Arrival

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It was a beautiful yet cold, mid-winter day in the town of Ponyville. Snow covered everything in a white blanket and ice hung from whatever ledges could be found. The sun was shining high in the sky, its warmth raining down upon the peaceful village. Yet despite the sun's best efforts, a chill remained in the air. As such, the residents of Ponyville wore winter clothing to keep them warm as they went about their daily lives. The fillies and colts ran from place to place, enjoying the freedom the winter season brought them from school. The mares and stallions went about their jobs; those that could work during the winter season, while those who couldn't spent time amongst friends and family.

Such was the case of Applejack and Twilight Sparkle, while the former's farm was out of business during the winter, the latter left the library to Spike and the pair decided to spend time with their other friends. Pinkie Pie was busy with helping the Cakes make foods for all the winter celebrations as well as a few birthdays that were coming up. Rainbow Dash was working on keeping the weather under control, a few stray clouds from the Everfree Forest were encroaching on Ponyville air space, and she was given the green light to engage. Rarity found herself busy with orders flooding in for stylish, weather appropriate gear and accessories for some of the most famous ponies in all of Equestria; as well as a few local orders.

That left Fluttershy, being the pony in charge of tending to animals during most of the year, winter was her time off. To most ponies this would be seen as enjoyable, a blessing even, but to the “evershy” pegasus living near “everfree” forest, winter was a cold and often lonely time of the year. Even Fluttershy's most common companion, Angel Bunny, spent the winter months deep underground in hibernation. Until recently she would spend the months locked in her cottage; just waiting for winter to pass so she could wake up her little friends, but now that she had Twilight and the others she spent time with them and played. Today was meant to be such a day.

Fluttershy, waited at her door to welcome her friends inside to offer them some tea and a break from the cold, she had even prepared some cookies for them to eat while they warmed up. A gentle knocking at the door alerted her to her guests. “Come in!” she called, her soft voice floating like a feather caught in the wind towards the front door.

“Howdy Fluttershy, y'all ready to spend time with me and Twi?” replied Applejack, her thick, loud, accent breaking through the calm of the quaint little cottage.

“Oh, yes. I can't wait, but I thought you would like some cookies and tea....that is, if you want.” replied Fluttershy, her voice sinking to the level were even dogs would have trouble making out her words.

“Well thank y'ah kindly sugar cube. Whatcha say Twi, care f'er some cookies?” asked Applejack as she took a few steps inside, breathing in the smell of fresh cookies and tea.

“I would love some, thank you Fluttershy.”

The trio of friends had just sat down and were starting to dig in to the cookies before them when a loud series of knocks pounded on the door. “Who's that Fluttershy?” asked Twilight, as she levitated hey teacup down to the coffee table.

“I don't know, let me see.” Fluttershy peered out her window, expecting to see a pony, only to see a shivering mess of cloth outside her door. Whatever it was, Fluttershy couldn't tell; but she couldn't leave a creature to shiver out in the cold. “Girls, I don't know what it is, but it's my job to take care of the animals in Ponyville, so I'm going to let it in. Okay?”

The duo nodded their consent, neither of them had it in them to deny Fluttershy from her life's calling. With a smile Fluttershy opened the door and made way for the creature to step inside, good thing too; less she be trapped under it's weight. The creature fell inside the house unceremoniously, lying lifelessly on the hard wood floor of the cottage. “OH MY GOODNESS!” squeaked Fluttershy as she grabbed the creature and dragged it over to the fire place. The other two dropped what they were doing and raced over to help their friend.

When they had finally gotten the thing over to the fire place Fluttershy removed the strange cloth the animal was wearing, “This looks like a...sleeping bag? But, it's far to large for a pony. Who could use this....oh.”

Lying under the sleeping bag was a half frozen creature none of them had ever seen before. It was big and broad, hairless save for it's arms and atop it's head. Judging by how short it's forelegs were Fluttershy guessed it was bipedal. The creatures forelimbs ended with dexterous hands; much like Spike, and it was covered in clothing. The animal seemed to be wearing a pair of slim, half rimmed glasses. The creature seemed to be an unnatural shade of blue, leaving its true appearance a mystery until it got better. If it got better.

“What is this thing” asked Twilight, looking at the cute mute for some answers.

“I...I don't know. I've never seen anything like this before.”

“Hey, y'all take a look at what it's carrying!” said Applejack as she removed an odd looking saddle bag from the creature, as well as two other weird looking sacks from its side. Whatever this thing was, it was clearly smarter than an average animal, maybe as smart as a pony; if not smarter. In it's bags was some food and clear non-glass bottles of water, a few spare changes of clothes and a few other things they couldn't identify.

“What d' y'all reckon this is?” asked Applejack as she pulled out a thin, square thing from the bag. It was silver on the back with a strange half eaten apple emblem on the back, with a smooth, almost cloth like cover. While examining the back, Applejack found that the cloth fell off and revealed a screen. “Now what in tarnashin?”

“Wait, Applejack, is that a picture of....me?” asked Twilight as she looked at the screen of the strange slab. On closer inspection, it was indeed a picture of Twilight, but not just any picture. It was a picture of her sitting on the legs of a creature wearing clothing similar to the ones the strange animal was wearing, not only that but her expression was disturbing, almost lustful.

“Well, shoot Twi, when's the weddin'?” joked Applejack, earning a stern glare from Twilight that only caused her to laugh in spite of the creepiness of it all.

Fluttershy meanwhile was busy playing with another strange object the creature had on him. It was small and blue, with only a circle on one side and a clip on the other, when she opened the clip she could see another half-eaten apple insignia. The object was connected to a long pair of strings and when she clicked on a button in the center of the circle, the room was filled with music, but not just any music. The song was the one all of Ponyville sang at last year's Winter Wrap Up.

“Eeekk!” exclaimed Fluttershy as she backed away from the musical device.

“What is with this thing, how did it get a “FAKE” picture of me?” Twilight spared an angry glance at the still laughing Applejack, just causing a new fit of giggles, “And to capture all of us singing last year on, whatever that thing is?”

A sudden jerk and residual shiver from the creature alerted the girls that, while it may be creepy, the creature was still in dire need. Fluttershy was the first to act, racing off to the kitchen to set some water to boil. Applejack and Twilight, cleared off the coach and made room for animal, they had to clear off some room the coffee table as well to accommodate the creature's size. Fluttershy, after peeking her head around the kitchen doorway to see the commotion called out to her friends, “Girls, we need to get it out of those clothes. Would you mind changing it, so we can dry it off?”

Applejack and Twilight just looked at one another, as they were Applejack was at the creature's head, while Twilight was near the legs. “Whelp, ah'll start at this end. Twi, y'all get its pants.” Applejack quickly got to work, hoping that by getting started she could avoid getting into a debate, thankfully for her it worked. Twilight let out a sigh as she started undoing the belt on the creature's pants.

Meanwhile; out in the storm, Rainbow Dash had just finished dealing with the invading storm from the Everfree, proving once again that she was Ponyville's own ace weather controller. Unfortunately for Rainbow Dash however, the winter weather kept her usual means of celebrating; snoozing on a cloud, dangerously unhealthy. Thankfully the job had her near a warm place of refuge, Fluttershy's cottage.

“Fluttershy won't mind if I crash on her couch.” mused Rainbow Dash as she landed just outside Fluttershy's front door, she was about to knock when a thought came to mind. While she knew Fluttershy was timid and sensitive, she thought a simple jump scare, wouldn't be too much for her oldest friend. So Rainbow Dash did a quick stretch; good for both pre-pranking and pre-napping, steadied herself and took a deep breath. 3. 2. 1.

“Boooooo...hey?!” yelled Rainbow Dash as she was hit by a pair of pants, thrown fast and hard by a startled Twilight. “What the hay was that fo...r?” demanded Rainbow as she tore the pants of her face to glare angrily at an unconscious fully nude creature lying unceremoniously on Fluttershy's couch. With a blush Rainbow Dash hid behind the pair of pants as she hovered over to her two, equally blushing friends. “So..uh, what's that thing and why were you taking off it's clothes?”

“It came to the door half frozen, we had to do something.” replied Twilight as she did everything in her power to stare at the ground and not at the creature behind her. “We didn't think it was a male.”

“Yeah, how were we suppose to know anythin' about this thing?” replied Applejack, her voice muffled as she shielded her eyes behind her hat. “Besides it was Fluttershy's idea!”

It was about this time that Fluttershy came back from the kitchen, holding a kettle of boiled water and a small wash tube, “Girls, who was that?” Spotting Rainbow Dash's multicolored tail sprout from behind a pair of floating trousers, Fluttershy spoke a simple greeting. “Oh, Rainbow Dash, what brings you here? It wasn't until Fluttershy was well into the room did she notice the brilliant blushes on the faces of her friends, “Girls what's wrong?” then she noticed her friends were either facing away from, or hiding their eyes from the creature on her couch. Fluttershy hover slightly higher to peer over her friends and her face was immediately sporting a blush as bright red as any other. “OH...oh my.”

Fluttershy; less than gracefully, lowered herself to the floor placing Twilight between herself and the creature. “Well, Fluttershy,” asked Twilight, “what should we do now?” Fluttershy didn't reply, her face hiding entirely behind her mane.

“Well ah say, we get a perfessional h're to take care of this h're thing. Rainbow, go find Redheart, tell her we got 'er a patient.” Rainbow Dash didn't waste any time in flying out the door. “A'right, Twilight, ah need you to cover that thing up.” Even with her hat hiding her face Applejack could tell Twilight was glaring at her, “ah just use a towel or somethin'!”

Twilight looked across the room and spotted a simple floor rug near the front door. Using her magic; and her best guess, Twilight flung the rug onto the sleeping creature. Twilight looked to see if she hit her mark, sighing thankfully when she saw that she had. “Alright Applejack, it's covered.”

“Good job Twi,” said Applejack as she returned her hat to it's rightful place. With her hat no longer obscuring her sight Applejack noticed the kettle and pan Fluttershy brought from the kitchen, “So what's next Fluttershy, should wait for Nurse Redheart or y'all got a plan?”

Fluttershy hadn't said a thing since she saw the creature laying on the couch. “We have to warm him up.” whispered Fluttershy as she took walked back to the kitchen and returned with some towels in her mouth. “If we place warm cloth on him then that should help.”

None of them were too keen on the idea of touching the creature before them, but none of them could leave it to die either. So, under protest, the girls each took a rag, dampened it with the boiling water, and tried their best to warm it up. The creature's breathing became less gagged and soon grew to a more standard rhythm. After a while of warming the creature up, Twilight took note that the creature had more hair than they originally thought; though not as much as a pony. Applejack noticed the peach tint the creature's skin had taken since they started administrating the towels, only it's lips contained a slight blue hue, and even that was soon gone. Fluttershy noticed the creature's body was a little toned in the arms and legs with just a bit of a pudge in the middle. “What's this?” asked Fluttershy as she pointed to a weird portion of the creature's skin right above the right thigh.

“Ain't sure sugar, but dang that looks nasty.” commented Applejack as she gave it a light brush with her hoofs. The creature immediately lurched forward, it's arms and legs recoiling as a look of pain flashed across it's face. This lasted for a minute or so as the creature thrashed and churned, amazingly remaining asleep during the whole event; with the throw rug still in place.

“If I'm not mistaken, it looks like a surgery wound. Though I've never seen one like this before. Best not to touch it at any rate.” commented Twilight as she had only then gotten to see the wound in question.

“Alright then. I think that about does it. Now where'd RD get tah, that girl should have been 'ere age's ago.” sighed Applejack, content in seeing that the creature seemed stable after it's episode, though she was hardly an expert in such matters.

As if on cue, a knock rapped at the door, “Hey guys! Got Redheart and Tenderheart here, is that thing covered?” called Rainbow Dash, having seen enough of the creature to last a lifetime, she wanted to make sure the coast was clear.

“Yeah, the coast is clear!” called back Twilight as she laid her towel in the now empty tube. Rainbow Dash popped her through the door and, seeing nothing indecent, lead Tenderheart and Redheart into Fluttershy's cottage.

“Alright so where is this thing?” commented Redheart as she removed her winter wear. “Oh, wow you weren't kidding. He is big.” The four friends looked sheepishly at the floor, though Rainbow Dash caught a few quick glares before she became interested in one of Fluttershy's other floor rugs.

Redheart and Tenderheart trotted over to the creature and began examining it for any cuts or bruises. Redheart winced slightly at the wound on the creatures stomach, “Tenderheart take a note, the specimen appears to have suffered from previous medical issues in the past.” As she continued to dictate to her co-worker, Redheart caught the bashful faces of the other mares in the room. “You didn't catch a cold from this thing did you girls?”

When none of the girls replied Redheart gave a quick node to Tenderheart who took a quick note to have the girls checked on. “Come here girls. I'll take your temperatures.” ordered Tenderheart in a sing-song tone. The girls were about to tell her that they were fine when a loud rustling drew their attention back to Redheart.

Redheart, who was also wearing a blush, turned to her co-worker and said, “Uh, Tenderheart I don't think they're sick.” Tenderheart tilted her head in confusion; not understanding what she meant. Redheart coughed into her hoof and glanced at the floor rug, “He's...uh, he's big.”

Tenderheart's eyes went wide but she kept from blushing as she scratched out her note regarding the others. Nurse Tenderheart looked at the four friends and asked, “What was he like when he came in?”

“He was wrapped in a sleeping bag and was wearing some clothes.” replied Twilight as she walked over to the bags and items the creature had on him, “He also had this stuff. We found some spare clothes as well as some weird devices.”

“Alright then, we'll need to dress him and keep him warm through the night. As it is, it's too dangerous to move him now, and seeing as how you've taken care of his immediate needs we shouldn't risk exposing him to the cold so soon.”

“Y'all ain't gonna leave it 'ere with Fluttershy are y'ah?” asked Applejack, more than a hint of concern, and a twinge of irritation, in her voice. “What if that thing wakes up in the middle of the night?”

“I'm sorry Applejack, but if we take him outside he may get worse. Not to mention Fluttershy's more of an expert on wild animals than we are.” replied Redheart as she and Tenderheart got their things together.

As the pair made their way to the door Tenderheart turned and looked at the concerned group of friends, “If you're so concerned it would be best to stay with her until tomorrow, if it hasn't woken up by then we'll take it from there.” With that the pair left, Redheart more than thankful to put some distance between her and the creature.

“Well don't that just beat all. Well sugarcube, do you want us to stay with y'ah tonight?” questioned Applejack, seeing Fluttershy looking hopefully at her friends. “Just in case this 'ere thing wakes up and ain't too friendly.”

“Oh, yes please!” exclaimed Fluttershy before she reined her excitement back in, “That is if you want to.”

Laughing inwardly to herself Rainbow Dash puffed out her chest and declared “Don't worry, if this thing gets out of line he'll have to deal with the Dash!”

The others shared a quick chuckle as Twilight looked out the window to see the sun setting on the horizon. “I'll stay too, we can make it a sleep over! Let me go tell Spike where I'll be tonight. Oh, while I'm at it I'll get my copy of Slumber Party 101.”

Fluttershy looked confused for a moment, her sites focused on Twilight, but when she caught Applejack signaling her to say no; by dragging a forehoof across her throat, she had to decline.

Twilight felt a little deflated but continued out the door. She only took a few steps away from the house when she transported herself to her library. Walking inside Twilight could see that Spike had kept himself busy today, the floors were sparkling, the bookshelves were organized, and even the air seemed cleaner than normal. 'I have to give him a treat for this.'

A clattering of pots and pans brought Twilight's attention to the kitchen, “Spike is that you?”

“Twilight?” called Spike, after a few seconds his head popped out of the kitchen doorway. “I was wondering when you'd get home. How'd it go with the gang?”

“About that, I'll be stay with Fluttershy tonight. This strange creature came to her door and she's taking care of it, and we've offered to stay with her until tomorrow; in case it's dangerous.” replied Twilight as she did a quick skim of the bookshelf for books on obscure creatures.

“What helps does Fluttershy need with dangerous animals. Didn't you see her break a bear's neck?” chuckled Spike, when Twilight had told him the story Spike knew right away she must have misunderstood.

Twilight gave an annoyed look; accompanied by a dry chuckle, at Spike before putting a book or two into her saddlebags, “Yes, well this creature is something even she doesn't know anything about. Seems to be a new species, intelligent too, it had these strange devices that played music and another that held some pictures.”

“What's it look like?”

“Well it's mostly hairless save it's head, though after we took it's clothes off he seemed to have more fur than we originally thought.”

“Wait, you took some guys clothes off? Dude, that's creepy.” asked Spike, already guessing where such actions could lead.

Twilight had spent enough time blushing over the event so she just shook her head and ignored the question, “Fluttershy guessed that it's bipedal, it's probably a head or two taller than a pony, it has peach colored skin and has hands and feet like you do, though it doesn't have claws. Over all it looks weird, but hopefully it'll be able to answer our questions soon. Until then I'll do a little research.”

“Cool, so I guess I'll have the house to myself?”

“That's right, are you sure you can handle it?” asked Twilight, genuine concern in her voice.

“Please, I'll be fine, honestly you could try and have some faith in me.” pouted Spike.

Twilight gave a sad smile and wrapped him in a hug, “I do.” she gave him a peck on the forehead. “You are, after all, my number one assistant. Don't have too much fun though, I expect this library to be this clean when I come home tomorrow.”

“Yes ma'am!” replied Spike with a swift salute.

“At ease.” chuckled Twilight as she put her saddlebags on and headed for the door. She gave a simple good night and left the library to Spike, she knew he could handle the place but she still worried for him; he is a baby dragon after all. Taking a few steps away from the Twilight focused her magic; and mind, on just outside Fluttershy's cottage and within seconds found herself right where she had left.

“Fluttershy, it's me, Twilight.” called Twilight as she rapped on the door.

“Come on in.” replied Fluttershy out of the second story window, “The girls and I are upstairs.”

Twilight smiled and entered the cottage, passing by the creature as it laid upon the couch. Even with one of Fluttershy's blankets on it the creature shook and shivered with cold. “What made you journey in the middle of winter?” asked Twilight to no pony in particular. Twilight was about to head up stairs when she saw the creature's sleeping bag drying out near the fireplace. Looking back at it and then the creature she sighed and magicked the sleeping bag over the creature.

A smile grew on it's sleeping face as Twilight walked up the stairs and into Fluttershy's bedroom; closing the door behind her. While Twilight and the girls started talking about their day, as well as combing over all the things they fished out of the creature's saddlebag, none of them noticed a faint teal light peek through the cracks in the door.

When dreams become nightmares.

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As the girls busied themselves with examining all the odds and ends they could fish out of the creature's strange bags, said creature began to toss and turn as it was enveloped in a strange teal glow, and its dreams quickly became nightmares.

Sun City

As far as dreams go, it was unimpressive at first. The creature, John by name, was sitting at his computer looking at the stock markets rise and fall, when all of a sudden an earsplitting siren roared into life. Stumbling from his chair to his window, John peered outside. The sight of which nearly stopped his heart.

Dark purple clouds filled the heavens as lightning arced towards the ground like vipers, while blue flames rained from on high; turning everything they touched into ash. Tornadoes as black as night tore through whatever happened to lay in their path. In the distance shambling shadows could be seen rising from the earth, while others soared across the skies.

John's mind reeled as he tried to understand what was happening, his body however raced to his bedroom and began piling an assortment of random firearms. Having overcome the initial shock of witnessing; what could only be called the Apocalypse, John brought his attention to the furious movements of his hands as they checked and inspected the weapons before them. Having only recently taken an interest in firearms John could recognize most of them. To date he only had managed to purchase a Glock 22 which he always kept on his person unless forbidden by law; and doing so left him without food for a week, leaving him to wonder where the rest came from.

“Where did I get all of these?” muttered John as his hands began placing guns in various holster that randomly appeared on his body. When all was said and done, his back sported an A.K. 47 and a PS-90 both loaded, on his hips he had two Glock 22s, a pair of hunting knifes, and a double barrel sawed off shotgun that rested on his crotch, finally his calves were fitted with a pair of flare guns. After gearing up John watched; rather perplexedly, as his hands picked up a bag filled with enough ammo to keeps his trigger finger happy for a month and eight ready to go Molotov Cocktails. “WHERE DID I GET ALL THIS!?”

Much to John's irritation, his body; which seemed increasingly to be beyond his direct control, made its way slowly to the garage only to explode into a sprint when a scream echoed from outside, “That sounded like Tony?” In the seconds it took for the garage door to open John played witness to the horrifying screams of his neighbor; with each one sounding worse than the last. “COME ON , COME ON! SCREW IT!” cried John as he forced his body to roll out from under the doorway, when his eyes finally settled unto Tony; he wished he hadn't.

Tony; an elderly woman from across the street, was screaming as her body was ripped to shreds by her husband and a few of the neighbors. All of whom were zombies. Without thought or emotion John rose to his feet; unsheathing his PS-90 from its holster and lining up his sights. With a simple squeeze of it's trigger, the PS-90 roared into life and it's target burst into a fine red mist; ending Tony's pain. After the mist settled all that was left of Tony's head was a stump and a tongue hanging lifelessly in the wind.

Despite her grizzly demise, Tony's assailants didn't seem to care, continuing the ghastly feast as if nothing happened. Seeing this John's mind went from numb to angry, followed by enraged, and to such a degree as to command his body's compliance. Bringing his PS-90 to bare, John focused all of his fury upon the undead as he pulled the trigger. One by one the zombies fell, their carcasses framing her corpse. Solemnly John approached the bodies, and in doing so sheathed his PS-90 and prepared a Molotov Cocktail.

“Our Father in heaven ...” muttered John, praying for all of them. “....In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.” With that John turned his back on his former friends and neighbors, walked ten paces towards his house and threw a lit Molotov directly beside Tony's body. The flame quickly spread turning the macabre scene into a makeshift funeral pyre, the best kind of send off he could grant under the circumstances. While sparing a simple look back; for those lost, John picked up a faint whistling noise coming from above.

With reflexes honed from years of martial arts and dancing, John; with naught but a quick glance, deftly avoided incoming blur. In the brief look he got, John saw; beyond a shadow of a doubt, the rotting form of a pegasus pony. “What the fu?” Moments later the Hasbro Zombie returned to the sky and joined with a squadron of other pegasi. The collections of corpses circled overhead for a few minutes, making John feel like roadkill.

After a few moments the pegasi reformed into a “V” formation, banked hard and fast and made a beeline for John. “...I should be running.” was about the only thought John could muster, but even so his body remained planted to the ground. “Why aren't you running?” cried John as his hands reached for a flare gun at his feet and the sawed off in his pants, only to hide both of them behind his back. The pegasi veered off a bit and leveled a good five or so feet from the ground, as the pegasi tightened their formation John felt his muscles tense. “One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Seven ponies. Ha ha ha...” mouthed John as he counted the incoming pegasi, only to mutter angrily, “damn you Count.”

The zombies were about fifty feet away now and flying fast, being so close John could start picking out the details of the lead pegasus. “ Broken goggles, orange mane, blue fur? No, wait...that's a suit! SPIT FIRE!?” While he could only see her face and wings, John whistled in pain as he saw the chunk of flesh torn from her face. “That just ain't right.”

Sure enough each of the pegasi had a singular unifying detail, they were all wearing the traditional Wonder Bolts athletics suit. John would have felt pity for the Wonder Bolts, and more so for their number one fan Rainbow Dash, but the gap between them was a mere 30 or so feet and he was otherwise preoccupied counting down to his doom.

“Thirty feet...” muttered John as his body began to tense in his arms and legs.

“Twenty?” thought John, as his vision focused intently on Spit Fire.

His body had a plan and he knew it, “Alright, let's hope this works. Nineteen.”

With as much speed as his body could muster, John fired a single shot from his flare gun into the sky; drawing the attention of the zombies. Even with their attention elsewhere the pegasi kept flying at him, not losing an ounce of speed; and that was just what the body wanted. Taking a single step forward; and positioning himself to sustain the recoil, John fired his double barrel sawed off at near point blank range directly in Spit Fire's face.

The shotgun rounds tore Spit Fire in two leaving John unharmed; save for a smattering of rotten blood over his person, the other pegasi however weren't so lucky. The remains of Spit Fire went flying and quickly dropped in speed, hitting the other ponies hard causing each of them to either fall outright or crash into one another.

John was speechless as his body pulled a Glock from it's holster and took leisurely head shots at the ponies closest to him. Sparing each of the ponies a glance between shots, John looked aghast at the sheer mutilation some of the ponies had gone through. The stallion Soarin had most of his stomach eaten, leaving only his spine and a few ligaments between his flanks and his chest “Poor bastard...”

As his body went about the grizzly duty of putting the ponies to rest and ending their undead torment, John took notice of how nothing seemed to bother him about all this. Sure he felt sorry for Tony and everyone for being dead to begin with, but nothing he had been unaffected by anything he had personally done. “I've got some real issues.” muttered John as he walked over to the final Wonder Bolt. Unlike the others this pegasus seemed to have been knocked unconscious, “Heh, who knew zombies could sleep?”

The pegasus in question seemed smaller than the rest, “Probably youngest of the group. Female by the looks of it too. Ah, well.” sighed John as his body brought the Glock to bare and pulled the trigger. Only for it to jam. “Oh, come on!” cried John as he noticed the mare stir, “Oh, no you don't.”groaned John as he held her wings down with his foot. The pony, to her credit, fought for all she was worth, which earned a solemn nod of respect from John.

As John took time to do a clearance drill and ensure it wouldn't jam later, he gave the mare a greater look over. “Hhmm? That's odd.” commented John as he noticed the mare's mane and tail had a total of six colors though; each of them were caked with so much blood that, he could hardly tell what they originally were. After checking his gun with a random shot to the sky John, felt secure in using it once more, “I'm sorry little one, I'd like to do more, but I'm afraid that's beyond my powers.” The pegasus responded with little more than a feral growl and another attempt at freedom. “Good bye, my little pony. Go home to your loved ones.”

With a bang and a flash from his Glock the pony ceased to resist, succumbing to the death it should have met so long ago. “God, please grant mercy to these souls.” As he knelt down to holster his flare gun, the mare's body shook scaring John to death, “HOLY SH...Stop that!”yelled John as he stood upright. The mare's goggles were tossed aside in her death rattle and John took notice of the brilliance of their deep rose hue. “Wait a minute...”

Hesitantly John knelt down and peeled back the Wonder Bolts suit from the mares flank, and in doing so revealed a cloud shaped cutie mark with a rainbow lightning bolt confirming what his mind told him was true. “I just shot Rainbow Dash...I. SHOT. RAINBOW DASH!!” roared John as he took the limp mare in his arms. Whatever latent emotions he'd had at shooting his friends and neighbors came bursting out like a flood. As he cradled the broken Rainbow Dash, John's eyes began to blur and his sobs and screams faded into mere white noise

Down Town Phoenix

When John came too, he was no longer holding Rainbow Dash, and he couldn’t recognize the surrounding area, that knowledge was overcame by the sheer amount of pain he was being subjected too. “WHAT THE HELL!?” screamed John as he took stock of his person and immediate area, “Oh....”

John was lying on his back surrounded by corpses of both human and pony, the latter in every make and model available; save alicorns. Most of them had either gaping holes in their heads or none at all. Intermixed among the corpses were cast aside guns and spent shell casings, with the rounds from his A.K. being the most prevalent. All in all, the sight was awesome. That was until he saw the damage to his body.

A hole larger than his fist tore through his skin and bone into his chest revealing a erratically pulsating heart and a slightly visible lung. His stomach was torn open with his intestines pulled out and leading into the maw of one of the undead. His left leg was perfectly whole, with not even a scratch on it. His right however was little more than blood stained bone. His left arm conversely was missing only a bit of its triceps, where his right was lying somewhere among the rotten corpses.

While the pain had; at first, left John unable to do more than scream, his peculiar habit quickly kicked in. “HEH, haha. HAHAHAHAHA!!” roared John laughing boisterous at first, only for it to devolve into mindless cackling. Throughout his life John had developed this trick for dealing with severe pain or incredibly dangerous situations, and time and time again it had served him well. School yard bullies quickly fled a bloodied and beaten target when it looked at them and laughed like a madman. On more than one occasion his teachers would request he see a psychiatrist, though when he finally did the shrink thought it a minor thing; especially when weighed against the other reasons for his being there.

However, the pain was too much for him to laugh away, as there wasn't anything to scare off he quickly let his laugh die down and replaced it with a prayer.

“Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

John took a look at his good arm he noticed a Glock still lying within his palm. Checking the magazine, John let out a happy sigh when he saw a single round left inside. John could feel the pain overtaking his senses, and his heart; which he could easily see, was starting to slow in it's beating, 'Well this is it.' John paused his pray to give a chuckle as he brought the Glock to his head. 'I always wanted to go out with a “bang”.'

“And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil."

When his vision finally faded into total blackness, and he could feel his final life breath leaving
his lips John pulled the trigger, “Amen.”

Darkness of his mind

John felt cold and limp as the darkness fully overtook him. He waited to see the “Pearly Gates” or feel the black flames of hell, but after awhile; when nothing came, “Well...death's a bit of a let down, but I guess it could be worse.”

“Indeed it could be.” spoke a voice.

“Who's there?” called John.

“Honestly. No one. Currently. I am merely an imprint, a recording if you will. I am here to give you a message.” spoke the voice, it's tone as cold as ice. “Come find me. I await you at the place of my birth. My defeat. And my redemption.” The voice went silent for a moment, leaving John alone in the darkness of the after life. “That is all, oh and until you do, this dream you had. Will be the only one. So unless you wish to experience death again and again, you will give haste. However I am afraid you have more pressing matters to attend to.”

John was about to ask what it was talking about when a thunderous boom scared him out of his sleep. His eyes, quickly registered the sleeping bag covering his body and the unusual pillow beneath his head. Looking around the room, John paused at first. His dream still fresh in his mind, slowly gave way to the knowledge of his actual location. John's mind, which would have normally gone nuts with questions, had only one concern at the moment. Finding the source of that boom, which he knew for a fact to be from his Glock. The horror of what his gun could do in his current surrounding, fueled his need to find his firearm. A loud bit of rustling above had John looking for a means of getting there and when he saw a stair case to his right, John pounced on it like a tiger.

With breakneck speed John ascended the stairwell, only to come to a wooden door; but this was hardly enough to stop him. Seeing the door ahead of him, John positioned his shoulder in place and gritted his teeth, just in time to throw the door completely off it's hinges and down to the floor.

Inside was a collection of ponies, if he wasn't scared out of his mind he would have noticed that the three standing were Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle and Apple Jack; however this was neither the time nor place. Pushing his way through them John came face to face with an unconscious Fluttershy with a streak of blood trickling down her face coming from somewhere inside her mane.

As the scene fully registered in his mind; as well as who was standing beside him. John's hands went to cover his face as tears surged from his eyes, “Fluttershy?” Under other circumstances John would have began to question his own sanity; or jump with joy in lack of concern for it, but at the moment his sorrow was quickly giving way to a growing sense of anger. Turning to see the others, he asked, in tones so heated and filled with hatred the mares thought their ears would catch fire, “What? Happened?”

Rainbow Dash, pointed towards John's Glock lying on the ground with a spent shell lying nearby. John's eyes, which had already been swimming in tears broke like dams and left his eyes looking like waterfalls, angry, ANGRY, waterfalls.

Just as John felt his habit coming to call, as a soft, almost angelic, groan brought everyone's attention back to the yellow coated mare on the floor. With a simple cough she sat herself up on her hooves and looked around the room. “What happened?” She would have asked more but she was quickly covered in hugs, three from her friends, and a hug big enough to hold her and her friends from the creature down stairs.

When the hug ended, and only after the creature finally let go of all of them and stopped apologizing, Fluttershy looked at the creature and asked, “Hello, I'm Fluttershy, what's your name...that is, if you don't mind sharing.”

When Fluttershy whispered the last part of her question, the creature smiled and laughed; his previous demeanor washed away with his tears. “Sorry, Fluttershy. My name is John and it's my most sincere pleasure to me you. All of you, but first ” Then he turned to each of the mares and said, “Twilight Sparkle. Rainbow Dash. Apple Jack. Allow me to apologize for my temper earlier. I beg your forgiveness.”

“Well, John is it? Y'ah don't need tah be sorry, in fact ah think it's mighty kind of y'ah to worry about Fluttershy like that.” replied Apple Jack as she offered a hoof for a shake, which John slowly took, “Though, ah'd suggest y'ah keep that anger of yer's under check. If'n you know what ah mean?”

“All too well I'm afraid. Though I can agree that none of us want to see anypony hurt like that.”

With a quick exchange of smiles John turned from Apple Jack and looked at Twilight, “And what is your verdict Miss Sparkle?”

Twilight looked at the creature and flashed a lighthearted smile, “I agree with Apple Jack, so long as you keep that temper under control I'll forgive you. Though, the reasons I can assume was only out of concern for Fluttershy?” With a quick nod from John her smile widened, “Than all's forgiven. Now do you mind if I ask you some questions.”

“In a moment, there is one more that needs to give her blessings, Rainbow Dash?” replied John, quickly avoided the flood of question Twilight's mind no doubt held.

Rainbow Dash just looked shamefully at John for a moment than to Fluttershy, “It should be me who apologizes, I could have really hurt Fluttershy. Even after she warned me about not to play with that thing.” Rainbow Dash motioned her hooves to the Glock lying on the ground. Rainbow Dash looked solemn for a bit longer before she fixed John with a hateful stare, “Why'd you even have that thing?!”

John knew Rainbow's attitude from the show and also knew getting into an argument would only lead to problems longer down the road, “Because Rainbow Dash, where I come from, you have to watch your back for every shadow or flicker of light.” As he continued his voice grew in sorrow, “In my world people kill and beat one another for things a simple as a different of opinion or a difference in appearance. Because in my world, a single word or phrase can be the difference of living or dying, even as one as simple as 'excuse me.'”

John wanted to cease his current train of thought but; like his tears earlier, it just kept coming. “Because in my world, you have to lock your doors at night, just so you feel that there's a slight chance of survival. And only because with a locked door between you and someone else, you have a few more precious seconds to grab a weapon to defend yourself with. Because Rainbow Dash, I live in a nightmare, alone with no friends or family to speak of. Because that...” John now sounded like he was on the verge of tears again as he pointed towards his Glock, “is the only thing keeping me from death when words fail me. It isn't a perfect defense and I don't know if I have the ability to use it, but often times it's mere presence is enough to save your life; where I come from.”

John simply let his eyes fall to the floor, trying to avoid the horrified looks on the mares surrounding him, “Because Rainbow Dash, I'm too much of a coward to go without it. And my cowardice nearly cost us the life of someone completely innocent. I probably should apologize for that as we...” Before John could utter another word he was encased with tearful ponies, and hugs that threatened to choke the life from him.

Rainbow Dash was around John's neck, with her face buried in his hair. Fluttershy grabbed hold of John's chest; or at least as much as she could, he face buried in his shirt. Twilight Sparkle and Apple Jack each held fast to his legs. “Oooooookkkaaayyyy? This is a little awkward.”

Twilight was the first to answer, her voice shaking, “Sorry, but we can't image something like that. A world so dark. So....”

“Scary....” whispered Fluttershy, her voice barely distinguishable as her face remained buried.

John sighed to himself, and mentally cursing himself for taking his explanation too far. “Girls, please stop. The truth of the matter is that, my world, is indeed scary and dangerous. But that is only a small part of it. I again, apologize for scaring you as I have. Please calm down. If you don't mind, all this 'excitement' has left me tired, and before I go to sleep, I'd like to take care of whatever damage Fluttershy has taken.”

For a moment John was afraid the girls would never let go; a little afraid and mostly hopeful, but eventually they released him and Fluttershy showed him to her medical supplies. After examining the wound atop Fluttershy's head, “Alright, it seems the bullet merely grazed her. I've cleaned the wound and applied sufficient pressure so she should be healed up by tomorrow. Regardless I highly suggest a stop off at Nurse Redheart's and Tenderheart's, and I won't take 'No' for an answer.” Giving the normally shy pegasus a pat on the head, which earned him a gentle smile.

“Wait, bullet? That was a gun?” asked Rainbow Dash as she hovered next to his head.

“Yes, wait? How do you know what a gun is? I thought Equestria didn't have advanced weaponry?” queried John as he repacked the first aid kit.

“Well yes, but nothing like that thing. We call them muskets and they're no where near as fast as your's.” answered Twilight taking over the conversation for Rainbow Dash. John spared Twilight a quick nod and realized the dam was about to burst.“Wait, how'd you know about Equestria? How'd you know our names? Why'd you think you knew our weapon technologies?” rattled Twilight, her question coming out so fast and in such volume John thought of her mouth like a machine gun on full auto. Eventually her questions were coming out so fast, after awhile John could only hear, “Who? What? When? Where? Why?”

John was about to try and calm her down when a rough cough echoed from his mouth sending him down to Fluttershy's bed. Twilight was about to ask him if he was okay, but Fluttershy beat her to the punch by rushing over and helping him to sit up and to cough by pounding on his back with all the strength she could muster; meaning he though a breeze had rolled in. John passed out soon after and with a quick check of his forehead, Fluttershy knew he was suffering from an intense fever. “Twilight, please he's still sick and needs his rest. You'll have to wait until tomorrow. Please, help me get him downstairs.”

“What about his gun?” asked Rainbow Dash, worried about the idea of just leaving it there on the floor. Twilight simply lifted it up with her magic and put it on top of one of Fluttershy's larger bookshelves. “Oh.”

With that taken care of each of the girls did their part to get John downstairs. Twilight levitated him while Apple Jack kept him leveled on her back. Fluttershy went down to prepare the couch and to stoke the fire, with Rainbow Dash there to assist. Soon, the girls had John in bed and right afterwards they themselves went to sleep.to sleep.

The next morning

View Online

The next morning came late to the peaceful town of Ponyville, the reason being the royal sisters Celestia and Luna spent the night scouring the Everfree forest after Luna felt a surge of magic two nights ago. "Did you see anything big sister?"

"Nothing I'm afraid. Whatever happened the other night didn't leave any kind of scar on the land." replied Celestia her voice heavy with fatigue.

"How can that be!?" cried Lune, he voice thick with worry. "The amount of magic I felt last night was enough to level the entire forest. Surely it must have left some sign or clue as to what happened."

Celestia hated to say it but she was close to her limit. Yesterday she awoke early to deal with some issues between Equestria's borders and their northern neighbors in Draconia. The deliberations took the entire day, requiring her court to deal with most local matters; much to her irritation.

While Celestia didn't like dealing with all of Equestria's problems, she hated leaving such issues to the dukes and ladies that made up her court. Each and every one of them were descendants of long "noble" families, and while most started out decent enough, dabbling into Canterlot's political system quickly stripped them of their grace and honour. The beacon of honour and chivalry that was once her court, was now a burnt out candle befouling the air as it simple smoldered.

To this end, when she had left ruling Equestria to the court, it's member turned the entire day into a "power grab". Settling issues in ways that benefitted them and only them, furthermore if they could undercut the common pony they would; wearing sickening smiles the whole time. On more than one occasion Celetia dreamt of simply doing away with the court and establishing a new one of more appreciative ponies that would treat their duties with the dignity they deserved; as well as the little ponies. Twilight Sparkle and her friends often came to mind as prime candidates.

However, the laws were absolute. Celestia had promised their forefathers that their descendants would hold positions of authority for their services to Equestria, and disestablishment of the court would violate that contract. Regardless ultimate power lied with her on all matters, so while the court was a problem, so long as she ruled they were a minor inconvenience rather than any real threat.

Their greatest weapon as things were, was to try and bury her in litigation, red tape and bureaucracy, which only stalled her while they exploited any decision they made in her rare absences. Such was the case when Nightmare Moon had temporarily banished her to the sun. Instead of sending aid to Twilight and her friends, they imposed martial law throughout the land and took "liberties" in terms of control over their domains; all in the name of keeping the peace.

The situation was bordering on civil war by the time Luna had been saved by the Elements of Harmony, thereby freeing her from the sun. After returning to Canterlot with Luna, Celestia tried to undo all the chaos her court had enacted. By the time she dealt with removing martial law she thought she'd never undo all their power mongering. If not for Luna she might not have.

Luna, having spent a thousand years in suspended animation/banishment; something Celestia still hadn't forgiven herself for, had perfect recall on ancient laws and loopholes that cleared the way for Celestia to revoke the orders set up by her court. In what would have taken Celestia years to undo, Luna had wrapped up in mere days. This turn of events pleased Celestia to no end, the pony many in her court herald as their greatest gift, turn out to be their greatest enemy.

In truth Celestia had, over the year, became dependent on her little sister when it came to matters of litigation, something that she excelled at. 'Looking for this thing is the least I can do for her, seeing as how much she has done for her.' mussed Celestia as she spotted Fluttershy's cottage. 'Isn't that the home of the Element of Kindness? Fluttershy's the name if I'm not mistaken? Yes, I believe so, Twilight was very detailed about the little cottage so close to Everfree.'.

"Luna? We've both been up longer than we're used to. Perhaps it would be best if we took a quick break. Whatever caused that burst of magic will have to be powerful and I'd rather not face it tired. Do you agree?"

Luna was about to give a retort but when she saw the fatigue in her sisters eyes, she couldn't say no. "Yes, you are right big sister." Luna began to survey the area when her eyes came upon Fluttershy's cottage. "Look over yonder sister. Tis the home of dear Fluttershy, the wielder of kindness. Surely she will grant us haven while you...I mean we rest."

"I believe you are right." replied Celestia, giving no hint as to her knowledge of the home or it's inhabitants. "More so, we could ask her if she's seen anything out of the ordinary in the past couple nights."

Lune beamed at the prospect of talking to one of the ponies she deemed a friend and even more so, if it meant unraveling this mystery. "Of course! Come sister let us give haste!" Celestia allowed a silent giggle as she chased after her sister, these moments were pure nostalgia for the eternal princess. Nostalgia she always cherished.

Ponyville proper

As the royal sister committed themselves to the search of strange happenings over the Everfree Forest, two nurse ponies began their day. Redheart was the first to get up, though considering all she heard last night that didn't surprise her.

A sudden scuffling of hooves alerted Redheart she was about to have company. "Good Morning Tenderheart, you're up early." commented Redheart as her roommate entered the kitchen. "I would have thought you'd be upstairs asleep..."

As Tenderheart took a seat and began sipping her morning coffee Redheart added; with a sing song voice, "With Grey Wing."

Much to Redheart's irritation Tenderheart kept sipping her coffee without incident, almost as if she hadn't heard her. "Please, Redheart you have to get up earlier than that to get me. Besides, Grey Wing left a little bit ago through my window. You know, you and Mystic Ivory made a nice couple last night..." unlike Tenderheart, Redheart was as shy as a school filly; and Tenderheart knew it, "Maybe if you showed him your stables you'd get him to stay."

Redheart's reaction was priceless, having been eating a bowl of oats, she sputtered a bit of food onto the table only to quickly try and hide her face. "Tenderheart!" cried Redheart, "must you be so vulgar?"

"Ah, loosen up Redheart. You're what? Twenty Seven? And you still haven't bagged a stud of your own?" Tenderheart shinned a toothy grin as Redheart stuck her nose in the air and away from her "vulgar" roommate. After a few seconds Tenderheart grew a subtle grin as she said, "Or maybe the reason you didn't bring him home last night was you were to busy fantasizing about that "BIG" creature at Fluttershy's."

"What!?" was about the only thought Redheart had as her face began to resemble her cutie mark in terms of color. "That's sick! How can you even say such a thing?"

"Calm down. Calm down. It was only a joke." chuckled Tenderheart. Redheart hover didn't sit around for an apology, she sat up from the table and walked downstairs towards the Clinic proper. "Hey, where ya going? Look I'm sorry!" called Tenderheart from the top of the stairs.

When Redheart didn't reply Tenderheart ran down the steps to see her packing a simple first-aid kit and a few other necessities into a nearby saddle-bag. Without so much as a word, Redheart made a start for the door only to be blocked by Tenderheart. Redheart cast her sights to the ground and said, in tones barely over a whisper, "That wasn't funny." For a few uncomfortable minutes, the pair stood looking at each other, niether budging an inch.

During the quiet exchange, Tenderheart kept trying to think of ways to make amends to her red tinted coworker. Just as she was going to say something a silent snort drew her attention to Redheart. Tenderheart's face fell when she saw her co-worker struggling to fight back a laugh, a fight she lost when Tenderheart looked up at her. "Gotcha!"

Under normal circumstances Tenderheart would have been upset about being tricked, but at the moment she was happy Redheart wasn't mad at her. "Real funny." sighed Tenderheart sarcastically.

"Yes well, that's what you get for saying stuff like that without thinking about others." chuckled Redheart, "Now come on, we promised we'd take that..." Redheart gave a quick pause before continuing in sultry, playful, tones,"BIG creature..." Redheart completed the act by placing a fore hoof on her forehead. "off poor Fluttershy's hooves."

Tenderheart rolled her eyes as she walked over to the medicine cabinet to grab some sedatives, "Better take a few of these in case things get out of hoof. You know? I wonder if any of the girls stayed with Fluttershy last night."

"I'm sure they did. In truth if it wasn't for the fact that yesterday was the first day we've had off in months, I would have stayed to." commented Redheart.

"Yeah, I'm sure you would. You spend far too much time helping others, probably another reason you don't have a stallion all your own." commented Tenderheart, earning an annoyed sigh from Redheart. "What, I'm just saying. Girl you need to think about your life sooner or later. You don't want to end up alone do you?"

Redheart took a second to think before speaking, when she did her tones were solemn, yet sorrowful, "Not everypony can live for themselves. If I find the right stallion and everything works out, then maybe." Redheart paused so you could look her friend in the eyes, "But I doubt things will, and I'm find with that." Before Tenderheart could argue Redheart cut her off, "Let's go."

Making sure nopony was needing their immediate assistance, Redheart hung a sign on the door saying, "Emergency House Visit! Will return A.S.A.P. " Tednderheart meanwhile just looked at her friend with a sad expression on her face. As the pair made their way through town they spotted Ponyville's fashion pony, Rarity, heading in the same direction.

"Good morning darlings." called Rarity as she trotted over to the pair. "Where are you two heading so early in the morning?"

With the addition of Rarity to the group, Redheart adopted a cheerful demeanor and said, "Good morning Miss Rarity..."

"Please darling, Rarity is fine. No need for formalities between friends."

Tenderheart rolled her eyes as Redheart continued, "Alright then, Rarity. We're just on our way over to Fluttershy's cottage."

"Oh my stars! Tell me she alright!" gasped Rarity.

Tenderheart, having grow bored of sitting on the sidelines, jumped in on the conversation, "She's fine. We're going over to play veterinarians today. Turns out some weird creature showed up at her house yesterday and we were called to take care of it."

"How odd." commented Rarity as Fluttershy's cottage came into view. "What kinda creature is it?"

The nurses were going to explain as a shadow appeared overhead revealing the Royal pony sisters. As the pair of towering royal ponies landed gracefully in front of the trio, the smaller mares bowed their heads in respect. "Please my little ponies. You needn't bow." spoke Princess Celestia in her normal peaceful tones.

"Hello, Princess Celestia, and of course you too Princess Luna." spoke Rarity with an air of familiarity.

"GOOD DAY!" roared Luna, forgetting to turn of the traditional Canterlot voice, resulting in Rarity's hat to go flying in the wind. "Oh no!" cried Luna as she caught the hat with her magic. "My apologies Miss Rarity. I am still not accustomed to speaking as a normal pony of this day."

Taking her hat with her magic and securely placing it on top of her head she gave Luna a bright and happy smile. "It's quite alright, and if I may your highness. Rarity is just fine."

After a second Luna shined an equally happy smile and said, in a whisper that'd give Fluttershy a run for her money, "Alright, Rarity." Celestia smiled as she saw her little sister getting to know the other two with Rarity and after a bit the group of ponies made it to Fluttershy's cottage. "Pray tell, what brings all of you to Dear Fluttershy's?"

Rarity was the first to answer, pulling out a lovely pink silk scarf with yellow trim at the end. "Oh! I just wanted to give Fluttershy a new scarf. You see, I had this large order to fill for some Canterlot ponies and with some of the scrap pieces of cloth I made this lovely scarf that just goes perfectly with Fluttershy's natural tones."

The others all agreed that the scarf was lovely before the nurses shared their reasons. "We're on our way to help Fluttershy with some strange creature that came to her doorstep last night."

"How strange." commented Celestia as she raised a hoof to knock on the door, "From what Twilight Sparkle has told me, Fluttershy was the resident expert on all sorts of creatures."

"She is. But this creature is like nothing anypony has ever seen." commented Redheart just as Celestia's hoof rapped the door.

Princess Celestia and Luna shared a quick glance as the door began to glow red, the standard color of Celestia's star pupil, Twilight Sparkle.

Fluttershy' Cottage

Morning came slowly to the quaint little cottage, or at least it did to John. It would appear the voice wasn't simply part of a feverish dream, as John played out his role through Armageddon, no different than the last. Either way his body seemed to have slept well, his sore muscles no longer screamed in protest to any movement on his part, and his head no longer felt like a drum at death metal concert; though it still hurt. "Sometimes I think my immune system is the only thing I've got going for me." groaned John as he messaged the bridge of his nose.

As the sun rose over the horizon John heard the clips and clops of hooves sounding off from up stairs. "Best. Day. Ever." thought John as the first of the ponies from up stairs entered into the living room. To no surprise to John, it was Twilight Sparkle leading the pack. When she saw John sitting up right on the coach, wrapped in his sleeping bag, she walked over to a nearby cushion. "You seemed to be feeling better."

"Yeah. I'm sure I have you girls to thank." replied John with a smile. "So tell me, what happened last night?"

Twilight's face slowly grew a blush and she stammered out a response, both of which caused John to cock his eyebrows "W...what do you mean?"

Before John ask about her blush, Apple Jack came into the room and with an gently laugh she sat down next to Twilight. "Good mornin' there big fella! How yah feelin'?"

"I'm feeling great, thank you." answered John before he brought his attention back to Twilight, but as last time he was interrupted; though by a much softer voice.

"Good morning John, are you feeling better?" asked Fluttershy as she checked his forehead for a temperature. John was going to respond however Fluttershy popped a thermometer in his mouth after being dissatisfied with checking his forehead. "Now let's wait to see what the thermometer has to say, alright?" directed Fluttershy, her tone carrying the same mannerisms one would use for little children or animals.

'Had that been anybody, or anypony, else, they'd be picking up their teeth with two broken arms; or legs.' thought John as the thermometer rose to a stable 99.6 degrees.

"Oh my, you still have a bit of a fever...I think? commented Fluttershy as she took the thermometer from John's mouth only to realize she knew next to nothing of him say what he told them last night, and most of that she wished she could forget.

Picking up on her confusion John said, "Yeah, the average temp for a human is roughly 98.6 degrees fahrenheit, or 37 degrees celsius."

"Humans? Is that what your species is called?" asked Twilight, cutting off Fluttershy.

"Homo Sapiens is the scientific term, but yes..." John would have elaborated more but a deep and harsh cough took hold of his lungs. The girls each had their own reactions but all of them adopted a worried look, save one.

"Keep it down down there, some of us are trying to sleep up here!" yelled Rainbow Dash, her voice sounding like a dump truck rolling down an avalanche.

With a chuckle John called back, "Sorry Rainbow Dash! I'll try to be quieter!" Twilight looked like she was going to scold somepony, be it John or Rainbow was anyone's guess, but before she could a loud ruckus could be heard up stairs as Rainbow Dash woke up. "Well, so much for sleep, huh?"

"You're real!?" screamed Rainbow Dash as she saw John on the couch. "I was hoping you were just a dream."

"Rainbow!" yelled the others.

"Was that what that moaning was earlier? Rainbow Dash, you naughty, Naughty pony." Rainbow's face lit up like a red neon light as she crashed to the floor. While the others looked at Rainbow with a mix of disgust and concern, John simply laughed his flanks off. "Oh, man that was better than I was hoping for. By the way Rainbow, you look adorable when you blush."

"What!?" cried the girls, now looking at John.

"Yeah, there wasn't any noise or moans, my mouth just got away from me there, and I picked up on the chance to poke fun at Rainbow Dash. My bad." The group of mares just gave him a stern, cross look before he apologized, "Look, I'm sorry. please forgive me."

Rainbow Dash looked around to her friends who nodded their consent, "Fine, but you better watch it buddy, or you'll have to deal with these babies." to clarify her point she used her wings to stand upright and shadow boxed a bit.

With a laugh John said, “I'll be sure to keep that in mind.” Rainbow Dash, gave John a suspicious pout but eventually gave a reluctant nod. “How about we shake on it?” Rainbow smiled and spit into her hoof before holding it out. John grimaced at first, but did so as well; fighting the need to scream out in disgust.

The others shared a laugh, mostly at John's slightly contained disgust, but a bit at how the situation played out. As John and Rainbow broke the hoof/hand shake, he let go of his grimace and wiped his hand off on his pants, causing Rainbow to laugh. With his hand cleaned John turned to Twilight to ask about her blush from earlier when his stomach started to growl; loudly.

Fluttershy immediately reacted, “Oh my. Would you like something to eat?”

John looked up at Fluttershy's big, adorable, eyes and couldn't help but say, “Yay,” seeing the confused look on her face John corrected himself. “Yes, I would love some. Thank you Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy flashed a bright smile and asked, “What would you like?”

“Anything would be fine.” replied John as he stood up and began to stretch.

“Okay!” said Fluttershy as she trotted off to the kitchen, after a few seconds she called out, “I'll have coffee and tea in a minute, please make yourselves comfortable!.”

John decided to take a seat on the floor, allowing the girls to take the couch. “Are yah sure sugarcube?” asked Apple Jack as John finished wrapping himself in his sleeping bag.

“Yeah,” replied John, “I don't mind. Besides what kind of gentlemen sits on a couch while making ladies sit on the floor.”

“Shooee, don't let this one near Rarity, she'd never let 'em go.” laughed Apple Jack as she got comfortable on the couch.

“No chance of that,” replied John, “Rarity's Spike's girl. I ain't about to get between him and his crush.” Rainbow Dash and Apple Jack busted out laughing while Twilight starred at John with her mouth hanging open.

“Alright, I've got to know. How do you know all this stuff?!” cried Twilight, her patience pushed to it's limits. “First, you have that picture of me. I'm still wondering about that! Second, you have us all singing on a strange little device. Then you know our names, you know Spike, Rarity and even Spike's “secret”.” John had to admit that seeing Twilight waver her hooves up an down like someone making “Finger Quotes” was just adorable.

John was about to answer when Fluttershy brought out the tea, coffee and a few sweets to the table, “Here you go everypony, I hope you like it.”

John gave the confections a glance over and picked up a small chocolate chip cookie and a warm cup of tea. 'Never been one for warm tea, but Fluttershy made it....' Not wanting to appear rude John took a sip of the tea and; in one bite, ate the cookie. The girls watched in awe as John devoured the cookie in a single gulp only to have his eyes grow to a size on par with theirs. “WOW THAT'S GOOD TEA!” yelled John before he finished off the cup.

He was going to ask for more but Twilight put her hoof down. “John, would you please answer my question....please!?”

Twilight adopted a pleading puppy dog look, “Alright, alright. The truth of the matter is...” John was cut off by some muffled voices from outside; all feminine. “Sorry, Twi, but were you guys expecting company?”

Twilight looked like she was about to explode before Fluttershy said, “Oh, yes. Nurse Redheart and Tenderheart were going to come over to check up on you.”

“Sweet. I was going to bring up going into Ponyville to see them....well you four at least.” John paused a moment after seeing Twilight's ears twitch after hearing him saying, “Ponyville”, “I know how the ponyfolk reacted to Zecora...” again Twilight's ears twitched. John grinned as he went on trolling the purple pony, “and I rather not have Celestia's...” twitch, “ or Luna's...” twitch, twitch, “guards coming after me. Or Celestia herself banishing me.”

Fluttershy stifled a giggle as she saw John's eyes track Twilight's ears, “John, please stop teasing Twilight. You don't want to see her angry.”

“What, like that time a “Froggy Bottom Bog.” when she burst into flames about Pinkie Pie's Pinkie sense?” This time, Twilight's eye developed a twitch, “Alright, sorry. I just couldn't help myself, she's too cute when she's angry.” Twilight's face developed a faint blush, but she kept her angry look about her. The voices grew closer during all this, “Okay, Twilight I'll answer all your questions, but you've got to help me with a prank.”

“Ooohhh, I could go for a good prank.” chuckled Rainbow Dash.

Twilight spared her friend a quick sideways look before sighing, “Okay, what is it you want.”

“Well....” John was going to make another inappropriate joke, but decided not to push his luck, currently at any rate. “How about you open up the door when they knock while I stand behind it, looking as scary as I can.”

“What? NO!” yelled Twilight, “That's just mean.”

“Oh, come on. The worse that could happen is they run away, Rainbow can catch them in 10 seconds flat,” John paused so Rainbow Dash could pose, “so what's the problem?”

Rainbow decided to help John get Twilight to agree. “Yeah, come one Twilight. It sounds like fun.”

Twilight sighed again and then caught John with a stern, almost teacher like, glare, “You promise to answer my questions?

“Yes.”

“All of them?”

“Well, within reason, though I doubt any of them will be inappropriate. So sure.”

With a shake of her head, Twilight gave in. “Fine.”

Just then a knock came from the door and John bolted up and took his position. John spread out his hand and opened his mouth wide to show his teeth. Twilight, assuming he was ready, wrapped the door with her magic and opened it up. With John blocking the door she couldn't see who was standing in front of him, but she could her him say, “Ah, crap...”

Waking up after a shot from Celestia.

View Online

John wasn't sure what happened. The last thing he remembered was getting ready to scare nurse Redheart and Tenderheart. He had “convinced” Twilight to help him by opening the door. John remembered chuckling to himself as the door slowly slid open, imaging the reactions from the two nurses. After that, John drew could only draw a blank, save for a splash of dark blue color and a blinding white light afterwards.

That had been just a bit after dawn, but now it was after dark, if the moon through the window wasn't just a trick of the light. His throat was dry, his head throbbed, and his body ached all over, his back especially. The pain only got worse as John tried to stand up. When it became clear moving was out of the question, John tried asking for help, but with his throat so dry his words came out as a little over a pained whisper.

Seeing as how he couldn't move much of his body without causing pain, John opted to examine the room around him. Even with the faint light of the moonlight John could clearly see an empty door frame with ruined hinges hanging loosely from splintered wood. Seeing his handiwork, John loudly groaned, 'I really need to work on my impulse control.' While John mentally kicked himself a few voices could be heard coming up the stairs. While John could recognize Twilight's voice, the ones she was talking to didn't register, 'Who's she talking to?'

“Nurse Redheart, has he woken up yet?” asked Twilight, sounding nearly desperate. “Princess Celestia wants to speak with him as soon as possible.”

'Celestia!?' thought John as he closed his eyes and tried to think back to earlier, 'Well that would explain the bright light.'

“We're sorry Twilight,” replied Redheart; John knew he knew that voice from somewhere, “but even if he were to wake up right now, who knows when he'll be ready to talk. He did take quite the beating after all.”

“Beating?” scoffed another voice, John assumed it to be nurse Tenderheart. “His back is nearly broken, his head suffered multiple cuts and lesions. It took us more than an hour to clean all his wounds and to remove the pieces of china from his head and neck. His arms and legs are mostly fine, but no doubt sore after hitting the ground like that. All in all I'm amazed he's still alive.”

'What happened to me? Did Celestia do all that?' John couldn't see the ponies, but when he heard a forceful cough and grunt, John assumed Redheart told Tenderheart to watch her tone. For a while, the sound of approaching hooves was the only thing John could hear. With his eyes still closed John remained motionless, trying to keep up the appearance of being unconscious, 'If Celestia did all that, than maybe I should lie low, at least until I hear why.'

As the ponies entered the room John noticed the sounds of the hooves started coming from multiple places in the room, “So, uh,” started Tenderheart, her voice coming from John's left, “did Celestia say when she'd be coming back?”

“As soon as she can,” answered Twilight sounding from John's right, “Princess Luna said she'd come back too.”

'...And that explains the dark blue,' thought John recalling the blue color before the bright light.

“Not that I mind,” started Tenderheart, “but why is Princess Luna coming?”

“She said she also wanted to speak with him,” answered Twilight, “something about, strange happenings in the Everfree Forest.” For a second John couldn't hear anything but a dry chuckle coming from Twilight's direction.

“What's so funny?” asked Redheart sounding at the foot of the bed.

“Sorry,” answered Twilight, “I was just wishing her good luck with getting information out of him.”

“Why?' asked Tenderheart.

“Well he kept prancing around my questions when I asked,” answered Twilight.

“Maybe he's got something to hide?” asked Redheart as she got onto the bed. It took everything John had to keep his mind from the gutter and keep his heartbeat level as he felt Nurse Redheart getting closer.

“I don't think so,” reasoned Twilight. “He seemed more interested in teasing us and calling us cute. Really it seemed like he couldn't believe what was happening.”

A chuckle could be heard to John's left before Tenderheart commented, “Did'ya hear that Redheart? If you don't hurry you're going to lose him to the others.”

“Would you drop it already,” groaned Redheart as she laid her head on John's chest, trying to hear his heartbeat; which was beating a little faster than he'd have liked.

“You're the one that called him big,” scoffed Tenderheart.

'Big?' thought John. He had always been taller and; at times, rounder than most but the way Tenderheart said it, John knew there had to be more. 'What are they talking about?'

John later would swear he heard Redheart facehoof as she defended herself, “Yes, I was surprised when I saw him. How was I suppose to react when I saw it hanging out for the world to see like that. Besides for his species, it may be on the small size. Who knows?”

'...well this just became several levels of awkward,' thought John as he felt Redheart slide off the bed.

“I wish you hadn't reminded me of that,” complained Twilight, “that was the most embarrassing thing ever...Though now that you mention it, I do have to wonder as to what it's like in comparison to others of his species.”

'WOULD YOU ALL JUST DROP IT!' screamed John, in his head at least. All the while doing everything in his power to remain still.

Before John could think more on the subject, there was a creaking from down stairs, followed by the sound of hooves. The sound of hooves kept coming closer and closer, alerted him to more incoming visitors. John could hear when the hooves stopped they were at the doorway.

“Princess, you're back already,” said Twilight. Although she may have been trying to keep quiet the excitement in her voice was apparent. The was a brief pause in the conversation, John assumed Twilight welcoming her mentor with a hug.

“Yes my dear pupil, has he awoken yet?” came the calm soothing voice of Princess Celestia. While John wasn't a huge fan of the Solar Goddess of Trolls, he always admitted to liking her voice.

“Not yet I'm afraid,” answered nurse Redheart. “We're not sure how cognitive he'll be if he does. ” There was a brief pause and a silent sigh coming from the foot of the bed before nurse Redheart spoke again, “I'm sorry your Highness, I didn't mean to...”

“No, please,” sighed Celestia, “you don't need to hide the truth from me.” The sound of hooves could be heard again as Celestia moved over the right side of the bed to stand next to Twilight. “I'm sorry I hurt your new friend Twilight Sparkle, I don't know what came over me.”

John couldn't see the look on Twilight's face but her words were more than enough, “He's not my friend, Princess Celestia.” If John wasn't putting all of his effort into remaining still he would have looked like he got punched in the groin. “Well at least not yet anyways,” John's heart jumped for joy when she said that, but again John kept up appearances.

“What can you tell me about him?” asked Celestia.

“Nothing much more than I told you earlier,” replied Twilight. “He seems friendly enough, but when I first saw him he look terrifying, almost as if he was capable of really hurting somepony.”

“But that was because he saw Fluttershy bleeding on the floor?” asked Celestia.

“That's what he said, and since then he has treated us with kindness,” answered Twilight.

There was a brief lull in the conversation as the sound of more hooves could be heard coming towards the room. “Is it awake, sister?” The voice was obviously Princess Luna.

“Not yet I'm afraid,” replied Celestia sounding remorseful, “and it's a he, right Twilight Sparkle?”

A chuckle could be heard to John's left before Twilight answered, “Yes, and his name is John, Princess Luna.”

“I'm sorry Twilight Sparkle, I meant no offense,” commented Luna, “I do hope he wakes up soon, I have so many questions to ask.”

“Yes, well,” started nurse Redheart, “he's suffered a great deal of damage yesterday, you may have to wait until he's comfortable talking before asking him too many questions.”

The pause filled the room before Celestia sighed out, “I still can't believe I lost control of myself like I did.”

There was yet another long silence in the room before Twilight asked, “Princess?”

“Yes, my faithful student?”

“What happened?” Twilight sounded almost afraid to ask but did so anyways. “I mean, you've said you never saw anything like him before, but when you did see him you looked like you saw a ghost.” There was a small silence again, juxtaposed by the sound of hooves heading towards the door, “Princess, I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked. Please forgive me.”

“No, Twilight Sparkle.” replied Celestia, her tone sounding remorseful. “In truth if I could tell you, I would. When I saw him the first time it was like a horrify realization came to me. A sense of fear and terror coming from deep within my mind, almost like a distant echo in a canyon. A whisper of something long forgotten.” Again the room filled with silence, this time a far more uncomfortable one than before. “The strange thing was...”

After yet another silence, John couldn't help but think, 'Dear God, even Kirk didn't pause this often.'

“Was?” asked Princess Luna, joining in on the conversation

“The strange thing was...it wasn't him that I was afraid of...” Celestia took in a deep breath and said, “I was afraid of what he represented.” None of the girls knew what to say, not even Luna, so Celestia continued, “I don't want to frighten you, but I'm afraid things in Equestria will soon change. How soon and why? I cannot say. I'm not sure. But John being here terrifies me, because it means something more.”

“But that doesn't explain why you hurt him,” said Twilight, her voice shaking with worry.

“Because when I saw him Twilight Sparkle, all of this was flooding my mind. The knowledge of a looming darkness filled me with fear and I was already in the process of casting a spell. Had I been more awake I could have probably redirected the spell or canceled it all together, but what's done is done. I can only hope he'll forgive me...”

“Then I am just as much to blame for his current state,” interjected Luna, “had I not brought you out here, then this wouldn't have happened.”

John decided that since it was clear what happened to him wasn't intentional, it was safe to show that he was awake. John opened his eyes and tried to sit up when Celestia let out a sad laugh, “I was beginning to wonder how long you were going to play possum.”

The others: Twilight, Luna, Redheart and Tenderheart all looked shocked at John sitting cross legged on the bed. “How long have you been awake?” asked nurse Tenderheart seeing her co-worker's and Twilight's bright blushes.

“A little before you came into the room,” commented John as he made himself comfortable in the bed.

“How much did you hear?” asked Twilight.

“Everything,” answered John, his voice low and sad, “but that's not important. Princess Celestia, what happened?”

Celestia looked at John with sorrow before saying, “Just as I explained, I'm not sure what exactly happened. Seeing you seemed to awaken ancient memories...”

“Ancient, sheesh you two look good for you ages,” joked John getting an angry, stern, glare from Twilight. “Down tiger, it was only a joke.”

As Twilight put away her, “Teacher's Glare”; as John would later come to call it, Celestia chuckled and continued, “...And those memories brought forth emotions; dark emotions.” Celestia took a second to look outside before looking back at John. “Regardless, I should have had better control of myself. You were hurt due to my lack of self-control. Can you ever forgive me?”

John looked as if he was going to take the chance to poke fun at Celestia, when a loud “hurrumph” could be heard coming from a ready to glare Twilight. Seeing punishment was ready to strike John erred on the side of caution and decided to be serious, “Things happen. Also considering I was trying to scare somepony, you could say I got what was coming to me.”

John took a second before fixing Celestia with a sad gaze. “Besides, I've been through worse from worse people, with worse intents.” While the others looked concerned over the implications that this wasn't the first time John's been severely hurt, Celestia still didn't look convinced. Seeing her skepticism John went for a more direct approach, “Yes, I forgive you. Though I might like a favor in return.”

“You have but to name it,” replied Celestia with a happy smile.

“First where is everypony?” asked John, finally noting that Fluttershy wasn't there.

“They're all down stairs sleeping,” answered Tenderheart as she helped Redheart to steady herself.

Taking a look outside John had to remind himself what time it was, “Alright, so I guess it would be best to wait until morning...What time is it anyways?”

“It is a little after five,” answered Princess Luna joining in on the conversation.

“Hello to you too Princess Luna,” replied John, earning a surprised look from the Lunar goddess of Woobies.

“Wait...” started Celestia, “how do you know my sister's name?”

“Don't worry about it,” sighed Twilight, “he knows all of us. He even knows things no pony should know...” Twilight then looked at John and flashed a mischievous smile, “Now that I think about it, you have a promise to keep.”

John froze in place, “Crap...”

“Yep, now about my questions,” started Twilight as she hoped onto the bed, taking a seat about arms length from John. “First off. That picture of me, where did you get it?”

“Picture? What picture?” asked Celestia, her interest peaked.

John looked around for his iPad but when he couldn't find it, “It's a picture of Twilight on my iPad, speaking of which where is it?”

“Your what?” asked Twilight.

“The thing with your picture. Where is it?”

Twilight rolled her eyes before her horn began to glow, seconds later his iPad came into the bedroom from downstairs. “There, now explain where you got that picture...” demanded Twilight, earning an amused smile from Celestia, “please...” groaned Twilight reluctantly.

“My, you do bring the worst out in her,” laughed Celestia.

“Yeah it's my special talent, if I was a pony my cutie mark would probably be of Discord.” While the ponies all gave him worried, suspicious looks, John took off the cover of his iPad and noticed the battery life was nearly drained, “Crap...You girls wouldn't happen to have electricity would you?”

“Oh no, you don't!” hollered Twilight, “You aren't getting out of this, you're going to answer my question.”

“No, seriously,” spoke John, braving the purple unicorn's fury, “this is important. Electricity, do you use it? Yes or no?” With a loud groan Twilight charged up her horn and blasted John iPad with a bolt of magic, and for a moment the screen went black. At first John the thing had been fried, “Wha....what did you....” but before his shock could give way to anger; and only just, the screen flickered back on and the batter on the top read “100%” and was showing the charging “lightning bolt” icon. Seeing that his iPad wasn't dead John let out a sigh of relief, “Oh thank God.”

“Who?” asked Twilight, caught off guard by John's phrase, “What's a God?”

John gave Twilight a confused look before letting his eyes wonder in thought as he started muttering to himself“...How can they not have...Wait...from a anthropological standpoint it makes sense. They don't need to explain weather or cosmic events like humans do...”

Letting her frustration slip for a moment, Twilight waved a hoof in front of John's face until she got his attention, “John...are you there?”

“Wuh...what?” asked John as if he'd been rudely awakened. Once he collected himself, “Whoa, uh...sorry about that.”

“What happened?” asked Redheart, finally able to talk again.

“Sorry about that. I have a bad habit of thinking over questions on my own, and Twilight's last one derailed my previous train of thought. Anywho, I'll answer that one later, let me explain this picture first. You see I got this picture off something called the internet...” What followed was a hour long discussion about the internet and all the wondrous things, for good or bad, it could do. Celestia and Twilight found the idea of sharing knowledge from all across the globe fascinating, while nurse Redheart and Tenderheart thought the idea of sharing files, songs and pictures was neat. Unfortunately John let himself get cornered into talking about internet rules and etiquette . The conversation died soon after that when John outright refused to talk about what “rule 34” meant after he made a bad joke on the subject. As the conversation continued one by one the girls found themselves sharing the bed, with them all pressed against one another while John sat on the other side facing them.

“So this “internet” isn't owned by any one nation? Then who runs it?” asked Celestia picking up that something this powerful in the wrong hands or hooves could be dangerous.

“The thing is Princess, I'm not entirely sure how the internet works...” confessed John, earning a skeptical look from Twilight, “mechanically at least. Technology has only recently become a part of my life,” John let out a sad sort of laugh. “Growing up in the country, I did more things outside than inside. When I finally moved into a big city, I could barely understand all the tech around me. Things were only made worse by most of my school work needing to be done “online.”

The conversation came to a still when noises emerged from downstairs, “I think the others are waking up,” commented Celestia. “On that note, I believe I have some work to do. If you will excuse me.” With that Celestia teleported from the room in a flash of light.

“Dear lord!” cried John as his eyes adjusted to the bright light of Celestia's exit. John took a second to rub his eyes, when the pain finally stopped John opened his eyes to see the sun rise out of Fluttershy's window. With yet another bright flash of light Celestia appeared in the room with a happy smile on her face.

John wanted to make a remark about the unnecessary brightness of her exit, but when more scuffling was heard downstairs, John let it go.“Well now that they're awake; and the sun's up,” remarked John sending a subtle stair at Celestia, “I think it's time to meet the others.” Seeing Twilight sigh, John added, “Maybe even explain a few things, like how I know all of you.” The comment instantly seemed to brighten Twilight's mood. Thinking about it John couldn't help but to don a grin. “Man I can't wait to see your faces.”

“Why?” asked Redheart causing John to furrow his brow in thought.

“...now which episode were you in?” mumbled John as he took to the stairs. None of the ponies said anything as John started mumbling thoughts to himself. “Number 3? No that was “The Ticket Master”...Number 5? No that was “Griffon Brush off”...note to self: make buffalo sauce...” When John made his way into the living room, “Apple Buck Season!” shouted John in his moment of epiphany “That's the one.” John's exclamation startled everypony in the room.

John took a moment to scan the group for new additions and saw Rarity and Spike alongside the others all of which seemed to pale on seeing John. “Darling! You look positively dreadful,” grimaced Rarity.

“And it's a pleasure to meet you too Miss Rarity,” remarked John as he looked towards a slim vanity mirror in the room. John hadn't seen himself since waking up and the sight wasn't pretty. His head was wrapped up tight with bandages with a few puffs of cotton sticking out; same with his chest and neck. Anything that wasn't covered in bandages was a sickly black and blue. The thing that annoyed John the most was his hair. What little he could see, was greasy and flat against his head, “For the love of...hey nurse Redheart, when can I take these bandages off?”

Redheart looked him up and down a bit before smiling weakly, “Not for a couple of days at least, why?”

“I. Need. To. Bath.” commented John, glaring dispassionately at himself in the mirror.

John's remark sent a wave of laughter throughout the house, “What's the matter?” asked Apple Jack between laughs, “Don't like tah get dirty?”

“Dirty I don't mind,” replied John with a chuckle, finding the ponies laughter infectious. “What I do mind is my hair being so nasty looking. Baldness runs in my family, and I hope that by taking care of my hair, I can keep it for longer.”

“Baldness?” asked Twilight, pouncing yet again on a chance to learn about John's species. “Your species can go bald too?” John looked over to Twilight and gave a shudder, “What was that for?”

“Sorry, I was just imagining a bald pony...wait...” said John as a new idea entered his head, “If a pony goes bald, do they lose their cutie mark?”

“...Why would they lose their cutie mark?” asked Twilight, not following John's train of thought.

“Well I'm not sure of the mechanics of cutie marks,” explained John. “I thought cutie marks appeared on the coat, and if a pony loses their coat, I thought they'd lose their cutie mark.”

All of the ponies seemed lost in thought at John's question and none of them could give an answer. “Cutie marks are part of a pony's very being,” explained Celestia stepping up to the plate. “While they appear on the coat of a pony, they are more than a mere patch of fur.”

“...So is that a yes or a no?” asked John, unhappy with the given explanation. When Celestia began looking in ever direction except towards him, “So that's a no...hmmm I need to find a pony who will let me shave off their coat...” The girls all started backing away from John keeping their flanks safely hidden from his sight; with Spike guarding Rarity's.

Seeing no willing volunteers John sighed in defeat, only to chuckle and look towards Celestia mischievously, “Sooooo, Princess Celestia,” began John, switching his tone to a slimy one that would give Grima Wormtongue a run for his money, “about that favor...”

“Oh, no...” stuttered Celestia, seeing where John was going with this, “you can't ask for that!” John slowly approached the solar pony, his grin growing ever wider. To Princess Celestia's credit she remained strong and stood her ground; though her eyes looked pleadingly to the others.

John was maybe a few feet away when all of a sudden he doubled over in pain, “Auuggghh!” The ponies all rushed over to his trying to see what was wrong, “It's cool. It's cool.” John slowly dropped to his knees and began breathing in deep pained filled breaths. For a few minutes this kept up until John's breathing began to slow back down to normal levels and he let out a few sighs of relief.

“Are y'all alright?” asked Apple Jack.

John let out a final sigh before standing back up, keeping his right hand over the scar on his stomach. “Sorry about that. This old scar of mine acts up from time to time,” explained John showing his scar to the collection of ponies.

While a few of the girls grimaced at the sight of it; most having seen it before, Pinkie Pie merely gawked at it while saying “OOOOoooooohhhhhh!”

While John took notice of Pinkie Pie's unusual; and by that usual for Pinkie Pie, reaction a thought occurred to him, “When did you get here?”

The others all took a double take to Pinkie Pie's sudden appearance, too which Pinkie only giggled and said, “Silly, I've been here the whole time!”

John looked like he was going to retort when, “It's Pinkie Pie, don't question it. Tis the road to madness.”

Everyone got a chuckle out of John's off color remark and with John no longer attempting to get his hands on her flanks, Celestia took a seat on a large cushion Fluttershy had provided the day prior. Following her example the girls all took their seats, leaving John standing alone near the entrance to the stairs. “Please sit with us,” said Celestia, “we won't bite.”

John let out a snort and walked over to a open spot between Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, the former placing John's sleeping bag over him, “There you go. Nice and toasty.”

“Thank you Fluttershy,” replied John as he tightly wrapped himself up. “So what now, more Q and A?”

“I think we'd all appreciate to know what exactly you are,” replied Twilight, getting a enthusiastic nod from Luna and more subtle ones from the others.

“Fair enough,” answered John. “Now how to explain all this... Well first off, my name is John. I am a human being. I was born and raised in a country known as the United States of America on a planet known as Earth.”

All the ponies present, even Celestia and Luna, looked at John with shock, “Wait, do you mean you're an alien?” asked Spike.

“Huh, I guess that would be correct?” answered John, “never thought that title would apply to me. Ah good old fashion human arrogance.”

“Take it you're not a fan of your species?” asked Celestia.

John sighed and rolled his eyes, “Yes and no. I'm misanthropic, meaning I don't like mankind, and there's been plenty of events in human history to justify this, but overall, I hope for humanity to grow into a better species.” John's explanation just baited further explanation, “To summarize humanity, I can say this. Humans beings can run the gambit from horrific monsters out of your worse nightmare's nightmares, to beings of kindness that can rival you ponies and in some cases beat you outright. It all depends on the human being you're dealing with.”

“What would that make thou?” asked Luna, hitting on the obvious question.

“...Let's see,” mumbled John as if started thinking, “First, I'm a decent person all things considered, I try to be honest, I mess up time to time, but I try.”

“Ah can respect that,” nodded Apple Jack.

“I'm not particularly greedy. So long as I have what I need, I'm happy. That being said, when I can afford to, I like to give to others.”

“Generous too?” remarked Rarity. “Splendid!”

“I'm really good with children and animals,” said John as he shared a smile with Fluttershy. “On that topic, I was training to be a teacher back on my world.”

“Teaching others,” commented Celestia, “I approve.”

“I'm kinda a nerd,” started John only to be cut off by Rainbow Dash.

“Oh great, another egg head.”

John chuckled but continued on, “I really enjoy studying the things like, biology, geology, astronomy,” as soon as it left his lips John regretted it.

“Astronomy!?” asked Twilight and Luna both sounding incredibly excited.

“Yes,” answered John before continuing, “economics, laws obscure or otherwise, meteorology...”

“Wait, meteorology? You study weather? You work with the weather?” asked Rainbow Dash, finally interested with John's list of fields of study.

“Yeah, but unlike the others I started that one because I took a class thinking it would be about meteors.” Lune and Twilight broke out into a terrible fit of giggles as John continued, “Though unlike you pony's with magic we humans can't control the weather; my world being entirely like the Everfree Forest,” the ponies all gasped in shock.

“Yah mean you're plants grow?” asked Apple Jack

'Oh my god, don't tell me,' thought John.

“Your animals care for themselves?” asked Fluttershy, he voice of the verge of breaking.

'Holy shi...they're doing it!'

“And you clouds move...” asked Rainbow Dash, leaving the question opening.

'DO IT!!'

The other two joined in with Rainbow Dash for the big finish, “All on their own?”

John tried to fight it, but, “THAT WAS SO AWESOME!” In his “geek-gasm” John leapt up into the air pumping his fists. “Er, uh....heh s...sorry about that.” John slowly sat down and covered most of his face with his sleeping bag. “But yes, my world is like that. Nature does it's own thing and humans, as well as the animals, have to make due. Over time we've come up with techniques to better live along with the weather.”

“Interesting,” said Celestia, her interest peaked again.

“To wrap up my fields of interest, the last two would be mythology and history. And I think that about does it. Really, I'm such a scatterbrain that I like to research any number of topics and in truth I've forgotten more things than most people learn in their whole lives.”

“I can't wait to ask you about that stuff later,” giggled Twilight gleefully with stars in her eyes.

John looked at Celestia and said, “It...it's safe to be alone with her when she's like that isn't it?” Celestia just laughed as Twilight fixed John with another stern glare, “Sorry, another thing you've may have noticed is I like to joke around and have fun most of the time.”

“Like me!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie, throwing streamers in the air while blowing into a party whistle.

John sighed a bit and rolled his eyes, “Yes, Pinkie Pie. In that regard I'm a lot like you. Unlike you however, I don't like loud noises or parties.”

“You don't like parties?!” gasped Pinkie Pie, “How can you not like parties!?”

“I'm sorry Pinkie Pie, I'm just not big on large groups of people,” John paused to waves his hand across the room. “Even this would be too much for me normally. The only thing keeping me from getting all quiet is the fact that you're ponies and therefore harmless; current misunderstandings not withstanding.”

“Hey!” cried Spike as he snorted out a bit of smoke and fire.

“Please, Spike, you're what? Two feet?” replied John.

“1 foot 8 inches,” answered Spike begrudgingly.

“Spike, your awesome and all, but you're at best ten inches bigger than my feet, I could step on you and keep you pinned. I'd have to be careful not to crush you under my own weight.”

Twilight looked John up and down and asked, “How much DO you weight?”

“Let's see, last time I checked I was roughly three hundred pounds, give or take a few.” All the ponies seemed to give him another look, but remained quiet. “Any ways, that's about all the good things about me. The list of bad things tend to be, overly competitive when I play sports,” Rainbow looked excited but seemed to shelf the question till later.

“I have a fierce temper, but it's mostly harmless. I refrain from violence unless somebody I care about is threatened or somebody might be in serious danger.” Celestia gave John a critical eye but didn't object to John's admission of violence. “That's about it now that I think about it. Whether or not that makes me a good person or not is up to you girls in the end.”

“So it's left for us to pass judgment on you as a person?” asked Celestia, to which John gave a solemn nod without saying anything. “How about you explain a bit then about your childhood.”

“No.” said John, without pause and his tones definite.

“I'm sorry?” asked Celestia taken off guard by John's abrupt rejection to the idea.

“No, I will not talk about my childhood,” said John, his tones unchanged.

This time all the ponies shared worried glances until Fluttershy looked up and said, “Is it that bad?”

John didn't respond right away seeming unsure of what to say, when he did speak his tones were hollow and emotionless. “Yes and no. My childhood was rough. To a few of my friends I've had in my life, whenever I shared my past they tend to have the same response, “It was messed up.”” John looked up to the ceiling, not really focusing on anything in particular, but none of the girls, nor Spike, took their eyes off him. “At the time, I didn't think anything about it. I had a home, I had food and I had a place to sleep. Many in my world don't even have that, so I always believed that it was good.”

“Then what was the matter?” asked Fluttershy again, seemingly the only one of the group able to coax John into talking about it.

John swallowed hard as he went on, “My family.” John's eyes which looked sad and empty began shifting and closing into a scowl, “My family that treated me like a pet. Like an animal.” Each word carried weight and the girls leaned away from John in trepidation, seeing that he was scaring them, John took a few deep breaths and muttered under his breath. After taking the edge off his face and calming himself down John said, “This is why I don't like talking about my past, as it involves my family and I don't like thinking about them.”

Fluttershy looked up at John with tears in her eyes, “I'm sorry I asked. I hope you not mad at me...please don't be mad.” Fluttershy looked up pleadingly with tears in her eyes.

As Fluttershy began to sniffle, John reached out and took her into a hug shocking her out of her sadness. John held her tight and with a sad sort of smile looked at her and said, “I could never be mad at you, Fluttershy.” Fluttershy beamed and returned the hug in full.

The others waited until John and Fluttershy stopped hugging, deciding to let the two have their moment. When they finally broke their hug, Twilight asked, “So John, would you at least explain how you know all of our names?”

“He knows our names?” asked Pinkie Pie, “How do you know our names? Are you psychic?”

John's sorrow quickly gave way to a mischievous smirk nearly a mile wide, “Oh, the moment I've been waiting for. Alright everypony, if you'd please sit on one side of the table so I can set this bad boy up...” Twilight gave him a skeptical look but did as he asked, with all the others following suit. John meanwhile took a seat opposite them, “Alright now, Twilight, Celestia, Luna and of course Miss Rarity,” John paused a moment to let Rarity preen under the special honorific added to her name, which she took. “Would any of you have a spell capable of enlarging an image?”

“Why of course darling,” answered Rarity to the surprise of everypony. Seeing the shocked looks on everyone's faces Rarity stuck up her nose up in the air, “Sometimes I look at other dresses in magazines to see what's in style and it helps to get a closer look at the stitch work in the more difficult dresses.”

“How long does it last?” asked John being the first over the momentary shock.

“For as long as I need,” answered Rarity, “Why?”

“Just cast it on this when I give you a nod,” instructed John as he started messing with his iPad. When he finished he faced the screen which was now black at the girls and gave Rarity the nod. A magical screen about the size of a thirty two inch television appeared before the girls, the side facing John was translucent while the one towards the girls showed the black screen.

“Ladies and Gentledragon. Allow me a moment to explain the plot of the show called “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.” My Little Pony, Friendship is Magic is a show; or mini-play if you will, chronicling the misadventures of a group of six ponies as they discover the magic of friendship and harness the powers of,”John had to pause as the think up words that wouldn't fully give away the punch-line, “togetherness and unity to save their world from evil.”

The girls all seemed to be coming to the same conclusion, each shaking their heads in utter disbelief, “Allow me to present, My Little Pony, Friendship is Magic.”

John finished his sentence by hitting the screen on his iPad and the screen came to life with a picture of a brown book with a gold symbol of a unicorn appeared. The book slowly opened up to reveal the words, “Once upon a time...” followed by a voice saying, “Once upon a time, in the magical land known as Equestria...”

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"...but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness, Nightmare Moon..." continued the narrator. While the others sat with jaws hanging freely; except for Pinkie Pie who was eating some popcorn, Luna fixed the screen with a hateful glare. Seeing this, thanks to the screen being translucent on his end, John reached forth and hit the pause button.

"Tis a lie!" screamed Luna, traditional Canterlot voice on max. "T'were not bitterness or shameful vanity that condemned us." Dispelling the screen Luna cast both eyes on John as she pointed an accusing hoof and asked, "Tell us! Who dares to spread such malicious falsehoods!"

John was unsure how to respond; having done this mostly to troll the ponies, thankfully salvation came in the form of Celestia, "Sister, what are you saying?" her voice deep in confusion.

"Sister?" asked Luna dropping the traditional Canterlot voice, not liking the tone in her sister's voice.

Not sensing the obvious, Celestia asked, "Was it not your desire for ponies to enjoy your beautiful night that led you to halting the moon?"

The look on Luna's face was of utter shock for all of two seconds before her eyes began to glow bright white as she leered at her sister. Seeing the proverbial dam about to burst John grabbed the ponies, all of whom were looking at Luna in fear, four in each arm and ran for the door; stopping only a second to grab Spike's tail with his right hand.

John had barely made it outside before the concussive force of Luna's voice shattered all the glass in Fluttershy's home. "WHAT DOUST THOU MEAN, MY DESIRE!"

Dropping the girls, and Spike, under the bridge over the nearby creek John held his ears shut and shouted, "Cover your ears!" None of the ponies argued, but Fluttershy; who was in too much shock, just sat on her haunches. Before the next sound wave erupted, John covered Fluttershy's head and prayed for the best. 'I'm so going to regret this...'

Braving the danger of a sonic boom, John peeked over the banks of the creek and looked towards the house. Princess Celestia; still a good head taller than her sister, backed slowly out of the cottage with a still irate Luna following her step for step. "Luna please let us talk about this."

"YES LET'S!" roared Luna still locked in her fury. "WHY WOULD THOU THINK SO LOWLY OF US!?"

The question seemed to rattle Celestia more than Luna's screaming, but it ended up steeling her nerves. Assuming a firm footing Celestia gave her rebuttal, in her own traditional Canterlot voice, "THINK LOWLY OF YOU!?" Now if Luna's traditional Canterlot voice was like standing near an amp at a rock concert, than Celestia's was like having your ear on a flash grenade as it exploded; assuming the ringing in John's ears were any indication.

John fought every instinct imaginable when he kept his hands on Fluttershy's ears and not immediately covering his own. The pain in his ears almost enough to drop him flat. With his ears out of commission John watched the fight between Celestia and Luna unfold.

Following her titanic burst of noise, Celestia advanced on her sister, her eyes shining just as intensely as Luna's. Never having been good at reading lips John had to focus on the eyes and subtle body language distinct to all life to understand what was happening. Celestia must have truly been pissed about Luna's accusation because she waltz up to her sister like she was about to knock her block off.

To her credit, Luna stood firm and didn't budge an inch as Celestia kept coming closer. When Celestia stopped talking, Luna fired back an angry and fierce reply, assuming that what John was feeling was the sound waves and not a nearby earthquake.

Luna, lost to the moment, went so far as to raise up her front hooves and slamming the down hard enough to make a small fissure form around her sister and herself. What John noticed however was that even though she acted violently, Luna's eyes weren't angry, but sad, hurt even.

Celestia relented, her eyes immediately losing their edge and white glow. Celestia's head swung to the ground, her eyes downcast, as Luna continued to vent her displeasure. Luna kept screaming louder and louder, her voice hitting John's head so hard he had to duck to make sure it was still screwed on correctly, 'Jesus! I'm almost thankful I can't hear this...'

When John dared to peek over the banks of the creek he saw the royal sisters locked in a tight embrace, tears running wild down their faces, both seemed to be screaming; normally, apologizes after apologizes.

Assuming the worse had passed John released Fluttershy; the shy pegasus immediately clumped the ground and fell into a fetal position. One by one John alerted the others to the situation via pointing to the two sobbing Princesses, the last to be informed was Twilight as she was the furthest away.

When Twilight looked up at John and then; following his pointed finger, saw that the Princesses were safe and no longer booming, she focused all her thoughts onto him. While everypony else may have been hearing a tirade of questions, John just heard the ringing in his ears, 'She's probably just asking about the show...' thought John as he stared expressionlessly at the purple mare, 'how am I going to explain that anyways...' As John thought he turned and walked towards Fluttershy, picked her up and cradled her as he walked over the banks of the creek, 'Meh, burn that bridge when I get to it.'

Without being able to hear her, John felt no remorse out of blatantly ignoring Twilight's question; a small part of him even enjoyed the trolling aspect behind it. As they all approached, Celestia and Luna remarked John with confusion and then alarm, rushing towards him and panicking as they examined his ears. Fluttershy, hearing the more silent commotion overcame her shock, and after looking up at John was so alarmed she rushed into the ruins of her home.

Guessing what was happening, John felt his ears and was immediately greeted by the warm feeling of blood. Pulling his hand back John saw the tell tell dark crimson staining his fingers; in larger amounts than what was probably healthy. After a second of two of examination John licked the blood off his fingers scaring the others who gave him a large berth immediately afterwards.

Before the others could say anything; not that John would have heard them, Fluttershy returned with some bags carrying Nurse Redheart's cutie mark and her own personal first aid kit, as well as John's sleeping bag.; which he happily took. Fluttershy's mouth was going a mile minute as she and the nurses started focusing on John's ears. Not being able to hear them or himself John decided to tell them, "If you have questions, please write them down."

Twilight was, of course, the first to respond, magicking a quill and parchment and thrusting them into Spike's hands. Before she could begin dictating John asked, "Spike, did she at least ask you to write for her or; if failing that, say please?"

The question seemed to give everyone pause but Spike just wrote down on the parchment and turned the page. To John's surprise he could read Spike's writing, it was English and in cursive no less, but the answer was "No."

After reading the parchment John's face deadpan and looked at Twilight, "That's more than a little rude, don't you think?" Twilight looked offended at first but after a second looked slightly ashamed, "He is a "baby dragon" after all you should at least show a little more appreciation for his feelings."

Twilight looked more ashamed and Spike looked peeved, even writing down, "Hey, so she's forgetful sometimes. Leave her alone."

"If you don't mind being a floor rug that's your business Spike." replied John a little more aggressively then he'd like. As he scratched the back of his head, John's hand was swatted by Fluttershy who was giving him a stern glare. "What?"

Fluttershy started talking only to look at Spike. Spike went to work writing and soon turned the page, "Spike is no floor rug and Twilight loves him dearly, how can you even suggest such a thing."

"Is it common practice in Equestria to let your loved ones, infants no less, to fall into a freezing cold lake in their sleep where they can easily drown and/or catch a deadly cold? Worse yet pneumonia?" No pony could react to that question, except Celestia who looked at Twilight and began speaking, the latter immediately panicking and shaking her head. "Spike if you'd please?"

Spike shrugged and started writing down what was being said, "Celestia's asking Twilight what you're talking about. Twilight's saying she can't remember doing something like that."

John took a second to hum to himself as he thought, "It could be possible what we saw in the show was different than reality for you. Spike, please tell me? At last year's Winter Wrap Up, where were you when the mayor declared winter Officially Wrapped Up?"

Twilight immediately froze up when John asked his question seeming to think back at the situation. After a second or two she lowered her head in shame and said something that caused Celestia to look outright pissed, making her earlier outburst seem tame in comparison. Celestia turned to Spike and started speaking to which Spike put on paper, "I wish to thank you for bringing this to my attention, my student has not been forthcoming with her treatment of her charge it would seem. Tell me, is there any other signs of abuse Twilight has inflicted on Spike?"

The last sentence made everyone cringe, even Spike had a hard time writing when it was asked. "Well to be perfectly honest, in the first episode alone, Twilight hit him in the face with a door," Twilight, it seemed, was trying to make herself smaller and smaller with each passing word. "After that she slammed him, face first, into the floor because she was looking for a particular book; which he easily found, and then left him to clean up the mess she made while looking for it."

Celestia was not amused. "Then following that, she had him write the letter about Nightmare Moon, and when he couldn't spell a word correctly; imperative I believe, she screamed at him and scared him so badly he fell and slammed his head into a bookcase."

John should have stopped at this point, but he always found Spike's treatment in the show to be the one thing he couldn't stand and this was like getting a weight off his chest. It felt so good in fact that he couldn't help but say, with heavy sarcasm, "Go figure, a toddler with a limited vocabulary? What is the world coming to?"

When John had finished listing the catalog of abuse from episode one, the others all backed away from Twilight and more than a few went to nuzzle Spike; especially Rarity. If looks could kill, the one Celestia was giving Twilight would have reduced her to ash right then and there. Seeing Celestia gearing up for another round of shouting, John deciding that he went too far, got up and jumped between them, "Easy there, you didn't let me finish!"

Celestia took a few steps back and raised her nose, taking that as a cue to speak John set out to do some damage control, "Look, yes. Twilight can be..." John had to pause to think of a word that wouldn't immediately set Celestia off, "thoughtless when it comes to Spike, but throughout the time she's spent with her friends she's become more caring for him..." John paused and then said, "...so far as I know."

That addendum did exactly what John didn't want, Celestia magicked him up and set him aside before wrapping Twilight and herself in a blinding white light and disappearing. "Crap..." muttered John as the light faded.

A few seconds later Celestia and Twilight emerged from another blinding white light. Twilight looked pale and sickly, Celestia only slightly less pissed than before. After giving everyone a look over, Celestia said something loud enough to were everyone could hear it; except John of course. After she was done speaking everyone recoiled and Spike threw the parchment down and fell to his knees, "What just happened?" asked John having been left out of the loop.

John's answer came in the form of an enraged Spike doing everything in his power to chock the life out of his leg. Celestia meanwhile picked up the discarded parchment and started writing on it, again in cursive.

"By royal decree, Twilight Sparkle is to be placed under surveillance until such a time as her abusive and cruel nature is dealt with. Spike the dragon is hereby placed in the custody of one; John of Earth, until such time can be determined. Any and all attempts on Twilight's part to speak with Spike shall be seen as a breaking of Equestian Law and treason against the crown, the punishment of which is banishment from Equestria for life. Spike is likewise not to be permitted to speak with Twilight Sparkle. John of Earth, do you accept the responsibilities and authorities over Spike as mandated in this legally binding document?

Signed:_________________________ "

John wanted to throw up, "Oh my god...I...isn't their somepony else he can go with? What about Rarity? Or Apple Jack even?" The mares both nodded their heads, while not so secretly glaring at John.

Celestia gave the two stern looks which caused them to relent, afterward she wrote down; and spoke aloud, "I find it unlikely that the abuse you mentioned would have escaped the notice of Twilight's closest friends. None of them have mentioned Spike's mistreatment at the hooves of his caretaker in any of their letters to me. I'm afraid I cannot trust them with this task as their loyalties to Twilight must certainly trump their concern for Spike's well being." Each of the ponies, even those outside those mentioned cringed; hell even John winced when he read it. The mane six all looked ashamed, leaving John to feel like a jackass.

"You alone seem to express displeasure with his current arrangement, displeasure I share completely," Celestia paused to give the main six another stern glare; even Fluttershy, but John blocked her from Celestia's view. "If you cannot take Spike into your care I'm left with no choice but to return him to Draconia, homeland of the dragons." Spike and Twilight shared a worried glance and paled at the mention of being separated.

"But....but I don't have a house, or any money. I'm not even a citizen of this planet. Not to mention I'm from an alien species of warlike omnivores, do you really want me to be the one in charge of him? For that matter why can't you or Luna take him?" The omnivore part was a desperate ploy to get out of this situation, John was not happy with what was going down.

Celestia's train of thought was derailed at the mention of "omnivores" but she quickly regained her composure, and continued writing. "Be that as it may, neither Luna nor I can take custody of Spike, as that would require him to leave Ponyville and that would be cruel to take Spike away from the place that has been his home for so long. If there is an alternative present."

With that John finally had some ground to stand on, "Isn't it more cruel to take him away from the only family he's known?" Celestia looked down at Twilight, who was looking up at John in shock; as was everyone else. "Look," began John as he picked up Spike and placing him to his left, "Spike loves Twilight more than life itself,and Twilight loves him just as much. Spike said it himself, "She's forgetful sometimes," how often does Twilight forget to take proper care of herself when she's desperate to do something."

Twilight broke into a smile, but John furrowed his brow until his eyes became slits, "That being said, I do not condone child abuse from anyone or anything, on this or any planet, for any reason. Neglecting Spike's feelings and well being is inexcusable and something I will not tolerate. Monitor her treatment of Spike as you were going to, Princess. If the abuse continues or increases than I shall take custody of Spike without argument and I'll suffer his," John looked down at Spike and then to the others, "...and anypony else's wrath if I must. Children; even as incredibly intelligent and mature as Spike is, must be treated with the all the care one would give for anything else that is priceless." The others shared a nod but still looked at John with suspicion.

Celestia looked at John and then down to her student. In all her years, Celestia would never have guessed Twilight could be so callous to another's pain, 'Perhaps she isn't ready to serve in my court after all...' Celestia couldn't help but don a sad expression; her ears folding downwards.

Before anyone could see her moment of sorrow, Celestia began speaking and writing again, "Fair enough," Celestia fixed Twilight with a stern authoritative look before continuing, "Twilight Sparkle, your actions from this point shall be monitored until such a times as I am sure you can be fully trusted with the responsibility of caring for another. Meanwhile Spike the dragon shall remain in your care."

Spike and Twilight ran to one another and locked each other in a sweet embrace, with Twilight kissing Spike's head and Spike crying unabashed into her fur. Celestia smiled a bit before turning to John, "...John of Earth, for your part in this I wish to grant you a reward. So long as it is in my power to do so."

John took a second to think about it, rubbing his chin before saying, "Well can you send me home?"

The question seemed to cause a stir amongst the others, Celestia gave John a confused look before writing, "No. I am sorry but that is beyond my capabilities. If you are from a different planet, then I've no way of sending you home. You may ask another."

"Alright, then how about setting me up with citizenship?" asked John, outwardly calm and cool, internally hanging on the edge of his seat in hope. Celestia thought for a moment and then was about to right, when John said, "Not to cause even more conflict today," everypony gave him a weary look, "but shouldn't Princess Luna be a part of this decision, she is after all, Co-Ruler of Equestria. If I'm not mistaken."

Celestia gave a sad smile and nodded her head before looking towards her sister who had sat patiently at the edge of the whole debacle between Celestia and Twilight. Luna had been smiling sweetly at the happy family, as was everypony else for that matter, but when her sister called her name she trotted over, looking at John with a peculiar look John couldn't give a name to.

The Princesses conversed for a moment, in the meantime John was forced to sit down by the nurses and Fluttershy so they could tend to his still bleeding ears. In all honesty John had forgotten them and upon remembering, felt incredibly woozy. "Oh this is bad..." mumbled John before he fell on his back. John wasn't surprised when none of the mane six, except Fluttershy, came to his aid, 'I did just throw Twilight under a bus.' thought John.

Celestia and Luna turned to see John lying prone on the ground the nurses and Fluttershy trying disparately to get him to sit up. The princesses trotted over and began talking to the nurses, leaving John out of the loop. Seeing this Fluttershy tried writing it down on a parchment, but when she presented the page John let out a groggy chuckle and patted her on the head, "Sorry Fluttershy, I can't read that."

Fluttershy looked confused before turning to Celestia and speaking to her, Celestia picked up the paper and jotted down a quick question, "Can you understand this?" John gave a simple nod, eliciting a punch in the arm from Tenderheart. "She says "Don't move your head."" wrote Celestia before writing down a series of blocky and unrecognizable symbols.

"Sorry," said John as the nurses placed earplugs into his ears, "I can't understand whatever that is."

Celestia and Luna both gave John another weird look, almost as if they were studying him. After a few uncomfortable moments Celestia look over to Twilight, who was now cradling Spike in her forelegs, and called her over. Twilight, when she came to stand before her mentor, wouldn't look at John.

Seeing this Celestia said a few things and Twilight bowed her head to look to John, for a second John felt a strange tickling sensation in his head as Twilight's horn blew a faint maroon. "I'm casting a spell on you," came Twilight's voice, seemingly melting into his mind. "This should allow you to understand what everyone is saying. Do you understand me?"

"Yes," answered John. Celestia gave her student a pleased smile.

Twilight stopped casting her spell and Celestia began speaking, "I'm happy to hear the spell was a success. I'm sorry to say that the damage to your ears is dire and we won't known the long term effects until a specialist can be brought in." John held his head in his hands and let out a loud groan. "How did this happen?"

John stood up, wobbling a bit due to the blood lose. “Well, when I saw Luna getting angry I grabbed the girls and Spike and bolted to the creek over there.” John, remembering to not move his head, pointed a finger to the creek, “When we were safely behind the banks, I told the others to cover their ears...”

Fluttershy stepped in and finished the story, “I was too scared to cover my ears and John protected mine instead of his own.”

Everypony, even Spike and Twilight, gave John a look of respect, “Then it is to me, to ensure your health in this matter.” said Princess Luna looking downcast.

John chuckled a bit before saying, “Actually Princess Luna, Celestia's “oh for two” when it comes to causing bodily harm to my person.” Celestia and Luna shared a confused glance before John said, “It was the time when you screamed, “Think lowly of you!?” in you traditional Canterlot Voice. After that all I could hear was a ringing in my ears,” Celestia let out a sigh and lowered her head, seeing this John decided to lighten the mood. “If it's any consolation Celestia, you have an impressive set of lungs.”

Luna stifled a chuckle as Celestia fixed John with a dry look, “I'll assume that was an attempt at humor?” John smiled weakly and shrugged his shoulders, “Yet again I owe you an apology.”

“Meh, no point getting upset about it, what's in the past is the past,” sighed John as he went to stand up only to wobble and fall to his knees, “Whoa boy...” John reached for his head and had to wait for a moment as he vision danced around, “Okay...I...I think I need to lay down.”

“No,” said nurse Redheart as she let John lean against her while he tried to regain his balance. “You need to eat some food, prunes and eggs would be my suggestion.”

“Iron reach food, eh?” asked John as he stood up. When Redheart nodded her head, he added, “Probably should add some orange juice to that then.”

“Why?” asked Twilight, her resentment towards John unable to contain her curiosity.

“Vitamin C,” answered nurse Tenderheart. “Vitamin C helps to absorb the iron in prunes and eggs.”

Twilight looked stunned, “Not to mention,” added John, “the natural sugars in the orange juice will help me keep the necessary blood sugar level which will help counteract the blood lose.” Twilight couldn't help but look at John with astonishment, but she quickly hid her expression when she noticed he was looking at her. Seeing Twilight attempt to keep from looking at him John said, “Hey, everypony? Would any of you mind if I get a moment alone with Twilight and Spike?”

Celestia looked to her student and after receiving a nod said,”Everypony, please go inside. John, Twilight, and Spike need to talk.” While Luna and the nurses made their way into the cottage, the rest of the mane six: Apple Jack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, remained where they stood. “Girls?”

“Ah'm sorry Princess...” said Apple Jack as she looked at John. “Ah wanna be here, tah hear this.”

“ As I do,” said Rarity, likewise her gaze cast on John.

“Me too,” said Pinkie Pie, unlike the others she was looking at Twilight.

“Yeah,” said Rainbow Dash, also looking at Twilight, “I need to hear this.”

Celestia was about to rebuke them when she heard a faint whisper at her hooves, “Please Princess, we need to be here for our friends.” John looked down for a second, “both old and new.” finished Fluttershy, smiling shyly at John who cheered up immensely.

Against the demure Fluttershy, and the positive effect she had on John, Celestia said nothing more and walked towards the cottage, “Sister, do you think it wise to leave them all alone so soon?” asked Luna who watched the event from the doorway of the cottage.

“I'm not sure,” sighed Celestia, casting a glance over her shoulder. “John was in the right in telling me about Spike's treatment. In truth I still feel anger over it all; especially since no one else mentioned it before. Taking into account, however, that John did so, so soon after meeting Twilight, the potential trust between them may be irreparably damaged. But that, in and of itself, presents an amazing opportunity.”

Not understanding Luna looked at her sister in confusion, “Luna, if Twilight can forgive John of this, than maybe she's as mature as I've always believed. If not, then she still has to grow into a mare worthy of the plans I have for her.” Celestia stopped talking and began channeling magic into her horn, “But that has yet to be seen, in the interim let's clean this mess up.”

Luna looked to see her sister magicking the shards of glass from the shattered windows, “Indeed, I should see if I can make amends with dear Fluttershy after all this is over.” Luna continued muttering a series of potential gifts and plans to make up her mistake to her shiest friend.

Celestia meanwhile giggled over her sisters childish musings and personality, but cast sly glances over to what would either be her students greatest moment or most colossal failure, 'Twilight, despite my actions earlier I still believe in you...please prove my faith right.'

While the Princesses set about the task of mending Fluttershy's broken home, Twilight, John and the others were entering in what would be the most awkward moment of their relationship. “So...how do you want to handle this, Twilight? Spike?” spoke John, being the first to break the uneasy silence.

“I think you should go jump in a lake,” replied Spike.

“Spike!” chided Rarity, “He was concerned for you.” Though she cast a cold glare at John as said, “Though I must say you handle the situation very poorly.”

“Ah agree,” said Apple Jack. “Now ah can understand how it may appear to an outsider, but we'd never allow Spike tah be hurt.”

Reflexively John tightened his grip in his hands, doing so sent a loud series of pops from his knuckles effectively silencing Apple Jacks protest. Along with the popping his hands, John's eyes instantly became piercing making everypony's skin crawl in reaction. “Apple Jack,” began John his voice barely above a hiss, “there are some things you can't prevent, worse yet things you could but didn't. I understand better than you think, that all of you love Spike. That isn't up for debate, and that's not my complaint. My problem is that you all love Spike, but you don't seem to truly appreciate him.”

“Now, that's not true!” yelled Twilight as she stomped her hoof to the ground.

“Really?” replied John haughtily, “Tell me then. Why don't you say “please” when you want him to do something, like earlier when you wanted him to take your dictation?”

“I made a simple mistake, I don't do it that often,” justified Twilight as she looked over to Spike with a sad apologetic smile, only to receive a halfhearted one from her youthful charge. Seeing this shook Twilight's resolve, “Do I?”

Spike fiddled his thumbs and looked like he was going to say something but never could bring himself to do it. “That would be a, yes,” inserted John, stepping in for Spike, earning a irritated glare in return.

“I don't need you to speak for me!” yelled Spike. “Besides, you don't know me!”

John let out a dry chuckle, “Spike, I know you better than you'd think, and I know what's coming your way if you and your friends and family don't change your way of interacting with each other. John sneered but didn't look at anypony, he seemed to look up to the skies, “Mostly you need to learn to appreciate one another. Truly appreciate one another.”

“What do you mean by “truly” appreciate one another?” asked Twilight, her question grabbing everyone's attention.

John kept his eyes to heavens, seemingly trying to see somewhere else and talking with someone not even there. “You need to take the time to make sure that; even at your busiest, you treat one another with respect and dignity. Taking the time to say, “please” and “thank you”. It's often these little things that help to cement a family and a friendship, and neglecting them are usually the best way to utterly destroy them.”

No pony understood what John was getting at so he continued, “Let's put it another way. You say “please” to someone you love and appreciate, like a friend of family member,” John stopped looking at the skies, loosened his grip and looked at the ground with a sigh, “An animal however, you expect to know it's place. Treat someone like an animal long enough and they'll grow bitter and hateful. In the end they'll become more and more like an animal, and they'll hate you for making them one.”

Twilight seemed lost in thought before her eyes widened in understanding, “I'm sorry...”

“Don't be,” said John, “I shouldn't have said anything in front of Celestia. I should have respected you enough to approach you one on one. For that I apologize, you deserved better.”

To the shock of everypony Twilight raced forward and nuzzled John's leg. “I'm thankful that you didn't...I may not have listened any other way.” John slowly knelt down and patted Twilight's head, only for her to jump up and give him a hug, “If you'd like...I'd like to be your friend. If you let me?”

John returned the hug, “I'd like nothing more, I'm sorry...”

Twilight shushed his apologize and tightened her hug, “Don't be...” Twilight and John held each other for a few moments before they felt another person join the hug. Fluttershy grabbed both of them and squeezed tight. Pinkie Pie joined in next, followed by Apple Jack and Rarity. Leaving only Rainbow Dash and Spike outside, “Come on you two.” said Twilight, only to get a raised eyebrow from John, “...please.”

As the John, Spike and the ponies cemented their newfound friendship with a group hug, off in the distance. In a small patch of trees just outside Everfree Forest border a pair of eyes watch and examine Equestria's first alien specimen, “Royal Chronicler to home base? Royal Chronicler to home base? Do you read me?”

Royal Chronicler waited a few moments as the magic of long range communication was sent to “home base”, “This is home base.” came the voice of the dispatch. “What do you have to report?”

“The Princesses have met with a being not of this world, an alien unlike anything I've seen on Equestria before.” Royal Chronicler knew their report would be suspect, but believed their years of service would suffice in getting the message to where it would be most useful.

“Royal Chronicler,” began the dispatch, “if you've nothing of value to report do not waste our time...”

“Silence!” roared Royal Chronicler, “If you value your position, then you shall report this information to the master. Should I have to go over your head with this, we both know the consequences.”

“...very well,” said the dispatch, “This information, shall be sent in your name...” said the dispatch, giving reverent pause before saying, “to Lord Prince Blueblood.”

When Trolling goes right!

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After Rainbow and Spike joined the impromptu group hug, the group of friends enjoyed each others warmth until a polite cough behind them could be heard. When they all turned they saw the princesses standing with barely concealed smiles, “I take it all is well?” asked Celestia with a chuckle.

“Wanna jump in? The waters fine,” joked John only to be poked in the stomach by Twilight.

“Don't start more trouble,” said Twilight definitively.

“Oh, fine..." pouted John. "You aren't going to let me have fun anymore are you?” asked John to the group of ponies.

“Nope!” chirped Fluttershy, happily speaking gently into John's ear.

The innocence in Fluttershy's tones sent a shiver throughout John's body, “Please...” moaned John, “don't do that...” John paused and fixed Fluttershy with a hungry stare, “Do it again.” Fluttershy's face immediately burst into a blush as pink as her mane.

John burst into a hearty laugh as Fluttershy retreated behind her mane, “Ah, Fluttershy I love you.” A gasp echoed from everypony, even the princesses couldn't hide their shock, “What?”

“When y'all say love?” asked Apple Jack clearly disturbed.

“Like one loves friends or family members,” replied John as he patted Fluttershy's mane. As John's hand stroked her mane Fluttershy eventually moved her face out from hiding, ending in her nuzzling his hand as he continued to pet her.

“Well that's alright ah guess,” said Apple Jack slowly.

“So,” began Twilight; the tone of which made John roll his eyes, “about that show.”

John turned to face her, only to be reminded of his current state, “Now about that...whoaa.” John nearly tumbled to the ground when he was wrapped in a faint golden light. When John's vision stopped swimming he saw Celestia cradling him with her magic, the whole thing left him jokingly saying, “It's good to know your magic doesn't hurt on contact.”

Celestia simply rolled her eyes and smiled as she helped him to his feet, “Twilight, I think it would be best if we wait to ask questions until our new friend here has had something to eat.” Celestia then turn towards the house.

“Ladies first,” said John as he stepped to the side allowing the others to pass.

“Such manners,” said Rarity as she trotted past with Spike in tow, “You could learn from him Spikey Wikey.”

John mouthed the nickname to himself looking confused but said nothing. As the group approached the door, Fluttershy; with a smile, said, “I'll get to work on making food for everypony!”

“Thank you my dear,” replied Celestia. When everyone was inside a thought crossed Celestia's mind, “On the subject of food, what are your dietary habits? You mentioned earlier you were a...how did you phrase it...”

“I'm from an alien species of warlike omnivores,” said Pinkie Pie, somehow mimicking John's tones, inflections and voice perfectly.

“Thank you my dear,” smiled Celestia. “So what does that entail? What does you species usually eat?”

John closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose, “To be perfectly honest, everything that can be digested.” John; with eyes still closed, waited to hear a reaction from the ponies but when nothing came, he looked around and said, “I was expecting a more dramatic reaction.”

“Well,” began Twilight, “it's not like there aren't carnivores on the planet. Take dragons for instance.”

“Hey!” cried Spike, only for Rarity to pat his head. John quirked an eyebrow and grew a cheeky grin, causing a fierce blush to appear on Rarity's face, and for her hoof to leave Spike's head.

“Yeah, and griffons are omnivores too,” said Rainbow Dash. John was about to say something perverted when his right hand shot up and covered his mouth, silencing his joke before it could do any harm. The whole thing caught the ponies’ attention but they decided to let it slide.

“So how many of them have ponies as a staple of their diets?” asked John his interest piqued.

“Dragons, have some rogue members of their species who have been known to eat ponies,” explained Celestia with a sorrowful sigh. “Thankfully this is a rare event and the dragon rulers usually deal with the rogue before too many deaths happen.”

“Same with Griffons,” explained Rainbow Dash, again earning another perverse thought from John which his right hand thankfully stifled. “Except the griffons who eat ponies tend to have some sort of illness, like rabies or hysteria.”

The conversation quickly sucked the fun out of the room, prompting John to say, “Well if it makes any of you feel better, you won't have to worry about me eating anypony. My culture has a taboo on eating cats, dogs, horses and any variant thereof.”

“So you aren't likely to eat one of my little ponies?” asked Celestia wanting a more direct answer.

“Well not until after the third date.” replied John as his left hand fought off his right.

Celestia was working towards a scowl when the truth behind his words sank in. “Oh for the love of Equestria!” sighed Celestia as she rolled her eyes. John gave a toothy grin as the same realization struck each of the ponies in turn.

“Spike!” yelled Rarity, “Forget what I said about learning from him!”

“Ditto,” groaned Twilight as she facehoofed. Spike for his part fought tooth and scale to keep from laughing.

Tenderheart and Rainbow Dash both had to lean on one another as they laughed uncontrollably. Redheart and Apple Jack slid their respective headgear over their eyes while groaning, “perverts...” Pinkie Pie and Princess Luna just looked confused and while the latter didn't surprise him, John had to pick his jaw off the floor when Pinkie Pie tilted her head.

“Pray tell,” asked Princess Luna, “what is the significance of a “third date”?”

John was about to say something when Celestia shot him a “do and die” glare and considering what she'd put him through on accident, John didn't want to risk it. “Uh, I'll tell you when you're older, Luna.”

Celestia laughed as her sister's face ballooned in frustration but before Luna could retort, Fluttershy reentered the room, “Okay everypony, breakfast is ready.” The only reply came in the form a loud rumble from John's stomach.

“Sheesh,” whistled Apple Jack, “y'all must be starvin'.”

John just smiled sheepishly, “Just a wee bit.”

“Well let's eat!” cheered Rainbow Dash as she flew headlong into the kitchen knocking into Fluttershy.

Fluttershy, being unprepared for Rainbow Dash, spun out of control, but before she could hit the ground John stepped in and scooped her up. John couldn't fight a laugh when Fluttershy's eyes kept spinning, “Oh....thank you John,” groaned Fluttershy.

“Well, seeing as how another injury has been avoided, Tenderheart and I are going to head on back to Ponyville,” said Redheart as she put on a saddlebag. “Now, John you should get some rest and try not to move your head too much, understand?”

“Ah, can't you stay for brunch?” pouted John, only to stop and look at the pegasus in his arms, “Heh, that is of course with your permission, Shy.”

Fluttershy blushed at the nickname as she made herself comfortable, “I...I don't mind...”

“That's sweet and all, but we need to check on Lyra,” commented Redheart.

“Lyra!?” squawked John, “Is she alright?”

Redheart looked confused as Tenderheart said, “We're not sure, Bon Bon brought her in yesterday when you were out. Something about how a couple nights ago she passed out and hasn't woken up since.”

“Oh, man I hope she pulls through,” commented John.

“How do you...” asked Redheart only to be cut off by John.

“The show.”

“Yeah,we'll have to talk about that later,” said Tenderheart as she looked at the iPad that had been left on Fluttershy's coffee table.

“Alright. Hey, if ever there's anything I can do for you two just let me know,” replied John as the two mares approached the door.

Redheart smiled, about to turn down John's offer, when Tenderheart laughed and said, “Unless you can get us a bigger clinic with some extra staff, don't worry about it.” The pair started laughing as John gave an apologetic smile, then his eyebrows shut up and he smiled at Celestia, who gave him a disturbed look in return.

“Yes?” asked Celestia slowly.

“Yeah, you know that favor you owe me?” asked John, to which Celestia slowly nodded, “Good, hook 'em up and we'll call it even.” Celestia, Redheart, Tenderheart, along with everypony else's jaws hit the floor in amazement. Seeing the looks on everypony's faces, John shrugged and said, “What?”

“That's incredibly generous,” gasped Rarity.

“Yeah, ah never heard of such a thing,” whistled Apple Jack. John felt a slight squeeze on his chest as Fluttershy nuzzled him.

“Not really,” answered John dismissively. “When you consider the fact that I'm still injured, and I'll probably need more care down the road. This is just an investment in my continued survival.”

Celestia shook her head with a smile as she said, “Be that as it may, I'm afraid I cannot grant your request John.” Before anyone could say anything Celestia held up a hoof and said, “I cannot grant your request because Ponyville has been long overdue for an upgrade in its medical services and as Princess it's my duty to ensure the safety of my...”

“Yours!” coughed John while pointing back and forth between Luna and Celestia.

Luna smiled brightly as she finished her sisters statement, “It's our duty to ensure the safety of our citizens.”

Celestia shot John a mischievous smile as she said, “You're never going to let me do anything without involving Luna, are you?”

“Nothing on a royal level at least,” returned John with a grin.

The two nurses approached and bowed to the royal sisters, “Thank you very much, Your Majesty, er I mean Majesties.” Celestia nuzzled her sister’s head as Redheart turned to John, “And John, thank you as well. Even though you didn't have to you were willing to give up a lot to help us.”

John just shrugged, “It's cool. So when should I come by for a check up?”

“I think that for the time being you should remain out of Ponyville,” commented Celestia before Redheart could give out a doctor's order. When John looked at her confused; and slightly offended Celestia added, “At least until I can get your citizenship processed.”

John nodded his head slowly, earning an “ahem” from Tenderheart.

“Sorry, okay? Sheesh,” whined John.

“Well, if that's the case, we'll come see you in a few days,” said Redheart before she stopped and asked, “Where will you be staying?”

John just looked at Celestia, “Yeah, what about that?” Celestia was about to talk when she was cut off by a faint whisper.

“He can stay with me...” said Fluttershy, before she peaked out of her mane, “that is...if you want to...”

John looked astonished, “Are you sure Fluttershy?” Fluttershy, still in John's arms, just gave a slight nod, which earned a hug in return, “Thanks Shy. This really means a lot to me. You ever need something taken care of, just ask.” Fluttershy returned the hug after a bit, only to break it and fly on her own.

“Well alright then,” said Redheart with a blush, “if you're staying here, then in a few days we'll be over to take check up on you.”

The nurses took their leave and everyone waved goodbye until another rumble reminded John of his hunger, and therefore his wooziness. “Okay...let's get some grub before I pass out,” groaned John as he leaned against the door frame of Fluttershy's front door.

“Hey!” called Rainbow Dash from the kitchen, “Bring on the chow!”

“Yah gotta be kiddin’ me?” sighed Apple Jack as she entered the kitchen. Turns out while everyone was saying goodbye to the nurses, Rainbow Dash ate the entire breakfast by herself. Apple Jack, determined to show her anger, started pummeling Rainbow Dash with her hat, “Gosh darn it Rainbow!”

“Ow, hey,” cried Rainbow Dash, “Hey John!? Aren't you going to help?”

John, feeling snarky, decided to play up his condition. “Oh, I would Rainbow Dash but I'm SOOOO HUUUUNNNNGRY, and WOOOZZZYYY,” moaned John before his face deadpanned and his tone became purely sarcastic, “If only somepony didn't eat all the food.” The other got a good laugh and Apple Jack ceased her attack, as Rainbow Dash glared daggers at John.

Fluttershy gathered up the plates and set out more, “Okay, everypony, if you take a seat I'll have breakfast made in a little bit.” Everyone took a seat as Fluttershy started singing, the tune carrying on the air into everyone's ears, bringing a unearthly calm to the room.

“God that's beautiful,” sighed John as he rested his head on his hand. Throughout the time it took for Fluttershy to cook breakfast everyone sat quietly enjoying Fluttershy's singing. When Fluttershy finished John clapped his hands together and was so joined by everypony else. “That was amazing Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy just smiled shyly and laid plates of food for everypony, “Thanks John, here you go as nurse Redheart said, eggs and prune.” John gave a fake smile, and began eating, “Do you like it?” asked Fluttershy with a wide eyed smile and a “squeak.”

John swallowed and drank some orange juice, “Oh, yeah...delicious.” With a smile Fluttershy began eating her food.

“So,” began Twilight after John ate his second bite, “about the show?” Without thinking John drank some more orange juice before nodding his head, earning a cough and stern look from Fluttershy, “How are your people watching us?”

“I really doubt it's that simple,” commented John. “It's not possible for my people to watch other planets. In truth the best answer I can give Twilight is this.” John gave a dramatic pause, allowing all the ponies to focus on him, “Sheer. Raw. Dumb. Luck.”

“What?!” yelled Twilight only to get a stern glare from Celestia. “I mean, how is that possible?”

John thought about it for a second before snapping his fingers, “The Million Monkeys with Type Writers Theory. Essentially, the theorem goes like this...” John spent the next hour explaining the idea, and while Celestia, Luna, Twilight and Pinkie Pie got it, the latter much to John's disbelief, the others just sat their confused until John said, “Sheer dumb luck.”

“While unfulfilling, that would be the best analogy for the facts presented before us, unless of course you’re misleading us,” countered Luna giving John a skeptical glance while doing her best impression of Gendo Ikari.

After laughing a bit, much to the confusion of the others, John said, “I'm being completely honest, Luna I couldn't lie to you girls...well not intentionally or maliciously at any rate. Besides, it's not like I was part of the cast of people involved with making the show, I mean if it was, Pinkie Pie would have remained a pegasus pony...”

“I was suppose to be a pegasus pony?!” asked Pinkie Pie extremely enthused at the prospect.

“Yeah, you were suppose to rain parties upon unsuspecting ponies...”

“No change there then,” commented Twilight dryly much to everyone's amusement.

“So it's not like the idea for the show, started out as being about us?” asked Celestia.

“Not at all, I mean Rainbow Dash was supposed to be called FireFly. After a G1 pony with Dash's personality and a fan favorite of the women who started the show, Lauren Faust,” explained John.

“G1?” asked Twilight, setting off a series of questions and answers about the My Little Pony franchise that lasted the rest of the morning. “So, the idea of a show about ponies existed before the show about us?”

“Oh, yeah,” answered John before he started laughing, “Oh, man I wish I had some of the earlier generation pony shows on me, I would love to show you the G3 Rainbow Dash.”

“Why, what is she like?” asked Rainbow Dash, only to regret it when John smiled evilly.

“Think Rarity without a personality, or likeability. Your G3 counter part was a fashion obsessed airhead who was always trying to dress in style. You even had a theme song. “Rainbow Dash always dresses in style.”” The look on Rainbow Dash sent a wave of laughter throughout the kitchen.

“Wow, Rainbow,” laughed Apple Jack, “maybe you and Rarity can get together to talk fashion.”

“Oh, I have the cutest little outfit that's just perfect for you Rainbow Dash,” added Rarity with a sly smile.

“Oh, Apple Jack you're going to hate me for this, but I just can't resist, be right back.” John excused himself from the table, grabbed his iPad and returned as fast as he could, “Let me introduce you to G1 Apple Jack's theme song.” The smile of John's face made her hair stand on end, but Apple Jack wouldn't back down. Apple Jack was confident in her ability to withstand anything John could dish out, but as soon as the song started she swatted at John with her hat.

“Stop that this instance,” yelled Apple Jack as she started chasing John around the table. John just defiantly started singing along with the song, and when the chorus came up a second time, so did everypony else. “Come on y'all this ain't funny!” whined Apple Jack as she hid her face under her hat.

“You're right,” laughed Rainbow Dash after the song ended, “It's hilarious!”

After everyone calmed down and John received his just punishment from Apple Jack, Twilight asked.“So what about the rest of us?”

“Most of you are entirely new to the franchise and exist entirely within Friendship is Magic so far as I know. In truth I never watched the older series as the characters and settings were underdeveloped and geared entirely towards little girls. I mean, my little pony, the franchise was so bad, even in terms of little girls cartoon shows that the show about all of you was ridiculed and hated before it aired. That was until we “bronies” came into the picture.”

“You “bronies”?” asked Celestia, sending John off on another multihour talk. “So bronies are male in your world who enjoy hearing about us.”

“And writing about us?” asked Twilight slightly disturbed.

“And...watching us?” asked Rainbow Dash as she stealthily looked over her shoulder.

“Essentially,” said John with a yawn, “we bronies have really come together as a “subculture” or culture different than the norm, and are doing a lot of good in our world because of you girls. Where as normally males are meant to be tough, no nonsense, stoic, muscle bound tough guys with sticks up their backsides. We bronies are just fun loving goofballs who like cute things, as apposed to explosions and war, death and violence. Though I'll admit I can enjoy some violence in my entertainment.”

“How can you enjoy the idea of violence?” asked Rarity appalled.

“It's a side effect of living in a male dominated world locked in near constant wars. Where lives are lost by the millions daily and death is common, even outside of war,” commented John with yet another yawn. The frank, detached, description of his world left the others sick. “Sorry, once I get sleeping like this I tend to get more and more tactless, which considering what I'm like normally, is really saying something.”

“If you're world is so dark,” asked Celestia, “why would you ask to return?”

“To be honest, I didn't want to but felt immediately asking for citizenship, or asylum, would be too much too quick. Besides I have family back home, and while I may hate them, their still family and more than a few of them I do love, just not most of them.”

“Ah, can't understand hating your family,” said Apple Jack looking and sounding downcast. “If'n yah don't mind, why do you hate them?”

“Well besides how they treated me as a child, and make no mistake I wish I had a parent like Twilight, unintentional neglect is at least unintentional. The environment I grew up in was truly messed up.” John mumbled something under his breath towards the end. “Really, Apple Jack, let's put it this way. I want to be a teacher for two reasons. One: I love kids, from babies to young adults. Two: So I can find kids who are going through the same crap I did and save them from it. Lord knows they need it.”

“That sounds like some truly noble goals,” said Celestia, giving the half awake human a warm motherly look. “Taking hardship and turning into a force for good is a strength I'm thankful my little ponies don't have to experience. But it seems we've kept you awake for too long, and considering the injuries you're recovering from I think it would be best to let you rest.”

“Speaking of that,” groaned John as he laid his head on the table, “how'd this get fixed?”

“I'm sorry?” asked Celestia.

“This table,” groaned John louder slowly lifting his head from its roost only to slam it back down. “Tenderheart said you threw me through it and into a cabinet.”

“That would have been me,” replied Rarity. “I couldn't let such a crime against fabulousity go uncorrected and oak tables are simply gorgeous and the broken china was a crime against all things decent .”

“Groovy,” grumbled John as he fell asleep, face flat on the table.

“Poor thing,” sighed Celestia, “given his state I'm amazed he stayed up so long. Fluttershy, you have my thanks for letting him stay here.” Celestia turned to the yellow mare and bowed her head.

“Oh, please Princess, you don't have to,” stuttered Fluttershy as she rushed to bow her head, “I mean after all, he needs to be taken care of and it's my special talent to take care of other creatures.”

“As Twilight has told me,” said Celestia kindly before her face became serious, “but remember despite the fact that he's not a pony, he's also not an animal. Treat him like you would anypony else.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” said Fluttershy with a guilty smile.

“Very good, now Twilight would you mind if I talked to you outside,” said Celestia, “alone?”

The others had hoped the storm had passed, but clearly it hadn't, “Yes, Princess,” sighed Twilight, relenting to her fate.

Leaving the others to get John to the couch, Celestia and Twilight went outside. When Spike went to follow Celestia looked down at him with a sweet smile, “Don't worry, Spike. I merely want to talk with Twilight, though I would also like to speak with you once we're done.”

“Okay,” said Spike as he watched the door close behind them.

Once outside Celestia let out a sigh and stared into the distance, “Twilight Sparkle, I am very proud of you.”

Twilight, who had been waiting for another tirade of yelling, just sat dumb struck by her teacher, “Excuse me?”

“I said, I'm proud of you,” reiterated Celestia, as she turned towards her student. “Forgiving John took tremendous amounts of maturity, even for some of the eldest of ponies. For one of your age, it's truly remarkable. That being said, I want to make this clear. I agree with John wholeheartedly, that Spike's treatment is intolerable. I want you to know that I will monitor you and Spike very closely from here out. Any mistreatment of Spike shall be punished, quickly,” Celestia threw her wings out as far as she could and scowled as harshly as she could manage, “and mercilessly.”

Twilight held her ground and looked at Celestia despite the fear she was feeling, “I...I understand, I will take better care of Spike. I'm ashamed to admit that I never considered his feelings about everything. I'm actually thankful to John for confronting me about it.”

Celestia scowled turned into a smile as she said, “I'm pleased to hear this.” Celestia began channeling her magic and set the sun on its path towards setting. “Tell me, what did you talk about when we left you alone?”

Twilight thought back and said, “He said, that we should learn to appreciate each other more. That we should take the time to say “please” and “thank you”, mostly just remember the little things because when you forget them you can destroy your friendships, and your families.”

“Then he is wise far beyond his years,” sighed Celestia as she looked towards the moon cresting the horizon. “It took me nearly a hundred years after banishing Luna to figure out that simple truth, and I had over eleven thousand years before that. Time I very much doubt he's had.”

It took Twilight a second to take in her teachers age, “You've never mentioned your age before Princess.”

“It's not proper for a lady to talk about it,” replied Celestia with a smile. “That's all I wanted to say to you Twilight. I hope you understand that my feelings towards you haven't changed. You are still my most prized student, and that's why I've acted as I have today. I have high hopes for you, and to hear the truth from a being not of this world. An alien from a entirely different world, with morals so different than our own, well it had shaken my faith in you.”

Celestia's final statement was probably more painful for Twilight to hear than anything else today. “However, seeing you not only forgive John of this, but to have learned a truly priceless lesson from it, makes me more sure now than ever. Twilight Sparkle, you'll go down as one of the greatest unicorns in history, I'll see to it personally.”

Twilight, rushed forth and nuzzled her mentor, and felt relieved when it was returned, “Thank you princess. I'll try my best to make you proud.”

“You already have, Twilight. You already have.” said Celestia as she raised her head, “Now if you'd tell Spike to come outside I wish to speak with him.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” replied Twilight as she ran into the cottage.

Seconds later, Spike walked up to Celestia, “Yes, Your Majesty?”

Celestia magicked Spike up and hugged him tenderly, “Please Spike, you're like a son to me. You don't need to stand by tradition, call me Celestia.”

“Yes, ma'am,” replied Spike as he hugged Celestia.

“I guess it will do,” remarked Celestia as she let Spike down. “Spike let me ask you something. Do you truly want to stay with Twilight?” Celestia had expected a pause but...

“Of course!” shouted Spike looking offended, only to realize who he was talking to, “Oh...I....I'm sorry, Your Highness.”

Celestia just smiled and said, “Don't apologize Spike, it's precisely what I wanted to hear.” Spike sighed in relief as Celestia continued, “That being said, I need your help in teaching Twilight. Are you up to the task?” Spike stood straight and gave a quick salute, which amused Celestia to no end, “Very well. I will need you to report to me any mistreatment by Twilight to me. I understand this may feel wrong, or like a betrayal but doing this will help Twilight realize her true potential. Twilight's future is entirely within your hooves, er claws. Do you understand?”

Spike gave a reluctant nod, “I guess.”

“Very good,” said Celestia as the others left the house. “Alright everyone, I think it's time to say good night. Oh, Twilight I'd like you to come visit John in a few days, try to learn as much as you can from him. Clearly he has wisdom that you can probably use, and his knowledge, what little he may posses on the subject, about technology could be of great benefit to Equestria. See if you can convince him to let us examine his, “iPod” I believe he called it?”

“iPad!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie, correcting the princess.

“Yes, thank you Pinkie Pie,” smiled Celestia. “Oh, girls. The Hearth's Warming Play shall be in a week in Canterlot. I would be honoured if you'd come and perform the play as the mane cast. Are you interested?”

The girls immediately replied with a, “YEAH!!”

“Splendid,” replied Luna, “What of John, dear sister? Will we be able to grant him citizenship in time to enjoy the play?”

“Truthfully, no,” answered Celestia as she looked towards the cottage where John was sleeping. “The process shall take a long time, given the mere fact that he is extraterrestrial means new rules and regulations shall have to implemented and doing so while avoiding the court shall be the true challenge.” The girls all looked confused but said nothing as Celestia continued, “He seems trust worthy enough, I don't see it being a problem if he's left alone for a day or so while the girls perform the play.”

Everyone else agreed, and soon bid farewell as they all went their ways to their respective homes. Fluttershy went inside to find John sleeping comfortably on her couch; his legs haphazardly lying on one of her end tables. “Sleep tight,” said Fluttershy as she began cleaning the kitchen.

Much like her skill at cooking, perfected over years of working with animals, cleaning the mess in the kitchen took her no time at all. With a slight yawn Fluttershy retired to her room, sparing John another glance as she passed, “See you tomorrow.”

After that Fluttershy got into bed and quickly fell asleep, just in time to miss a teal glow coming from downstairs.

Living with Fluttershy

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The next morning came slowly to Fluttershy as she laid awake and enjoyed the warmth from the sunlight pouring in through her window. For the first time in weeks Fluttershy enjoyed the warmth of her bed, the softness of her pillows and the comfort of her home. For the first time in weeks Fluttershy looked forward to the brand new day stretched out before her. For the first time in weeks, she wasn't alone.

Where normally her home would be filled with the sounds of critters, either waking up or already going about their days, once winter began her house was silent. Gone were the beautiful melodies of chirping and singing birds, having left to go south for the winter. Gone were the adorable scuffling and pitter-patter of her little animal friends, all of them having left to hibernate.

For the past few weeks Fluttershy's home was empty, deprived of the friendly noises of a full and happy home. Every day Fluttershy spent in her house during the winter was a living nightmare. Every time she touched the wooden floors of her home, the sounds of her hooves would echo off each wall, reminding her of how alone she was. Fluttershy, fearing the sounds of her own hooves, would spend almost everyday flying until her little wings couldn't carry her anymore, leaving her tired and alone.

This oppressive atmosphere would last throughout each winter season, and while last year; after meeting all of her friends, Fluttershy could count on her friends to be there in times of great sorrow or hardship. They just couldn't be there all throughout the winter season, it just wouldn't be fair of her to ask them to spend so much of their time with her.

This all changed three days ago, when John appeared at her doorstep. Even though John appeared to be at death's door, Fluttershy couldn't help but feel happy to finally have a creature to take care of. Fluttershy felt terrible about taking joy in a creature's pain, but she couldn't help herself. She had often contemplated waking a few of her animal friends from hibernation but decided against it, again not wanting to be selfish. Having a creature even as strange as John had appeared to be, she was overjoyed at the idea of having an animal friend to take care of and spend time with. This only got better after the creature proved to be intelligent.

John’s intelligence also made things worse. With the revelation of his intelligence came the prospect that he could take care of himself, proven by how he'd tended to her needs when she herself was injured. Fluttershy was terrified that he'd leave as soon as he could, hopeful to return to his home and family. When John was able to stand and move around the next morning Fluttershy was certain he'd be leaving that day, and silently prayed for a reason for him to stay so she wouldn't be alone.

When Princess Celestia and Princess Luna appeared and hurt him so terribly Fluttershy screamed at herself, blaming her wishes for his pain. The sight of him bleeding and bruised surrounded by the ruins of her kitchen table and broken dishes, would haunt her for the rest of her days. Furthermore when she found out that she couldn't help him, as his wounds were too serious for her to fix with a mere first-aid kit she blamed herself for his state even more. There she was, hoping to find a way to keep him with her and unable to take care of him when he most needed it.

Over the following day and night, Fluttershy cried uncontrollably, leaning on her friends for support as they all told her John would be fine; unaware of the guilt she felt inside. Fluttershy cried until she fell asleep and the guilt inside ate at her dreams and turned them into nightmares, mostly revolving around John's untimely demise and the discovery of her secret wishes that led to it.

When Fluttershy woke up the next day and saw John walking around no worse for wear, Fluttershy had to fight from breaking into tears. She couldn't bring herself to talk to him right away, afraid that while nopony else knew of her thoughts, somehow he would. When he looked at her alongside the others and smiled, Fluttershy hoped he wouldn't blame her. The only thing he seemed to be angry at about was his reflection in her mirror, and seeing him joking around and playing with them felt better than a thousand trips to the Ponyville Spa.

When John suddenly dropped to his knees and howled in pain, she was afraid that maybe his injuries left him crippled. Finding out however that his pain was from an injury long ago suffered, she nearly fainted in relief. From that point forward Fluttershy set out to make amends to John by helping him anyway she could. Fluttershy thought she had started out well when she gave John his sleeping bag, but when she tried to talk to him about his past only to upset him, she was afraid he'd hate her forever.

Fluttershy couldn't help but to apologize and ask if John was mad at her, ending up nearly begging him not to be angry with her. When John took her into a hug and said,“I could never be mad at you. Fluttershy,” she was afraid she might burst from happiness and returned the hug with everything she had, silently thanking him for forgiving her.

When John finally explained how he knew them, or more accurately tried to show them only to spark a fight between the royal sisters, he protected her and her friends from harm by getting them out of her home before Luna lost her temper. When Fluttershy, traumatized by the destruction of her home, couldn't protect her ears, John sacrificed his own for hers.

After all of that, Fluttershy had to offer her home to him. Despite John's strangeness, his temper, and his admittance to violence, Fluttershy couldn't bring herself to think ill of him. He was honest. He was kind. He was forgiving. He was strong. He was humorous. He was intelligent. He was strange and new. When Celestia brought up the fact that he wasn't a animal and to be treated like anypony else Fluttershy couldn't fight the smile on her face.

When she went up to bed, she was happy to see someone in her home with her, even if John had been hurt so badly. To be honest Fluttershy still felt guilty, taking advantage of John's time of weakness to prolong her time with him, but he needed a place to stay and she was happy to provide. Now she was awake and could hear John's snoring from downstairs. For the first time in weeks Fluttershy had something to take care of. For the first time in weeks her home wasn't just hers. For the first time in weeks Fluttershy wasn't alone.

“He's awfully loud isn't he?” mused Fluttershy as she stretched and started her day. As Fluttershy walked to her bathroom, she hummed and sang, taking enjoyment out of the fact that her hooves weren't the only thing she was hearing. Like with everything else, it took no time at all for Fluttershy to get ready for her day, after a quick bath Fluttershy combed and brushed her mane and tail, groomed her feathers and was ready to go.

"Okay," said Fluttershy as she looked at herself in the mirror, "let's get out there and take care of our new friend." Calling upon her training with Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy let out a gentle cheer. "Yay!" only to stop, fearing that she might have awoken John with her loud behavior. When his snores continued up stairs undaunted she sighed in relief and made her way downstairs.

Once in her living room Fluttershy could see that John had somehow managed; from lying flat on his back, to sleeping with his legs over the back of her couch and his head hanging off the front. Fluttershy tilted her head in confusion before a silent rumbling in her stomach demanded attention. "Should probably start making breakfast...wonder if John would like something other than eggs and prunes," chuckled Fluttershy as she started preparing breakfast remembering the face he made yesterday. "He's a truly terrible liar.. Though I appreciate the effort."

Not having a house of animals to feed, Fluttershy took her time and enjoyed herself. The smell of cooking food was a secret pleasure of hers that sadly she couldn't partake in with usually busy life, or when she was alone as the silence of her home that kept her from enjoying anything. The cookies dough in her hooves tantalized her nose while the heystrips sizzling in her frying pan snapped, crackled, and popped in her ears.

Feeling in the moment Fluttershy began humming to herself, which led to her singing. As Fluttershy's melody filled the house the sound of John's snoring abruptly stopped and was replaced by a groaning and a load thud. “Oh no!” cried Fluttershy as she raced into the living room.

Sure enough John was lying ground face down and muttering angrily, “Sorry John I shouldn't have been so loud, here let me help you up.” When Fluttershy tried to help John to her feet, John recoiled and jumped back.

“Whoa!” yelled John as he went to make a fist, but upon seeing it was Fluttershy he relaxed. “It's you, you could give a guy some warning,” chuckled John as he rose to his feet.

Fluttershy looked hurt, “But I did...I'm sorry if you didn't hear me.” Fluttershy looked to the ground and started shuffling her hooves.

John had watched as Fluttershy moved her lips but couldn't hear anything. “Fluttershy...” said John only to realize he couldn't hear himself. “Uh, Fluttershy...I can't hear anything.”

Fluttershy looked up and tilted her head, “You can't hear me? Did Twilight's spell fade?”

John cocked an eyebrow and said, “I'd ask “what?” but that would be pointless wouldn't it.” Fluttershy shot him a look and John threw up his hands, “Sorry, couldn't resist the obvious joke.”

“Here let me grab some paper,” mumbled Fluttershy as she picked up a pen with her mouth.

“Uh...Fluttershy.” said John as he lowered his hands, “I can't read your language, remember?”

Fluttershy dropped the pen and paper and looked over to John and started thinking, 'What am I going to do now? Maybe I should go get Twilight? But she's probably busy with the library...'

Seeing Fluttershy's face scrunch up in thought, which he found adorable, John looked around and sniffed the air, “Hmm that smells amazing.” John was about to ask what Fluttershy had cooking, only to realize that it wouldn't do any good, 'This is going to be a problem.” Looking into the kitchen John saw his iPad laying on the table where he left it after playing Apple Jack's G1 theme song. 'Too bad I don't...wait!'

With Fluttershy still lost in thought John snuck past and grabbed his iPad from the table. After checking the battery; which was still at one hundred percent, John started shifting through his apps until he came across the one he was looking for, Dragon Dictation. Fluttershy meanwhile exhausted every possibility should could think of, “I'm sorry that I can't help you...”

“Don't worry about it Fluttershy, you've already helped enough,” replied John with a smile.

Fluttershy turned to see John standing inside the kitchen holding his iPad which he fiddled with as she said, “But how?”

John waited a moment, making sure she was done speaking, before he tapped his iPad again. John's eyes moved across the screen before he said, “I have a dictation program on my iPad. It's far from perfect but it's serviceable.”

“That's great!” cheered Fluttershy as a plum of black smoke rolled into the living room. Upon seeing the cloud of smoke Fluttershy flew past John and into the kitchen. “Oh shoot!” cried Fluttershy as she picked up the frying pan and poured its contents into the sink. “Sorry, John. I had planned to make heystrips but now they're burnt.” Fluttershy looked sorrowfully at the burnt strips of hey as she went to dump them into the trash.

John took a second to read his iPad before he said, “Now, let's not be hasty.” Fluttershy stopped in time to save the strips from falling into the trash as John grabbed a plate and a fork, “here let me have 'em.”

“No, they're all burnt, I couldn't...” replied Fluttershy as John shoveled the strips onto his plate. “John you really shouldn't...please stop, I can make more really it's no problem.”

“Can't hear you, I'm gonna eat 'em and you can't stop me,” replied John as he sat down at the table and took a bite of a few strips. Fluttershy watched in horror as John kept chewing the strips. Neither or them said anything until John finished and said, “Thank you Fluttershy that was...delicious...” Fluttershy covered her face with her hooves and John was afraid she was going to cry, “Honestly Fluttershy they were the best heystrips I've ever had.”

“You are a terrible lair,” laughed Fluttershy as she covered her mouth. “Why would you do that? They were all burnt and nasty.”

John looked confused and checked his iPad, but not having set it to record John missed what Fluttershy had said, “Care to say that once more?”

Fluttershy fell to the floor laughing and while he couldn't hear her laughter John couldn't help but join in, she was just too cute. The pair laughed and chuckled for a while before Fluttershy rose to her hooves and walked over to the counter where her cookie dough was still sitting waiting to be cooked. “Would you like some cookies?” asked Fluttershy as John started messing with the screen of his iPad again.

“I would love some, but...” said John, only to look sheepishly away, “a glass of water would be appreciated.”

Fluttershy snickered as she poured John a tall glass of water from a pitcher in her fridge, “Here you go, fresh mountain spring water.” Being desperate to get the taste of burnt hey out of his mouth, John didn't bother with his iPad and downed the glass in a single gulp. Fluttershy adopted a smug look as she watched John drank the glass dry, and once he was finished motioned her head towards his iPad. After John was ready she asked, “I thought you said “they were the best heystrips you ever ate”?”

After reading the text John returned her smug look with a sly grin, “Well, they were the only one's I've ever eaten. So yes. They were the best heystrips I've ever ate.” John finished his retort by sticking out his tongue.

“That's cheating,” replied Fluttershy as she started kneading the dough into cookies on a backing sheet. John just laughed haughtily as she placed the sheet into the oven. With the cookies cooking Fluttershy went to drop the bowl into the sink when she spotted a large glob of dough sitting at the bottom. She wasn't sure what came over her but she scooped up the remaining dough and flung it at John, hitting him square in the face.

Fluttershy burst into laughter as John froze in place, his eyes hidden behind his dough covered glasses. Slowly John used two fingers; one from each hand, to brush his glasses of debris, “Oh, poor, poor Fluttershy. You know not the trouble you've unleashed little one.” Slowly still, John rose up and closed in on Fluttershy whose laughter gave way to nervous giggling, only to peter out into a terrified whimper. “I'll show you why you shouldn't make a human angry,” growled John as he popped his knuckles causing Fluttershy to look at him in horror. With an evil grin John's hand slowly descended upon her until they reached for her stomach and started dancing across her skin, “cause now I'm gonna tickle you until you pee!”

Immediately laughter filled the room as Fluttershy struggled against her captor, “Please no more!” gasped Fluttershy between breaths.

Not being able to hear her proved little trouble as John could easily guess what she was saying. “Never!” cried John as he continued to vent his displeasure, “Not until you apologize!”

“I'm sorry,” gasped Fluttershy as she began to snort, “I'm sorry, please stop!”

John giggled as he kept punishing his would be attacker, “I can't hear you!”

“You....you'r....you're evil!” giggled Fluttershy as she started bucking at his hands.

“Oooooohhhh, what do we have here!” said John dramatically as he grabbed one of Fluttershy's hooves, “Now I wonder if a pony's ticklish here? Well only one way to find out!” Judging by the way Fluttershy started trashing around on the floor and smiling, he figured they were. “For science!” cried John as he intensified his efforts. John tortured the shy Pegasus a bit more before letting her go and returning to his seat. “Now let that be a lesson to you, young filly. Never make a human angry.”

Fluttershy laid panting on the floor a bit longer, trying to catch her breath, “That....that wasn't fair...”

“Neither is hitting a deaf man with cookie dough, but I didn't hear you complain then.” replied John after skimming his iPad once more. The pair shared some more laughter and banter as Fluttershy and John enjoyed some cookies. Once the cookies had been devoured Fluttershy cleaned the kitchen and the pair retired to the living room.

"So what would you like to do now?" asked John as he sat on the couch.

"Well..." started Fluttershy as she hovered over to one of her bookshelves, "the girls and I have been asked by Princess Celestia to perform in The Hearth's Warming Eve play in Canterlot." Fluttershy returned to the couch with a sizable tome written in the blocky language of the ponies, but the cover depicted a trio of ponies against a snowy backdrop and a large fiery heart above them.

"Sounds interesting," commented John as he looked at his iPad, "So when's this play?"

"In a week," replied Fluttershy as she buried her face in the book. "Since the girls and I are going to be acting, I thought I'd read up on it so I can be ready to perform with the others."

"Fair enough," said John as he started looking through his collection of ebooks, settling on "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Theft" by Rick Riordan. The pair slipped into a comfortable silence only interrupted by Fluttershy as she shifted through the pages of her play.

While the two had been sitting at opposite ends at first, as the day waned Fluttershy had slid over to John and lain against him. Feeling her weight against his thigh, John's hand stretched out and began stroking her mane. While neither noticed at first when John began scratching behind her ears, Fluttershy let out a content sigh; shattering the silence of the room.

The two recoiled instantly, their faces red with blushes, for seconds the pair looked at each other with embarrassment until the humour of it all sank in. Fluttershy was the first to smile, but John was first to laugh. Soon the pair returned to their original seating positions; spaced apart on opposite ends of the couch, and continued reading their respective books. As before the pair gravitated closer together and once more John's hand went to pet Fluttershy, unlike last time the two didn't immediately race away from one another but instead sat and enjoyed each others presence.

The rest of the day was like that until John fell asleep, iPad in one hand the other buried in Fluttershy's mane. When John's snores crept into her ears Fluttershy book marked her page, closed John's iPad and covered him with his sleeping bag, before ascending her stairs and going to bed herself.

In the Everfree Forest

Royal Chronicler wasn't sure what to think, 'It's just like us...how is that possible?' Royal Chronicler's orders were to monitor the creature and send detailed reports to home base involving anything that could be useful to Lord Prince Blueblood. In truth Royal Chronicler was skeptical at first, assuming their initial report had been swept under the rug or worse their sanity put into doubt. Royal Chronicler was about to rush off to Canterlot when their current orders came a second time, from Lord Prince Blueblood himself.

Royal Chronicler was expecting to see some spectacular technology from the creature, and while it's strange “go to” tablet seemed rather advanced, without getting their hooves on it personally they were unable to fully understand its sophistication. The creature didn't appear to have anything other than the tablet, or at least not one they had seen, but Royal Chronicler was cautious about approaching the home less it find out what, if any, weapons the creature possessed.

While Royal Chronicler was displeased with their lack of information, they found themselves enthralled with gaining knowledge on the creature's personality. While it may appear so incredibly different, the creature laughed and played like anypony else would, “Shame it isn't a pony, we could have been great friends.”

While Royal Chronicler entertained the idea of the creature as a pony, a tingling sensation entered their horn, “Home Base to Royal Chronicler, repeat Home Base to Royal Chronicler. It's time for you report.”

Royal Chronicler took a second to shake themselves out of their imagination and replied, “Nothing new to report in regards to supposed technologies the creature may or may not possess. In regards to the creature's personality however, it appears to share many characteristics of an average pony. That being said I included in this report the suggestion that the creature be approached peacefully, though I want it known I don't presume to give advice to Lord Prince Blueblood.”

The was a brief pause in the conversation before another voice entered Royal Chronicler's head, “Be assured Royal Chronicler,” spoke Prince Blueblood, sending chills down Royal Chronicler's spine, “you're suggestion shall be taken into consideration and your intent is well understood. I have, however, set plans into motion already. Continue your surveillance of the creature, send your reports, but I must impress on you my need to have knowledge on its technology, if it has anything worthy of note.”

Royal Chronicler, despite being miles away, saluted, “Yes m'lord! I shall not fail you!” The magical connection to Home Base faded after a moment leaving Royal Chronicler feeling an even greater resolve. 'Sorry, my alien friend. For my master I shall do what I must.' So focused on their task, Royal Chronicler failed to notice the looming figure of a Diamond Dog watching from a distance

Metal Gear Pony

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'Sorry, my alien friend. For my master I shall do what I must,' mused Royal Chronicler as they made themself comfortable against one of the nearby trees of the Everfree Forest. Having spent almost a week in Everfree Forest Royal Chronicler felt at peace in the dangerous and strange woods. As they sat in the dark, overlooking the little cottage, their eyes wondered towards the stars above, 'As far as missions go, this isn't too bad.' Royal Chronicler traced the waves of dust and stars in the heavens and found themselves entranced, “Can't get a view like this in Canterlot, that's for sure.”

As they lost themself in the stars above, the bottom floor of the nearby cottage began to glow with an unearthly teal glow, the same one Royal Chronicler had seen every night since they had been there. 'Alright, just what is that thing doing?' growled Royal Chronicler as they rose from their roost. While their caution and unease about their quarry had kept them at a respectable distance, Royal Chronicler could no longer let this go. They had to investigate. Taking a moment to ensure their hooded cloak was secure and their mask in its proper place, preparing themself to investigate

With Prince Blueblood's words still fresh in their mind, Royal Chronicler prepared to move, 'Now, how to avoid detection?' After they surveyed the landscape, Royal Chronicler weighed their options, 'Direct approach? No, too much open ground...How about the creek?' Cautiously stepping out from the border of the Everfree Forest, Royal Chronicler made their way to the creek. Peering over the banks of the creek, they examined the ice. It appeared strong enough, but having trained their entire life for missions like this, Royal Chronicler knew better than to trust things on first glance.

'Let's take this slow,' thought Royal Chronicler as they place a single hoof upon the ice and pressed down hard. The ice held. Seeing the ice had remained strong they pressed hard again but with two hooves instead of one. The ice held. 'Alright,' mussed Royal Chronicler as they spread their hooves, and their weight, across the ice, 'seems sturdy, let's hope it holds.'

Calling upon all their years of training and experience, Royal Chronicler took the first step down their long trek from their place in the woods to the little cottage; well tried may have been a better way of saying it. “Whoooooaaaaaaa!!” screamed Royal Chronicler as their hooves got caught in their cloak and sent them sliding down the frozen creek.

Royal Chronicler tried their best to stop themself only to send themself further out of control. "Crap, crap, crap!" thought Royal Chronicler as they closed in on the bridge down the way. Despite their continual flailing, Royal Chronicler's race to the bridge ended with a fast and heavy thud, and a snowy burial afterward.

“Thank Luna no one saw that...” groaned Royal Chronicler as they dug themself out of the snow and ice.

'That was just pathetic,' came a voice in Royal Chronicler's mind.

Royal Chronicler buried their face further into their hooves, 'Hello...dad.'

Royal Chronicler's response came in the form of a sigh, 'What did I teach you all those years ago?'

Royal Chronicler sighed deeply before thinking, 'See your target, but don't be seen. Know your target without being known.'I know, I know, but you have to admit this mission isn't like other missions.'

'No!' screamed Royal Chronicler's father, 'The only thing different about this mission is the target, that's it. Treat this mission as you would any other...and if you make a mistake like that again and I'll make you go through your training all over again, from day one!'

Recalling the horrors of their training, Royal Chronicler shivered before saluting, 'Yes, sir! I won't let you down!'

'Just don't let yourself down...' there was a slight pause before their father spoke again, 'My little shadow.' Royal Chronicler smiled as they felt the magical connection between them and their father dissipate.

“Love you too dad,” whispered Royal Chronicler as they walked up to the cottage. Peering through the window they had just assaulted, Royal Chronicler looked and saw the creature sleeping on the simple couch, its legs on a small coffee table. Because the creature was tossing and turning, and also the distance between them, Royal Chronicler couldn't see its face.

'Now to get inside,' thought Royal Chronicler as they checked the window for security devices, and once satisfied simply lifted the window and crawled inside. Royal Chronicler scanned the room and made sure their entrance went unnoticed.

Once inside Royal Chronicler went about their business, 'Alright, let's take this nice and slow, prioritize advanced technology and information available. Next, detailed analysis of the creature.' Royal Chronicler went about the house and found it to be fairly standard: a few decorative knickknacks scattered around, pieces of furniture, a few bookshelves, and other household items, 'I have to give the pegasus credit, she's got good taste. Though all the bird houses and animal staircases are a little much.'

As Royal Chronicler found themself distracted by the hanging birdhouses, their hoof accidentally fell upon a strange device that began blasting music throughout the house, 'Oh no! Oh crap, how do I shut this thing off!?' While Royal Chronicler tried desperately to quell the strange device all they managed to do was make either the music louder or to make it play different; sometimes louder, music.

'Oh please, oh please, just stop making noise!' cried Royal Chronicler as so more noise started echoing throughout the house; coming from upstairs, 'Oh come on!' As the sounds grew closer, Royal Chronicler began to panic, 'Crap! Crap! Crap! Crap!' Just then the creature thrashed violently and one of its paws landed hard on the floor, caughting Royal Chronicler's attention. Striking inspiration Royal Chronicler batted the musical device to the slumbering alien and hid amongst one of the darker corners of the room; just behind one of the larger chairs.

No sooner had their tale whipped behind the chair, than did lights flood the room, “What's that noise?” groaned the obviously tired pegasus to whom the cottage belonged.

'Oh, nothing, just me making quite possibly the dumbest mistake in my entire career,' thought Royal Chronicler as they watched the pegasus trot over to the sleeping creature.

The pegasus meanwhile found the strange device resting under the alien's paws and smiled sweetly. Taking the small device into her hooves, the pegasus turned the thing over and lightly tapped the center, silencing it.

'Well...now I feel like an idiot...' groaned Royal Chronicler as the pegasus laid the device onto a nearby coffee table.

“There we go, nice and quiet,” the pegasus stopped to chuckle, “Not the you would hear it, huh John?”

Royal Chronicler quirked an eyebrow but remained silent, making a quick mental note on the alien's name. The pegasus looked over John for a few moments before hovering into the kitchen. When the pegasus returned she held in her hooves a damp cloth and began administrating it to John's brow, “You poor thing,” whispered the pegasus after hearing John whimpering a bit.

Thanks to the pegasus' help, John seemed to stabilized; even its flailing stopped. John's last bit of moment left it curled up in a fetal position half covered in a sleeping bag, with a big smile on its face, leaving both Royal Chronicler and the pegasus smiling. 'Has a bit of...strange charm to it, doesn't it?'

“Why are you always so restless?” asked the pegasus as she covered John with the very large sleeping bag. “I wish I could help you...” the pegasus lend in close and placed a soft kiss on John's forehead. “Hopefully that will help some,” the pegasus' face became bright red and she quickly raced upstairs afterward, barely turning off the lights in her mad dash.

As their eyes adjusted to the darkness of the room again, Royal Chronicler contemplated what they had learned and saw, 'Okay, the alien's name is John. Judging from its voice and the pegasus'...actions, it’s male.'

Making sure the coast was clear Royal Chronicler emerged from behind the chair and silently moved towards the coffee table with the musical device resting quietly and picked it back up, placing it in one of their pockets. 'It's not much, but certainly better than nothing, besides I'm sure Lord Prince Blueblood can find a use for it.' With their main objective complete; if barely, Royal Chronicler sighed in relief and looked at the now smiling John.

As Royal Chronicler watched John sleeping the teal light flashed brightly and they suddenly felt themselves growing incredibly tired. “What now...” mumbled Royal Chronicler as they slothfully stumbled back behind the chair they had been before, managing to hide themself again before slumping to the ground. As soon as they fell asleep, Royal Chronicler began to glow a bright teal, just like John.

Where the teal light left John dreaming about the end of the world, with fire raining down from the heavens and zombies overtaking the Earth, Royal Chronicler's was completely different. “Where am I?” asked Royal Chronicler as they woke up and looked around. Where previously they had been in a cottage just outside the town they found themselves in a large bed, surrounded by satin curtains and wonderful marble pillars. Looking themself over, they were no longer wearing their hooded black robe or mask, but instead were clad in a toga, plain and white.

Pushing past the curtains Royal Chronicler looked around the room. Besides a few aroma candles, and a large crystal chandelier, the room was empty, with a single door leading out of the room. “...what's going on?” whimpered Royal Chronicler as they retreated back behind the curtains.

As Royal Chronicler sat confused, a faint voice could be heard coming from behind the curtains.

“...come to me...” The voice, while faint and fairly creepy, seemed to give movement to Royal Chronicler's hooves, almost as if controlling their body.

Following the strange voice, Royal Chronicler rose from the bed and left the room behind them, and walked down a large hallway whose end was beyond their sight. As they journeyed down the hallway they began to take notice of the beautifully rendered stained glass murals on either side.

“Huh...these windows...why are they all of John's kind?” whispered Royal Chronicler as they kept going, their eyes wandering the windows as they passed. At first Royal Chronicler just looked upon the window panes with an appreciative glance, but over the length of their trek they began noticing tiny changes. Where at first the paintings showed a group of creatures like John wearing nothing, but tastefully covered through foliage, and running in open meadows with a large silhouette in the background, over time the paintings moved past the prancing creatures and towards the silhouette.

Gradually the silhouette took up more and more of the paintings and became more defined. In the end Royal Chronicler could see another of John's kind except, “Something doesn't feel quite right...” said Royal Chronicler as they focused on the image. The creature was massive in scope, with skin and eyes of shimmering gold, seating upon a throne adrift in clouds. Probably the most off putting thing about the whole image was what the creature was holding in its paws; a crude scythe.

When Royal Chronicler turned away from the image they found themself standing at the end of the hallway they spent so long wandering. “Finally,” sighed Royal Chronicler before they turned to see just how far they traveled, “T...that's not possible...” When they looked back they found themself standing at the cusp of the bedroom, not a mere ten or so feet from the bed they woke up on.

Before they could focus too heavily on the sight before them, the voice returned; louder and more convincing, “Please...come to me...you must hurry...there...isn't...much time...” Choosing the strange voice over the strange disappearing hallway, Royal Chronicler turned and galloped; nearly running off a cliff to their death.

“Sweet Luna!” screamed Royal Chronicler before the sight before them solidified in their mind, “...wow...” Looking over the edge of the cliff, Royal Chronicler saw a sprawling city overlaying a massive island. The city was partitioned into three sections, with moats and walls separated each section, with a single channel lined with bridges intersecting each of the sections leading to the mountain on which Royal Chronicler was standing on top of. Despite their best efforts, they couldn't see anypony walking the streets, “Is the city deserted? Why?”

“Please hurry!” came the voice again, pulling Royal Chronicler from their thoughts, “Behind you!”

When they turned around Royal Chronicler could see a massive temple atop a large staircase. Running up the stairs more of the temple could be seen. It was simple, circular in shape with a ring of smaller cylindrical stones leading to three massive pillars, with the one in the center standing taller than the other two, and with a small wall in the center. When Royal Chronicler entered the ring of stones they could see a stone sitting in the center. The stone was large and had the image of a net carved on its side and a light glowing brightly from its top.

“Touch the stone!” called the voice, the light pulsing with each word.

“This better be legit...” mumbled Royal Chronicler as they placed their hoof on the stone. The stone began to glow brightly and soon exploded into a ball of fire, “For crying out loud!”

“Be calm,” came the voice, “I won't harm you.” When Royal Chronicler looked through the flames they saw a snow white unicorn stallion, with a mane of brilliant yellow, clad in brilliant golden armor and on his back a bow with a quiver full of arrows covering his cutie mark.

“Lord Prince Blueblood?” asked Royal Chronicler before dropping into a sweeping bow.

A chuckle brought Royal Chronicler's attention back up the stallion before them, “While the bowing isn't new, the mistaken identity is. Arise, Royal Chronicler. While I cannot tell you my name rest assured that I am not your master. He is a pathetic scoundrel beneath my notice, and beneath yours for that matter.”

Not used to hearing anypony insult their lord, Royal Chronicler didn't process what the stallion had said. “What do you mean?”

“It doesn't matter,” said the stallion absently, “besides, as I said there isn't much time.” Throughout the conversation the stallion had a calm; almost cocky, demeanor about him, but that quickly changed when thunder rumbled in the distance. Immediately his face became fearful and he began to shake.

“Listen well! A great and powerful darkness is coming to your world and the boy sleeping on the couch is your best chance at defeating it.” The rolling thunder roared once again and dark clouds could be seen stretching towards the them from the distant horizon.

“What's going on?!” asked Royal Chronicler, seeing the storms moving without pegasi to guide it.

“My father is coming,” explained the stallion, looking more fearful by the second, “he's forbidden me from aiding you and I cannot actively disobey him; the Styx does not abide falsehoods. But when you came in contact with the magic linking the boy to my chosen disciple, it gave me an opportunity to act.” A bolt of lightning lashed forth from the clouds and struck the small wall, smashing it to dust. “Listen carefully!” screamed the stallion, “The child of iron, born of chaos, must seek out the anchor and bring the darkness to a halt. You, blessed children of gold, must help him and rally behind him, lending your purity to strengthen his resolve.”

The clouds finally blanketed the area, bloating out the sun, casting a deep shadow across the temple. The clouds began to ripple with lightning and the clouds parted to reveal an elderly stallion, with a long flowing white beard and eyes wreathed in lightning. “The child of iron must seek the anchor held in a vase, in the abyss at the heart of the world. Amidst the denizens of evil; in the womb of chaos!”

The stallion in the sky brought his hooves together and upon pulling them apart, revealed a bolt of pure lightning, which he aimed at Royal Chronicler. “You must awaken! Tell the boy what I've said!” cried the stallion as he shielded them from the bolt cast by the elder stallion above.

“NOOooooooo!!” screamed Royal Chronicler as they awoke on the wood floor of the cottage. No longer were they clad in the white toga, but were once again in their robes and mask. Their chest heaved and they could feel their heart racing. They laid still trying to catch their breath when the lights came on.

“Who's there!?” asked the pegasus as she hovered over towards John, still sleeping quietly on the couch. Still feeling the adrenaline from their dream, and not in their right mind, Royal Chronicler sprang up off the ground and looked towards the pegasus; who returned the gaze fearfully. “Who are you!?” Catching themselves, Royal Chronicler didn't speak but instead made for the door, only to be cut off by the pegasus, “On no you don't!”

Thinking fast, Royal Chronicler ran upstairs, 'Get upstairs and jump out the first window!' Running up the stairs with the pegasus in hot pursuit, Royal Chronicler stumbled and hit their head against a large bookshelf, sending a cascade of books raining down on the pair of ponies. Royal Chronicler covered their head with their hooves and only to yell when something heavy hit their wrist. 'Ow! What in Equestria! Wait, what is that?'

Looking briefly at the heavy object, Royal Chronicler grabbed it with their magic and placed it in one of their many pockets, alongside the musical device from earlier. The pegasus was trying to pull themselves out of the pile of book, giving Royal Chronicler the time needed to make their break for the window.

Just as they reached the window and opened it, a loud series of thuds could be heard coming from the stairs, risking a momentary glance, Royal Chronicler turned to see John, half asleep and confused; rubbing his head. This quickly changed however after he saw the pegasus under the pile of books, which his sleepy face was replaced with a cold vengeful glare, and said only one word as he picked up the pegasus. “Run...” John spoke barely over a whisper but the intent was clear, whatever he was planning to do to them would not end well.

Royal Chronicler took a leap and hit the snow running, tucking into a roll to avoid needing to stop. Forgoing any attempt at stealth, Royal Chronicler cut through the field in between the cottage and the Everfree forest, running as fast as their hooves would carry them. When they breached the border of the forest, they could see John charging through the snow, taking large strides with the pegasus close behind. Where the pegasus looked worried about John, his sights were locked on Royal Chronicler and his eyes sent a horrified chill up their spine.

Casting a series of quick spells Royal Chronicler kicked up a large blast of snow and ran headlong into the forest, figuring whatever waited in the forest was preferable to facing John; at least they knew what to expect with a Manticore. “You better run!” roared John, his anger fueled voice tearing through the serene quiet of the night.

Charging through the woods, Royal Chronicler didn't stop until they came to the mouth of a cave in on of the cliff faces in the forest. After days of staying awake, and the night's wild events, Royal Chronicler was tired; both mentally and physically. 'I...I...must...sleep... No! Report first, sleep second.'

Taking a quick minute to catch their breath, Royal Chronicler channeled their magic and sent a message; ignoring the sounds encroaching upon them. “Home Base...come in home base?”

'This is Prince Blueblood, do you have anything to report?'

“Yes my master,” moaned Royal Chronicler, “I was spotted by the alien, otherwise known as John. Continual observations of John, has been aborted.” Royal Chronicler panted before continuing, not see the club rising behind them, “Primary objective, retrieval of advance technologies, has been a...” The crack of the club rang out into the darkness of the cave as Royal Chronicler hit the ground, blood trickling from the back of their head and following upon the earth; which drank eagerly of it.

Bad Blood

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While events unfolded around Fluttershy's cottage, Princess Luna sat alone in her private chambers, resting her head upon one of the windowsills overlooking Equestria. From her perch high above Canterlot; which itself sat high above Equestria, Luna could easily see the residence of Equestria's newest citizen. Thinking upon him, Luna sent forth her magic once again and to her irritation found that it could not complete its task.

For the last day or so, Luna couldn't help but feel uneasy, it only worsened when she looked up towards the stars. Her stars. The stars with which she crafted timeless masterpieces and works that once set the minds and hearts of artists' ablaze, now seemed to recoil at her presence. Leaving her feeling more empty than anytime before.

'Et tu dear friends?' thought Luna as she retreated from the window and crawled into her bed. 'T'was bad enough with but one hamlet to appease, but now...'

When Luna first laid eyes on John she was shocked, she had never seen such a creature in all of her life. He looked vaguely simian but his lack of fur and a tail left her scratching off the similarities as mere coincidence. His clothes and glasses made it clear that he was above mere animal intellect and at least on pare with ponies.

Given the fact that he was clearly intelligent yet unknown made Luna certain that he was connected to the magical event that happened some nights ago. Luna was eager to speak with him, maybe find out why and how he came to Equestria, but when her sister, in a sudden moment of panicked realization, struck him with a concentrated blast of magic she was afraid his knowledge would be lost to them. Upon reflection, she almost wished it had.

When John awoke the next day, beaten but alive, she was ecstatic; especially when he knew her name and spoke to her in such a friendly manner. She was eager to speak with him but it appeared her sister's student, Twilight Sparkle, had made an agreement with him and John had to honour his part of it. Not that she minded too much, while the questions weren't her own they were informative.

John joked and laughed as he explained things of such impossible magnitude as the internet: unfortunately he lacked the knowledge to bring this “internet” to Equestria but once he explained it she was certain they could come up with their own means of creating it.

When the others awoke and spoke to him about his people and his home, Luna was stunned to discover he wasn't from just another part of Equs but another planet entirely. His description of his people wasn't exactly endearing and left her concerned about his own nature. While he admitted to being violent and “competitive” if half of what else he said was true she was willing to give him a chance. His expressed interest in astronomy didn't hurt.

That chance was nearly used when he aggressively refused to speak about his past, which left her suspicious. This was only worsened when John revealed how he came to possess the knowledge he had on Equestria and, more importantly, them.

Not only did he know, but many on his planet were aware as well. While that in and of itself wasn't bad, it was what she immediately saw that caused her such concern and her current irritation. John and his entire world had “knowledge” of her time as Nightmare Moon and thanks to this 'Lauren Faust,' thought it was because she was vain and petty.

Her reaction to this knowledge and her sister believing the same turned Luna's suspicions into full blown rage. Despite her suspicions, Luna felt guilt over the injuries John sustained during her argument with her sister, though he admitted it was her sister doing and not hers.

By the end of that day she felt she could trust John but something still loomed in the back of her mind. 'What does he see me as? What do his people see me as?' As the thoughts crawled back into her mind Luna rose from her bed and tried once again to cast her magic. Only to fail once more.

“Curses,” growled Luna as she slammed the windows shut with her magic.

“A little immature, isn't it dear sister?” came the voice of Celestia from the hallway between their two bedchambers

“Sister?” gasped Luna, “I'm sorry, I thought thou would be resting. Forgive me if I have awoken you, how was your day?”

“It's fine Luna, Blueblood was difficult to deal with but everything else went smoothly.” said Celestia as she walked over towards her sister,. “Tell me what's troubling you?”

“Tis nothing,” replied Luna quickly.

Celestia gave Luna a knowing look and a smirk as she opened the door to the window. “Really? Well if you say so,” hummed Celestia as she looked up to the stars, “It's just the stars seem so dim tonight, maybe you've lost your touch?”

Luna recoiled, “Dost thou question my abilities dear sister!?”

“Well I mean just look at the stars,” motioned Celestia. “They never looked like that when I was the one in charge of the night. Here, let me help.”

Luna watched in horror as Celestia began charging her horn, “No!” screamed Luna as she poured all her might into her horn and cast her magic towards the stars. In response the stars shimmered and shinned with amazing clarity and beauty, painting the night sky, transforming it into a glorious sea of stars and dust unlike Equestria had ever seen.

Celestia stopped her magics and looked towards her younger sister, “Now that's the Luna I know and love.” Luna looked annoyed a moment before laughing. “Now will you tell me what’s bothering you.”

“Tis not...” began Luna before Celestia gave her a stern look. “It's what John showed us.”

“You mean the show about us?” Luna didn't speak, letting her eyes fall to the floor. “You can't let that bother you. I will say I find it unsettling myself, but as John said it was all just “dumb luck”.”

“It's not that!” whined Luna with tears in her eyes, “The show revealed my time as Nightmare Moon! Not just to him, but to his entire world!” Celestia stood still and let her sister vent, “An entire world, a planet who think I'm some terrible monster. It took everything I had to make amends to Canterlot and Ponyville, but now? What am I to do?”

Celestia felt terrible for her sister, “Luna please, you can't do this to yourself again. Think about it, the entire time we were there John didn't treat you like some monster to be afraid of. He treated you just like he did the rest of us. I think you're just over thinking this whole thing.”

“But what if he was merely acting!?” cried Luna as she crumbled onto the floor, sobbing and weeping uncontrollably.

Celestia ran over to Luna and cradled her in her wings, “Luna please, listen to me.” Luna sobs continued for a while more, “Tomorrow, we'll go and see him. We'll ask him directly.”

“What if he lies? What if he's too afraid to speak honestly?” sobbed Luna.

“Luna! Listen. To. Me.” Luna looked up to her sister, “If need be, I will place a spell on him to keep him from lying.”

“You can't do that sister,” said Luna as she rubbed the tears from her eyes.

“Then you'll need to trust in John's answer. Can you do that?”

“I'll try, sister. I'll try.” The two remained there as Luna dried her eyes and calmed her breath. When she could finally stand, Luna broke their embrace and looked her sister in the eyes.

Celestia did her best but failed to keep back her laughter, “Ha ha ha! L...Luna you...r your face!” As Celestia collapsed on the ground laughing, Luna looked to a vanity mirror. To her horror she saw that her tears had marred her face, leaving mascara was running bloodshot eyes.

“For goodness sake!” cried Luna as she raced towards the mirror, magically gathering her beauty products. Celestia watched in glee as Luna began fixing her mane and make-up. As Luna busied herself Celestia watched and quickly slipped into the warm embrace of nostalgia.

'Oh, how my little sister has grown,' mussed Celestia as she watched Luna apply some eye shadow. 'Seems like only yesterday when I had to do that for her...' As Celestia watched and reminisced a haze came over her eyes and she saw herself and Luna as foals, with her brushing Luna's mane.

'What's happening...?' thought Celestia as the image became more and more vivid, light's flickered and danced around the room, while lit incense permeated the air. Celestia breathed deep the smell, 'Hhmm, now that's a smell I have not experienced in ages...' As time passed Celestia noticed that the younger images of herself and Luna were deep in conversation, and from a distance couldn't make out the words.

Drawing closer to the pair, Celestia could hear herself speaking, “...now what shall we do tomorrow?”

The younger Luna let out a foalish giggle, “Can we go see mom and dad?”

Celestia, both past and present, looked hurt by the question, “I'm sorry baby sister, but I don't know where they are. Mother left long ago and father I've never seen...” The truth behind those last four words hurt more than anything. 'Where did father go, I guess I'll never know....'

The younger Luna looked to her sister and adopted a sad smile, “I...I'm sorry big sister...”

Present Celestia wanted desperately to reach out towards her younger sister, but a sudden throbbing pain in the back of her head stopped her. Meanwhile, her younger self took hold of the younger Luna, “There, there it's okay...” cooed the younger Celestia, “would you like to hear about mother again?” The younger Luna smiled wide and nodded her head, “Well alright then, turn around and let me finish your mane.”

The younger Luna did as she was told and looked at the mirror before the two of them. Celestia smiled at the image of her younger sister. She'd have liked to dwell on the image but the pain in her head increased.

“Well alright then,” began the younger Celestia, “Mother was great and beautiful...” as the younger Celestia recounted the image of her mother, the current Celestia found herself giving the same description. “She was as black as the darkest night, but as warm as the midday sun...”

“Like me!?” squealed Luna happily, both Celestia's smiled, but the current Celestia found herself falling to her knees as the throbbing increased.

“That's right,” giggled the younger Celestia as she tickled the younger Luna. “Now where was I? Ah yes, her voice carried on the wind like a freshly fallen leaf, but sounded like the roar of a coming storm. She walked with the graceful of a swan but her steps would shake the earth like a stampede of buffalo. Her mane shimmered and flowed like the night sky, swirling with stars and star dust. Her face was beautiful and regal, but kind and loving...”

“Tell me about her eyes, again!?” squealed the younger Luna as she squirmed in her sisters embrace.

'Her eyes...?' mouthed Celestia.

“Yes, her eyes, teal as the clearest seas and as sparkling as the most exquisite diamonds...” the younger Celestia paused as she looked in the mirror. “The most amazing thing about her eyes, the thing that set them apart, was their shapes.” Celestia began to shake, but not in fear, “Mother's eyes weren't like ours, they were ...”

“SISTER!?” came the voice of Luna, tearing through image from Celestia's past. “Sister, pray thee speak to me!”

Celestia's eye's danced a moment, the image of her younger self and Luna scattered like dust in the wind, leaving only the normal Luna in her vision. “L...luna..wha...what happened?”

Luna didn't answer at first, instead she tackled her sister with a hug, “Don't scare me like again!”

“Princess Luna, the royal physician is here!” cried one of the night guard from outside the room. Celestia looked up in time to see her favorite medical practitioner, Dr. Slick Mane, enter the room.

“Forgive my delay Princess Luna, Princess Celestia,” apologized the doctor as he immediately opened a bag he brought with him. “Princess Celestia, with your pardon.”

“There's no need docTOR!!” yelped Celestia as the doctor pressed a cold stethoscope to her chest.

“Be that as it may your highness,” replied Dr. Mane with a smile, as the guards muffled their snickers. “Princess Luna was greatly distressed and summoned me here. To assuage her concerns and to perform my duty, I shall ask that you accompany me to my office in the infirmary.”

Celestia was about to decline when Luna stepped in, “She'll be there immediately doctor, and thank thee for thou's haste.”

“It is my pleasure to serve, Your Grace,” said Dr. Mane as he gathered together his supplies. While the guards and the princesses were busy, Dr. Mane closed his bag and left the room.

After everypony left, the room sat quiet, until the unassuming vanity mirror slid open and a elderly stallion slipped out into the room, “Thank you doctor.”

The stallion, turned and closed the mirror, and having a moment free took a second to check his appearance. He was “well preserved” by pony standards, despite his age of 50, his white coat looked as young as a stallion a fraction his age. His silver mane and tale were the only signs of his age, but even then they were both full and healthy. His cutie mark was a silhouette of a pony with a pure black circular ring surrounding it. “Still got it.”

Checking around the room to ensure his presence would go unnoticed, the stallion made sure nothing was out of place and the mirror was sealed tight. When he was satisfied , the stallion looked out the open window and began surveying the airspace.

“No patrols...” murmured the stallion as he tapped a broach on the collar of his tuxedo. The broach hummed and crackled with arcane energies. After a moment the stallion could feel a tingling in his head, “This is Agent Ponnery, calling in to request a leave of my post.”

“Sean? What are you doing? I thought I ordered you to watch over my aunts!”

“My Lord Prince,” replied Ponnery, “The Princesses are currently under the watch of Dr. Slick Mane.”

“Agent Mane?” asked Blueblood. “Agent Ponnery, what has happened?”

“Cannot say at this time, m'lord. Princess Celestia collapsed earlier after talking with Princess Luna about concerns that were plaguing her. It appears meeting the alien has made her cast doubts upon herself.”

A dry chuckle slithered into Ponnery's mind, “Splendid, regardless I'm denying your request. With Royal Chronicler away monitoring the alien, my options are limited in terms of reliable and skilled agents to use.”

“Sir,” sighed Ponnery as he looked out the window to see a particular building, a five star restaurant Ponnery took most of his dates to. “While I appreciate your faith, my lord. At the present moment Dr. Mane is more than sufficient and capable of monitoring the princesses for the time being.”

“Agent Mane is useful but his position as royal doctor leaves him rather immobile and restricted to the royal medical wing.” replied Blueblood. “If your report is to be believed than only my true aunt is ill, while Luna is only suffering from a case of self doubt. She would be free to leave at any moment and then Agent Mane would be unable to account for her actions and whereabouts.”

Ponnery sighed once more, “As you say m'lord. If it is your will than I shall remain here. However if I may ask of my lord a boon?”

“You may ask Ponnery, but keep it simple and at your post,” replied Blueblood.

“Please inform me of any reports from Royal Chronicler...” replied Ponnery as he took a locket containing his and Royal Chronicler's picture, “as a father I worry.” There was a pause from Blueblood, 'M'lord? It is a simple request...isn't it?'

“Very well Ponnery, I shall keep you informed of any updates to Royal Chronicler's mission...Prince Blueblood out.”

Ponnery looked at the broach in his hoof, “My lord sounded rather odd for a moment...could it be?” Ponnery changed his view from the restaurant Bon Appetite to Blueblood personal mansion, Ponnery looked intently for a moment before shaking his head. “No... my lord, while...egoistic he has never been false to me.”

With his momentary doubt dealt with, Ponnery returned his gaze to Bon Appetite before taking out a pair of reservation passes with oysters on them and with a sigh said, “Well I guess I won't be needing these.” With a final glance to the restaurant, Ponnery threw the passes out the window and returned to his post behind the mirror.

Blueblood's Mansion

“...Prince Blueblood out,” said Blueblood before cutting the transmission with Ponnery. “That was harder than it should have been,” commented Blueblood as he turned from his desk to the window behind it. From his window Blueblood could see Canterlot Palace, a sight that he both enjoyed and loathed. “Some day...”

As Blueblood looked upon the palace a knock came at his door, “Enter.” Blueblood didn't have to turn around to know who was at the door.

“You summoned me master?” came the voice from the door.

“Yes Noble Shadow, I have a mission for you.” Blueblood turned and faced Noble Shadow, a young pegasus stallion, with a ebony black coat, mane and tail. His eyes, sparkling emerald, and cutie mark, a shadowed gold crown, being the only sources of colour on the stallion. “I assume you've heard rumours of Royal Chronicler's mission near Everfree Forest?”

Noble Shadow bowed his head, “Yes master. Rumors have been flying but the details are sketchy at best and outlandish otherwise. Most of them regard aliens, or a new breed of creature capable of speech, besides Dragons and Griffins.”

“Those rumours are true, well the latter ones are,” replied Blueblood, enjoying the look of shock on Noble Shadow's face. “Two days ago, while performing their other duties, Royal Chronicler saw the Elements of Harmony and my aunts in talks with a being not of this world.” Blueblood paused a moment and, using his magic, produced an image of the creature.

“Seems rather beaten up, don't you think...master?” asked Noble Shadow after noticing the bandages covering the creature.

“Indeed, it would appear that my aunt, Princess Celestia had a role in that. Why, I haven't been able to ascertain, but it appears the creature holds no ill will for whatever happened.”

“Strange,” commented Noble Shadow as he examined the image in greater detail and saw the angered look of Celestia's face and the fearful face on the creatures. “Why is Princess Celestia so angry?”

“It would seem that the creature had knowledge of my aunt's student, Twilight Sparkle. This knowledge pertained to her treatment of a dragon whelp in her charge. Said treatment displeased my aunt greatly and in a fit of rage she offered the creature, John by name, custody over the whelp.”

“Really?!” asked Noble Shadow before fixing John with another clinical eye. “How strange that she would trust this, John, so readily.”

“Yes, well that isn't your concern at the moment,” replied Blueblood as he dispelled the image. “I've told you this information to prepare you for your mission.”

“Sorry my lord,” replied Noble Shadow, “What would you have me do?”

“It would appear that Royal Chronicler has come into a spot of trouble. While observing John, Royal Chronicler was spotted and had to flee.” Blueblood stopped talking and used his magic to replay Royal Chronicler's last message.

'I was spotted by the alien, otherwise known as John. Continual observations of John, has been aborted....Primary objective, retrieval of advance technologies, has been a...'

“That was the final message I received from Royal Chronicler,” said Blueblood as he turned his chair towards the window once more. “As the message says, we can assume that Royal Chronicler has been captured and as such, I need somepony to watch over John now in their place.”

“Master?” asked Noble Shadow, “Shouldn't we inform Agent Ponnery about Royal Chronicler's disappearance?”

“No,” replied Blueblood, “Ponnery is most useful to me in the palace overseeing my aunts. Besides, a failure of this magnitude can't be ignored, whatever has happened to Chronicler is their own fault and if they can make it back on their own, then fine. If not, then no lose.”

“Sir!?” protested Noble Shadow only for Blueblood to swirl around in his chair.

“Noble Shadow...” said Blueblood, “you're family has served mine for nearly a thousand years. You swore on the names of all your ancestors to serve me, have you not?”

“Yes...my master,” grunted Noble Shadow.

“What is your mission?”

“To see you upon the throne of Canterlot,” said Noble Shadow, “To see your line, proclaimed sovereign over this and all lands.”

“Good. Now go.” Blueblood watched as Noble Shadow picked himself up off the floor and after giving a bow, took flight and left through the door her came in. Magically slamming the door shut, Blueblood returned to his set and turned around to see the palace. “Some day, you will be mine.”

When Life Relfects a dream

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For the fourth night in a row, John's dreams were plagued by vision of hellish images: fire and brimstone falling from on high as people run here and there, alive and dead. His role throughout these nightmarish events were the same as they were each night before. Run and gun throughout Sun City, drive through Peoria, Glendale and deep into the heart of Phoenix proper running down zombies, humans and ponies alike.

His car would usually get him to where he'd needed to go, but it would always be stopped by one of the larger equines he'd run into. Then he'd be forced to fight through waves of zombie hordes up though the nearest building only to reach the roof and meet his end. Dismembered, torn and without means of defense, John lazed under the open sky his lifeblood flowing from him upon the ground.

“Well, who'd have thought that the apocalypse could get boring?” groaned John as he watched the sunset. Cries and screams rang out amidst the chaos of the city below, but he paid them no mind as his own body was enough to draw his attention. The sight of his own heart had grown as boring as everything else made even worse as his vision blurred. “Whelp! Might as well get this show on the road.”

With that John used his left hand, the only one he had to his name, brought his gun to his head, “Pray, pray, pray. Blah blah blah. God forgive me and rub a dub thanks for the grub. Amen.” John tightened his fist and felt the trigger give way when a blur moved in the corner of his eyes. He expected to see another zombie seeking his flesh, but instead he saw an unspoiled, mint colored filly.

She turned and saw him but it was too late, “STOP!”

“Aaauuuggghhh,” growled John as he woke up. His head stung and he went to rub it, but his arm didn't reach for it. “What the hell?” yelped John when he looked at his right arm and saw nothing but an empty shoulder. His left arm shot out and grabbed his shoulder only to meet his right hand. For a few seconds John couldn't believe it, his left hand was touching his right; but he just couldn't see it. Moving his left hand up and down his right arm, John could feel it there and after a moment of reassuring himself, he could see it.

“Oh, thank god,” sighed John when he arm materialized. When he closed his eyes and looked his arm was gone again. His heart leapt into his throat but when he focused his mind on it, his arm reappeared. “The fuck?” John blinked a few times to see if his arms would remain and it did so as long as he kept it in his mind.

'This...this has gotten out of hand...I...I've got to talk to someone about this...but how? I highly doubt they have a concept of apocalypse, let alone Armageddon. How do I describe a dream about the end of the world, to a people who've never considered it?' John sat and pondered a moment until an light bulb flashed in his head, “Luna, she might know how to see into my dreams. Okay now I've got to get word to her, maybe Twilight can help with that. Yeah, this is a good plan.”

With a plan in mind John relaxed and let his heart calm down and within seconds he wanted nothing more than to close his eyes and fall back asleep. Before he could lift his leg up and settle down, something slammed into his pinkie toe. John's face ballooned as he kept himself from screaming, when he looked down he saw that a book. Picking up the book John looked it over and saw the figure of a pony standing in a seashell and covering their groin and chest area with their hair caught in the wind. Before John could think on it too long another book brushed by his foot and crashed into the couch.

When John looked at the second book another slid into it. Following the movement of the books he could see a pile of them forming at the base of the stairs. “...this is going to be one of those kind of days, isn't it?”

Groaning, John stood up and made towards the stairs, careful to avoid the books near his feet. He hadn't even gotten to the stairs before the couch beckoned him back, promising a warm night's sleep and whispering false gifts of peaceful dreams. John gave one look over the shoulder but continued up the stairs, continuing to tread carefully, “Damn books.”

After struggling to climb the stairway, John finally entered Fluttershy's bedroom and started surveying the room. At first glance nothing seemed out of place, the room appeared as it had when he woke up in it just two nights ago. The only thing difference was Fluttershy laying prone on the ground struggling to stand up from underneath a massive pile of books. Immediately John's blood began to boil, his fatigued completely forgotten, replaced by panicked anger.

Knelling down John cradled his friend in his arm, when he was going down he caught something moving in the corner of his eyes. Sparing only a passing glance John saw nothing, but squinting his eyes he focused his vision and saw a wisp of moving black fabric and allowed John to see his target.

It was a pony, small; possibly smaller than Fluttershy and the others. They wore a large flowing cloak with a hood and face mask. Underneath the pony was clad in a skin tight black suit even down to the hooves. All in all John could see no identifying marks of the pony in front of him, but that mattered little to him. Fluttershy was hurt and the pony in front of him was the most likely suspect. John simply looked deep into the hood where John knew the eyes of the pony would be a growled, “Run.”

John's face grew a savage sneer as he saw the pony flinch before taking flight out of the window. He would have liked to take off after it but his attention drifted towards the pony in his arms, “Are you okay?”

Fluttershy's eyes whirled in her head for a moment, the image of which brought to him a happy smile and sigh. When her eyes stopped their adorable dance, she looked at John and nodded her head, a sad smile adored her face.

“Thank God,” sighed John as he hugged her tight. Sitting her down John looked Fluttershy over, mainly her head. “Everything looks fine, your bandages have come loose, but that's easily fixed,” declared John as he gave Fluttershy's mane a soft caress.

Fluttershy leaned into his palm, but before she could enjoy the pampering John pulled back his hand and said, “I'm going to go after whoever that was. I'll be back as soon as possible.” Fluttershy wanted to stop him but when she went to speak she sighed angrily. John, unaware of Fluttershy's attempt to stop him, ran down the stairs.

Once in the living room John hastily grabbed an extra shirt and slipped on his steel toe boots. While the boots went on with practiced ease, John struggled greatly with his shirt. The phantom lack of his right arm proved to be a great hindrance, “Sonnava!”

When Fluttershy hovered downstairs she caught the sight of John flailing against his own clothes. Fluttershy stifled a giggled until she saw John's head tried poking from one of the sleeve, the sight of which made her lose it. Thankfully John couldn't hear Fluttershy, the trouble he was having with his shirt was already adding to his growing frustration.

“Forget it!” roared John as he threw his shirt down on the floor and made straight for the door. When he reached the door, John slammed right into it, his right hand limp on the doorknob. John looked at his arms and his face paled, but his eyes remained fierce. With a growl, John thrust his left hand to replace his right and opened the door.

Once outside John peered across the field of snow, Luna's moon provided enough light to make him believe it was day. Truthfully, he would have liked to stop and stare, behold the night sky in all its majesty and glory. Unfortunately for him, his prey was nearing the boarder of the Everfree Forest and John wasn't in the mood to be denied.

Focusing on his target John took flight into the night. Normally the pony would have had the advantage but the snow had piled high in the dips and valleys of the field which slowed the pony down considerably. John, meanwhile, used his longer legs and longer strides to bypass that problem, gaining ground faster than he would have thought possible.

The pony made it to the border of the forest before John could reach them, 'Wait, why are they just standing there?' John's answer came in the form of an explosion of snow and slush directly in front of him. In mid-stride, full speed and caught unaware, John could only blunder into the freezing mass of ice.

John howled as the cold washed over his body, his body seized and curled into the fetal position. John's body continued to travel at the speed he was running, only to collided with the ground, rolling around into a snow bank and into the nearest tree. John breathed deep and hard as he stood up, his vision dancing as he peered into the darkened woods.

While Luna's moon rained its pale light down upon the field behind him, inside the Everfree Forest light trickled in only when the trees allowed it. It was an unnatural darkness that sent shivers down John's spin. Yet even in the darkness John caught a wisp of movement deep in the forest.

When John tried to stand, his legs gave out, and we John looked he saw a massive red mark across his left calf. Fluttershy landed close to him, and tried her best to console him, but without being able to hear her, John was deft to her pleads. John's eyes focused into the darkness and when the last wisp of movement escaped his sight, he breathed deep and roared loud for all of Equestria to hear.

“You better run!”

Fluttershy's ears clamped down against the wave of John's rage, but even when she opened her ears she could hear John's voice echoing from inside the forest. And she wasn't the only one. Every creature, great and small, magical and mundane, prey and predator stirred in the wake of the angry call. Most returned to their slumber, content to leave the voice and its source alone, but one creature gave heed to the call.

“He's coming...” gasped a whisper among the ruins of the Ancient Pony Sisters, “My champion.”

Pinkie Sense!?!?

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As the darkness at the heart of the Everfree Forest stirred in the wake of John's fury, another force was preparing to move against it. The force known far and wide as Pinkie Pie.

“Ookie dokie lokie,” hummed Pinkie Pie as she stepped back from her drafting table to behold her work. Sprawled out across her desk was a lovingly detailed schematic of Ponyville Town Hall. Similar plans covered the walls and hang from the ceiling, each one a different location spanning all of Ponyville. The sight of it all made her smile.

This is what Pinkie Pie lived for, while she loved her parties and the smiles of her friends, she loved planning the parties even more. The thrill of anticipation and preparation, the cooking and baking, making list of all the ponies to invite, and scheduling the entertainment. Everything took time and dedication to prepare and for Pinkie Pie, creating a party was just as important as enjoying one.

For many of the ponies in Ponyville, the idea that Pinkie Pie actually planned her parties would be hard to believe. Pinkie's parties seemed to come out of nowhere and while nopony would complain about them, most didn't know of the work that she put into them, but that didn't bother her. So long as everypony had fun and smiled, she was happy.

“The only thing left is to give it a name,” mumbled Pinkie Pie, unable to decide on a name. Her eyes drifted from her plans, scanning each one for an idea; for inspiration. As she looked around the room her eyes fell upon her bed, and was met by a peculiar sight. In her bed, nestled underneath her comforter and atop her pillows, lay a simple stuffed animal.

The stuffed animal was a monkey in a white suit with a glass fishbowl over its head. “What are you doing here Mr. Alien Monkey? You don't belong here,” yawned Pinkie Pie as she cradled the small toy. “You're not my toy silly. You belong to the Cakes' foal. You'll be the foals very first birthday present.”

When Pinkie returned to the drafting table, with Mr. Alien Monkey in tow, she looked at her schematic and a light bulb went off above her head. Placing the toy aside Pinkie grabbed a quill and set to name the party when all of a sudden the ceiling light flickered off. “Shoot,” cursed Pinkie Pie as she plucked the fresh light bulb hovering above her head and grabbed a ladder. After switching out the bulbs Pinkie returned to her desk and wrote.

“Welcome to Equestria and Ponyville Mr. Alien Monkey from your Bestest Best Friend Pinkie Pie!!!”

Pinkie smiled from ear to ear, giggling with glee as she held the schematic in her forward legs. “It's perfect!” she exclaimed. Until she saw the middle word in the title, “Whoopsie.” With a flick of her quill the name read.

“Welcome to Equestria and Ponyville Mr. Alien ~~Monkey~~ from your Bestest Best Friend Pinkie Pie!!!”

'You're an idiot!'

Pinkie's smile all but disappeared, “What do you want?”

'You already know. Why not give it to me?'

Pinkie breathed deep and gathered her courage, “Because you'll hurt my...”

'Ah ah ah. Our Friends.'

“They're my friends!” snapped Pinkie, “Not yours.”

A twisted giggle filled the room, 'Maybe they should call you Stingie Pie.' Pinkie Pie turned around and looked towards her bedroom mirror. Normally she'd see her reflection, a young mare with a bright pink coat and curly mane tail, but not this time. This time her mirror showed a young mare with a dull pink coat and limp mane and tail, the mirror showed her alter ego. Pinkamena Diane Pie. 'Aw, did I hurt your feelings?Come on...show us a smile!'

“I don't want to show you a smile,” replied Pinkie. “You don't deserve one.”

'What?'

“You. Don't. Deserve. One.”

'You ungrateful...' grumbled Pinkamena. 'Who was it that talked to you on the farm? Me! Who was it that listened to your problems with your family? Me! You're nothing without me!'

“Stop it...” said Pinkie, her voice trembling.

'Don't tell me what to do!' raged Pinkamena, 'You owe me!'

“Leave me alone,” cried Pinkie Pie.

'Why you!' screamed Pinkamena as she lunged forward.

“Ah!” screamed Pinkie as she closed her eyes. When the blow came Pinkie kept her eyes shut waiting for more, but nothing happened. When she opened her eyes she was looking at herself, her normal self.

Pinkie Pie looked at the mirror in confusion, her heart racing; even faster than usual. A second ago she was a good meter from the mirror, now she was right next to it, looking at herself. The same curly mane and tail and bright pink coat. “Thank goodness,” sighed Pinkie Pie as she tried to settle her nerves.

After a few minutes of breathing her heart slowed to a normal rhythm, but no matter what she did her body wouldn't stop shaking and bouncing. After a while Pinkie realized what was happening. “Oh no...Twilight? I have to tell Twilight!”

As Pinkie Pie galloped out of the room, her reflection in the mirror remained watching as she left, 'Oh yes, things are finally getting interesting.'

Oblivious to anything else, Pinkie galloped at full speed from Sugarcube Corner on her way to the Ponyville Library to get Twilight. In fact she was so focused on getting to library that she failed to notice that the very pony she was looking for, was leaving Carousel Boutique. “Pinkie? Where are you going?”

“Twilight?” asked Pinkie Pie as she stopped on the dime. “Thank goodness I've found yoooOOOoooUUUuuuUUU...,” said Pinkie Pie as her body began to shake again.

“Pinkie, are you okay!?” asked Twilight as Pinkie convulsed.

“OooooOOOoohhhHHHHhhhh yeeeEEEaaaaAAAhhhHHH,” rattled Pinkie Pie as she came down from her episode. “It's just my Pinkie Sense.”

Twilight's worried face fell even further, “Pinkie Sense? Oh no what's happening?”

“Darling? Did you need something else?” called Rarity before she peered outside. “Oh, Pinkie dear sorry. How are you this evening?”

“Good Evening Rarity,” said Pinkie.

“Girls!” yelled Twilight. “Pinkie what's going on? That wasn't a normal case of Pinkie Sense was it? Was it a doozy?”

“Yeah, and whatever it is it's going to happen at Fluttershy's.”

“Is Fluttershy okay?” asked Twilight as Rarity looked on in horror.

“Fluttershy's fine,” said Pinkie Pie. “It's John that's in trouble.”

Twilight wasted no time, “Alright, we've got to move. Rarity I need you to go get Apple Jack while Pinkie Pie and I get Rainbow Dash. We'll meet up at Fluttershy's and we'l...Rarity what are you doing?” asked Twilight as Rarity ran inside.

“Just grabbing a few things,” replied Rarity as she put on a matching set of boots. “Can't go around looking drab with all of our fans watching, can I?

Twilight looked confused, “Rarity?”

“Darling. Don't you remember what John said? We're being watched, our adventures told to millions of onlookers awaiting our heroics. I cannot simply disappoint my fans by looking anything less than fabulous!

Twilight's jaw hang to the floor, “Rarity we haven't time for this. Pinkie says there's a doozy happening. John might been in serious danger! Remember when we told you last time about how Pinkie predicted a hydra attack!?”

“Darling, please. It's the middle of winter I doubt that a hydra is going to attack,” said Rarity as she tied a scarf around her neck, “How does this look?” Rarity examined herself in the mirror and smiled, “Perfect. Besides, we can't go running out in the middle of the night without proper clothes. Here, take these.” said Rarity as she levitated a scarf and a set of boots for the two other ponies.

“Thank you Rarity, but we have to hurry,” stressed Twilight as she helped Pinkie Pie with her scarf. After she put on her own boots and scarf, she saw Rarity lift up a particularly large suit bag that she folded on her back. “What is that?”

“This is a gift for John,” said Rarity with a smile. “While we were at Fluttershy's I looked over John's clothes and found that none of it was meant to wear during winter. Honestly it's like he was dressing for summer or something.”

Twilight sighed, “Is there anything else you need to before we get going?”

“Yes,” said Rarity as she walked towards the door. “What about Sweetie Belle and her little friends? They're having a sleep over at Sweet Apple Acres? How do I get Apple Jack without them noticing?”

“Rarity please,” giggled Twilight, “they're just fillies. Besides it's midnight, they have to be asleep by now.”

“Right...” said Rarity slowly, realizing that she'd have to handle the C.M.C. On her own. “Well then, if that's settled let's be off?”

“Right, let's get the others and we'll meet up at Fluttershy's. Hopefully Fluttershy will be home and we can prevent whatever Pinkie's sensing.” After a quick nod from the others, the group broke and ran to gather their friends.

While Rarity ran towards Sweet Apple Acres, Twilight and Pinkie Pie ran towards Rainbow Dash. The pair of ponies ran in silence through the town, side by side until Pinkie looked over to Twilight. “Hey Twilight?”

“Yeah Pinkie Pie?”

“I...I was wondering...do you think Rarity is right? Do you think that they...that John's people are watching us? Like...right now?”

Twilight could see Rainbow Dash's home coming into view, “No, I don't think so. Remember that he also said that they weren't watching us directly. He also said that they were only vaguely aware of us. Why?”

Pinkie Pie didn't say anything until the arrived under the clouds making up Rainbow Dash's front porch. When Twilight looked to her, Pinkie gave a forced smile, “No reason...I was just thinking I should hold a party and invite them! It will be kinda weird but I thought they'd like! What kind of invite should I send?”

'She's been acting weird tonight,' thought Twilight as she looked up and began casting a spell. After a second of concentration Twilight's maroon magic encased both herself and Pinkie Pie, “Alright Pinkie Pie, prepare for a ride.”

Pinkie Pie had just enough time to tilt her head before a flash went off and she found herself standing atop of the clouds. “Ooohhh that was fun!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie as she bounced on the clouds. “Can we go again!?”

“Maybe later Pinkie Pie,” said Twilight with a smile, “remember why we came here?”

“Yeah the party!? No...wait, what was it?” Pinkie Pie began to mumble when her body shook and bounced from her spot on the balcony to the front door.

Twilight looked confused for a brief moment before she followed behind the vibrating pony, “Alright Pinkie Pie, do you want to knock or should I?” Pinkie Pie, nodded her head but her bouncy means of propulsion stopped just short of hooves reach. “Okay, I guess the honor's mine.”

With Pinkie Pie bouncing to her left Twilight trotted up to the door and gave a quick knock. Never having knocked on the pegasus' door before Twilight couldn't fight her shock when thunder echoed from inside. “Gah!”

Pinkie Pie giggled uncontrollably as Twilight hopped away from the door like a frightened cat. Twilight gave Pinkie Pie a stern look, but before she could say anything a floodlight shinned down upon them. “Who's there!?”

With the floodlight blinding them, neither Twilight nor Pinkie Pie could see who it was, but the voice was unmistakable, even if it did sound nervous. “Rainbow Dash? It's me, Twilight! Pinkie Pie's with me could you turn off the lights!?”

“Nice try!” shouted Rainbow Dash, her voice shaking. “Only pegasus ponies can walk on clouds and everypony in Ponyville is asleep! Yo....You better tell me who you are or I..I'll come get you!”

By this time Pinkie returned to normal and she and Twilight exchanged worried looks. “Uh...Rainbow Dash? Are you okay, you're acting really REALLY weird?”

There was a brief silence, “Pinkie Pie? Is that you?”

“Yep!”

“Prove it!” yelled Rainbow Dash, “Tell me something only Pinkie Pie would know!”

Pinkie Pie scratched her chin for a second and looked confused before saying, in Rainbow Dash's voice, “Pinkie Pie's my bestest best friend and I'm definitely going to show up for her party for John!”

“Uuuuggghhh,” groaned Rainbow Dash. Seconds later the floodlight turned off and Rainbow Dash opened her door, but only a crack. When she saw the others she opened her door and urged them forward, “Hurry! Get in!”

Not wanting to upset Rainbow Dash further Pinkie and Twilight hurried inside. Once inside the pair realized just how upset their friend really was. Her mane was greasy and mated; even for her, her eyes were bloodshot and she recoiled from every sound in the house. “R...Rainbow Dash a...are you okay?”

“Okay!?” yelped Rainbow Dash, “O..of course I'm okay! I...I mean who wouldn't be?” Rainbow Dash fidgeted a bit and kept licking her lips, “It's...It's not like somepony is watching me all the time...right?”

Twilight was at a loss, 'She's worse off then either Pinkie or Rarity.' Failing at finding any comforting words Twilight approached Rainbow Dash and wrapped her in a hug. And that was all it took. Whatever fears Rainbow Dash had been welling up came bursting out, she sobbed and gasped into Twilight's shoulder between breathless sentences about her fear of being watched. “Sshh, it's okay Rainbow Dash. It's okay.”

Pinkie soon joined the group hug, “Come on Dashie, it's okay. Right Twilight?”

“Yes,” said Twilight as she broke the hug. “Rainbow Dash. Look. Is this about what John said?” Rainbow Dash gave a tearful nod, “Okay listen. Do you remember everything he said about his people and the show about us?”

“Not...Not really,” sniffled Rainbow Dash, looking down embarrassed.

“Rainbow,” sighed Twilight. “John said that they weren't watching us all the time, they can't watch us all the time. The show is more or less fairy tales involving us. Just ideas about what we might do in certain situations.” Rainbow Dash didn't look convinced, so Twilight went with a different approach. With a wink to Pinkie Pie Twilight circled around Rainbow Dash and said, “Or maybe you're right. Maybe they are watching us all the time.” Rainbow Dash tensed and shook, “So when are you going to go to Rarity's to talk fashion?”

The out of the way question snapped Rainbow Dash back to her senses, “What?”

“What?” asked Twilight jokingly. “I mean after-all, John did say you'd pick up fashion as a new hobby. Of course you would have to give up on joining the Wonderbolts. That is what John said after-all.”

Tears of fear and sorrow, quickly changed to ones of anger and determination. “I'd never give up on the Wonderbolts! I don't care what he says!”

“But he said he saw it?” asked Twilight, trying to egg her on.

“I don't care what he saw!” roared Rainbow Dash as she took flight. “I don't care what any of them saw or see! I'm going to live my life and if he don't like it he can GO BUCK HIMSELF!!!”

Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie both took a step back in shock. “Rainbow!?” cried Twilight.

Rainbow Dash huffed and puffed in anger a bit before she realized what she said, “Ohmygosh. Ohmygosh. Ohmygosh. I'm sorry guys. I...I can't believe I said that. What was I thinking?”

Twilight coughed into her hoof, “Yes, well you weren't in your right state of mind.”

As the trio of ponies stood looking at each other, an awkward silence filled the room. “UuuuUUUuuuhhhhhHHHhhhh, gggggGGGGiiiirrrRRRLLLllsss?” said Pinkie Pie as she began to bounce again.

“Pinkie Pie? What's going on?”

“Rainbow Dash, remember when we told you about the hydra attack?”

Rainbow Dash thought for a second before nodding, “Yeah, is this the same thing?”

“Yes,” said Twilight as she levitated Pinkie Pie so she didn't destroy Rainbow Dash's home. “Pinkie's “Pinkie Sense” says that a doozy is going to happen at Fluttershy's and John's the one in trouble.”

“John's the one in trouble?” asked Rainbow Dash. Twilight, still holding Pinkie Pie, gave a nod, levitating Pinkie Pie accordingly. “So what are we waiting around for? Let's get a move on!”

“Okay,” replied Twilight as she lifted Pinkie Pie out the door. “We'll have to hurry. Rarity went to go get Apple Jack, and they're probably half way to Fluttershy's.”

Sweet Apple Acres

“Come on Apple Jack?” begged Apple Bloom. “If me and the others go with you we might get our cutie marks!”

“Yeah!!” yelled Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell.

“No means no, Apple Bloom!” replied Apple Jack. “N'ah get t'ah bed. Now!”

The Cutie Mark Crusaders gave a dejected sigh and made their way upstairs to Apple Bloom's bedroom. Apple Jack watched as they walked up the stairs, ready to give an stern look should they turn to follow them, which they did. After the three fillies disappeared behind the opening to the second floor, Rarity opened her mouth to speak only for Apple Jack to put a hoof up to silence her. In a whisper Apple Jack said, “Do what ah do.”

After that Apple Jack began trotting in place, Rarity after a moment nodded in understanding and followed in step. The sounds of their hooves echoed out load at first but after a few steps Apple Jack softened her steps unto silence, with Rarity acting along. Once the sounds stopped scuffling could be heard upstairs.

“Alright Crusaders, let's follow them!?” said Apple Bloom as she ran down the stairs only to run smack dab into her elder sister who's eyes smoldered under the lip of her stetson. “Hey Apple Jack, we..uh...we were just coming to say good night, right girls?”

Scootaloo looked from the pleading Apple Bloom to the angry Apple Jack, “It was her idea!”

“Yeah!” agreed Sweetie Bell before running upstairs leaving Apple Bloom to the wrath of her sister.

“Traitors!” roared Apple Bloom as she shook a hoof upstairs. Once she finished Apple Bloom turned and faced her sister. “Ah'm sorry Apple Jack.”

Apple Jack gave her sister a cool look, “Bed. Now!” Apple Bloom tried to object but Apple Jack cut her off by slamming her hoof to the ground. “NOW!”

Apple Bloom didn't say another word as she ran up stairs. Apple Jack said nothing but after a few seconds she let out a weary sigh. “Come on Rarity. Let's go.” Rarity said nothing but followed Apple Jack out of the house. “By the way, Rarity, Thanks f'er wakin' up the youngen's. Ah'd just gottin' 'em t'ah sleep.”

“I'm sorry, Apple Jack. I tried to think of a better plan but I couldn't.”

Apple Jack stopped just out the gate to Sweet Apple Acres and gave Rarity an annoyed look, “So y'ah figur'd ringin' the door bell was ah better plan?”

“Yes well,” answered Rarity as she tried to look dignified, “basic manners must be observed regardless of the circumstances.”

Apple Jack shook her head, “Come on Rarity, let's just get t'ah Fluttershy's. If'n this is anythin' like the last time Pinkie sensed ah doozy, John's gonna need our help.”

“Very well,” said Rarity as the pair broke into a gallop. “You know that they're going to follow us right?”

“Yeah, ah know,” sighed Apple Jack. “Hopef'ly we can lose 'em by runnin' fast enough.”

Rarity gave an unconvinced look, “You don't believe it do you?”

“No, but ah can hope.” The pair of mares didn't need to look back to know that three little ponies were following their tracks.

“Great plan Apple Bloom,” cheered Sweetie Bell as the group ran behind the two older mares.

“Yeah,” agreed Scootaloo. “Too bad that we had to leave you to your sister like that.”

Apple Bloom giggled, “Yeah, but Apple Jack needed to think she scared me enough for to stay behind.” The trio of friends followed silently throughout Ponyville proper and out through the opposite side of town. The trip had taken a while but the girls had kept themselves busy thinking of what kind of cutie marks they'd receive for following the others.

“I'll bet we'll get spy cutie mark!” whispered Apple Bloom excitedly.

“Oh oh, maybe we'll get a detective cutie mark!” said Sweetie Bell.

“Or maybe a...hey what's that thing?” asked Scootaloo as she saw a creature holding Fluttershy. They could hear strange sounds and gasps, but in the dark of the night they couldn't see who was gasping. “Is...is it hurting Fluttershy?”

Before either Sweetie Bell or Apple Bloom could say anything, Rarity and Apple Jack broke into a full gallop and were soon joined by Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie; all of whom seemed to charge at the strange creature in the distance.

The three fillies shared a nod before whispering, “CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS, CREATURE CATCHERS! YEAH!!”

The Benefactor

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While Twilight Sparkle and the rest raced through Ponyville, John and Fluttershy sat at the edge of Everfree Forest unaware of what laid within.

The silence disrupted by John earlier returned with vengeance, not even the wind disturbed the deafening void that claimed the forsaken woods. Fluttershy hadn't left John's side despite the cold, as he sat defeated on his knees. Neither of the two had left the spot where their chase had abruptly ended. Fluttershy was unsure of how to comfort her new friend, while John stared off into the distance in search of his quarry.

Finally unable to withstand the cold Fluttershy reached out and touched his shoulder “John...?” A sideways glance was her reply. “L....let's get back inside. Okay?”

With a sigh, and one final look towards the forest, John nodded his head. “I'm sorry.”

Fluttershy gave a soft smile and nuzzled against him, prompting a hug from the wounded human. The pair enjoyed each others warmth until a chill wind blew from the forest ending the impromptu moment. Pulling each other even closer, the pair shuttered and their teeth chattered.

“Wanna go inside?” asked Fluttershy as she tilted her head towards the cottage.

Following her motion, John looked towards the quaint cottage and the lights shinning through the windows. “Yeah...I think that would be best.” Smiling broadly Fluttershy positioned herself under his left arm and began hovering higher and higher, until John rose to his feet.

The pair made themselves comfortable, with his weight pressing down against her, Fluttershy struggled to remain afloat. John meanwhile fought to maintain balance while holding as much of his own weight as he could. As the pair finally reached his full height they took a first step towards the cottage; the pair wobbled and John fell to his knee.

After moments of resting, the pair tried again. Same as before the John rose to his feet, Fluttershy under his arm offering support. With a tentative first step they began making their way to the cottage. As the quaint cottage grew closer John noticed a subtle tingling sensation overcome his senses.

'Must be the cold,' he dismissed the feeling as he took another step. Suddenly John felt something tugging on his pant leg.. Stopping his journey towards the simple home, he turned and looked towards his feet, nothing was there.

'The hell?' questioned John as his vision began to blur, culminating into a swirling darkness.

“What the...?” he whispered as everything went black.

'Please, do not be frightened,' came a voice from out of the darkness. 'I mean you no harm.'

'Who are you?' he asked, 'Are you the pony the broke into Fluttershy's cottage?'

'No, I am the pony of which you speak,' answered the voice. 'The pony you seek fled deep into the Everfree forest. Many horrors await those who wander into forest's haunted depths. If they even survived, you will have little hope of finding them amidst the dark recesses of the woods.' As the voice continued on, John couldn't help but find it familiar.

'Fine, who are you then?'

'Your benefactor and friend,' answered the voice, 'and you are my Champion. The two of us must come together for a grave threat looms on the horizon'

'Grave threat?' he asked. 'Champion? What's going on?'

The darkness swirled and from the void a image came into view. Canterlot was in ruins, ponies running here and there being chased by dark forms, hulking creatures unfamiliar to his eyes. Corpses litter the ground and fires reach up towards a night sky painted red by a crimson moon. Ponies captured by the hulking forms are locked in chains and shackles, forced to walk through the ruins and towards the Everfree Forest.

'What is this?' he asked, as he watched the scene with almost cynical detachment.

'Do these images not disturb you?' asked the voice, disgust evident.

John was going to retort when he finally recalled where he had heard the voice before. Faced with his tormentor he couldn't help but laugh. 'Oh, yeah,' he replied, 'That's messed up. It's just a little tame compared to what I've seen of late.'

'What visions could possibly be worse than these?!' demanded the voice.

'Well let's see, how about this. Every night I have the same dream, a nightmare really. My world is burning and my friends and neighbors are dying. But wait! It get's better! My friends and neighbors, the dead ones, pick themselves back up and begin trying to eat each other. I kill my friends and zombies trying to save myself. Fire and lightning comes down like hail. But wait! It's get's even better. I end up dying from massive wounds in my chest, missing an arm and torn to shreds. Left for dead, I can do nothing but wait until I can't take no more and shoot myself.'

'I...I do not understand,' gasped the voice.

'Really?' he laughed, 'That's odd.'

'Odd? How?'

'Well you see, every time the dream comes to an end. I end up in a setting a lot like this now that I think about it. Darkness as far as the eyes can see and only a voice to speak with. A voice telling me to go somewhere. Telling me that I'm suppose to save my world and yours. A voice like your's, never answering my questions but laying claim to my pain.'

A stammering fills the void, 'Champion, you cannot believe that I would...'

'Oh I can believe whatever I want,' retorted John.

'When I summoned you, I had intended for you to remain with me. These nightmares you speak of are not of my doing. I wanted to speak with you and explain to you the full force of the threat. I want, no NEED your help. Why would I risk that?'

'I don't know,' he replied, 'I don't who you are. You danced around the issue earlier! How can I trust someone who won't even give me their name.'

'Very well,' gasped the voice, catching John off guard. 'Will you trust me if I give you my name?'

'Trust? No. Give the benefit of the doubt? Sure.'

A sigh cut through the darkness, 'My name is Nightmare.'

'Nightmare?' John asked, 'Nightmare Moon?'

'How do you know that name?' asked Nightmare. 'Did the other ponies speak of me? What did they say?'

'Nothing,' snapped John as he fell into a defensive stance, or as best he could. Even in this darkness he wounds caused him pain, reminding him what had happened since she had brought him to Equestria; further fueling his anger. 'I knew about you before I even came to Equestria. What do you want from me, Nightmare? I won't help you hurt the ponies or Princess Luna.'

'That's not my intent,' pleaded Nightmare. Under normal circumstances John would have recognized the honesty in her voice. Unfortunately the circumstances were anything but normal.

'Why should I believe you?' he yelled. 'You tried to kill everyone on Equestria! You kidnapped me! Nearly get me killed! Look at me!' John demanded and pointing to his clothes. 'Do I look like I'm prepared for winter?!'

'Please my champion,' Nightmare begged, 'hear me. You said you would give me the benefit of the doubt. Remember?'

John growled, 'Fine....Go ahead.'

'Thank you,' Nightmare sobbed. There was a pause as Nightmare prepared herself, 'John, I had no intention of summoning you as I did. I had only cast my spell in search of somepony willing to help me. Somepony who could forgive me my past. Someone who'd be willing to listen.' John said nothing, but waited for her to continue.

'When you arrived within the fountain of the ancient ruins, I was unprepared to see one such as you. Even in all my life I hadn't seen one like you and yet....' the pause caught his attention. '...and yet I felt a terrible familiarity. Something frightened me beyond anything I had experienced before. Even the moment of my creation was less horrifying.'

'Your creation?' interrupted John. 'What do you mean?'

'Luna....'

'Princess,' he corrected.

'Princess Luna creat...' Nightmare began only to pause. 'Oh no....'

'What...' began John as the darkness swirling around him started to shine with purple light. Throwing up his hands he blocked his eyes from the light, 'What's happening?'

'The elements of harmony have arrived,' answered Nightmare before an image appeared of the girls talking to each other, Fluttershy in tears and the other visibly concerned looking at him.

'Why is Fluttershy crying? What happened?!'

Nightmare hesitated, 'To carry out this conversation I needed access to your mind. So I wrapped you with my magic and kept you from moving to far away.'

'To far away?' he asked.

'My magic is nearly spent. I couldn't hope to speak with you if you had returned to the cottage. I wasn't expecting her to react so dramatically.'

'Oh dear lord,' he grumbled.

'John, please hear me. Keep what's been said here private. If the elements learn of my survival I cannot hope to remain in this world. Celestia and Luna wouldn't rest until I perished for my crimes.' John didn't speak, only gave a quick nod. 'Thank you, John. Thank you. Please come and find me when you are able and fit. I wish to share with you my story.'

John took a deep breath, 'Fine.' With that the darkness dissipated and John saw himself being enveloped in Twilight's magic. “Hey girls.” When he spoke the girls looked to him and each of them smiled. All at once the girls began speaking as Fluttershy hugged John tightly around the neck.

Twilight looked confused as she kept focusing her magic upon him. Turning to Fluttershy, she asked a question, Fluttershy broke the hug and answered, leaving Twilight stunned. Focusing her magic once again, her magic sent waves a tingling sensations throughout his head. “John can you hear me?”

“Hey Twilight,” he answered. “Man I missed being able to hear. Spending a day deft can really teach you to appreciate something so basic.”

“John what happened?!” cried Fluttershy. Looking upon the gentle pony, John felt quilt.

“I...I'm not sure.” The ponies all looked confused, Fluttershy most of all. Thinking of something, he picked the most obvious. “I didn't get a whole lot of sleep and the cold could have messed with my head.” Wearing only a simple thin t-shirt, denim jeans and boots with strips of bandages and gauze sticking out from underneath, John was hardly dressed for winter weather; especially winter weather at night.

“Of course,” said Rarity relieved as she lifted a sizable package off her back. After levitating the item in the air, John could tell it was a suit bag, one large enough for him. “Twilight help me get this on him, before he catches his death of cold.”

With a nod, Twilight and Rarity clad John in a large coat, colored mostly black with blue and red accents. The interior was silky smooth and almost unnaturally warm, while the exterior was the smoothest wool. Once the coat was upon him, John felt weak in the knees.

“Oh my god,” he stuttered. “This is amazing.” The sudden warmth sapped him of his strength, he could feel his eyes growing heavy. He could feel the weightlessness that heralds deep, restful sleep. He hears the cries of three fillies coming towards him.

“What?”

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS CREATURE CATCHERS! YEAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!” declared the three fillies as the pushed past the older mares and charged the weary human. With a force unexpected for their diminutive size, the three girls push John off his feet and to the ground, where the proceeded to wailing and assault their quarry. The crusaders had expected cries for mercy or roars of anger, not giggles and laughter from the creature.

Despite his fatigue and the pain in his leg, John kept laughing as the three fillies kept up their assault. The hooves of the light ponies did little more than tickle the tired human. “Please stop!” he gasped, “I....I can't take anymore!”

“Whoa there,” said Apple Jack as she pulled off her younger sister, “Didn't ah tell y'all to stay at the farm?”

The cutie mark crusaders exchanged a quick look before looking downcast and flashing puppy/pony eyes. “We're sorry.”

“Sweetie Belle,” scolded Rarity, “you should know better. What if you three got lost?” Sweetie Belle looked at her sister, eyes round and pleading, but to no avail.

Hang her head in defeat, she said, 'Sorry, sis."

As her friends went about being punished, Scootaloo looked up to Rainbow Dash. The latter was talking with Fluttershy and ignored the looks of expectation from the little filly.

“Ah come on,” yawned John as he sat up. “They're just kids. Cut 'em some slack.”

“Be that as it may, they should have listened to us,” countered Rarity as she wrapped are foreleg around her younger sister. “They could have gotten seriously hurt.”

“Kids will be kids. You can no more control them than you can the weather.”

“But we can control the weather,” replied Scootaloo before looking towards her idol, “right Rainbow Dash?”

John opened his mouth to protest before remembering where he was, shrugging in defeat he gave a smile, “Okay bad analogy. Anyways, what are all of you doing here?”

Pinkie Pie appeared from inside John's coat and whispered, load enough for everyone to hear, “My Pinkie sense told me a doozy was happening and that you were in danger. So I got the girls as we raced here to find you.”

“Really?” he asked, 'Crap! What now?'

“Well...” sniffled Fluttershy, “Somepony did break into my house.” As if in response Pinkie Pie began to go through the final phase of her Pinkie Sense, her body contorting into weird, often impossible shapes and positions before settling back into her normal form.

John, more than anybody, watched in confusion, 'That was it? The break in? It wasn't Nightmare?'

“Well that's it everypony!” chirped Pinkie Pie, only to catch John's confused look. “Is something wrong?”

Snapping out of his confusion, John switched his attention to the cotton candy mare, “What? No. Just wondering what the crime rate around here is, that a simple break in is considered a doozy?”

“Crime Rate?” asked Twilight. “Nearly zero? Mostly misdemeanors. Break ins are very rare, even in Canterlot.”

He couldn't help but be blown away, “Wow, y'all got it good.”

“what happened to the thief?!” asked Rainbow Dash, getting the conversation back on track.

“John chased them off,” answered Fluttershy.

“Nice!” cheered the fillies and Rainbow Dash as the others gave approving looks.

He just shrugged, “Meh, I don't take kind to thieves.”

“Did you see what they looked like?” asked Twilight.

John shook his head, “They were wearing a hood. I couldn't see anything. Though I can hazard a guess that it was a unicorn.”

“Really?” asked Twilight.

As John began to explain, the Cutie Mark Crusaders looked on. “What do you think that thing is?” asked Scootaloo.

“Ah danno,” answered Apple Bloom. “It seems tah know mah sister and the others.”

“You're right,” whispered Sweetie Belle, “Rarity did make that jacket for it.”

“What is it though?”

“Firstly, I'm not an it,” interrupted John as he stood over the fillies thanks to Rainbow Dash's help. “Secondly, I'm an alien come to eat your brains!” The crusaders huddled together and screamed in terror.

As John stretched forth a hand to further scare the fillies, Apple Jack swatted him upside the head with her hat, “Stop scarin' mah sister, that ain't funny.”

“Awww, I didn't mean any harm,” he groaned. The crusaders, seeing the self proclaimed alien cowed by the farm pony, stopped screaming and began giggling. “Anyway girls, my name is John. It's a pleasure to meet you.”

“Hi, ah'm Apple Bloom!”

“I'm Sweetie Belle!”

“I'm Scootaloo and we're...” finished Scootaloo as the fillies grouped together, prompting everypony to cover their ears, “THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!!”

“We're on ah quest tah get our cutie marks!” declared Apple Bloom.

“And we're not stopping til we find our special talents!” chirped Sweetie Belle.

“We'll take on any challenge,” continued Scootaloo.

“Great!” groaned John, who was unable to block out the loud screaming of the excitable fillies, “That's great girls.”

“So where yah from mister?” asked Apple Bloom. “The Everfree Forest?”

“Hhmm? Oh, I was serious about being an alien. I'm not from this planet.” The others just face hoofed.

“Really?!” gasped the fillies. As the crusaders began peppering him with questions, “Do you have a space ship? Lasers? Cool Powers? Time Machines?” the others began the trek back to the cottage.

John, for his part, answered the questions the little fillies asked as best he could even as the group entered the cottage. “No girls, for the third time, I do not have a space ship.”

“My little ponies!” called Twilight after John was sat down on the couch. As the crusaders turned to look at the purple unicorn, she sighed and looked towards the clock. “Okay girls, it's time to get to bed.”

“Aaawww,” sighed the girls.

With the fillies resigned to their fates, Twilight turned to the master of the house. “Fluttershy, do you mind if we sleep here tonight?”

Fluttershy, who up until this point was talking with Pinkie Pie, smiled warmly, “Oh not at all. Let me get some blankets for everypony.” As Fluttershy hovered upstairs, the others pick out spots on the floor, Rarity having claimed the largest chair for herself and Sweetie Belle.

“Hey, John?” approached Scootaloo, “Can I ask you another question?”

“Shoot kid,” yawned John as he laid down sleeping bag for the others.

“Uh, thanks for that. Anyway what kind of sports do you play on your world?”

Lying on the couch and accepting a blanket for Fluttershy, “Thanks Shy,” John pondered the questions. “Basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, rugby...”

“Rugby?” asked the filly with a yawn.

“It's a sport like football, except it involves far more beatings and pain.”

“That doesn't sound fun,” grumbled Scootaloo as she curled up with the blanket provided. Casting a weary gaze towards her idol, she asked, “Any sports about being the fastest?”

“Nascar, but that requires a car,” yawned John as he too curled up with his blanket. “Not much else to be honest, track and field stuff....” Immediately John sat up in the couch, his eyes wild with excitement. “Actually Scootaloo, there is such a sport!”

The deceleration caused everyone to jump, “Come on John, I was just about asleep!” yelled Rainbow Dash as she buried her face into a throw pillow.

“But Rainbow Dash! I think I have a sport in mind that's just perfect for you,” giggled John.

“What's that,” groaned Rainbow Dash, though her ears perked up excitably. Scootaloo couldn't fight the smile on her face.

“It's a game,” yawned John, as he wrapped himself back in his blanket. “I'll have to tell you about it tomorrow. Trust me though, you'll absolutely love it. It was made for you.”

Scootaloo practically beamed, even Rainbow Dash spared him a look, “Oh, yeah? What's it called?”

“Quidditch.”

Two Worlds. One Fate.

by Requiem for Gods

Arrival

When dreams become nightmares.

The next morning

Waking up after a shot from Celestia.

When Trolling goes wrong...

When Trolling goes right!

Living with Fluttershy

Metal Gear Pony

Bad Blood

When Life Relfects a dream

Pinkie Sense!?!?

The Benefactor