Madness in Ponyville

by Twilights secret stash

Rating: mature
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Main 6, Drama, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Fetish, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Romance, Adventure, Sex
Length: 14077

The prequel to The Power of Three

*The origin story of how Mark ended up living in Ponyville*
Mark awakens in a world much different to his own surrounded by strange talking ponies.
After there's an attack on Ponyville he soon starts to learn that he must be there for good a reason.
Upon finding out that something known as "The Aura of the Light" flows through him, he begins to wonder if that's why the marefolk can't keep their hooves off him or if it's just because he's just so darn handsome.

Published 2024-01-22 23:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-04-29 18:53:43 UTC

Chapter 1

Author's Note

I took this story to be all but lost when my drive got wiped three years ago, however I found my backup on an old SD card.

So instead of it sitting in a box I hope you enjoy the naughty clop fic which helped inspire The power of three.
So after an awful year I thought I would give you the beginning of the story before I give you the end.

Chapter 1

Madness in Ponyville

Mark was sitting in his favourite chair with a fresh out the oven, deep pan mozzarella stuffed crust meat feast pizza. He turned the TV on waiting for his favourite TV show to start when an overwhelming bright light and a deafening sound consumed him then everything went black.

His vision was blurred and his head throbbed.

He could hear female voices speaking quietly around him.

Sometime later...

"Shhh shhh! Whatever it is it's waking up" Came from the voice nearest to him. He rubbed his eyes and focused on the room. There stood around the bed were 6 mini looking horses all different colours one of which was flying above the foot of the bed.
"Wh...who are you?" Mark nervously asked the emaculate white equine as she approached him.
Her eyes were a sparkling like sapphires almost mesmerising as she trotted towards him with a strong confident posture and her long thick purple mane swaying as she moved towards him.
Once she was close enough with her face almost in his she gave softly smiled "Well hello darling, my name is Rarity and these lovely fillies are my friends. We've been quite concerned about you, you've been unconscious for three days now. The doctor and nurse have checked you over, we've even had our local vet check you over but none of us seem to have any clue to what you are darling, even Discord was puzzled as to what or who you are. He mentioned something about humans? However they haven't been around for thousands of years darling if they even existed at all."
Mark lay down flat on the bed closing his eyes trying to process all this information wondering if he was still unconscious having a nightmare whilst trapped in a coma.

Rarity touched his face with her hoof. "Ohh darling, you'll be alright. We're all friends here in Ponyville we'll help you out.
Tell me, what's your name?"
Mark opened his eyes taking the room and the ponies in again. "I'm Mark. So this is Ponyville? And you are Rarity? Who's your friends here? And...why is there a flying pony looking at me like I owe them something?"
Mark looked at the the blue pony flapping it's wings with ease he turned away instantly as he saw her teats and genitals on show. He hadn't a clue where he was or who these talking ponies were or how they would react to him staring at their nakedness if they really were naked.
"I wouldn't think twice back home, but somehow something feels different here…wherever ’here’ is" Mark thought to himself.
Rarity rolled her eyes. "Ohh that's Rainbow Dash the fastest pony in Equestria. She's the pony who saved your life" Rarity turned to Rainbow Dash "C'mon Dash be nice, I'm sure he'll thank you properly once he's up on his…err feet?" The blue pony flying above him sporting a Rainbow mane and tail was in front of him within a flash of a second her nose touching his. "Sorry, I'm just messing witcha! I'm just pleased you're alright. I caught you just in time or you'd have gone SPLAAAAAT!!!"

Rarity jumped in all flustered "Err yes, yes but thankfully Mark is here safe and sound. Now I think we should all let him rest, so girls quickly introduce yourselves as you leave and Dash and I shall meet you back at my shop." She put her hoof on his hand "Now you get plenty of rest Mark and we'll come to see you soon. I know it's going to be hard try and stay positive we're going to help you sort out this little predicament that you're in."
Her smile eased him somehow, he was going to thank her but she turned heading for the door he could only watch her tail end swaying as she trotted away a few moments before a purple pony with a dark purple mane a pink streak through it came into view. "Hey Mark, I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle. It's a pleasure to meet you. We're doing everything we can to help you get home but first you need plenty rest, so I made you this tea from leaves I collected from the Enchanted forest to help you sleep." She smiled and put her head in her satchel and pulled it out carefully with her teeth and placed it on the bedside table. "Careful now, it's hot." She smiled "Don't worry I have Spike on the case as we speak for a way to get you home. Sleep well" She turned for the door and walked out the same way as Rarity.

Mark watched her tail end comparing her to Rarity when a big pink face shot up in front of his. "Hey! I'm Pinkie Pie! And I love to paaaarty!! When you get out that's what I'm going to throw for you cos we've never had a visitor like you before! It's absolutely mind blowing!!…" Mark watched confused as the ponys voice got louder, higher and faster making his head swirl triggering a painful headache. He thought he was going to pass out then a voice shot out over the chaos.
"Whooah there Pinkie Pie! Ah think he gets the point! Go wait for us outside and give the fella some air!" She chuckled turning to Mark "Pay her no mind she means well but she can be a handful sometimes. Am Applejack by the way, but most folks just call me AJ. I help run the family apple farm n itsa pleasure to meet ya! Hopefully we'll have you feeling better in no time!" She left a Small satchel with four apples on the bedside and left. Then a yellow pony nervously stepped out of the shadows of the corner of the room and spoke almost whispering "He...hello there, I'm Fluttershy. I hope you get better soon…" Her voice sped up as anxiety overwhelmed her. "I-I-I baked you a pie! Get well soon! Goodbye!" And she took off through the door.

Mark watched her yellow fur and pink mane blur into one as she cantered out the door. He lay back down on the bed closing his eyes processing everything as the smell of Twilight's tea and Fluttershys fruit pie made his tummy rumble. He sat up in the bed and picked up the tea and blew on it before taking a sip. “Mmm” it was good it was sweet with a mixture of berries. He then pulled a slice of the fruit pie it tasted like five fruit pie from home. It was delicious, he washed it down with Twilight's tea he could feel himself becoming relaxed and sleepy he looked over to the basket of apples AJ had left, all big and red they shined he picked one and bit in to it. The crunch was as crisp as autumn leaves and the juice exploded in his mouth his eyes rolled he'd never had an apple like ideept in his life it was exquisite. Shortly after, his eyes grew heavy and he slipped into a relaxing sleep.

Morning arrived the sun was bright and Mark could hear the morning rush hour over the birdsong, busy voices trying to get to their destinations and the sound of hooves beating the ground…"Ponyville!" Mark yelled shooting upright in bed. "It wasn't a dream I'm really here!" He looked at the bedside table with the fruit pie and tea leftover from last night. "What in the hell is this place?" He sat back taking a few deep breaths. As his belly rumbled he picked up the cup of now cold tea and took a sip. It was still good so he carried on before reaching for the last slice of delicious pie and devouring it.
He got out of bed and stretched, seeing his clothes on a table he took off the strange gown which had four leg holes and one at the back what he presumed to be for the tail. He stood naked as he picked up his top and pulled it over his head just as Twilight Sparkle's head popped around the door gasping upon seeing Mark without his clothes on. She withdrew and gave a nervous knock. She'd never expected to see a naked human with the vision of Mark's penis engraved on her pony mind she walked in her cheeks flushed red against her purple fur.

She put a hoof halfway over her vision as she pretended not to look at his member. "Are you decent?" She called out.
"Ohh hey Princess Twilight, I'm sorry I didn't expect anyone to come in so soon. You seem a bit out of breath, have you cantered here?" He asked as he finished pulling his pants around his waist tying the cord. Twilight was still flustered. "Something like that." She said feeling a little dissapointed that he had gotten dressed a little to quickly.
"No don't be, I'm sorry I should have realised you wouldn't be ready yet. It's just we're all quite excited considering the circumstances to learning more about you and I bet you're just excited to learn more about us too!" She smiled, her face glowing as she spoke. Mark sat back amazed at this talking pony was speaking to him. "Thank you for the tea you made me, it was delicious and I'm very grateful. I've never had a princess make me a cup of tea before.

Twilight blushed again. "Ohh it was nothing, it's the least I can do. You are our guest after all."
Mark smiled nervously. "So how do I address you? Your highness? Ma'am?"
Twilight giggled "Goodness no, you would address the queen as 'your majesty' as for me, just Twilight or sometimes my friends call me Twiley." She stepped towards him, stopping suddenly with a wince.
"What's wrong, are you okay?" He asked.
She flustered a moment. "Oh it's nothing, I just got caught up in some thorns in the Enchanted Forest yesterday." Mark looked at her "You got hurt picking those berries for me, didn't you?
Twilight sensed his guilt and flustered. "Don't be silly, we're always getting into scrapes around here, it's fine." As she stepped again she yelped out. "Look Twilight, I used to have a horse back home. Why don't you let me take a look at that back hoof for you?" She flustered as the pain niggled the sensitive part of her hoof. "Okay Mark you can take a look." He put his hand under her chin softly speaking. "Okay, I'm just going to take a look at you, okay?"
Twilight couldn't belive how soft and gentle he was being with her and began to wonder if all humans were this kind.

He ran his hand from her head down her back to comfort her as he made his way slowly to her rear. "You are fascinating, you're so soft and you smell good too." She swooned, quietly smiling at his compliment. Mark got to her flank. Her natural reflex of having something strange behind her swished her tail, brushing Mark's face. He wondered what the punishment would be for looking at a princess's private parts upon seeing her crotch and teats upclose. He savoured the moment in a breath.
"Okay, Twiley, put your hoof in my hands." Twilight lifted her hoof into his hands. "Please be gentle." She whimpered. Her tail nervously swishing faster now.
Mark saw the thorn causing the problem. He needed a distraction to help take her mind off the pain as he pulled out the thorn from her frog, softly saying. "You have a very nice crotch your highness." Twilight yelped and blushed as Mark pulled out the thorn. He rubbed her hoof. "There you go Princess, good as new." He smiled gently softly patting her flank. "Are you alright now? I'm sorry for the crude remark, I just needed a distraction to take your mind off your hoof."
She flustered and blushing intensely. "Ha ha ha, You succeeded...err thank you...for the thorn that is...err not the...you know...do you really think I have a nice cr… nevermind what am I saying??" She sat on her rear and put her hoofs to her face breathing heavy and anxious.

Mark sat beside her and gently stroked her mane making her relax. "Just breathe Twiley, you're okay now." She sniffled and rested her head into him as he stroked her mane slowly running his fingers to her ear caressing the tip of her soft ear. She swooned into him. He felt a little confidence flaring inside of himself. "And yes, I do think you have a nice crotch." He softly chuckled as she gave him a playful tap with her hoof letting out a little giggle over her sniffles making them giggle together.
She felt so warm against his skin he didn't want to move. She head hugged him once more before gently nudging him away. Her eyes all sparkling and doughy as she smiled gratefully to him.

She stood up and tried her hoof to the ground trying her weight on it. "Thank you again Mark. So, you have a horse back home. Please tell me, what are they like? What kinda things do you both like to talk about?" She asked with intrigue.
Mark sat up straight softly smiling thinking of home. "Well, her name was Sasha. She had to move on, due to me having to go elsewhere for work." Twilight saw the sadness come to his eyes. "So, it was serious between you two? I-I'm sorry if I'm being to forward, I don't mean to pry." Mark smiled. "It's alright Twilight. It's not like that back home. You see where I come from our horses don't speak or fly for that matter! We humans just take care of them and they us. As for conversations they are pretty much one sided. Which was usually me doing most of the talking and she would give me the odd neigh or huff" They giggled together. "You must have really cared about her." Mark reminisced a moment. "Yeah we cared for each other. I raised her from a filly, I used to spend hours grooming her, plaiting her mane and tail before taking her out for long rides together...fun times."

Twilight watched him contently a few moments. "Well Mark, you have all of us now...if you so wish and although you maybe a little to big to ride us, however I'm sure we'll have many great adventures together." She smiling at him.
Mark stroked her mane once more "Thank you Twiley."
Mark stood up and faced Twilight who was still sitting in the moment, wondering why he had stood up.
"So my Princess, what is on the agenda for this fine day in Ponyville?" His hand on his chest acting an overcompensating bow
She laughed at his gesture and stood up to join him. "Well good Sir, I think you should escort me through the wading masses as I have a spa appointment booked at three." They both laughed.

Standing up he adjusted his t-shirt and looked out of the window "What's it like out there?"
Twilight watched him a moment as she saw his reality setting in. "You won't find a better place, it's a little busy at times but everypony are always friendly and happy to help if they can." She smiled wide and reassuringly.
Mark turned to her "Can we not just stay in here all day? It's quiet and I’m enjoying your company." Twilight smiled blushing at the thought of staying with him all day. "Well Mark as much as I'd love to stay here and talk with you some more, I'm afraid we have to meet the others so we can show you what such an exciting world you are in right now whilst we work out on how to get you back home."
Mark smiled softly giving her a head pat. "Okay then Twiley, let's go see the others."

Outside the Ponyville General hospital, Mark stood at the entrance facing into the busy street. Ponies pulling other ponies in carriages, others carrying shopping, whilst others were running various stalls and small shops "This is overwhelming Twilight. It's similar to what my home used to be like hundreds of years ago." Twilight watched him taking it all in. "It really is a wonder Twilight I'm starting to see why you like it here so much."
Twilight smiled you haven't seen the rest of Ponyville yet Mister." She trotted forward swaying her behind. Mark stopped mesmerized by her seductive movements, wait was she flirting with him? And what did she mean by not having seen the rest of Ponyville? Ponyville was bigger than this?" He snapped out of it and ran to catch up "Wait! What do you mean 'the rest of it'"
Twilight smiled wide. "C'mon Mister, I'll show you!"

Twilight smiled as she carried on trotting through the streets of Ponyville. "I thought we'd pick up some groceries from the market before meeting the girls for lunch. Hopefully by now they've found some clues on how to get you home."
They came to the first market stall. "So Mark, as you probably know already we ponies are herbivores but we know you're not, as Dr Hooves pointed out your teeth, so which fish would you like? I'm sorry would you like meat instead?" Mark smiled "Fish will be just fine thank you Twiley." She turned with her smile glowing wide. "Okay Mark, pick whichever fish you like." Mark flustered a little and crouched down beside Twilight. "I'm sorry, I can't...err I don't have anything to pay with." He whispered.
Twilight smiled and nudged him with her head. "No silly, I'm buying it for you!" She saw Mark was going to be modest again. "Did you forget? I am the Princess and you are our guest. Now I won't hear another word on the matter." Mark looked into Twilights eyes "As you wish." They stared into each other a moment longer. Mark couldn't get over how lovey her eyes were. He wondered what was making him feel this way.
The stall pony interrupted them by politely clearing his throat. "So then, which fish can I get for ya today?" He asked.

Twilight smiled at the male pony in his long blue apron sporting a pair of glasses on his muzzle with a well styled mustache. "Good morning sir, our friend is visiting from out of town and would like to see your freshest catch please."
The fishmonger came to to life all of a sudden. "Well Princess Twilight, you and your new friend is in luck! My freshest catch this morning are these right here!" He pointed to the fish in the front and centre.
Mark looked at the various fish displayed before him, some looking familiar, some not as much. Mark looked at the fish monger "Hmm, I'll take that one please."
The fishmonger rubbed his hooves together. "Ahh a fine choice sir! A fine choice! Is there anything else I can do you for today?" Mark glanced at Twilight and smiled. "No thank you sir." The fishmonger wrapped up the fish in brown paper into a parcel like shape tied with string in a bow before handing it to Mark. "Well if that'll be all that's three bits please Princess." Twilight smiled and pulled out a pouch full of gold pieces and counted three out on counter and left.
They headed off through the market. "Thank you Twilight and I will repay your kindness." Twilight giggled. "You're more than welcome Mark and I'm sure you will."
Mark patted her head affectionately as they carried on through the market giving him the tour whilst getting the groceries in which they needed talking and laughing as Twiligt showed him around Ponyville. "Okay Mark, we've got everything we need for dinner, now we can head home and see the girls."

Mark being the gentleman, he took the groceries from an overencumbered Twilight. "Okay Twiley, lets go see the girls."
They laughed and talked all the way to Twilights home. Mark looked up at the big Oak tree library with it's front door and windows "So Twilight, you're quite modest for a Princess aren't you? I thought you'd have lived in a grande palace having servants and guards twenty four seven... say, do you have a crown?"
Twilight giggled "Well I was brought up in a palace with servants and guards. However, it made me quite the brat. So my parents sent me here so I could learn friendship and loyalty and I've been here ever since. And yes I do have a crown but I only wear it for ceremonial duties as I want people to know that I just want to be treated as a normal pony." She smiled looking up at him. Mark ran his fingers through her mane. "You are really something special Twiley." She smiled nuzzling into his hand.

Chapter 2

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 3

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 :twilightsmile:

Chapter 4

Madness in Ponyville Chapter 4

The next morning

The ponies gathered inside of Cupcake Corner readying for the arduous journey ahead. Mark sat in the booth next to a droopy eared Fluttershy who was prodding at what was usually her favourite breakfast with her fork. Mark put his arm around her, warmly cosying up to her choosing to comfort the yellow pegasus with actions more than his words. He looked around through the solemn atmosphere whitch hung like a fog in the air. Mark ran the plan through his head again trying to find the words on how to begin explaining the details instead of just blurting them out. He scratched his head and upon finding his words he began. "Morning ladies. We all know why we are her this morning and why some of us aren't. Yesterday was just horrible and I'm not going to pretend that I know how you all feel because I don't. So that is why I'm going to tell you how I feel." He stopped to take a breath wondering if he had managed to engage with them. Applejack squeezed on the end of the seat quietly resting her head on his shoulder.

"The world I'm from there is a lot of hate, predjudice and war all over petty things. However there's a lot of people like myself who see through all the bullshit and show kindness, respect and love to one another because there's so much hate in the world why add more fuel to the fire...so to speak. Since I've arrived here in Ponyville it's been a little slice of heaven, it's like living in a fantasy. I've stopped grinding my teeth and I'm learning that I don't have to keep looking over my shoulder everyday. That's why yesterday made me so angry. Knowing that there's such a cancer in this world too and it's just tried to take two of our beloved friends and now I'm going to find that tumor and cut it out myself." He looked around the girls faces expecting their retort. "Look I love you all to much to have anything happen to you either, so I came up with a plan which I've ran passed Princess Luna last night and she's agreed to it."
Rainbow Dash punched the table with her hooves shocking every pony but Mark, who had been expecting fire and fury coming his way. "Whatdya mean you're going alone? We've known Twilight and Rarity a lot longer than you! It's our job to protect them!!"

Mark was calm and silent. He took a deep breath before speaking softly. "You're right it is your job to protect them. That's why Princess Luna and I agreed that it should be you four ponies to stay here with your friends to prevent any further attacks whilst I head off to find their horns." He stopped a moment making sure his words were sinking in before continuing. "You see Rainbow Dash I'm expendible, you and your friends are not." He simply stated.
Rainbow Dash was lost for words, she hadn't thought of it that way. She opened her mouth to speak but Applejack cut in as she held on tight to Mark under the table. "He's right Sugarcube. We're needed here to much, besides if we did join Mark and the manure hits the fan...then we're gunna be sittin' ducks and without unicorn healin' powers...well...." The girls went quiet for a somber moment.
Mrs Cupcakes came over trying to keep a stiff upper lip after yesterdays termoil. "Good morning everypony. I have your orders here and the Princesses have been kind enough to pay upfront for your food today so I've thrown in some nice extras for you all. Well, Mr Carrot's rounding up some of the fella's up to help mend the damage to the town since we're surrounded by the Royal Guards now. Good luck to you all and please return safe." She hurried away before they saw the dent in her armour as her lip wobbled.
Mark pulled Applejack and Fluttershy close to him as he looked across the table at Pinkie and Rainbow. "You know this is the right thing to do. I'm a man out of place and out of time here, I may not be from this world but I'll sure as hell fight for it to help keep you all safe. C'mon, you can come as far as Zecora's with me then I'll go the rest of the way myself." They picked up their food parcels and slowly headed outside.

Once they reached the edge of the town they were greeted by Princess Celestia, Luna and Mayor Mare.
"Good morning everypony. I'm sorry that our meeting isn't under better circumstances, however that being said we have a job to do. I do not expect any of you to put your lives in danger nor do I want you to. Now I'm sure by now Mark has already discussed with you his daring plan as to help keep you all safe and we fully support him. That being said we are by no means sending our new guest on a suicide mission and we will do everything in our power to help him succeed in his mission to help save Twilight and Rarity however time is of the essence. That said, before you head off we would like to make Mark an honourary citizen for his outstanding bravery yesterday. Mayor Mare, if you will."

Mayor Mare stepped forward. "I'm sorry it's not under better circumstances." She whispered before clearing her throat. "Mark, it is with great gratitude I present you with this small token of appreciation to you for helping to save our small town yesterday. We are very grateful and I hope you succeed on retrieving our girls horns." She patted his shoulder before attaching a gold badge the shape of a shield with a blue gem in the centre, attaching it to his top. As the pin was attached, he could only think of how he failed to protect Rarity and Twilight and played scenario's over and over in his head if he could have done anything different that could have stopped them from ending up losing their horns.
Mayor Mare looked as if reading his mind. "You did what you thought was best. You did your best. That's all that matters, don't let doubt consume you. Good luck." She smiled giving him a soft pat as she returned to stand with the girls.

Princess Luna stepped forward. "Now Mark, please step forward my sister and I are going to cast a spell on you. A one which should help you to harness your power. Do not worry this will not weaken you, it will do quite the opposite as it will help you harness your dormant power you will feel stronger and have more stamina and become more resiliant to pain and help you endure more."
Princess Celestia kindly held a hoof out beckoning him forward into position.
"Go with strength human." She said softly bowing her head in respect to him as her horn sparked to life. Magic from the two sisters horns struck him. They all watched in awe as he lifted from the ground engulfed in a sea of colours after a few moments he slowly returned to the ground.

Mark's head spun for a few moments like he'd just been spun off a merry go round, kneeling on the ground on one knee finding his bearings of gravity centering himself with his opposite fist in the ground. After a few moments he slowly found his feet slowly rising up and standing tall. They all gasped in shock as he turned to them. "Mark...yo..your eyes..." Luna said softly succumbing to his light. Mark wasn't sure what the problem was, he could see perfectly and he felt great. "What's wrong? Have I got something on my face?" He chuckled.
Luna slowly walked up to him almost nose to nose breathing heavy taking in his scent as she was drawn into him her seductive gaze upon him. "Not...one...thing." She was mesmorised by his eyes.
"Mark can you see me." Her warm breath kissing his face. "I can see you perfectly Princess." Unsure at what she was getting at.
No pony had ever seen anything like this before. "Mark...your eyes are beaming with light you must control it." Celestia whispered trying hard to avert her eyes from him. "Girls, be sure not to look at his eyes!" Celestia called out.

Luna took a small step brushing her muzzle gently against his face. "Tell me, how do you feel?" She almost whispered as her soft breath kissed him again sending a warm tingle down his spine.
Mark gave her a warm smile. "I can see you perfectly Princess...Why do you ask?" He said almost whispering. She reached out with her soft lips to kiss him, gently closing her eyes before opening them fast taking a quick step back almost as Celestia intervined whispering. "Because Mark...you have light beaming out of your eyes." Celestia gently stated. She steadily walked up behind her sister and carefully moving her away from Mark as she was clearly drawn to his light. Celestia avoided looking into his light, before casting a soothing spell on him.

The beam flickered as his eyelids fluttered as her spell gently washed over him like a cool mist on a summer breeze.
Mark shook his head recomposing himself. "Wow, that was intense. I'm sorry about that Luna, I think I almost kissed you." He was taken back a moment as he was sure he caught her cheeks flush. "It was nothing but a spell and we were both under it." She said a little too sternly making him feel slightly disheartened at her cold response.
Taking a deep breath he turned to them all.
"Okay, everypony you know what the stakes are and what's to be done, so let's do it and go save our friends!" Mark called out. The girls seemed to start holding their heads a little higher as they stood a little firmer before following Mark down the bridleway.

They made their way through the Enchanted Forest and Fluttershy began gathering various plants and herbs carefully putting them into her satchel as they cautiously passed through. The further they reached the darker it seemed to get as the treeline became more narrow where the canopy had grown closer together. Fluttershy began humming a harmonious tune whilst Pinkie Pie and Applejack spoke of better times as Rainbow Dash walked beside Mark. They were both creatures of action, they did not waste words that need not be said, having a respective understanding for one another, to be walking in each others company was enough. The pegasus had saved his life twice now and he knew he would never be able to repay her. He hoped the time would never come however, he just hoped that he could save both her friends for recompence.
He reached his hand out gently stroking her face and ear as they walked side by side as she nuzzled into his hand making her smile for the first time.
"I can probably never repay you for saving my life that day, let alone find the thanks to show my undying gratitude to you Dashy, but I can spend everyday to try and do something right."
She looked up wide eyed to him. "Well a girl couldn't ask for anymore than that." Rainbow Dash smiled warmly nudging his hand away upon realising they'd began lagging behind, before hurrying to catch up.

A While later...

They could see the tree line opening up ahead of them and Mark almost sighed a swell of relief, more so because the sooner he got Zecora out the way with the sooner he could retrieve the girls horns. As he began to speak to Applejack, Pinkie Pie let out an excited 'Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!'
"Whut in Tarnation!" Applejack cried out. The vines had grabbed onto Pinkie Pie and lifted her up towards the canopy. Mark ran to save her before hearing her laugh and giggle as he watched the vines spanking her plot. "Ooooh Fred, you're so naughty! Right in front of my friends too!!" She yelled out as the vines spanked her harder and faster making the party pony laugh more and more. "Hey that tickles Fred! C'mon harder! You can do better than that, silly!" She bit her lip as the vines spanked her until there was red lashings across her ass making her gawk with her eyes crossed as a euphoric wave washed over her as she came.

Applejack blushed. "She's fine Mark, just keep walking." She saw the confused look on Mark's face and began to explain. "Luckily for Pinkie, those vines grow through the joke plant so they're not viscious and sinister like the others....Some mare's find out by accident...and some mares...well...on purpose." She pointed her hoof to Pinkie who carried on laughing and giggling entwined in the vines of the canopy.
Mark lifted his his head as the warm mist of the canopy fell on him refreshing his skin. Applejack winced watching him. "Annnd that's not forest mist....that's err Pinkie Pie." She said as they both looked up seeing Pinkie Pie squirt her juice as she orgasmed.

The work pony gasped at seeing Mark's smile rising along with his erection. "Whut tha hay? Are you gettin' turned on by this?" She scolded him trying to keep her voice down. Mark slowly took his eyes from the party pony gushing her last to make eye contact with Applejack. "AJ, I'm a red blooded male. I get turned on watching females become aroused and embracing their sexuality...Your telling me that, if that was a stallion up there getting jacked off by those vines up there until he rained all over the forest floor...that you would'nt become aroused in the slightest?" She rolled her eyes pulling her face. "Of course not!" She clearly lied. Mark crouched down to her face looking her in the eye softly whispering. "And what if it was me...showering you?" He smiled as he watched her blush crossing her hind legs as he smelled her sex begin to rise. He rubbed her ear between his finger and thumb. "That's what I thought." As they were about to head off again Pinkie's voice yelled out from nowhere "Hey Mark! Heads up!" As Mark looked up Pinkie Pie was heading down ass first planting him to the ground by his head. She giggled as she sat on his face rubbing her wet sticky plot against his face making herself cum again.
Applejack looked on unimpressed. "Really Pinkie Pie? Ahm standin' right here." She said dryly as Pinkie laughed and giggled planting a kiss on Mark's lips. "Thank you Mister!" She called out bouncing up and down excitedly as she carried on down the trail to catch up with the others leaving Mark and Applejack behind her.

Applejack helped him to his feet. "Ya'll right there loverboy? Trust Pinkie tah ruin a moment...ah wuz just thinkin' bout kissin' you, but ya can forget it now...well until ya wash ya face at least." She said with a hearty chuckle as Mark brushed himself down. "Have you never had a three-way, AJ?" He asked teasingly getting a sharp hoof to the arm for it. "No, I ain't!" She flustered. Mark smiled teasingly wiping Pinkie's juice into his mouth as if it were icing from a cake, slowly licking the juice from his finger savouring the exquisite taste of Pinkie's Pie making AJ blush redder than her prized apples. "Well never say never, I mean even Fluttershy enjoyed herself with me and Twilight." He winked.
Applejack stood dazed a moment. "Sh-she did?" Mark leaned down to the soft fur of her ear. "Mmm hmm...both times." He smiled with a seductive whisper watching the farmgirl blush and fluster at the naughty images filling her pony mind. Mark adjusted himself as he put on a strut leaving Applejack with her thoughts. "C'mon cowgirl, let's keep movin'!" He called out to her.

It wasn't long before they arrived at Zecora's hut, Mark was taken back upon finding Zecora's hut was carved out of a living tree, he stood a few moments taking in it's beauty, when a strange voice snapped him from his thoughts.
"Ah Mark, we finally meet, so you're the one who sends a filly into heat."
Mark smiled back at the strange exotic zebra, charmed by her perculiar manner. "You must be Zecora, getting here was no small feat, but seeing you is quite the treat." She raised an eyebrow smiling as her cheeks began lightly blushing. Pinkie jumped in with a wide smile. "Wow Mark, you can speak Zebracan? That is Amaziiiiiiiiing!" Mark raised his eyebrow wondering how rhyming was a Zebracan language. He cleared his throat. "Well, I'm not fluent but I dabble." He humbley replied. He looked back to the zebra. "This is a nice place you got here, Zecora. Thanks for seeing us at such short notice, we were hoping you'd help us with a poultice?"
Zecora chuckled out loud raising an eyebrow. "It depends on which one you want, I have a cauldron, not a font." She chuckled.
Fluttershy excused herself her voice as gentle as a summer breeze. "Ahem, Zecora...I-I've already gathered the ingredients." She took a small sack from her saddlebag before unravelling it, exposing various herbs and roots as well strange berries and fungi. Zecora's eyes sparkled with interest as she examined the herbs.
The zebra raised her eyebrow. "My my Fluttershy, there's enough here to bake a pie!" The yellow pegasus flushed with pride. "I-I know the forest well." She stammered.
Zecora smiled with joy examining closely at what Fluttershy had collected then seeing three of the ingredients on the end making her grin. "I know exactly which potions you need, hmm your not as shy as first percieved." She teased giving a wink to the shying pegasus who was now blushing somewhat fierce. "Do not worry, your secret is safe with me."
She turned to the rest of the group. "Please my little ponies help yourself to a cup of tea and leave the poultice to me."