“That proves you are unusual," returned the Scarecrow; "and I am convinced that the only people worthy of consideration in this world are the unusual ones. For the common folks are like the leaves of a tree, and live and die unnoticed.”
― L. Frank Baum

Things had obviously not gotten off to the glorious start that Karn had envisaged upon escaping his 'cell' in the infirmary. At least he had managed to regain control of his defensive actions. It was apparent that the transition from his former world via purgatory in the hospital was going to be a difficult one. 'Well - let's tackle this philosophically, pal. Take the situation as it comes, take things slowly. Try not to fuck this up on your first day outside.'

A first-day-fuckup. It was a term that the older, hardened adepts used for new recruits who just didn't have that all important attribute of 'common' sense, or worse a desire to prove themselves - and it often got them killed, occasionally several of them, very usually graphically. 'You're in a different place now - put death to the back of your mind if you can, and let your senses allow you to know the customs and the creatures with which you now congregate with,' he thought optimistically to himself.

Thus minded, the morning continued ..... what the hell was today anyway?

"Rarity, it's an odd question to ask, but could you tell me what today would be?"

She looked up at him, an eyebrow raised in a mixture of surprise and amusement - a smile spread across her face. "My dear, are you telling me you have not the faintest idea which day of the week this is?"

"Well, if you'll forgive the free talk, my dear lady .... no."

"Oh! Well, it does happen to be what we call a Tuesday."

Tuesday? If Karn realized he was not in fact under the influence of psychedelics by this point (between the magical ponies, the similar language, the utter mystery as to how he got here, how on earth Rarity had made these new God damn boots fit so well when no such manufacturer of uniforms could ever do so back 'home' and such forth), he would suspect that there had been something other than cereal in his bowl this morning.

His walking pace slowed to a stop, and he turned to face his familiar inquisitor. His other pony friends stopped and stared at him anxiously, unsure of what to expect. How could he blame them? His behavior and demeanor since they'd first met him had swung around in an ugly and unpredictable manner, 'like a can of shit on the end of a fishing line,' he reluctantly acknowledged. He wondered further if there was a colloquialism that Applejack would have on hand to match it. Perhaps he would try it out later - without the profanity.

His explanation for the brief pause helped to ease the tension a little. "We use the same name for a typical day where I'm from as well," he observed. Twilight frowned at him in confusion. Clearly her thoughts had been elsewhere. Probably not entwined with fishing line in any way, shape or form, or at least he hoped not. There followed more of the rapid scrawling in her notebook - the princess expressing a humming noise suggesting curiosity. Given that the main purpose of this sojourn outdoors was to become accustomed to his new surroundings, Karn did not press the matter. Knowing her even as little as he did, he guessed the question of names for each planetary rotation would be raised again later on that afternoon.

His guess was off by about ...

"Karn, could you tell me what names you give ... "

He raised a finger to his lips and quipped quietly. "Princess, perhaps we should commence with introductions first? I promise, I will endeavor to answer any questions you may have about our respective calendars at the first convenient moment," he offered. She flashed him 'the look' and he smiled sweetly back at her.

The three ponies once more made they way towards the other curious town folk with their new human visitor. Inevitably, the questioning continued and this time the matter fell to one of dress - Rarity's strongest suit.

"Karn, my dear, may I ask you a question regarding your mane?"

"My ... mane, my lady?"

"I do apologize if I'm a little out of place in asking, but is it the fashion for gentlemen where you are from to have such a long mane?"

Karn was confused for a moment. "Oh, you're referring to my hair?" He reflexively reached behind his head and felt his long black hair, clean and very well brushed.

"Oh, well yes! It just seems somewhat uncouthly long for a creature that is most assuredly male!"

'They still think of me as a creature,' he thought forlornly. "I come from a Country called Alsovia, on Chronos IV. The Alsovian tradition is for males to have long, well kempt hair whilst serving. We're one of the only exceptions to military protocol where I'm from, in that the long hair is considered part of the uniform."

This time it was Rarity who kept up the deep, calculating gaze at her human friend. "Have you ever considered perhaps - well, trimming it somewhat? I do believe that shorter hair would suit your visage, my dear."

The subject of the conversation would have been odd, if it had been from anyone other than Rarity ('anypony' he supposed - though he adamantly refused to make that alteration to the word's suffix). "Huh ... with all that's happened, I hadn't given it a moment's thought," he admitted. Their idle progress across the grounds towards the town hall continued. "Do you really think that shorter hair would suit me?"

"I certainly think it would be more appropriate for you, my dear. Especially here in Ponyville."

"I see ... and what of my mustache?" he quizzed, gently smoothing the sides of it a little and feigning a manner of deep concern, as if she was suggesting he burn his comfort blanket.

"My dear, I think that with your handsome features, you would be better without it. It is ... well, distracting."

"You think so? Really?"

There was an affirmative nod and knowing smile from the fashionista. He'd more or less kept the keratin about his person in the same configuration for so long that the idea of it being different was not really one that he'd even entertained. In the greater scheme of things, when you are surrounded by humans who are trying to kill you on a regular basis for hundreds of cycles, a hair cut does tend to fall way the hell down the list of 'shit I need to worry about' - somewhere below the 'what is that cloud in the shape of' area.

"So!" he exclaimed, flashing a wry smile. "My features - they are handsome, then?" His gaze shifted to hers and he brought all the faux slyness to bear that he could manage without laughing.

She feigned a quite transparent huff. "Oh! I can see I shall have to take some time to teach you at least a little of the manners one should use around a lady," she sniffed. The half-hearted air with which she did so suggested he had caught her out a little.

Clearly spending time with Rarity was going to be a lot of fun.

As observant as he was, he began to notice that the gait of each of his three pony friends that were with him were different - much like their characters were so different. These few ponies he'd become close to exhibited such wildly different personas that he often found himself feeling very much like an actor - as if compelled to mold his mannerisms to match that of whomever he happened to be talking.

If he was chatting with Rarity, then he felt obliged to reach for high language, a gentlemanly manner - charm, decorum and graciousness where possible. She was prim and very proper, but generous. She obviously placed a good deal of value on outward looks, but not in a way that was unpleasant. The manner in which she did so was not vain or proud, it was almost as if she felt that doing so were a form of good manners, of respect - and respect was something that one felt drawn to offer her. This was not respect that was demanded, it was a respect earned by her gracefulness and generosity.

Twilight was the one he found himself less like an actor with. She was at once academic and logical. She seemed to view his situation and the obverse one which she herself was in with a degree of scientific vigor. There was method there, solid systematic thinking and a good deal of healthy curiosity. Sprinkled amongst these stoic attributes of hers were other things that he enjoyed. She did have an interesting sense of humor, even if it was apparent just how hard she tried to hide it at times. She was also very tolerant of the silly remarks that Karn would make to her in an effort to see that very smile she tried to rein in - and he found it oddly pleasing when she failed, broke into a lovely smile and giggled.

The one he found truly fascinating though was Fluttershy. She was disinclined to say anything much at all, but when she spoke, her voice was like a cool breeze - soothing, calming, soft. The few times he had been able to enjoy a conversation with her had been treasured by him. He would find himself gently smiling and hanging on her every word, feeling genuinely touched by her care and recalling the way she had held him that horrible night in the hospital. She was certainly enigmatic in that she seemed so frightened of him at times, yet somehow determined to aid him in any way she could.

The four of them arrived at the front of the sightseers finally, a event that Karn found to be a relief after the places his mind had been drifting so recently. Maybe it was due to his having been confined indoors, or the fact that he wasn't used to peace and quiet such as this before? He hoped that was why. This simple walk outdoors had already been uncomfortable on a few levels.

The old defensive anxiety slowly crept forward a pace - leopard-like within his mind. This business of so many pairs of eyes studying him. He reined in his disconcern.

The first pony he was introduced to was of course the highest ranking official of the town. Twilight was kind enough to commence the introductions.

"Karn, I would like to introduce you to Mayor Mare! Your worship, I present to you Karn ... Karn ... "

"Well, no, that would of course just be 'Karn'," interrupted the guest of honor upon realizing the princess had of course forgotten his clan name. "The name of my clan is Rolltagen, therefore my full name would be Karn Rolltagen and not Karn Karn. It is my honor to meet you, your worship," he said as he bowed graciously. Twilight was clearly embarrassed about her having forgotten the better half of his name. "It's okay, Twilight. It's not an easy name for many people outside of Alsovia to remember."

"Well, on behalf of the residents of Ponyville, Karn Roll ... Rollta ... "

"Rolltagen."

"...Rolltagen," - a brief clearing of the throat followed - "I extend a warm welcome to you and offer you our hospitality!"

The minor formality of the situation brought back strong feelings of home, of great meetings between clans and the sharing of the customary acts of fellowship. Usually the passing of a cup of fine Alsovian whiskey between each high ranking member of the clans present, as a show of good faith. Perhaps they had a similar custom here? Did they have whiskey here? Shit, he hoped so. If not, he was certain he could start brewing something from that apple cider that they gave him in hospital. Whatever the hell an apple was, the taste certainly sorted well with his senses - add in some ethanol to that mixture, and it'd be a pretty wild drink!

He found himself somewhat astonished by the sight of what appeared to be a small dragon who now approached them. "Twilight? Is this him?" it inquired.

"Yes, Spike. Karn, you haven't met my friend Spike yet. Spike, meet Karn Rolltagen! Karn, this is Spike! He's my assistant and a very close friend."

"Delighted to meet you!" the dragon asked. The pitch of the voice suggested he was young, but then who knew in this place. He certainly seemed confident.

"Spike, it's wonderful to meet you too," responded Karn. Reaching his hand down to Twilight's assistant, he found the act of actually shaking another hand equipped with fingers once more to be especially welcoming. "You have hands!" he exclaimed. The look on Spike's face suggested Karn may not be quite the full deck of cards.

"Well, yeah ... I have another one, if you want to shake that too?" he laughed.

"Ah, I just haven't seen another pair of hands since I arrived and ... I'll probably just cut the rest of the sentence off here, yes? Sorry, I'm feeling strange enough as it is. All of this ... attention."

"Huh. Yeah. Did you want to stop shaking my hand?" Karn suddenly realized that he had in fact been shaking the dragon's hand now since they'd met. Why the hell was he behaving so oddly around these people, ponies, whatever? He actually felt for all the world a little nervous. All these ponies ... interested in him for one reason or another, either wanting to ask questions or just observing his behavior, his appearance. He'd never been the center of attention at anything other than a blood bath in the middle of a mud soaked battlefield - this kind of get together was something entirely new to him. It was all of the focus, but without the double ended shooting gallery around him.

A small yellow pony with the most astonishingly red hair tied up in a pink bow came forward with Applejack. "So, are you a hew-man?"

"Well, yes, I'm a human."

"Yew watch yer manners! Ahm sorry, Karn, my lil' sister here was curious to see what yew looked like, an' I ... "

"No, no, that's okay! I understand that young kids can be ... "

The trickle of questions turned into a flow, thence to a plumbing problem of industrial proportions. The feline defensive element of his ego took another two stealthy paces through the underbrush.

"Do humans have wings?" asked another small, probably young pony.

"Well, no, but they ... "

"How did you end up here in Equestria?" asked another.

"Presently, I'm not sure, I ... "

Still more questions followed. The plumbing gave way - water began sloshing under the bathroom door, saturating the carpet.

"I hope the hospital staff treated you well?"
"Do you intend to stay?"
"Would you like to drop by later on?"

The cat in his mind began to extend its claws, as he slowly clenched his fists. Brief flashes of moments from his past began to melt into the barrage of questions, giving the entire situation a rather frightening duality.

"What work did you do where you're from?"
"KARN! For fuck's sake shoulder that thing and kill that bastard behind the dune there!"
"Do you like music at all?"
"Five hundred yards, half right, large tree - sniper in that shadow!"
"What's the weather like where you're from?"
"Forget him - he's been blown in half you fucking moron! Jump the bags, gut those bastards, MOVE it!"

Twilight realized with a start that not only was Karn silent amongst all the questioning, but that he'd once more adopted that terrifying, defensive-looking pose. She began to call for some calm amongst the other ponies, but by then it was too late.

The leopard had reached near enough to its prey and lept with full force upon Karn's amygdala.

In what must have been very nearly an instant, a shimmer formed around Karn, blurring his appearance. None of those present had a chance to so much as gasp at this sudden transformation before the human sort-of blurred. His physical form smudged - almost as if someone had drawn a picture in wet paint and then smeared that picture along the length of a wall, the trail of which flowed from where he had just been standing to a distance a good deal farther back towards the hospital. Upon reaching that location, his form fell back to that of which they had already seen him - that of a very tall, dark haired human, albeit with his hands firmly clenched and standing very defensively and very far away.

If Twilight could've cursed, she most certainly would have. Not only did she have no idea what had just happened, but this was going to take a lot of explaining somehow.

It had indeed taken a few moments to calm down the visitors. It had taken Twilight all of her ability to rationalize to the others that he wasn't any kind of threat and that he'd been somehow surprised by all of the questioning. He had probably simply done something to make himself safe. That point being made to the assembled throng, it was agreed that a smaller and more select group of those present should meet with Karn first, rather than have him flooded once more with questions and risk a worse reaction.

Karn had by now seated himself on the lawn outside the hospital, a sense of defeat and disgrace clear upon his features. It had taken him a few seconds to compose himself after realizing what he'd done. Twilight, Spike, the Mayor and the other ponies he already knew - Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy - slowly approached him.

They kept what they felt was a safe enough distance at first, at which point Twilight made sure it was okay to approach closer. "Karn? ... Are you okay? Do you mind if we come a little closer?"

He stopped staring down sadly at his boots and looked up across to her. "Princess, I have a feeling that there are some explanations I need to offer to you."

"Well, I wasn't going to push the issue just yet, but ... whatever happened just now, it had nothing to do with magic. Just like the place where you first arrived here, that wasn't magic either ... may we come closer?" she asked.

He nodded sadly. "Yes, of course. I won't hurt any of you, you have my absolute word. I just have defensive reflexes that are time hardened and you just experienced two of them."

The ponies and Spike moved a little closer and sat next to Karn on the lawn. Twilight gently rested a hoof on his left arm. "Would you mind letting me know what happened?" she asked as empathetically as she could.

Karn stared back at his new boots, letting the words form in his mind as best he could. He'd been working very hard to keep his skills as an Adept hidden up until now. "As an adept, Princess, I have this skill or set of skills I guess you could say. They have nothing to do with the 'magic' that I've witnessed here. Adepts have this innate ability to absorb and transform energy."

"Transform energy?"

"I mean, I can absorb energy from almost any form. Heat, electrical activity and so forth. Having absorbed such energy, I can then transform it into other forms."

"So, you could absorb electricity from somewhere and turn it into heat, or fire or something?"

"Yes, amongst many other things," he said. He let the statement float in the air. She was intelligent enough to grasp what that suggested.

"Or to use as a weapon," she whispered.

"Precisely. Please understand, Princess, that I am an order adept. I act defensively, I only attack if I'm attacked first. We believe principally in helping protect people. What you all just witnessed here is what we call 'shielding' and 'time dilation'. Once things got too much for me over there, I shielded myself with what power I have, then ... and this is difficult to explain to you, but I bent time. I essentially ran from where I was to here, whilst bending time. It took me several seconds at a dead sprint to get this far away from you all, but I'm guessing from your point of view it was nearly instantaneous?"

Twilight nodded. "Karn ... you're saying what you did was defensive?"

"Yes, Princess."

"... and that you would never act aggressively in any way, preferring to remove yourself from that danger as you did just now?"

"Yes, Princess. Always defensively, where possible."

"Karn, what if you found yourself feeling threatened and you couldn't find such a means of escape?"

God but she was intelligent.

"Then I'm scared what I would do," Karn sighed finally.

Twilight frowned thoughtfully at him. He offered her a worried frown as his eyes remained fixed on hers.

Author's Note

I've tried not to rehash Karn's feelings about how each of the different ponies act in this particular chapter. It just seemed an interesting place to bring in some further detail, on his meeting with the population of Ponyville. I included a reference to a place on Karn's home planet of course of "Alsovia" which I'll expound on very soon. As can be seen, he has no knowledge that Fluttershy IS very much capable of command when the situation arises. No doubt the poor man will learn!

The rerference to long, well kept hair is in fact from Spartan warriors from Laconia - who by all accounts kept their hair long. Interestingly enough (for me at least), Napoleonic French Sappeurs were required to wear beards as part of their uniform!

POST EDIT 2017-03-30:
Removed a lot of the lovey-dovey cruft, fixed some spelling mistakes and some grammatical issues.