Madness in Ponyville Chapter 3

A week or so later...

Ponyville was just starting to hit rush hour with Celestia's morning sun beaming down as Mark headed across to the Carousel Boutique. Rarity had invited over to "Get out of those drab rags." Mark's lip curled up at the side. "'Drab rags'...these were expensive fashionable clothes back home." He scoffed to himself almost bumping into Jasper. "Whoah! Sorry there friend!" They kindly gestured as they past one another. Walking further on Mark started to see familiar faces as the local ponies began their daily routines. "Fascinating." He said softly under his breath.

The smell of fresh pastries caught his nose as the wind blew over from Cupcake Corner, Mark checked the town clock, he still had plenty of time. He checked his pocket for bits, which Twilight had 'loaned' him to help tide him over whenever she wasn't around to pay for various things for him. She had explained to him that she wanted to just give him the bits, however Mark had refused to take a single coin from her unless he could pay her back. After a heated conversation and her calling him a stubborn mule. She finally caved telling him that if that was what he wanted she'd respect his wishes which led to them having some very heated make up sex.

As the town clock struck the hour, Mark took a swift detour and headed for the bakery drooling with the hypnotic smell along the way.
Upon arrival he smiled wide finding there wasn't yet a line out the door. He walked straight up to the counter. "Good morning Mrs Cup Cake! How are you today?" He smiled wide. The blue pony placed a tray down which was full of fresh morning pastries behind the glass counter before straightening up to return his greeting. "Good morning Mark! I'm very well thank you, would you like your usual today?" Mark smiled kindly. Looks like the ponies of this town were catching on to his daily routines too. "Yes please and also... could you pack up whatever breakfast Miss Rarity has also, Please."
She Smiled. "Ohh that's very sweet of you dear, I think she'll appreciate that very much...Now let's see here..." She went to work boxing up their breakfasts as Mark took a seat on the edge of the corner booth whilst he waited. Mark double checked the bits in his pocket counting them out onto the table. He just had enough left for lunch.

"All ready Mark!" She cheerily called over. He picked the pile of bits up before making his way back to the counter and placing down the bits for his breakfast. "Thank you very much, it smells wonderful. And how much for Ms Rarity's do I owe?" Mrs Cup Cake looked up as she mentally counted in her mind. "Um..that will be three bits please." He smiled, passing her four. "Say Mrs Cup Cake, do you know who I can ask to help make a few honest bits around here?" He scratched his head upon dinting his pride. Mrs Cup Cake stopped a moment whilst she thought. "Hmm, I'm not too sure Sweety. Maybe ask at Sweet Apple Acres, they'll have all hooves on deck as the cider seasons about to start. They'll be pleased with all the help they can get too, I'd imagine."
Mark Smiled. "Thanks again Mrs Cup Cake you're an absolute star!" She smiled as her cheeks rosied against her blue fur. "See you later Mrs Cup Cake!" She waved her hoof. "Good luck Mark!" She called out watching him heading back into the busy street.

It wasn't long before Mark arrived at Rarity's boutique, opening the door as the bell rang out. "Breakfast order for Ms Rarity!" He called out looking around the shop for the fashionista. It wasn't long before he heard her hooves cantering towards him. She came bounding from the cove from his right side with a big bright smile on her face. "Mark darling!!" She swung her hooves around him before realising his hands were full and took the boxes off him with her magic as she sniffed at the air. "Did...Did you get breakfast for me?" She licked her lips, staring at him. Mark smiled, taking her chin in his hand. "Yes I did, my elegant chichi."
She swooned at his touch. "Thank you very much darling, you're an absolute gent and I am very grateful for the gesture."
He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek making her blush. "Well, it's the least I can do, I mean you're taking time from your busy schedule to help make me a new outfit."
She batted her eyelashes at him. "Well come on then, we'll eat through here then before I take your measurements...err for your new attire of course." Mark smiled trying not to giggle. "Of course." He retorted. "Lead the way m'lady."

They sat at Rarity's dinette enjoying their breakfasts as they chatted about various clothing ideas. For the most part, it was spent discussing both equine and human fashion designs. They laughed as Mark had to sketch some of the items and the fashionista nearly spat her tea out when Mark attempted to draw an example of lingerie. "You mean the females in your world wear these garments? Surely you tease! Why, it's just a thin layer of material...you'll be able to see straight through...to their…their…"
Her pony mind boggled as she tried to make sense. Mark let out a chuckle patting her on the head. "All the sophisticated ladies pay a lot of money for these sensual garments. Besides, not all of them are see through, we still have some modesty," He chuckled.
Rarity composed herself and finished the last of her tea. "Well that was mind opening. You come from a strange species, Mark, covering up your bodies to look attractive." Mark smiled, giving her another pat.
"Anyway I've kept you waiting long enough Mark, let's see about designing you some new clothes shall we."

Mark stood up off the wooden chair. "I'll follow your lead, m'lady." She blushed as she led the way into her workshop.
As Mark entered the room it was larger than he expected with lots of light beaming in on the extravagant items of clothing. "I like your mannequins, we have similar ones at home." Rarity thought a moment before giggling. "Oh you mean my clothes horse. She smiled warmly.
"Okay Mark, if you can stand right about here and undress...I'll begin taking your measurements." She gathered her tape measure and pins in her magic. "Let's get to it!" She cheerfully said.
Mark looked a bit unsure a moment before kicking off his shoes and dropping his pants.
Rarity's eyes widened as much as her grin upon seeing the human without his clothes on. She gazed at his athletic build, broad shoulders with his strong arms and muscular legs and his girthy....
"Ahem...Rarity, is everything alright?" Mark queried with a raised eyebrow.
She blushed upon realising she'd zoned out ogling him, whilst trying not to fluster she picked up her tools in her magic and stood side him.

She could have stood over by her work desk to take his inside leg measurements with her magic from there, but this was her chance to see Mark up close and personal and she was relishing every moment. She'd been a little jealous about Twilight and Fluttershy getting their hooves on him before her. She couldn't understand what made her feel so giddy whenever he was around her and she knew that if she wasn't careful she would fall for him like a blind roofer.
She snapped back to her senses as he spoke.
Mark cleared his throat. "Say Rarity, I don't suppose you know where I can find some work do you? I hate not being able to pay my own way around here and Twilight keeps playing the princess card, but it still doesn't make me feel any better, you know. Ugh, I'm sorry Rarity, it's just frustrating not being able to earn my own bits."
Rarity sighed, placing her hoof gently on his arm. "I understand darling but don't read too much into it. If you like I could pay you."

Mark looked down at the unicorn for a moment. "Doing what?" He asked. She looked up smiling at him. "Ohh I don't know... maybe an odd job man, as I am a lady you could be my man servant or...maybe, just as my personal playtoy? I am a lady with needs, you know." She dared herself, hoping there would be no serious repercussions.
Mark softly chuckled. "I'll be what? Your playtoy?" Rarity lost her nerve and laughed. "No my sweet darling, I am too much of a lady to do anything like that. I'd rather win you over properly than buy you darling." She chuckled nervously as her bravada quickly wore off.
Mark raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Well I'm pleased you're a good sport, cos the list of pony ladies is growing you know...and if I'm being honest your name is like way waaaay down..." He gestured the length with his hand before laughing out, unable to contain himself. She gave him a quick jab with her hoof. "Oh darling, you tease me something awful!"

"Who says I'm teasing?" Mark giggled receiving another hoof off her. He cupped her face and was about to say something sweet when the whole shop quaked around them followed by rising screams from outside. Mark grabbed his little pony up in his arms getting her to safety underneath her workbench using himself as a shield. Rarity looked at him through his strong arms her heart was racing with adrenaline making her pant. She realised that he was still naked and she was curled up in his arms and she swooned holding him tight. Mark felt her tighten her grip as she held onto him.
'She must be petrified.' He thought to himself. There came another rumble and Mark made sure Rarity was safe. "Shh shhh, you'll be okay here Rarity. Stay here and I'll come get you when it's safe." Before she could say a word about being a magical unicorn or the fact that she was an element of harmony, he ran towards the danger completely naked. She could only bite her lip as she watched his fine physique leap into action...and that fine sculptured ass...a girl could chip a hoof on it.

Mark swung the door of the boutique open as yet another rumble struck. Jasper and a few other ponies were trying to hide behind one of the market stalls. "Jasper, get outta here! Get these ponies somewhere safe!" Suddenly from behind him there was a screeching. Mark turned to see a huge red dragon was charging straight for him. It screeched again belching out fire singeing the street with small embers, Mark stood up and faced it only to realise that he was standing in the middle of the town with not a stitch of clothing on.
His mind raced "Oh shit, what the hell am I going to do now? Fight it off with my dick?? Great thinking Mark! Well done, now you're going to die in the nude like a total freakin' idiot!" He mentally scolded himself.
He took a deep breath and stood up and walked out in front of the beast. "Hey dragon! I'm going to have to ask you to turn your ass around and leave this town and it's fine citizens in peace!"

Then from behind him the mane six galloped up forming a defensive line ahead of him. "Mark get back! Thanks but we can handle this from here!" Twilight called out. Mark was about to interject when the dragon belched it's firey breath again this time at the girls. Mark yelled out before he watching as Twilight's and Rarity's horns cast some sort of protective barrier up around them. Fluttershy called out. "Oh my that's Razor, I wonder what's got him so angry?"
As the dragon grew closer Mark tried to think as fast as he could on a plan. He looked at the surroundings and the rooftops. "Got it!" He excitedly said to himself.
Meanwhile the girls worked on their own plan. "Okay Fluttershy, if you think you can talk Razor down, just be ready in case he doesn't, we don't want you getting hurt." Fluttershy gently beat her wings lifting her hooves off the ground and cautiously made her way to the angry dragon. "Um...Razor...d-do you remember me and my friends? W-we would like to help you if that's possible."
Razor screeched again sending a huge fireball towards the timid pony knocking her to the ground just as Rarity turned her magic to defend her whilst pulling her back into the fold.

Mark gritted his teeth in anger leaping from the roof onto the dragon's back, but as he landed there was a multitude of shrieks as the dragon burst into a cloud of tar black zombie looking ponies with strange wings and ugly green eyes.
"Changelings!" Twilight cried out. As Mark grappled to stay on the changeling's back the others flew straight towards the girls, before anypony could do anything there was a whole cloud of changelings, they engulfed Twilight and Rarity pinning them both to the ground and after an intense grapple and an ear piercing shriek they fled leaving Rarity and Twilight laying motionless without their horns.

As the dust settled everything was eerily calm, only the whimpers from the battle remained. Rarity and Twilight lay unconscious on the hard cold ground. Mark's anger stirred up into rage as he pushed his fingers into the changelings throat. "What did you do?? Give them back their horns you bastard!!" He cried out. The man grappled with the changeling as it tried to dismount him. The changeling screeched out as it soared up into the sky and down, left and right, trying always to get the strange creature off its back.

Mark yelled out and all of a sudden he became a burst of bright light disintegrating the changeling almost instantly. He tumbled to the ground not realising how high the changeling had reached during their grapple. He went weak as the light wore off seeing the ground hurtling towards him before seeing a flash of blue as he lost consciousness.

Back in the Ponyville Hospital

Mark awoke hearing a cascade of sobs and angry outbursts. He struggled to open his eyes when he heard a familiar voice call out. "Hey he's waking up!" Another voice shushed her. "Now, now give me some room so I can check its vitals." The unfamiliar voice asked.
"Hey! He is not an 'it'! He's a jack ass for taking on dragons and changelings with no clothes on! But he's certainly not an it! Got it lady!!" Rainbow Dash snapped at the nurse hovering in her face. Mark sat up to find Dashy full of fire and fury. "Hey Dash, give her a break. It's no big deal." He said calmly. Rainbow Dash flew to his side followed by AJ, Fluttershy and Pinkie. "Fluttershy, how are you still hurt you? How...what's happening with Twilight and Rarity?" Applejack eased him back to his pillow. "Whoah there cowboy, just take it easy alright. One thing at a time." His head was ringing.

Fluttershy stepped forward placing her bandaged hoof on his hand. "I'm okay Mark, I was just grazed a little...but poor Twilight and Rarity...th-their horns..." She began to weep. Dashy and Pinkie comforted her to one side as Applejack stepped in. "What does this taking of the girls horns mean, AJ?" Mark asked. The work pony looked off into the distance somewhere in her mind. "Nuthin' good that's for darn sure."
Mark sat up quickly swinging his legs off the bed his body ached and his head throbbed making him nauseous, but he was too angry. He wanted every changeling to pay for what they done to his girls and he was going to make them pay.

He looked across the ward to see Rarity and Twilight still unconscious with bandages around their foreheads and each hooked up to monitors similar to those of Earth. Mark used the anger and pain he was feeling to stand up as the girls and Nurse Redheart flustered to settle him. Ignoring their concerns he grabbed the underside of his bed and dragged it across the room and placed it between the two unicorns. His head throbbed making him feel as if he was going to pass out. "Just a little more!" He spurred himself on, as he managed to push the three beds into one. Mark just say managed to clamber back onto his bed as sleep took hold, he managed to get out. "AJ...send for the Princesses immediately...we...need...." He fell into unconsciousness.

As the girls flustered Nurse Redheart came cantering back in with Dr Hooves who was ready to sedate the unruly patient only find that the commotion had precipitated with Mark face down, ass up in his hospital gown. "Alright Nurse Redheart let's move it back over here..." The Dr was cut short by Applejack. "Hey now Doc, no need to disrespect, but Mark over there is a 'he' and is just as sentient as us, so please...just have a little respect for him...err please." The orange pony blushed as not wanting any trouble with the Doctor.
Dr Hooves was about to speak when Rainbow Dash flew right up to him nose to nose as if she'd read his mind. "You hear us okay doc? You're not goin' deaf on us are ya? Mark stays right there between our friends...You got that?" She angrily bared her teeth pointing her hoof at Doctor Hooves' chest until he submitted.
"Nopony is going to stop us, we four are going to take turns watching over our friends and when we're not doing that we'll be looking out for more attacks. So if you wanna chip in any time Doc, lemme know...if not stay outta my way." She snarled before flying over to help comfort Fluttershy and support her friends.

Applejack turned to Rainbow Dash hugging into her. "It's been a heck of a day ain't it cowgirl. Mark's right. We urgently need ta get the princess here ta put some sense ta ahl this."
The four friends embraced. "Alright girls let's get to work. I'll take point here till nightfall. Pinkie Pie you get us snacks and then keep watch from the north. Applejack, I need you to get word to the princess and then try to round up a few of the townsfolk to help keep a lookout. And Fluttershy...I need you to rest up. You can stay here with me or you can go home, just make sure you rest okay? She smiled warmly at the timid pony giving her a hug. "C'mon Fluttershy, I'll walk you home!" Pinkie called over to her.
Saying farewell to Applejack and Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy limped out of the hospital into the broken street. The towns folk were out in force repairing the nearby buildings while others were sifting through loose debris for salvage. Fluttershy stopped looking around at her beloved town now in chaos. "I'm going to make them pay." She stated with a quiet yet angered tone.
Pinkie Pie put her arm around Fluttershy. "We'll do it together, but first let's get you home." She said, trying to find her smile.

As the night drew in over the sombre town of Ponyville. Applejack began to flag, her eyes succumbing to sleep as her hat slowly slumped over her face, the front legs of her chair crashed to the ground shocking her out of her slumber. She jumped to her hooves steadying herself as adrenaline fought against the serotonin rushing through her veins. She looked around the room making sure nothing had krept in. She almost jumped out of her skin when Mark rolled over in his bed making a gutteral sound waking himself up with a jolt. "Ugh!...y-you bas...rd...I-I'll...you!....Come back!" He sat upright quickly. Applejack dashed to his side. "Whoah there cowboy, You're dreamin." She softly said easing him back down onto the pillow giving a reassuring smile. "Y'all right now, just get some rest..."

Mark smiled softly at the orange pony. "Me? Looks like you're the one who needs to get some rest." She smiled about to say something witty but a commotion came from the main entrance. AJ leapt in front of the three beds readying to defend her friends from whatever was heading straight for them from the other side of the door.

She gritted her teeth, almost growling, planting her powerful hind legs into the solid floor ready to fight or absorb a blow. Whatever was behind the door she was ready for it. The doors swung open and she leapt forth suddenly before realising it was the Princesses. She aborted her attack crashing down in a half bow at Princess Luna's hooves.

Luna lowered her head observing the orange pony. "Hmm I like this one, sister. She's quite tenacious." Celestia embraced the sleepy earth pony in her magic. "Easy now, you're safe. We came as fast as we could from receiving the news. How are you all?"
She gasped upon seeing her beloved student unconscious without her horn, laying alongside Rarity and Mark. Regaining her regal composure. "What in Faust happened here?" She asked, steadying her voice.
Applejack took her hat off before answering. "Well ya see princess...it's just like our message said...." Applejack trailed off as Celestia slowly stepped past her making her way to Twilight's bedside. Celestia ran her hoof through Twilight's mane. "And what of Mark?" Luna asked upon seeing her sister, too upset for words.
Applejack cleared her throat. "Well...we thought we were up against Razor...er the dragon and in the middle of the chaos Mark found a way up onto the rooftops and jumped on to its back..." Celestia and Luna almost in sync with one another sputtered. "He did what?"

AJ tried to hide behind her stetson as she replied. "Yeah...He...he jumped onto it's back but...ah don't know if it was the shock or tha weight of Mark, but it just seemed to explode into a cloud of changelings. Err, by which point Mark was like super angry he had his umm whatchamacallits err...his fingers, in an' around its throat shouting at it as it tried to buck him off. Then he started glowing, real bright like n' then after that, there was a really bright blinding light then next thing the changelings gone and Mark's falling from the sky again."

There came a weak cough.
"Yeah....I really kicked its ass." Mark wearily said still curled up on the bed with his back to them still too weak to sit up. He continued. "Your majesty's, I promise you I'm going to do anything and everything I possibly can to get both their horns back and take out as many of those ugly bastards as I can along the way. I'll do anything for my girls."

Celestia and Luna made their way to the foot of his bed. "We don't doubt it human." Luna replied as Celestia concurred with a nod. "So it would seem the fables are true, sister."
Luna took a step forward. "The one known as Aesop,"
Celestia gasped looking towards Luna. "You mean..."
Luna nodded. "Yes sister, he who holds the power of the sun in the palm of his hand will rise up and banish the darkness."
Luna gazed at the moon remembering her time spent in her banishment.
"You see, it was written by the ancients that The North Wind and the Sun had a quarrel about which one of them was the strongest. While they were disputing with much heat and bluster, a Traveler passed along the road wrapped in a cloak. The Sun then said. 'Let us agree, that he is the stronger who can strip that Traveller of his cloak."
Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Kind and gentle persuasion always wins over force and bluster."
Luna gestured with a silent nod before turning her attention to Mark with her horn glowing. "Here Mark, this should help you feel better. At sunrise we shall head to Zecora. But for now sleep and I shall see you soon." His body glowed in the warmth of her spell as he fell into a peaceful sleep.

Applejack cleared her throat turning to the princess's. "Uhm, your majesty's ah don't suppose ya got one of those spells for Twilight and Rarity?" Hiding behind her stetson not sure if she should have asked such a question.
Celestia lowered her head to the element of honesty. "Normally I wouldn't hesitate, Applejack. However the longer they stay unconscious, the better it will be for them...if they wake they will be unconsolable. I'm asking the doctor to keep them both sedated until we can retrieve their horns...." She trailed off as if just remembering something. "I'm sorry Applejack, I never asked if you or your other friends were hurt? If so I can heal you?"
Applejack blushed. "Thank you kindly, but ahm fine...really. Fluttershy...she has a burn and a sprain on her forehoof and a fractured wing, but she went home hours ago to rest." Celestia smiled softly. "Very well, I shall head to her steading right away and as for you Applejack, I order you to get some much needed sleep. You're no good to anypony if you're exhausted."

Applejack stood tall pushing her chest out for her retort but Celestia smiled warmly. "I have brought my royal guards to protect the town. There are two outside right now. Thank you for all you have done today, but now it's time for you to rest. Goodnight Applejack." She softly said nodding to her sister. Luna cast a sleep spell on the exhausted work pony. Celestia picked Applejack up in her magic, placing her in Mark's bed. She stood over them sharing a moment with her sister as they watched Mark reflexively wrapping his arms around the orange pony. "He really does love them." Luna almost whispered in disbelief.
Celestia smiled. "Yes sister. I believe he does." She gently kissed Twilight on the forehead before quickly wiping a tear from her eye.

Before leaving the hospital, the Princess's met with Doctor Hooves to discuss Rarity and Twilight. "Your majesty's, I can assure you that my team and I are doing our very utmost for both unicorns and the...um..."
Luna cleared her throat. "Yes, the human and his name is Mark. I'm sure that you and your team are giving our guest your very utmost professional help also, Doctor. As my sister and I wish to honour him for his bravery this morning. It's not everyday that you're thrown into a different world which is alien to you, let alone deciding to take on a monster to protect it. So you make sure he receives the respect and care which he so rightly deserves."
Doctor Hooves bowed low. "Yes your majesty's! It will be done...My sincerest apologies!" He grovelled.

Celestia raised an eyebrow to her sister while the doctor had his head practically in their hooves. "Thank you Doctor, my sister and I shall be back to visit tomorrow. Goodnight." Celestia softly smiled.
Once outside in the cool night air Celestia looked over to her sister as something had clearly hit a nerve.
"You seem to have warmed to our guest, yet you don't speak of Mark much. Why is that dear sister?
Luna's eyes trailed off to somewhere deep in thought. "I have seen his dreams...well nightmares really. None of which I wish to speak of dear sister. The things he has seen and been through in his short life thus far I am surprised he can smile at all."
Celestia placed her hoof caringly on her sister's shoulder a moment giving her a soft smile before heading off.

They headed straight to Fluttershy's cottage along with two of their royal guards as the others were stretched out across Ponyville. Celestia knocked on the door, a moment later candle light lit the upstairs window and began steadily moving through the house. The door opened to a wide eyed timid pegasus. "Oh your majesty's! I...I hope Philomena is okay? It must be serious at this hour... I'll take a look at her right away."
Celestia put her hoof on the timid pony. "Not to fret little one, Philomena is in the best of health. It is you, my sister and I who wish to visit."
Fluttershy gulped. "Y...you've come to see me? I um....wasn't expecting anypony at this hour...please come in... and please excuse the mess."
The Princesses stepped into the immaculate cottage looking around for the mess, finding nothing out of place.
Celestia watched as the small pony limped to the kitchen with her bandaged wing and forehoof then cleared her throat. "That was very brave of you standing up to that dragon this morning. How are you feeling?"
Fluttershy winced making the cups of tea then looked at her hooves. "I have a burn and fractured wing but the doctor says I'll be back flying in a few weeks."
Celestia smiled warmly. " A few weeks? How about right now?"
Fluttershy looked up wondering what she meant and then saw Celestia's horn glowing. She felt a warmth embracing her a few moments, watching as her bandages came loose. A tear came to her eye as the princess healed her. "Thank you princess Celestia. I don't know what to say. I'm so grateful." She bowed her head.
"It's the least I can do for the element of kindness. You were so brave standing up to that dragon this morning."
Fluttershy was about to carry the tray over when princess Luna took it from her in her magic and placed it down on the table. "Come join us Fluttershy, we have much to discuss."
Fluttershy took a seat as if it wasn't her own. She felt more like she was in one of the rooms in the palace having tea with the princesses, than in her own home.
Celestia passed her generous host a cup of tea giving her a reassuring smile. "Thank you for seeing us so late, Fluttershy. You need not stand on ceremony for us, we are merely your guests in your home and so we shan't keep you longer than necessary. In the morning you shall meet with Mark and your friends at Cupcake Corner for breakfast, compliments of my sister and I before heading to see Zecora. I have already sent two guards there to explain the circumstances and to be expecting your arrival where she will give you anything you need help Twilight and Rarity."
Fluttershy took a sip of her tea as she processed Celestia's words. Fluttershy looked up from her teacup. "Anything for my friends. I'll be there."

Luna looked about the steading. "This is quite a lovely home you have. It's very secluded and peaceful here." She was just about to drink her tea when a small white rabbit leapt up into her lap.

Fluttershy's eyes grew wide as her heart beat hard against her chest. "Angel get down from there! That's the princess!" She tried to scorn him but to her surprise Celestia and Luna had already began swooning over him as she could only gawp as he was relishing the royal attention.
"Oh sister, look at how adorable he is! Oh I could just snuggle him up!" Luna held him closer rubbing his little furry belly. "Indeed sister, it's cute fluffiness is surely the softest." She then levitated him, blowing a raspberry on his tummy. As they laughed and played the rabbit.

Fluttershy was mystified at how both princesses were acting like two giddy fillies in her home over her pet. She had never known princess Luna to be so attentive with anypony let alone a bunny.
Luna looked over smiling at the pegasus. "Fluttershy, I must have him, he is so adorable!" She asked joyfully with the widest smile.
Fluttershy's heart sank; she couldn't exactly tell the princess of Equestria 'No'.
Celestia turned to her sister with a gentle smile. "My dear Luna, this creature here is Fluttershy's pet, she couldn't just let him go."
Fluttershy sighed with relief hearing Celestia, but then she saw a sadness wash over Luna's face, then an idea came to her. "Erm princess Luna? Since...I'm going to be out of town...maybe you could look after my little Angel Bunny? He's no bother I promise y..."
The joy came back to Luna's face. "Oh how wonderful! Isn't that wonderful sister? And you little Angel Bunny, how would you like to come stay with your auntie Luna at the palace till your mommy returns?" Angel leapt down and scurried off as the three disheartened mares looked on. After a few moments of silence, Fluttershy was about to say something when Angel returned wearing a little hat and carrying a little suitcase hopping back up onto Luna's lap. They gasped and began to laugh at his cute forwardness as Angel looked around the room wondering why they were not leaving at once.

Some time passed as they drank their tea talking to Fluttershy about her home and asking about her animals before her clock chimed ten. Celestia placed her teacup down. "Oh my is that the time? We best get a move on, we have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow. Thank you so much Fluttershy for being such a wonderful hostess but now we don't want to overstay our welcome."
Fluttershy stood following them to the door anxiously rubbing her hoof on her foreleg. "Um...Princess Celestia...It's very late...Y...you can both stay here for the night. I mean if you want to...I just thought you could use Twilight's room when she stays over...She uses a spell to turn it into her guest room like the one at the palace."
Luna and Celestia gave each other a side glance. Celestia stepped forward. "Hmm...So that is where my furniture keeps going."
Fluttershy tried to hide behind her mane. "I'm sorryy, I shouldn't have said anything! Please don't be mad!"
Celestia and Luna softly chuckled. placing her hoof on fluttershy's shoulder. "Fear not little one, it was just a joke. My sister and I do have a sense of humour you know."
Fluttershy whimpered peeping out from behind her mane. "Oh...y...yes of course...hahaha..." She forced herself to laugh.

Luna looked at Angel Bunny whilst thinking. "Sister may I suggest as that we down here for the night. We are already here and it's very late and I need to visit a few dreams whilst I can.
Celestia smiled. "Very well. Fluttershy please show us to your guest room. We have a big day ahead of us."

Luna looked to Angel Bunny on her shoulder. "Are you coming with me cutie?" Angel threw his cap and bag down and wrapped himself up in her silky mane. They all laughed together.
"Goodnight Angel Bunny and be good for the Princess." Fluttershy showed them to the guest room. She opened the door to an immaculate room with a cosy bed between a bookcase and the window. Princess Celestia gasped. "Oh Fluttershy this is just lovely. I don't think I'll use the princess spell after all, as this is just wonderful." She smiled wide looking around in adoration. Fluttershy blushed with receiving such a compliment from Celestia herself. "Thank you, but it's nothing really. I just decorated it to what I was feeling at the time." She whispered anxiously.
Princess Celestia looked surprised at the timid pony a moment. "You decorated this yourself? My dear Fluttershy maybe you can come decorate a room or two at the palace for me." Fluttershy tried hiding behind her mane. "You'd like me to decorate for you?" Celestia smiled, putting a hoof on her shoulder. "Well of course my little pony. You have welcomed my sister and I into your humble abode, so it is only right we accept you into ours. You are welcome anytime and Philomena misses you." Fluttershy thought she was going to burst as every emotion swelled up inside her. She could only smile warmly before letting out an ear tingling high pitched meep as the two regal ponies looked on.

As she recomposed herself. Princess Luna called over. "Yes, and don't forget to bring this little ball of fluffy cuteness with you also as I...err Philomena would love to play with him." She blushed, grinning upon realisation.
Celestia and Luna joined at the door standing before Fluttershy. "Thank you again for putting us up for the night Fluttershy. We shall see you in the morning." Fluttershy smiled at her royal guests. "It's the least I can do for you both...I mean you came out all this way just to ask how I was and healed my wounds...I am the one who's most grateful. And if you need anything during the night, please just help yourselves to whatever you need. Goodnight."
Celestia smiled warmly. "Thank you again, Goodnight."

Fluttershy headed straight to bed as the two sisters settled in for the night. They sat under the covers of the warm cosy bed for a short while spoiling Angel Bunny before turning in for the night. "Goodnight sister." Celestia yawned as she turned over, closing her sleepy eyes. "Goodnight sister." She replied softly.
She gazed at the white little rabbit still in her lap, slowly lifting him up. "Goodnight to you to my cute fluffy friend. She gave him a small kiss on the nose then blushed, quickly looking around in case anypony saw. Once she was certain the coast was clear, Luna snuggled Angel to her chest as she lay back, closing her eyes with her horn emanating a soft glow as she slipped into the dream world.

It wasn't long before she was walking through the plains of the dream realm. The echoed sounds of ponies chattering and laughing, but her thoughts turned to Mark as she was reminded of the first time they met. She was quite intrigued by him, showing his resilience and strength despite all the pain and hardship which he had endured. She had watched as he traversed through her dream world, his mind filled with memories from his past. Luna couldn't help but feel a pang of heartfelt sympathy for him, having lived through her own banishment and witnessing the dark magic corrupting the weak.

However, what fascinated her the most was his ability to smile, he could actually find joy in the midst of all the darkness. She couldn't understand how he managed it and it bothered her. As Luna herself found it quite hard to smile and actually feel it's warmth, like her sister's sun on her face, that was more trying.
As she delved deeper into her thoughts, Luna found herself standing infront of Mark. She had entered his dream without realising it. He looked quite surprised upon seeing her standing there at first, but then he welcomed her with open arms. Luna was taken aback by the warmth of his kindness in his eyes. She was still getting used to others being nice to her let alone hugging.

"Hey Luna, I got the place spruced up for your arrival. I hope it's to your liking." He said offering her a seat. Luna looked around the small room whilst sitting down. "Where are we Mark?" She kindly asked. Mark looked around. “This is my home...my real home. I would usually offer you a drink or something to eat but...well it's only a dream!" He softly chuckled.
Luna looked around the modest abode. Seeing a few familiar items, but paying extra attention to the stranger, more exotic items which were laying around which weren't found in Equestria.
"Thank you. It's quite cosy." She sat back observing the human in what would be his natural habitat. "You did an extremely brave thing this morning, Mark..." Mark cut in. "And I would do it again if I had to." His answer surprised Luna. "But why? You're not from Equestria. You have no gain or advantage." She said, trying not to sound ungrateful. "Maybe not, but I do have everything to lose. Equestria is the closest thing that I have to a home right now. And standing up to that...whatever that was, I did it because simply it's the right thing to do."
Luna felt something stir inside her from ages past, a sense of connection, she wanted to reach out and show him compassion or empathy, just something to show him that he wasn't alone. Maybe she could put her hoof on his hand the way she had seen him with Twilight...she was about to move when Mark broke her train of thought.
"Now then princess, how are we going to get the horns back from those horrible bastards and save our Twilight and Rarity?" She was taken aback almost by him. Here was a man who had been repeatedly burned by fire, yet here he was, willing to dive back into it head on for a world he didn't belong.

"You fascinate me Mark. Do you know that?" Now it was Mark's turn to be taken aback.
"When you first arrived here, I visited you in your sleep as to find out who you were and where you came from. I witnessed your nightmares, such darkness you have seen and in that moment I felt your pain, your sadness and sorrow. Now you are far from your home world and yet, you can still smile. How is that?"
Mark sat back processing Luna's words before speaking. He began to realise that maybe the princess hadn't lived such a cushy regal life, as he began to get the feeling that she had also seen darkness. But surely that was impossible here in Equestria.
"You see Luna, my wise grandmother taught me a valuable lesson when I was a young boy. She told me; "Whenever the world seems dark, let your smile light the way and if you can do that...then you're halfway there." Luna put her hoof on his hand, surprising herself more than the human. "It seems that I have much to learn from you Mark." She softly stated.

Luna made a promise to herself to overcome her own struggles and learn from Mark.
Mark patted her hoof warmly as he watched her lost in thought. "What a pair we make princess." He stated softly. "Okay, let's get down to business. What can we do for the girls and what do those creatures want with their horns."
Luna smiled warmly, taking her hoof from Mark's hand and putting it to her chin as she thought for a moment. "You'll meet the girls at cupcake corner before heading through the enchanted forest...remember Mark, there are many dangers in that place, so be on your guard and tread lightly. You will then carry on to Zecora where she will hopefully have some concoctions to help you along the way then from there you'll be able to find the hive and retrieve the horns."
Mark sat back in thought. "After this morning's fiasco, I don't like the idea of taking the rest of the girls into the lion's den..." Luna cut in. "A lion's den? It's a changelings hive."
Mark smiled softly. "It's just an expression, it means the same thing." Luna blushed an awkward smile letting him continue. "So I have this idea, how about after seeing Zecora, I pack some supplies and..."

Mark carried on telling Luna his daring plan, her eyes widening with fascination as he went in depth on how to retrieve the unicorn horns. She took mental notes of his various bold strategies, intrigued by his well thought out plan. After a lengthy conversation about the pros and cons, it was time for her to leave.
As Luna bid him farewell exiting his dream she could feel a warm smile forming on her face and for the first time in a long while, it was a genuine smile, not one painted on for the sake of others. Mark had taught her a valuable lesson, a one that she would never forget. She looked up at the moon, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected encounter with the human who had touched her heart and soul.

Author's Note

Sorry for the wait everypony, I had to start this chapter from scratch as the original one corrupted during transfer.

Anyway I hope you enjoy it