“Twilight, what is the meaning” I point toward the collar in Spikes hand. “Of this?”

Oh boy here we go

“Spike what did you tell him?” Twilight frantically glances between the two of us, now wide awake.

Spike walks toward Twilight, collar still in hand, “I told him what you told me, it’s for his protection” he proceeds to hand her the collar and turns toward the door leading down into the library. “This isn’t my problem, plus I promised Rarity I’d help her today so I’m off” Spike finishes and scurries out the room.

My focus goes from that squirmy lizard back to Twi who is slowly backing away before realizing she had been caught. “Twilight? I need an answer”

“It’s... it’s for your safety, you have to wear it to nullify the effects of your magic. It’s dangerous to you, and Celestia said it even could be dangerous to others” Still holding the collar she extends her hoof outward toward me. Her gaze still shifted toward the floor, a light blush across her face. “I know it’s awkward but... It’s to protect you”

I go through a mixed bad of emotions. Protect me? That wasn’t just a one time thing? “Twilight surely I’m fine if we don’t try to draw my magic out right? I mean it was just that one instance, I’m not going to suddenly start using magic I mean I don’t even know how” I say while taking the collar.

She became visibly more uncomfortable, shifting her legs back and forth as she remained there. “Please don’t get angry at me but, last night the accident came with more complications than we originally thought”

A familiar feeling of nausea stirs within me, I almost started the day without it, lucky me.

“When we, when I tried to draw out your magic, I felt something blocking me s-so I j-just, you know, forced it out of the w-way... I didn’t know it was holding your magic back! I swear!” Her eyes meeting mine now, wide with fear. She knows she fucked up, I know she fucked up, why wouldn’t she just stop when there’s something stopping her or even ask me for permission first?

“Twilight! What, what are you saying? What did you do?” I’m practically fuming now, I haven’t been here two weeks and now I have some sort of dangerous magic leaking out of me? “Am I radioactive? I don’t understand can’t you just, I don’t know...” I start pacing around the room. Twilight remains still focused on me as I walk back and forth collar still in hand. “Will I die if I don’t wear it?” It feels like I’m going to die anyway depending on her answer.

“Celestia sent me a letter on what she thinks it might be while you were asleep and that it shouldn’t kill you but... it causes something we haven’t seen in Equestria in decades”

“So she knows how to treat it? I’m fine right?”

“It causes severe depression, mood swings, sickness, insomnia and even... suicide” As she reads off the symptoms, we have completely opposite reactions. While Twilight has tears form in her eyes as she struggles to speak, I exhale in relief.

That’s it? I’ve beaten depression before, and insomnia? Beat it every night! This is nothing, I’ll be fine. “Twilight that’s it?” I put my hand against my chest and close my eyes to catch my previous held breathe. While still worried about being a walking Chernobyl, I began to calm down... somewhat.

To say Twilight was confused would be an understatement, she was baffled. “Wh-what do you mean! Depression is terrible! And no pony has ever committed su- done that in years! I hurt you and I can’t fix it! I-I I-I...” she bursts into tears. I frown and walk over to her and kneel down giving a hug.

“I’m telling you it’s not a big deal for humans, we deal with depression all the time, and insomnia? I already have it”

After some time her crying dies down some she manages to say a little more. “b-but that’s not it.. you could give it to other ponies if you aren't careful” She looks to me tears still brimming in her eyes, wet streaks across the side of her face. She looks like a mess. “We can’t tell anypony, they would be scared of you. We just have to keep it a secret between us”

She’s right, this could be a huge problem if anyone found out, I’d be like a depression gun pointed at any pony close everywhere I went. These ponies can’t handle that shit, they’re too innocent. I look to the collar in my hand. “Is there like, a bracelet I could wear or something because I really don’t want to wear a collar Twi” Just so you the reader know, just because everyone here is a pony doesn’t mean that wearing collars is any different than wearing one in public on Earth. It’s straight cringy and embarrassing, also comes off as your sexual preference if your into that kind of stuff.

“It has to be a collar, a individuals magic stems from their brain, even unicorns who use magic through their horn have it sent from their head. You stop the flow of magic at the neck so it doesn’t resonate through your body and out around you” Twilight had calmed down as this nerdy talk seemed to take her focus away from the problem at hand for a moment.

“Does it have to say property of Twilight Sparkle? I mean that’s a bit much”

Twilight looks down to the collar, it does indeed have that engraved into the metal tag attached. “Oh, sorry. It’s an old collar for if I ever had a familiar. I’ll remove that” she says with a giggle.

“Well I’m glad your starting to cheer up, just wish it wasn’t at the expense of my sex life’s privacy”

Twilight gives a light smile, empathy still showing on her face as she removed the tag and hands me the collar. It’s black with with a silver buckle to connect it together, it’s material is that of a typical cat collar, some sort of thread. Lord kill me now. I take the collar and walk toward the bathroom while Twilight hesitantly follows pursuit. While in front of the mirror I place the collar around my neck and admire my new reality. My face flushed as I can only briefly look at my appearance before removing the collar and walking past a careful Twilight. I sit back at the very same couch that witnessed last nights incident. “Twilight I can’t do this” My face in my hands as my elbows rest on my knees. I pull down across my face in frustration and look at Twilight for some comfort.

“I’ll do my best to explain to everyone it’s for your safety! And I won’t tell anyone about your issue being contagious. It shouldn’t matter as long as you wear it”

My focus goes to the window. I can’t will myself today to go outside with that on, I need to build up the confidence. I sit there contemplating what to do next. I can’t bother Twilight all day, she has to run the library, and I can’t stay in the library if this shits contagious, what if I give it to some random pony that shows up? Wait, why is Twilight okay with me not wearing it now? She’s at risk as we speak! “Why aren’t you worried about being near me? Can’t it cause you problems?”

She shakes her head no, “the elements and princesses seem unfazed by its affects, not sure why but, your okay not wearing it when it’s just me or the others around”

“What about Spike? Can I tell him that I’m dangerous or whatever? Is he at risk if I don’t wear it?”

“Dragons are generally magic resistant so he should be fine however, if he tells Rarity because you know he tells her everything, she will tell the whole town! Listen, I love Rarity, she’s a great friend, buts she’s a champion gossiper”

Okay, so I can’t tell Spike, noted. I look back at the collar, he’s going to ask why I’m not wearing it if it’s for my safety so shits pretty much on always no matter what huh. I need to clear my head this is too much for one day let alone two hours. Even though I despise being in public, I need to go somewhere private and I know just the place. “I need to go clear my head, do you mind if I-“

“Go right ahead, the library is open today so I’ll be busy, you know where to find me”

I nod and put the collar in my pocket, standing up I advance toward the door stopping just before heading out to turn toward Twi. “Hey Twilight? She looks back to me still dragging her hooves some. “I just need some time, I’m not the one to hold a grudge” I finish and head outside in search of some damn peace. I go to where I was first found in Equestria, over a few hills just a little bit from Fluttershy’s in an open field. A small pond resides right next to the hill with the Everfree just a few yards away from the other side of the water. Thankfully on my trip I only see a few ponies before I reach my destination. I lay back on the side of the hill and look toward the clouds, letting a deep sigh escape my lips. “This is been a long day already” It’s wonderful out however, somewhere around 70 with light wind coming in spurts. The sun shines clearly with few interruptions as there are almost no clouds to ruin its display. Personally I prefer the moon and the stars but, ever so often you need some sunshine to give you energy otherwise your crusin for a brusin when your missing out on that sweet vitamin D, emphasis on the D.

I lay there for a while, it’s nice, almost nice enough to forget the collar residing in my pocket. Before I know, I fall asleep. I don’t know how much time passes before I suddenly awakened by a feeling of a chilly breeze across my body. I open my eyes to see a single cloud in the sky perfectly positioned above me. It looks weird. Is this one of Dash’s pranks? It remained still oddly enough l, not moving from its position at all. I shift my self slightly over back into the suns rays only for the cloud to follow me in my movement. “DASH CUT THAT SHIT OUT AND GET DOWN HERE!” Of course after I say this the shadow of a pony above looks down on my figure. I stand up crossing my arms, I’m not in the mood today. Dash however, is clearly in the mood for ‘screwing with Joe’ as she bullets downward only to slowdown at the last second to avoid killing me as she tackles me down the hill.

“That was good wasn’t it!” Dash proudly remarks while sitting atop my stomach legs on either side of me while resting her hoofs on my lower chest.

“Jesus Dash what the fuck!”

She’s taken aback from my outburst as her usually pranks never get me this riled up, at least not this quick. Her ears go flat against her head and as she runs her forleg with her other hoof. “Sorry, I just wanted to get you back for the other day..”

I regret my action immediately seeing how it affected her. “Dash look, alright I’m sor- do you mind getting off me real quick this is super awkward” I blush as she’s practically riding me.

“Oh oops” she blushes lightly while she climbs off to rest right beside me.

“Anyways, I’m sorry I’ve just had a really long day and apparently I have to wear this fucking collar now” I explain while removing the collar from my pocket and show it to Dash.

This intrigues her as a big grin finds its way across her face. Don’t say it, don’t you dare say it.

“I didn’t know you were into that kind of thing...”

“Dash I’ll drown you right in that pond over there”

“Well you say you have to wear it so why aren’t you wearing it? Put it on!” She mischievously grins.

I blush heavily. “No, absolutely not. Definitely not in front of you”

“Well why do you have to wear it?”

“It’s for my, ‘safety’” I say while preforming air quotes with my fingers on both hands. I mean technically it is for my safety but, if I let Dash know It was that important she might get me to put it on, and don’t think I’m selfish for not wearing it, it’s just for today that I want to build confidence into putting it on. I’m also counting on Twilight telling some peop- ponies, before hand so it’s not so embarrassing.

“Hmm, well what if I did something for you, and in repayment, you have to put it on?”

“Well I can’t imagine you’ll do anything like that for me seeing how your gay and all”

Rainbows face turns beat red as she punches my arm. “I’m not gay! Stop saying that!” That one seems to always get her. I laugh to myself pleased with my success at making her lose her cool.

Still red, Rainbow smirks, “I mean if that’s want you want...” facing away from me clearly embarrassed by her own words.

I become flushed myself at this point, shocked at her response. She starts to laugh, “I’m kidding! You should see your face!”

“I knew you were joking, just didn’t think you had it in you to say something like that. I’m really rubbing off on you. Also I don’t think I could do anything like that with a pony I mean, just seems really weird”

“Well that’s awfully xenophobic of you and also I won’t lie, I do find your tactics working better than anything I’ve tried” We both chuckle to ourselves.

Well here we are just shooting the shit, out in a field. Honestly, this isn’t that bad, I mean definitely beats yesterday and this morning. Rainbow is the only pony it seems to keep composure enough to fire shots back and sometimes that’s all I need to feel like things are normal again. Maybe all I needed was a distraction.

“Thank you Dash”

“Huh? For what?” She asks while meeting my gaze.

“For cheering me up, your a good friend”

Her smile widens as I can almost visibly see her head swelling from her now inflated ego. “I mean, what do you expect! I’m the coolest pony you’ll ever meet”

I smile back, she sure is a strange cat. “If your the coolest than ponies standards for coolness must be really laaaameeeee” I say talking with the side of my mouth, avoiding eye contact.

She doesn’t take the bait, rather she turns he conversation back to the object still in my hand. “What if I bought you something to eat, then you wear the collar”

Frustrated with her persistence, I’m left with a decision, I can get something out of wearing it today or push it back til tomorrow. I look at the collar.

Its just a collar, come on man the fuck up!

“Alright two condition, you buy me what I want AND your not allowed to laugh”

“What if I laugh?” She smirks, clearly planning on laughing.

“I don’t know, are you willing to find out?” I say trying to be intimidating. It’s somewhere along the lines of John Wick and Clint Eastwood however, the only similarity really being that we are all men.

My impression seems to slightly work but, there’s clear intention of laughter still on Rainbows plans for later. I’ll tickle the shit out of her that’ll teach her to laugh at your boy.

“Yea okay big guy, you sure are dangerous. Now what do you have in mind?”

Since I’ve been here, I’ve pretty much had a steady diet of bread and dairy as Twilight has to get meat shipped from the another country before I can have any. Honestly, my choices really are limited. “Let’s just get something sugary and quick, I haven’t had a single treat for myself since coming here. You ponies make ice cream?”

Rainbow looks surprised at my answer, she clearly expected me to gouge her pockets in exchange for her request. “Yea, I actually saw a frozen treats vendor earlier today when I flew over Ponyville!”

Thats oddly convenient, small world I guess. We both sit up and start to head toward Ponyville walking in silence for a bit before Rainbow speaks up. “Hey I just wanted to ask, are you okay? Really? Cause if that collar is for your safety that sounds like somethings wrong”

I rub the back of my neck with my hand, a nervous reflex. “Rainbow you don’t have to worry, I promise I’m fine, trust me. The worst thing about this situation is just the embarrassment really”

Rainbow stops in place for a second and looks to me, some seriousness brews into existence. The only thing we’re missing is some sort musical note to let the audience know there has been a shift in tone. “If it’s really that embarrassing I won’t laugh, and if I could help in any way just say the word”

I’m taken by surprise at Dash’s sincerity, it makes me feel a little warm inside knowing she knows when to pull punches. I hesitantly smile, still uncomfortable with the whole situation. “Thanks Dash, that.. that’s really nice. Actually would you mind telling people that ask questions about me that it’s for my safety? Just say like, I’m allergic to certain types of magic or something”

She smiles back and nods, “pfft that’s it? You got it big guy!” She exclaims while starting back toward our final destination but, not before shouting,“Last one there’s a loooooserrr!” and bursting off in the air. She at least understood that I wasn’t that fast and made sure to stay in my vision.

Wait, what the fuck, I don’t know where we are going? How am I supposed to be anything but the loser!

I run after Dash trying to keep up, knowing she could easily blow me in the dust. After running for a minute or two, Dash lands to the ground in front of the frozen treat vendor. He’s a burly unicorn, gray in color with thick bright blue hair. His braided mane almost looks like a couple of ice cream scoops and his cutie mark was that of a blue snow cone. He stood behind his frozen cart wearing a slightly used apron and black large glasses. What a goofy looking fellow, honestly kinda normal in this world. Dash noticed me finally catch up and waited for me to catch my breath.

“Welp looks like some pony is today’s big loser” She points out with a smug look across her face.

“D-Dash there... there was no way ...... I could win.. when I don’t even know where to go!”

She laughs, “Bwaha well maybe next time champ”

“Your a sore loser I bet”

“Can’t be a sore loser... if your a winner” She winks and turns back to the vendor, there’s a small line in front of us.

“Doesn't Pinkie work at a sugar place or whatever? Couldn’t we have gone there?”

“And miss out on Prench ice cream?”

Prench ice cream? Prench? What?

I look around the line, sure enough the word Prench is labeled on the cart. “Dash what does Prench mean?”

She looks at me with disbelief, “Um, you know the city of Prance?”

I look back at her with ‘are you fucking kidding me’ written across my face. “Dash I’ve been here for like two weeks how am I supposed to know what Prance is?”

The realization sets in, “oh, guess your right” she says sheepish with a cheeky grin.

“Whatever, do they got got chocolate chip cookie dough?” If you don’t think that’s the best ice cream than you need a new tongue.

Eventually after discussing flavors for a bit and waiting in line it becomes our turn. We both say our flavors, Dash choosing mint chocolate chip, the vendor asks for the bits. Dash reaches toward her hip only to realize she not wearing a saddle bag. Realizing her mistake she turns to me slowly as I’m already beginning to pay with the allowance Twilight gives me. It’s some pay I’m afforded to for the time being until I can figure out my situation and acclimate better with ponies. I briefly drop a bit and go to pick it up at the same time the vendor uses his magic on it. It’s awkward like bumping hands, I pull away. “Sorry about that”

“Your fine Mr, enjoy your ice cream!” He shouts while me and Dash move from the cart.

I walk with Dash to the closest bench in town ignoring the constant looks I get due to my strange appearance. I mean I’d look too if there was a giant pony walking around town back on Earth.

“Dash you owe me... make it 3 meals now, how’s that sound?”

She frowns a little. “Alright, alright...”

We sit for a moment both enjoying out ice cream. Dash looks to me before asking, “Are you still going to put on the collar? You don’t have to I just feel kinda bad about making you pay”

I look to Dash, not showing much emotion to my face, “I’m going to have to start wearing it anyway. Apparently I have magic but, it’s not safe for my body so I actually need to wear it. That collar supposedly stops it from harming me”

Dash starts to look a little worried but quickly remembers what I said earlier, I’d be okay. I appreciate her not pushing anymore on the subject, if I wanted to say more I would. I really hate getting all sappy and emotional, makes me uncomfortable.

As I continue at my ice cream, I realize I haven’t really ate much in the past two days and only eating this sugar is likely going to give my stomach trouble, I’ll have to eat something when I get back to Twilights. I’m lost in thought when Dash interrupts the silence.

“Does it bother you? Like, ponies always looking at you?” She asks in a lone tone.

I glance away from Rainbow to notice that a few ponies were looking my way. My own shift in attention drawing them back to their duties, trying not to be caught taking a peak at me.

“Yea, honestly it does but, nothing I can really do to change it. I mean I’d look too if there was a big alien walking around Dash. I guess it’s just awkward getting all this unwanted attention”

I didn’t tell her the whole truth. To be completely honest, I hate attention and I find public situations to be tiring. This new popularity I have causes me to always be on guard, trying not to give any misinterpreted actions or any mistake that could cause me difficulty fitting in. With my arrival being so recent, the towns ponies are pretty much gauging me for who I am. Let’s just hope I can get on their good side because I’m not exactly good with confrontation either. I couldn’t let Dash know all this of course as I worry she could treat me differently, maybe even try to change the way behaves just so I’m comfortable and that’s not okay with me. I’ll be the one to adapt, it’s their world.

“Well I guess I’ll have to become a wonderbolt then become more famous than you! That way we both win, ponies will focus away from you and I’ll get to be a wonderbolt!” She stands up while she says this on the tips of her hooves with one hand saluting and the other still holding her cone.

I chuckle, “Didn’t you already plan on being a wonderbolt? It was like one of the first things you told me? You were like ‘I’m Rainbow Dash, fastest flyer in Equestria and future wonderbolt’!” I mock with an extra girlier voice.

“That doesn’t even sound like me”

“ThAt DoEsN’t eVeN sOuNd LiKe mE”

She punches my arm.

“Ow... jeez okay okay” I use my off hand to motion settle down, if your confused on what I mean by that, imagine I’m pushing something down with a flat hand away from me.

“Also that sounds like a good idea, I’d like that” We both smile and laugh for a little bit before finishing off our treats. I stand up and face Rainbow. “Well what now? I’ve got nothing to do today and you clearly seem to be in the same boat so...?”

“Well you could watch me practice some of my new tricks I’ve been working on!”

A laugh, not because I think the idea is stupid or something but because it’s such a childish sounding question. I really am in a different world, I hope everyone back home is okay. I had friends and family left behind, no relationships when I was forced away thankfully. I instinctively frown while letting my body slump a little, Dash takes notice.

“Watching me practice bums you out that much huh?”

I snap back to reality, “What? Sorry no, I’ll watch you. I was just thinking about what I left behind”

Understanding that I’m mentally beating myself down she takes initiative and grabs my hand pulling me in the direction of her normal training grounds, an open field somewhat close to where she found me earlier today. “Well you shouldn’t waste time worrying about something you can’t change”

It’s the second time she surprised me today. “That’s an awfully wise statement coming from you, where’d ya hear that?” I ask while trying to ignore the looks I’m getting from other ponies from holding Dash’s hand. They seem mostly relieved to see a pony dragging me around, probably makes them feel safer knowing Dash can rough me me up.

“Honestly I don’t remember, but pretty cool huh?”

I laugh, “You know Rainbow, your surprisingly a very affable pony”

She looks back at me completely lost. “It means your easy to talk to” I say while booping her once in the nose. She flinches and frowns.

“What’s your deal with poking my nose? You’ve done that a few times now since we’ve first met, is it like a human thing?

I smile, “Well you ponies are pretty cute, I can’t help it sometimes”

She blushes, I’m assuming she took it the wrong way thinking I called her individually cute which, in a way is correct. I find ponies adorable, that’s a better word but I already said cute aloud so that’s the word I’m stuck with, don’t take it the wrong way. I don’t find them sexually attractive as my brain just isn’t wired to see them as mates, that’s not me saying that I could never see myself in a relationship with one in the future but rather currently, it would be difficult.

She let’s go of my hand embarrassed by my answer but thankfully we’ve arrived at the spot. Turning to face me she says, “Now be honest when I finish a trick what you would rate it” and proceeds to fly into the air, announcing each tricks name before preforming it.

I sit there and watch for a while giving my own opinion here and there, sometimes giving ideas of what might look better or what I think looks good. This goes on for a bit before we find ourselves laying on our backs in the field staring up into the sky. By now I’m exhausted, probably from social anxiety of earlier or the fact I’ve barely eaten in 24 hours and Dash appears to be spent as well after going for quite a bit.

It’s funny that even though I’m lost, like universally lost with no return and an uncertain future, I can still find comfort in the little things like hanging out with a friend. I can genuinely say Dash is my friend when I think about it, the others besides Twilight and Spike I might refer to as friends for their sake but, I really don’t know them. They really don’t know me either and yet they welcomed me with open arms calling me their friend within the first day, me, a complete stranger. I feel kinda like shit when I think about it, I mean I really owe them all for helping. Maybe I should build up my goodwill with these ponies and payback my new crew for their hospitality at the same time.

The little cyan pony beside me, startles me from my thoughts with her sudden movement to yawn. “I’m really beat, I think I’m going to call it in for today” She stands up while stretching, “Your a pretty chill guy you know that? Your almost cool”

I chuckle, “Gee thanks Dash, I was just gonna say something nice but I don’t really know now...” I try to edge her into admitting I’m as the kids say, cool.

“Okaaayyyy.... your kinda... cool” She says the last word while wincing as if it physically hurt to say.

“Thanks Dash!” I say with a huge grin. “But seriously you’ve been a great friend to me, and... I’m so bad with this stuff. I appreciate you, really. I don’t know how to show it but, if you ever need anything you can count on me” As I start my sentence I struggle to maintain eye contact only to reaffirm myself by the end and get my point across.

My words clearly seem to hit home as Rainbow refrains from any snarky comment and instead settles for holding out her hoof toward me.

Ah yes, nonverbal communication. I meet Rainbows hoof with my clenched fist, a ‘hoofbump’ if you will. We exchange our goodbyes, as she flys off into the evening sky. I should really head back now, I don’t want Twilight to think I had some lasting affects that took me out while I was gone. I start my walk back to the tree home. On the way back I notice I’ve caught the eye of a rough looking stallion, likely a farmhand of some sort based off his dirty clothing and overalls.

“You watch were you stare creature, and stay away from our mares, we don’t need any more of your ugly kind around here” He finishes while spitting to the side.

Not only does that make no sense seeing how humans and ponies are completely different species but, wow he’s incredibly stereotypical, like incredibly similar to any racist farmer troupe. I move my gaze away and flip him the bird while walking, I can’t afford to cause any trouble as much as I’d love to kick his fucking jaw in.

Now I said before, most of the ponies I’ve met have been wonderful however, every society still seems to have its heros no matter where you go. I try to ignore the other stares from ponies as I hustle back, it begins to make me very uncomfortable without a distraction. I start to worry about having a another panic attack like when I first arrived, nobody should see me like that. Thankfully I reach Twilights before there’s any issues, walking in and waving to Twi as I pass her helping a pony in the library. I head up the stairs into the kitchen to find some leftovers from lunch, some sort of steamed vegetable mix. I get to frying it up when I notice Spike at my side.

“So... how’d everything go with the whole collar thing?”

I sigh, “Bad. I’m going to start wearing it tomorrow so just do me a favor and please don’t mention it”

He gives me a thumbs up while chewing on a gemstone he got from the drawer. He’s really eating that? How does he even digest it, let alone shit it out? You know what, I don’t want to know.

I finish fixing up my meal and enjoy it next to the crackling of the chimney fire. It’s very peaceful here but generally much more boring than my previous life. The only way to really pass the time is to either work or hang out with someone and that involves being social which takes energy and I’m lazy. I finish my meal and clean my mess before going back to the couch to take a nice after meal nap, a great experience every time. Now that I think about it, I fell asleep earlier without any issue. I also have been full of energy I don’t normally have, it’s almost like I’m on some sort of drug. I’ll just have to mention it to Twilight once she closes up for the night. I drift away into the void.

I awaken, as something makes noise across the room, nightfall consuming the the entirety of the home beside the chimney fire. I shake myself awake looking for the cause of disturbance, squinting to get a better look. A darkened figure looms from the entrance only to form a light from its peak, it’s Twilight. She lights the many candles in the house at once giving life back to the room. She must’ve just closed. A nagging feeling tugs at my head, I’m forgetting to do something. I try to conjure up whatever it was while Twilight notices me on the couch and makes her way toward me.

“Hey, how are you feeling?”

Oh I remember! Feeling suspiciously well suddenly! “That reminds me, I’ve actually been feeling really good lately, I haven’t even had trouble sleeping. Plus today I was full of energy after a little nap, like more than normal” I say starting with a tone of excitement only to develop into confusion. The realization starting to sink in, maybe this isn’t a good thing, especially coming right after my incident. “Do you think I should be worried or something? Just seems kinda weird after... you know”

Twilight seems happy for me but also shares in my concern, “Well I’m glad your feeling better, maybe we should just wait and see if there’s any other changes or if things stay the same. I still feel bad on what I did yesterday so let’s try to avoid any unnecessary testing” Twilight frowns while looking off in the distance clearly in thought.

I share her sentiment. “Yea that sounds like a good idea” She sits down looking toward the fire, silence fills the from for a bit. A tension fills the air, this is awkward, I don’t know what to talk about after what happened earlier today still lingering.

“Are you mad at me?” Twilight asks.

Well I guess we might as well get it out the way now. “No... well yes and no. I mean I’m still frustrated you didn’t ask me permission to force your way into my magic or whatever but, you do so much for me already that this one mistake shouldn’t ruin our friendship”

“What I did was terrible though! I endangered you and now I have to ask you to degrade yourself for others wearing that collar just because I couldn’t sway my stupid curiosity” She looks away.

Sounds pretty bad when you put it that way. “Don’t beat yourself up, I mean it wasn’t entirely your fault. I said I was willingly going to participate even if the outcome was uncertain. Plus I’m going to be fine Twilight, humans are mentally tough, our kind doesn’t exactly live with harmony”

She still is clearly upset about her actions. Turning to me, I can spot the sorrow behind her eyes.

“I can’t ask you for your forgiveness but I’ll do whatever it takes to make it up to you, I swear”

“It’s fine, look I forgive you okay? We will figure this out together and everyone will be fine. I mean so far I feel better than normal, maybe it’s not the same as whatever Celestia thinks it is, maybe because I’m human it doesn’t affect me?”

“Maybe, I don’t know... I’m just.... I’m sorry” Tears brimming her eyes. I don’t want you to cry again. I scoot over to her and hug her against me, her muzzle into my shoulder.

“It’s okay, it’s okay” I whisper to her. These damn ponies and their emotions. I gotta cheer her up, maybe telling her something about my past will work, something about Earth. “You know, when I lived on Earth, I used to tell myself I was fine and that being depressed was wasting time. How could you not be depressed if you keep letting it rule over you? I would tell myself to cheer up, and that you don’t stand a chance unless you try, that I’d be okay if I tried” My talking draws the ponies head from my shoulder, her eyes focusing on me as I spoke. “It worked somewhat but, one day I realized I still wasn’t happy, that I could force myself to keep going on but for what reason? Going through the motions helps make you feel less worthless yet I still didn’t have a reason to care. That’s when I realized my problem, I wasn’t depressed because I felt worthless, rather I was afraid and assumed that my future was already set. I was afraid of being alone...”

I looked to Twi, her face in a frown but distracted from her previous thoughts. Well that wasn’t cheerful at all what the fuck am I doing? “I’ve never told anyone that before, that I’m scared of being alone. I didn’t mean to make you more sad Twilight but know that since I’ve been here I haven’t felt that fear at all. You girls have been more than helpful, and I feel like I should do something in return”

Sleepily Twilight responds, “Your fine, we don’t need you to pay us ba-“

“I want to” I interrupt. “Let me help, it’ll make me feel better”

“Okay *yawn* I’ll ask the girls what you could do to help out” She finishes while falling asleep leaning onto my shoulder. You precious little pony, all tired out worrying about me, she should spend her energy elsewhere.

I lift her up like a baby and hold her in my arms as I walk toward her bedroom. She looks so peaceful and adorable. I really don’t understand how such a place like Equestria could exist.

I place her under her covers and whisper, “goodnight Twi” before walking out of the room, slowly closing the door behind me. I take the time to extinguish the candles throughout the home and check the fireplace to see if the cover is on. Finally I brush my teeth and head for bed, sleep taking me almost instantly.

Author's Note

If u enjoyed I’m happy I could actually entertain someone even for a few minutes, and if you think my writing is poopy then we have something in common! Any suggestions would help cause I really can’t tell from my perspective what issues I preform as easy as you might see. Anyways hope u enjoyed and if u have any questions I’ll answer them as soon as I can
Also Merry Christmas