get an answer to a one. A swift end to that conversation. It was so frustrating when he did that. Those soft spoken words that just seemed to halt any discussion before it began. Though the words themselves were not the reason no further discussion was to be had. No it was the tone. The finality in the way those words were spoken, seemed to always be the closing of any discipline action that could begin.

No it was not frustrating, it was maddening. He did it so often. And it seemed like anything done to make him feel guilty, extra chores, isolation, even at one point the switch. Though doing that made her heart ache. It all, seemed to wash over him. He didn't even cry out at the switching.

Cloudy settled back in her seat, one hoof crossed over the other, and began thinking back to when he first arrived.

"We found him in Stalliongrad of all places. Right in the city's skid row. The locals have a term for it, but good luck pronouncing it. Anyway, there he was in one of the dead end alleys just, oh Celestia," Moonlit Night moved in close for a whisper, " eating a rat, RAW. Most terrifying thing I had ever seen. His muzzle was covered in blood. Looked more like a monster at first glance."

Leaning back the cloudy gray furred mare shuddered in her seat, feathers ruffling a bit in discomfort. Her blue eyes continued to dart back to the before mentioned colt. Sitting in a stool, with a scowl on his face. Moonlit tossed her purple mane to the other side of her neck and grimaced once more looking back at Cloudy. "Yep. Poor colt was so malnourished we thought he was doing, that out of desperation for any kind of food. And with those canines we first thought he was batpony, then immediately dismissed that idea because he has a horn instead of those creepy leathery wings." She shivered. Batponies were not very popular with the populace of Equestria as a whole.

Cloudy, just sat there horrified as she absorbed the gruesome information. "Wait thought? What do you mean thought, Miss Night?"

"Yeah thought. Blood work came back 3 hours later after we picked him up, and let me tell you picking him up was no easy feat either. He fought like a cornered badger. Actually cracked Yellow Strikes in the face breaking his jaw. Craziest thing I had ever seen. He couldn't even help the colt after that. We brought him in to speak to the colt so he wouldn't panic. Heh, we were the ones doing the-"

"Well she certainly likes to ramble on." Cloudy was getting a bit peeved though she tried not to show it. Since Moonlit's arrival she had been nothing but a chatty as she filled out paperwork for the transfer of the unnamed colt.

"Miss Night? Why was he eating meat and what did the blood work say," she interrupted, trying not to sound unkind.

"Oh ponyfeathers sorry I tend to ramble." Cloudy just blinked at her. "Did this mare just swear in front of a foal? Were her manners tossed out to make room for her need to talk?" "Anyway, yes the blood work came back and for the most part everything seemed to be normal. Except for the fact that his blood looks more like it belongs to a griffon chick then to a colt. If it wasn't for the fact that he somehow levitated a box and tossed it at us I would say he was a cursed griffon."

Looking slowly back to the colt, she saw him looking right at her. No fear whatsoever, but anger. "He needs to eat...meat?"That thought set her thoughts to serious worry about the other foals in her charge."What if he bites somepony? What will happen when the foals find out about his, needs." This fueled an even worse thought,"nopony is going to adopt him knowing he eats meat." Thoughts racing even faster the moment she realized that this poor colt will never be picked up by a herd or a mare. Colts were quick to get adopted from the system as colts were more rare to even be orphaned. It was considered a tragedy to ponies that a colt not have herd to guide and protect them. Not to say it never happened as she had 2 colts now, but both had adoptions pending on their cases. Good herd families too.

This colt will never have that happen. He will grow up with no family to call his own. Even worse his options for a herd of his own were slim. Very slim.

"What is his name?" Cutting through the ramblings of Moonlit again. To be fair, she hadn't listening. Most of what she was saying was already in the documents on her desk.

"Oh yeah! The prostitute that informed us of him said his name was Orion. Not sure who named him but the full name is Orion Falls."

Cloudy's lips wanted to curl up in disgust,"A prostitute. Well at least they had the best interest for the foal."

"A prostitute informed you of his location, what did she want in return?" Cloudy didn't mean to focus on the informant. But she couldn't help herself. Her sister was one. Estranged from the family. It was shameful.

If Moonlit noticed the venom in Cloudy's voice she didn't comment. "Oh him? He didn't want much just some food if we could spare it. He was way more concerned for the colt. Apparently a group of pimps was eyeballing him for about a week. According the Stone, the prostitute, they had made two attempts to foalnap him. He fought them off similar to how he nearly got away from us. Gruesome stuff to be honest."

Now it was Cloudy's turn to shudder. "A Stallion Prostitute? That poor pony, no male should have to live a life like that. Not even my sister." This thought was interrupted by a worse one."Sweet Mother of Celestia, they were going to subject him to rape?! We would have never found him. Orion you don't know how lucky you actually are." Shaking her head and pushing thoughts of the poor stallion stuck on the streets, and resettling into her seat, she looked back to Moonlit,"were the authorities notified?"

"Yes, though there is likely nothing to be done about it. Stalliongrad is not a...nice city Miss Sapphire. There will be an attempt, but I doubt anything will actually be done. I'm just glad we got cute little Orion out of there in time," she looks to him warmly. Seeming to ignore the hostile glare coming from him.

Cloudy looked over and really took in his appearance. For a colt that was malnourished as he, he was certainly tall for a estimated 6 year old. No way to know his actual age beyond blood work. Maybe a magical test but that costs too much. His face was typical of most colts his age, might be handsome if that scowl ever went away. His deep brown mane was washed, but you could certainly tell it was his first in months. Those gray eyes of his seemed to bore back at her. "Those are not the eyes of a foal. What have you gone through."

His horn was perhaps, the prettiest thing about him. A recent and rough horn filing showed he had spiral patterns that lazily trailed around them, the horn's size was average for his height and age. That may just catch a mare's eye if he keeps himself well groomed. His ears were a bit long. And swiveled to pick up any noise he seemed to hear.

Sighing to herself she turned back to finish filling out the papers of custody transfer. "So anything you can tell me? Has he spoken much?"

Moonlit laughed. "Spoken? No, no. Yelled obscenities at us, while throwing half the alley at us, oh yes. I will need a dictionary to figure out what most of them mean. That colt does not lack for words. Just lack of manners, politeness, and education more then likely. And where he got a shiv I will never know, but I am so glad I wore my armor that day."

"He STABBED you?!" Cloudy looked back at Orion, and for the first time saw a smile, no, a grin on his face. Those teeth of his was unnerving.

Laughing even more Moonlit responded, " Oh yeah four times no less. Yellow managed to yank the knife away from him but that is when he chucked a crate at Yellow's head, busted his jaw wide open. Colt is surprisingly adept at levitation. Barely managed to get that Null ring on him. Still fought like a Diamond Dog on crystals though. Think the whole operation took three or so hours. And we were in a tiny little alleyway." Shaking her head she grinned ruefully at Orion. "You ever get into the guard I fear our enemies will piss themselves learning of you my little friend."

Orion just went back to glaring. "Going to have to keep an eye on him, no telling if he might manage to make another shiv."

Dotting the last "I" Cloudy held out the folder to Moonlit. "Well that is everything, Miss Night. Is there anything else I should be made aware of?" Secretly hoping that this was all the horror she was going to get out of this colt's story.

Quickly reading over the file Moonlit responded, "Nooope I am all good here the transfer is complete." Both rising from their chairs Moonlit leaned over and shook Cloudy's hand. "Thank you for taking him in for us. Canterlot said they were full up at the moment. Don't know how considering the primarily deal in nothing but unicorns, not that many to begin with. Whatever."

Turning to look at Orion she patted him on the head ruffling his unkempt mane, much to his displeasure as he scowled back her. "Take care of yourself little dude and don't get into too much trouble, okay?"

"Go fuck yourself with a rusty screwdriver you two-bit twat waffle." A stiff, far more mature voice grated out from the colts mouth. Words that no colt or filly has ever spoken before in front of her.

Cloudy just stared. She couldn't believe that he said that. She couldn't even understand half the meaning behind it, but she knew it wasn't good whatever he had said. Moonlit was just roaring with laughter. "I see you still got that strange fiery tongue of yours, colt! But I'd advise you not to say that too often around here." Ruffling his mane some more chuckling she waved a hand at Cloudy in parting as she walked down the hall, hoofs clopping with quick succession. "Oh and expect the CFP to show up to make things awkward soon as this is filed with the city," she called back.

Cloudy was still staring. Orion was scowling at Moonlit's back. His attention however soon shifted to her.

Shaking her head Cloudy Cloudy readjusted her pink mane. "Young colt, that is the first and LAST time you will be speaking in such a way under this roof. You understand me?"

Orion glared back for a moment, then smirked, "Screw you too."

Cloudy was shocked, angry, and bewildered." Wh-where did you learn to speak like that?"

"From Nunya." He responded, still with that smirk.

"Who in Celestia's name is Nunya?!" She knew she shouldn't be getting hysterical. But the situation was turning out to be stranger then she was beginning to believe. The audacity of this colt. To say such a thing to anypony. To say it to Her.

"None ya business that's who," Orion, was chuckling whispering something along the lines of 'classic' and 'too easy.'

Staring her mouth hanging open. Where in Equis did he pick this attitude, this foul mouthed way of speaking. Cloudy, had had it. She marched around her desk, planted herself in front of the colt and snatched him up by his ear. Leaning in close she spoke very quietly into his ear," you will not talk like that again. If you do I will devise some very clever earth pony punishments for you. Do we understand each other?"

Orion in pain and surprised by the boldness of Cloudy just blinked and grumbled what could have been interpreted as an affirmative.

"Good." Dusting her hands off she gestured for him to pick up his small travel bag. it seemed to be stuffed with just the bare necessities for a foal of his age. "Pick up your things. I will take you to the room you will be staying in. You will be living in the same room as Swift Charge. He's a nice young colt and you should be able to get along nicely as long as you behave yourself."

She guided him out of the room and up the stairs.

Adoptions are never easy for foals. Or for those looking to provide a home for one. Even with Princess Celestia's Family First Initiatives, the cities still found a way to mire the road in red tape and fees. But that just made it all the more satisfying when a foal and family managed to get together.

With Orion, nothing was satisfying.

At first Cloudy wanted Orion to get adjusted living in normal society. She sent him off to the local school along with everypony else in the orphanage, and surprisingly, he excelled in his classes. All of them. Complete A student. In fact many of his teachers were recommending him for more advanced classes. History seemed a sticking point for the colt at first but he soon excelled at that as well. Though he kept complaining about 'childish history'. He was convinced that the lessons were not the full truth.

His participation in class was, however, abysmal. He seemed to borderline outright ignore the teachers and their lessons. On the few occasions he would actually invest time in a class, it would be to correct the teachers work on the board in front of the class. He had no tact when it came to calling out what he believed was 'medieval' mathematics. Chemistry was even worse. Causing the pony teaching the class to storm out in frustration. This only added to the mystery of who had educated him. And why had they not given him ANY lessons in proper pony behaviors.

Cloudy couldn't understand why someone would abandon an arguably brilliant child. Was it just his strange diet and attitude? No, maybe just the diet. His attitude must have developed on the streets after all. Regardless, Cloudy filed his impressive academic scores in his records. And wouldn't you know it? He was getting attention.

The problem? Was him himself. Every time he had an interview, it would collapse in 5 mins or less. His attitude was appalling. At first, he would openly mock potential adopters looks, he'd pair it with the most foul language Cloudy had heard this side of the river. Later on, after a stern talking to and not a small amount of punishments, he instead began to use a far more impressive lexicon of words that at first confused the adult ponies that came to see him. They had no idea that he was insulting them at first. But it quickly became obvious to the potential families that he was saying more then was apparent.

In one visit he casually implied that the mares mother was the results of inbred coitus. Anal coitus. At first the mare, one Dusky Shores, a blue maned showmare from Manehatten Performative Arts, didn't realize he had said anything to the effect. Even Cloudy had missed it at first. But as the conversation went on, the mare's brow furrowed in thought and she slowly began to glare angrily at Orion. Whom of which smiled back, teeth flashing. She then proceeded to storm out of the interview room, causing the glass door to shatter, without a backwards glance.

Cloudy stared at the shattered door trying to figure out what had happened. Slowly turning her head to look at a pleased looking colt. "Did you say what I think you said?" The wheels in her mind slowly putting together what he actually had spoken. She was appalled.

"What all I said was I was shocked that she got so far into the arts considering her mingled background of her mother and her brother..." Trailing off with a shrug he just smiled back, like a cat that had gotten the cream.

Punishment, usually devolved into two things, chores , which didn't seem to phase him at all, and isolation, which also didn't bother him in the slightest. Punishing Orion seemed to be a useless endeavor. That was until she accidentally figured out that he hated being embarrassed in front of others.

Words rolled right off him. Nothing verbal seemed to work. However, having him dig a hole and then fill that whole while all the other foals played in the play area seemed to work wonders in his attitude. Useless work got to him. And on top of that, she made sure he didn't use his magic doing it. He hated doing useless labor in front of others. It was a strange thing and he never explained why. Cloudy just shrugged thankful that in worked.

Such was his punishment for his comment to Dusky Shores. He complained, vocally and quite often.

What was his most damning issue was when families and potential adoptees found out about his dietary needs. Some just blinked and walked out. Others would ask 'are you sure' and pointed out that maybe he was faking it. When presented with his full file potentials would usually stammer out an apology and quickly walk out giving a fearful gaze back at Orion. Who was grinning, his teeth flashing in the lowered sunlight. This often got her visits from the CFP.

The CFP from the very beginning had pressured Cloudy, and her subordinate Star, into turning over Orion to them. To them, Orion was clearly faking. Or at worse an aberration that must be corrected. They would likely have cared less if he was a Earth, Pegasus, or even Bat pony. But due to his apparent heritage his teeth and diet were an affront to the Unicorns that run the organization at large.

"Obviously there is something wrong with the foal. No unicorn actually consumes meat. This is obviously a learned behavior that he just needs to be curtailed." Mrs. Backwater said on the very first visit. She was of the mind that Orion had filed his own teeth down to look like fangs to be scary. Utterly dismissing the blood work and examination paperwork that was in his file as 'factually wrong and unverified.' Her plan was to reeducate him. Which meant, if the heavy rumors were to be believed, near brainwashing. The CFP never seemed to actually have foals well being in mind. Only the results of what the wanted out of each one seemed to matter.

"You will sign over his papers to us. We will have him properly examined and then, help him, to what his future should be. Not some meat eating little abomination." At that point she had fixed Orion with a glare that he met with one of his own, with teeth bared at her. Shuddering to herself she turned back to Cloudy with a confident smirk. "So please, sign here and here and I will need your initials here."

No, apparently was not a word Backwater was used to hearing from those she considered beneath her. Also, being told her vaginal area smelled of week old sea cabbage left to rot on a pier seemed to incense her to a whole new level of fury. Orion scrubbed all the floors in the third floor for that. Not that he seemed to care. She did somewhat share the sentiment, but you just didn't say that to anypony. It was raining to hard outside that day to make him carry rocks outside.

Backwater left with vows of forcing Cloudy to sign him over by court order, but thankfully, the courts seemed to be smarter then she was. Or at least costed her more money then she had to spend, either way good news for Cloudy.

Unfortunately the CFP, and by extension Backwater, came by anytime there was a behavioral incident. Now Orion never actually went out of his way to assault anypony. He never spoke out against the other foals. Even helped one or two on occasion with homework. Much to the surprise of Cloudy and the foals he helped.

What got the CFP to come by any chance they got was the fights that targeted him. Most were small and not a huge deal other then little fists flying. But two occasions where Orion crossed a line did come to mind. The most recent being the beating, yes no better way to describe the events of this afternoon, of three older colts by one five years younger, though not much smaller then they.

It all seemed to favor Orion regardless. He seemed to always be the one defending himself. But that wouldn't matter much to the CFP, who would undoubtedly try everything short of outright threats against Cloudy. Threatening to close down the orphanage was often a strategy they would try to apply. Fortunately, again, it never worked.

Coming back from her musings, Cloudy looked over to Orion. Surprised to find him asleep. He was peaceful, shockingly, but that scowl seemed to be permanently etched on his face. It made her chuckle, then frown again. Backwater would be on her doorstep by Morning tomorrow. And she would be furious that he, nor her, were there.

"Now, Backwater has all the arrows she needs to rip him from my care. I will likely get in major trouble for this but I cannot allow her to have him. This poor colt will likely die in her custody from malnorishment. Or be so mentally mangled that he would cease being anything other then an invalid."

She truly believed it too. Backwater was known to be, viscous, to others not aligned with her. And with Orion's disposition she will likely break or outright kill him. The rumors still lingered in Cloudy's mind. Rumors that scared her.

"It must be close to midnight. I am glad I managed to at least rent the over night team." The daylight team would likely have pulled into rest stop hours ago. At the pace the team was making they would arrive in Canterlot by five in the morning. Cloudy contented herself with the fact that Orion was safe for the time being. Safe from the CFP, safe from Backwater. Settling herself in a yawn cracking her jaw, Cloudy fell asleep. Dreaming of better things for Orion.

Orion cracked an eye noticing that Miss Sapphire was steadily snoring away."Sounds like a damn airplane, I think, shit I've forgotten what airplanes sound like. It's only been three fucking years."

Looking out the window again, he contemplated just jumping out the carriage into the night. With as hard as the pull team seemed to be pushing, he figured he could just disappear, and no one would be able to figure out when and where he took off from. No he was a city boy, pony he guessed now, at heart and while smart he didn't have the survival skills to survive out in nature. Not to mention the inconveniences of magic and its ability to sift tracks that were weeks old. Would insure that he was quickly caught. Or so he had read.

He resolved to fix both issues as soon as possible. He knew he was limited, more so now then before. If he ever had to go on the run he would need to know about nature and what to expect out there, in what areas predators roamed. So much easier when your species dominated most of the Eco-sphere of his world. And his knowledge of chemistry would not be much use without resources. Not that knowing what atoms make up water and how physics work isn't useful. But you can't survive a predator attack with just science if you don't have the means to use it.

Orion was angry. Angry at fate, God, the devil, or even the fucking flying spaghetti monster, for dumping him in what amounted, to him, as horse hell. Horsy hell. True he wasn't exactly a respectable individual. But nothing he did warranted him to become a human guinea pig. Federal courts were, and likely still are, utter bullshit. The fact that they not only managed to pin the full blame for that bombing on him, but signed his life away to one of their black operations 'fun' little side projects was a complete an utter abuse of his rights. And the lawyer didn't even amount a defense farther then,'he didn't do it'. Come on! What kind of hackneyed shit was that?

A snarl formed on his lips, just thinking about the day they shoved him through that unstable wormhole made his blood boil.

"Subject 31259, its time to wake up." A soft feminine voice called, "Time for you to rise and great this glorious day!" Doctor Adam Levine Burbidge astrophysicist, direct descendant of Margaret Burbidge, cheerfully called out as the massive door slid back mechanically. Flanked by, of course, his two 'Orderlies'. Though calling either vaguely neanderthal-ic men anything close to medical professionals was pushing the realm of imagination. More like bouncers who took a couple of courses in meat tenderization.

"Subject 31259, come join us. Greet this fine day! Today, is the day we make history!" Burbidge declared The man was always so full of pep and vigor. He always greeted Orion as 'Subject 31259'. Never Orion, or Mr. Thatcher. Just 'Subject 31259'.

"Egotistical, beady eyed, shit sucking fuckhead. Could you for once, FOR ONCE, just use my fucking name?!" Orion rolled off of what could laughably be called a mattress, cardboard would have been softer, and onto the floor Orion shuffled to the door dreading whats coming. Brushing his dark brown hair out of his gray eyes he stopped. That is when his brain fully booted up and he locked eyes with Burbidge. "History? What History? What is going to happen today". He did not whimper. HE did not.

"Why my dear little subject, today is the day you take the next step. For you to egress into the unknown, and further our understanding of our universe, and the ones outside of it!" Turning around with a bit of a flamboyant spin, he gave a flick of his right wrist with a come hither motion, he walked back through the giant metal door and down the hall.

"Oh no."

The come hither was not for Orion to walk. No, no. It was to the 'Orderlies' to bring him. With a punch to his short ribs the two mountains of muscle, tentatively known as Bill and Edwardo, grabbed both arms and dragged Orion out the door hot on the heels of Burbidge. That claimed nothing they did was personal. Orion called shenanigans on that statement.

He was 'escorted' down the all to familiar hallways, no one had yet to mop up what was obvious to his nose, someone's spilled mountain dew on the landing heading further down into the facilities. That's a hazard. That spill had been there for weeks, would no one think of safety?

The fifth door on the right, lead to him being unceremoniously tossed into the 'transference' chamber. Counting what would soon be another bruise, Orion barely hauled himself to his feet before an army of engineers and medical professionals swarmed him. Taking measurements, stripping him of his prison clothes and stuffing him into a very unflattering skin tight suit with all the bells and whistles of attachments. He would have wished for at least a nut cup, this was embarrassing.

The battery of shots, were excruciatingly painful. Orion wanted to oh so badly throw a punch. But two months prior Bill dissuaded him of doing that again. Still worth it. But not as worth it as the days proceeded along.

Burbidge sat in his 'command chair' spouting some nonsense about the future of humanity and the thriving of the American people on new land. You know the typical speech before you rape a country of its natural resources. In this case its for a whole new world. Oh shit that's right. Their going to shove him through a big ass portal today. Fuck.

"Um, excuse me. Doctor Burbidge, sir."Orion did his best to seem concerned for the project. Not himself. Nope .Hard to do with a malnourished 5' 10" frame. "Are you positive today is the day? I was sure there were at least a couple million more tests to be performed. Weren't there?."

Burbidge, annoyed that he was interrupted, just signaled Edwardo. Who promptly smacked him up behind his head knocking him off his feet.

"Your right totally no need for more tests. "Orion wheezed from the floor.

Burbidge began to speak again, then realized the moment passed, and signaled for the technicians to start up the portal. Miffed that Subject 32159 interrupted another of his speeches.

The portal was loud. LOUD. Everyone had hearing protection. Not Orion however. No, Orion got to hear the sweet, sweet joys of an angsty teen 747 turbo jet engine scream itself awake, with a loud speaker. Beautiful.

Orion thought they would take longer to calibrate everything before shoving him to what was no doubt his doom. Nope, they had done all that before waking him. How nice of them. As he was being shoved by Bill toward the slowly stabilizing vortex of black and gold light he called out to Burbidge one last time.

"Hey, Burbidge, I have one last question for ya!"

Signaling for Bill to stop the Doctor waited.

"Are you gay?"

Three technicians stifled giggles, Bill started roaring with laughter, Edwardo was having trouble standing, and Adam Burbidge, astrophysicist, three time winner of the Bruno Rossi Prize, stuttered out in a shrieking voice.

"I h-have a wife!"

"So did Tom Cruise."

Bill shoved him in, trying to breathe.

They should have told him there was going to be some discomfort. It felt like every atom in his body was being torn apart and rearranged. Most notably the pain was strongest, everywhere.

What Orion didn't get to see but would have likely appreciated very much that he wasn't going to die alone, was that a feed back loop was triggered the moment of his body passing through the event horizon of portal. This feedback loop occurred when the intermixing of one universes nature intermingled with another. In this case the completely incompatible energy known as magic, intermingled with a universe of no magic. It created a vast harmonic vibration throughout the entire facility.

Burbidge had a brief thought that something was wrong.

The twin fission reactors fell into a melt down almost immediately. A quick series of failures later, the boom could be seen and heard on the west coast. Even felt in D.C. Utah was a nice place all things told.

Orion hit the ground. Hard. He just laid there. Collecting himself and enjoying the smell of the pungent earth beneath his face. Wow he could really smell that soil. His hands, no, his whole body felt stiff and weird. Everything seemed to be working but it felt like he was covered in a soft sheet. That's nice. But weird. Why is he covered in a sheet.

It was then that he noticed he was also covered in something else. The suit. But it felt way to big for him. Had he shrunk?"Oh please dear God don't let me have shrunk!" For most people 5' 10" was a rather respectable height. Not for Orion. He was vain. He had plans to have that surgery to add as much to his height as he could. Opening his eyes he got nauseous instantly. His vision, while still forward seem to take up more. That's not right. Bringing a hand to his face, his fuzzy long face. Wait. What? Opening his eyes again and attempting to stand up he fell over, still tangled in the suit. Orion cursed as he fought his way out of it. Surprisingly easy given how small he was.

Small. He felt, really small.

His second attempt at standing raised his panic to new fun heights. The moment he got to his feet, he began to tilt over. Looking under himself he noted, "Those are not feet."

His time on the ground was making him feel real acquainted with his new reality. Those are hooves. Why did he have hooves. Joy, at least he still had hands. Sort of. He was missing a digit.

"Okay, so I am a black goat or something. Where are the Satan worshipers when you need em." All joking aside Orion was beginning to panic. Really panic. He was small. And a goat thing. Things were not looking up. No they were looking very down. Running his tongue over his teeth and lips to note what else had changed, he was happy to be surprised that not everything had changed. He still had his beautiful chompers. At least the felt like his teeth. Still had the canines.

The rush of water caught his attention. Deciding to take stock of his environment he found he was next to a small river with a wading pool naturally carved into the side. Seemingly still water occasionally rippled by fish that swam beneath the surface. Looking from the water to the rest of his surroundings he found evergreens and seasonal trees all around him.

Joy. His least favorite. Nature.

Hauling himself to his feet, no, hooves now. Orion did his best to not fall over as he walked closer to the still pool of water. He only fell twice. Progress.

Looking into the water he noted his original assessment of his condition was wrong. He was small. A child for sure. But he wasn't a bipedal goat. Nope he was a tiny tiny horse. Tiny ears rapidly turning to every slight noise he heard. "That's a horn. Why do I have a horn?" Dashing those thoughts aside. Panic later he told himself. He proceeded to quench his unusually dry throat. Bathing his head also helped clear his mind, though he did think about finishing the job and just drowning himself. Briefly. Twice.

Getting out of the forest was not as difficult as he feared. Walking properly gave him a harder time. The path that cut through the forest was a nice cheat. Now he was gazing on a city that was by and large, dirty. It was a gross looking city. Oh look, they are emptying out chamber pots. Lovely.

He had stood there for what seemed like three hours. Just taking in the populace. The structures. The gross. Panic later he kept telling himself.

Night was coming. Night meant dangers he couldn't know of. Panic later.

He walked into the city. More like snuck in. Keeping to the shadows and alleyways as best he could. The stench, dear God the stench.

Shuddering and pulling himself back from his dip into the semi recent past. All it did was remind him that he was small, and stuck in horsey hell. Three years and no sign that he was going to get rescued or that is was a terrible dream. Maybe he was in a coma. Caught in some hit and run and this never happened. Not likely.

"This fucking sucks ass." He had to have said that a thousand times. No less true. It was bullshit.

He rolled over and went back to sleep.

The next day did not greet either of them, or the carriage team, with joy. It was raining as they arrived in Canterlot. The roof had sprung a leak a solid two hours before, soaking both occupants in early spring showers. Not to mention the headaches both bore from the unusual sleeping positions. The team, grumbling and cursing some choice words that Orion memorized, was fighting their way through the mud to finally reach the cobblestone streets of city proper. The road after the main gate was still mud. Most carriages stopped before the cobblestones. Not this poor angry lot.

The three mares and one stallion were in a foul air as they slowly came to a stop at the carriage station. Muttering curses for the weather and for the patrons who had the audacity to hire them when it was going to rain. Not knowing or caring if they knew or not. They didn't care. They were muddy. Sweaty. And not getting paid enough.

Cloudy stepped down stretching as her hoof met the cobblestone walk way. "OH sweet Celestia I think I'll just spring the money to take an airship back."

One of the mares just glared at her, dark thoughts running through her head about stupid ponies and not thinking about others.

Orion stepped out as well, popping his neck violently. The team of pullers, and Cloudy stared at him.

"What?" He glared back at everyone. The headache already making his day worse.

Shaking her head, Cloudy approached the pull team. Handing each, three ten-bit gold coins, thanking them for their swift arrival. This seemed to mollify the group somewhat as their thoughts just turned to blaming the weather teams then their kind patron who gave them such a hefty tip.

"Do any of you know where Lancet Street is? It has been some years since I was last here and I'm afraid I don't remember the way."

The only stallion in the group, a large earth pony, pointed down a side street, "That's Canterway, right there, go down that way and you'll run right into Lancet." Pulling off his harness, " Good luck wherever your going Miss you seemed to be in a big hurry last night."

"And thanks to you and your team I am not longer in such a hurry, you have my thanks again. Orion grab your bag. The sooner we get there the better. Have a wonderful morning," a flash of lightning and the rumble of thunder following hot in pursuit interrupted her. "Well as good as you can have anyway."

What greeted her ears was more grumbling from the team about drunk weather ponies. And surprisingly a laugh from Orion of all ponies. Then again, it was a dark laugh.

Both proceeding down the street with instructions in mind, they had to dodge around hoof traffic as the city began waking up. A splash of mud and water from a carriage was dodged by Orion but not by Cloudy, only seemed to darken her mood and feed her headache.

At Lancet Street she looked both ways before, luck finally with her, spotting White's Orphanarium. Four stories tall and sandwiched between a park and an office building that looked to be getting renovated, the building did not share the name. It was a building made of dark wood paneling with carved wood logs going vertically up. The stone looked new and supported the majority of the building. The gold trimming was a nice touch and it just reeked of wealth.

Looking to Orion just one more time she squared her shoulders and marched toward the building at a quick clop.

The door was open. As it was now seven most of the foals would be at school. Or at the very least getting there. Cloudy and Orion walked in and looked down the lushly furnished hall to the main office. There sat Daisy Evergarden. Her Mane done up in a loose yet elegant bun. Her half rimmed glasses perched on her muzzle as she was reading, what Cloudy hoped was the emergency letter she sent ahead, with her mature face pinched in a tight frown.

Looking up at the sound of hoof steps Daisy first gasped, then smiled at her long time friend. As she stood up adjusting her skirt she took in Cloudy's beleaguered appearance. The her pink mane was wildly unkempt. She wondered if Cloudy had actually slept in her dress. Daisy also noticed a certain notorious colt, she had read about, standing beside her. His neutral glare was the first thing she noticed. The second hand clothes he wore would have to be gotten rid of. No colt or filly would walk this halls looking homeless. He held his duffel bag not by the straps but gripping the bag itself, in one hand. That unnerved her a little.

"Cloudy welcome it has been too long since we last saw each other. I was just reading your letter. I have room here, I can take him in rest your mind on that. But what happened? Things seemed to have been fine this year with our little trouble maker. What changed?

Cloudy looked down at Orion, a tired defeated look on her face as all the stress and worry left her. "It's a long story. And we have been out all night. Sleep in a carriage is never restful." Daisy winced at that. She knew full well how uncomfortable carriages were to sleep in. "Is there someplace we can freshen up maybe get him settled in. I have all the files for the transfer here...I just, need a moment. So does he."

A warm smile crossed Daisy's lips. "Of course come with me...."

Shaking her head Daisy was shocked by the tale. Orion had been settled into his own private room. His bed he made himself surprisingly, and then unceremoniously fell asleep on top of the covers. Daisy had smiled then. He seemed so sweet then.

Now after hearing, a very much cleaned Cloudy, tale, she wasn't so sure having him here was wise at all. "He assaulted three colts in the play yard?"

"Yes, it was in retaliation of them targeting him but, yes. Yes he did. The colts are fine. Bruised up and hopefully learning a lesson." Taking a long sip of her tea she sat back placing the cup on the ornate coffee table. Truly the whole room was lavish. Bright curtains of blue trimmed with gold. Windows with not a bubble at all to grace them. Truly this was a establishment in the wealthiest of cities.

"Still, to break an arm like that. I surprised he can use magic to that degree already...."

"That was not, magic. Apparently he physically snapped Boulder's arm. He is stronger then any Unicorn colt I have met." That statement instilled even more worry into Daisy. What kind of foal can just snap another's arm like that.

"Okay, a worry for another time I suppose. I will not being going back on my word. I only wish we had the room 2 years ago. I would have taken him then." A pause. A sip. "He only gets confrontational physically when others do?" A nod. "Okay well that is some good news then. Most foals here have only their words to bite with." A look at Cloudy raised a question.

"Cloudy, whats with the look something wrong with the tea?"

Grimacing, Cloudy set down the tea and folded her hands together. "No the tea is lovely infact. No its that Orion has an...impressive vocabulary. What I didn't tell you is that he is smart. Extremely smart. Scary even. And he is not afraid to belittle anypony with choice words should he feel like someone is trying to insult him." Picking up her tea Cloudy took a sip holding the warm cup in her hands.

Daisy picked up Orion's file and skimmed through to his academics page. She blinked, read it again. "With this background, how is he that intelligent? I mean no offense but these grades show what could be considered top tier education. For him to have this would mean....what herd would abandon a colt this intelligent and bright?"

"I am not sure Daisy. His mind is so complex and the therapists that spoke with him seemed to think they were speaking to an adult, not a colt." Taking another sip. "He has got to be the biggest enigma I have ever seen. I have never met a foal with his potential and attitude. And he will absolutely not talk of where he came from. Who his family was."

Sighing softly, Daisy set down the file. " Well he may just meet his match soon enough." A quizzical look from Cloudy prompted her next statement. " Princess Celestia has finally picked a protege. Well I say finally, but this was three years ago. The filly is smart. Cleverly so. She absorbs books like you and I would breathe. Top of her class in most anything she touches. If I didn't know her family, I would claim that Celestia was her mother."

The news startled her really. She has no idea that the princess was even taking proteges again. Then again the last one was 20 years ago so she supposed it was time. "That is good to hear. The last one had such potential and then just, poof, gone. And nopony knows what happened to her." Chuckling to herself she had to ask," Is the princess up for another intelligent pony, a colt this time?"

Daisy laughed with her old friend, "No sadly. There has been always only one she has chosen. Though you should hear about her entrance exam for the school...."

Orion woke to Miss Sapphire looking down at him. He blinked waiting for her to begin talking. Sighing she spoke up in a sadden tone. "I have to head back no Orion. Despite it all I will miss you. I know Star is going to miss you even more. But this really is the best. You'll be protected and safe from the CFP here. And with this kind of environment you will likely get into less trouble. Just try and go easy on the insults okay?" Orion could only chuckle at that.

Sitting up and running his hand through his mane he contemplated something, then nodded. Getting up Orion walked over to Cloudy and hugged her.

Cloudy reflexively hugged back but was in shock. He hugged her. He actually hugged her.

"Thanks. I know this shit was not ideal and you really didn't have to go this far but thank you all the same. I never knew many who would go that far for anyone, least of all me. So thank you Miss Sapphire. You got me out of a rough situation I couldn't get myself out of." Finished he stood back letting go. And began to chuckle at the stunned look on her face. "Your gonna catch flies if you don't close your mouth Miss Sapphire."

She shook her head and closed her mouth, smiling warmly at him. "I think this is the first time he has spoken so kindly to me. Still he shouldn't swear. But its the little things. One step at a time."

Giving him one finally hug Cloudy bid him farewell, leaving him to Daisy and to settle into his new life in Canterlot. Maybe just maybe he will find a home here. Daisy couldn't know.

Author's Notes:

Okay so, this one was a bit longer then the last one. I just started typing and bam. 5 hours later i have this hot mess in front of me. I edited as best i could i am sure i missed something. But i think this one came together rather well.

Again if you like what you read please feel free to like. If you have questions comments or concerns please by all means go ahead and right it down below. I will try and answer when I can but lord help me i have no idea if i will be able to.

Again thank you for reading through my little story. Thanks for taking this journey with me.

Peace.