The 6 Million Bit Pony

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9, Part 1
Chapter 6

Chapter 1

Everything seemed to move slower as Celestia’s sun broke the crest of the hills surrounding Ponyville. It was early morning, and a slight mist coated the ground, cooling it down to a slight chill. Most ponies were asleep at this time, avoiding the cold air and early morning jitters. This was not true for Sweet Apple Acres. Being a farm, everypony working for them started earlier than the townsfolk, not wanting to waste daylight.

“Get up, ya big lug!” shouted Applejack from the outside of Big Macintosh’s room. This had been the third time this week that Mac had been late for sunrise. He was usually punctual unless cider was involved the night before, and even so, those nights were few and far between. He was quite literally the workhorse on the farm, and normally AJ was lenient with him on his sleeping patterns, but this was getting ridiculous.

“Mac, you better open this door, or ah’m gonna hafta.....”

At that moment, Big Mac appeared in front of his sister, looking more disheveled than a manticore giving birth. His hair was unkept and was missing its usual sheen, while the bags under his eyes reminded Applejack of a certain elder’s elbows. Strangest of all, AJ noticed an uncharacteristic cough emanating from her brother.

“Hey Mac, you okay? Ya look a might tired, an‘ that cough don’t sound good.”

“Yup, Lil‘ Jack, I’m fine. Most likely its just allergies or sumthin’.” replied Macintosh. Although he was feeling a bit under the weather, there was work to be done. No tingle in the back of his throat was going to delay a hard days‘ work. Anyways, this type of morning was his favorite.

“Ya know I hate that nickname...” AJ scowled. “I know,” said Big Mac, “but I made it up, so I git ta use it.” “Ah hate that rule” said Applejack. Ever since they were kids, Mac teased her with that name. He would always allow her to tease him, but she never thought of anything that could dig under his skin.

“Ah dunno AJ, I bet that Soarin fella might enjoy it...” was all he could get out before Mac received a swift hoof to the gut, courtesy of Ponyville’s premier apple bucker. Ughh, that’s not gonna help much... thought Macintosh.

“Ah told ya, Mac, we jus’ talked!” AJ said, hiding her blush quite poorly, in her brother’s opinion. She had experienced the now notorious Gala event two weeks before, and although she made barely any bits that night, she did happen to meet one very interesting pony. “For four hours? He was your only customer for the whole night! What the hay did ya’ll discuss for so dang long?”inquired Mac.

Finally, I get a shot at him. “Well, Mac, we started with apples, then we talked ‘bout our jobs, an’ then he told me ‘bout this amazing thing he can do wit’ his mouth...” Had Big Mac’s mouth not been attached to his head, it very well may have broken through the floor and into the storm cellar.

“Ya know, he showed me on a pie...” AJ reveled in her chance to finally troll Big Mac.

“Okay, goin‘ ta work now” shouted Big Mac, hooves clasped over his ears. He knew in the back of his mind that Applejack was too modest to actually talk to a complete stranger like that....probably. Well, more hopefully, he thought. Oh god, what has she been doin’? I knew that dress weren’t fer no apple sellin’... settle down, Mac. She’s a grown mare.

Though Mac would’t let on to Applejack, he was quite protective of his younger sisters. Their mother had passed after complications with Applebloom’s birth, only two years after their father, Golden Gala, fell ill. Big Mac was still fairly young, but he took to the “man of the house” role well, which consisted of being bossed around by three mares of varies ages and moods.

And he wouldn’t have it any other way. His family was the most important thing in his life, and though he pondered maybe starting a family of his own, he was always too busy for courting. That, and the fact that most mares in this town only wanted one thing. Unfortunately for them, he wasn’t that kind of stallion. Not that he didn’t consider a few propositions once in a while, but that was energy he could be using for a harvest, or re-seeding the carrot groves, or any number of menial but important tasks that he needed to fulfill. There was time for work, and time for rest, and Mac understood that.

As Mac looked over towards the main shed, his mind drifted o his work. Today’s gonna be a dozy, ain’t it? Gotta replant the last third of the new radish patch, seal the barn’s foundation, and figure out what the hay’s wrong with that damn apple boiler. Big Mac was not looking forward to that last chore. Although handy in most respects, Big Mac and technology had a less than friendly relationship. The last time Mac had fiddled with that boiler, it “resorted to childish tricks” as he liked to say. In other words, it dumped hot cider all over his newly polished yoke.

As Big Mac started his day, a faint cloud careened towards Sweet Apple Acres. Staring at it, Mac found it strange that only one loud would exist on its own. As the cloud drifted closer, he noticed a puff of blue hair poking out of the top, and a pair of goggles sticking out in front. Without saying a word, Big Mac knew exactly who this mysterious stranger was.

“Well howdy there, stranger.” said Big Mac as the cloud neared ground level. “I suppose you’d be that Soarin’ feller, huh?” Soarin’ looked at the the massive stallion in front of him, and for a splint second considered that maybe being here wasn’t the best of ideas.

“Y-yeah, that’s me. How’d you know that?” Soarin‘ asked, stepping off of his personal nimbus and onto Sweet Apple Acres. “Well, my sister mentioned some colt she’d met at the Gala...” started Big Mac. YES, I’m totally in. I knew I was smooth, but DAMN...thought Soarin’.

“...but she tends to mention plenty-a colts, so I doubt she was talkin’ bout you” finished Mac, a sly grin spread across his face. It may have been a bit cold, but Mac relished in the few chances he got to tease someone interested in Applejack, and a complete stranger at that.

“O-oh, um, okay, thanks anyway.” Soarin’ face crashed as hard as one of Vinyl Scratch’s famous bass drops, and he started to meander back towards his cloud. Big Mac decided to take pity on the poor stallion, and pointed him towards the main house saying “She’s n there, if’n y’all wanted to talk.”

Soarin’ thanked him, though suspicious of the house due to Mac’s aforementioned trickery. This better not be some kinda joke...I had to miss a fan signing for this, he thought.

As Soarin‘ went to knock on the house’s front door, a small cream colored filly crashed directly into his flank. Although surprising, she was barely half his size, so most of her momentum recoiled back, making her launch into a barrel of apples coincidently next to the door.

“Horseapples!” the barrel of apples shouted. Soarin‘ peered into the barrel and came face to face with a large pink bow. “Are you alright?” asked Soarin’.

“Yea, sorry mister, I guess mah cutie mark ain’t in being a pony cannonball.” The small filly stated in a very nonchalant manner. “Who are you? I ain’t never seen you on the farm before.”

“My name’s Soarin’, I’m a friend of Applejack's.”

“Ohhhh, so you’re Soarin’ huh. I’m Applebloom. What’s with that suit, and those goggles? Are you some kinda plumber or somethin’?” Soarin’ shuddered to think why this small filly would think a plumber needs goggles, but he humored the little filly.

“Well, I’m a special kind of plumber. I use explosives, so I need proper eyewear.”

“Ok, mister, I get it. You’re no plumber. But what do you do exactly?”

“I’m a stunt pony. I fly with the Wonderbolts and preform shows and feats.”

“Well that makes more sense, now don’ it!” decreed Applebloom. “I suppose you’re here to talk to sis, then.”

“That’d be it.” said Soarin’.

“She’s inside” said Applebloom through attempts of escaping her apple-filled barrel prison. “Need some help?” questioned Soarin’. “Thanks, Soarin’, but I gotta do this on my own” said the determined filly.

As Soarin’ entered the house, the already lingering smell of apples mixed with a hint of cinnamon, giving him the slightest of food based heart palpitations. As the door closed, a small bell alerted the housemates of an incoming guest.

“Hello?” a mare’s voice inquired from the kitchen. “Can I help y’all?” Applejack’s eyes lit up as she rounded the corner and spotted Soarin‘. “Well hey there, sugarcube. What bring’s ya round here?”

“I had a break from practice in Canterlot, and I thought to myself, ‘Where can get the most delicious apple pie in all of Equestria?‘ So I thought I’d drop by, buy a couple pies, and maybe chat a bit.” Soarin‘ thought about telling her he skipped an actual event to see her, but that sounded needy in his head, so he kept it to himself.

“Darlin’, Canterlot is 45 minutes away by air.” Applejack said, trying to put on her best Rarity impression. “One does not simply drop by from Canterlot.”

“Well, ya see, I, ummm...” feeling trapped, Soarin’ resorted to a tried and true method of smiling and nodding.

“Don’ worry about it, none” AJ managed through a fit of giggles. “That’d be...10 bits” said Applejack. Soarin’ reached around into the back pocket of his jumpsuit, he finally realized why his flank was colder than normal than day. I should’ve repaired that hole weeks ago. Of course it had to rip today.

“Sorry, Applejack. I wanted to grab some of those pies, but it looks like the fates say otherwise.” Soarin’ displayed the torn suit, causing AJ to relapse into more giggles.

“Here, gimmie that. I’ll fix it up” said Applejack. “Umm...okay. Where’s your bathroom?” asked Soarin’.

“Just take it off.”

“AJ! So rough! I at least need a drink first.”

“Alright, loverboy. Just give me the suit. How much time you got?” asked AJ.

“I’ve got the rest of the day”

“Since you don’t have any money, go outside and find my brother. His name’s Big Macintosh. He’s a....”

“Let me guess. He’s a giant red stallion with a fondness for yokes and a penchant for teasing?”

“I suppose you’d met?”

“Yep. He got me once already.”

“Well, go find him and give him a hand. That’ll pay off the suit n’ pies, and then we can have lunch.”

“Sounds good to me. Thanks!”

As Soarin’ left the house, he wished that he could spend more time with Applejack than with hr brother. He wasn’t much of a stud, but he’d had his fair share of marefriends, and the talk with the older brother normally went poorly. Seeing that this particular brother storied over him, Soarin’ was not feeling good about it. As Soarin’ looked around the farm, the cool air of the morning started of warm up, giving the farm an early spring breeze. I could get used to this. That’s the problem with Canterlot. No wind. Too many buildings.

Soarin’ spotted Big Mac near a large patch of dirt. As Soarin’ walked over, he noticed that this Big Macintosh looked slightly ill.

“Hey Mac! Looks like you got some help today!” Soarin’ put the best fake smile, disappointed by the mareless turn his day seemed to be taking.

“Help? Well I’m jus’ about done with this radish patch, an’ we don’ have sealant for the barn, so I suppose you could check the boiler with me.” Mac was not liking this “help” one bit. He’s probably just going to hold me back. I don’t have time for this...but if AJ sent him out here, there’s gotta be some kinda reason.

As Big Macintosh and Soarin‘ trotted over to the boiler, an uncomfortable silence filled the air. Mac was usually quiet, but Soarin‘ didn’t know that. Soarin‘ could understand why, in his mind, Mac was so quiet. He wouldn’t want some stallion cosy-ing up to his sister, if he had one.

The apple boiler was an old, cast iron vat used for tempering the apples after they were harvested. It may add time to the process, but preparing the apples for travel make the flavor and condition last, a trait the Apple family didn’t take for granted. The boiler was old, and tended to act up from time to time.

Today, it chose to clog up in its bottom heat value. As Big Mac investigated the tank, Soarin” trotted around to the back, absentmindedly tapping on knobs and switches.
He was just as bored as he would’ve been at the fan signing. Should’ve got that damn pocket fixed...Soarin’ thought. Big Mac seemed to be mumbling something. “What was that?” he asked.

“Come ‘round front, I gotten ask ya somethin’.” said Big Mac. As Soarin’ sat next to Big Mac, he could feel the anxiousness emanating off him. “Does that seem right ta you? You prolly don‘ know much ‘bout machinery, but that can’t be safe.” As Soarin‘ looked at the boiler, and noticed that it was bulging near the bottom. “Is that suppose’d to happen?” Soarin said, pointing at the bulge.

As Macintosh looked to the end of Soarin’s hoof, his eyes widened, realizing the series of events to follow. He grabbed Soarin‘s mane, and twisted his neck in the other direction as hard as he could. Unfortunately, he wasn’t fast enough. The boiler ruptured, sending a shockwave through the small village and waking most of its inhabitants.

Applejack rushed through the front door and ran towards the smoke. As she arrived at the impact zone, she had only moments to look upon the scene before a blinding white light engulfed her. She heard a voice say “Do not worry, my little pony. Your brother and friend need not die this day.”

Chapter 2

Beep.

What in the hay..OW OW OW. Big Mac’s eyes shot open, only to be shut because of the blinding white area he was in. As Mac opened his eyes again...slowly this time....he could hear muffled voices to his left. He had a throbbing pain surrounding his entire left eye, and his muscles were more sore than bucking the entire orchard in one day. He looked down to see his front legs covered in bandages, as well as his front left hoof in a cast. His cast seemed to have insignias all over it. Looking closer, they seemed to be drawn in....crayon? Applebloom... thought Big Mac. She must’ve visited durin’ my time out. Come ta think of it.. Mac thought ..how long have I been out? And where the hay am I?

As he searched his surroundings, Big Mac noticed nothing of particular familiarity.This looked like some kind of medical facility, there were tubes and pipes running across the floor. There was a mirror in the corner of the room that was parallel to the door, and a nightstand to his right. It looked like a hospital, but it didn’t have the hospital feel. There were no orderlies, no doctors, or janitors. Actually, there was no noise at all. He had visited the ponyville hospital a few times as a colt, and he made regular checkups, being the workhorse he was. It was at the very least busy during the less dangerous seasons. Everything here looked, well, sterile. His entire room was a stark white with no extra beds or added personality. The only thing that indicated that he had any contact with the other world was his cast, and a picture of the Apple family that was on his nightstand.

Ohh, horseapples. Applejack. She’s gotta been worried sick. An’ Ah left her with the whole farm ta look after. As Big Mac tried to sit up, he felt his wings catch on his hospital bedsheets, which were tucked in way too tight, by the way. He wanted to look at the picture that Applejack left.....WAIT! What The Hay? Big Macintosh slowly reached towards his back, running his right hoof across his side until he felt it. A metal feather. And then another. And another. NO. No no no no, this can’t be real. It can’t be. Maybe it’s some kind of drug. Yea, that’s it. This is obviously some kinda hospital. I must be druggaAGGHHH! Oh Celestia, they’re moving!

His new appendages started to twitch. Unbeknownst to Mac, this was going to become a routine occurrence until he learned to control them. Needless to say, he started to panic. I...I..g-gotta..go. As Mac got out of his bed, he had not factored into his escape process that some of his muscles may have atrophied. His back legs fell from beneath him, and his head slammed into the cold tiled floor. Luckily, the rush of adrenaline from discovering he had extra appendages kept Mac’s head from aching more than it already should.

As Macintosh scrambled to his feet, he realized his legs were wobbly, weak, and considerably smaller than he remembered. He stumbled towards the corner which contained his mirror. He tried slowly placing one hoof over the other, only to learn that his being able to walk would be hindered by a combination of weak muscles and shock. He crashed into the foot post of his bed, slamming his ribs into them in the process. Looking towards the mirror, he knew he only had one chance. Big Mac leapt to the wall across from him, grabbing ahold of the windowsill ledge. After getting his bearings on the ledge, Mac slowly turned is body towards the mirror.

Applejack sat in the waiting room, still uncomfortable with being in this facility. She had been to hospitals before, apple bucking wasn’t always the safest occupation, and she’d visited Dash a few times when her tricks turns sour. But this place, this place was just plain spooky. There were barely any ponies to be seen, and the few that could be seen wore full white lab coats with white face masks. They seemed to move silently from room to room, emotionless, almost ghostly. AJ didn’t like having her brother here. She knew it was necessary, and that Princess Celestia would make sure her brother would be safe, but this place....it didn’t feel real.

As for the state of Applejack, she responded to the accident the same way anypony would. She had visited Mac three times a week for a month now. The doctors, what little contact she had with them, told her that it would take time for Mac to wake. That wasn’t good enough. After what he’d been through, and what he was about to go through, she could at least stay as close as she could. That also gave her the chance to visit Soarin‘ during the times when Big Mac was being worked on.

Soarin’.....gosh darn it. Why’d you hafta come that day? Applejack had wanted that boiler replaced for a long time, but new ones were expensive, and it just wasn’t in the families budget. If ah had just ponied up the dough, none of this woulda happened. I got my brother and a friend seriously hurt, jus‘ cus ah was being cheap. At least I could be there when Soarin‘ woke up. Soarin‘ had woken about a week ago. AJ had been reading a farmers almanac to him, more to keep herself from sleeping. She and Applebloom had been in Mac’s room that entire day, and while Applebloom was sweet, her enthusiasm for becoming a “CUTIE MARK CRUSADER CAST COLORER” had worn AJ down.

AJ thought back to Soarin’ reaction to be, as he put it, “not a giant, oozing puddle”. He was a strange pony, AJ thought. Not a bad strange, just....strange. He was handling the injures almost disturbingly well since he’d woken up .

“Wow, wait ‘til Spitfire sees this” said Soarin’.

“Who’s Spitfire” asked AJ, and Soarin’ sensed a bit of tension in her voice.

“Ohhh, she’s...just a friend. She’s my squad’s captain in the Wonderbolts.”

“Uh-huh, sure Soarin’, whatever you say, Ah know what you Canterlot folk are like” AJ grinned, having found some interesting conversation in this place. She moved to the side of Soarin’s bed, staring him dead in the face. “You’re probably rolling in mares back home.”

“Hey, I resent that!” Soarin’ grinned. “I’m glad you have such a high opinion of me, Applejack. But you’ll be sorely disappointed to learn that I’m not the player you think I am.” Soarin’ raised his left eyebrow and gave Applejack sultry look. “But I can change.”

Applejack laughed at Soarin’s attempt to look alluring, mostly because his bandages covered a good portion of his face, and it looked more like he had an itch instead of any kind of desire.

“Ah must say, Soarin’. You’re handling this extremely well, what with all the damage you took.”

“Well, I look at it in two ways. One, I could be dead, or two, I could be in your brother’s state.” One could cut the tension in that room after mentioning Big Mac. Applejack’s head dropped ears to their sides, and she held her hat close to her chest. Soarin’s eyes shot down, and silence filled the room. “How is he, anyway? These damn....whoever they are won’t tell me anything.”

Applejack looked up, wiping tears from her eyes. “They said he’ll live, but he had even more work done than you. I....I know Celestia’s doing all she can, but...what’s with all the secrecy? Ah don’t like it. He should be at home, with his kin. Ah can’ even see what he looks like, he’s so bandaged...”

Soarin” placed his hoof over Applejack’s. “He’s gonna be fine. No, he’ll be great. Just you see.” Soarin’ looked at his hoof, and then at Applejack. The light from his bedside window broke in, hitting the right side of AJ’s face. Her emerald eyes shined in the light, and Soarin’ realized just how much he liked seeing them. He could feel himself starting to blush and tried to suppressed it. Woah, buddy, chill out. You barely know her. She probably doesn’t even think about you like that. So what if she’ll the first mare you’ve been interested in since...

Soarin’ stopped his brain from dusting off old wounds. He didn’t want to think about what happened with his last marefriend, especially now.

Just...forget about her. But I have to admit, it looks like farm work does amazing things for your flank.

Soarin’ grinned like a filly in Sugarcube Corner.

Applejack smiled back at Soarin’. “Thanks, sugarcube. You’re a good friend.”

Soarin’s smile dimmed slightly, but not enough for AJ to notice. See...thought Soarin’....what did I tell ya? We’re friends. Nothing sexual about it....Oh Celestia, she dropped her hat.

Over the past few days, visiting Soarin’ had been the only thing for Applejack to do in this hospital. Unfortunately for her, he needed his rest today, and since she was already here, she figured the least she could do was read. As Applejack picked up a copy of last month’s Equestrian Girls, she heard a blood-curdling scream emanate from the direction of her brother’s room.

“WHAT THE F@%^ DID YOU DO TO ME!?” Big Mac was screaming at the orderlies, who were trying their best to hold Mac down in his bed. He pulled his right foreleg across his chest, flinging an one into a wall and freeing his right side. He attempted to get up, but two more medical ponies held him down from his left side. Mac dispersed them with one flap of his wing, launching them into the same wall. He jumped up from his bed rather poorly; his muscles were still not use to rapid movement after resting for so long. He scrambled to the door, throwing his left shoulder into its frame, and broke through.

Mac took a right and ran down the halls looking like a newborn foal, ripping off medical wraps, searching for an exit. He flew past medical ponies with horrified looks on their faces. First a right, then left, then right thought Mac. The phrase make it home scorched through his head like a sonic rainboom. Turning a corner on his left, he torn off the bandage on his face and came face to face with a Stetson wearing orange mare. His vision became fuzzy, and his head suddenly felt as light as a feather. “Applejac...” was all he could manage before passing out from exhaustion and shock.

Applejack recoiled at the sight she beheld. Big Macintosh resembled something out of an old pony horror film. He had two metal wings extending from holes just behind his shoulder blades. The base was a combination of metal and what appeared to be dragonbone. AJ had never seen dragonbone herself, so it was just a guess, but she knew pony bones didn’t have scales on them. Further up the wing, the bone fused with metal so dark, it looked almost black, and it somehow retained and immeccable shine. They looked like the princesses‘ wings, AJ thought. She figured they had to be, to account for Macs‘ size.

His back left hoof was shorn past his skin, revealing a combination of steel, lights and gears that interlocked with tendons just above his ankle. There was a main cog on the ball of his ankle, which was surrounded by blue, green, and red wires. The wires weaved within each other, led up to, and fused with the tendons. The rest of his leg was covered with skin and fur, but the distinct motion of gears was noticeable behind Mac’s cutie mark.

Macintosh’s chest was fully exposed, hiding none of his enhanced mechanics. Metal reached from his collarbone, to down past his hips. Mac’s shoulder muscles fed into the steel, with wire weaved within them. His chest plates were made of interlocking pieces of steel. A long, red tube of light ran down the center of his chest, and spilt to opposing sides just above his stomach. The lights lined Big Mac’s abs and receded into the skin above his hips.

Had Applejack seen only the right side of Mac’s face, she may had mistaken him for some other pony. His entire right cheek was gone, his skin torn from his jawline all the way to his temple. Mac’s eye glowed a deep red, slowly pulsing to the beat of his breathing. The bone of his eye was replaced with what AJ could assume was steel bars covered with sheet metal and rivets. Applejack could see the meaty parts surrounding Big Mac’s eye, and nearly passed out from the sight.

As she stumbled from the sight of her sibling in such a fashion, Applejack felt a pony at her back. She turned to face a slender green pony. The stallion was wearing a long lab coat that ended just before his cutie mark, which was a bubbling vial filled with a blue liquid. He donned a large black mustache that slightly curled at the end, as well as black hair that could only be described as similar to Nikoltla Tesla. His mustache had a long white streak on its left side, which continued on the right side of his hair, strangely enough.

“Hello, you must be Applejack.” Said the pony. “My name is Forest Rain, but folks around here call me Dr. Forrester. I’m sure you have a lot of questions, but would you mind helping me?”

Applejack shook out of her daze and noticed Dr. Forrester attempting to lift her brother onto a gurney. She grabbed Mac’s hind legs, and with their combined effort, managed to move Big Mac off the floor.

“So, about those questions. Please, follow me.”

Applejack cleared her throat, making Forrester turn and notice AJ pointing at her still incapacitated brother. “An’ what are we gonna do with him, exactly?”

“Oh, of course. Let me just call my assistant. JOEL, GET YOUR LAZY FLANK OUT HERE!!!” As soon as Dr. Forrester finished shouting, a short, cream colored stallion carrying multiple restrains appeared from behind Applejack and carted Big Mac back in the direction of his room.

Applejack followed Dr. Forrester to a conference room adjacent to Mac’s room. Forrester motioned for Applejack to sit. She did so quickly, realizing that today’s events had drained her energy more than she’d thought.

“Coffee?” Dr. Forrester brought two cups of black java to the table and took the seat opposite AJ.

“No...Ah can’ stand the stuff. I’m a little more interested in what the hay Ah jus’ saw!” AJ slammed her hooves on the table, pointing at Forrester accusatorially.

“Miss Apple, if I may call you that, I’d love to explain everything to you, and I assure you that your brother as well as your friend Soarin’ will be perfectly fine. But I need you to calm down.”

“Ah...” AJ stared into her cup, noticing her disheveled appearance and dropping eyes. “Fine, but I’m not guaranteeing Ah won’t buck ya after what ya’ll did to Mac.”

“I suppose we deserve as much. Now drink your coffee. It’s gonna be a long night.”

Chapter 3

“What happened to Big Macintosh?” AJ sipped her coffee, hoping the strength of the brew would give her some resolve.

“Mac’s damages were extensive, suffice to say. Explosions...they tend to do that. Most of his internal organs remained intact, although his gallbladder did give us a heap of trouble...” Forrester started to ramble about medical terms, almost all of which went straight over Applejack’s head.

“Why don’t ya’ll start from the beginning?” asked Applejack.

Forrester nodded his head in agreement. “Very well. It started about two months ago...”

Dr. Forrester opened the double doors of Princess Celestia’s Research & Development lab. Few ponies knew of its existence, and fewer ponies knew what actually went on inside. He trotted past the reception desk and through a door that read “MEDICAL STAFF ONLY”. Through this door was the Biotech wing, where his office overlooked various medical and engineering ponies hard at work. Today was not an exciting day for him. He was getting a new assistant, his old one having left due to the stress and secrecy of the job. He knew very little of his new apprentice. Princess Celestia had given him a file all about her, and Forrester had intended to read it. At the same time, he had just developed a new composition of metal that incorporated hay. He had hoped it would be more malleable than standard steel, but that part of the equation was alluding him. Needless to say, he had forgotten to read up on his new student. Forrester entered the wing and walked over to her, who seemed to in the center of some commotion.

“I’m telling you, it was working not two minutes ago!” Forrester could here his pupil arguing with somepony. He made his way through the small crowd and found a fully mechanical foreleg sitting on the desk in front of him. His assistant was a shorter earth mare, with a light yellow coat and short, curly red hair. She was wearing a large helmet which had wires running from the crown of it to the foreleg.

“Oh! Hello, Dr. Forrester!” she said with a grin. “I think I’ve figured out a way to control these new prosthetics without using magic!” She pointed towards her helmet. “The concentration it takes is incredible, but when attached to an actual pony, and with practice, it should work fine.” She stared at the leg, focusing all her attention towards it.

The ponies around her were skeptical at best, murmuring sounds of amusement or discontent. They started to retreat, when the sounds of grinding gears met their ears. They turned to see a metallic hoof sliding back and forth.

“It worked! I knew it!” Forrester’s assistant was hopping in place, a smile stretched across her face.

Forrester starred at her with a glint in his eye. First day here, and she already has control over mental animatronics. “Well, I must say that I’m impressed, miss....?”

“Of course! My name is Rubygaze. I’m your newly appointed assistant!”

“Well, Rubygaze, it seems to me that you have a lot of potential here.”

Just then, Forrester saw his partner, Dr. Wildheart enter the room. Wildheart had been a good friend throughout the years. Not only that, he was brilliant, if not a bit eccentric. He was a tall unicorn with a brown coat. Describing his mane would be akin to explaining a tornado. Regardless, it was an amalgamation of various colors and styles.

Today, he was bouncing around the room, unusually energetic for the night pony he was. Prancing up to Forrester, he levitated a file with him.

“Looklooklook, we’ve got a new assignment!”

Forrester read through the file. There were pictures of ponies, with prototypes of different limbs and augmentations. “What is all this?”

Wildheart gave Forrester a deadpan look. “Duhhh, I just said it. It’s our newest assignment! We’ll be working right under the princess, on some top secret, government stuff!” Wildheart seemed like a newborn foal, hopping from table to table with glee. Forrester watched his companion with a smile, and turned towards Rubygaze.

“Looks like we’re moving. Go clean up your desk.” Rubygaze hurried to her cubicle, throwing small knick knacks and files into a box on the floor.

“For about a month after that, everything was fine” Forrester stated. “Wildheart and I started working on Project Murphy, the assignment which happened to save your brother. There were other ponies in a similar position to Mac’s.They were broken down, near death, and we managed to give them a renewed sense of freedom. But none of the ponies we worked on were in as bad condition as Soarin’ or Macintosh. Luckily for us, and for them, they were also in the prime of their lives. I doubt our procedures would have worked otherwise. ” Forrester sighed, not wanting to continue.

AJ gave Forrester the doctor a sympathetic pat, seeing how stressed this subject was making him.

“But some ponies took the project too far. Dr. Wildheart started having delusions about our limitations. Most of the ponies we fixed still had some slight memory loss. He believed that could be changed.”

“But don’t you see how much good we can do? If this works, which I’m almost certain it will....” Wildheart pleaded. This was the third time he had tried to convince the princess that his “brain chip”, as he called it, could store memories and other vital functions, with out altering the subjects personality. Wildheart was getting desperate. He couldn’t stand to see one more pony who couldn’t remember their foals.

“No. I will not have ponies under my rule be altered mentally. While I agree that your intentions are pure, there are far too many untested factors.” Celestia stone-faced any opposition from Wildheart, and he trotted back to the lab. Forrester, who was waiting on the sidelines of the main conference room, turned to leave as well.

“Dr. Forrester, if you please...” Celestia motioned for him to stay behind. “I’ve noticed a...change, of sorts, in your friend.” Celestia’s tone spoke of concern for her scientist.

Forrester nodded his head in agreement. “He has been more aggravated of late. He’s probably just working too hard.” He chuckled. Working too hard. For Wildheart, there’s no such thing.

“I see.” Celestia started rubbing her forehand with her hoof. “Keep an eye on him, I have a feeling he won’t take this rejection well.”

Forrester bowed, trotting out of the lab with a pit in his stomach. Wild knows our limits. Why would he bring this to the princess? He’s been too detached recently, and I don’t like it. He made it back to the lab, ready to question Wildheart, when his attention was immediately drawn to the two stallions brought towards the operating room. He followed the orderlies, after properly scrubbing down and changing, and paged Wildheart.

The two doctors scanned the stallions as various assistants started delivering components and equipment. “The damage is quite extensive on the big one” mentioned Wildheart. “He’s lucky he got here fast enough.”

Time to work, thought Forrester with a grin. He always enjoyed the dirty work. As he got ready to slide his welder’s mask down, he peeked over at his friend. His usual excitement was missing today, causing only more concern for Dr. Forrester.

*fourteen hours and five coffee later*

Dr. Forrester and Dr. Wildheart staggered out of the operating room. Wildheart was breathing heavily, while Forrester rested his head on the wall. The dual operation had proved exhausting for both of them, even with multiple assistants. Both patients needed several cybernetic parts, which were neither light or easy to install. Best of all, they weren’t even done operating. They still needed attachment materials and slight improvements, not to mention stress testing. The red stallion had most of his facial bones replaced, as well as his ribcage, and both hind legs. Almost all of his body had some augmentation to it. Luckily, the pegasus needed much less.

“You wanna grab a bite at Pony Joe’s? It’s not far from here” Forrester asked his peer.

“Nah, I, um, got some back work I need to fill out. I’ll...see you tomorrow.”

Forrester shrugged, and headed off towards his desk. He grabbed his keys and left the building, walking in the direction of Canterlot’s premiere doughnut store.

Meanwhile, Wildheart paced the halls in thought. Why? Why won’t she go through with this? I’ve taken all the necessary precautions, logically we’re ready for this. Celestia’s unwillingness to procede with his invention was eating away at Wildheart.

“If she won’t go along, then so be it!” He cleared out the opposing operating room and paged his favorite, most trusting new assistant.

Wildheart knew the risks of what he was about to attempt. Even, if the operation was successful, Celestia would not be happy. Rubygaze stood over him nervously.

“Are you sure about this? We could get into a lot of trouble...” Ruby was holding Wildheart’s brain chip in her hoof.

“Don’t fret, dear. I’ve triple-checked my studies, and all signs point to the conclusion that this will work.”

“What is it actually do, again?”

“With this, I should mentally be able to store memories and experiences. It will also increase my mental processes which, had I any of our wonderful prosthetics, would help my control them. Now, just follow my surgical instructions....”

A few hours later, Rubygaze brought Wildheart out of his anesthetic sleep. He opened his eyes and scanned the room.

“How do you feel?” she asked.

“I....feel....strong” Wildheart replied.

“Oh, umm...good.” Ruby wasn’t ready for that.

Wildheart sat up quickly and walked to his desk with Ruby in tow. He ran through his files, looking through employee records.

“Anyone in particular you were looking for?” said Ruby.

Wildheart mumbled something about underperforming until he found the file he needed. He opened the folder to reveal seven workers. Four of them were lab technicians, three of whom worked on developing the metal responsible for cybernetics. There were two assistant as well. The last record was Ruby’s.

“What’s this all about?” Rubygaze was concerned about her well-being, as well as Dr. Wildheart’s.

“Don’t you see, Ruby?” Wildheart was a little too happy for Ruby’s liking. “If this worked for me, it’ll work for others. Stronger workers equals stronger results.”

“But Celestia disallows this. If we present the facts to her now, she could approve us, we would have to sneak around and we can be safe from any backlash.”

Wildheart scowled at the mention of the princess. “She won’t come around. She didn’t last time, why would she now!” He was visibly angry at this point, shocking Ruby with his sudden outburst. She started backing up slowly, regretting the rash decision to help her superior.

“And where do you think your going?” Wildheart sneered.

“I....was, just...checking for Mop Bucket. Yep, looking for the janitor and NOT preparing to run away screaming of your insanity” stammered Rubygaze.

“Oh, well good. We have a lot of work to....Wait a minute! You WERE going to do all those things, weren’t you!”

Wildheart quickly grabbed the cybernetic limbs sitting on the surrounding desks, the chip enhancing his unicorn magic. He squeezed Ruby until she couldn’t move, covering her mouth with one of the metal hooves.

“Now” started Wildheart, looking through her with a sinister gaze, “I think it’s time we had a little chat."

“He continued this for the next few weeks. Unfortunately, we didn’t catch on until last week.” Dr. Forrester rested his head on his hooves. This was not a story he enjoyed retelling.

“Didn’t ya’ll think something was up when that assistant of yours never showed up?”

“I should’ve, but I trusted Wildheart too much. He faked a reassignment form with Celestia’s sigil. It was reasonable, many of my assistant have left my care. I thought she made the same choice. Only after the fact did I learn the fate of Rubygaze.”

AJ nodded her head in agreement. “Ah do have one question, if ya don’t mind...”

Applejack was ready to ask the question on everyponies mind until Forrester raised his hoof.

“Number one: Yes, Wildheart was responsible for the wings your brother currently sports. They were dangerous to remove after the fact, that addition was what tipped us off to Wildheart dementia, and frankly, I think he looks good with them. Number two: No. Neither Macintosh Apple or Soarin’ have Wildheart’s brain chip. I think he was saving that as his “Coup de grâce”.”

AJ stared at the doctor, wondering how exactly he knew what she wanted to know.

“It’s not important, anyways. What is important is that your brother is safe and, judging by the time, ready to wake up.”

Applejack nodded, and the two walked to Mac’s room, hoping his second awakening would fair better than the first.

“Mac, can ya’ll hear me in there? It’s time to wake up.”

“Ugh, nah it ain’t. Harvest isn’t til...” Mac awoke to see his sister leaning over him, a light smile on her face. He looked up at her, glad to see a friendly face. That mood didn’t last long, remembering the horrors of the last time he was up. Mac shot up, clutching his stomach hard. When he didn’t feel cold steel underneath his hoof, Mac peeked under his bandages to see his chest was covering in fur. He reached behind his shoulder, and only felt his back. Mac breathed a sigh of relief, believing that maybe he’d only experienced a trauma-induced nightmare.

“Applejack, where am I?”

“Well, Ah’d say we’re just outside of Canterlot. This hospital is kinda..hidden around there.”

Mac’s ears perked up at hidden. “What’d ya mean, hidden?”

Applejack’s eyes started darting back and forth, and her nose scrunched up into her face. “Ah have no idea what ya mean by that, and it certainly has nothing to do with yer accident. The fact that’d you’d even imply that simply....” Applejack’s pitiful attempt at concealing the truth was brought to an end by Mac’s hoof on her shoulder.

“AJ, you know you can’t lie ta me. Now tell me what’s goin‘ on?”

“All in due time, Mr. Apple” said a voice from outside Big Mac’s room. Dr. Forrester slid around the edge of the door, and trotted to the foot of Mac’s bed. “All in due time.”

Big Mac scanned the pony, put off by his seeming knowledge about Mac’s situation. Although this pony looked like a doctor, he had an air of arrogance to him, and the affection a doctor would display looked to be replaced by rationality.

“An‘ who exactly would you be?” Mac asked.

“I am Forest Rain, but you may call me Dr. Forrester. I’m the pony who put you together.”

The last part hit Big Mac like a lead pipe. Put...Me...Together? It wasn’t a dream, it wasn’t a dream! His face contorted into a look of horror as Mac’s pupils shrank. He attempted to slide his legs onto the floor, only to feel them secured quite tightly to the bedpost.

“Let me out of this thing!” Mac demanded of his perceived captor.

“Macintosh, please calm down. I’m going to explain what happened to you, and I want to help you control your new gifts.”

“Whadda ya mean new gifts, Doc?” Big Mac raised one brow, accenting his confusion.

“Well, there’s a multitude of things, really. We’ve got strength, speed, enhanced vision,.....*cough*....flight.”

“FLIGHT! WHY THE HAY DID YA’LL GIVE ME DAMN WINGS!”

“It wasn’t my decision! It wasn’t any of ours....” Forrester drifted off, reminiscing on the day when all of this was set in motion.

“What’s that suppose to mean” said Mac.

“Well, one of our former doctors, Dr. Wildheart, sort of....went crazy. In that insanity, he happened to add some minor parts to your body.”

“You call wings MINOR!”

“Okay, major parts. But it’s not all that bad. Look!” Forrester moved to the right side of Big Mac’s body and grabbed his ear. “Feel that?” He pressed his hoof directly behind the base of Mac’s ear. “There’s a small button there. Just twitch your ears and...bam! Wings goes in, wings come out!” Forrester said with barely contained pride. “We found that removing the wings would be dangerous, if not unnecessary, so we hollowed out a small section of your body cavity, and made a housing unit for your wings! Eventually, you might not even need the button.”

Mac’s facial expression was a combination of anger, disgust, and slightly impressed. He laid back into his pillow, trying to let it all sink in. “So, your tellin‘ me, that while I was out, some crazy pony tinkered around wit‘ mah body, an‘ you did almost nothing about it?”

“Essentially......yes, that’s what I’m saying.”

“How. In the hay. Did this happen?”

Forrester pulled a chair up to the side of Mac’s bed and plopped into it. “Well, about two months ago, we here at Princess Celestia’s Research & Development lab started working with the concept of bionics. We were fascinated with the idea of combining pony biology with the clockwork of machinery. Unfortunately, some ponies were a tad overzealous. One of my colleagues, a friend I might add, Dr. Wildheart toyed with the boundaries we had laid down.”

“An what, pray tell, were these boundaries?”

“We decided on a few rules. No use of anypony who was not a volunteer. No self experimentation. And our cardinal rule: no modifications of the brain. He decided he would break all three.” Forrester’s voice dropped as he looked to the floor, trying to regain his composure.

“He was experimenting with a chip that would increase brainpower and make controlling the mechanical prosthetics quicker and smoother. Unfortunately, that chip also seems to drive ponies mad. I wish we could’ve discovered that before he implanted it in himself.” Mac felt the sadness in his voice, thinking that he may have misjudged this doctor.

“Because of the chip and his own ambition, he started ...testing. Lab technicians, assistants, anyone he could find. We didn’t catch on until it was too late. He had...well, transformed three assistants, four lab techs, and our janitor, Mop Bucket.”

Mac’s realization that this man had worked on him finally hit like a bag of bricks. Mac became a ghostly pale and his hooves were shaking. “Did he, *gulp* have the chance....”

Forrester waved an assuring hoof at Mac. “We caught onto his scheme before he could get to your’s or Soarin’s brain. That’s not to say he wasn’t involved in your recovery.”

Big Macintosh felt like face-hoofing, but he rethought that decision after feeling the headache this exploits left him with. Damn, Ah forgot ‘bout that Soarin‘ fella. He didn’t even need to be there. Ah can’t imagine what he’s gotta be feeling about now.

Forrester could see the look of concern on Mac’s face at the mention of Soarin’. “Ahh yes, Soarin’. I must say he took considerable injury from the explosion. But you shouldn’t worry yourself. Had you not intervened, he’d be dead.”

“Yeah, an‘ being some kinda cybernetic freak is SOOO much better...” Mac would’ve kept talking, but a separated jaw is hard to talk with. Applejack held her hoof, not realizing that bucking metal would be more difficult than bucking a tree. He turning to Applejack, who was standing over him, holding her hoof.

“Don’t you ever talk like tha‘ again, you hear me?” If looks could kill, Mac would be dead three times over. She sat back down next to him, placing her hoof over his, loosened up her jaw and gave Mac a tired smile. “Mac, you’re mah brother. When Ma and Pa left us, you were there. It don’t matter what ya got under your skin, sugarcube.”

Mac looked up at her, grinning. Normally, he was the emotional rock for Applejack. Being on the other side was strange, to say the least. Big Mac turned his attention to Dr. Forrester.

“So, is there any hope ya’ll just hand out cyberwhatssits fer free?” Mac’s eyes pleaded with Forrester, only to be shot down.

“Unfortunately, no. The metal we used is specially made to bend with your body muscles. That alone cost us 2 million....” Forrester started to explain the financial debt Mac’s body, but Applejack stopped him before everypony’s head exploded.

Forrester collected himself and continued. “Regardless of the cost, you have the best technology in Equestria inside you. You’re stronger, faster, more agile than any pony we’ve seen. You’re a ‘Mac of all trades’... so to say.”

Mac chuckled at the poor attempt at comedy from the doctor. But something was still scratching at the back of his mind.

“So, there’s gotta be some kinda catch, right? Ya’ll don’t give out life-saving, so what’d I gotta do to return the favor?” quizzed Macintosh.

Dr. Forrester peered at Mac’s, rose his hoof and shook his head. “Now is not the time for that. I’d rather explain it when the princesses are present.” Mac raised his eyebrow isn disbelief. “It’ll best be explained when the time arrives” Forrester assured him. “But now, I think it’s time you returned home.”

Mac’s eyes lit up like one of Luna’s legendary summer moons. Finally, Ah can get back to mah farm. There’s gotta be so much back work....”You’re saying Ah can leave today?”

“That’s what I’m saying. I’ll just grab your manuel.”

“Manuel?”

“Yes, of course. We’re not going to throw you back into society all ‘willy nilly’. You need some direction on how to function with your new body.” Forrester retreated, leaving Mac and Applejack to prepare for the trip home.

Applejack grabbed Mac’s things as an orderly brought in a wheelchair for Mac to use. Reluctantly, he slid into the chair, muttering something along the lines of being treated like an old mare.

As Mac started to move himself towards the door, AJ trotted in front of him and stared into his eyes. Something was on her mind, and Big Mac knew that when AJ had something to say, you were most likely going to hear it.

“AJ, what are ya thinkin’?

“Well, it’s about Soarin’....” Mac had a gut feeling that he knew exactly where this was going.

“It’s just that...he wont be able to fly for at least another few weeks...and...he lives in Cloudsdale. Kinda hard for him to go home when he’s incapable of flight.”

Mac sighed. He was not one to leave a pony on their own, and he was partially to blame for what he happened to him. Still, Mac didn’t like the idea of having a stranger living in their home, especially one getting that cosy with his sister.

“Have ya’ll talked to granny?

“Yep, she said as long as he’s got his own room, that’d it be okay.” Applejack mustered up the best puppy-eyed expression she could, aiming it directly at Mac.

She must be takin’ tips from Winona, Mac chuckled. “Alright, simmer down. He can stay...” AJ smiled “...but only if he helps on the farm. We’re not supportin’ no freeloaders, ya here?”

“Ah wouldn’t have it any other way.” Applejack trotted out the door, and headed towards Soarin’s room.

Forrester returned shortly after, carrying Mac’s manuel with him. The cover read Code OCP ‘Project Murphy’, which Mac found peculiar. He pondered asking Forrester about it but decided against it, not wanting to get the doctor talking. Forrester placed the book on Mac’s lap; it felt more like a small anvil than reading material.

“So, what if Ah got questions?” Mac’s question was particularly valid.

“You can contact me with this.” Forrester passed Mac a blue envelope, which was emitting a small yellow glow. “It’s shrouded by the magic of the princesses, so we don’t have to worry about anypony intercepting it.”

Mac raised his brow, wondering why somepony would want a letter so badly.

“Don’t worry your head about that yet. Just focus on healing and reading that manuel. I also suggest finding a training partner, preferably one whose not an earth pony. Get someone who can test your new abilities.“

Applejack returned to Mac’s room and wheeled him down the hall. Looking around, Mac noticed that most of the rooms near him were empty. His curiosity was peaked, but by that time, Mac just wanted to be home. The siblings arrived at the front doors, where Soarin‘ was waiting impatiently.

“Are we ready to go?” he asked.

“Ah reckon so. Are we Soarin?” Mac’s memory was still a little foggy.

Soarin‘ feigned offense at Mac’s inability to recognize the Wonderbolt.

“We are, and we’re very insulted” Soarin’ pouted. “I would’ve hoped that my uncanny wit and stunning good looks would’ve left an impression.”

Mac grinned at Soarin’ unflappable glee. He had a reason to be happy as well. They were finally heading home.

The next week was completely unbearable for Big Mac. As soon as they arrived home, the welcome party known as Pinkie Pie had prepared a “Get Well Soon /Thank Celestia You Didn’t Blow Up” party. Mac didn’t mind the energetic equestrian, but in his current state, he couldn’t sleep comfortable, let alone dance. He talked Pinkie into, reluctantly, postponing it for another day.

Mac wasn’t used to being off his hooves, even if it was only for a bit. By the time the week had rolled around, Mac was itching to do something, anything. Soarin’ was already training with Applejack, since he needed work on his hoofwork. His flight would need touching up too, but wing mobility wasn’t really an option for him at the moment.

Mac wandered the Apple farm compound, checking and double-checking his chore list. Everything had been done hours before, so he retired to sit on the porch and watch AJ and Soarin‘ train. They ran through the orchards as Soarin‘ was getting used to rigorous action in his cybernetic leg. AJ was grinning with Soarin‘ struggling to catch up.

Mac sighed, staring up at the open blue sky. Horseapples! Ah’m home now. Not in a hospital. Not in bed. An’ Ah still got nothin’ ta do. Ah’ve had jus’ about enough of sittin’ around.

As Mac watched the sky, he noticed a light blue speck in the distance. It seemed...odd to him. It seemed to be moving closer, too. Well, ain’t that the damnedest....wait a tic. Ohhh, no...not agaiAHHHHH! Before Big Mac could attempt any evasive action, that blue speck slammed straight into his chest. Surprisingly enough, the shockwave didn’t sent them through the wall of Mac’s home. Must be the new legs Mac thought. They feel...heavy.

Mac looked down at the would be projectile, only to find a rainbow colored tail in his face. He brushed it aside, peering into a set of fuchsia eyes, belonging to Equestria’s fastest flier, Rainbow Dash. She looked back at Mac, about to chastise him for “getting in her way”, until she saw those green eyes of his. If there was one thing about Big Mac that stood out, other than the fact that he was the strongest and most physical stallion, it would be his eyes. Rainbow stared into them, losing her train of thought almost immediately. Huh....never realized how...cool Mac’s eyes were. Rainbow sat there, transfixed on Mac, a slight blush appearing on her cheeks. It also hadn’t helped that she was on her back, on top of Big Mac, her flank directly in his face.

Mac waited for the pegasus to snap back to reality. She really must’ve hurt herself, givin‘ me that weird stare an‘ all. Ah should see if she’s alright. He watched Dash as she stared back at him, her left ear twitching slightly as her tail involuntarily flicked him on the nose. Mac blinked at the gesture, mostly because he was unprepared for it. Rainbow quickly realized what a compromising position she was in. She jumped to her feet, brushing out her mane and losing her slight embarrassment in the process. Jeez, I really gotta start watching how I land. Lucky that was just Big Mac and not some creep.

“Sorry about that” she spoke to Mac’s feet. I was testing a new trick, and....sorta...lost balance.”

“Ah’d say it was a little more than balance ya’ll lost.” Mac never understood how such an athletic pony could risk hurting herself so much.

“Hey, I would’ve landed it if there was a bit more space between your farm and the sky!”

“Eeyup.”

“Hmm, I can’t tell if your agreeing with me or patronizing me.”

Mac opened his mouth to utter his trademark, but Rainbow shot him a glare that could’ve rivaled Fluttershy’s stare.

“That’s what I thought” Dash grinned. “So, what exactly are you doing out here? You’re out working normally, right? She didn’t know much about her friends brother, but popular opinion was if he wasn’t working the field, he was performing some other type of .

“It’s a long story.....wouldn’t ya’ll rather hear it from Soarin’?” Mac was still uncomfortable talking about his injury. He didn’t know what to make of it himself. With half the town calling him a hero, and the other half thinking he was now a farming robot, it was undoubtably a touchy subject. Maybe tellin’ Pinkie ‘bout the surgery was a bad idea.

“Nahh” Rainbow responded. “I mean, I totally would, he’s super awesome and all, but he looks a bit tied up right now.” She pointed over towards Soarin’ and AJ, where Soarin’ seemed to be learning a thing or two about a bowline knot.

“She seems ta be enjoyin’ herself.” Big Mac muttered. He was still getting used to the idea of a stranger staying at their home, but Applejack seemed to acclimate to Soarin‘ rather quickly.

“Yeah, you know AJ and her rope..”

Mac gave Rainbow Dash an inquisitive look which she promptly brushed off.

“Don’t ask....anyways, back to my question?”

“Well, Ah’m suppose’d ta be training or somethin’.”

Dash’s interest was peeked. “Training? Like, for the Iron Pony or something?”

Mac explained the situation to Rainbow. The explosion, the “repairs”, even the wings. “...An’ he said Ah should start training. For what, Ah haven’t a clue.”

Dash stared at Mac, her mouth hanging open. For an awkward amount of time. Mac realized his mistake, and turned to walk inside the house. Guess Ah shoulda known laying all that on somepony else would weird ‘em out.

“THAT’S SOOOOOO COOL!” Dash was squeeing with the force of a million cider-holding Cheerilees. “So, your like, a pegasus now? I’ve never seen one your size!” Dash’s rambling was ended by Mac.

“Now hold on there miss Dash. Ah may have wings, but Ah’m no pegasus. Ah’m still jus’ a regular old earth pony.”

“Screw that, Mac! We’re gonna make you the toughest, meanest, second-fastest pegasus Equestria have ever seen!”

“Oh, it’s ‘we’ all of a sudden?”

“Of course! I can’t let you squander those things. Plus, I’ve held a flight camp for the fillies and colt in cloudsdale every summer. I know what I’m doing.”

“Ah suppose ya’ll got a point there.”

“Damn straight I do!”

“Okay. We’ll start tomorrow. Remember that Ah still gotta rehab mah legs, so Ah can’t go full bore yet. Ya’ll still better be ready.”

Dash shot Mac a competitive glare, that he proceeded to reflect straight back at her. As Dash flew away, Mac watched her fade into the horizon. He looked over to AJ and Soarin’, who were now chasing each other around the orchard giggling. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all, Mac thought to himself. For the first time in a week, he was excited.

Chapter 4

Big Mac ran. He ran hard and relentless, until his lungs felt like burning charcoal. And still, he kept running. Don’t look back. Don’t look back. Do anything ‘cept look back. His legs were tired, but Mac ignored them. If ah can just make it back to the house, he told himself, ah can.... HIs thought was interrupted by a loud grinding noise. He turned his head involuntarily to face whatever made the sound. Mac tripped, falling down and sliding into his front porch.

The ground shook under the massive feet of his attacker. Each impending step spelled doom, as Big Mac trembled in place. As his attacker broke the horizon, the sky bled a deep maroon. Try as he might, Mac couldn’t stand up. As his assailant drew closer and closer, the shadows around it disappeared, showing its ghastly figure.

Mother of Celestia....is that a, boiler? The mechanical monstrosity stopped at Mac’s hooves, roaring through it’s fire grate while emitting flaming coals. It reached out, grabbing Macintosh with it’s water hose and started constricting him. The boiler welled up, glowing a orange-red hue and started to crack at the seams.

Big Mac jolted up sweating buckets. Breathing hard, he laid back down and watched his ceiling. He’d been having this nightmare for the last few days. He wasn’t particularly scared of another explosion. The family had to buy a new boiler, so that was not a worry anymore. And he didn’t feel traumatized because of it either. Hassled would be a better word. It was weird, that was true. And he hated the fact that this was done without his consent. But the actual mechanics of it all, well, he just tried not to think about them. Why does this keep happening?

In twenty minutes, a ray of sunlight shined through Mac’s bed-side window. Illuminating the room, this was a sign that it was time for Mac to get up. He was used to early rising, having done it his entire life. But this day, he wished he’d have a little more time to sleep. Ah’m gonna need all the strength ah can muster, if miss Dash is really the athlete she says she is.

Finally out of bed, Mac walked downstairs and into the kitchen. It had a rustic look, like the rest of the house, but because of the most recent zap apple season and it's financial returns, it sported more modern equipment. He made his way to the fridge, grabbing a glass of apple juice and some leftover oatmeal from the night before. Mac sat down at the table, wondering what challenges his new training partner would throw at him. Applejack walked around the corner soon after. Most mornings, AJ was up later than Mac. He usually prepared the day’s work, liking to get a head start. With AJ being involved in so many adventures as the Elements of Honesty, Mac let her sleep in more and more recently.

AJ sat, staring at Mac intently. She watched him at he slowly eat, trying to find the right words to ask him. Mac wasn’t touchy about most things, that was for sure. But AJ needed to make sure that Mac knew what to expect when training with Rainbow Dash.

“Um, Big Mac, Can ah talk to ya?”

“Course, AJ. What’d ya’ll wanna talk about?”

“Well, today’s your first day working with Rainbow, right?”

“Eeyup.”

“Ah want ya’ll to know what you’re gettin‘ in to.”

Mac leaned forward, interested in what she had to say. Mac knew a little about Applejack’s friend. Mostly that she was a hothead who couldn’t be humble if her wings depended on it. She’s good friends with AJ, so she’s gotta have some good qualities as well. AJ don’t always agree with everypony, so if she can get along with somepony like miss Dash, than ah think ah can handle it.

“Rainbow’s prolly the most competitive pony ah’ve ever met. She’ll go full bore on ya till you’re ready ta past out. An‘ that’s when she makes it harder. This ain’t gonna be some picnic” said Applejack. “No matter how much ya’ll want it to be” she muttered under her breath.

“Whut exactly is that supposed to mean?” Mac asked his sister. She always acted weird whenever her friends were around him.

“Ohhh ah saw ya’ll on the porch” AJ smirked.

“What are ya blabberin’ on ‘bout? She crashed, and then we talked.”

AJ kept eyeing Big Mac, refusing to let up on her implications. “Sure Mac, an’ it just so happens that you’ll be practicing wit’ her almost ever day.” AJ’s smirk continued to grow. “You sly devil. If’n ya’ll were so interested...”

Mac stopped AJ right there. “AJ, first off, you know ah’m a gentlecolt an’ that ah’d never do anythin’ like that. Secondly, Ah’m not interested in Dash. Ah barely know her. She’s the one who asked to be mah coach in the first place.”

Applejack was truly stunned by this development. She really did trust her brother, but he always seemed to be so suave when it came to mares, she’d just assumed this was Mac pulling the same tricks again. “Come on, Mac. You didn’t do anything? You bein‘ such a ladiescolt an’ all.”

Mac gave his sister a bewildered look and laughed. “Ladiescolt...AJ, ya’ll know somethin‘ ah don’t?”

“Well, it jus‘ seems that any time ya’ll converse with a mare, you could sell ‘em the whole orchard.”

“Maybe ah’m just a good salespony.”

AJ gave Big Mac a deadpan look. “Please, Mac. You barely say anything!”

Mac rubbed the back of his neck knowing he couldn’t worm his way out of this conversation. He couldn’t help it if mares gave him funny looks. It;s not like he asked for it. Seems to be a whole lot of trouble to me, he thought. Funny thing to be bothered by, though. Mac chuckled.

“AJ, ah know you’re jus‘ lookin’ out for your friend, but you wont get any trouble from me. All ah’m focused on is gettin‘ used to.....all this.” Big Mac looked down at his hooves. “What do ya’ll think we’re actually gettin‘ into?” His voice took a somber tone. “If the princesses are involved, it’s gotta be somethin‘ big, right?”

AJ thought about what Forrester had said the day they left. “Gotta figure that doctor friend of his is involved somehow. Ponies don’t just disappear, especially when under Celestia’s watch.” AJ shook her head. “Ah don’t rightly know, Mac.”

Big Mac nodded, putting on a small smile. He could see how worried AJ was, even though she tried to hide it. “I wouldn’t worry to much. Ah don’t think the princess would send me an‘ Soarin‘ inta a situation without some kinda backup.”

This seemed to cheer Applejack up. The rest of their breakfast was eaten in silence. Mostly. Just before Mac left to start his daly chores, one certain blue-haired pegasus stumbled into the kitchen from his guest room down the hall. “Sorry I’m late” he sputtered. “I was just having the most wonderful dream.” He stared off into some unknown void, hoping to recapture only a moment of the bliss he experienced in that dream.

“Awww, that’s sweet, Soarin’. But if ya’ll the genuine article, you know ah’m right down the hall.” AJ said with a seductive tone. Mac glared at AJ. She smiled back, winking at him. Realizing Applejack’s true intentions, Mac laughed under his breath and headed out the door, ready to start the day’s work.

Meanwhile, Soarin‘ was trying to retrieve his lower jaw from the floor of Sweet Apple Acres‘ kitchen. He just looked at AJ, his eyes wide with shock,also showing a little bit of hope. “W-w-what was that?” His cheeks were more red than a fully bloomed empire apple. “Are you serious?” His shock turned to excitement, his wings involuntarily flaring.

AJ couldn’t contain herself any longer. She fell out of her chair, laughing so hard her sides hurt. “Hahaha.....ah, Soarin’......you’re...just...too easy” AJ managed while trying to breath.

Soarin’s grin dropped quickly. “Let’s just get started.”

AJ got up and walked outside with Soarin’. “Quit yer moping” said Applejack. “I was only teasing ya’ll.”

“I know” said Soarin’. That’s exactly the problem. AJ trotted ahead, getting ready to start chores with Soarin’. She had been using daily farmwork as a means of strengthening Soarin’s new legs. AJ decided that today was going to be slightly different.

“Okay, today we’re gonna have us a little race.”

Soarin’s ears perked up at the word. “A race, you say? You sure you want to do this? I mean, it’s not like it’s my job or anything.” Soarin’s words were laced with sarcasm. It’s been awhile since I’d faced any kinda competition, he thought. Hay, I haven’t even talked to any wonderbolts since I woke up. Can’t tell if that’s good or bad yet...

“Yup, Ah think a race could do you some good” said Applejack. She trotted into the barn, pulling two carts filled with assorted farming equipment behind her. Attaching one to herself and one to Soarin’, she lined up with him.

“I thought you said we were having a race?” he said.

“Ohhh we are. This equipment is all broke, an‘ we hafta take it into town. The first one to Flank’s and Plank’s wins!”. With that, AJ put hoof to dirt and sped off in direction of ponyville. Soarin’, left in the dust, raced after her, a mile-wide grin across his face.

Big Mac inspected his yolk, which was dusty from non-use. By his figures, it was about time his old accessory was put back into rotation. As he put it on, he heard a screeching sound outside of the barn. “Huh, wonder who that might be” he muttered with a smirk. Mac grabbed his saddlebags and walked outside, where an unusually excited Rainbow Dash awaited him.

“So, you ready?” The look of contest was strewn across Dash’s face.

“Ah suppose” Mac drawled in his usual demeanor.

“Oh, come on! Give me some emotion. This is gonna be fun!”

Mac stared at her. He was excited to finally have something to do, but his was a quiet enthusiasm. Mac tended to show it differently than most other ponies.

“Eeyup.”

Rainbow Dash sighed. “Just follow me, Big.” Dash slowly flew to the edge of Sweet Apple Acres with Big Mac in tow. As they neared the Everfree forest, Mac grew increasingly suspicious.

“Where exactly are ya’ll taking me? We’re, a...gettin‘ a bit close to the forest.”

“What are you, scared?” Dash laughed at the thought of the giant stallion trembled because of a bit of wilderness.

“Ah ain’t scared! Ah jus‘ don’t like bein‘ led somewhere without mah knowledge.”

“Surrre, Big.” Dash put on her best baritone. “Ah don’t like adventure. Only apples and apple accessories.” She looked back at Big Mac. “You need to get out more.”

Mac laughed. “Well, ah can‘t argue wit‘ ya on that one.” The duo traveled for another 15 minutes through the forest.

“So, where are ya’ll actually taking me?” Mac was getting impatient.

Dash was weaving in and out of Everfree’s flora, whereas Mac seemed to be having a harder time, breaking branches and causing general dismay for the plants around him. “I’m taking you.....riiight......here.” Rainbow pulled back the bushes in front of her, revealing a small canyon. It held a lake nearest to them, with a cave opposite them. Mac looked down into the canyon. He could see dirt path that ran down into the valley, as well as slalom pegs, a dirt track, and various other training equipment.

Big Mac sat and placed his bags down, surveying the wonder before his eyes. Ta think, there’s been such a beautiful place in the middle of all this wilderness. Rainbow Dash strutted up next to him, giggling at the ridiculous face he making.

“So, I take it your impressed?” Dash had a hint of arrogance in her voice which Big Mac promptly ignored. “I found this place when I first started seriously training for the Wonderbolts. Me and Fluttershy just got out of flight school.” Mac turned to watch Rainbow recall the memory with great candor. “I was trying to re-create my first sonic rainboom.” Dash leapt into the air, shooting her hooves straight forward, emulating her traditional flight position.

“I started my descent, and at that time I, a...didn’t quite have it down.” Rainbow rubbed the back of her neck; she normally didn’t talk easily about her failures. “I crashed into the lake down there. When I surfaced, I...guess I found this place.” She scanned the area, and a proud smile grew on her face. She hovered back to earth, landing next to Mac. “I’ve been adding pieces to it ever since.”

Big Mac smiled at Rainbow. The pride she had over this place reminded him of his sister, and the pride she had over the farm. Yes, it was technically Granny Smith’s, and she split most of the farmwork with Mac. But Applejack was the passion behind their small homestead. She had the drive, the hunger for success behind their farm. Mac was... content with it. He loved his family, and he loved farmwork. But Mac never developed the same passion that Applejack did.

“Ah gotta hand it to ya miss Dash. This place looks a mighty fine place to train.”

“Exactly my point, Big.”

“Ok, Ah gotta ask. What’s with ‘Big’? Not that I ain’t one fer nicknames...”

“Well, in flight school, most students got nicknames, so I figured you might as well get one too.”

“What was yours, miss Dash?”

Rainbow tensed up at Mac’s question. Chants of “Rainbow Crash” echoed through her mind. “That’s not important” she responded curtly.

Touchy subject, thought Big Mac. “Sorry ah asked, miss Dash.”

“Don’t worry about it, Big.” Rainbow composed herself quickly. “Okay, lesson one: Stop with the ‘miss’ stuff. Do I look like Rarity to you?”

“Eenope.”

“Didn’t think so...”

“Rarity’s MUCH prettier...”

Dash checks flared as she scowled Mac. Dash wasn’t one to care about things as trivial as beauty, but for some reason unknown to her, Mac’s comment struck a chord in her. “Pppsssshhh! .....are you kidding me? Rarity’s so frou-frou, she probably can’t even handle a REAL stallion. Granted, she’s got a nice coat, not to mention her mane, but....”

Rainbow broke away from her tirade long enough to notice Big Mac laughing under his breath. Tying to suppress it, Mac peeked over at Rainbow, noticing the crimson her face was displaying. He broke into a deep laugh.“You’re...really....too easy, Rainbow.”

Rainbow’s scowl quickly faded into a devilish grin as a plan unfolded in her mind. “Ohhh, so I see I’ve got a wise-flank on my hooves. I think it’s time for lesson two.” Rainbow slid behind Macintosh, who until now hadn’t noticed how close he was to the edge of the canyon. He peered down, seeing only water below him. He lost himself in the depth of the canyon, becoming oblivious to the plan of revenge Rainbow Dash was laying out.

“Gee, that sure is one heck of a faAAAAAhhhhh.....” It was too late. Rainbow kicked Mac directly on his cutie mark, hitting a leg nerve, jumping Mac out of his daydream, and propelling him forward into the canyon. Macintosh fell like a hammer to an anvil, climaxing with a splash Pinkie would be proud of. Dash grabbed Mac’s saddlebags and glided down to the water edge, laughing all the way. This only intensified when Big Mac surfaced with a fish atop his head.

“Damn it, Rainbow! That’s a 30 foot drop!” Mac shouted.

“Good. Shouting is good.” Dash said with a smile. “Now, ask yourself something. Did that drop scare you?”

Mac paused in the middle of his thoughts. Huh. Wasn’t quite ready fer that one. “Ah...ah suppose it did” he said sheepishly.

“If I brought you up there and pushed you again, would you still be scared?”

“Most likely, no. Ah mean, ah already did it once an’ turned out fine.”

“Exactly. Lesson two: No fear. If I’m gonna prepare you for whatever he princesses have in store, you have to be able to get over any kind of barrier, physical or psychological. Also, why the hay are you looking at me like that?”

Mac was stared at Rainbow Dash with the kind of face Applebloom would give to a calculus problem. Mac shook himself from his stupor after he realized what he was doing. “Sorry, just thought ah was training with Rainbow Dash. Not miss Sparkle.”

Rainbow scoffed at Mac’s joke. “Just get out of the water. Shows what I get for tryin’ to be helpful.”

Mac trotted out, carefully placing the fish occupying his mane before he exited. He followed Rainbow, who stopped in front of Mac’s first hurdle. Which turned out to actually be a hurdle. She adjusted it to sit at the height of Mac’s shoulders.

“So, mah first challenge is gonna be...jumping? Seems a bit easy, don’t ya think?”

Rainbow looked at Mac, her smiled growing with each word. Mac suddenly realized what a mistake he had just made. She walked up to Mac, placing his saddlebags back into his back. Mac shifted his legs, redistributing the weight on his back. “Is that all, Rainbow?” said Mac with a smirk.

Dash matched his grin with one of her own. “Ohhh, big shot, huh?” Rainbow leapt onto Mac’s back, grabbing his yoke like a pair of reigns. Mac grumbled. “What do ya’ll think you’re doin’?”

“Adding weight.”

“C’mon, Rainbow. This is just degradin’.”

“Less talky. More jumpy.” With that, Dash jammed her rear hooves into Mac’s ribs. He instinctively reared back and ran at the hurdle. Mac leaped, hoping he wouldn’t regret opening his mouth.

Mac felt his head hit something soft, though he didn’t open his eyes to see what. The texture felt slightly moist with an organic smell, so he could only assume it was grass. He sprawled on the ground, panting heavily. Rainbow Dash had him at this hurdle for hours. Every time Mac passed one, she would raise the bar slightly higher. After he crashed the fifth time in a row, she decided to give him a slight boost. Rainbow would grab ahold of Mac’s chest, thrusting downward with her wings. Right now, she was attempting to get Mac back on his hooves.

“Jeez, Mac! Heavy, much? You really gotta lay off the apple pie” Dash commented as she jammed her shoulder under Mac’s, trying to prop him back onto his feet.

“Buut....Ah make the pie. Ah gotta make sure it’s edible.”

“Mac, that was a joke.” 
“Oh, right. Well, buckin’ apples ain’t for the faint o’ heart or body. Anyways, It‘s not like Ah was actually meant to fly.”

Dash jumped off Mac. He looked up, seeing that she was giving him a stern look. Mac sat up, as straining as it was on his back. He looked back into Dash’s eyes, noticing a slight bit of concern.

“Big...you’ve been given something thousands of ponies dream of. You get to see how the other side lives. Why are you so against this?”

Mac sighed, and inhaled deeply. He didn’t like explanations, but when they were necessary, Mac could articulate one well enough. “Dash.....” He tried to think of a way to explain his situation.

“Ya’ll are the the fastest flier in Equestria, accordin’ to ma sis. You live by your wings. Try to image wakin’ up one day with a horn instead of them.” Mac gestured at Rainbow’s wings.

“Mac, that’s totally different. You didn’t lose anything!”

“The principle’s the same. Ah jus’....woke up with these things. They didn’t even really explain ‘em to me!” Mac looked at his back, slightly fearing the tech under it. “Ah don’t even know what they do.”

“Mac, they’re wings. They fly.”

“Ya’ll know what ah mean.”

Rainbow put a hoof on Mac’s shoulder, making him swivel around to face her. She had a sincere look on her face. “Mac, that’s what I’m here for” she said, smiling. Big Mac smiled back. He was still a bit nervous about it all, but Dash’s genuine want to help him made Mac feel a little bit better.

“C’mon, it’s getting late. We should probably head back.” Dash headed off in front of Mac, trotting up the path leading back to Sweet Apple Acres. Mac gladly followed her, ready for a good night’s sleep.

Crunch, crunch, crunch.

No...NO. Git back!

Mac tossed and turned, jutting his legs through his bottom bedpost. His eyes shot open. He’d had that dream again. Damn it, can‘t Ah get a decent amoun’ a sleep, ONCE!. He stared into his pillow, hoping to regain some peace of mind, and maybe drift back off into Luna’s greatest creation. As he lay, Mac thought about the past week. Everyday, after his chores were finished, Dash would stop by the farm, and the two would venture through Everfree to Rainbow’s training area. She dubbed it the “Danger Chasm”, because it sounded cool. Mac thought it sounded silly, like something out of one of his old adventure books, but who was he to judge.

Mac turned around, staring up at the ceiling. Ah’m gonna hafta fix that...thinking about his newly damaged bed. Although his didn’t fully agree with Dash’s coaching method, he had to admit, she got results. Dash would work him into the ground, dust him off, and then do it again. It was a routine that Mac greatly disliked at first. That changed when he shattered the first tree he bucked since he started training. With a little work, he was able to tame his new found strength. Mac figured he was lucky he didn’t take the entire wall out with his bed. Damn metal legs, hope I never gotta tighten a rivet or somethin’.

Damn, Ah wish Ah coulda started working out with Rainbow early. Ah reckon we could finish harvest in half the time now. Mac sat up, his wandering mind not allowing for sleep. He trotted into the kitchen, wanting to grab small meal for himself. He walked into the kitchen to find a light blue pegasus sitting at the table.

“Howdy, Soarin’.”

“Hey, Mac. Early riser, huh?” he asked.

“Comes wit’ being on a farm. How ‘bout yourself? If ya’ll go by miss Dash’s standard’s, you’d think pegasi sleep 18 hours a day.”

Soarin’ shrugged. “Same reason you’ve got, really. Wonderbolt practices start early. Spitfire says the cold air is good for our wings.”

Mac raised an eyebrow. “Who’s Spitfire?”

“Oh, she’s our captain. Old friend.” Soarin‘ sad quickly. If Mac noticed the awkward look Soarin’ had after talking about Spitfire, he didn’t show it.

“Ya’ll hungry?”

“Starved” answered Soarin’.

Mac grabbed some leftover apple oatmeal, serving himself and Soarin’. The two sat there quietly, both revealing in the small break their days seemed to be missing of late. Soarin’ looked up from his food at Mac.

“So, you started working with Rainbow Dash?” Soarin’ asked.

“Eeyup.”

“I, uh, bet she runs ya pretty hard, huh?” Soarin’ grinned.

“Eeyup.”

“Must be pretty rough; you two working your tails off. In the woods. Alone.” Soarin winked, adding to his already obvious implications. Well, obvious to everypony but Big Mac.”

“Huh?” Mac looked at Soarin’, utterly confused on what was going on.

“Oh, I see. Not one to kiss and tell?”

“Ah literally have no idea what ya’ll are talking ‘bout.”

“All I’m saying is, she’s an amazing flier. And flying takes a lot of energy. That energy can be spent in more than one way, know what I’m sayin’?”

“No. Ah really, really don’t”.

There one sided conversation was ended by a knock at the door. Mac opened it to reveal a royal guard, with a sky carriage parking in front of the rustic house. Two other guards stood attached to the carriage.

“Mr. Apple? Mr. Soarin’?” The two nodded their heads in recognition.

“There appears to be an...incident. I am to take you to her majesty’s palace at once.”

Soarin’s eyes widened at the news. “Do you know what happened?” he asked.

“I’m not at liberty to say. Regardless, I would appreciate it if you would process with haste.”

Mac looked at the guard. “Ah just wanna let mah family know Ah’m leaving.”

The guard gave him a look of understanding. Mac ran upstairs, letting Applejack know where he and Soarin‘ where headed, and giving Granny Smith and Applebloom a quick kiss. Mac headed downstairs, where Soarin’ seemed to be tried his best to make the royal guard break his stoic character.

“So...there’s a donkey, a dragon, and a pony. The three walk into a barn...no, wait is was a bakery....anyway, the punchline is that the dragon....”

“Soarin’.” Mac was not going to deal with this the entire ride to Canterlot.

“Yes, Mac?”

“Don’t ya’ll think this is a time to serious the buck up?”

“R-right. Sorry, Mac.”

“Don’t mention it.” With that, the two entered the sky carriage, and the royal guards took off towards Canterlot. Soarin‘ and Mac stood there, anxious of the possibilities that lay ahead of them.

A/N: Hey, everyone. Just wanted to thank everyone for the wonderful feedback. You guys are awesome! Next chapter is going to contain some action. Finally, right? So enjoy, and prepare for a beatdown next time!

Chapter 5

Mac looked over the edge of the carriage, viewing Ponyville from an angle he’d never dreamed until recently. Seeing his little town from up here was an experience, to say the least. A few ponies bustled about, tending to their goals for the day. From up here, they looked like so many apples in Mac’s ever-growing orchard. They passed overhead of Everfree forest, flying higher so as not to disturb anything potentially dangerous. Mac could see the corner of Danger Chasm as the carriage headed towards Canterlot.

“So...do you think we’re gonna see some action?” Soarin’ was trotting in place, teeming with determination.

“Settle down, Soarin’. Ah’m sure whatever the princesses need us for, it’s important.”

“I know. I’m just sick of waiting around, ya know? You forget, but I was awake in that hospital longer than you. I really want to test myself out. I can’t stand bed-rest.”

“But ya’ll have been workin’ with AJ...”

“Don’t get me wrong! It’s certainly helped, but I do stuff like that all the time. Wonderbolts, remember?”

“Right.”

Mac watched his companion walk around the carriage, gently stretching and twisting his body. Soarin' continues to gush over the chance to prove himself. It was still early, so he decided that a light nap might help his morning disposition. Mac rested on the bench he was sitting on, trying to ignored Soarin’s incessant squabbling. He closed his eyes, thinking about his warm bed with its newly added hoof holes, and drifted into a state of half-sleep.

Mac opened his eyes groggily, wishing he had more than the twenty minutes a sky carriage needed to arrive in Canterlot. As he sat up, Soarin‘ peered back at him smiling.

“Wake up. You’re gonna miss the best part of the day.”

Big Mac sat up, holding on the the edge of the carriage. The sun was just peeking over the horizon as Canterlot neared them. The royal guards started a downward approach towards a brilliantly white castle, its spires reaching into the sky around it. As they closed the distance to the castle, a pony was visible, and she was standing on a balcony. Her horn glowed yellow as the sun slowly rose above the edge of Canterlot. As it did, the deep blues and purples of the night faded into maroons and reds.

Their carriage careened around the spires, weaving in between them and the towers which held them. The carriage pulled up, landing on the balcony housing the white pony. Mac and Soarin gazed at the spectacle before them, unaware that they’d arrived that their destination. One of the guardponies accompanying them coughed, startling the passengers.

The two ponies exited their vehicle, shaking out their muscles after the short but early trip. As both Big Mac and Soarin‘ stretched out, Princess Celestia approached them, mentally preparing herself for the situation she was going to put her subjects in. Macintosh noticed her first, bowing deeply in her presence. Soarin’ continued to twist and pull his back until a swift kick from Mac brought his attention to the princess. Soarin followed suit. Celestia stopped a few feet in front of them, smiling softly at their little display.

“Rise, my ponies. It’s good to see you again” she said.

Mac and Soarin’ refrained from their genuflecting, wondering what exactly she meant by that. Mac was the first to speak up.

“Um, yer majesty...”

“Oh please, Macintosh. We needn't be on such proper terms. I find it slows down normal conversation, and unfortunately, time soon may be of the essence. Just refer to me as Celestia.”

“Uh, Celestia, whut do ya’ll mean by, ‘again’?”

Celestia gave Mac a questioning look. Surely they would have told him... Celestia trotted closer to the stallion, eying him with uncertainty.

“Macintosh, the doctors did explain to you how you came to my facility, yes?”

“Truth be told princess, they didn’t explain much of anythin’.”

Celestia sighed. She knew she should have attended to the ponies awakenings herself. I was just so busy. Maybe I could have had Luna talk to them. She chuckled at the thought. She trusted her sister like...well, a sister. But Luna didn’t particularly know what this situation called for. Celestia feared that Luna's jovial manner might upset their guests.

“Come, my friends. We have much to discuss.” She lead the two into her castle, and they promptly followed. Corridor after corridor, Mac and Soarin’ couldn’t help marvel at the things they saw. Most rooms were adorned with long, beautiful tapestries along the walls. Chandeliers hung from each ceiling, each more elaborate than the last. In one room which looked like a museum, Mac spotted a shining metal yoke. He raced in as Soarin’ and the princess followed. Its handles were polished ebony, with the initials I.H. etched in between the two handles.

“Celestia, is this what Ah think it is?”

The princess smiled. “That, my friend, is the yoke of Iron Henrys. I remember him well. The ‘steam-powered pony’, they used to call him. He was such a determined pony. He actually managed to plow two orchards within 24 hours on a bet, and ended up earning his cutie mark for it, too.”

Mac grinned with delight. He’d grown up hearing old pony tales about the strong farm horse plowing through mountains and planting hundreds of trees in a few days. It was no coincidence that Mac enjoyed plowing so much. To him, it was living a bit like a legend. “Some bet. What’d he win?” Mac asked.

“A date.”

Mac smirked. “Must’ve been some pony, ta go through all that fer jus’ a date. Why didn’t he jus’ ask ‘em out, instead goin’ through all that trouble?”

Celestia giggled. “Well, after he managed such a feat, I guess he figured I’d have no reason to refuse.”

Mac’s pupils dilated as the information he just gathered sank in. He let out a resounding Ohhhhhhhh.

Celestia smiled as she watched the large, red pony piece everything together. “Come now, we can discuss old friends later. I believe Luna is waiting downstairs, and we really do have much to talk about.”

She led Big Mac and Soarin’ out of the museum, took a left and headed towards a large mosaic adorning the floor right before the hall forked. Celestia stopped in front of it, looking to her sides to make sure nopony was snooping. Her horn began to glow, and piece of blue, gold, and purple rocks flung themselves around the circular mosaic. As they move, the rock started forming the image of the two ponies. Or more specifically, two alicorns.

As the rocks finally stopped, the blocky effigy of the ruling sisters became imprinted. A few seconds after, a slow rumble began to radiate from behind the wall perpendicular to them. The wall split, a line of light running down the middle. The halves parted, revealing a platform surrounded by an steel walls. A pulley system above them allowed for easy vertical transport. Celestia stepped forward into the elevator, gesturing for her companions to follow.

Soarin’ and Mac watched in awe at the spectacle before them, but only for a moment. Shaking themselves from their stupor, the two ponies joined their ruler in the metal box. As the doors shut, Big Mac and Soarin‘ looked at each other, each a look of uncertainty on their faces. The elevator shook, then shot down at an alarming speed. Soarin‘ wrapped his forelegs around a guardrail to his right, while Mac instead chose to rocket into the ceiling, both of them screamed louder than anypony would think possible.

“You may want to save your breath, because we certainly won’t be slowing any time soon.” Celestia laughed to herself. “You should have seen Luna’s first time. It was like watching a new-born foal trying to stand.”

Mac could only understand bits and pieces of whatever Celestia had said. It had become inaudible over his own shouting. Tears were slowly peeking out of the corners of Mac’s eyes from the speed alone. He turned to look at Soarin’, who was hanging vertically by now. If....Ah...can...jus’... Mac tried to inch his way across the ceiling, moving towards the railing Soarin’ was glued to. Slowly but surely, Mac grew closer to the safety bar. Just when he reached the end of the ceiling, he felt some of the elevator’s speed give way.

Uh no... the elevator skidded to a halt, slamming Mac into the floor. Celestia watched over him with concern. “Macintosh, are you alright?”

Mac grumbled. How the hay did she stay still on that? “Ah’m fine, Princess. Jus’....don’t make me ride that thin’ again, okay?”

“You’ll get used to it.”

Celestia strode into the room. It was a cement structure, shaped in a circular fashion. Decor was nonexistent, instead maps of different regions hung from the walls. Stairs lead down to a round table in the center of the room, with large chairs surrounding it. One chair, directly across from the elevator, was facing the wall. Only a well of blue spectral hair was visible, emanating from the side. The chair spun around revealing Princess Luna, hooves locked together, and she was staring at her sister’s two companions.

“Gentlecolts...” she said.

Celestia sighed. “You always were one for theatrics, Luna. Macintosh, Soarin’, this is Princess Luna.” Mac and Soarin’ quickly bowed, bringing a small smile to Luna’s face.

“Please rise, my ponies. If you don’t mind, I would like to start right away.” Luna took a seat at the end of the table.”

“Everypony, take a seat.” Celestia motioned towards the table. The three other ponies each took a chair opposite one another, and Luna used her magic to levitate a map onto the table.

“Sirs, we have a problem.” She pointed to a lower right section of the map, which appeared to be the blueprints for a city. “This is a map of downtown Canterlot. We’ve heard reports of strange noises coming from this complex for weeks.” She circled her hoof around a large building. “This apartment complex have been abandoned for three years, and just now is it seeing activity. Celestia sent a three guard squad to investigate two days ago. We haven’t heard from them since.”

Luna placed her elbows on the table, looking at Soarin‘ and Big Mac.

“We want you to go take a look. No recuse attempt, no heroics. Don’t even enter the building. Just recon. Understand?”

Soarin‘ looked as if somepony took away his Gamecolt color, while the news had the opposite effect on Mac.

“Good. Now, since Mac is a bit more experienced, at least in terms of age, he’ll take the lead on this one.

“That’s sounds jus‘ fine, but...how are we gonna find anythin‘ if we can‘ go inside?”

Luna looked over to Celestia questioningly, who in return rolled her eyes. “The doctors, the ones who released you...explained how to access your, well, ‘powers’, correct?”

Both Mac and Soarin‘ shook their heads no. “But they did give us a handbook. That’s something, right?” quipped Soarin’.

The royal sister simultaneously facehooved. “What’s the point of all this development if we can’t even trust our scientists to explain them to their patients. I’ve got half a mind to trot down there and...” Luna was cut off by a stern look from her sister.

“Now, Luna...” she started, “I’m sure they meant to explain everything, and they just ran out of time. In any event, what’s done is done.” Celestia turned towards the two bionic ponies. “Have you read your manuals?”

“Honestly, Ah didn’t think we’d be needed this soon. Ah’ve just been tryin‘ to get mah body up to snuff.” Mac knew he should’ve at least peeked inside the handbook, but between his training with Rainbow Dash and daily chores, the desire to read had escaped him.

Soarin‘ thought back to when he received his manual. It had been a few days before Mac woke up, and other than reading the intro, he had almost no working knowledge of the script. The little he did read seemed like a completely different language.

“Yeah, sorry Princess, but that thing is harder to understand than Quantum Physics.”

Celestia allowed herself a small grin. I should have known Forrester would have let them with most of the work. At least they’re enthusiastic. “Well, both are a start. And we won’t be needing anything special from either of you. We only give this to you because frankly, you two need the experience.” She levitated an envelope over to the table. Opening it, she passed the contents of it to Soarin’, and then Mac.

They looked at the device, which resembled a very small paper clip with a string attached. The string lead down to a small rectangle box at the end. The pair gave Celestia a curious look.

“There for communication when on your mission. We call them ‘Codex’. We’ll be able to hear you, and you us, within the city limits of Canterlot.” Celestia smiled proudly. “We’re working on a long range version as we speak.” Mac nodded as he and Soarin‘ placed in their Codex communicators. “Now, let’s delve into some...logistics...”

As he and Mac were escorted out of the castle, Soarin’ couldn’t help but wonder how Celestia kept all of this a secret. I mean, the guards are in on it, there’s all the scientists, the management, staff, janitors...is she just the best smooth talker ever, or... his thoughts were cut short by the clash of closing castle gates. He looked over to Mac, who was walking towards downtown Canterlot already.

“Hey, hold up a second.” Soarin’ quickly flew over to Mac, dropping down next to him. “So, you ready?” He was literally bouncing.

Mac turned his gaze over to his excitable companion. “Ah don’t know what you’re all giddy about. We’re jus’ gonna go listen to an abandoned house. Nothin’ like the ‘action’ ya’ll were dragging on about earlier.”

The two stopped at a crossing, waiting for traffic to pass. “I know that” Soarin’ replied, “but it’s better than just sitting around, doing nothing!”

“Ya call farm work nothin’, huh?”

“You know what I mean.”

The two stood before the street, trying to coordinate themselves with their destination. After crossing, they moved five city blocks ahead, turning left into the downtown district. A stark contrast of upper Canterlot, downtown was bustling with ponies of all classes. Blending in to this crowd was going to be easy, but finding a specific building? Not so much. The two wandered into the center of the street, which was packed shoulder to shoulder with ponies.

“Soarin’, ya’ll see it?”

“I...think it’s that one on the right.”

“Unless our guy is a manic barber, I doubt he’s hiding in ‘Chops’ Facial Follicles’.”

Mac dragged Soarin’ from the center of the road. “This is gettin‘ us nowhere.” He sat down, pressing his right hoof to his ear. “Blue Moon, this is Red One, do you copy? Over.” Personally, He thought the code-names for himself, the princesses, and Soarin’ were silly, but Mac agreed to them anyway. He wasn’t going to protest such a thing, and Soarin’ had to win at least one battle.

“This is Blue Moon, I copy. What’s the status on Pie-bringer?”

“He’s just fine. We’re havin’ a bit o’ trouble findin’ this building.”

“Oh I can solve that!”

At that moment, Mac’s left eye went black. Before he had time to panic, a blueprint of the street they were standing on appeared in the let side of his vision, showing that the apartment complex was a few blocks to their left. As his normal sight returned, he pawed at his eye, trying to remove whatever sorcery overcame it.

“Don’t ...*pant* ... DO THAT!”

“You’ll have to get used to it, eventually. Might as well start now.”

Mac looked back at Soarin’, who was playing with a leaf until Mac’s spasm. “C’mon, it’s this way.” He gestured toward the left.

“Hey Mac, I think this is it.” Soarin’ turned the corner, coming upon their mission. The apartment building was fairly worn-down, the paint chipping off it’s sides and a semi-collapsed roof. Its windows were smashed in, and a stray cat ran out from behind a garbage can next to the entrance. The busy streets of downtown seemed miles away from the rundown residence ahead of them.

“Heh, a regular mansion, eh Mac?”

Big Mac smirked, trotting up to the front door and placing his ear on it. Deep in the complex, he could hear a small vibration. Nothing large enough to warrant machinery. Is that...a voice?

“Hey, Ah hear sumthin’. Soarin’, what ‘bout you?” He looked back to Soarin’, who strode up next to him. Mac moved, giving Soarin’ full berth of the door.

“Nah, I don’t....”

A blood-curdling scream stabbed it’s way into the duos ears. It broke through the quiet surroundings echoing off of hard concrete. Mac immediately turned his back, preparing to call Luna, but was interrupted by the sound of shattering wood. Mac craned his neck around, finding the entrance trampled over, and Soarin’ running down the hall.

“Soarin’! Wait!” Mac shouted after his partner, who promptly ignored him. Damn it, Soarin’! She said no theatrics! Mac chased after his partner into unfamiliar territory.

“HEY, LAZY-FLANK!” Rainbow Dash had been yelling at Mac’s window for the past twenty minutes. “GET UP!” She tapped on the glass to his ground floor window. He must sleep heavier than me, she thought.

“He ain’t here...” replied Applejack.

“AHH, jeez!” Rainbow wasn’t expecting AJ to be directly behind her. “What’d ya do that for? ...Wait, what do ya mean ‘He ain’t here’? We were supposed to work on cardio today.”

“Ah mean he’s gone, vacated. Big Mac has left the building.” Applejack spat, more than a little annoyed.

“Okay, AJ, I get it! What’s up your flank today?”

Applejack sighed. “Ah’m sorry Rainbow. Ya’ll didn’t deserve that. It’s just...Mac and Soarin‘ had ta leave this morning. Somethin‘ about ‘royal duties‘ and that. They left in a sky carriage headed towards Canterlot before dawn.”

Applejack walked over to the front porch of the house and Dash following her. They sat down, AJ took off her hat and inspected his hooves. “Ah’m jus‘ nervous, is all.”

Dash gave AJ a supportive hoof to the back. “They’ll be fine. They’ve got the two strongest, bravest coaches in all of Equestria behind them! Not to mention the royal sisters.”

AJ looked up at Rainbow, a small smile on her face. “Ah know, sugarcube. Ah jus’ thought we’d have more time.”

“You can’t be too worried about Mac. Just look at him! He’s stronger than three ponies put together, and that’s before the operation. He’s fit, though. Not bulky. It’s not like he’ll get stuck in a jam.” The more Rainbow tried to reassure AJ, the more she though about Big Mac.

Huh, he really IS strong. I should know. Jumping hurdles with somepony on your back isn’t easy, no matter how big you are. He’s smart, too. Not to mention deceptively clever, the little smartflank. He’s a pretty cool pony, if I do say so myself. Kinda a shame that I never knew him before this. I missed out on some good competition.

AJ giggled as Dash lived in her thought for a bit. She had a theory, and it’s about time AJ had tested it. “Yeah, Mac’s pretty tough. He always been a workhorse. He’s also keener than ya’d think.”

“You got that right,” Dash responded.

“Handsome, too. Least, that’s what Granny Smith always says.”

“Hmph” Rainbow grunted, lost in thought.

“An’ if the mares ‘round town are to be believed, he’s got the flank to rival a god.”

“Eeyup” said Dash, a very subtle blush appearing on her face.

AJ smiled. Ah must be some kinda evil genius. “Ah can see why Rarity’s so interested in him.”

Dash head snapped toward Applejacks as he jumped to all fours. She was flustered, having ripped out of her daydream so furiously.

“What!?! Rarity!? I haven’t even seen her TALK to Big! I love Rarity as much as the next pony, but she’s totally not Big’s style. She wouldn’t even know what to do with that quality of flank!”

“Oh, an‘ Ah suppose you would?” AJ asked, anticipating the answer like a director during release night.

“Well, of course I....” Dash stopped, releasing the treason her tongue just committed. “Umm, what I meant was...that...ahh, heh...” Rainbow observed Applejack, who wore a grin twice the size of her entire orchard.

“Gotcha, Dash.”

Hayfeathers. Motherbuckin‘ hayfeathers, Soarin’. Ah shoulda known ya’ll really would be the death of me. Mac felt the light tug of string on his foreleg as he jettisoned himself upwards, avoiding a sharpened iron rod that shot out of the wall to his left. This was the third trap he’d run across, by now he’d figured that this wasn’t a coincidence. He fell quickly, using his oversized hooves to slam the rod out of the wall and into the ground.

Looks like Dash did know what she was talkin‘ bout. Mac walked forward, watching the corners of the hall for tripwires and other forms of traps. So far, most had been avoidable with quick reflexes and a small feat of agility. Dash’s training really had come in handy. Ah’ll have to thank her. Mac proceeded with cation, making sure to be wary of where he stepped. He arrived at the end of the hall, checking both right and left directions for danger. He chose to to go right, figuring that since his last turn had been left, this would keep him on track.

Looking around, Mac wondered how so many traps were able to fit in such halls. He had trouble just walking normally, he couldn’t image how those contraptions wedged themselves in. Ah just hope Soarin’s fairin‘ better than me Mac thought.

Soarin’ sprinted down his own corridor, screaming like a filly. CRAP CRAP CRAP! He thought as fire nipped at the edge of his tail. How in the name of Celestia did I manage to find the one floor panel rigged to KILL ME! I swear, if I find the bastard behind this... In Soarin’ excited rush into the complex, he neglected to watch for danger. He had ran through a few hallways, inadvertently tripping a pressure sensitive tile. the ensuing inferno it unleashed led Soarin’ to the predicament he was currently in. Soarin‘s thought quickly switched to the dead end rapidly approaching him.

Double Crap! He mind raced through a few possibilities. Any nearby window? Of course not. Can’t fly, damn ceiling. Wouldn’t be able of spread my wings in here anyways. Too closed in. Soarin‘ noticed the wall causing all this stress was cracked and misshapen, appearing to be warped from some sort of water damage. I hope AJ’s damn farmwork practice weakens walls...

Soarin‘ tackled the wall, crushing it and rocketing him forward. The fire spewed into the new section of hallway, absorbing the oxygen and receding back into the recently fixed dead end. Soarin‘ landed a safe enough distance away from the blast of fire, sliding to a stop at the hooves of a familiar red stallion.

Soarin’ looked up, grinning sheepishly. “Um, hiya Mac...sooooo...come here often?” He was met with a stern glare from Mac. Soarin’ recoiled slightly, expecting to be chewed out. Instead, Mac just trotted forward, not acknowledging Soarin’ in the slightest. Soarin hopped up, trailing Mac by a few steps.

“Hey, Mac....” Soarin’ wasn’t the best at apologizing, but admittedly he had got them into this situation. Before he was able to attempt one though, Mac cut him off.

“Don’t. Jus’...don’t.” Mac shook his head in frustration. ”Since we’re already here, let’s grab the guards an‘ get out. Ya’ll got any idea where they are?” He looked back a Soarin’, who shook his head no. Mac sighed. “Well, Ah guess we’ll just hafta keep lookin’ then.”

The group turned the corner, hanging a right down the preceding corridor. Soarin’s ears twitched at the sound of a quiet whimper coming from the end of the hall. The two quickened their pace, stopping just before the door where the sound was coming from. Soarin‘ shot a cautious glance at Mac, with Mac returning it. Both of them knew that this quite possibly was another trap.

Soarin‘ slowly opened the door, peeking inside and checking his corners for danger. Deeming it safe, he walked in as Mac followed him. The room looked more like a dungeon. It was cold and damp, with water leaking from the ceiling. There were no windows here; only a single lightbulb hanging from the ceiling. The three missing guards were lined up against the leftmost wall, hanging from chains. The first pony was unconscious, while the stallion in the middle was whimpering quietly. The mare on his left bleeding from her side, grunting periodically because of it.

“Soarin’, help me git them down.” They snapped to the sides of the guards, releasing them from their bondage. They dropped to the floor, nursing various wounds. Mac bent down to talk to the bleeding mare.

“That don‘ look so good...” he said, pointing at her ribs.

“I’ve had worse..should be able to dress this. I assume you two are from the castle? ”

“How’d ya’ll know that?”

“Well, you let us out. Kind of a big indicator.” She tried standing, but her legs buckled from the pain of the open wound.

“We need to get ya’ll outta here.”

The guardspony raised a hoof to stop him. “You’re right, but I think the presents that crazy bastard left for us might be trouble. Give us a few minutes to pull yourselves together.” She crawled over to the whimpering guard, starting to comfort him.

Soarin‘ pulled Mac to the side for a conference. “What do you think we should do? I mean, we could run into whoever runs this sadistic shindig.”

Mac thought for a second. They were unprepared to get by traps on their own, let alone three more ponies. And they ran the risk of getting into a fight while escorting injured.

“To be frank, Ah think we need to take this guy out.”

Soarin‘ was surprised to hear Mac’s answer. Mac had been so docile up until this point; now he wanted to fight?

“Mac, What gives? Thought you were Mr. Non-violent?”

Mac snorted at his comment. “Ah am. Unfortunately, Ah don‘ really see any other way out.”

“Well, at least you have part of that right.”

Mac and Soarin‘ snapped their necks in the direction of the door. A dark blue pony stood in the doorway, the light from the bulb reflecting off his glasses blocking his eyes. He stood about Soarin’s height, with greasy brown hair occupying his head. A scar stretched from the base of his nose to the left corner to his mouth. He gazed at the group, wearing a sickly grin that could churn a goat’s stomach.

The stallion laughed under his breath. “But...I think you’re meaning to say, ‘there’s no way out’.”

“I soo totally do NOT!” Dash protested from her rocking chair, crossing her forelegs.

“Yes ya do. Ya’ll gotta crush on mah brother!” Applejack smirked as her friend squirmed under the inquisition.

“No! I can just appreciate his...strength, I guess” Dash said.

“You’re a terrible liar, Dash. Ah should know.”

Rainbow turned towards her friend. “Hold on a sec...how did you do all that anyways?”

“Do all what?” AJ inquired.

“Trick me, I mean.”

“Well Dash, Ah guess ah’m gonna be the one to tell ya. You not quite the sharpest tool in the shed...” AJ grunted lightly from the punch Dash gave her. “Ah’m only kiddin’, Dashie.” She raised her brows, hinting with the pet name the Rainbow despised.

“You know what I mean. How were able to lie without your face imploding on itself?” Dash pointed a hoof at Applejack. “Also...don’t call me’Dashie’. You know I hate that name.”

“Remember, Dash. Ah made the name, so Ah git to use it.”

Rainbow scowled. “I hate that rule...” she muttered under her breath.

“An‘ to your other question...well, Ah didn’t lie. Everything Ah said was fact.” AJ sat back in her chair, putting her hooves behind her head. “He really is pretty smart, and it ain’t like Ah don‘t overhear gossip now and then.” AJ shuddered. “Most of it’s fairly tame, but...some of those Canterlot girls. Ah don’t even know where they come up with some of the stuff they were discussin’.”

Rainbow snorted. “Really, ‘Jack? I’d think you’d know all about that, with your rope and all.”

“Very funny, ya little punk.” AJ snickered.

“So...all of it’s true? Even that part about...”

“Yup” replied AJ. “Ah caught Rarity staring at him just the other day. Not to mention the fact that she keeps sayin‘ somethin‘ about needed to make more outfits for draft ponies.”

“How does that prove Rarity’s interested?” Dash asked.

“Whelp, Ah figure if she’s gonna make clothes fer drafts, she needs a model. None of those dummies she has are gonna work. So, who’s the only pony ‘round here tat fits the bill?”

Rainbow brought her hoof to her chin, pondering AJ’s answer for a few moments. The realization hit her like a brick.

“Ohhhh, I see” Dash smiled. “Clever girl, ain’t she?”

“Eeyup.”

“Ya know, I gotta ask. Why isn’t Mac...well...‘with’ anypony?” Dash wasn’t really sure how her friend would interpret this, but the question had been digging in the back of her mind since the conversation started.

“Well,” Applejack started, “It ain’t from lack of admirers, that’s for sure.” AJ looked to Dash. “Ah swear, he gets more customers in two days at the apple stand than ah get in a week.” She inhaled deeply, gathering her thoughts. “An it ain’t because he’s not interested. He’s had a few marefriends, but...it has been a while since then. Honestly, you’d have to ask him.” AJ giggled at the thought. “Though Ah doubt that happening now.”

Dash stood up from her seat. “Yeah, yeah. Joke all you like. I think you want a sister as awesome as me, and you’re tryin‘ to plant ideas.” She opened her wings, preparing to take off. “See ya, AJ. I gotta get some training in, even if I’ve got nopony to train.”

With that, Rainbow took off. Flying towards Danger Chasm, AJ’s words turned over in her mind. Silly pony. Me and Mac are not like that at all. Just because he’s all those awesome things and more doesn’t mean I like him. He’s just an awesome pony...like me. Right? She banked right, heading into the Everfree forest. He sure better be ready, though. No one missed practice on my watch. He’s gonna be in a world of hurt by the time I’m through with him.

“AGGH, bucking hell!” Mac groaned. “Soarin’, get up!” He pushed Soarin’ off him, an effect of the mysterious pony before him throwing Soarin’ back. While the blue pony started introducing himself, Soarin’ took it upon himself to lunge at the threat, which turned out to be a bad idea.

“Really, gentlecolts. Manners, please? I mean, I’ve been practicing that monologue for weeks now!” The pony grinned maniacally, his eyes widening as he arched his eyebrows. “It was very good, too!” he shouted.

“Who the buck are you? What do ya’ll think you’re doing here?” Big Mac retorted.

“Do you take me for some comic strip villain? Why would I tell you anything about my glorious plans to plant sleeper agents within the palace? You must take me for a fool!”

The azure pony craned his neck to glare at the now freed guardsponies started to recover. Realizing their were free, his vision shot over to Mac and Soarin’, who were poised to pounce when ready.

“So, you two must fancy yourselves the conquering heroes, no? He started to laugh. “I have no idea I’d be fighting foals today, since they’re the only ponies stupid enough to believe in such things!”

“Oh yeah!” shouted Soarin’. “At least we didn’t declare our plan to all of Equestria!”

The navy pony took a confused stance until he realized what he’d actually done. He stared furiously at Soarin’, as if he could burn a hole in him with thoughts alone.

“And you call us foals? Ha!” Soarin’ continued. Ya know what, I think I’m gonna call you Impostor, because you’re certainly not the pony who laid those traps. He was smart!” Soarin continued the barrage of words and started to circle around the pony. With each insult, the blue pony grew more aggravated. “In fact, your mother must have been so ugly, that she actually gave birth to the ugly stick! Ohhh, that must be your name.”

At that, the pony launched, swinging at Soarin’ rabidly. Soarin‘ leaped to the side avoiding the shots. Mac leaned back, swinging his back like a pendulum, throwing his momentum forward on the back turn. The force of Mac’s buck sent the blue pony reeling back. He got back to his feet, aware that perhaps these ponies were not so helpless.

He dashed forward, bringing an uppercut towards Mac. Mac swayed to the left, dodging his first punch. The attacker followed it with a left hook, catching it on the chin of Big Mac. Mac stumbled, surprised to find that it...hurt. The hell? He jus‘ hit a slab of metal. He glanced at his opponent. Mac noticed a slight red hue coming from behind his glasses. He only had a second to investigate, as he threw another barrage of attacks Mac’s way. Luckily for Mac, the stallion telegraph his first punch. Mac pushed hard against the ground, jumping high over the attack. He landed behind it, grabbing Soarin’s hoof.

“Tag in!” Mac hollered as he pivoted, throwing Soarin’ straight at their assailant.

“Whaaaa...!” Soarin’ rocketed forward, turning his head just in time to collide his skull with their attackers’. Both ponies slammed into the wall, shaking the room and even breaking the lightbulb above them. Soarin‘ slowly stood up, holding a hoof to his head. The blue pony lay of the floor, motionless. Soarin‘ poked him a few times, which did nothing.

He turned his attention to Mac, who was helping one of the guards to their feet. “The Hay, Mac! Ya coulda told me about that little stunt!” He rubbed his head. “That really hurt...”

Mac shook his head. “Sorry Soarin’, but Ah saw your thick head, and it occurred to me that it’s a perfect weapon.” Mac threw in a weak smirk to make sure Soarin’ didn’t confuse his meaning.

“I still don’t like it.....but you may have a point” Soarin’ chuckled. “If it works as good as it did here, then...”

“...then you may want to try again!” Their attacker leapt from his spot on the floor, scooping up a piece of broken glass from the bulb. He led his “blade” towards Soarin’. Mac lunged forward at the same rate, tossing Soarin’ sideways into another wall. He came face to face with the sharp accessory, tilting his head enough to avoid taking it in the eye. The shard dug into Mac’s left cheek, slicing it open and spilling a small amount of blood. Mac grabbed the stallion’s arm, struggling to keep it from his face.

“Not so invincible, I see.” The stallion sneered. He slowly drew the glass closer to Mac. “Looks like you’d be returning home a bit more dead than expected.”

Mac fought against the stallion, adrenaline and fear coursing through his veins. Images of his sisters ran through his mind. Sweet Apple Acres needs me. Mah family needs me. AJ can’t do math very well. Applebloom'll need help with her schoolwork, too. The blade inched closer every few seconds, and started to press against his neck.

Dash’d be disappointed... her voice echoed through his head. “You serious? Can’t even beat a wimp like HIM! I can’t believe I wasted my time on you!” The makeshift knife held it’s ground as Mac started to power back slightly. He started to twist the glass out of his aggressors hand when he heard his mutter something.

“You’d better hope...y-you’re an orphan. If I...find...anypony y-you happen to c-care for..” That was all the motivation Mac needed. The rage in Mac’s mind was so thick he could have hammered armor from it.

“NOPONY THREATENS MAH FAMILY!” He screamed, a very low red glow emitting from his eyes.

Mac forced the blade back towards his assailant’s neck. The blue stallion’s eyes grew wide from the shock of such a sudden reversal. The shoe was on the other hoof now, with the shard of glass, still in the blue pony’s hoof, at his own neck. Big Mac didn’t wait for a surrender or last words. He wasn’t going offer mercy.

Mac was about to slide the blade straight across his throat, when he came back to his senses. Mac saw how close he was to ending that fight permanently. He hoisted his head back, smashing the flat part of his forehead into the temple of the blue pony. Finally dropping, Mac motioned for one of the guardsponies to slide the previously occupied shackles over.

Once he chained up the fighter, He took a few steps back and sat on his haunches. Mac looked to his hooves, noticing they were shaking. Ah...A-Ah almost did it. Ah was gonna kill ‘em. Soarin’ returned to Mac’s side.

“Hey Mac. Mac! You alright?”

Mac snapped back to reality, he avoided Soarin’s eyes, only able to nod his head yes. Ah can’t lose mah head right now, gotta get in the game. He stood up, trotting over to the guards who had now awakened their companion and calmed down. “You alright?”

One of the ponies, the mare Mac talked to early, stepped forward. “Yes, I-I... believe so.” She straightened up, saluting. “Sargent Quickstep, at your service.” She winced slightly from the bandage around her waist.

“Seems like that needs ta be looked at, huh?” Mac asked. “You ready to git outta here?”

She giggled lightly. “You should talk.” She pointed at Mac’s cheek. “Let me get that..” Quickstep ripped a piece of cloth from under her armor, and tied it around Mac’s face. “That should at least keep the bleeding down. And, If it’s already with you, sir, I was ready hours ago.”

As they started walking towards the door, Mac threw the unconscious cobalt pony onto his back. ”Hey Soarin,’” Mac called. “I thought of a name for this guy.”

“And what would that be?” replied Soarin’.

“Dead Weight.”

“Huh...not bad.”

Just before they left the room, Soarin’ stopped at the door. He faced the group with a concerned look on his face.

“Umm, how do we get out of here?”

The group looked to each other, realizing none of them knew the way out. Mac shrugged, rustling the pony on his back.

“We should call the princesses, Mac.”

Big Mac nodded, activating his earpiece. Unfortunately, only white noise could be heard. “It sounds like we’re on our own fer this one” said Mac. “Lemme see if this one’s got anythin‘ useful.” Mace shook the stallion, expecting nothing. Strangely, the sound of crunching paper could be heard coming from “Dead Weight”. As the group looked at him, a small, folder note left out of his mane.

Soarin’ walked over and unfolded the note, eyes growing wide as a grin spread across his face. “You’ve gotta be kidding me...Mac look!” Soarin’ pushed the paper into Mac’s face. It looked like a map, though very poorly drawn. It had a red line on it, which zig-zagged along what looked like the outlines of some corridors.

“Mac, this guy was actually stupid enough to draw a path outta here! I think naming him ‘Dead Weight’s’ giving him to much credit.”

Big Mac looked to the exit, following the rest of the group out. He managed to put on a fake smile, to at least keep the guards’ spirits up. Mac was not looking forward to confronting Celestia, since they disobeyed a direct order. They weren’t part of the Guard, but she’d save’d them, and he didn’t want to seem ungrateful.

There was also the fact that he had almost killed another pony just moments ago. Ah jus’ don’t know what happened. One minute mah fighting, the next Ah’m about to string this guy out. Ah lost control. Ah...Ah need to talk to someone. Maybe one of the princesses kin help. Mac cleared his mind, content with that thought.

“Mac, this guy was actually stupid enough to draw a path outta here! I think naming him ‘Dead Weight’s’ giving him to much credit...” The words buzzed over a speaker, crackling as it shut off.

Clop.

The clapping echoed from the shadows, a deep chuckle accompanying it. “Very funny, boys. Funny. And interesting, if I do say so myself. Do keep an eye on them, will you?

“Very well.” A higher voice replied. The sound of trotting could be heard, slowly getting quieter.

The deep voice rumbled in thought. "It seems that the dice has finally been cast, my friend. You should have picked...more wise.”

As they reached the gates of the royal palace, Mac eagerly left their captive with a group of guards, who promptly escorted him to their own dungeon. Quickstep stopped in front of them. “I’d better check us into med bay. I-I don’t think I can thank you enough. What you did...”

“All we did was our jobs, miss. Now ya’ll get down to sick bay, m’kay?” Mac smiled as the guards left to treat their wounds. Now, he only had to explain disobeying orders to the two most powerful beings in existence. He and Soarin’ walked into the main hall of the palace, coming face to face with one of Luna’s pegasus guards.

He was a dark gray, like most of Luna’s guard. The guard bore shimmering black armor, with Luna’s cutie mark printed on his chest piece. Unlike most guards though, this stallion didn’t wear a helmet, instead letting his long, silver mane drape around his shoulders.

“You two, come with me. The sisters need to see you...immediately” he stated.

The doors to the elevator slid open, as Mac pushed himself up from the ground. Ah hate that thing with a passion he thought. The royal sisters looked up from the forms on the table.

“Thanks heavens you’re alright!” Celestia rejoiced, shooting up from her chair. “When we couldn’t hear you on our Codex, I thought you’d been discovered.”

Mac rubbed the back of his head. “What exactly happened with that, if ya don’ mind me askin’?”

Celestia shot a glare at Luna. “Care to explain, sister?”

Luna gave the group a nervous smile. “You see, I had something current ponies call...‘cider’. I must say, it is rather glorious...” Celestia nudged her, and Luna continued, unable to deflect her answer. “...I, happened to..spill a bit of it on the radio receptors. You understand, of course?”

Mac just shook his head, laughing. “Of course, princess. Ain’t nothing wrong with liking cider.”

Luna beamed, turning to Celestia. “See, they don’t mind!”

“You still can’t have any more drinks in here. There’s too much valuable technology in here, Luna.” Celestia sat down, while Luna pouted in her chair. Soarin’ and Mac took their seats across from them. “So...I hear we have a new friend downstairs.” Celestia smile shortened, looking straight through them. Soarin’ flinched in his seat, while Mac looked down at the table. “So my question is...” Celestia continued, “...what happened?”

Mac looked up, excepting to see anger in her eyes. He was startled to be met with compassion, instead. He took a deep breath, ready to explain himself. He was leader, after all.

“It was my fault” said Soarin’. “I ran in without thinking, and Mac only followed to make sure the mission went smooth.”

Mac was surprised by this sudden outburst. Soarin’ takin‘ responsibility? “Now hold on, there. Ah was in charge of this. I don’t make any excuses for this.”

“Mac, don’t...” Soarin‘ protested.

“Stallions, please.” Celestia silence them with a wave of her hoof. “I’m not blaming anypony. All I want to know is what happened.

“And then I said, ‘I think we’re giving him too much credit!’!” Soarin’ grinned, waiting for the sound of uproarious laughter, which never came. “Well I thought it was funny” he pouted.

“Anyways,” Mac said, “We left after that. We came straight here after.”

Luna rubbed her forehead, soaking in the events of the evening. She opened her mouth to speak, but gasped instead. “OH NO! Do thou see what time it is?” she shrieked, breaking into her royal voice from stress. “The moon! I have to raise the moon!” She sprinted to the elevator, slamming a button and quickly disappearing behind the metal doors.

Celestia chuckled, Ohhh, Luna. what will I do with you. She peered up at the clock, taking note of the time. “I think we should take after my sister, and call it a night.” She beckoned Mac and Soarin’ towards the elevator. They entered as she pressed a button which read: GARAGE next to it. It moved upwards slower than normal. Big Mac quietly whispered a “thank you” to Celestia, who nodded in agreement.

They stopped shortly after on the highest floor. The doors slid open, presenting a multitude of different sized and colored carriages. They trotted down the hanger, arriving at the carriage that had originally held them. Celestia called two of the guardponies waiting by the entrance. “If I find anything of interest, I’ll send it your way.” Celestia ushered them into the carriage.

“Celestia, Ah..need to talk ta you ‘bout something.” Mac was nervous. He really didn’t want to talk about this to anyone, but he needed to head off this problem before it really started.

“I’m sorry, Macintosh. I really don’t have time right now. Since Luna’s little mishap, I’ve been trying to fix that, keep up with my regular duties, and...” she saw the look on Mac’s face. “As soon as I’m available, I’ll make sure to stop by the orchard, okay?” Mac nodded.

“Also, you both should talk to Twilight Sparkle, my student in Ponyville. She might be able to help you understand those manuals.”

"We'll do that as soon as we can, princess" said Mac. He'd met the purple unicorn a few times, but never had more than a few words with her. He heard good things from Applejack, though she did seem a bit...obsessive at times. By then, pegasus guards arrived at the carriage, and Celestia bid them well and waved goodbye.

As the carriage touched down on Sweet Apple Acres, the moon had just reached it’s apex, unusually late for some reason. The carriages passengers exited, trudging to the house on the complex. Upon entering, the smell of a wood fire bellowed out.

Mac walking into the living room, where lay a passed out Applejack, a fire slowly burning itself out. Mac walked over, pulling a blanket over his sister. Mac quietly tip-toed down the hall with Soarin’ in tow. They entered their respective rooms, a chance to left the emotions of the day flow out. Mac stared at the ceiling, something he felt he’s done a lot of recently. He closed his eyes, hoping even with the shortened night, he could still get a little rest.

Chapter 7

Krrrrrraaccck!

“Owwww!”

Snapp! Crunch! Pop!

“Uugghhh, careful.” Mac sat up, despite Aloe’s protest. His back made all the noises you’d expect a burning tree to make. After a slight repose, he laid back down on the massage board. Aloe continued to press into his back, much slower this time. Next to him, Rarity was getting her own massage, although hers was much more enjoyable.

“Macintosh, are you alright over there?”

He huffed, his back rising with each breath. “Yeah...it’s jus’ been awhile since mah last massage.” Mac could feel his vertebrae start to adjust to the movement, and he relaxed into the table. “Ya’ll seem ...ta be enjoyin’ yerself.”

“Oh yes, I get one at least twice a month, maybe more.” She turned her head to look at him. “You should get them more often. I hear it does wonders for sore workers.”

“Ain’t got the time.”

Rarity pouted. “That’s a shame. Seems like you could use it.”

After their massages were finished, they proceeded to the mud bath. They entered a large round basin, filled with a mixture of hot water, scented oils, and...well, mud. Rarity lowered herself, cooing at the heat.

“Do come in, Mac. It’s...marvelous” she said with a mischievous grin.

Mac nervously got in, wishing he had thought to bring someone with him. He sighed, now mostly submerged across from Rarity. “Gotta admit, this...” he waved at the mud, “...is pretty nice.”

“I told you.” Rarity closed her eyes, dipping her shoulders into the solution. “Hey Mac?”

“Yeah?”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Umm...Ask away.”

“How do you feel about Twilight?”

Mac raised an eyebrow, looking at Rarity, whose eyes were still closed. “Twi? Why, she’s certainly the smartest pony Ah know. She always willin’ to give a helpin’ hoof. Heck, she even helped me wit' mah...” Mac stopped. Most of Ponyville still thought he’d only suffered an accident. His family, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Pinkie were the only Ponyville residents who knew the truth.

“She helped yo with what, Mac?” Rarity inquired.

“Umm, ..she was helpin‘ me study.”

“Study? What ever for?”

“Ohh, umm....” Mac racked his brain for an excuse. “Mah hard cider license is expired. Ah gotta renew it.” He threw on a wide grin. “Eeyup. Can't serve it without that paper.”

“Ah yes, of course.” Rarity inched closer. “So, is that why you’ve been spending so much time at the library?”

“Well, yeah.”

“You’ve talked about her deeds, but what about Twilight personally?” Rarity scooted closer through the warm muck, much to the chagrin of Big Mac.

“She’s...well, really nice. She’s sweet an’ helpful. Twi’s saved mah farm more than once, and that ain’t no easy feat. Could always use to get out more, though.” Mac took a thinking pose. “Other than that, all Ah can say is, that Ah’m proud to know her.”

“Yes, yes that’s all well and good. But I guess what I’m trying to get at is...” Rarity moved to Mac’s side. “Do you like her?” She winked to make sure Mac understood her.

Mac blushed, from both the forwardness of the question and the heat in the room. It was times like these that he thanked Celestia for his red coat. “Umm...”

“Oh come now, Mac. We’re both adults, you can tell me.” She gotten even closer, grinding against Mac’s side. He felt someponies hoof on his inner thigh, and he happened know both of his lay outside the tub. Rarity cooed and fluttered her eyes, flaring more then just Mac’s blush.

Ya’ll gotta be buckin’ kidding me! NO. Please not right now! His mind shouted to his second, more primal mind. “Well....A-Ah,”

“Because, you know Mac, I’m single. And as far as I know, you’re single.” Rarity rested her head on his shoulder. “I know this may be a bit forward, but..,”

“Me an‘ Twilight are together!” Mac belted. He quickly scooted away, throwing a hoof over his mouth. Rarity looked at him, embarrassed.

“R-Really?” She realized how close she’d gotten. “I’m sorry Mac. I’ve acted so boorish recently. I just thought...” She smiled. “Twilight’s a very lucky mare.” Rarity got out of the tub, poorly hiding her disappointment.

“Let’s get out and clean up. We’ve...we’ve both got things to do.”

Mac watched her walk away, still holding the hoof over his mouth. OH CRAP! Why the hay did Ah say that. He twitched nervously. Ah gotta talk ta Twilight.

“You did what?” Twilight looked at Big Mac, befuddled. She paced back and forth, going over the incident in her mind. “W-Why would you say that?” She blushed lightly.

“Ah don’ know, Twilight! Ah’m so sorry!” Mac sat in a large felt chair, also thinking over the events at the spa. “Ah...Ah just panicked. Rarity was gettin’ all close, an’ she was askin’ about you. Ah jus’ blurted it out!”

Twilight sighed deeply. “Why didn’t you jus’ tell her how you felt? That you didn’t feel that way?”

Mac looked away from Twilight, mumbling something. “What was that?” She asked.

“She wouldn’t have believed me, Twi.”

“And why is that?” The was an edge in her voice.

Mac strained to avoid Twilight’s eyes. “Because...well...” He took a deep breath. “Look, Twi. She was really close. An’ it was hot in there. Blood was..flowing, ya’know?”

Twilight facehooved. “You have got to be kidding me.”

“Twi, Rarity’s a very pretty mare. Ya’ll can’t hold that against me.” Mac folded his arms, frowning.

Twilight giggled. “Okay, you’ve got me at that one.” She walked up to Mac, smiling. “It’s fine, Mac. I understand. but what are we going to do about it? She’s gonna find out soon if we don’t act the part.”

“What are you suggesting, Twi?”

“Well, if you want Rarity off you’re back, we’re...going to have to act like we’re together.” She shook her head nervously when Mac’s eyes shrank. “Not like that! I mean, holding hooves and stuff.” Twilight blushed crimson. “Just until Rarity backs off, okay?”

Mac nodded in agreement. “Thank you so much, Twi.”

“Oh, it’s nothing Mac. I...”

Macintosh held his hoof up to silence her. “It ain’t nothing. Ya’ll are helping me with that book, and now ya’ll are helpin’ me with Rarity. That’s more that Ah deserve fer gettin’ ya into this.” He hugged Twilight, who was blushing even more now. “So thank you.” He trotted home, feeling a little better about his situation.

Twilight sat still, unable to speak. What did I do? She climbed up her stairs and flopped onto her bed. I’m just setting myself up for disappointment. Again. He doesn’t really like me. Not like that. Twilight turned onto her back, looking up to the ceiling of the library. Well, maybe it’ll develop from here. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Another two weeks passed without any word from the Princesses. Mac continued his daily routine, now with the added trouble of having to act like Twilight’s coltfriend. It wasn’t hard, she was a great friend, and wasn’t hard to look act either. But Mac disliked the deception of it, even though it had been his fault. Unfortunately, news travels fast in Ponyville, causing Mac to resort to his two standard words whenever somepony questioned him.

Mac was arriving home from the Ponyville library when he saw something he’d never believed he would.

“Rainbow, what’s wrong?” Mac asked. Rainbow Dash was sitting on the porch, sulking. Her shoulders slumped, and Dash’s usual strong confidence was nowhere to be seen. She didn’t met his eyes when he spoke.

“Nothin’s wrong.”

“That’s obviously ain’t true. Ah thought we talked ‘bout this? Ya know you can tell me anythin’.”

“No, I can’t!” she snapped.

Mac took a step back. “What’d mean be that?”

“Just...let’s just go. We’re wasting time.” Dash took off towards the forest at a brisk pace, with Mac catching up behind her.

AJ watched as her brother and best friend leave Sweet Apple Acres. She was working by a section of Golden Delicious apple trees. A blue blur whizzed by her, nearly blowing her hat off. She held it tight, peeking up to see Soarin, well, soaring over her orchard. Twisting and banking, he flew with a joy few seemed to have. He pulled right, circling back and landing next to Applejack. Today was the first day she’d trusted him enough to start apple-bucking. He done pretty much every other job around, and this sort of felt like graduation to him.

“Okay. I finished my fly-by, and I’ve come to a conclusion.”

“An’ what would that be?” Applejack questioned.

Soarin smiled wide. “Those are apple trees.”

AJ laughed hardily. “Great job. If Ah ever need a detective, Ah know who ta turn to!” She turned to him, smiling. “Follow me, we got a few trees to harvest.” She led him into the orchard, dragging two apple carts along behind her. She stopped at the the first large tree, detaching the carts. She motioned to Soarin. “C’mere, let me see yer buck.”

Soarin glided over, landing softly. He raised a sultry eyebrow, coupled with his trademark smile. “I’ve been waiting to hear you ask me that all week.” He trotted towards the tree seductively. Well, as seductively as he could. AJ did all she could to keep from bursting out in laughter.

Soarin squared up against the tree. He lowered his head nearly to the ground, priming his hips for assault. “Don’t worry, miss tree” Soarin cooed. “I’ll be gentle.” He swiveled on his front hooves, cocking back his back legs. Jutting them out straight, his legs struck the tree, which shook to its core. Soarin’s efforts, unfortunately, went unrewarded.

“Not a single apple” Soarin groaned. He was trying very hard at this apple-bucking business, with no success. “AJ, I’m no good at this. Can’t I just use wind or something?” He hoped.

Applejack shook her head no. “That ain’t the point, sugar cube. Ya’ll could jus‘ use yer fancy wingdings, but then...what would ya’ll learn?” She smiled back at Soarin. “Try it a few more times.” AJ waved her hoof down the pathway, two rows of similar apple trees lining up down it.

“Oh, great” Soarin moaned.

“Don‘ worry. Imma take the left one, an‘ ya’ll take the right...”

That still left a large amount of bucking in Soarin’s incapable hooves. He tries his best; he really did. The first tree took three full bucks to eject his fruit, as well as the next. The third tree took five bucks. As Soarin continued, his bucking skill actually got worse. By the time Soarin made it to the last tree in his row, Applejack had been finished for about twenty minutes.

“...*pant....*pant...” Soarin collapsed under the last tree, pawing at it weakly.

“Get up, lazy-flank” AJ chided. “Ya’ll can’t be that tired, with yer flyin‘ around an‘ all.”

Soarin answered with a low groan, slowly moving to his hooves. “I...just...can’t get it. How do ya do it so, so easily?”

AJ shrugged, then looking at Soarin’s previous attempts at bucking. Most of his hoof-prints were off center on the tree. “Soarin...” AJ moaned. “Take a look at this.” She showed him the bucking pattern he’d used. “Yer hooves aren’t centered, you ain’t gonna do anythin‘ like that.”

Soarin looked puzzled. “What’s the difference?”

“Ya won’t shake the tree the same.”

Soarin still didn’t put it together. AJ shot him a disappointed glare. “Jus‘ put yer cart on.” She buckled into hers. “Ah think we got enough apples fer today...Aaagrh!” Applejack grunted as she tried to pull her cart. She flexed her front left leg, which shot pain up to the small of her neck.

“Damn it all!” AJ growled.

Soarin trotted over concerned. “What’s wrong, ‘Jack?”

AJ squinted back at Soarin. “Where’d you learn that name?”

“I dunno. Came up with it, I guess?”

Applejack hummed. “Ah think Ah pulled somethin’. Must’ve bucked too fast.”

Soarin sat, switching his concerned face to one of understanding. “Well, that’s no good. Lay down.”

“What?” AJ took a painful step back.

“I said lay down. I’m a pro athlete, remember?” Soarin poked at her neck, making AJ hiss angrily. “I can help.”

Applejack looked into his eyes. Being the element of honesty, she was excellent at picking out other ponies deceit. One thing she’d learned was that it was always in the eyes. Applejack looked into his, they shared a striking resemblance to hers. The glimmered in the light of the evening, a dark green hue. Though Soarin’s eyes were much darker than her own, Applejack saw a lightness to them, a happiness. Like nothing that happened in the past few months affected him. He had...trusting eyes.

Applejack sighed, hoping she wouldn’t regret what she was about to do. “Okay, Soarin.” The two walked under the shade of a bucked apple tree, AJ limping tentatively. She laid down on her stomach, stretching her legs out. She recoiled slightly when Soarin’s hoof made contact with her neck.

“You okay?” Soarin asked.

“Yeah, it’s just...really sore.” AJ grimaced.

“Right” Soarin breathed softly.

He brought his hooves down gently on AJ’s shoulders. She looked up at him suspiciously. He looked back. “What? You can’t just go straight at it.” He smiled with the same warmth Soarin always seemed to have. “Trust me. I know what I’m doing.”

Applejack settles back down as Soarin started his ministrations. He started massaging in circular motions, slowly working up and down her shoulders. Moving towards the neck, Soarin lighten his pressure. He rubbed smoothly, careful not to aggravate the already tender area.

Applejack could almost feel the day’s labor melt off her. He groaned happily from underneath Soarin, wondering how the hell he knew exactly where to push. Wooaah...nelly. Ah could git used to this.

Soarin started to work the area a little harder, now that she was warmed up. He sped up his technique. AJ moaned louder than she would have like, earning a snicker from Soarin.

“Oooh, right...there.” AJ whispered, Soarin still working the same neck joint. His hooves gotta be magical, she thought. Ah can never tell him that, though. Not after this morning... Over the past months, they built a strong friendship, mostly based on teasing each other. It resembled AJ’s relationship with Rainbow Dash, though it...felt different to her. After Macintosh left, she’d snuck into Soarin’s room.

It was then that AJ realized her deeper feelings for him. There had always been a spark, whether they were working the fields or just talking. She loved the way Soarin was interested in her seemingly dull topics, like how the weather cycle would affect crops. He never faked excitement.

More than that, Soarin had a good heart. After all that’d happened, having been blown up, sewn up, assaulted, and generally hurt, Soarin seemed to take it in stride. It was like he was invincible, something Applejack tried to convey. AJ was tough, but the way things were going now, she needed someone to lean on. And Soarin seemed like the perfect pony.

By the time Soarin started to slow, her neck felt completely new. But AJ wasn’t ready for him to stop. Soarin lifted his hooves.

“How ya feelin’?” He asked.

“Umm...still a bit sore?” AJ’s face struggled to keep composure. It ain't technically a lie, she told herself. The rest of hr body was tired, too.

“Oh, o-okay.” He restarted his massage. “Better?”

Applejack sighed deeply. “Much.” Soarin keep his shiatsu innocent, not daring to move down AJ’s back on his own. At least she’s enjoying herself, he thought. Soarin was happy to make AJ feel better.

AJ turned her head slightly towards Soarin. “Lower,” she moaned. Soarin moved his hooves down below her shoulder blades, working them tenderly. He gleamed that he had done well by AJ’s praise, which came in the form of more happy groans.

“Keep goin’, right there...“ Applejack cooed. Soarin up’ed his speed again, sliding down to the small of her back. Hearing the cracks of her spine, Soarin realized that she’d probably hadn’t been feeling too good for quite a while.

“When’s the last time you got one of these?” He asked.

“Don’t....remember” she sighed. “Been busy.”

“That’s not a good excuse” Soarin said. “That means you prolly should be gettin‘ more.”

AJ grinned. “Well, it’s a good thing yer so good at ‘em.” She looked into Soarin’s eyes. “Lower?” she asked, a hint of arousal in her voice that she’d not intended to be there.

“Umm...” Soarin stopped. He had no problem continuing, but, well...the spot left to go was her flank. Soarin wasn’t sure if she was comfortable with this. There was also the fact that if Mac happened to drop by, being comfortable would be the last of his worries.

“Um, if I go any lower...” Soarin smiled sheepishly.

AJ thought for a second. “Ah’m fine with it if ya’ll are.”

“Alright...” Soarin went to work, rubbing and tending to the area around Applejack’s plot.

She giggled. Soarin liked to act the playcolt, but he was as innocent as Applebloom when the moment of truth came. AJ was surprised at how good Soarin was at this. If she didn’t know better, she’d assume he was related to one of the those spa ponies.

The rest of Soarin’s massage was done in silence, interrupted only by Applejack’s moans. The sun started to set, bringing an end to their relaxing break.

“C’mon, AJ” prodded Soarin. “Think we should head back now.”

Applejack looked up from her belly. The sun sat half way past the horizon, radiating an orange-red glow. The sky faded into a maroon twilight as one’s gaze drifted from Celestia’s star. “Yup...yer prolly right.”

AJ rose to wobbly legs. She stretched out, letting her newly rejuvenated muscles fall into place. She beamed at Soarin. “Ah really can’t thank ya’ll enough...”

Soarin patted her on the shoulder. “Anytime. We do it in between practices, normally. Stunt flying pretty risky, gotta stay limber, ya’know?” He hooked into his cart, and started heading towards the barn.

Applejack felt a shudder run down her spine. Ah kin get that...anytime ah want? Watching Soarin trot away, Applejack’s eyes started to wander his outline. Working on the farm had improved Soarin’s already impeccable physique. His shoulders bulged slightly, where they didn’t before. Soarin’s back was smooth but strong, rippling with each step or flap of his wings. AJ’s drifting eyes eventually made in to Soarin’s flank.

Looks hard, she thought. It was powerful, that could be sure. He had to launch himself into the air on a regular basis, so it was easy to reason his legs, and flanks, were strong. Now that's sumthin' Ah kin get behind, she thought, chuckling from her own terrible pun. She knew that Soarin most likely noticed her staring, but right now, she didn't care. AJ couldn't take her eyes off them.

“Hey,” Soarin called, “See anything ya like back there?” He chuckled, flicking his tail side to side.

She grew an 8 mile smile, hooking up her cart and rushing to catch up to Soarin.

"Hey now, yer the one that jus' got done feelin' up mine."

They trotted back together, both laughing. AJ walked with more of a spring in her step. She looked over the Everfree forest, seeing a dark cloud looming overhead. Hope things are runnin‘ smooth out there.

“Faster.”

“Ah going as fast as Ah can!”

“Then go faster!” Dash had been miserable the entire practice. Mac had climbed walls, jumped through rings. Hell, he’d even bucked over a tree. She was still driving him, far past his tolerance level.

“Stop!”

Rainbow floated down next to him. “You need a wider stance. You’ll lose balance if your hooves are that close.” Mac stood in front of rows of randomly placed wooded pegs. He had been jumped from one to another, trying to balance and failing gloriously. Dark clouds swirled overhead, becoming an ominous setting.

“Think we should head back? It’s gettin’ late, an’ them clouds don’t look good...”

“You haven’t finished it yet. I’ll be damned if we’re ending early today!” Dash said to him. He could see Dash was...angry? No, not angry. She was definitely upset, though. Mac leapt forward onto the obstacle, falling again. He climbed to the starting point, and tried again. And fell. Again.

By the last time Mac tried, a steady downpour was obscuring his vision. Dash met him at the bottom of the planks.

“Mac!” she shouted, pointing towards the cave within Danger Chasm. “We gotta get inside!”

“What about gettin’ home?”

“That’s a no go!” Dash replied. “It’s an Everfree storm. I can’t do anything about it, and it’s too dangerous to try and walk home!”

Mac grabbed her tail, following her through the storm. Mac could barely see three feet in front of him by the time they made it to the cave. Mac shook himself, and Dash followed suit. Macintosh’s sack lay on the back of the cave. Mac pulled out a large, hoof-woven blanket, as well as a bag of food.

Dash sat against the left side wall, while Mac was against the back wall. “Ya’ll gonna finally tell me what’s wrong, Dash?”

“I talked to Soarin’, but...he apparently he didn’t feel the same way.”

“Well, Ah can safely say he don’ know what he’s missing.” Mac smiled. Dash looked him in the eyes, feeling the genuine warmth they emitted.

Dash broke eye contact, her cheeks rosy. “Also, I heard about you and Twilight.”

Mac face fell. “You heard about that?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I’ll make sure it don’ take away from any o’our workouts.” Rainbow shot Mac a dirty look. “What?” Mac was taken aback at her fury. Was it somethin’ Ah said?

“Dash, come here.” He patted the ground next to him. Rainbow moved next to him, holding herself from the cold. “Yer shiverin’. Take this.” He handed Dash the blanket, and she quickly wrapped up.

“T-Thanks...” Dash shook, not having much body to keep herself warm. The storm raged outside, accented by bright flashes of lightning. The wind picked up, whipping by the entrance and back drafting into the cave. Dash turned into Mac’s chest to shield herself from it. Dash was still scowling, but it was hard for her to stay too upset in her current position.

She looked up. Big Mac’s mane blew in the wind, tousling around his emerald eyes. He looked down at her, still wearing the same warm smile he always did when he was around her. She rested her head on Mac’s chest, relaxing into him. Damn, Dash thought. I thought I worked out a lot. She could feel every knot, every tense muscle contract and relax with each of Mac's breath. Her body involuntarily shook, bit from the storm, a bit from the handsome stallion that lay before her.

“You still cold?” She nodded, nibbling on a bit of trail mix Mac had passed her. The night’s wind shook her to the bone, and trying to stay in her current position was becoming a hassle. Mac drew her in closer with his massive arms. Dash sighed, sending warm breath around Mac’s center and a tingle down his spine.

“Kin’ Ah tell you somethin‘, Dash?”

“Sure, anything Big.”

Mac cleared his throat. “Ah’m.. Ah’m not actually datin’ miss Sparkle.”

Dash looked up at Mac, confused. “Then why is that the only thing I hear around Ponyville?”

“Well, Ah kinda had this ‘date’ with Rarity...”

“WHAT!?!” Dash spat, raising herself to Mac’s eye level.

“She tricked me. Believe me, Ah didn’t do it by choice.”

“Uggh, sounds like her.” Dash settled back into Mac, with him pulling her closer. She gave him a questioning look. Mac shrugged. “Ah’m cold too, ya know.”

“So, how does that make you and Twilight a couple?”

“Ah made a stupid mistake” Mac spoke regrettably. “Rarity was gettin’ too close for comfort, and Ah jus’ panicked. Now, Ah gotta put on this hold charade fer a bit, let alone figure out what’s goin’ on wit’ mah body.”

“Must..be rough” Dash yawned silently, draped her foreleg over Mac, hugging him close around his barrel and rested her head on his chest. Mac was a bit taken back at this, but he didn’t protest it. He sat, watching Dash rest on him. Feeling a warmth in his chest, Mac closed his eyes with a smile on his face. He brushed Dash’s hair with his left hoof, causing Rainbow to fall asleep rather quickly.

Mac felt the slow up-and-down of Dash’s breathing. It was a calm rhythm, a peaceful one. Macintosh rested against the wall, rethinking the calamities he’d got himself into. Hell of a week. He stared at Dash’s face, her hair blowing lightly from the wind. She really is pretty... Mac shot that thought to the back of his mind. That’s mah sister’s best friend. What the hell is wrong with me? He heard her mumble something in her sleep, but when he checked Dash was out like a light.

He settled back into place. Mac never really thought about having a marefriend, or what he wanted in one. He’d been on plenty of dates, had a few flings, even a roll in the hay or two. But nothing serious arose from them. He wanted someone who was strong on their own, an independent pony. A pony he could talk to, who was trust-worthy, not gushing over him constantly. Those types of mares always seemed to be looking for the next best thing. Mac rubbed the back of Dash’s neck, resting his head atop hers. Element of loyalty, eh? A smile crept across his face as he drifted off to sleep.

Mac rose early with the sun. He yawned, stretching his forelegs high. He felt something warm and moist on his chest. ....Wha? Mac blinked his eyes opened, still adjusting to the light. Looking down, he saw a sound asleep Rainbow Dash, fresh with morning drool. Gross, Mac thought happily, wiping the spit off. He sat for a bit, allowing the sunrise to sink in.

“Mmmmgargdesdaaa....”

“What was that, Dash?” Mac whispered.

“Warm...pillow...” Rainbow mumbled in her sleep. “If only..”

“...Only what, Dash?” Mac spoke into her ears.

“...mmmm, want ...Mac....pillow...”.

Big Mac chuckled to himself. “Well, ya’ll already got one.” He nudged Dash with his shoulder, rousing her gently. She rubbed her eyes, and released a yawn great enough to rival a bear’s growl.

“Morning...” She murmured softly, her eyes half-lidded. Mac never quite noticed how beautiful Dash’s eyes were. They were a deep magenta, iridescent and shiny. Mac felt like her eyes could pierce straight through him. Noticing her proximity to Mac, Rainbow jumped up to put some distance between them. “Hey-a, Mac” she said, blushing deep. “...Umm, why was I on top of you just now?”

“Ya’ll fell asleep last night, durin’ the storm. From what Ah hear, wakin’ ya up is a risk left to crazy ponies. So Ah just let ya’ll sleep.” Mac scratched his head nervously. “...If’n that’s okay with you...”

Dash looked away from Mac’s gaze. “Heh, y-yeah. Come on, let’s get you home.” She walked out of the cave, speaking quickly. “Can’t miss out on those chores, now can you?”

Mac stood up, creaking and cracking the bones in his neck. He picked up his bag and followed Dash out of the cave, towards home.

“Hey Dash, what’s up with yer wings?”

"....Shut up."

Princess Celestia paced back and forth within the control room. She’d been trying to get “Dead Weight” to spill the beans on his reasons for his action, but most of what came out was either insults or insane gibbering. Luna sat, her head in her hooves thinking.

“...We could beat it out of him..”

“Luna. You know that wouldn’t work.” Celestia sighed. “I’d rather not resort to such viscous things...”

“It’s not like he didn’t get enough from our two little helpers either...” Luna chuckled. “They seem to be fairly effective, for now at least.”

“And that’s what worries me.” Celestia sat across from her sister. “It’s going to get harder before it gets easier.”

There was a knock on the door. Both sisters turned their head, and Celestia magicked the door open. A dark-blue guardspony walked in. “Your graces, the prisoner wishes to speak with you.”

Celestia looked to Luna, who was just as surprised as her. They stood, walking to the elevator. The two traveled deep into the castle, arriving to their rarely used detention level. They now had local authorities handle prisons, so their “dungeons” really had no use. Though both sisters had a feeling that they may start to fill up soon.

They moved through the halls, stopping at “Dead Weight’s” cell. The pony was docile, which was a first for him since he’d arrived. Normally, he thrashed around, violently cursing whoever crossed his view.

“P-Princess? What am I doing here?” He sounded weak, and scared.

“You know exactly why you’re here, cretin!” Luna sneered. “Now tell us, what is your name!”

“Uh...Azure Flare, your highness.” The pony cowered in fear as best he could, being chained up and all.

Luna looked back at Celestia. That name had been more information than they’d got in a week. Celestia trotted up to the cell, looking down on the pony.

“Azure...why did you capture our guards?”

He looked up, shock on his face. “I-I....I what? No, I couldn’t have done that! I wouldn’t hurt anypony.” Azure hung his head. “I won’t even eat eggs.”

Celestia rose his head with her magic, peering into his eyes. Celestia did not stay ruler for one thousand year by looks alone. She was an excellent judge of character, some ponies believed she could even read minds. Staring into this pony’s eyes made the Azure Flare from a week ago seem like a completely different pony.

“...What is the last thing you remember, Flare?” Celestia questioned.

“I...I was working with some of our mathematicians. I left to go to the bathroom, and....then I blacked out.” His eyes started to swell, tears forming at the ends. “Please, tell me I didn’t hurt anypony...”

Celestia softened. She could feel the sincerity in him. “Very well, then.” She pulled her sister off to the side. “Luna, I do not believe this pony was in control of his action.”

Luna nodded in agreement. “It would seem that way. But...” she lowered her voice, “what does that say about Wildheart?”

“...I don’t know.” Celestia scowled. “He’s obviously spent his time scheming something big.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the dungeon’s door. Luna magicked it open as a squad of guards marched in. “Your majesties!” The foremost pony proclaimed. “T-The...the harbor. There was an explosion...”

Celestia shot a look to Luna. This was troubling. “Investigate. Send a squadron.” They followed the guards out of the holding cells, leaving a few there to watch over their guest. We’ll be sending a team of our own. The sisters frowned at each other knowingly.

Applejack looked up from her bowl of apple oatmeal as Big Mac walking into the house, followed by Rainbow. Rainbow sat at the table as Mac fetched a few leftover pastries from the fridge. He set a portion down in front of Dash, and put aside a rather small amount for himself. The two ate, not acknowledging Applejack crude stare. After a bit, Applejack couldn’t keep her mouth closed any longer.

“Ya’ll gonna tell me what kept ya last night, Mac?” She had an accusatory, yet playful look in her eye.

“Storm rolled in.” Mac kept his gaze low, and Dash darted between Mac and AJ.

“Is that so?” AJ clicked her tongue.

“Umm, yeah. It got really bad, had to take shelter inside a cave.” Dash spoke into her plate.

Applejack grew a devious grin. “Ah see...” She took a spoonful of oatmeal. “...Is that why ya’ll got blue in yer mane, Mac?”

Big Mac’s pupils shrank, running a hoof through his mane. Sure enough, he held a few strands of blue fur. “Umm...umm..” He peered over to Dash, who had a petrified look on her face. Mac stuttered, drawing a blank on excuses.

AJ got a serious look on her face. “Ah excepted better o’ you, Rainbow,” pointing at her. “Takin’ advantage of Mac like that. He jus’ tryin’ to get his life back to normal, after the accident an’ all. Jus’ cause yer all goggly-eyed over him, doesn’t mean ya’ll can jump his bones!”

“AJ!” Rainbow Dash interrupted. “Nothin’ happened!”

“Thank you,” Mac retorted with RD.

“Just cause I like him doesn’t automatically make me easy!” She scoffed. “I’m not Rarity...”

“Exactly, AJ....wait, what?” Big Mac blinked, turned to Rainbow Dash. “What was that last part?”

It dawned on Dash; what she let slip. She became red-faced and shrank into her chair. “Hehe, umm...I’m not Rarity?”

Mac shook his head, still in disbelief. “No...the other part.”

Dash clutched the arms of her seat, a small sweat starting to set in. “Ohh...that. Umm, I...I...” She stood up quick, zooming out the door shouting, “Gotta go, umm....left my cloud on! ”

AJ started laughing out loud, as Mac just stared slack-jawed. “W-What jus’ happened?”

“Nothin’ ta worry yer pretty orange mane about” AJ said through a fit of giggles. She got up, bringing her dishes to the sink.

“But...Ah...fine, whatever” Mac sighed. “You an’ Soarin git any work done?”

AJ shoulders dipped at the mention of the previous day’s events. “You could say that...” She grinned. Applejack heard hoofsteps coming from down the hall. “In fact, why don’t you ask ‘im yerself?” Applejack retreated towards the bathroom, passing Soarin as he entered the kitchen.

In passing, AJ brushed her tail across Soarin’s muzzle and under his chin, snickered at his dumbstruck gaze. He stood there, watching her walk away until his thought were interrupted by Big Mac.

“Soarin” Mac said forcefully, “Ya’ll wanna explain that?” He stared Soarin down. Fidgeting, he took a seat across from Mac and avoided his eyes. “I-I don’t know, Mac...” he spoke uncertainly. Soarin had an idea about AJ's sudden affection. When they’d returned to Sweet Apple Acres the night before, Soarin caught her stealing looks at him during dinner. She also “unintentionally” walked in on him in the shower, which Soarin thought weird. It wasn’t like ponies generally wore clothes, so the intimacy of a shower was lost on them. AJ’d made a big deal of it, though.

Mac furrowed his brow. “Course you don’t. An’ Ah won’t what happened if ya’ll end up in the hospital, cause of “a bit of fun”. Ya get mah drift?”

Soarin trembled. He hadn’t forgotten what happened in downtown Canterlot. He knew that Mac was just protecting his sister. Yet, he was still pretty scary.

“Mac, it’s not like that...”

“It better not be!”

“It’s isn’t!” Soarin waved his hooves in front of his face. “Nothing’s going on!”

Mac’s disposition lightened considerably. “Well....good. Take a seat.”

Soarin sat down as Mac slid him a bowl of oats. Soarin looked into his bowl, going over what AJ just did. Nothing’s going on. Right?

A hoof knocked on the door, startling the two. Mac stood up, opening the door. Sargent Quickstep greeted him at the doorway.

“Mac, Soarin” She nodded. “It’s time.”

The three arrived at Canterlot castle soon after. Quickstep led them into the elevator. “There’s been an incident...” she said.

“Where?” asked Mac and Soarin simultaneously.

“The Canterlot Docks.” Quickstep shook her head. “One of our shipments, it sank in the harbor from an explosion. The princesses think Wildheart is involved.”

Mac and Soarin looked at each other uneasily. The last time the two tangled with one of Wildheart’s minion’s, they’d barely came out. The elevator opened, and the three ponies filled Celestia’s conference room.

Luna looked up from her file. “Oh good, you’ve arrived.” She slid Mac and Soarin their Codex headsets. “One of our transport ships bound for Celestia’s R&D facility has been hit. It seems obvious to us that this was done purposefully.” Luna levitated the incident dossier to them.

It was filled with a few photos and a statement from the guards who arrived first on the scene. The hole in the side of the ship was in no way accidental. It was blown in from the outside, scored with fire on only the outer boards. It also outlined the conversation the sisters had with Azure Flare. “Now, it seems whoever did this has some experience with detonation.” She peered coldly at the group. “I need not tell you to be careful. They'll be fast and dangerous. Quickstep will assist you in any way she can.” Looking down at her papers, Luna eyebrows dropped. “Good luck.”

“Right” The three ponies echoed.

Arriving at the docks, the group looked around. The harbor was surrounded by a boardwalk and docking area. Shops lined the boardwalk, followed by hotels, apartments, and various other amenities. Mac, Soarin, and Quickstep saw the damage for themselves. Smoke billowed out from a half-sunken ship, which sat in the middle of the harbor. Its workers were being tended to by a few kind hearted ponies by the shore. Panic was starting to set in. Shouting and nervous shrieks could be heard around them.

“Alright,” said Mac “We gotta git this under control.” He looked to Quickstep.

“I’ll get these ponies out of here. If whoever did is lurking around, we can’t have all these civilians here.”

“Good Idea” he said. Quickstep quickly trotted towards a nearby group of constables, organizing them and pointing them towards the various entrances.

“Okay, where do ya’ll wanna start?”

Soarin thought, bringing a hoof to his chin. “Well...let’s check that ship. Make sure everypony got out.”

“Eeyup.”

Soarin led Mac through the crowd, passing by a tapped off area before the ship. It sat about 50 yards out from the dock, its bow jutting up into the air. “Soarin...ya’ll wanna do a quick fly-by?” Mac looked down off the pier.

“Sounds good. I’ll be back faster than you can say ‘apple’.’”

Soarin flew into the ship, leaving Mac to sit on the pier. He looked around, seeing most of the civilians had cleared out by then. Standing, Mac started to trot around in place nervously.

Another explosion rang out behind Mac, coming from a boat rental shop. Mac spun around and ran off towards the shop. “Apple” he whispered to himself.

The sunken ship was hard to navigate at this angle. Tilted as it was, Soarin had to maneuver around and between various unneeded obstacles. He’d made it through most of the non-submerged part of the vessel, clearing it out. Now, he was looking at the inside part of the explosion hole. It only reaffirmed the fact that this had been an attack. The impact angle wasn’t consistent with an indoor explosion, and the fact that no explosive material was remotely near the hole didn’t help.

I’ve got a bad feeling.... Soarin thoughts were interrupted be a nearby rumble. He exited the ship via giant hole, to see another tower of smoke reaching up. it came from the pier, near when he’d left Mac. Shit.

Mac burst through the door to Poop Deck’s boat rental. He would have pondered what terrible parent could name their child that, but avoiding flaming floorboards took priority. He leapt over a large hole in the floor, ducking from the wall of embers on the ceiling. “Anypony here?” he shouted, choked fro the smoke.

Mac heard a mumble from the office area behind the counter. He crawled forward, trying to keep smoke out of his mouth. He could barely hear somepony rustling around over the cracks of flame.

Sliding over the countertop, he galloped past the blaze and into the office. Big Mac came face to face with a clock, stuck on the number ten. It sat above a stereotypical grouping of red dynamite tubes.

“Why helloooo, down there!” A muffled voice called from above.

Mac looked up to see a slender unicorn mare peeping down through a skylight. She wore high-grade blast goggles tinted dark, and a painter’s mask before her muzzle. Her coat was a spotted mixture of brick wall red and a milky white. Her mane and tail were both short and curly, the same brick red color as her spots. Curiously, her front two hooves were covered in a yellow substance.

“Hi-ya. Name’s Tinder Hoof” she said. Her eyebrow’s arched, Mac assumed she was smiling. “Looks like you got a problem with Smokey the bear down there!” Her voice was elated and squeaky, very similar to everyone’s favorite pink party planner.

“Don’t tell me ya’ll are....*cough*...responsible fer this?” He pointed towards the flames around him, trying to inhale as little smoke as possible.

“What, this? She giggled. “Yup! Ya caught me!” She hopped excitedly. “Isn’t it great?”

“What?” Mac couldn’t hear over the splitting of wood from the fire. He peeked a look at the clock, which suddenly turned to “nine”.

“Oh, that’s my cue!” Tinder Hoof said gleefully. “See ya, guy!” She leapt away from the skylight.

“Huh?....Wait, come back here!” Mac reached towards the opened, covering his mouth with his other hoof. He couldn’t raise up too high, the smoke restraining his breath.

8...

Mac snapped to the clock. Sitting on top of the dynamite, it was a black box, with red numbers. The numbers glow eerily resembled the glow behind Azure Flare’s eyes.

7...

Mac squinted at it. The inferno circling around him, it obscured his vision. He crawled forward.

6...

Mac looked at the clock, then the red sticks under it. By Celestia's flank! He turned side to side, searching for the store entrance.

5...

He rushed back to the door, which was now engulfed in flames. He stepped near it, the floorboards cindering and falling off.

4...

Mac turned to face the bomb. This is it, then. Ah’m dead.

3...

Sorry, Equestria...Soarin, AJ, AB...

2...

Take care, Dashie...

1...

Soarin flew overhead, zipping through a cloud of smoke. He saw a spotted pony hopping away from the burning building, her saddlebags jostling with something heavy inside. The building was collapsing, and fast.

“Mac!” Soarin shouted, hovering overhead. “Hey Mac, you in there?”

He heard a distinct cough, but that was all. The sounds of sparking embers and cracking wood, mixing with the fire overpowered his voice. Soarin turned to the fleeing unicorn and started to give chase. He flew about ten feet before a concussive force launched him into the building to his left. The flash was the first thing he noticed, the force soon after.

Soarin opened his eyes, feeling something wet. And warm. Please, no. He felt around, realized it was blood oozing from his arm. Oh, thank Celestia. He tried to move, but looking back, his wings were trapped under some ruble. his trajectory from the explosion put him on a collision path with the building next to him. He happened to take a bit of it with him.

Soarin pulled himself from under the ruble, shaking off the dust and debris. OW...OW! He pushed the pain to the back off his thoughts, seeing the shack on completely collapsed. He rushed over, throwing fallen boards and cobblestone out of his path.

“Mac? Mac!?!...MAC!” shouted Soarin, pleaded his friend was not occupying the blazing heap.

“WOW! That looked cool!” Tinder Hoof stood on top of the hotel behind him. “I should try that again!” She pranced in circles cheerfully.

“What?” Soarin spat. “You did this?”

“Well, duhh. You see any other ponies ‘round here?” She said.

Soarin flew up fast, missing Tinder by inches. He landed across from her on the roof of the hotel.

“Oooh, you wanna play tag?” Tinder reached into her saddlebag, pulling out a round, grey object. “I prefer ‘Hot Potato’.”

She tossed the object towards Soarin, who was quick enough to dodge it. Landed several feet behind him, it erupted, cratering a small area and shattered some windows below them.

“Silly, you’re supposed to catch them!” She retrieved another, prompting Soarin to dash for her. Tinder slid sideways, kicking Soarin in the butt while doing so.

“Too slow. Let’s try that again!” She leapt off the roof, giggling. Soarin was puzzled until he heard a metal-sounding object rolling towards him. Soarin took to the skies just before the bomb went off, pushing him up but not doing any damage.

He searched for Tinder Hoof, spotted her galloping down the boardwalk. Fiery blasts were going off behind her. Soarin zoomed forwards, his vision slightly blurred on the sides. He banked right, dodging the plumbs of soot. He curled his wingtips, buzzing close to nearby rooftops.

Soarin caught up with Tinder, slammed into her right side. The hit splayed her onto the beach, but she recovered quickly.

“Aww, man. Now I’m it!” she scowled playfully.

“Listen, this isn’t a joke!” Soarin growled. “Stop this, right now!”

“Yer...damn right this ain’t...no joke!” Mac dragged himself onto the beach. He was covered in seaweed and breathing heavily. Flopping on his back, Mac’s chest rose and lowered rapidly.

“Mac!” Soarin grinned. “You’re alive!”

“Eeyup...” Mac pushed he air from his lungs.

“Hey, it’s you!” Tinder Hoof giggled. “Wasn’t that bonfire...”the bomb”?” she left over laughing at her terrible pun, rolling the the sand.

Mac struggled to get up, so Soarin rushed to his side.

“You sure you’re okay?”

“Eeyup” Mac grunted, spitting out a fair amount of blood. He shook his head, then looked up at Tinder Hoof.

“Ya’ll need to stop this, right now!”

Tinder brought a hoof to his chin in thought. “Well, it’s been really fun! Like spreading a lot of burn-y confetti!” She saw both Mac and Soarin glare at her. “But you did ask nicely, so maybe...”

She suddenly recoiled, grabbing her head in her hooves. “OWWIE!” Tinder started scraping her head across the ground like a dog. “S-Stop it!”

Soarin and Mac questioned between each other. “What the hay is she doing?” Mac whispered.

“I dunno...” answered Soarin. “Should...should we ask her?”

Mac stepped forward. “Um...Tinder?” He got closer, trying to be unthreatening. “Don’t ya’ll think it’s time to end this?”

Tinder’s head shot up from the ground. She’d scraped her goggles off, and there was a distinct red glow coming from her eyes. “No” she rumbled.

“NO!” Tinder quickly threw two bombs in front of Mac. Mac leaped back, but the force of both explosions projected him under the docks. He slammed his head into one of the beams, hitting the quick action wing system. He stood up, or tried to, but his artificial wings became tangled with a system of nets under the pier. Damn, he thought. Ah gotta ask Dash how ta use these...

Soarin flew forward, striking Tinder Hoof straight in the chest with his right hoof. She fell, skipping on the sand. Soarin followed through, landing next to her. He threw her into the air with a blast from his wings, then spun and bucked her square in the chest.

“OOF!” Tinder Hoof skidded to a stop on the sand. She wobbled up, emptying the contents of her bag on the ground next to her. Her back hooves dug in, Tinder started madly flinging bombs in Soarin’s general direction.

Soarin took off, slaloming between eruptions of fire and ash. The heat was intense, catching the tip of Soarin’s right wing. It threw off his balance a bit, not enough to take him out of the air.

“Are you crazy!?!” Soarin shouted above the thunderous booms.

Tinder Hoof released a feral growl, continuing her relentless assault. Well, that answered my question. Soarin swerved around the another blast, uppercutting her in full stride. Tinder flew up close to eight feet before she started to drop. Her descent didn’t last long, however. Soarin grabbed the scruff of her neck, rocketing upwards.

“Grrrr!” Tinder’s mood had changed so drastically, Soarin felt as if this was a completely different pony.

He carried her high, even as Tinder bit at his arm. The air whipped past them, reminding Soarin of so many tricks he'd performed. Soarin stopped abruptly, releasing his grip. Tinder Hoof hovered for a bit, thrashing wildly at Soarin. He watched as she started to drop. Go time, bitch.

Soarin caught up to her, wrapping his forelegs around her from behind. He thrust himself downward, hitting terminal velocity about 200 yards above the harbor. He neared the sea, his passenger fighting all the while. A aerodynamic cone started to form around them, splitting through the clouds below.

“LOOKS LIKE YOU COULD USE A BATH!” Soarin shouted, releasing his grip. He pulled away just in time to fly over the water, a large splash rippling behind him. Soarin landed on the beach, brimming with confidence.

“HELL YE-YAHH!” he cheered. “You can take those bombs and shove ‘em!”

“Um, Soarin?”

“An‘ don’t even think about comin‘ round Ponyville...!”

“Soarin!”

He turned around, facing Mac. Mac was tangled up in a grouping of fishing nets. His mechanical wings had ejected, and he hung just above the ground, spinning slowly.

“A little help?”

Soarin covered his muzzle, stifling a laugh. “Sure...Mac...” His composure was breaking. He walked up to Mac, chuckled under his breath. “Ya gonna tell me how you got outta that building?”

“Sure...” said Mac. “After ya’ll cut me down.”

“Mac! Soarin!” Quickstep strode up to the two, who were walking back towards the castle. An unconscious, and slightly soaked Tinder Hoof sat on Mac’s back. She pointed at her.

“That’s our culprit, eh?”

Mac nodded. “Eeyup. How about yer end?”

She shrugged. “Everypony cleared out just fine. Had a spot of trouble with some fishers...” She cracked her knuckles mischievously. “But they came around.”

“...Alright, then.” A bead of sweat dripped off Soarin’s brow. “Let’s get going, huh?”

The other two agreed and continued their trek back to the Royal Palace.

Back at the castle...

“Good work, my ponies.” Luna was pleased with the way things had turned on. Well, as pleased as one could be, considering an entire district was nearly destroyed. The re-construction would take a lot of work, but for now, catching another one of Wildheart’s minions would have to do.

“Did you learn anything important?” Luna asked.

“Eeyup.” Mac coughed, a drop of blood landing on his foreleg. “Explosions hurt.”

“Thought you had learned that month’s ago?”

“Ouch” Mac chuckled. “Point taken.” He waved to their prisoner. “Think ya’ll can handle her? She’s...quite energetic.”

Luna mock-scoffed. “I think we are capable.”

With that, the ponies were ushered from the palace. Mac had tried to talk to Celestia about what happened during his first fight, but she’d been too busy to give him the time of day. Mac and Soarin just about made it out of the courtyard, when they were stopped.

“Hey Mac!”

He spun around, seeing Quickstep trotting towards them. She was out of uniform, too. A light green mare, she was slightly bulkier than most. That came with being a guard. Her mane was two streaks of light blue, surrounded by gold. Quickstep’s eyes were probably the most interesting thing about her. They were near diamond white, saturated with speckled blue dots.

“Mac...” she said, catching up to them. “Hey.”

“Howdy.” He looked up and down Quickstep. “Outta the uni already?”

“Ohh, yeah..I..” she blushed. “I just wanted to properly thank you, for last time..”

Mac laughed. “Ah told ya, Ah was just doin...” He was interrupted by a kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks” Quickstep breathed. She walked away, back into the royal courtyard.

“Nice!” Soarin smirked. “Where’s mine?”

Mac smiled and shook his head. “If Ah recall correct, ya’ll were asleep.”

“Hey,” started Soarin. “Knocked out and asleep are two different things.” They jumped in a carriage Luna provided them. “Seriously, though. You should go for it, dude!”

Mac frowned. “Soarin, ya’ll know Ah’m dating Twilight.” He hadn’t told Soarin about his...relationship status. Only Twilight, AJ, and Rainbow Dash knew of it. And Applejack didn’t like to think about. She’d admitted that she didn’t like the fact that her brother was lying about this, especially since it involved one of her best friends. But, because of the whole situation, and because AJ trusted him, she didn’t chew him out. Much.

“No you’re not” Soarin replied, in a matter-of-fact manner.

Big Mac twitched. “Wha-what? Yes Ah am...”

“Mac, it’s all over your face.”

Big Mac was stunned. Am Ah that easy to read?

“No, you’re actually pretty hard to read.”

Mac was perplexed by Soarin’s sudden mind-reading abilities. “H-How...?”

“Well...” Soarin spoke, “It’s in your eyes. I don’t know why you’re going through this charade, but it’s obvious to me that you’re not that interested in her.”

“That about hits the nail on the head, Soarin” Mac sighed. “She’s a great friend, don‘ get me wrong, but...”

“There’s somepony else, ain’t there?” Soarin grinned.

“Eeyup.”

“Far be it from me to get into your love life, Mac.” Soarin had him hooked on every word. “Buuuuuuuut....”

“Yeah?” Mac was nearly leaning into Soarin at this point.

“Don’t go chasin‘ Rainbows that aren’t there. Just let your chances take flight. And if she rejects you, don’t go gettin‘ all blue.” Soarin winked at every blatant innuendo.

“Okay, okay. Ya’ll figured it out.” Mac huffed. “Ya don’ need to make fun. An’ how do ya’ll know so much about this kinda stuff?”

“Nah, I don’t” Soarin laughed. “But it’s too fun. And to your second question...the wonderbolts contains six of the craziest, yet most level-headed mares I’ve ever met.”

He sat forward. “Now, I got a question.” He pointed at Mac. “How the hell did you get outta that burning building?”

Mac leaned back in his seat. “Ah suppose ya’ll earned it.

Sorry, Equestria...Soarin, AJ, AB...

2...

Take care, Dashie...

1...

The roof cracked above him, a thunderous boom echoed out. A scarred beam crushed on top of Mac. Had he not been augmented so few months ago, the wood would have shattered his spine. Mac was pushed through the floor, water soon engulfing him.

Air bubbled from his mouth. Should’ve taken a deeper breath... Mac was pinned to the harbor floor. A forceful blast could be seen from above, but from his submerged perspective, it felt like nothing at all.

Mac twisted and turned, trying to pry the weight off his body. Come...on....damn it! He was quickly losing breath. Wedging his hooves under the beam, he pushed against the sediment floor, lifting the beam off him.

Mac shot his back legs into the ground and swam as fast as he could. Air....need air. The thought carved into his mind like a knife through butter.

“Bbbbbbbrrgrgr....AHHH!” Mac reached the surface, coughing up a solvent of water, dirt, and blood. Must’ve broke a rib...

He clawed his way through the sea, following the sound of booms. He allowed the waves to wash him closer to shore. Mac heard a familiar voice as he neared the beach.

“This isn’t a joke!”

“An‘ that’s when Ah caught up with you.”

Soarin wore an approving smile. “Not bad.”

“So...ya think it’s time for a break?” Soarin looked to Mac with pleading eyes.

Mac thought for a bit. Ah’m not sure ‘bout takin‘ a day off....but Ah think at the very least Soarin deserves it...

“Soarin, Ah think...”

Mac caught his breath. He tried to speak, but...nothing came out. He pushed his lungs, only to feel a sharp, jabbing pain. His eyes stretched open.

“Soarin...!” Mac spat his name, accompanied with more blood. He tried again, but only blood came this time.

“Mac?” Soarin said fearfully. “Mac?”

Big Mac collapsed into a heap on the carriage floor, blood leaking from his muzzle. Soarin shouted for the drivers to head straight for Ponyville medical.

“Mac!?!”

“An‘ don’t even think about comin‘ round Ponyville...!”

The transmission died. A deep, menacing cackle reverberated around the shadowed room.

“Ruby, my dear? Tell me about this....Ponyville.”

A quiet murmur, shuffling hooves, and a light chuckle accompanied the question.

“Oh, really? The elements, you say? Well, not that I have much use for them. They look so dreadfully tacky!” The voice hummed deeply. “Though, I suppose getting them out of the way should be a priority.”

Ruby voiced her disapproval.

“Oh nonsense, filly! And besides, I’ve been wanting to meet these two little cyborgs who’ve been spoiling my operations as of late.” He leaned forward, arching his eyebrows and smiling so wide, it looked painful.

“Let’s take a trip to Ponyville...”

Chapter 8

Soarin sat outside Mac’s room, fumbling with a day old newspaper. He normally wasn’t a fan of sitting around, and this wait was unbearable. Mac’s room happened to be on a corner, and he’d gathered a few chairs around him. Applejack sat at his right, with her friends around them. They’d been there for a bit, and the sun began to rest under the horizon.

“Did they say how long he’d be out?” Rarity asked.

“Well, Big Mac lost a lotta blood, but the doc’s think he’ll be up in a few days...” AJ trailed off. “It’s been a rough week, Ah gotta say.”

Soarin patted AJ on the shoulder. “He’ll be okay, ‘Jack.” She turned to him trying to smile.

“Ah hope so.”

The mood around them was somber. Even Pinkie Pe, who Soarin had heard was usually as energetic as a hamster on coffee, was just sitting lazily across from them. Twilight had brought a few medical books, and was talking to Fluttershy about treatment methods. Rarity sat next to Pinkie, keeping herself busy with Pinkie’s insufferable mane.

“Can we go in yet?” Rainbow prodded with an annoyed tone.

“No, Rainbow. The doctors are being very adamant on this one” Twilight spoke from behind her book. “I spoke to the attending physician, and he said any disturbance now could complicate things.”

“An’ we don’ want that ” Applejack muttered.

The group hadn’t been there for long, but being unable to see Mac, let along talk to him, there wasn’t really a point. They left his side, deciding to get some sleep and try again tomorrow. Rainbow flew off, talking to herself as the other dispersed. As Applejack and Soarin finished the long walk home, AJ was visibly tired. They walked inside, heading towards their respective rooms.

“Ah’ll..see ya tomorrow” she said, pushing open her bedroom door.

“Okay.” Soarin had a sympathetic smile. He walking into his guest room, which he furnished a bit, using some small trinkets he’d kept in his Canterlot home. He laid his head down, the sun having set an hour ago. Soarin slowly drifted off, nearly falling asleep until a squeaky, high-pitched voice down the hall awoke him.

“AJ, where’s Big Mac?” Applebloom must’ve woken up and found her brother missing.

“He’s in the hospital, AB.”

“Again?” Applebloom sounded quite distraught, even though Mac had been there multiple times as of late.

AJ sighed. “Yeah. Again.”

A small set of retreating hooves echoed through the floorboards. Soarin flipped onto his back, looking up at the ceiling. I sure hope he gets home soon. I don’t think I can take up his job on the farm, he chuckled to no one.

Hearing a few sniffles from outside his door, he got up and walked into the hall. The sniffles turned to quiet sobs as he silently slinked up to Applejack’s door. Soarin knocked lightly.

“Applebloom, got ta bed...” AJ spoke low.

“I’m a bit old to have a bed time, don’tcha think?” He pushed past the door, closing it behind him.

Applejack quickly wiped her eyes, attempting to mask how upset she was. “Soarin? What are you doin‘ up?” She swiveled her head away from him.

He trotted next to her, sitting at the side of her bed. “I heard you and Applebloom. Thought I’d check in.”

“That’s sweet of ya’ll, but ya didn’t hafta do that. Applebloom ain’t that young.”

“ I was checking on you.”

AJ flopped onto her back. “Ah’m fine, Soarin.”

“Sure you are. Just like your back was fine last week.”

Applejack crossed her arms. “Ah just...Ah can’t see ‘em like that.” She started to tear up in the corner of her eye. “He’s been in an‘ out o‘ places like that fer the past couple months. When’s it gonna end?” Tears began to streak down her face. “Ah shoulda got that damn boiler fixed!”

Soarin used his hoof to wipe away the water gathering in her eye. Looking at her face, Soarin couldn’t help but smile. She’s so damn beautiful. “Applejack, I can’t tell you when that’s gonna happen. Shoulda’s aren’t gonna change that.”

She gave him a depressed glance. “But I can say that he’s not gonna lack for support when he does get back. You have to be the kindest, strongest mare I’ve ever met. I know if I end up like him anytime soon, I’d be lucky to have you at my side.”

AJ stared deeply into Soarin’s green eyes. “Soarin...?”

“Yeah?” He whispered.

Applejack flung her forelegs around Soarin’s neck, embracing him. She squeezed tight, pulling him down on top of her. Soarin put a hoof down so that he didn’t fall atop her completely.

“Thank you” she cooed into his ear. They stayed like that for a bit, until Soarin spoke up.

“Um, ‘Jack? Should I...go now?”

“Eenope.” Eyes closed, she held on tight.

“I don’t mean to complain. I mean, I really don’t. But...I’m kinda tired.”

AJ opened her right eye. “There’s a bed right here.”

Soarin went wide-eyed and his jaw dropped. “W-W-W-Wha..? AJ...I...”

Applejack tapped him lightly on the back on the head. “Not like that, ya perv” She giggled. “Ah just....Ah don’t wanna be alone tonight, okay?” She pushed back a little, peering into Soarin’s green peepers with a pair of her own. “Please?” she asked in a slightly sultry tone.

Soarin blushed hard. “Well, how can I refuse when you ask me like that?” Crawling into the bed, he mentally prepared himself. Just keep your wings down. Wings. Down. He grabbed AJ’s sheet and threw it over them, lying on his side next to her.

“Thanks, Soarin. Ah hope ya don’t mind.”

“Oh, no. Of...Of course not.” AJ’s hair draped over her shoulder, the now evident moonlight striking it at just the right angle. Each strand glowed like a stalk of wheat in the sumer sun, but were a soft as a baby rabbit’s fur. It was more glorious than either of the princesses ethereal manes to Soarin. He wanted to play with it, but thought that maybe that wasn’t the best idea.

He settled his forelegs at his side, with his wings tucked under them. Soarin figured he could use pressure if need be to stop any embarrassing events.

“...Ahhhhh” AJ sighed, falling into the curve of Soarin’s body. Unfortunately for Soarin, that placed her flank in a very....particular area. This certainly wouldn’t help stop him from “popping a winger”, as Spitfire would say.

Blood rushed through his body. His already deep blush grew in size and hue. Soarin was only pony, he couldn’t help if he got a bit excited when a beautiful mare got that familiar with him. He tried to focus on something, anything else. Soarin felt the bed he co-occupied. It was soft and quite supportive. Much nicer than his guest room bed.

“AJ, you sneaky filly” Soarin smirked. “Your bed. It’s super comfy. Why isn’t mine super comfy?”

AJ let out a laugh, something she hadn’t done for days. “Maybe it’s cause Ah do all the hard work, an’ need a good rest.” She turned her head, her nose just barely touching his. “Or maybe it’s only comfy cause you’re in here with me...” AJ titled her head back and kissed him on the cheek, then settled back into her spot. She rubbed her plot, a bit intentionally, against Soarin as she did so.

That was the breaking point for Soarin’s wings, it seems. The combination of Applejack’s words, her kiss, and her “re-adjustment” flared his wings, launching his side of the bed sheets up as his wings reached proud and strong behind him. AJ looked back, guffawing at what sight beheld her.

“AJ...I didn’t...I...I’m sorry...” Soarin scrambled for words that were rapidly escaping him.

“Woah there, loverboy” she said suggestively, nodding at his wings. Everypony knew what the flared wings signified, especially in a situation such as this. “We ain’t like that...yet.” AJ grabbed his hoof and pulled it across her chest, holding onto it as she went to sleep.

Soarin laid dumbstruck, his part of the sheet finally lowering down at the same time the family clock struck eleven. One word replayed over and over in his mind. Yet . He grinned stupidly, and rested his head on top of AJ’s. “And when is “Yet” gonna be?”

Applejack reached back, giggled. She ran her left hoof through his mane. “Ah dunno. We’ll see.”

The two fell asleep quickly in AJ’s bed.

Beep.

Uggh...this seems too familiar. Mac opened his eyes. White floor. Weird smell. Eeyup. Ah’m in a hospital again. He shuffled, gripping his chest. A deep-seeded pain shot through his barrel. He looked down, a brace was fitted on tight around his chest. Peeking around the room, he picked up that he was in Ponyville medical, and it was late at night, about eleven, maybe.

Hooves clicked outside his door. Mac could barely hear a muffled discussion.

“...You can’t. I’ve told you....he’s very weak as of now!”

He recognized the gruff, serious voice as medical personal. There was also a lighter, more feminine voice.

“...Don’t care! I have a right......trainer, and you....”

“Fine!...fine. He’s probably not even awake....”

The doorknob turned slowly. Mac laid still, closing his eyes. He heard two ponies walk in, one leaving as soon as they entered. The one who stayed walked over to his left side. He could feel them looking down on him.

“Mac..” the pony whispered. Her voice was squeaky and high, sounding a bit dry, to be honest. He opened his left eyelid just enough to see Rainbow Dash sitting over him. The moonlight shadowed half her face, making the other side appear even more radiant than normal. That side of her face caught the light fantastically, her eye shimmered from it, twinkling brilliantly. Mac saw that it looked a bit puffy around the edges.

O’ course Dash would check up on me. Loyalty really does run in her blood, comin’ here when she could be sleepin’. Mac thought about waking up right then, but the opportunity to pick up some material to tease her with was too great.

“This last week has been rough.” Dash sounded upset and crestfallen, far from what Mac expected. Huh, that’s weird. Ah honestly thought she’d take the chance to talk ‘bout herself without anyone tellin’ her to stop. He listened on.

“Applejack’s been goin’ nuts...tryin’ to do everything you do.” Rainbow laughed sullenly; there was no emotion behind it. “Bigs...you gotta be more careful. The doc said that your cracked rib punctured a lung.”

She placed her hoof over his and Mac felt it shaking. “Ya’ll are dumber than a box of rocks. Gettin’ me all nervous ‘cause you can’t handle a few...explosions.” Dash leaned down, still shaking, and kissed him on the forehead, tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. Mac’s mind was racing. What in Sam Hill is she doing! Ah...this must’ve been what AJ was talkin’ ‘bout at breakfast. “Take it easy, damn it” she said softly.

“If ya’ll say so” answered Mac. He opened his eyes slowly and winked at her.

“Big Mac!?” Rainbow Dash jumped back. “Mac!” Finding he was awake, Dash threw her arms around him in a bear hug. “Thank Celestia you’re okay!”

“Dash...please...stop!” Mac squeaked.

“Oh..oh, oh sorry!” Dash lowered him back into bed.

“Ahhhh...the pain...” Mac grimaced.

“Sorry.” She turned away from his gaze.”So... so, ah, how much of that did you hear?”

“All of it.” Big Mac held a stoic facade.

“Oh...well, I was just...scared, is all.” Dash started pacing around the room. “You were out, and, I never seen you like that, and...the doc said your...your...” Dash started sniffling. Come on, keep it together Dash, she thought.

“Mac, you coughed up a lot of blood.” She took a seat near Mac’s bed. Mac twisted and turned, trying to grab the pillow behind his head. He was having trouble, though.

“Hey, do you want some help?” she inquired.

“Umm, yeah. Could ya’ll...?” He pointed to the pillow behind him, which looked seriously stiff.

“Sure, Mac.” Dash reached over, fluffing his pillow and placing it back behind his head. Her mane brushed against Mac’s face. It radiated the smell of fresh rain and river water, and it enraptured him. It reminded him of mornings on the farm after a nice storm, a smell that near guaranteed a good harvest.

“How’s that?”

“Great. Thank ya.” Mac said warmly, staring into her eyes. It created a little blush to show on her cheek. He looked Dash up and down, and noticed that she looked disheveled. Dash’s hair was messier than usual, and she wore bags under her eyes, surrounded by dark circles.

“Dash, ya’ll look damn tired.”

She laughed. “Shut up.” She punched him in the shoulder. “Guess that’s what I get for tryin’ to take up slack on the farm...”

“What?” Mac coughed, a spittle of blood ejected from him. “Ya’ll are tellin’ me you been workin’ the farm this past week?”

“Yeah.” Rainbow scratched her head. “I gotta say, I never realized how much crap you guys actually do.”

“Ah’m just surprised you an’ AJ could could go a whole work day without makin’ up some stupid competition.”

Rainbow giggled. “Mac, how do you think we got any of it done?”

Mac sighed “Of course ya’ll did. Ya didn’t break anythin’, did ya?”

“Only all of Applejack’s records!” Dash grinned deeply.

“Well, alright then.”

Dash stood up. “Nice to see ya, Big.” She started to leave.

“Up hold, Dash. Ya’ll aren’t gettin‘ away that easy.”

She stopped in her tracks. Rainbow’s head lowered, and she dragged herself back to Mac’s side. “I suppose we need to talk about...that.” She couldn’t look at Mac.

“Yeah..that.” Mac took a deep breath. “What was...that,” He pointed at his forehead, “all about? Does it have anything to do with whatever happened at breakfast last week?”

Dash’s eyes darted back and forth, avoiding Mac at all costs. “Well, I...I mean, you were all...I thought you were sleeping.” She plastered on a sheepish grin.

“So...what else did ya do ta me when Ah was sleepin’?” Mac asked, eyebrow raised.

Dash winked, chuckling nervously. “Oh, you know me...”

They shared a laugh, though Mac had a bit of trouble and coughed up a little more blood.

“Dude, that can’t be good.” He tapped on his chest-piece.

“Don‘ change the subject, Dash.” Big Mac took a slightly more serious tone. “Dash, talk to me. Ya’ll been actin‘ strange fer a few weeks now, every since Me and Twilight....” Mac’s brain connected the dots. “Ohhhh.....Ah think Ah see what’s goin‘ on.”

Dash sighed, rubbing her temples. “Finally. You have no idea how hard it’s been being around you.”

Big Mac lowered his eyes. “ Ah’m sorry, Dash. Ah really didn’t mean ta put ya’ll through all this.”

“Yeah, I know. It’s mostly my fault. I shoulda just...came out with my feelings, but...” She started to blush again.

“Ya’ll weren’t sure ‘bout ‘em, were ya?” He gave her a warm, soothing half-smile. His emerald green eyes washed over Rainbow Dash, turning her nervousness into pure confidence.

Those eyes...they’re not even fair. Dash peered back at Mac. Making eye contact, she scooted closer, still blushing.

“Eeyup...” She smiled.

“So what’d are ya gonna do about it?” He kept staring into her eyes as they glistened in the moonlight, a small smile resting on his lips. Rainbow pulled her chair right up to the edge of Mac’s bed. She leaned in, biting the bottom of her lip playfully.

“Oh...I dunno...” Dash fluttered her eyes, a first for her. I can’t believe I’m actin‘ like this. Dash drew her view down to Mac’s exposed chest. Even with his brace on, she could see his muscles stretch and ripple on the beat of his breath. His shoulders and neck were sculpted and taught, along with most the rest of his body. It probably helped him survive the past few months. Dash had to admit, Mac really was a physical specimen. Well actually,Yes...Yes I can. She got closer, closed her eyes and hovered her lips over Mac’s.

“So how are ya’ll gonna tell Twilight ya like her?”

Dash opened her eyelids in shock. No. No freakin’ way. “Wha-?”

“Ah gotta admit, she’s quite the looker. Good choice.” Mac wore his charming half-smile, coupled with those eyes. He was making this even harder for Rainbow Dash. She started panting, thinking of a way to explain herself to the thick-skulled stallion. She settled for the direct approach, something Rainbow realized she should've done in the first place.

“Ugh, Mac!” She got up and took ahold of his face, fixating her eyes on his. “I was talking about you!” she yelled, nearly seething with frustration.

Mac’s smile turned into a happy smirk. “Ah know.”

Rainbow dropped his head. “You did?”

“Eeyup.” He eyed her mischievously. “Yer jus’ too fun ta tease.”

Rainbow’s smile grew wider than her face, and her eyes twinkled like the night of the Gala. “That makes this a whole lot easier.” She grabbed him by the shoulders and tilted her head sideways.

Mac met her halfway, sitting up as far as his harness would let him. “Dash, Ah...”

“Shhh...don’t talk.”

She closed her eyes, and threw herself forward, locking Mac in a kiss. It seemed to pulsate through him, making his fur stand up on end. At first, Mac was shocked. Woah, thar...w-wow. He relaxed and closed his eyes. Mac wrapped a foreleg around Dash, pulling her closer while using the other to prop himself up. He didn’t feel a huge explosion, the kind Rarity seemed to fancy. He did feel a warm, burning sensation in the pit of his stomach. He tried ignoring the flame, but to no effect.

Dash grabbed the back Mac’s mane, tugging on it lightly as she hovered just above the bed. She could taste fresh apples on Mac’s lips, accompanied with what seemed like the bite of...whiskey? She savored the sensation, a lustful tingle running down her spine. Mac was the first to pull away, grunting from the brace around his barrel.

“Sorry Mac” she chuckled.

“Don’ worry, it was worth it” Mac smiled with a glazed-over look on his face.

Rainbow giggled. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” She hopped back onto the ground. Mac watched her, glad that they’d finally cleared the air. To be honest, he wasn’t the most romantic of ponies. But he definitely felt...something for Dash. It was deeper than friendship; that he was sure of.

“So Dash” he started. “Why do ya’ll like me anyhow?”

Rainbow looked befuddled, pawing at him. “Whadda ya mean?”

“Well...Ah guess Ah mean, why choose me over all the other stallions ‘round here? Ya certainly coulda had yer pick.”

Rainbow gave him an inquisitive look. “You’re...you’re serious, aren’t you?” She leaned in, resting her head on her hooves. “Big, how do you see yourself?”

Big Mac leaned back, thinking. “ Ah’m an Apple. Ah tell the truth, or try to, most of the time. Ah work hard, and....Ah guess that’s about it.”

“That’s it? That’s it!” Dash stood up, poking his nose. “Buddy, you’re WAY too modest.”

“What’d ya’ll talkin’ about, Rainbow?”

She got closer. “You wanna know why I fell for you?” She had a steely determination in her eye, like she’d been slighted somehow. “You’re the sweetest, kindest, most noble stallion I’ve ever met.”

“C’mon Dash, yer exaggeratin’.”

Rainbow shook her head. “Dude, you got blown up. BLOWN UP, MAC! And yet you act like everything’s fine. You always care more about fixing my little emotional stints than your own.”

She quieted down, but continued. “You’re strong. Not just physically.” Dash wrapped her arms around Mac’s neck. “And since we started this whole, “Savior of Equestria” thing, you treated me like a part of your family.”

She closed her eyes, nuzzling him. “I..never really told anypony, so you gotta keep this quiet. But I didn’t have the best home life. Hell, after flight school, I barely had one, so...you really have no idea how good it’s felt.”

Mac rubbed the back of her neck. “Ah’m glad ya feel that way.” He lifted her chin, looking into her eyes. “Ah’d love ta see ya around more often.”

Dash nearly squeed with excitement. “And there’s that.” She pointed at his mouth. “That accent’s damn sexy.”

“Oh? Is that why ya’ll were usin’ it?” Mac rose an eyebrow.

Dash smirked. “Maybe I’m spendin’ too much time with you Apples. But I gotta admit, it’s pretty hot. Well...that coupled with your body.” She rubbed what little part of his chest was exposed.

“Hey!” Mac covered up in mock-offense. “Ah’m no piece o’ meat...”

“Is that so?” Dash nibbled his ear. Mac blushed deep enough that even his coat couldn’t save him. “Ya taste pretty good to me...” she whispered, slowly starting to move down his neck.

“Hehe, slow down, sister.” Mac pushed her off a bit, Dash pouting. “Let’s hold off on that just yet.” He pointed to his harness.

Rainbow pouted. “Fine.” She sat back into her chair and propped her back legs on the bed. “Get some sleep, Mac. You need it, if we’re gonna get that chest-piece off.”

“Maybe ya’ll should get a few winks too.”

Dash shrugged. “I’m not very tired.” Her body betrayed her, and she yawned with the might of a full grown manticore.

“Sure ya ain’t.” Big Mac patted an open space on his left side. “C’mon, get in.”

Dash surveyed him. “Are you sure?”

“Eeyup” he grinned. “ ‘Sides, it only hurt when Ah move it.”

Rainbow snaked into the bed, scooting close to Mac’s side. He draped a light blanket over them, resting his left arm behind her neck.

“Mac, what about the doctors? Or visitors. Aren’t you technically dating Twilight right now?” Just saying it spiked the fur on Rainbow’s neck.

“If Ah remember right, vistin’ hours ain’t until noon.” He rested his chin on top of Dash’s head. “Now shut it an’ give me a kiss.”

“That I can do.” She turned, kissing Mac lightly on the lips. She melded back into him, laying her head atop his shoulder. Loosely laying a foreleg across Mac’s chest, Rainbow nearly fell asleep.

“Ya did bring up a good point, though”

“And that would be?” she answered, eyes closed.

“We gotta talk ta Twilight ‘bout this.”

Dash’s ear twitched involuntarily. Crap. Forgot about that. “You’re right. I have a feeling it won’t go good, either.”

Mac huffed. “Why do ya say that?”

“Mac, you unintentionally made three different mares fall in love with you. And they’re all friends.”

Mac fidgeted a bit. “Nah, Twilight doesn’t love me.”

Rainbow clicked her tongue. “Yeah, Mac. Yeah she does. Didn’t ya notice how she’s been acting?”

Mac recollected his last conscious week. He’d went on a few “dates” with Twilight. A restaurant or two, and they’d went bowling. He had fun, no doubt. But, it wasn’t the same as when he’d spent time with Rainbow Dash. It just...felt different with Rainbow. Twilight had been walking very close to him, using pet names, and even planted an unplanned kiss or two on him.

“Honestly, that’s what Ah thought it was. Acting.” Mac groaned.

“This is gonna be totally NOT awesome” mumbled Rainbow.

“Ya got that right” uttered Mac.

At that, the two silenced, taking comfort in each other embrace. A cool breeze blew in from a open window across the room, moving over both ponies. Relaxing from it, Rainbow sighed and tightened her grip on Mac. He winced slightly, but said nothing. He wouldn’t show it, but Mac was happy there was somepony special that night. The next few days looked like they’d be a doozy.

The sun rose gently over the apple trees that morning. Rays of sunlight shone over the red orbs which hung on them, and a light breeze drifted through the orchard. The rolling hills were wet with morning dew, and the grass swayed with the path of early morning wind. The warm breeze carried itself through the orchards. It was going to be a good day.

Applejack slowly opened her eyelids, feeling the familiar warmth from last night on her back. She pivoted her gaze to Soarin, who was sleeping soundly, his muzzle resting on top of her neck. She wanted to stay in bed a bit longer, but AJ knew that, as always, work needed to be done.

“Soarin...” she whispered. Flipping onto her back, she nudged him with her nose. He didn’t wake. Instead, Soarin scooted closer to AJ, wrapping his wings around her and pushing his head further into her neck.

Applejack giggled. “Never took ya’ll fer a snuggler...” She laid there for a bit, feeling a warmth at the pit of her stomach. Lying there with Soarin just...felt right. No more, no less. AJ closed her eyes, breathing in his scent. The apples could wait a few minutes. She did have to get up, eventually. “Uhh..” she grunted, lifting herself from the bed. Putting on her stetson, she let Soarin sleep in. AJ walked into the kitchen to be met by Applebloom.

“Hey, AB. How was yer mornin’?” Applejack nearly sang the words, being in such a great mood.

“Um, fine, ah guess...though, ah couldn’t find Soarin nowhere.”

Applejack froze. Damn. Ah fergot Applebloom usually woke him up. She tentatively sat down, avoiding Applebloom’s eyes. “Maybe he jus‘ got an early start today...”

AB looked at her suspiciously. “Applejack...why are you lyin‘ ta me?”

“What? Ah’m not...”

“You know where he is, don’tcha?” Applebloom smiled.

AJ’s face wrinkled up as her eyes darted back and forth. “Ah have no idea what yer talkin‘ bout.”

The smaller Apple giggled. “Now yer jus‘ givin‘ it away.”

AJ sighed. “Okay, maybe Ah do know where he is. Jus’...keep it to yerself. Ah don’t need some kinda gossip nonsense.”

Applebloom nodded. “Such thing, sis.” Applejack smiled, at least she could keep this under wraps for now. “As long as ya’ll promise ta keep the noise down. Ah need mah sleep too, ya’know.”

“Applebloom!” Applejack said curtly. “Ya’ll shouldn’t talk like that. Yer too young.”

AB looked back with sorrowful eyes as such was the case for being reprimanded. “Sorry, AJ” she said, using her best puppy-dog eyes.

Applejack scowled, but not for long. Well, she certainly inherited her sister’s sense o‘ humor. “It’s alright, ‘Bloom. Ah know ya were jus‘ joshing me.” She stood up, walking to the fridge and retrieving a glass of, what else, apple juice. “Sides...” she started, taking a deep swig of the fruity nectar, ”...Ah don’t know if ah can keep that promise.”

They both laughed hardily as they shared the morning meal.

BIg Mac was a lot of things. A farmer, who many considered stronger than a team of ponies. A loving, caring brother. More recently, a coltfriend. This morning, he was tired. Just plain tired. “Tuckered out”, in his own words. Waking up with a start, he groaned. Most every muscle ached. He retreated into the covers, feeling a weight on his chest. Mac looked down, spotted a cyan mare curled up next to him. She awoke when he shifted his weight back down.

“Hey...” Rainbow breathed, blinked morning fatigue over of her eyes.

“Morin’...” They didn’t have to say anything, really. Both knew exactly what the other was thinking.

How did I get so lucky?

“How’d ya sleep, sugarcube?”

Rainbow smiled and slid next to Big Mac, resting half her stomach on him. “Great, actually. Normally, these hospital bed stink in the comfort department.” She shifted her expression from grateful to seductive. “And I think I know why this one was so different.”

Mac gave an uncharacteristic giggle. “Rainbow, ya’ll must be more salacious than a greased up pig during the summer sun festival. Comin‘ on ta me this early.” He moved his forelegs above his head, allowing Rainbow a bit more room upon her crimson mattress.

Dash shot him a playfully look. “I can’t help it. If you were me, you’d do the same thing.” She paused, looking under the covers. She came back showing a wide grin. “And you should talk...it’s not like that’s yer leg against my belly.”

“Whut?” Mac asked, confused. He investigate Rainbow’s tummy, until to shot back up, flushed. Macintosh was a grown, red-blooded stallion. He was hormones like every other stallion’s, and they tending to rear their ugly head in the morning.

“Rainbow! Ah’m sorry, Ah didn’t...it just happens!” His deep embarrassment was silence by a blue hoof.

“Shush. It’s cool, babe” Dash responded cooly. She pulled herself up to Big Mac’s ear. “Anyways, it looks like I found the real reason everyone calls you Big Mac.”

If Mac’s face could get any hotter, one might be able to cook an egg on his face. He looked away from Rainbow, muttering a tiny “thank you” as he sank into the covers of his bed.

“Aww, is Mackie a little shy?” Dash teased him. Rubbing her head against his neck, she closed her eyes and gave him a quick peck. “I’m gonna head out, okay?”

“Eeyup. Meet up at home?”

“Mmmhmm.” Dash crawled out of bed, stretching her wings high towards the ceiling. “You think you’ll be out today?”

Mac nodded. “Celestia willin‘. Ah’m startin‘ to get real sick of hospital food.” Both ponies smiled as Dash neared the bedside window. “Um, why are ya’ll leavin‘ through the window?”

“It’s faster” Dash shrugged. She winked at him. “See ya later, stud.” Mac chuckled, bowing his response. Rainbow soared out the window, Twisting and turning with the chill cool noon air. She felt light as air, a usual sensation during flight. This morning, however, it was for a very different reason.

A/N: Big inspiration from Bronius Maximus’ “At Home On The Range” for this chapter.

Chapter 9, Part 1

“Left bank!”

Swoosh.

“Now right!”

Swoosh.

“Good! Okay, now...barrel roll!”

“....Eenope.” Mac tried as hard as he could, but he just couldn’t find the right adjustments. A barrel roll was certainly not very difficult. For a pegasus. After his debacle with his artificial wings and the dock netting, Big Mac decided he needed some wing training. And who better to train him than Best Young Flier, the only pegasus to perform a Sonic Rainboom, Rainbow Dash. The fact she was his special somepony only added to the benefits.

The two were standing outside the family barn, Rainbow Dash on a stack of hay to get a better look at Mac’s form. He wasn’t doing too bad, but he lacked a lot of finesse needed for consistent flying.

“C’mon dude, it’s not hard” Dash sighed. “All ya gotta do is...”

“Tuck left wing at a 45, flare right wingtips, Ah know, Ah know...” Mac grumbled. “Ah jus’ don’t have the dexterity fer that.”

“Keep practicing, you’ll get it.” She said, smiling down on him.

Mac grunted. “Ah dunno, Dash. These...” he pointed to his mechanical pinions, “ are a lot heavier than yers. Plus, Ah can’t really feel ‘em that well.” He shuffled on his hooves, his long, sleek wings reaching as long as one of the princesses. It was a very strange feeling; his wings were so long, yet they didn’t throw off his balance as much as he’d excepted.

Rainbow hummed, thinking over various ways to help her coltfriend. “I think I have an idea...” Rainbow unfurled her wings, pushed off the bale and hovered her down atop of Big Mac. “Here, try this.” Rainbow placed her forehooves on Mac’s shoulder blades. She slowly pressed and moved her hooves into his back, which made Mac involuntarily adjust his wings.

“Looks like it works on you, too” Rainbow chuckled.

“Whadda ya talkin’ about?”

“Well, it’s normally a pegasus thing, but there’s a special bundle of nerves right here...” As Dash explained, she continued to prod around Mac’s shoulders, making his wings twitch and swing according to her ministrations. “It’s used for controlling your wings, helps them to loosen up. My mom used it on me when I was just learning to fly.”

“Oh, m’kay.” Mac stood still and allowed his trainer and marefriend to work her magic. With nothing physical to do for the next few minutes, he started to let his mind wander. “Ya never mentioned yer parents before” Big Mac blurted out after a particularly long silence.

“Yeah” responded Rainbow cooly.

“Would ya like to?”

“...No.” Rainbow continued her work, albeit a bit harsher than normal.

Okay, then. Don’t bring up parents, thought Macintosh. Although he was quite curious about Dash’s poor reaction, he knew better than to push her on something she wasn’t wiling to talk about. “Ya know, we should prolly head inta town today.”

“Oh yeah?” Rainbow ground her hoof lightly on Mac’s back, making his wings twitch involuntarily.

“Mmm, ya. Figured we could get this whole “Twilight” situation squared away.”

“...I don’t know if today’s the best day to do that” Rainbow said hesitantly. “Isn’t it kinda soon?”

Big Mac huffed. “It’s been a week since Ah got outta that hospital. Ah don’t wanna put it off any longer.”

“I know but... Do you think she’ll be mad?” Rainbow knew Twilight had a tendency to overreact about small things. And this didn’t feel like a “the icing’s not symmetrical on this cupcake” sort of situation. “I just, worry, ya know? Twilight can be kinda...”

“High strung?” Mac asked, eyebrows raised.

“Yeah.”

“Dash, Ah know how important yer friends are to ya, but Ah don’t think this’ll be a problem. Twi’s rational; We’ll explain what’s going on, an‘ she’ll understand.”

Rainbow frowned. “I don’t think you know how Twilight tends to take things. She’s not that rational when emotions and expectations are in the mix.”

“Trust me; ya’ll girls and Twi got a strong bond. Some old stallion ain’t gonna break that up.”

That didn’t put Rainbow’s mind at ease. It’s not gonna be that easy. She trusted me, she thought we were just training. I... I betrayed her. Rainbow knew that Twilight knew Mac didn’t consider their relationship real, but it still felt like Dash had stolen Big Mac. The feeling hit her right in the gut. I’m supposed to be loyal. What kinda friend swoops in and takes their special somepony?

“Ya’ll okay up there?” Mac’s question drove Rainbow out of her thoughts. “Ya looked kinda dazed, an‘ my “wings” are going a bit crazy.”

Rainbow looked down. Mac’s mechanical aviators had flipped upside down, and one was jutting straight up. “Yeah” she responded. “Just thinkin’.”

Soarin sat on the edge of the main barn’s roof, watching the sunrise. It wasn’t often that he got much time to himself; between the farm, Applejack, and workouts, he barely had time to sleep. Luckily, today was one of the few days on Sweet Apple Acres he got off. Normally, Soarin would’ve chosen to sleep in, but the habits of working on a farm had worn onto him awhile ago.

“What’cha doin’ up here, sugarcube?” Soarin heard a southern voice flow by his ears. He immediately knew who he was talking with, and patted the space to his right.

“Just watching the sunrise.” Applejack took the seat next to him, leaning against him gently.

“Ya have anything planned today?”

“Nope, not really. Why?”

Applejack shrugged. “Me either. Was thinkin‘ about having a picnic.”

“Sounds like a plan to me” Soarin smiled. He leaned back, lying down onto the roof to stare into the morning sky. AJ followed him, removing her hat and placing it on her chest.

“How long ya been up here?”

Soarin’ shrugged. “I dunno. Couple hours, maybe? It’s funny,” he chuckled, “I’m usually not a morning pony. I used to love sleeping in; even Spitfire had trouble gettin’ me up this early.” He nudged Applejack with his hoof. “Guess somepony changed that.”

Applejack giggled, rolling into Soarin’s side. “Ah suppose so.” He muzzle sat just above his shoulder, her warm breath gliding over his body and sending a tingle up his spine. “Hey Soarin’...” AJ started.

“Yeah?”

“Ah was just wonderin’, have ya’ll talked to the Wonderbolts since yer accident? Ah mean, it’s kinda yer job, ain’t it?”

The question struck Soarin‘ like the lightning bolt. Oh shit... With all the crazy missions and hospital bills, He’d barely given his real job a second thought. He hoped his teammates were okay, that they weren’t worried about him. “I... I haven’t, actually” Soarin‘ admitted. “I know I should, but its been a long time. They’re not gonna be happy with me.”

“Well hay, if they ain’t happy, Ah’ll give ‘em a talkin‘ to” Applejack joked. “Ya’ll should talk to the Princesses, too. They might’ve taken care of it” she added.

“That they might have.” Soarin‘ scooted closer to Applejack. The morning was still brisk, and Soarin’ was grateful for her body heat. “...Sun’s nearly up.”

“Yep. We gotta head into town at sum point” AJ said softly.

Soarin’ slid an arm under his new marefriend, pulling her even tighter to his side. “Heh, I guess. But not now. I like where I’m at.”

Twilight paced around her bedroom, trying to collect her thoughts. Today’s the day, she thought. I’ll tell Macintosh today. She smiled at the thought of embracing the hulk of a stallion, his deep emerald eyes sparkling with delight. Twilight quelled those dreams quickly, not wanting to get ahead of herself. Tidying up her room, she grabbed a few random books that lay around. Regardless of the answer, I just have to say it. I’ve got to tell him, and hope for the best.

A knock on the door got Twilight’s attention. Who could that be? I wasn’t expecting any visitors?, she wondered as she trotted to the door. “Hello?” Twilight asked, opening the door. A tall unicorn stallion stood in the doorway, his brown coat covered by a tattered white lab-coat. He had a small, metallic device around his front left leg, which covered most, if not all, of his hoof. It quietly hummed, a bright green light glowed from the side facing inward. “Can I help you?” she asked.

The stallion smiled. “Why yes, miss...?”

“Twilight. Twilight Sparkle.”

“Miss Twilight,” he said, the tips of his lips curling upward at a disturbing angle, “Yes, I do believe you can.”

“Are you sure about this?” Rainbow asked her coltfriend, trotting at his side through town. The two got a few strange glances, which was a bit worrying for Dash. She couldn’t care about what ponies thought of her, but Mac’s reputation was a different story. And Twilight’s reaction to all this was mostly likely going to be unpredictable.

“O‘ course, Dash” chimed Big Mac. “Ya’ll are better friends with her than me, plus... Ah don’t exactly know what ta say.” He smiled sheepishly at Rainbow Dash. “Ah was kinda hopin’ you could do some o’ the talkin’.”

Dash shot him an unimpressed glance. “You serious?”

“Hey, Ah kin hope.”

The two continued through downtown Ponyville, weathering the strange looks from unfamiliar ponies. They eventually ran into the library. Big Macintosh hesitantly knocked on the door, which creaked open slowly form the contact. The library was dark and cluttered, a stark contrast from its usual form. Papers were scattered randomly across the room. Twilight’s coffee table was snapped in two, and one of the table legs was ripped off. The house was quiet, it was a library. Though this quiet was disconcerting, unlike the usual silent comfort of Twilight’s library. Big Mac entered cautiously, followed by Rainbow Dash.

“Twilight?” she called out, hoping to hear her friend. “You in here?”

The two trotted inside slowly, stepping around tattered papers and other nick-nacks that had found their way to the floor. “What the hay happened here?” Rainbow thought aloud. “It’s not like Twilight to be... well, messy.”

“Yeah” commented Mac. “This is jus‘ weird.”

“Hey Twi, you in here?” Rainbow asked aloud. She hovered around the room, peering into the tornado path that was Twilight’s library. This is so unlike her, Rainbow wondered. Something’s not right. Even when she’s having one of those panic attacks of hers, the library doesn’t look like this... Rainbow started to get nervous. “Mac, I’m going check upstairs. You okay down here?”

“Eeyup.”

Rainbow flew upstairs, bursting through Twilight’s bedroom door. Her personal quarters were just as ruined at the main room. Her bedsheets were frayed and ripped, old letters to Celestia strewn across the floor. Candle wax was dripping down the side of Twilight’s dresser, the candle not having been put out. A large gash was missing from the librarian’s bedpost. Again, books littered the bedroom floor. Though, normally they would be stack alphabetically, chronologically, and by color, knowing Twilight.

Rainbow landed and began her search. “Gotta be somethin‘ around here...” Dash poked her nose under Twilight’s bed, and felt something wet on her muzzle. Something wet and warm. She touched her nose, and pulled her hoof away. Blood. Rainbow recoiled, tensing up and flaring her wings. “Mac...” she whispered, being to hyperventilate. “MAC!”

A loud crash downstairs raised the hair on Rainbow’s neck. She turned, grounding her hooves into the ground and launching out the door. She sped downstair, sliding to a halt in front of her coltfriend and took a defensive stance.

“Mac, you okay? I heard a noise...” she turned to look at him.

“ Ah’m okay, jus‘... Ah found someone.” Big Mac pointed to the couch in main room. In a small cleared off space sat a light purple dragon, holding his knees tightly to his chest, crying.

Applejack trotted through town, a light bounce in her step. Her saddlebags were near to bursting with flour, celery, and even oranges, though AJ detested them. Hmm, Ah got nearly everythin’. I jus‘ need bread, an’...

“Hi, Applejack! What can I get you?”

“Howdy, Carrot Top. Gimme a bushel o‘ carrots, and half a dozen radishes.” AJ pulled out a small pouch of bits, and handed it to Carrot Top. “This should be enough.”

“Thanks, AJ” Carrot said smiling, taking the moneybag and stowing it away behind the counter. “So... I hear you and that Wonderbolt are gettin’ pretty familiar?”

Applejack coughed, surprised by the question. “Ah- Where’d ya hear that?”

“Oh, you know this town. It’s always bubbling with gossip.” Carrot said with a giggle. “So, is it true?”

“Ah, well..ya see...” AJ stumbled. She wasn’t quite comfortable talking about her relationship in public, a combination of inexperience, anxiety, and the fear of causing widespread jealously. Rationally, AJ knew she had nothing to worry about. But in a deep corner of her mind, Applejack envisioned herself being trampled, while the female populace of Ponyville dog-piled Soarin, not unlike a certain situation involving her brother and one very old Smarty Pants doll.

“Oh! It is, isn’t it?” Carrot Top gasped. “Good for you, girl!”

“Um, thanks.”

Carrot tutted. “Mmmm, if I had a stallion like that.... the things I’d do...”

On the other side of the market, Soarin was looking over a particularly shiny booth. The stallion behind it was rather old, a grey mane and coat, with wrinkled bags under his eyes. His booth was littered with trinkets; gold hoof-bands, simple gemstones and jewels, beautifully embroidered tiaras and chest pieces, and necklaces of all kinds.

I wonder i Applejack’s a jewelry type of girl. Probably not, but... Soarin looked through the gallery, seeing nothing that really caught his interest. Everything seemed too flashy, too extravagant. From what Applejack and Big Mac said of AJ’s friends, this place would be more suited to Rarity’s tastes.

“Sumthin’ catch yer eye, kid?” the gruff, old stallion asked, grabbing Soarin’s attention.

“Ehh, well... no offense, but all this stuff seems too...?”

“Ostentatious?” The booth owner chuckled.

“I was gonna say gaudy, but sure. I need something kinda, simple. And green, if ya have it.”

The old pony shifted, lifting his hoof to his chin in thought. He ducked under the booth, rooting around for a minute or so. “How about this?” the pony said, holding a necklace in his hoof. It was silver; small, smooth lengths of the metal, wound around each other like rope. at the bottom hung a well cut emerald. It wasn’t terribly big, and the parts that were silver weren’t awfully showy. The jewelry piece was simple, but also refined. Elegant, but unassuming. The small emerald, with the graceful silver rope chain just felt...

Honest. The word ran through Soarin’s mind. It seems honest. No tricks, no bull, just...

“Hey! There ya are!” Applejack trotted up towards the booth, causing Soarin to quickly hide the trinket.

Applejack. “Oh, ah... hey there” he stuttered. “Did you find everything?”

“Almost, but not without goin’ through the ringer...” Applejack sighed. “Remind me never to leave you alone in a room with Carrot Top.”

“Uhhhh...” was all Soarin could say.

“What’re ya doing at a jewelry booth?” AJ asked.

“Oh, you know us celebrities. Gotta get all decked out and fancy” the pegasus said, lying through his teeth. AJ shrugged, turning and lightly booping Soarin on the nose with her tail.

“Whatever. Ah’m almost done, so jus’ meet me by the fountain when yer done.” Soarin watched the cowpony leave, a slight sway in her hips as she trotted away. That can’t be by accident.

“Got yourself quite the filly” commented the old stallion.

“Yeah” breathed Soarin.

“So about that necklace...?”

Soarin turned back to the booth, spying left and right to make sure nopony was eavesdropping. “How much?”

BIg Mac and Rainbow sat on either side of Spike. He had calmed down a little, but the dragon was still shaking.

“Spike, are ya ok?” Mac asking quietly. He nodded, but did say anything. “Spike... Do you know what went on here?”

“I... I’m n-not sure...” Spike looked up at Mac, eyes red. Twilight was organizing the natural history section, and... and then s-some...” Spike began to tear up again.

Rainbow wrapped her wing around him. “Go on, Spike.”

Spike wiped his nose, taking a deep, gurgling breath. “Somepony knocked at the door. He... he took T-Twilight. I tried to get a letter to Celestia, but...” He began to shiver again, so Mac placed his large fore hoof on Spike’s shoulder.

“Did the pony hear ya’ll?” Mac asked softly.

Spike nodded his head. “I-I took cover in that pile of books behind us, until I was sure the pony was gone.” Although he didn’t smile, Spike gave a heartless chuckle. “I was alway good at “hide and seek”. To be honest, when Big Mac found me, I thought it was whoever took Twilight.”

“That pony better be glad, you nearly sent mah tail to the princess.” He was able to get a real laugh out of Spike, disabling a little of the tension. “Spike, did ya see which way they went?”

“...No. I’m sorry, I-”

“That’s ok, buddy.” Rainbow pulled him into a tight hug. “You did good.” Spike gripped her forelegs tightly. “Mac,” said Dash with a steely-eyed look, “go get the other four. Now.”

“Rainbow, Ah’m not leavin‘ ya alone on-”

“Mac...” Rainbow’s voice was quiet, but deafening in its intent. “I can handle myself. Get our friends, right now. Time is of the essence.”

Mac frowned, but stood from the couch. “If ya need anything...”

“I’ll get you.”

Macintosh hesitantly trotted away from his marefriend, weaving around the wreckage of Twilight’s library. Walking through the door, he quickly made his way towards the market. Most ponies should still out an‘ about; Ah kin find where everyone is. Thankfully, Ponyville’s market district was near the center of town, so Big Mac easily arrived within a few minutes. He caught sight of a blue pegasus stallion standing by the outskirts.

“Hey Soarin!” Macintosh ran to him, his eyes darting through the crowd. “Where’s AJ?”

“Um, getting some carrots, I think? Why, what’s up?”

“Get her to the library, and do the same fer Fluttershy. Somethin’s not right...” Mac started pacing around his flying friend. “Ah’m gonna get the others.”

“Mac, what’s going on?”

“Ah don’t know, but Ah ain’t waitin‘ ta find out.” Big Mac ran off into town, looking for the remainder of his friends.

Soarin’ watched Big Mac trudge through town and disappear in the crowd. This can’t be good, he thought to himself. Something in his voice.... where’s Applejack? Soarin’ ran to the center to the market, sliding to a halt in front of the trademark water fountain. He frantically whipped his head around, looking through the sea of ponies for a familiar brown hat or golden mane. He didn’t find either of those. Damn it, where is she?!

“Hey there” a female voice whispered into his ear.

“SWEET CELESTIA!”

Soarin’ jumped into the air, legs locked in shock. He landed and promptly tumbled to the ground, flailing uselessly. He staggered back to his hooves and tried to catch his breath. “Geez, AJ...”

A warm chuckle rolled out of Applejack. “Sorry, sugarcube. Didn’t know ya’ll were so jumpy today.”

“It’s not that.” Soarin’ turned to meet her eyes, displaying none of the mirth he had earlier. “Something’s wrong.”

“Whadda ya mean? What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know, AJ. Mac just told me to make sure you get to the library. I need to find Fluttershy.”

“Now hold on!” AJ stomped her hoof. “If somethin’s up, Ah sure ain’t gonna just sit around. Ah’m comin’!”

“What?! No!” Soarin’ protested. “This could be dangerous. This could be like... like...”

“Like vanishing an evil Alicorn who was trapped on the moon fer a thousand years?” Applejack smirked. “Sugar, Ah kin handle myself just fine.”

“Ah...” Soarin’ meant to protest, but he quickly realized his argument fell flat. “You may have a point. Lead the way, AJ.”

Big Mac galloped through town, bolting towards Sugarcube Corner. The market district was pretty packed this day, which left Mac open to two options. Either he could: A) use his superior strength and barrel through ponies, or B) yell.

“Git movin’!” Macintosh bellowed, the heavy clip-clop of his hooves shaking the crowded town street. “Look out!” He leapt over a small stack of boxes, mares and stallions alike forming an alley for the red mass of fur and muscle to careen through. He landed surprisingly soft and kept running. Can’t lose any time. Faster. The words stayed in his mind, running like a ticket-tape. Every second he was away from the library, away from whatever had happened, Big Mac grew more and more anxious. A pit was growing in his stomach, and he didn’t like the feeling. He sped around the (in his opinion) oddly named sofa store and caught the bright pink roof of Sugarcube Corner in his eye.

“Pinkie!” he cried as he burst through the front door. “Ya in here?

“Hey Mackie! What’cha doin’?” Pinkie Pie popped up from behind the counter, smiling wider than the day is long.

“Pinkie, you need to get to the library, right now.”

“Ohh, is there a new pony in town?! Should I get the cannon?”

Macintosh just shook his head. “No, Pinkie, sumthin’s wrong.”

The party pony looked down, confused. “Wrong? But... my pinkie sense would’ve kicked in if something was...” All of a sudden, Pinkie seized up, jolting and jittering around the muffin bar her was behind. Her eyes rolled back into her skull, ears straight up like a diamond dog, and her hooves began to vibrate. During her entire episode, Big Mac watched, horrified.

“Pinkie! What’re you- Stop!” Her head bashed against the wall a few times, and she collapsed on the floor. He’d never seen Pinkie have such an attack. Her ESP was known to everyone in Ponyville, but those were just little twitches. Nothing like this. Her rushed to her side, helping her back onto her hooves.

“Thanks, Mac” she said, rubbing the back of her skull.

“Are ya’ll alright? Ya wanged yer head a might hard...”

Pinkie smiled sheepishly. “Yeah, I’m ok.” Her eyes grew wide, realizing what a “doozy” she just had. “Mac...” The jovial mare that was just before him disappeared. Pinkie’s mane hadn’t deflated (luckily for Big Mac), but the terror in her heart was clearly readable on her face. “Get Rarity.”

Big Mac wanted to question her, maybe ask who or what was at Carousel Boutique. But Pinkie’s face left no room for argument. “Ah- Ah’ll get right there. Do ya’ll think you can make it to Twilight’s place ok?”

“Yeah, I think so...” Pinkie mumbled.

“Ah’ll find Rarity, you just git over there as fast as ya can.” Mac led Pinkie outside and watched her begin to make her way to the library. Once she was out of view, he turned and dug his hooves into the ground, jumping into a gallop as he went after Rarity.

“Soarin! Ya see anything from up there?”

Soarin’ snapped his vision down to his marefriend, who was running along a dirt path about fifty feet below him. The trail ran along the edge of Everfree forest, creating a barrier between the magical, tangled mess that is the dangerous forest and the clean, pristine feeling of Ponyville. The trail also ran conveniently close to Fluttershy’s home. Soarin‘ never did fully wrap his head around the idea of Everfree forest. It seemed to him that something as possibly dangerous as that forest would be a poor neighbor for a town. All those monsters just hangin‘ around... seems like poor planning to me.

“Nothin‘ yet. Everything seems fine.” He said to the orange mare. “I don’t know what your brother’s all freaked out about.”

“If Mac’s worried, it’s probably important.” Applejack kept her head down, eyes ahead as she charged down the path. “We just gotta get to Fluttershy, and then to Twilight’s. We can figure everything out-”

BANG!

An deep, rumbling explosion from the left threw Applejack off-balance. She snapped her head in the direction of the boom and saw a trail of smoke rising from somewhere in Ponyville. In all honesty, the sight wasn’t all that new for the farm girl. The amount of accidents, mishaps, and catastrophes that occurred in Ponyville were staggering, so as strange as it seemed, smoke didn’t always raise cause for alarm.

This was not one of those situations.

“Soarin! What’s happening?”

The blue pegasus swooped down, landing next to Applejack, with a hard thud. “I’m... I’m not sure...” Soarin‘ trotted in place nervously, looking to his partner for an answer. “We better kick it into overtime though...”

Applejack only nodded, barreling down the dirt path with Soarin in tow.

Big Mac stood in front of Carousel Boutique, slightly nervous despite the situation. Oh, he certainly wasn’t going to leave Rarity hanging. He was a gentlecolt, after all. But the stigma of his last few visits with the alabaster unicorn continued to stick with him. Whew. Deep breaths... Big Mac knocked on the door, hoping that Pinkie’s warning hadn’t come too late.

After a few minutes of anxious waiting, the door to the fashionista’s sop opened. “Oh! I wasn’t expecting you, Macintosh... Is everything alright?” Rarity allowed Mac inside, sitting him down in one of her lounge sofas.

“Thank Celestia” Big Macintosh breathed, graciously taking the seat. “Are ya’ll okay?”

“Well, of course I am” Rarity chuckled. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Somethin’s happened to Twilight” the stallion explained. “ Ah need ya to go over to the library as soon as ya can.”

“Oh my” Rarity flinched, shocked. “Of- of course. Let me just gather some things...”

“There ain’t no time for that, Rar-”

“Please, Macintosh darling, It will only take a minute.” Rarity gave Big Mac no time to response, promptly trotting up the stair and into another room. Mac sighed deeply. Ain’t no use arguing with that mare... He looked around the Boutique, not having been in there much himself, he never remembered what it looked like.

“Never thought it’d be this messy” he mumbled to himself. Rolls of fabric lay strewn across the floor, and designs for what he assumed were new dresses hung haphazardly along the walls. The sewing machines even looked dirty. Big Mac knew enough about the unicorn to know that the this wasn’t the normal state of Rarity’s home.

“Big sale comin‘ up?” Mac called.

“Oh yes! Big, big sale... I’ve been quite busy recently.”

“Uh-huh. Speakin’ of that, where’s Sweetie Belle? Figured she’d be ‘round here.”

“Oh, you know those girls...” Rarity mumbled. “Always out and about...”

That didn’t sit right with Mac. However reckless the trio fillies might be, he knew how much his sister and Rarity tended to fret over them. Rarity wouldn’t just let them run around without...

“Okay, Macintosh! All set” Rarity chirped, breaking the stallion out of his inner thoughts.

“Good, now let’s...” Macintosh turned to go, only to stop in his tracks. Slowly, he turned back to Rarity, whose smile faded slightly. He slowly widened his stance and lowered his head. “Since when are yer eyes orange?”

“...Damn. Thought I’d have more time.” The silk-like, fancy accent of Rarity was gone, now replaced by a thick, gravely stallion’s voice. “Yer quick fer a country pumpkin.”

“Well Granny didn’t raise no fool.”

The guise of a fashionista now gone, the Rarity impostor dropped his act, a flash of green flame quickly enveloping him. Now a unicorn stallion, the pony before Big Mac was large. Larger than Macintosh, actually. He had a steel gray coat and black mane, with angry orange eyes. Mac noticed a peculiar amulet that sat in the center of his collarbone. It was a round, silver thing, with a black stone in the center. The stone had a green, smoky texture to it. The farmer and the impostor began to circle each other, each hunched over and ready to strike.

“So” the impostor said, “What gave me away, besides the eyes?”

“Well, ya didn’t hit on me. That’s kinda tipped me off. And this place was a mess,” Mac chuckled. “Ya didn’t do a very good job of disguisin’ yerself.”

“Guess I’ll have ta fix that next time.”

Big Mac snorted. “There ain’t gonna be a next time.”

“We’ll see about that...” The grey stallion lunged forward, Mac narrowly dodging his hoof. The grey pony landed behind him, launching his back hooves out in a second attack. His right back hoof caught Big Mac in the gut, pushing him into a wall with a grunt. Mac recovered quickly, regaining his defensive position and facing the imposture.

“If’n ya don’t mind mah askin’, how the hay did ya turn inta Rarity?” Mac darted forward, aiming a bite at the impostor’s neck, which missed by a hair. Damn, he’s fast fer how big he is.

“Well, impressions were quite the hobby for me” the grey stallion sneered, couching into a low, predatory stance. “And the doctor’s quite the tech whiz. Throw in a little knowledge of changeling magic and...” The impostor flashed a slimy grin, quickly tapping the stone on his necklace.

The green flash Mac saw before returned, starting at the base of his hooves. His hooves morphed from the grey sheen they originally had, to cream colored. The green flame travelled up, burning away his grey fur and replacing it with crimson hair. Next his shoulders, his mane, even his face changed, his horn retracting into his head. Last, the impostor’s eyes faded from orange to green. Big Macintosh watched as the formerly grey pony in front of him turned into... Big Macintosh.

“...Viola” the impostor said with a thick southern accent.

The two thrashed together, a cloud of red fur crashing along the floor of Carousel Boutique. Big Mac stomped and pawed, aiming for anything he thought wasn’t him. He caught the impostor in the chest, though the strike was promptly returned. The impostor chomped onto Big Mac’s left ear, wrapping his forelegs around the barrel of the Apple stallion. Mac groaned, twisting under his attacker. He heard a quick pop, and then a sharp, violent pain. Mac ripped his head back, then head-butted forward, crushing the bridge of his attackers muzzle. With the impostor stunned, Big Mac rolled, catching the imposture onto his back and bucking him into the nearest wall. The stallion hit the wall with a crack!, slumping onto his shoulders and neck. Mac took the opportunity and pounced, pinning the stallion on the floor.

“NOW LISTEN HERE!” he bellowed. “Ah got NO IDEA what yer talkin’ ‘bout. Hay, I don’t even no what a “Changeling” is. But that don’t matter.” Mac leaned in close, firmly pressing his hoof against his attacker’s larynx. “Where’s Rarity?”

“Gahhhh... uppppsuu...” The stallion choked, eyes twitching. “KA-...Upsssstaaairs”

Macintosh raised his hoof quickly from the impostor’s throat, darting it back down onto his right eye. With a loud smack, the stallion formerly known as Rarity was incapacitated. The impostor’s facade faded, his red fur drifting back to it’s neutral grey form, along with the rest of his body.

“Thanks” the real Macintosh grumbled. Big Mac pawed at his ear, bringing his hoof back to find a large deposit of blood. Great, he thought. Just buckin‘ perfect. He looked down, the impostor still unconscious from Mac’s punch. Hehe, at least he’s going nowhere... Big Mac left the stallion there, though not without using from of the fabric lying on the ground to tie up his would be doppleganger. Ain’t nothing strong, but it should do fer now. Satisfied, he turned and climbed up the stairs to where the fake Rarity had been.

The room upstairs fared no better than the downstairs. Rarity’s room was clustered and dirty; design sketches, fabric tests, and similar papers clung to the ground or sat crumpled up in the corner. Her bed sheets were torn and ragged, haphazardly sitting on the floor. The most worrying part were the multiple scorch marks around the room. Hell of a fight... Mac mused to himself.

“Rarity?! Ya in here?!”

“Mmmmmmphf!” The muffled sound came from somewhere around the bed area of Rarity’s room. Trotting to it’s left side, Big Mac found what he was looking for. Rarity was tied up, gagged, and in her own words, was having quite the bad mane day. Big Mac had never seen the high-class mare so... well, rugged before. The stallion quickly untied her, helping her into a sitting position on the bed.

“Oh, thank you Macintosh...” Rarity breathed, her hooves shaking. “If you hadn’t come along...” She placed her hoof on his foreleg, genuinely smiling.

“Let’s be glad Ah did” he chuckled. “How are ya feelin’?”

“Better now, though I do feel a bit woozy” Rarity mused. “Who... who was that stallion?”

Mac shook his head. “Ah don’t know, but Ah ain’t stickin’ around to find out.” As Big Mac led Rarity out of her room, he smelled something... funny. Something that wasn’t there before. Mac peered over the loft railing, causing him to noticed a second, more important problem.

“Where’s the shape-shifter?!” he said aloud. “Where’d he go?!”

“Wait, he gone!?” Rarity’s left eye began to twitch, her dazed expression morphing into a scowl. Oh, that little... he thinks he he can come in here, ruin my shop...”

Hmm, Ah know I knocked him out pretty good Mac hummed in thought, allowing Rarity her tangent. He can’t have woken up already.

“...Not to mention, I had a whole day planned!”

Big Mac trotted downstairs, investigating the getaway scene of the strange, shap-shifting stallion. The fabric handcuffs Mac had given him lay in a heap near where he’d passed out. Looking around, he noticed that none of the windows in the main room were broken, and the front door hadn’t moved since Mac went upstairs. Although, that strange smell he detected upstairs was stronger down here.

“Hey, miss Rarity?”

“Yes?”

“Can ya’ll come down here a bit?”

Rarity wobbled down, steading herself on the railing until she met the ground. “Oh my... such a mess...” she muttered, shaking her head. “Yes, what is it darling?”

“Do yo smell that?”

“Whatever are you talk- ...? Oh, Macintosh! My word! Is this really the time for such foalish things?”

“It weren’t me...” Big Mac said with a disapproving glare. “Ah’m assuming this ain’t normal?”

“Certainly no!” Rarity scoffed, scrunching her nose away in offense. “What is that odor?”

Big Mac shrugged, putting his nose to the ground and sniffing. Hmm, Ah feel like Ah know that smell. Slowly, Macintosh padded forward, following the trail of the odd odor. It led him out of the main corridor, and into the hallway.

“Macintosh? Where are you going?” Rarity huffed. “Big Mac!?” She ventured into the hallway, her eye just catching Mac’s rear turn into the kitchen.

The stallion erratically weaved around the kitchen, looking for the source of whatever he was smelling. Eventually, the trail brought him to a large, steel contraption with a window in the center, most commonly known as an oven. “What the...” A sound behind him made Mac snap his head around. The door to Carousel Boutique’s backyard had been flung open, it knocking against the wall from a slight breeze.

That smell, it’s... “Gas” Big Mac muttered. “It’s gas.” His eyes shot open. If the pony had messed with the gas line, it could only mean one thing. “Oh no. No, NOT AGAIN!” Mac turned around, bolting from the room frantically.

“Macintosh, what’re you shouting about?” Rarity asked, just as she trotted into the room.

“GET DOWN!” Mac shouted, though his voice was lost in an eruption of white light. The large farmer felt his body lurch forward involuntarily. He felt his back crack, and a sudden sting wave over his entire form. Mac tried to look for Rarity, but he could see was white. He tried to scream, but heard nothing. He felt... something slide around his mid-section, but all too soon, the white void Big Mac saw turned black. Rarity wasn’t there. He wasn’t there. The ground, the ceiling... Nothing was there.

Macintosh didn’t even feel the flames.

Author's Note

Okay so... The wait for this section to get finished was astronomically, to say the least. I think it's around half a year. And, well, it's done.

Kinda.

I had a bit more in here, but I decided to spilt up the chapters. I feel that I can end the chapter on a stronger note, the way I did. As for the chapter itself, to be honest, I don't really feel that it's very strong. Actually, I just don't like it. But, I have been working on it for a ridiculously long time. I pray to Celestia that the next chapter won't take as long.

Let me know what you think, and rate if you like it. Constructive criticism is always welcome, and thanks for reading!

Chapter 6

Applejack detected the scent of cinnamon drift past her. The tantalizing smell lifted her from her slept, and she slowly opened her eyes. The morning was about to arrive, spreading an orange glow around the mountain line. Granny don’t get up this early. Who could be cookin’ at this hour? Wait...could he be back this soon? She felt something warm around her. Looking down, AJ saw one of Granny’s hand-knitted blankets draped on top of her. She got up from her place on the couch, folding the personal treasure up. She walked into the kitchen, and was greeted by a large red pony, who was putting the finishing touches on a batch of apple fritters.

Applejack ran up to her brother, nearly bowling him over in a bear hug. “Macintosh!” she clamored. “Thank Celestia!” AJ buried her face in Mac’s thick red coat, wrapping her arms around him.

“Morning, AJ” said Mac. “Umm...” he held the fresh pastries in his hoof. “Can ya let up a bit? Ah gotta get to the table.”

“Nmmpf” said AJ from within Mac’s coat.

“Can ya’ll repeat that?”

AJ looked up from his chest and into Mac’s face. “Nope” she said, smiling. Mac walked over to the table, dragging his sister along behind him. He turned, lifted AJ up and placed her down in the seat next to him.

“So Mac, how was it? Figure it must’ve been pretty good, seeing ya’ll are back so soon. Ah was thinkin’ you’d be a couple days.”

Mac donned an inquisitive look. “Why ya say that?”

“Whelp, when one gets called away on business by Celestia herself, it’s usually urgent. An’ by the looks of yer face, it was urgent an’ dangerous.”

Big leaned back in his chair, took a deep breath, and started talking. He talked about Celestia’s death elevator, he talked about Soarin’s fiery entrance in the apartment building, he talked about the close encounter he had with the blue pony’s blade. Big Mac talked more in that moment than he’d talked in the last month. When finished, he rested his forelegs on the table, looking at Applejack.

“Ahh...Ah can’t believe it, Mac.”

“Ya’ll know Ah wouldn’t lie about somethin‘ like this.”

AJ shook her head. “Not yer story, Mac. Ah can’t believe that you jus‘ talked that much.”

Mac furrowed his brow. “Now isn’t the this fer jokes, ‘Jack.”

AJ lowered her head. “Look, Mac. Ah can either tease ya’ll, or break down in fear o’ you gettin’ hurt. Which do ya’ll want?”

Mac grew an understanding smile. He got up and embraced his sister tightly. “I get it, AJ.” Releasing his sister, he trotted towards the door. “I’m gonna step outside, m’kay?”

“Sure, Mac. Jus’ make sure to take care o’ that cut.”

With Mac outside, AJ looked down into her plate. She stared at her breakfast, just thinking. Standing up, Applejack silently walked over to Soarin’s room. She peeked in, seeing Soarin’ sleeping peacefully. She let out the breath she didn’t know she was holding. AJ walked in, peering at Soarin‘. Crazy stallion... she thought. Jumpin‘ through walls an‘ whatnot. AJ was now standing next to the bed. She ran a hoof through his mane. It was smooth and silky, and shined with a blue radiance when sunlight broke in through the window.

Soarin’ stirred, pulling the blankets tighter around himself. “mmmmuffp, ggrhadgs” he said. Applejack drew her hoof back. What am Ah thinkin’? Bustin’ in here to....to..Why did Ah come in here again? She looked down into Soarin’s face. Feeling a knot in her gut, she realized something. Hearing Mac’s story made her worry. Not only for her brother, but for Soarin’. Sure, course Ah worried ‘bout him. He’s a good friend. Her brain told her that that was a lie. He wasn’t just a friend. She’d experienced the feeling of worrying for friends. This was different.

Ah like him.

The day started off relatively easy. AJ insisted that Mac took a break from chores today, seeing as he’d all that excitement the day before. Mac sat on the front porch, watching the day roll on. It was an unusually warm saturday, just about noon and a few clouds hung over the homestead. Out of the corner of Mac’s eye, he spotted a small yellow filly running down the dirt path to the house.

“BIG MAC!” she shouted, leaping into his arms as she reached the porch. Mac smiled brightly while Applebloom snuggled into Mac’s coat. “Ah knew you’d be home soon! Applejack didn‘ think so, an‘ I told her, I said...”

“Calm down now, AB.” Mac brushed her hair with his hoof. She looked up into his eyes and smiled, sitting next to him. “So, how was school yesterday? Ah’m sorry I couldn’t pick you up.” Mac normally met Applebloom and the crusaders at the end of school.

“That’s alright. Ah know ya’ll were busy. School was okay. Me an’ Scootaloo couldn’ figure out this algebra thin’, but Sweetie Belle’s great at it!” Applebloom took off her sack, placing it next to her and pulling out a sheet of paper.

“Ya see, miss Cheerilee wanted us ta find ‘X’. Well, Ah told her to look next ta ‘Y’. Apparently, that’s not what she meant.”

Mac laughed quietly. Other than him, none of the Apples had been particularly good at math. As Applebloom finished her story, she gave Mac a quick peck on the cheek. “Ah glad yer home, Mackie” she said, opening the front door.

Big Mac grinned. “Ya’ll come up with that yourself?”

“Yup! Ah like it.” Applebloom turned to face her brother.

“Me too” he said. “But, don’ tell AJ, ‘kay?”

Applebloom nodded in agreement and walked in. She’s gonna be a handful when she gets older. Ah already had ta deal with one Apple filly through puberty. Ah think Ah can wait fer another one. Speaking, or rather thinking of AJ, Mac looked around for his older sister. He saw her approaching the farmhouse through the orchard.

Mac having a small amount of free time Applejack had a few errands for him, and he was happy to oblige. Anything to keep mahself busy. While he valued free time as any other pony, Mac liked to spend his doing something, not sitting around. Applejack trotted to the house, dropping off a burlap sack which contained a sack of apple seeds, a trowel, and a watering can. She sat down next to Mac, throwing her arm over his shoulder.

“Howdy, Mac! You got a minute?”

“Course ‘Jack, as long as it don’ overlap with training.”

“Ah wouldn’t worry ‘bout that. Dashie’s got some work in Cloudsdale, so she’s gonna be a bit late.”

Mac snickered at the pet name Applejack used. “Dashie, huh?”

Applejack’s face flushed, realizing that Rainbow would definitely not appreciate her spilling the beans on her nickname. “Umm...Ah meant..” she darted her eyes back and forth, trying to think of an excuse.

“That’s gonna ruffle some feathers, if ya’ll...” Mac stopped teasing when AJ glared at him.

“Macintosh, Ah forbid you to use that! Ah...Ah promised Rainbow that wouldn’t get out, an‘ if you....”

“Relax, AJ. Ah’m jus‘ pullin‘ yer chain.” Mac scooted closer to his sister. “If Dash really don‘ like it, Ah’m not gonna poke at her.” He stood up, stretching his muscles. “So, what’d ya’ll got for me today?”

“Well, Twilight’s got a couple floorboards that need replacing.”

“Good. Ah wanted to run over there anyways.” AJ shot Mac a look, and he shrugged. “Ah wanna get into that manual, but it’s so confusin‘ Ah figure she might be able to help.”

AJ shook her head. “She’ll prolly love the chance for that. Other than that, Ah think Rarity needed a bit of help movin‘ somethin’ or other.”

Mac found that rather suspicions, a thought made obvious to AJ through his expression. “Umm, okay. No offense AJ, but that’s rather vague if ya ask me.”

“That’s whats she said. She’s got some big thing an‘ she needs a big, strong pony to help her.”

Big Mac sighed deeply. He’d recognized this ploy before. Before his accident, many ponies in town needed help, be it heavy-duty construction work or just an extra pair of hooves. And he was happy to oblige, provided the task entailed nothing too outlandish.

“AJ, I don’ like the sound of this. That’s the same thing ya’ll said when Carrot Top needed mah help ‘replacing her pipes’. Remember?”

Applejack gripped her hat in laughter. “Oh boy, do Ah ever! She was chasin’ ya’ll down like ya broke a Pinkie promise.” She patted Mac on the back. “Look, that ain’t gonna happen. What, you scared o’ little old Rarity? ”

Mac chuckled a bit himself. “Alright, alright. Ah better get going if Ah wanna get back on time. Ah doubt Dash’d be happy if Ah'm late.” With that, Mac got up, grabbing his pack containing his book, and starting his trek to Ponyville, trying to keep optimistic about whatever Rarity wanted.

Mac arrived at the Ponyville library, knocking lightly on the door. Mac heard rustling inside, accompanied with hushed voices. He tilted his head, slightly confused. The door opened, revealing a ragged-looking Twilight. Her hair pointed every which way, and she had bags under her eyes. Her back slouched too, as if trying to force it‘s owner to lay down.

“Ohh, Hi Macintosh!” she said, brightly. “Come in.”

“Are ya’ll alright, miss Sparkle? Ya look..a might tired.” He entered, and in looking around, Mac noticed that the library was unusually messy.

She caught him looking around. “Oh yes, I’m fine. I’ve just been experimenting with a few new spells.” Twilight smiled nervously. “It’s usually not this bad” she said, waving her arm towards the miscellaneous books and scattered paper around the room.

“Don’ worry yourself ‘bout it none.” He focused his attention on the lavender mare. “AJ said somthin’ about replacing floorboards?”

Twilight nodded. “Yes. Follow me, please.” She lead Mac up the stairs of the library and into the main bedroom. “It’s these three.” She pointed at the base of the middle board, which was slightly rotted and spreading to the two adjacent boards.

“Apparently the former owners had forgotten to mention this.”

Mac set his bag down. “This should take no time at all, miss.”

Mac reached into his bag, pulling out a crowbar. He wedged it under the base of the middle beam, prying it for the nails holding it in. After removing the two adjacent beams, he deposited the three rotting floorboards behind the house and picked up the new ones Twilight had ordered. He finished replacing, sanding, varnishing the wood within a few mintues.

“There ya are, miss Sparkle” Mac said proudly. Having done little woodwork, he figured that this job had turned out quite well. “Jus’ avoid this area for a couple hours, okay?”

“Will do, Big Mac. Thank you so much” Twilight replied. “I must admit, neither Spike or I are good at home improvement. It’s nice to have a helping hoof once in a while.”

Mac seized this opportunity to ask about the book he’d brought. “Actually, miss Sparkle, there’s another reason ah came over...” Mac reached into his pack, retrieving the manual Dr. Forrester had given him. He placed it on a table for Twilight to look at.

“Did AJ tell ya’ll about the accident at Sweet Apple Acres a few months back?”

Twilight looked up from the book. “Yes...she said a boiler exploded, and that Princess Celestia herself saved both you and Soarin. Why?”

“Well...” Mac hadn’t wanted to delve into this story with a mare he didn’t know very well.

“Let me guess, you and Soarin’ are both part of secret project that turned you into cyborgs!” shouted Pinkie.

Both Twilight and Big Mac recoiled from the pink pony’s surprising appearance for seemingly nowhere. Twilight her a hoof to her head, while Mac pressed his back against the treehouse, intaking greedy amounts of air.

“Pinkie...how long have you been there?” asked Twilight, regaining her composure.

“Long enough to hear something like a seeecret! “ Pinkie retorted.

“Please, Pinkie. A cyborg program? I think you’ve been reading too many sci-fi books.” Twilight turned to Mac. “So, what did you want to tell me Mac? If it’s private...” she looked over at Pinkie, who was playing with her tail at the time.

“OOOO, don’t worry, Mackie! I can keep a secret!” She took a serious pose. “Telling a friend’s secret is the quickest way to...”

“...lose a friend. Don’t worry, miss Pie, Ah know you can. But I seems like you pretty much figured it out already.”

This time, it was Pinkie’s turn to jump, though more from excitement than fright. She zoomed to Mac’s side, inspecting every inch of him with glee. “NOOO WAYYYY!” Pinkie concentrated hard on his chest. “You don’t look like a robot. You look like a pony.”

“Ah’m not a robot, Pinkie” responded Mac, clearly frustrated with the prodding.

“Ooooooo....” Pinkie’s barrage of uncomfortable examination was hitting a fever-pitch as she started poking his flank.

“Can ya’ll stop that?” Mac stared Pinkie down. She nervously smiled, backing off.

“Pinkie, I think Big Mac needs some time to adjust. Would you mind taking it easy?”

Mac praised Celestia for Twilight’s intervention. Pinkie nodded her head, exiting the library mentioning something about a party. Twilight shut the door, looking curiously at Mac.

“So, is it true, Mac? You really are...”

“Eeyup. From head to toe, apparently. The doctors gave this book here, but Ah can‘ make a lick o‘ sense of it.” He gestured at the manual.

“And you’d like me to help you...how?”

“Whelp, Ah need to be able ta access...whatever it is they gave me. An‘ Ah need to read that book to do so. See the problem?”

Twilight eyes grew when she realized the problem. “You need help reading? Mac, you might as well have given me all of Canterlot.” Twilight was bouncing with anticipation. “Ohhh, I bet it’s filled with all sorts of technical schematics, and spreadsheets, and, and...” Twilight stopped, seeing Mac’s befuddled gaze.

“....I like reading.”

“Ah can see that.” Mac laughed. “Thank you, though. Do ya’ll mind if Ah leave it here? I gotta head over ta miss Rarity’s in a bit.”

Twilight smiled. “Of course.”

“See ya'll later, miss Sparkle."

“Please, no need for formalities.” She walked Mac to the door. “Give me a little time to read up, but you can visit anytime you want. I’ll help as much as I can.”

“Thanks, Twi. You’re a good friend.”

She beamed. “That’s what I’m here for, Mac.”

Mac left the house, thinking on what mysterious task Rarity had prepared for him. He headed towards the boutique. He’d never really been inside, maybe once when dropping off Applebloom. Even though his sister and her were friends, he’d met the fancy mare only a few times. Seems odd that she’d need mah help. Dress-makin’ don’t seem like it involves heavy liftin’. Applejack seems ta think everything’s on the up an’ up, though. Big Mac reached the boutique, and before knocking the door swung open.

“Why, hello Big Macintosh. I wasn’t expecting you so soon.” Rarity spoke with a twinkle in her eye, ushering the stallion inside with a motion of her hoof. She lead him into the kitchen, taking a seat at the dining table.

“Well Ah got done early over at miss Sparkle’s, so Ah had a bit of extra time. Ah hope that’s alright.” Mac stopped at the table.

“Oh of course that’s quite alright. Can I get you anything? Water? Cider, maybe?”

Mac smiled. “Ah’m jus‘ fine, but thank ya miss Rarity.”

Oh I know you are, thought Rarity. “Maybe later, then. I’m sorry to drag you away for such a rough task, but there isn’t any other pony that can help.” She showed Mac a large steel oven, which sat in the middle of the room. It shined brightly in front of an empty spot next to her countertop.

“I had this delivered the other day, since a small white filly broke my last oven.” Rarity frowned as she recalled Sweetie Belle last attempt at cooking.

Mac walked over to the machine, sizing it up with his front hooves. He placed them on the oven, giving it a quick push. It slid about a foot forward. Mac grinned at the results. “Don’ worry yourself. Should be done before you know it.”

Mac pushed as hard as he could. As it turns out, the spot were Rarity wanted the oven was in her workshop. “Ah...t-thought this...was for cookin’?” Mac struggled as he balanced the oven on his back.

“Silly me. I should have explained. There’s a large order of hats I need to fill, and they require small pieces of handmade pottery. And I can’t be running back and forth with fragile pots, now I can?” Rarity opened the door to her room with magic, as Mac fought up the last stair.

“Suppose...s-so.” He dropped the weight slowly, not wanted to repair the floor and finish moving the oven. He looked into the room, which was surprisingly clean for what one would call a workshop. “So, where is this..going?” Mac panted, drawing in deep buckets of air.

“R-right over there, dear. In the corner.” Rarity pointed towards the left most side of the room. Mac lifted the corner of the oven, propping it onto his side and lifting it onto his back.

“Thank you SOO much, Macintosh. This will help a lot!” Rarity preened, fluttering her lashes to add to the effect.

“No..problem” said Mac, finally putting the oven down, “miss Rarity.”

“Ohhh Macintosh, you’re such a gentlecolt!” she giggled. “I simply MUST make this up to you.”

Mac did not like the sound of that. It sounded...too familiar. Uh no. “Like Ah said, don‘ worry yourself ‘bout it. You don‘ gotta...”

Rarity snapped to Mac’s side, putting her face uncomfortably close to Mac’s. “But I must! You took the time out of your valuable day!”

“Really, miss Rarity, it’s nothing...”

“Nonsense. This simply won’t do!” Rarity backed off slightly, giving Mac a little breathing room. She trotted around to Mac’s other side, thinking to herself. Mac just watched her, a little nervous of what she’d come up with.

“I’ve got it!” Rarity declared. “Are you busy next week this day? Around three?”

This loosened Mac up a bit. “Not that Ah know of. There’s work to be done, but other than that, no.”

Rarity grinned widely as her eyes glistened. Mac knew at that moment, he should have said he was busy. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

“We’ll have ourselves a spa day!” She clapped her hooves gleefully. “I’ve always wanted a male companion with me there.” Her eyelids lowered slightly, giving Mac an alluring glare. “It should be an...eye-opening experience.”

“Hehe, umm...whatever ya’ll say, miss Rarity.” Mac had entered full panic mode. “That’s sounds dandy” he said quickly, searching for the exit. He remembered that he had a session with Rainbow soon. Seems like she’s comin’ in handy e’vry day.

“Sorry ta leave on such short notice, but I got a bit o‘ training..” Mac started.

“Of course, Macintosh. I know you’re quite busy.” Rarity walked Mac to the door. “Just remember; next week is our spa ‘date’ , Mac.”

Mac spun around just as Rarity closed the door. She leaned her back against it, and slid to the ground. FINALLY! she thought. It may not be ideal, but I’ve got my chance. She crawled up to the front parlor window, watching as Mac walked swiftly towards Sweet Apple Acres. Oh my word, she smiled. As Mac walked, his haunches rose, rippling when he dropped his massive hooves to the ground. It may be sad to see such a stallion go, but MY is it glorious to watch.

By the time Mac made it back to the farm, it was already 3:30 in the afternoon. He was met at the barn by an irritated Rainbow Dash. He walked up to her, trying to put on his best ‘forgive me‘ smile. It was promptly ignored.

“And where were you an hour ago? I come all the way down here yesterday, one one red stallion is nowhere to be found!” Dash stuck a hoof out at him. “And today, I get off work earlier, and...look at that? You’re nowhere to be found!” She stuck her nose in the air. “I’m starting to think my services are unwanted.”

Mac deadpanned her, and a few seconds later she peeked from under her pompous pose. Dash noticed the bandage across Mac’s face, dropping her act. “Hey, what’s that?”

“Ah got a little cut the in Canterlot yesterday.”

Dash moved closer, inspecting it. “What, you insult some stallion’s girl?” Dash tried not to smile. Picturing Mac getting laid out, honestly seemed ridiculous to her.

“Knife, actually”.

“WHAT!?!” Dash’s pupils shrank looking at Mac. “The hell were you doing?”

“Nice to see you care” Mac grinned. “An‘ it was more like broken glass, but damn if it ain’t the same thing.” Dash was still looking at him, concern on her face. “Let’s get going, we’ll talk on the way.”

“Hold up a second” said Dash. “You stitched it, right?”

“Eenope. Figured it was fine.”

Rainbow Dash hovered in front of him. “Ya know, sometimes I think you actually are as dumb as you look, Big. Follow me.” She led him back to the farmhouse and into the kitchen. “Sit” Dash commanded.

As Mac sat at the table, she left to find a sewing kit. Mac twiddled his hooves, wanting. Dash entered the room carrying a needle and some red thread. She also had a bottle of rubbing alcohol with her.

“Here” she slid the bottle to Mac. “Put some on the cut.”

“Ya know, Ah can jus’ go to the hospital, or better yet jus’ wait for it to heal.” He started to raise from his seat, but Dash flew behind him, pushing Mac back down.

“No” stated Dash. “You might need to know this, if you’re already getting hacked up.” She smiled. “And for some reason, I don’t think you’d go to the hospital.”

She was right, and Mac knew it. After his last experience, he certainly wasn’t anxious to go back. Mac looked up at her, nodding. “Okay, you win. But ya’ll are gonna hafta do it.”

“You scared of needles?” Dash took the seat on Mac’s left. She scooted close to his face and removed the wrap covering Mac’s sliced cheek. It was still pink, with droplets of blood oozing out from the lower corner.

“Ah don’t have a mirror, Rainbow.” Mac kept his face still as Dash poured the rubbing solution over his cut, wincing. “And...yes, a little.”

Dash caught her laugh just before her lips. She stifled it. “Really? Big Macintosh, Ponyville’s resident stud, is scared of a little needle?” She held the prick in front of Mac’s face.

“Any time, Dash.” Mac tightened his face.

Rainbow shrugged. “Okay...” She quickly heated the needle on the stove. Dash walked over to Mac. “You ready?”

“Jus’ do it.”

Dash plunged the needle into Mac cheek, lining it up across the cut. She thread it up the cut, using a cross-stitch. Knotting it at the top, she examined her work. Not too shabby she thought. Looking back to Mac, he was still staring straight ahead.

“Hey Big, we’re done.”

He loosened his face up, moving his jaw around to test the work. Satisfied, he turned to Dash. “So, how does it look?”

“Well, I used red thread, so it shouldn’t be too noticeable. But..”

“But what?”

“...It’s probably gonna leave a scar” Dash finished. “Don’t worry, though. Ya know, mares love scars.”

Big Mac rolled his eyes. “Great.”

By the time the pair reached the canyon aptly named Danger Chasm, it was already 4 o’ clock. The space before them was peaceful, a slight breeze rolling through. As they made their way into the cavern, Mac drawled about the previous day.

“So, we walked back to the castle, and they brought us home. An’ that’s about it.”

Rainbow Dash stared wide-eyed at Mac, for the second time today. “That...is...sooo AWESOME! You stopped the bad guy, you saved royal guards, Mac.” Dash sighed. “I kinda wish I was there.”

“Well, Ah can say that ya’ll certainly had an effect in the matter. If not fer you, I woulda taken a spear to the...well, everything.”

Rainbow smiled and color filled her cheeks. “Thanks, Big.” She slugged him on the shoulder. “You’re alright.”

“Quit gettin’ all soft on me, Dash. Still got work to do.”

The two ran off onto a dirt track Rainbow had made, racing each other for a quick warm-up. Dash teased Mac, staying just enough for her to be ahead and still be heard. This lasted for 30 minutes. Both of them were a little sweaty from the run.

“We should take a dip” suggested Dash, pointing towards the lake.

“What, you takin‘ it easy on me Dash?” said Mac. “Ah haven’t passed out yet.”

“Well, I thought you could use a little break after yesterday, but if you insist...”

Mac quickly shook his head. “No No, you’re right. A little rest would be nice.” Mac trotted into the water slowly, testing the temperature. He sat down after a bit, cooling off. Dash was swimming from side to side as fast as she could, trying to egg Mac on.

“C’mon Mac, bet you can’t out-swim me.”

“Dash, Ah thought this was supposed to be a break?”

She stopped swimming, looking at him. “Doesn’t mean I can’t have any fun.” She splashed Big Mac. He shot Dash a hard look, responding with one of his own. This painted a competitive smile on Dash’s face.

“So that’s how it’s gonna be, huh?” Dash shot out of the water, straight up. She zipped down towards Mac, tackling him into the lake. The two started wrestling in the water, each fighting for control. Dash usually had top control, only for the fact that Mac had no real desire to win. She finally “pinned” him on the ground, high enough on the beach for Mac to breath.

“I..win” she panted. She pushed down on his shoulders, grinning. “Guess..you’re not as...strong..as you..look.”

“Guess not” said Mac, smiling. He just laid there, resting on the beach. As he did so, Dash looked down at him. She stared into the green abyss he called eyes, feeling the same way she did when she crashed into him. Feeling a little heat under her face, Dash realized what AJ had said the day before was true.

Oh god, AJ’s right. I-I... I do like him. Whyyyy? Why him, of all stallions? AJ’ll never let this one go. She jumped off him, quickly walking away. “Get up” Dash called over her shoulder. “Break’s over.”

Dash ran the rest of practice in silence. She had Mac go through the motions, not really challenging him. ...This is okay. So what, I like him? That doesn’t mean I’m gonna turn into one of those crazy fangirls Mac seems to have. I’ll just stay the same old Dash. If that ain’t enough, then he’s missing out.

“You alright? Ya been kinda quiet...” Mac trotted up next to her as they exiting the gorge.

“Wha...yeah, I’m fine. Just a bit tired.”

“Really? Ah feel fine...” Mac jokingly scoffed. He stopped when he noticed Dash’s sagging head. “Now hold on, Dash.” He stepped in front of her. “Don’ try ta hide nothin’ from me. Ah live with three mares, an’ Ah can tell when somethin’s wrong.” He raised his hoof under her chin, drawing her eye line up to his. “Ya’ll can talk to me, ya know?”

Rainbow squirmed. What should I say? I can’t just tell him....well, I could, but that might not go over well. “Big...you ever meet someone really cool? Like, so cool you just wanna be around them all the time?”

“If you’re fishin’ fer compliments, you’re being rather blunt...”

“That’s not what I mean...” Dash started pacing, trying to keep her composure. Why the hell am I so nervous? “...There’s this stallion.”

“There always is” Mac smiled, shaking his head.

“He’s nice, and strong. He’s a good friend...and nice. He’s tough....”

“Ah think Ah know who yer referrin’ to.” Mac grinned, looking straight ahead. “But to tell you the truth, Ah don’ think he’ll go for it. Soarin’ seems to be after AJ.”

Dash blinked, and shook her head. Soarin...what? What does.... Dash facehooved. I thought he was good with this kinda stuff.

“Don‘ worry, though. Ah ain’t gonna start nothin‘ between you and Applejack. Jus’...be careful around her. You thought she was competitive ‘bout sports?” Mac chuckled. “You ain’t seen nothin‘ yet.”

“Yeah...I’ll make sure to do that.” Dash looked down. Jeez, I can’t even get through to a stallion whose constantly bombarded by mares. She sighed, plastering a fake smile across her face as they walked through the Everfree forest.

The next week went by uneventfully. Mac woke up, did a few chores, worked out with Dash, and headed to Twilight’s to study up on himself. He started to settle into a routine. Mac felt a little normalcy return to his life. If only he could figure out that damn manual.

“Ah can’t do it!” Mac shouted, frustrated. He and Twilight had been reading up on his abilities. Mac had wanted to learn about whatever Princess Luna had done with his eye. They learned that not only could he access public maps, he could see further than he’d ever been able to, and could use some fancy “night” vision thing. Mac was still unclear on what that was, exactly. But the problem now became getting the damn thing to work.

“Yes you can, Mac! You just need...a little work.” Twilight rubbed her forehead. They had spent most of the past sessions just trying to understand the literature. Putting it into practice was a beast of it’s own.

“Just keep focusing, Mac” Twilight purred. She could see the strain Mac was exerting. He squinted his eyes, grimacing as he put all his brainpower into something he couldn’t quite fathom yet. “Okay, hold on.”

Mac stopped, visibly sweating. “Why don’t we stop here today?” said Twilight. She patted him on the back. “You’re getting much better, Mac.”

“C’mon, Twilight. I’m an Apple, ya know ya’ll can’t get a lie past me.” Mac hung his head through breaths.

“No, seriously Mac.” She stood up, closing the book. “Your understanding of the material is much greater now than when we started.”

“That ain’t gonna make it work...” He was interrupted by a knock. Twilight looked over, walked to the door.

“Keep reading” she said over her shoulder. Mac scanned over lines of text, learning absolutely nothing. The writings seemed to be like ancient Equestrian script, to him at least.

“Of course you can, Rarity. Come in!” Mac heard from behind himself. He snapped around, eyes wide. Find a place to hide, he told himself. Ever since he’d helped her move, she had a new task for him. Yesterday, he had modeled a suit for two hours straight, and the day before that, she had him fixing one of the water mains to the boutique. She insisted on paying him, which made it sort of hard to say no.

“Oh Macintosh, there you are!” Rarity purred. “You wouldn’t happen to know the day, would you?”

“It’s the 18th.”

“Right, and the 18th just so happens to be...?”

“Umm...Ah don’t know....”

“It’s a saturday! You know what that means?” Mac grumbled. “It’s time for our ‘date’. I’ll meet you at the spa in an hour!” Rarity trotted out of the treehouse, giggling to herself.

“Rarity, you forgot your...” she was already half way done the street. “...book.” Twilight closed the door, and then turned to Mac. “What was that all about?”

“Ah gave her a hand ‘bout a week ago.”

“And now she’s repaying you with a spa treatment?” Twilight moved closer. “That doesn’t sound so bad.”

“Well...it ain’t inherently bad. But...”

“You don’ like all the frou-frou stuff?”

Mac shook his head. “Nah, it’s Rarity herself. She doesn’ seem to understand the term ‘personal space‘ ‘round me.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow curiously. “What does that have to do with the spa?”

Mac facehooved. “Twi, we’re gonna be sit waist deep in a hot, steamy room. Alone.”

Twilight sat, trying to put together the implications. “Ohhh...oh my.” She blushed furiously. “I think I see your point.” She laughed to herself. “You probably shouldn’t have agreed to that.”

“She tricked me” deadpanned Mac.

Twilight patted him on the back. “Don’t fret. If you just tell her how you feel, I’m sure she’ll back off.”

Mac smiled. “Thanks, Twi.” He stood up and walked to the door. “Guess I should go get ready for my..” He grimaced, “...spa date.” He trotted out the door, heading for the spa when dread in his mind.