The Strange Tale Of Ezekiel Henderson

They crested the top of a hill, at the bottom of which lay a small town.

"Welcome to Ponyville, Ezekiel.", Dash tried to gesture with her hoof, but of course Henderson had it pinned to his chest.

Ponyville? Kind of vain, we don't have a Humanburg., Henderson thought as he cringed at the use of his first name, he had never liked it. "Where in town is this clinic?", he had paused at the top of the hill.

"Other side, looks like you're gonna be makin some new friends.", Dash quipped.

"Oo, goody.", Henderson's voice was dripping with sarcasm as he made his way down the hill.

As they neared the edge of town, the townsfolk began to take notice of the awkward duo. Some walked briskly away, others stopped and gawked. A block away, Applejack rounded the corner, but slammed to a halt when she saw her friend in the clutches of the armored biped.

"What in tarnation?!", she exclaimed, "Hang on, Dash, Ah'm a comin!" She galloped ahead, about to make the same mistake Dash had.

"No, AJ, DON'T! He's cool, he's cool, calm down!", Dash shouted, still slung across Henderson's shoulders.

Applejack stopped a few feet in front of Henderson, head lowered, ears back, trying to look as menacing as possible. "Well, what the hay is it and whah is it carryin' you?", she asked.

"His name is Ezekiel, he's a human and he's taking me to Doc Needle.", Dash winced slightly, her fore-leg was swelling.

Applejack lowered her tone, "Did he hurt you?", Applejack's cheeks flushed with anger.

"Yes, but I tackled him first," Dash looked down in embarrassment, "So it's kind of my fault."

Applejack rolled her eyes, "Put her down, Ezekiel,", she stressed his name, in a mocking tone, "Ah'll take her from here."

She turned to look for Twilight, who had been following her, but had stopped and watched the scene, half in shock, half in curiosity.

"Twilight, whah don't you start asking our new 'friend' here some questions.", she helped Dash, who had been set down and had limped over to AJ. "Ah want some answers when we get back." She gave Henderson an evil look as she walked away, Dash at her side.

Twilight turned to look at the "human". She cautiously walked over to him, and stopped a few feet away.

"Uh, hi! My name is Twilight Sparkle, Ponyville's librarian!", she smiled awkwardly at Henderson.

Wow, skittle horses, Henderson thought as he looked at Twilight's purple and pink mane.

"Ezekiel Henderson, Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps.", He said in the same authoritative tone with which he had introduced himself to Rainbow Dash. He noticed his hand rested on his holstered sidearm, he let it fall to his side.

"Well, um, welcome to Ponyville, Ezekiel!", the purple unicorn relaxed a little, "Where are you from?".

"Not anywhere near here, I don't think.", He wasn't quite ready to 'spill the beans' yet, but he wanted answers. "And you'd think I was crazy if I told you how I got here."

"Try me.", Twilight said, challenge in her voice.