Phoenix came to Equestria two years ago through circumstances unknown. For two years, Phoenix had waited for Princess Celestia and her top scholars to answer one question: Will he be able to go home?

The answer finally came... And it was "No"

His new friends have, surprisingly, found he's taken the news quite well. Very well!... Maybe even too well. However, they never had a reason to doubt Phoenix wasn't doing as great as he said he was. That is, until he tells Twilight Sparkle he wants to explore his new home by walking from Ponyville to the Crystal Empire with no bits, the clothes on his back, and whatever he can fit into his small, makeshift backpack.