The evening sky was slowly changing colors as the sun started to set. The vivid yellows and oranges were becoming a fiery red and magenta with early hues of purple and dark blue. Everypony had gone home, except for Fluttershy, who was still in the living room with Allen and Twilight. There were still some of Spike’s freshly baked homemade triple-decker nut crazy vanilla cream cookies resting on a plate on the coffee table.

As the temperatures of this cool spring evening began to fall, the chilled apple cider was replaced with steaming cups of hot mint tea.

Allen sipped from his cup, contemplating another of Spike’s delectable cookies.

Twilight giggled as she saw him eyeing up the plate. “Go ahead. If you want another cookie, help yourself.”

The human waved his hand. “Nah, I should probably stop. My gut is already big enough.” He snickered patting his rotund belly.

The unicorn smiled. “If you say so. And if you’re done, Spike can always add those to the rest he’s finishing up in the kitchen.”

“Yeah.” Allen nodded. “I think I’m done. The tea will be the perfect end to dinner.”

Fluttershy chuckled. “You’re funny, Allen.”

He blinked at the Pegasus. “Really? You think I’m funny?” Allen snickered. “I didn’t think I said anything humorous.”

“Trust me, you did.” Fluttershy smiled, then invited a sip of tea into her mouth. While she knew she’d need to check on her animal friends before too long, she could never resist a cup of tea. And much like Twilight, Fluttershy found Allen fascinating. From everything she ever heard or read about aliens, they were usually big or scary or something worth running for the hills from. But Allen on the other hoof, he wasn’t any of the above…well, he may have classified as big, a little bit. Though, he was more on the plump side than big. In fact he wasn’t that much bigger than they were in comparison. The Pegasus recalled their trek back to Twilight’s place. As she walked closely with Allen and Twilight, she clearly remembered that on all fours she came up to his belly.

“Fluttershy.” Twilight waved. “Did you get enough tea?”

“Huh?” Fluttershy shook her head and blushed a little. “Oh, yes, Twilight, sorry. I think I spaced out a little. It’s something that a relaxing cup of tea does to me.”

“That’s okay.” Twilight chuckled as she turned to Allen. “And how about you, Allen?”

The human stared into his mug and swished it. The warm contents lightly sloshed around. “Yeah. I’m still good, thank you.” He smiled.

Fluttershy continued sipping from her mug. “Mmm, this is really good, thank you, Twilight.”

“Your welcome.” Twilight set the teapot down and took a sip from her cup.

It was then that Fluttershy and Twilight were both drawn to Allen. Twilight puckered her lips funny as she watched the human. “Uh, what's that you have there?”

“Huh?” Allen looked up at her. “You mean this?” He held up a curious object.

“Yeah. Is it normal for humans to carry glass rectangles with them?” She asked completely clueless as to what he was holding.

Allen laughed as he flopped against the back of his chair. “Actually it is, but this is hardly just a glass rectangle. This is my phone.”

Twilight blinked her eyes more than a bit puzzled. “I don’t get it. You mean like a telephone?”

He nodded, turning to face her better. “That’s right. On Earth we use these things to do quite a bit, not just communicate.”

“Wow.” Twilight lightly gasped. “Telephones are still relatively new in Equestria. They’re something only big cities and businesses have right now.”

“Huh.” Allen looked at his phone. It hadn’t dawned on him how much humanity really does take technology for granted. He never conceived of places that didn’t have such modern marvels. “Well, for all effective reasons mine is little better than a hand held computer right now. Seems it’s higher communication functions don’t work here.”

Befuddlement was mired on Twilight’s face as she blinked again. “What’s a com-put-or? Did I say that right?”

“Actually it’s com-pu-ter. And…” Allen paused to think for a moment. “To put it in a nutshell, think of it like an encyclopedia or reference guide, only on Earth it has a way of accessing the vast libraries and topics of countless locations all over the world. Not to mention it could do a ton of other things, like play games and send messages, the list goes on.”

“Really, that’s amazing!” Twilight bubbled as she leaned closer to him. “And what made you decide to take it out now?”

“Well…I remembered there’s a feature on here that can let me track a sort of tag built into the recall rod. With it we should be able to find it a lot easier when we head out tomorrow. I gather it’s not a good idea to try searching at night?”

“You’re certainly right there.” Twilight nodded in agreement. “The mountains alone can be quite dangerous at night, and not just because of the creatures that live there. And it’s been a rather tiring day, so we’d all do better with a good night’s sleep.”

Allen nodded as he turned off and pocketed his phone. “I can’t argue with you there.” He leaned his head back for a moment, that familiar sense of fatigue radiated out across his body. Looking back at both of them, Allen smiled. “But at least the app should help make the search easier.”

“Given the size of the mountains, I’m glad you thought of using it.” Twilight shared Allen’s smile as she turned to Fluttershy. “What do you think, Fluttershy?” Twilight blinked at the quiet Pegasus.

Fluttershy was just sitting there lightly humming to her self, when she finally noticed Twilight’s voice. “Oh, sorry, I think I was spacing out again. So that phone can help with the search?”

“Yeah.” Allen nodded.

Fluttershy closed her eyes and smiled. “Okay. Then, I do think it’s a good idea.”

Twilight scratched the back of her head. “You sure seem a bit spacey tonight. Are you okay?”

Fluttershy nodded again and lightly blushed. “Oh, sure. I think it’s just the excitement of the day. I mean like you said earlier, it’s not every day we meet an alien.” She smiled at Allen, before she looked over at the nearby grandfather clock.

Twilight followed Fluttershy’s gaze and nodded. “So, I’m guessing it’s about that time for you?” The unicorn smiled at Fluttershy, before taking another sip of her tea.

“Yes. I should really check on my animals, but I wasn’t quite ready to say good bye.” Fluttershy downed the last of her tea.

Allen smiled at the Pegasus. “Well, like the others, it was really nice meeting you, Fluttershy.”

“Oh, and you too. Have a good night, and I…uh hope our search goes okay, so we can find a way to get you back home.”

Allen chuckled. “You and me both. I’m guessing my parents will be worried.” He sighed. “Only, not because they’re worried about me. Rather, they’ll be afraid I’m missing because I don’t want to keep up on my studies or something.” Allen took another sip of his tea. “Yea, I can image what they would say now. “Oh, Allen, you need to do your homework.” And my dad would be like, “He’ll do anything to get out of working or studying.”” The human hung his head. “I’ve never slacked a day in my life…well, not since elementary school, and my parents haven’t given me much of a break since.”

“Awww, I’m sorry. Well, at any rate, I hope you have a good night’s rest then.” Fluttershy smiled as she waved to both of them.

“Thank you, night, Fluttershy.” Allen waved back and enjoyed the warm feeling he got from her thoughtful words.

“Bye, Fluttershy!” Twilight said, joining Allen in waving to her.

“See you, Spike,” Fluttershy called to the kitchen.

“Later, Fluttershy!” Spike’s voice rang out from the kitchen.

Twilight laughed as she walked over and closed the front door, then proceeded to lock it, now that her friends had all departed. To show his gratitude to his hosts, Allen joined Twilight as she cleaned up the living room and then, they joined Spike and helped him finish up in the kitchen.

* * * * * *

The sun slowly set as Allen gazed out the window of Twilight’s Study. He cast out a heavy sigh, still trying to make sense of everything. So, I really am in another world. He thought as his eyes remained fixed on the darkening fiery sky.

“Allen?” He quickly recognized the voice of Twilight Sparkle calling to him.

“Huh?” Allen looked her way. “Yes, Twilight?"

She turned around on her small wooden stool and smiled. “How are you holding up?”

He shrugged his shoulders. That was something he was still trying to figure out. “Okay, I guess. I’m still not entirely sure what to make of all of this.”

Twilight offered him sympathetic eyes. “I suppose I might feel the same way, if I were in your position.”

“What are you writing?” Allen stopped himself. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to be nosey.”

She smiled again as she stood up and walked over to him. “That’s okay. I was finishing writing a letter to the princess. I’m sure Celestia will want to hear about our trip to the mountains.”

Allen turned back to the window. “Did you mention anything about finding me?”

The unicorn paused a moment, before she answered, “I did. But only because I’m not entirely sure we’ll be able find the recall rod and help you make it back home.” Twilight sighed, casting her gaze along side of his, out into the fading evening sky. “It’s beautiful…isn’t it?” Twilight smiled and looked over at him.

“Yeah, it is.” Allen blinked, as he looked her way. “But it’s hard to believe that isn’t Earth’s sky I’m looking at, but actually…uh, what did you call this world again…Something Prime was it?”

Twilight giggled softly. She found it oddly cute that he was trying to commit the names of places in her world to memory. “It’s Equus Prime. You remembered half of it.” Allen forced a smile, which gave birth to an awkward silence. Before meeting her friends, Twilight didn’t use to mind these silences, but since her friends helped her grow and come out of her shell, she found she no longer liked them. She took a moment to think of something to say to shatter the piercing silence, then her eyes brightened as she turned his way. “So, do humans like you enjoy sunsets on your world?”

Allen nodded, still keeping his eyes out the window. “Oh yes, I know I do. Only, on our world, there isn’t a pair of alicorn princesses controlling the sun and the moon.”

Twilight took in a quiet breath as her gaze rejoined his. “Well, it’s just one of the many unique features in our world.”

Allen turned to Twilight and smiled. “It’s not a bad thing. And I must admit, the princesses sure know a very pretty evening sky.”

“They sure do.” Twilight chuckled a little nervously. Then she perked up, quickly remembering her manners. “Well, you’re my guest tonight. I asked Spike to prepare my spare bed for you. In the meantime, you don’t have to just stare out the window. You’re welcome to read a book, or perhaps you’d like to write down your thoughts or maybe something else.” She swayed her head, not entirely sure what he’d like.

“Thank you. For the moment, I think I’d just like to enjoy the sunset.” Allen remained at the window, then turned her way. “Oh, and I want to thank you for dinner. Not to mention offering me a place to sleep tonight.”

Twilight smiled. “You’re quite welcome. I’m glad your injuries weren’t too severe. Having you around this evening certainly made things interesting.”

Allen continued admiring the sunset, then turned her way again. “I certainly had a good time and enjoyed meeting you and your friends.” He smiled.

Her smile grew as she looked at him. “Well, I know they enjoyed meeting you, just as I have.” She stood beside him again. The last of the red embers of the sunset had faded.

“Well, it looks like night has officially fallen.” Allen gave a nod.

Twilight placed a hoof to her chin. “Hmm, Allen, I have a question for you.” She turned his way.

He smiled, turning to face her. “What is it?”

“Do you like astronomy…uh, err, I mean stargazing?” She grinned sheepishly, forgetting that she sometimes uses overly large words that others may not know.

Allen’s face lit up. “You bet I do. Astronomy is part of my major in college…well it was the science that seemed to offer the most creative aspect. But yes, I love stargazing.”

She gave a nod. “Then follow me.”

Twilight led Allen upstairs to her loft. He gave it a thorough look, noticing it was quite spacious. There was a nice size window to his left and to his right her bed with a stylish blue blanket covered with moons and stars. There was a mirrored vanity with drawers and a lone chair on the other side of the bed. Glancing behind him, Allen saw a shelf with more books neatly arranged. Then, as they rounded the right side of the bed, there was a door that Twilight opened, which led to another set of stairs.

“Here we go.” Twilight smiled brightly. “Up here.”

The stairs led to a small treetop balcony and there resting behind the guardrail was a rather large telescope. “Oh wow, that’s some telescope.”

She giggled a little as she stood beside it. “Yeah, well we could have used the one we passed on the way up to my loft, but this one’s a lot stronger.”

“Sweet.” Allen craned his head around, taking in the nighttime vista. “Wow, this is some view you have up here.”

Twilight chuckled and held her hoof up toward Ponyville. “If you think this is something, you should see it during the day.”

“I can imagine.” Allen continued admiring the view of Ponyville’s nocturnal lighting. “The town looks very picturesque.”

“I couldn’t agree more. In fact, that’s how I’ve come to feel about Ponyville, since I arrived here a little over three years ago.” Twilight smiled in the dark as she met Allen’s gaze over the town. She turned to the human and held up an energetic hoof. “Now why don’t I show you this telescope in action?”

Allen rubbed his hands together and grinned. “Yes, let’s.”

“Hmm, let me just check something…” Twilight looked around, then she licked the edge of her hoof and held it up. “Yeah, just as I thought, no wind, perfect.” Twilight walked over to a small table that had a white candle resting in a special golden holder. Her horn lit up with a raspberry glow as the candle sparked to life. A smooth orange flame flickered faintly as it bathed the area in its welcoming light. “There we go.”

“Wha?” Allen’s eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. “H-how did you d-do that?”

“Hmm?” Twilight looked at Allen and followed his pointing hand to the candle. She giggled as she looked back at him. “Oh, you mean light the candle?”

Allen nodded stiffly. “Yeah, how’d you do that? Your horn lit up…and then poof, the candle lit.” He blinked as he placed a hand along his chin. “It was almost like magic.”

“Actually,” Twilight began, a note of pride in her voice. “It was magic.”

“No way!” Allen all but gasped as he continued catching flies. “You can do magic…and you’re saying magic exists in your world?”

She nodded. “Uh-huh.” Twilight chuckled, placing a hoof over her mouth. “Forgive me, it’s just I’m guessing from your reaction you’ve never seen magic before?”

“Nope. Earth has no real magic. It only exists in legends and fantasy.” Allen explained, still spellbound at Twilight’s ability.

“Well, we could talk about magic in my world.” Twilight sighed. “Only, it’s a rather involved topic. And I’d really like to show you some of the marvels in Equestria’s night sky.” She softly bit her lower lip. “Could we discuss magic tomorrow?”

Allen smiled, it was still a bit shocking that Twilight could do magic, but after giving what Twilight said some thought, he didn’t want to quash her enthusiasm. “Sure we can always discuss magic on our way to the mountains tomorrow.” He stood beside her and smiled. “And seeing how excited you are, I’d really like to see what your night sky has to offer.”

She clapped her hooves together. “Wonderful. Now let me set up the telescope.”

Twilight made several adjustments to the telescope as she got things ready for Allen. While she did that, he craned his head upward and studied the brightest stars, but as he noticed shapes and patterns in them, none of them looked familiar. Wow, more proof I’m really not on Earth anymore. The night sky is even different.

* * * * * *

Twilight made a slight adjustment to the telescope. “There, now tell me what you see.”

“Okay.” Allen gave a hard look through the eyepiece. “Huh… Is that a planet?” He asked sounding almost awestruck.

She giggled softly and nodded as he looked at her. “Yes. It’s one that was found not to long ago from a pony in Canterlot. It’s one of the more distant planets in our solar system.”

“What’s it called?” Allen asked, simply amazed at both the similarities and differences of their worlds.

“Quintus.” Twilight replied. “Don’t ask me the reason they named it that.”

Allen nodded glancing up at the sky again. “I have to say, I’m not use to seeing so many stars at night. Back on Earth, the sky above my apartment doesn’t really show too many stars. Just the brighter ones and some of the constellations.”

Twilight joined him looking skyward. “Well, I’m glad I could share this with you.” She pointed to one of the closer constellations. “Do you remember what I told you that one is?”

He followed her hoof and did recognize the group of stars that made a crude figure that resembled an alicorn. “Oh yeah, that’s the constellation of Luna, right? Named after one of the princesses?”

“That’s right. And Allen?” Twilight looked at him with a sweet expression.

“Yeah?”

“I’m glad we could do this. It’s been fun.”

“It sure has.” Allen let out a yawn and stretched his arms over his head.

“Getting tired?” Twilight asked. He nodded blankly. “Then, we can call it a night. It’s starting to get late anyway.”

The night air was becoming increasingly nippy. Twilight doused the candle as she and Allen went back into her loft. The human stretched and let out a longer hearty yawn. “Those were some amazing sights to see.”

Twilight smiled as she closed the door to the rooftop stairs. “I’m glad you had a good time.”

“You better believe it!” He nodded enthusiastically. “I really liked the “Horse Head Nebula”. That was just amazing, and your telescope made it seem so close, I almost thought I could reach out and touch it.”

Twilight laughed at his enthusiasm as she walked over to her bed, while Allen started looking around. “So where did Spike set up your spare…oh.”

“Yeah, I hope this is okay.” Twilight held up a hoof and presented her spare bed to Allen. It was resting right across from hers, the foot end of each bed facing one another, with a gap of no more than four feet between them. “This is one of the best places for it. I set this up here for Rarity and Applejack a few years ago when we had a slumber party.”

Allen placed his hand on his chin, then he yawned again. “It certainly looks comfy. But…are you sure I won’t be invading your privacy this way?”

Twilight blinked a little curiously at him, then she shook her head. “No, why would think otherwise?”

He shrugged his tired shoulders. “Eh, just thinking about your comfort. But if you’re cool with it.”

She smiled. “Of course I am. Oh, and if you need to use the bathroom, it’s just behind the door at bottom of the steps to my loft. Right now, I think I’m just gonna…” Twilight flopped on her bed and somehow managed to work her way under the sheets. “Yeah…this is nice.”

Allen just chuckled as he removed his long sleeve shirt. He set his phone, his kindle and the charger on a small recess along one of the bookshelves. Then, he placed his shirt somewhere out of the way, followed by his shoes and his socks. Placing his hand on the zipper of his jeans, Allen paused. He swayed his head a little before unzipping and unbuttoning his pants. It felt a little awkward dressing down in front of Twilight. Even though she was a unicorn, something about her presence made him feel more like he was around a girl than a pony.

“Mmm, can I turn off the light?” Twilight asked half asleep.

“Uh, one sec.” Allen just dropped his pants, and tucked them over with his other clothing. Then, he turned back the covers and laid down, making his way to the far side. “Okay,” he answered pulling up the sheets and blanket. He figured it wasn’t that big of a deal. After all, this was going to be his only night in her world anyway. After they get the recall rod back, he’d be homeward bound.

Twilight turned off the lamp and let out another yawn. “G-good night, Allen. Sleep…zzzzz.”

Allen snickered quietly at Twilight’s tired antics. He turned on his side and let his head sink into the plush pillow, and before he had time to think or worry, he quickly drifted off to sleep.

* * * * * *

Allen wasn’t sure where he was. At first everything seemed dark, then he noticed a light and found himself in a grassy field, near a very familiar oak tree. “I know this place.” Walking over to it, he smiled grandly. “Grandpa! What’re you doing here?”

The elder man chuckled, turning around to greet Allen. “There you are, my boy.”

“Wow, I can’t believe you’re here.” Allen’s smile grew. “I thought you passed away years ago, but here you are.”

Allen’s grandfather chuckled and pushed up his glasses. “I’m always here. You can’t get rid of me that easily.”

“But, grandpa, I’m trapped in a different world and don’t know if I can find a way home.”

His grandpa reached out and patted his shoulder, before he chuckled again. “That’s the funny thing about home, Allen. It’s not always what you think it is. And no matter where you go in life, just remember what I’ve always told you.”

“Yeah, I remember.” Allen smiled.

“Anytime you are unsure. Simply ask yourself, “How do you want to be remembered?” And I know you’ll always find your way home or to whatever path life has in store for you, my boy.”

Allen smiled and nodded. “Of course, grandpa. I treasure your advice and love your stories.”

“That’s why you’ve always been my favorite grandchild.” He leaned close to Allen and whispered, “Just don’t tell the others I said that. They might get a little jealous.” His grandfather winked and laughed again.

“I won’t, grandpa, I promise.” Then as Allen began wondering if he was dreaming or not, he figured this was a great opportunity to give his grandpa a long overdue hug. He reached out his arms and wrapped them around his grandfather. For a moment he felt his grandpa’s warm and weathered body through the smooth texture of his shirt. A few tears pooled in his eyes just as his grandfather vanished. “No! Grandpa…please come back.”

Allen cried out as the tears rolled down his cheeks. Then, things shifted. Glancing around, he saw a grouping of colorful tents on an open plain and there was a warm wind blowing the flags that stood at their summits. He looked around and noticed what looked like wooden crates and racks of weapons, older weapons that he’d never seen before.

Just as he went to get a closer look, he heard the oddest footsteps and heard a voice call out, “Captain, we have to move our forces out, the enemy is preparing to move against us.”

Allen blinked as heard more strange footsteps and other sounds of movement. Then a second voice declared, “We must stand together!”

Shouting voices briefly filled the air and a chill wind began to blow. Then, Allen heard another voice, a lovely and elegant feminine one call to him, “Allen, please…don’t go!”

Then the words of his grandfather echoed in the wind. “How do you want to be remembered…remembered…remembered…”

“Grandpa!”

Everything went dark as Allen tore from his sleep and found himself alone in the darkness. “What the heck was that?” He whispered a little louder than he realized.

Then, he heard Twilight moan within her sleep and mumble. “Mmm, that’s the constellation of Luna.”

He furrowed his brow in the darkness, before remembering where he was.

Twilight spoke again from within her slumber. “You like it? Good…ah, I like it too. I-it’s one of my…fav…favorites.” She let out an adorable squeaky yawn and became silent, except for the faintest snoring that mixed with her breathing. Allen found the sound oddly soothing.

Now that he knew where he was, Allen took a moment to reflect on his dream, but he just shook his head. “Stupid dreams. Why do they…” he began to grumble softly as he covered up again and yawned. “H-have to b-be so strange?” Allen let his head sink deeper into the pillow. “Mmm, I think I’m just really tired. Lousy dragon, chase me will you…” With his final words mumbled, Allen feel back to sleep.

Author's Note

That's chapter 3, I hope you all enjoyed it. There is a lot more to come.

Now, a little bit of fun trivia for all of you:

The only reference I could locate for Spike's freshly baked homemade triple-decker nut crazy vanilla cream cookies was in the beginning of Season 1 Episode 24 - "Owls Well That Ends Well". I checked the Friendship is Wiki episode guide, the fan's guide book and quite a few other MLP FIM links on Google, but the only place I could find the actual name was in the episode. I had to watch the part of the beginning scene where Spike mentions the name of his cookies at least 20 times to get the complete name correct.