They were nearing the outskirts of town now, and the Apple Acres Orchards were seen in the distance. The sight of home cheered the group up, even Drax, who was still only a visitor. Seeing a place he had only imagined in his mind, or through the magic of television brought a tear to his eye, and a strange shortness of breath, which he did his best to hide. He felt.. Happy. A rare feeling these days for him. But then, it was the main reason he had fallen in love with the show.

Twilight was still curious about what had happened earlier, and decided to broach the subject. “Drax? What you said back there to Fluttershy, about her being a druid, and the Green Mother, what was that all about?”

“Oh. That. Ancient mythology on my world.” he shrugged. “One of many things I have researched over the years. We had a group of people who worship nature, and believed in a living spirit of the earth. I’ve found that I am descended from some of those people, and it seems some of their gifts run in my family.”

“Oooo... that's cool!” Pinkie Pie piped up. “So do they dress up all creepy, with robes and stuff, and party all night under the full moon and make virgin sacrifices and stuff?”

“Uhh.. I dunno. Legend says that stuff happened, but it’s not an active practice anymore. It was hundreds of years ago. Most of the old beliefs were wiped out by new ones, and very few records were kept.” He paused, “But anyway, I have a cousin that can pick up any animal. I’ve seen her walk up to critters nobody could get near and nearly strangle them when she was a foal.. err.. a child, and they wouldn't even fight back. They took anything she did, and never complained. Myself, I can make almost anything grow. All the females have a gift with animals, all the males have a gift with plants.”

“I bet Applejack would love to have your help around the farm!” Rainbow Dash joined in, “There’s always stuff that needs help to grow there.”

“Yea, well the gifts overlap, I am also good with animals, although not as good as the females in my family. I think that may have something to do with why you girls seem to trust me so easily.”

Dash looked indignant. “We ain’t animals! We are PONIES! I only like you because yer funny... But I don't like being called an animal.”

“I know, I know, I wasn't implying otherwise. What I meant was, you aren’t HUMAN. Hell even human children seem to be fascinated with me. Every child I meet just stares at me like I am the most amazing thing in the world.” He sighed. “Maybe it has something to do with you all being innocent. Innocence seems to be a common factor between children, animals, and ponies.”

Twilight and Rainbow Dash both giggled. The pegasus replied, “Uhh Drax? In case you forgot about last night, we are far from innocent fillies.”

The stallion just scowled. “That’s not what I meant. I am talking about the innocence from not living in a world of horror, hate, greed, and meaningless death. Not living in a society that crushes your soul, and demands more just to stay alive. Your world is a paradise compared to mine, and your entire world is innocent by those standards.”

“Why don't you just laugh at the meany weenies when they try to make you sad?” Pinkie took a deep breath to start a song, but was cut off by a hoof on her muzzle.

“Yea, its kinda hard to laugh when yer getting curb stomped for being different. Just being the wrong color gets you beaten and killed in parts of my world.” He stepped back and looked at the ground. “And I don't even wanna start about religion. Entire wars, killing millions, have been fought over differences of opinion on a book written thousands of years ago by people long dead.”

Pinkie looked subdued by this, and just a little frightened. Some of the color faded from her coat, and she looked away quickly so that nopony could see the look in her eye. It was only a moment, and then the color returned, and she was back to normal, although without the smile.

“I’m sorry Draxy, I was only trying to cheer you up. It sounds like you come from a nasty wasty horrible place!”

“Meh.. It’s easier if you were born there, but yea, it’s pretty bad in some places. Just be happy you never have to go there, they would just as soon kill you or put you in a zoo as welcome you.” He grimaced, “Just because you are different.”

“Wow, that's pretty messed up, Drax.” Rainbow Dash came forward and put her hoof on his shoulder.

He perked up at the feeling of love and acceptance from his new friends. “Bah, I’d rather not dwell on it. I’m here now, with new friends, and happy for a change. Lets get to Ponyville and meet some more!”

They all cheered, and trotted into the orchards they were now approaching. In the distance an orange pony could be seen galloping towards them. As they got closer they confirmed that the local farm pony was indeed coming to meet them.

“Well hello thar folks! Twi, Dash, you two sure gave us a start!” The earth pony walked up to Drax and eyed him over. “So who’s tha new stallion in town?” She stuck her hoof out, “Name’s Applejack!”

Rainbow Dash elbowed Twilight, whispering, ‘I TOLD you she will walk up and talk to anypony!’

Drax went into gentleman mode, sweeping up the hoof and bringing it to his lips. He then looked up and winked. “My name is Drax. A pleasure to meet you...” he replied smoothly, putting a deep resonance in his voice.

She pulled her hoof back with a bit of a blush. “Ohh, a real charmer you girls got here.” Then she sobered a bit, “Yer not one o’ them uppity city folk are ya?”

Drax broke into a giant grin and laughed, “Naw, Ahm jus messin wit ya. Ahm as redneck as you are, girl. My grandaddy was a coal miner. I just act all genteel fer tha ladies.”

Applejack laughed at his flawless country accent, and punched him playfully on the shoulder. “Ahh like you! Yer allright pardner. Lemme show ya round the farm!”

“Ahh, actually, as much as I’d like to see the farm right now,” he replied, dropping all the accents, “I really think we need to push on to Ponyville first. I need to get some cloths made, and it may be time to contact the Princess about my being here.” He looked back at Twilight, who was nodding. “I especially am worried since I heard that prophecy from Derpy about...”

He was suddenly cut off as his vision was filled with the sight of a very angry orange pony in his face. “Don't. You. EVER! Let me hear you use that name!” Applejack was now directly in his face, very pissed and poking him painfully in the shoulder. That thar filly is one of tha most kindest, smartest, genteelest ponies you will eva know! And her name is DITZY DOO!” She grimaced, clearly very angry. “If’en I EVA Hea ANYPONY talkin bad like that ‘bout her, they will have ta answer ta ME!”

His ears laid back, the stallion took a step back from the deranged mare. Her anger was palatable, and he did not want to provoke her further. He slipped back into his country dialect instinctively in defence of his actions. “Beg pardon M’am. Ah meant no disrespect ta tha Mailpony. Where Ah come from, there is still much debate over hah true name. She is known bah both names, and is onna tha most beloved ponies in Ponyville. We call her bah both names, but love hah all tha same.” He gave a brief pause, seeing the mare stop advancing on him. “She gave meh a ratha grave message. Ah am worried that it maght affect mah future hea in Equestria.”

Drax shook his head, suddenly aware he had once again began to mimic somepony’s accent. It was a habit he wasn't proud of, and he had trouble controlling, but had saved him many times. “Dammit, I hate when that happens. Too much TV, and I have no accent of my own.” he sighed, looking back at the now passive earth pony. “Sorry. My family comes from the earth, just as yours do, and sometimes I fall back to their ways of talking. I really do not mean to disrespect the name of the Mailpony, but her real name is still unknown where I come from. So She has been given several names, none of them are given out of malice.”

“You sure do talk funny.” Applejack replied, now eyeing him with suspicion. “One minute you talk all fancy-like, then you talk like a country-pony, now you have no accent at all.” She shook her mane in disgust. “Ah’m not sure Ah kin trust you.”

Drax merely rolled his eyes, smiling at the orange mare. “Truth be told, I don't blame you. Trust is a hard thing to earn. I trust very few myself, so I can understand. I also understand the value of honesty, and I hope you can learn to trust in that. If there is anything you ever want to ask me, you can trust that I will always answer the truth. It is my way, and has caused much hardship in my time, but I will not lie for any reason. I have lost friends, family, and much else because I refuse to lie, but that is part of who and what I am. There are many more parts however, so I ask you to forgive me for being who I am.”

The earth pony was no longer eyeing him suspiciously. Instead she was looking at him with a bit of an appraising look on her muzzle. Suddenly she broke into a grin and rushed forward to embrace the stallion in a hug. “Ah believe ya, ya big lug. Nopony can lie ta me wit dat kinda face. Ah am tha element of Honesty after all, and ah kin spot mah virtue in others.”

Drax grinned happily, returning the pony’s hug, until she whispered in his ear, “Hmm... you smell mighty nice thar, fella...”

His smile faded as he backed away with a frown. “Dammit.. I have got to find a way to fix that. I cant have every filly in Ponyville sniffin after my flank.”

Applejack looked confused. “What Ah say?”

Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle just laughed at this, and Pinkie Pie smiled knowingly.

Drax just shook his head, and sighed. “Don’t worry about it. I will explain everything later, after I get to Ponyville.”

On the way to town, Applejack explained that she was told by Fluttershy about their journey toward town. She had seemed rather distracted, and insisted that the animals needed her. The earth pony had abandoned her search, and returned to the farm, knowing they would pass that way.

“So where ya headed first in town?” She asked, as they trudged toward town. Rainbow Dash had started flying circles, clearly bored with the long trek by hoof.

“Well first thing I need to do is see Rarity about some cloths.” Drax replied. “I hope she wont mind.”

“Wha on earth wouldja need fancy duds fer? Ya goin so some shindig?”

“Trust me, I will need them. I’ll explain why when we get there. I’m gettin a bit tired of repeating the performance.” He grinned at her. “And you girls are in for one hellova surprize!”

Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash started giggling at this. Applejack looked suspicious, but Pinkie Pie just cheered. “Yay! I Love surprises! Especially if they are Surprise Parties!”

“Whats so danged funny?” The orange pony snorted.

“Just wait and see. I’ll show you at Rarity’s. It’s prolly best that Fluttershy isn't there though, don't wanna scare the kid too much.”

“Yea, that filly is a sensitive one. I seen her run from her own shadow once.” She shook her head.

Twilight spoke up, “Well you wont have to wait long. There is the shop up ahead. Hopefully things are quiet in town.”

And it was. Being late-afternoon, most ponies were headed home for the day, and some shops were closing. Nopony paid any notice to the newcomer and his new friends as they strolled into town and approached the Carousel Boutique. Rainbow Dash had flown ahead to make sure the coast was clear and tell Rarity they were coming.

The elegant white unicorn met them in the main showroom, where she greeted them with open arms. “You girls! You gave us all such a fright. You dears really need to tell somepony when you disappear like that. The suspense was simply dreadful! Do you have any idea what that sort of stress does to my complexion?”

She paused at the sight of the dark pony making his way in the door. “Oh, but I see you brought me a handsome stallion! And whom do I have the honor of addressing, my kind sir?”

Drax turned on all the charm, stepping forward and bowing deeply. “Greetings Mistress Rarity. Your fame and beauty precede you. I am called Drax. I hail from a far off land, and I come in need of your services.”

Behind him, the other ponies were rolling their eyes, Pinkie was giggling.

Rarity was stunned for a moment, lost in the sound of the stallion’s voice, but quickly recovered. “Oh my! You are quite the gentlecolt, are you not?” She offered a hoof, which he brought to his lips with a smile.

“Oh my, oh my.... Where on earth did you find him girls?” Muttering under her breath, she slid up to Twilight, “Is he taken?”

Turning back to the stallion without waiting for and answer, she smile graciously. “My good sir, I would be honored to assist you with my meager talents. Whatever you may need, I would be happy to provide. So, what will it be, hmm? A new saddle? A suit for a party? No, no... I simply MUST do an entire outfit to fit your stunning colors! Your mane is almost as fabulous as my own, and I have just the fabric to make it shine!”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes at this, “Here we go again. Just like the Gala dresses, all over again. Trust me Drax, just let her design it for you!”

“Ahh.. yes. About that. There is something you need to know first before you start working. Applejack, and Pinkie, you are gonna wanna see this too, just to get it over with.” He sighed and stepped back away from them. Rarity looking confused, and the other ponies just waiting expectantly. “Just promise me one thing. Don't freak out?”

Rarity waved her hoof in the air. “I’m a professional, my dear! I have seen many things in my years as a designer, and I can assure you I will not ‘Freak Out’.”

Chuckling darkly, he began to blur. He once again twisted and melted into human shape. He stood with his arms out, wearing only the blanket-kilt.

Rarity fainted. Applejack freaked out. Pinkie Pie just laughed, perhaps just a bit too loudly.

“What in tarnation are you?” The orange pony backed toward the door. “Yer some kinda freaky thing! Omygosh, yer just plain UGLY!”

“Well gee, thanks. I feel so welcome and loved.” He deadpanned in a monotone voice.

“Well ya are! What kinda critter are you?” She stood her ground now, seeing as he hadn't moved.

Twilight stepped up to stand beside him. “He’s a human. Long story short, I accidentally summoned him here. He’s a friend now, and not going to harm anypony.” She gazed up to him, and he reached down to scritch her mane behind the ears. “He’s not so ugly once ya get used to him.” She smiled and leaned into him to better let him scratch. “And these hands are amazing...”

Drax laughed at the pony’s response. “Never met a critter that didn't love a nice scratch behind the ears!”

“Well allright sugarcube, Ah’ll take yer werd fer it. But he still looks funny.”

Pinkie had stopped laughing now and was still grinning. “Ooh, I wanna scratch too!” She bounded toward him, bowling him over and landing on his chest. “Scritchy-scratchy, my mane is itchy!”

He laughed and gave her frizzy mane a two-handed scratch, as her hind leg began to thump the floor like a dog. Twilight gave her a dirty look for the interruption, then stuck her tongue out before walking over to attend to Rarity.

Rarity was just coming to, and was confused to see Pinkie Pie sitting on the strange creature’s chest with a happy grin on her muzzle. “W-what’s going on? What is that THING? Where did Drax go? And why am I on the floor?” She got up and gasped at her reflection in a nearby mirror. “Oh no! I got dust in my beautiful mane! I must brush this out right away!

She excused herself to freshen up, and digest what had just happened, but was back a minute later looking her usual fabulous self, and back in control.

Pinkie Pie had finally let the human stand up, and was bouncing in place. “Yay! That was fun! You smell nice! Can we do it again later? I can’t wait to throw a party and show you off to everyponyinponyvillesotheycanseehowcoolyouare andI’mtotallygladyourmyfriendsowecanhangoutallthetime...”

Her flood of words was cut off my a hand on her muzzle, but she continued to smile and beam her blue eyes at him. “Umm, thanks Pinkie, I get the idea. But lets keep it a small Party for now. I’m not a fan of crowds. And if the reaction of your friends is any indication, it’s gonna be better if I attend as a pony.”

“Okie dokie loki!”

Rarity was back in command of herself, and suddenly all business. “So this is why you need clothing? But of course you do, without even a proper coat of fur on your body. It must get dreadfully cold at night! And those strange hooves of yours, how do you walk without injury? I will need to make boots as well.. Hmm.. this will be a challenge. Your body shape is all wrong for pony clothing, so I will need to start from scratch!”

Drax shrugged, “I kinda like the cold, so it doesn't bother me much, but I do need some sorta protection. I was thinking more along the lines of a better kilt, but boots would be nice.

“Pshaw! I am making you an entire outfit. And I will NOT take no for an answer! It will be a first of it’s kind and a masterpiece for my craft!” She floated over a writing pad and measuring tape, adjusting her glasses on her muzzle. “Now stand still, I need to get all of your measurements. Would you mind taking off that old blanket?”

Looking at the ceiling, he let it drop to the floor. Rarity gasped. “Oh MY!”

Twilight and Rainbow dash giggled.

Pinkie pie let out a foalish “Ooooohhhh.....”

Applejack exclaimed “Mah werd! Yew are funny lookin!”

Sighing Drax kept his eyes heavenward. “Yea yea, its normal where I come from, and one of the reasons I need some cloths.”

Rarity regained her professional demeanor again, and started taking measurements. Rainbow Dash suffered another bout of laughter as she fell to the floor. Pinkie Pie just continued to stare innocently.

Applejack finally spoke up. “Welp, Ah’s gotta be gettin back to tha farm. Ah’s see you all tonight at tha libary. Take care Twi, Dash, Pinkie. Later Rarity!

They all waved goodbye, Pinkie Pie left to start planning the small party at the Library for later. Rainbow Dash excused herself for some “Weather Pony Stuff”. Twilight was left behind, so she could guide Drax to her home when he was done.

Soon the measurements were done, and Rarity declared him free to go. Before leaving however, she quickly stitched a much better quality Kilt, which fit him securely, and settled better on his flanks in pony form. He reverted back to the pony shape, and thanked her again. She bid them farewell, promising the cloths to be ready by the next day. It was quite obvious that she was blushing as she waved them off to the approaching evening.

As they arrived at the Library, they both heaved a sigh of relief. Already he was thinking of his arrival point in this world as home. They both set about cleaning up the mess from the failed spell, and then crashed on some cushions to relax until their friend’s arrived.

Twilight perked up a moment, floating something over to him. “Oh, I found this while we were cleaning. I don't know what it is, and I think it may have come though with you.”

Drax blinked, then made a grab at the small black and silver object. “Holy shit! My iPod! How the hell did that make it through? It was on the stand next to my bed, but I came through nekkid!”

Twilight shrugged, “I still don't even know how YOU made it through. So what is an eye-pod anyway?”

Drax was tapping the device, frowning. “Bah, it’s a music player, and a kinda mini computer. But of course it doesn’t work here. Guess I need magic batteries or something. I’ll figger it out later.”

They both looked at each other, and smiled. Sitting back and relaxing while they waited.

“Thanks, Twilight. Thanks for everything.”