"Rarity, I know you're being so generous and all, but why are you doing this now?" John asked giving her a grumpy look.

One day after the hospital incident, Pinkie Pie held her party at Town Hall. Everypony was going to it, though some still had negative thoughts about the human. The doctors had released John, the Element Bearers, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders, seeing as how they all were in well enough condition to fend for themselves. And also from the small detail that the hospital had been destroyed. Things had been going well for John, up until this point.

"You have to look your best for the party tonight, dear," Rarity explained, grabbing a measuring tape with her magic, "Besides, your normal attire is so dull. No offense."

"None taken."

"And I have promised you that I would make your clothes."

John had to concede that she had, in fact, made such a promise. He couldn't wear the same clothes everyday, and he didn’t like the idea of becoming a nudist. Despite the fact that most ponies didn’t wear clothes at all.

"Alright, fine. I suppose you might as well do this now," John sighed.

"Wonderful!" The fashion pony cheered, "Now, hold still."

***

After hours of being a mannequin at Rarity's place, John was finally given his outfit.

"Wow, you really are good at this," the human scanned his outfit.

It’s design was very simple, yet also impressive. It seemed to be a long sleeve robe, with a massive zipper running up the middle of the front. John couldn’t help but compare it to Roxas’ outfit from Kingdom Hearts 2, except that the basic colors of the outfit was different. John was very impressed by Rarity's work.

"I am darling," smiled Rarity, "It's what I do."

"This really is awesome. Richard would love this outfit"

"Richard? Who's Richard?"

The human looked at the fashion pony.

"He's a friend of mine who loves to design clothes."

"Really?" Her eyes began to expand with a cheery smile. "He's a fashion designer?"

"Well, not really, but he wants to be one someday."

"Oh my. I should meet him, if he ever comes here to Ponyville."

Yeah, if only, John thought morosely.

"Well, John it's getting dark. You should go get ready for the party."

John nodded and headed towards her bathroom. He then looked at the outfit once more and it was so damn wonderful. This whole situation had reminded him heavily of his friends.

***

After quickly changing in Rarity’s bathroom, John set off with her to Town Hall. Twilight was already there, they met up and entered the building together. John was intrigued by the odd sight inside. The party was strange mix of various party elements from back home. There were things that wouldn’t be out of place at a child’s birthday party, but also things that would be found at a teen’s house party. There was the DJ, balloons, games, and tons of treats. This party was John's fantasy for a great party. Only thing that was different, was that there were ponies instead of humans.

“I don't know how Pinkie Pie did it, but this party rocks!” said John with excitement.

“It’s just kind of her thing. Making other ponies smile is what Pinkie does best,” said Twilight.

“Making other ponies smile? Sounds like a friend of mine back home.”

Speaking of Pinkie, she was bouncing by when they were talking about her.

“Are you enjoying the party John?” asked Pinkie Pie with joy.

“Of course I am,” said John, “How did you manage to pull this off?”

“Easy. I used my party cannon.”

“Your party what?”

Pinkie Pie brings out a cannon out of where, which surprised the hell out of John, but he managed to keep his cool.

“With this baby, parties can be made within a second.” Pinkie Pie continued.

“If I had one of those, I'll have a party every day.” John chuckled.

“If you want another party, just ask,” she replied, enthusiastically.

“Thanks Pinkie Pie. I'll keep that in mind.”

Pinkie Pie bounced away with the cannon as Twilight giggled.

“Like I said, It’s kind of her thing.”

Later on in the party, John walked around and saw ponies talking as he passed by them.

“Look! It's that John fellow.”

“I heard he saved the Crusaders from that fire.”

“Why isn't he eating us? Is he vegetarian?”

“I don't know, all I know is that he did something good.”

“Hey, where's the bathroom?”

John made his way to a table laden with bowls filled with various types of punch. Spike stood next to it, looking bored.

“Hey Spike,” said John.

“Hey John,” replied Spike, “Are you enjoying the party?”

“Yep,” said John as he pours himself a glass of punch.

“It’s pretty impressive that you ran into a burning building to save those girls. Were you like that back on your world?”

John thought about it, remembering the many times he’d helped people even before joining the Army.

“Well...yeah.” chuckled John.

“Good, that means that you really deserve the award that Mayor Mare’s gonna give you.”

“Really? That's awesome.”

“Just wait.”

Spike walked away as John takes a drink from his cup. He marvelled at the deliciously intense flavor.

A minute later, the mayor of Ponyville went up onto a stage, and began to talk.

“Can I please have everypony's attention?” asked the mayor of Ponyville.

The music died out as the ponies looked at the mayor of Ponyville.

“Thank you. Ahem. Today we are here to honor John, a creature from a different world, for his heroic action of saving three fillies, Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle, from the flaming hospital last night. He might not be a pony, but he has a good heart. Lets give him a round of applause.”

The lights shined on John as ponies clapped for him. John waved and gave a shy smile. Only a few ponies clapped.

“As the mayor of Ponyville, I am honored to give John a medal. This medal awards and thanks him for his heroic, and selfless actions. Come up here so you can get it.”

John walked towards the stage as a few more ponies clapped than before.

“Yeah. Go John!” yelled the Crusaders.

Everypony and John looked at the Crusaders. They gave blushing smiles and dashed away. John chuckled at their childish antics, as he continued walking to the mayor.

As John mounted the stairs, the mayor looked apprehensively at his face. She shuddered a bit, as she seemed to realize just how imposing his height was.

She's afraid of me, John thought.

The mayor pulled out a medal that was made out of silver. John looked at it and was struck by the way it glimmered in the spotlights. He could honestly say that he’d never imagined being given a medal by a pony. He usually thought of getting one from the president. That would have been awesome for him.

When John was about a foot from the mayor, he dropped to one knee, allowing the mayor to give him the award. There was more applause from the audience. John looked at them, and noticed that they were like dead ponies with their eyes open, they showed no emotions. Not even a single smile. The only smiles to be seen were from The Crusaders, Spike, and the six ponies he’d become friends with.

John looked back to the mayor when she shakily put the medal over his head. A few more claps from the audience and eventually, half of the room was applauding. After the mayor slipped the medal around John’s neck, she gave him a small, but frightened, smile; then backed away. John wanted to tell her that there was nothing to be afraid of, but he knew it would be in vain.

“Thank you, John,” the mayor said nervously.

“It was my pleasure,” replied John.

Claps roared in the little room.

“Before we can continue on with the celebration, John will say a few words about himself and his actions,” said the mayor.

John immediately gave a shocked look to the mayor, before returning his attention to the crowd.

A speech!? What the hell am I going to say? I didn't expect this, John thought hesitantly.

He took a deep breath and spoke, “Hello everypony,” he started, chuckling a little to abate his own nervousness, “To tell you the truth, I didn't really expect to speak in front of you, but I guess I have to now,” he gave out another nervous chuckle.

Silence crept through the room.

“Anyway,” John continued, “I just want to say that I was glad that I was there to do that civic duty in the hospital. Back in my world, there weren’t many people who would run into a burning building like that. The ones who did do that kind of thing were often being paid to. It was rare when a common person like me would help in such a way. In my world, most people would not go out of their way to help others, because it would often be a hindrance to themselves. We have so many bad things happening like the economic collapse, famine, religious unrest, and especially wars.”

Several ponies gasped as John continue with his speech.

“All these things and many others made our kind hesitant to do anything like I did last night. But not me. I'm a good person with a good heart. To tell you the truth, I joined the army because of a third world wide war that is going on in my world.”

All of the ponies gasped in horror.

“I know it seems harsh, but I have reasons that I joined the army. Also, it doesn't change the person I am. I never hurt any other person or any living creature in my life without reason to do so. And I understand that some of you are afraid of me. Trust me I know.”

Some ponies looked at the ground with others looked up.

“Don't worry though. I'm not going to hurt you. Or eat you. I can't bare to see any creature get hurt. You can take my actions last night as proof that I am an honorable individual. To conclude this speech, I was glad that I saved them, and you should be too. I'm honored that I got this medal and I hope it gives you a different view of who I am. Thank you.”

After John concluded his speech, there was silence for a moment. Then one pony began to clap. Followed by two more ponies, then five ponies, ten ponies, Twenty ponies. Eventually, every pony in the room was clapping and cheering for him.

John gazed over the sea of ponies and began to smile. He was so happy that tears came out his eyes, he had finally gained acceptance from all of Ponyville.

“Let's get this party started!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie.

So John enjoyed the party, alongside the ponies of Ponyville. He played games, danced with some moves like The Moonwalk, and Shuffling. All the ponies loved his alien dance moves. This party was going great for everypony. All except for that one particular pony, one pony that nopony else had even expected to come.

***

“John, you gotta teach me those moves you did at the party,” said Rainbow Dash excitedly.

It was only five minutes after the party had ended, and everypony was making their way to their houses. Everypony was going to talk about John’s dancing skills for days. John was headed to the library when Rainbow Dash had made her way to him, and asked her question.

“Sorry Rainbow Dash, but I’m not sure if a pony could even do those moves,” said John.

“Aww come on. Is it really that hard to teach?” asked Rainbow Dash hesitantly.

“Unfortunately, yes. It is.”

“Oh come on, you could at least try. I’m really good at learning new stunts.”

“Oh really?”

Five minutes later.

“On second thought, I don't want to learn it,” said Rainbow Dash exhausted.

John had tried to teach her the Moonwalk. She had quickly learned that it was hard to dance with your feet, when you didn’t have feet.

“What happen to 'I'm good at learning stunts.'?” chuckled John, “Still, you did pretty good. Just keep practicing, and eventually, you'll be the first pony to do the Moonwalk.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled and looked at John.

“Really? You think I'll be the first pony to learn the Moonwalk?”

“Yeah. Just practice and believe in yourself.”

Rainbow Dash gave John a hug that he hadn’t been expecting.

“Thanks John.”

“No problem.”

John headed towards the library, following the beckoning call of the bed he knew was waiting there for him. Along the way, he looked up to the sky and saw how beautiful the night was. Stars were out, no clouds in sight, and the moon was full. John imaged the nights back in his world, and similar they were. The sky was peaceful, just like the town was.

John arrived at the library just as Twilight was headed up the stairs to her bedroom.

“Oh, John, you're back,” said Twilight, before yawning deeply.

John looked at Twilight and gave a gentle smile. “Yep.” John responded.

“I guess you enjoyed the party, huh.”

John nodded.

“Well, good night.”

“Good night Twilight.”

She smiled and headed upstairs to her room. John went to the guest room, and laid his tired body on the bed. He fell asleep the moment he drew the covers over him.

Author's Note

Get ready for the next chapter. It's going to be epic.

Edit by Narlepoax III, Theblacksmithbrony, and Octiviascello.