5 The Party

The day after he arrived, Rainbow Dash had found him. She seemed a little concerned for him. She said she had looked for him, and had seen his markers. But Apple Berry somehow forgot to mention until that morning that he was staying at the farm. She was relieved to see that he was ok, and quite shocked to see him "in the fur".

He hadn’t had a chance to clean his pants from the day before, and had decided to walk around in his fur. Mac was already in the field, Applejack was out and about, and Apple Bloom was at school by the time he woke up. Granny was always in her chair “resting her eyes”. He hoped that he wasn't going to get in trouble for being a late riser.

Seeing him essentially naked, with his bits viewable to the world, Rainbow Dash blushed so red, her fur nearly turned purple on her cheeks. He laughed, then realized he was 'naked' and began to blush himself. After a few minutes of blushing and nervously laughing, they relaxed and began to talk. Raindow Dash talked about her life in Equestria. She talked about her dreams to become a Wonderbolt and to fly high in Cloudsdale in the sky as a world famous pegasus.

A week later, Beta found he'd gotten used to being in the fur while working, and began to find it quite comfortable. He fluffed the fur in his groin area and made his sheath less noticeable... and compared to Mac that wasn’t a hard task. He began to accept this body and realized that he was accepted here. Especially since most ponies were naked, for the most part.

He had notice that the bandages around his abdomen never got soiled, and never dirtied. He figured he was still healing, somehow... magic?... from his wounds at the lab. He knew they were pretty severe, and had nearly killed him. Who or what ever patched him back together was still healing him.... that much, at least, he'd figured out. So he never tried to change his dressings

Today Rainbow Dash walked with Beta to the stables as they talked. They continued to chat as he worked around the farm. They talked about his life as well. He tried to keep it… limited. But there were some details he could not keep from her. Somehow he just trusted her. He knew she would not hurt him. Was it the sense of loyalty she emitted, or was it that he was starting to fall for her?

Towards the evening, after Beta's chores were done and a nice dinner at the farm, Mac took Beta and Rainbow Dash to his shack - an apt description - in the back 40. It was about an half hour walk from the main barn house. Rainbow insisted on staying and helping Beta with the shack. They spent the rest of the day clearing out the junk and making it habitable.

There was enough room for a small bed, a kind of bathroom, and a place to prepare, store and eat food. Beta quickly realized he may have to look hard to find some pans and such that he could use. According to Rainbow Dash, there seemed to be other two-legged races, like the minotaurs and satires, not to mention the young dragons. That gave him hope that he may be able to get what he needed.

This was his home now. Beta liked it. It was clear to him that no one had lived here for a long time, because it was very dusty. It had a general feel of unattendedness to it. That was ok, he was going to change that. Perhaps even with Rainbow Dash’s help…

      Rainbow Dash had left a short time before to her home in Cloudsdale. She said she’d forgotten to get something. While he found he missed her, he was also glad to have the time to sort some of his thoughts. He was a little surprised by how MUCH he missed her however.

Tomorrow, Beta would find himself a mattress, and perhaps a frame so he could have a proper bed... a proper bed. He wasn’t even sure the last time he'd ever slept in one of those. The bed he had at the lab was hardly... well it had been something to lie on. At least, here he knew he wasn’t going to be monitored or prodded… or probulated. He hated the anal probes... he rubbed his behind unconsciously, in memory of those damned things.

For this night, Beta went outside and fluffed up some ground with a make-shift rake and laid down. He preferred to sleep on the soft earth than a hard wooden floor. Maybe it was the animal in him, or, more likely, deeper suppressed memories of the lab, but he wasn’t a huge fan of confined spaces.

Looking up before he laid down, he saw a welcome sight, Rainbow Dash had come down, and it looked like she was dragging a piece of cloud? ‘This is a truly strange place’ Beta mused to himself. “Hey beautiful, what brings you back down to earth… and what is that?” Beta welcomed Rainbow Dash.

“Heh I thought I would come and… um…” she began, turning redder as she continued “well um… I kinda…” blushing red enough to light the ground now. Rainbow Dash wasn’t able to finish her sentence.

Then a moment later Beta finally cottoned on "OH” and now he was blushing. He then showed her where he was going to sleep for the night "um... I was gonna um... Sleep.. here. I made the ground softer…” he said stupidly, pointing to the mound of dirt on the ground. “Is that um... Your… bed?” he asked, pointing to the cloud that was starting to slowly float away.

“Oh yeah!” RD said flying up on to the cloud, nosing it downwards, causing it to return to the ground “I... um… I always sleep on clouds…” she said still blushing, but struggling on… wanting this night to continue “I… I wanted to be with you tonight” she finally said, after mustering up her courage. Rainbow was amazed that this was harder than facing the Wonderbolts, or trying to break the sonic rainboom barrier.

“Um… I guess only pegasi can sleep on it?” he asked, then, realizing what he had just suggested, blushed some more.

Looking at them from a slight distance with binoculars, Big Mac chuckled to himself. ‘Foals’ he thought. ‘I miss being that innocent sometimes. That colt may have had a rough, violent life… but he has no idea what to do with a mare. That’s so refreshing. It’s great to see him… innocent in something.’ he mused to himself. ‘It’s good for that kid to have some ignorance.’ Then Mac laughed at himself, realizing that Beta was probably about his age, a contemporary. But he still felt like Beta was Applejack’s, or Rainbow Dash’s age. And this… awkwardness was healthy. It was very clear that he had so little healthy interaction in his life… it was good to see him going through this. It meant that Beta was still normal in some ways.

However Mac wasn’t sure if he would have preferred that it was his lil sister out there, and not Rainbowdash. He chuckled again. He probably would have to put the fear of Celestia into him if it HAD been Applejack. Better it was some pony else, he supposed. However he also knew Rainbowdash’s reputation. A good filly. A very loyal friend. She was also a real chance taker… perfect for each other actually. The idea of Rainbow and Beta also worried him a little. What this kid needed was a calming, stabilizing influence in his life... Apple Berry came to mind actually. Rainbowdash was the exact opposite. He hoped that their relationship would be a positive experience in the long run for them both. If they weren’t careful, there could be some real and everlasting consequences…. But Beta had to understand that… didn’t he? Mac began to wonder how much actual experience Beta had in relationships.

'Does Beta see how Apple Berry also looked at him.' Big Mac wondered.

Mac decided that he would talk with Beta about the birds and the fillies… just to be sure

Beta reached over to gently caress Rainbow Dash’s feathers. She found this very pleasant and comforting as she slowly drifted off to sleep on her cloud. Beta slowly fell into a sleep more pleasant than he could ever remember. Being so close to someone so sweet and increasingly important to him relaxed him more than he could have realized consciously. He, on his soft earth, her on her cloud, yet they kept each other warm that night. Both feeling complete and in comfort as they slept.

In the morning, Rainbow Dash had to leave almost as early as Beta needed to start his day. She licked his cheek before lifting off. The cloud she was sleeping on nearly dissipated, gently dampening the ground. The draft caused by Rainbow Dash’s lift off gently woke Beta, smiling. Feeling that she was gone, he held onto the last memory he had… feeling her equine tongue on his cheek. Following her ascent into the sky, he sighed happily. It wasn’t exactly sharing a bed, but it was still wonderful. Maybe he’d ask her to do this more often…

Later that day, Beta was approached by Mac while he was working on a fence on a remote part of the farm. There usually weren’t property lines in Equestria, but this part of the farm bordered the dangerous part of the forest, and Mac felt that a fence, even a token one, was a good idea.

      “Um…” Mac began “I… I think we should have ‘the talk’” he said. Beta couldn’t help but giggle a little uncharitably. He knew what Mac was going on about.

“Well, I guess I can’t say I haven’t seen this coming since Rainbow and I have been getting closer…” Beta said. He was still smiling from last night. “But… I guess I should know a little more about fillies. I only know about humans.” he said, still blushing, knowing that he stated the painfully obvious.

“Fillies gestate for about 10 months. They don’t show for almost half that. If you were… careless… it wouldn’t show for a long time. You might not even be around to take responsibility” Big Mac pointed out bluntly.  Realizing what Mac was talking about, Beta’s glibness died, and began to realize the magnitude of what Mac was saying. “Remember… we’re to stay in the background until they come to us…” he finished.

Shaking his head with the weight of what had been said Beta looked up at Mac, his jaw open in wordlessness. Beta was almost beginning to reconsider his relationship for Dash… but then, really he couldn’t.

"I… I can’t. I won’t break things up with her. I won’t send her away and I won’t hurt her… ever!” Beta came back strongly. Not quite angrily, but his emotions were high. He realized he truly did care for her. She was the brightest point in his life so far. And… he knew Mac might be right. Seeing his emotions about Rainbow Dash, Big Mac nodded.

“Well, I suppose it’s easier that she’s not my sister” he said with a momentarily murderous glare ”If she were…” he ended ominously.

Mac continued in a lighter tone. “But I imagine you’d not abandon her. There are some colts that would run off from a filly they… got into trouble. I’ve…. disciplined a fair few of them.” he said menacingly. “This may be a little girl’s dream world… but there are some bastards out there.” he added darkly. Beta gulped even though he knew Mac wasn’t directing his ire towards him.

“Um.. How many colts have you had to… discipline?” Beta asked, a little concerned for his own fur.

“Well.. Let’s just say that my duties at the castle included… punishment” he simply said, causing Beta to gulp again, remembering all the blood he sensed on Mac earlier. Mac laughed again, clomping Beta on the back, knocking him into the ground… again. “I like you Beta. You react well!” he said, also knowing that if it ever came to it, Beta could probably kill him easily. Especially if Beta was defending Rainbowdash... or somepony else. Nodding to himself, Mac saw that his message got through to Beta. By refusing to back down from his feelings, he proved his own loyalty to Dash. By standing up to him, it was clear his feelings were quite true for her. That was something Big Macintosh greatly approved of. He hoped his little sisters would find somepony like Beta one day…. Assuming Mac didn’t kill them for dating his little sisters.

One thing that worried Mac, however, was Apple Berry. She was around their age. He saw how she looked at him, asked about him, and made a point to see him every day. Their relationship was growing as well. He wasn't sure Beta realized what a dangerous line he was approaching. 'Two fillies' he thought, shaking his head in later reflection. 'That boy does have a strange charm about him' he continued, noting his own affection for Beta.

“Hey um... Mac?” Beta started “Let’s get to work.” he said, trying to get away from this serious topic. Laughing, Mac agreed and they went to work, mucking out the stables.

Some hours later Beta was alone in a clearing. It had been too long since he practiced his martial arts. His wounds notwithstanding, he should have started this sooner. It was one of the few times he could find peace. It would only take an hour, after which he would go into town and get a bed. He’d also look for some tools for cooking and living.

Centering himself, he stood in a basic stance. He reached down inside himself, searching for the brightest point, his Chi center. From there, he could calm his heart, focus, and remove the world. When he reached for his Chi, he discovered something else there. It was different; unlike anything that he had known before. Beta touched it lightly and felt an electric rush slowly running through him. He felt as though he could accomplish anything. This was not arrogance, but literally a feeling that nothing was impossible for him.

His body had taken on a light purple glow. This was the glow of magic in this realm. Beta looked toward a fallen branch, reached out with an open paw and called it to him. To his amazement it obeyed and flew into his open paw. When he closed his fingers around it, it was solid and very real. Somehow he had access to magic!

Unnoticed, a small speck of dirt fell from the branch onto his bandages and soiled it a tiny bit, as opposed to being repelled.

He spent the rest of the afternoon practicing his martial arts forms, as well as feeling this new source of power, but he did not perform any more magic that day. He decided he would work on that aspect of himself after he had become familiar with his ‘normal’ self once again.

Two days later, he was invited up to the barn. The Apples - as Beta had begun to refer to them, at least to himself - had brewed some special apple cider - Midnight Cider. Apple Bloom was sent to her friend’s for the evening. All the visiting Apples were going to be there and the Apples wanted their new ‘hand’ to join them. Beta noticed Apple Berry was looking somehow more attractive than usual this evening.

There was always flirting between them, and they got along well. She was an older filly, roughly in her mid-20’s -subjectively compared to human years. Beta himself was subjectively about 21, though the ‘drinking age’ here was ‘17’ .That meant that Applejack was allowed to stay and enjoy herself at the party. Sadly Rainbow Dash (18) wasn’t able to attend because of other business she had that night. Beta promised to save her some cider - hopefully a bottle or two - they could enjoy together, alone.

Apple Berry approached Beta early in the evening and they began chatting pleasantly. After a time Apple Berry began to flirt with Beta, and with a couple of drinks in him, he began to flirt back. He enjoyed the attention, and Apple Berry was a mature mare. He felt comfortable around her. ‘Perhaps too comfortable’ he wondered somewhere in the back of his mind.

The party raged on for hours well into the depths of night. Beta was unsteady on his paws around 2am. At this point Mac suggested he head home. Beta staggered towards the door and nearly ran into the frame. Apple Berry, who he had been chatting with all night, caught him, and offered to carry him home. She had 2 extra legs to walk with, as well as being more accustomed to the effects of Midnight Cider. With a stupid grin of thanks, Beta got onto her back and promptly passed out.

Mac watched Apple Berry carry Beta to his home. He wondered, and perhaps worried a little. That mare cared for him, a very great deal in fact. Mac could tell, he'd been around long enough and around the farm enough to see that. He wondered how wise it was to let her take him home. Her feelings plus alcohol... Then Mac was distracted by one of his cousins. a pair of them in fact... twins... and all thoughts of Beta and Apple Berry left his mind completely.

Quietly, Apple Berry left the party towards Beta’s home. Her heart was racing. It had been quite some time since she’d been with a colt or a buck. So long... she was nearing the end of her fertile years. This one was so beautiful, and smart and interesting. She had developed some strong feelings of her own towards Beta over the weeks since he arrived at the farm… and in her life. She saw him every day. She never missed a chance to be at the farmhouse for breakfast.

She chuckled to herself as she walked in the full moonlight, remembering their first meeting. He was so lost and hungry. Such a sweet colt. Asking for assistance like that. How could she have refused him? How could she refuse him anything? She thought warmly of the other day when he asked her to help him with some shopping. He was looking for a bed, now that he could afford one. They had had a good time testing beds. She had made sure he got one what could hold two...

Luna was looking down from the moon. She saw what was in Apple Berry’s heart and felt for her. 'I have watched this one for a long time. Her dreams are always the same... looking for someone who will love her, treat her fairly... give her a family, despite who she was sleeping next to.' Luna thought sadly. She could do nothing. Her power was growing, yet she was powerless right now to do anything more than just observe. She was sad and frustrated... and this began to color her temperament. So long she had been up here in the moon...

Once, she had been patient and content to simply observe. Simply let her sister run things. But her sister had become complacent. she had let some parts of the kingdom fall to bad influences. Let ponies ... stray from their intended paths. But here was a being she cared for. She had to escape her prison! She was no longer content to sit back and watch. She knew what was going to happen, and it was driving her mad...

Apple Berry arrived at Beta’s shack and let herself in, with him still asleep on her back. It was a simple enough matter to gently lay him on his bed, which she did. She sat on the ground, looking at him, watching him sleep... thinking his clothes stunk of alcohol and should be taken off before they could stain his fur. And Apple Berry knew of alcohol stained fur. It was not pleasant. So she slowly disrobed him.

She'd seen him in the fur many, many times before as he worked around the farm. To be honest she preferred him that way. She knew it wasn't a 'proper' thing to think... but he was so damned handsome! She ached for him. The alcohol removing so much of the self control she usually practiced. She walked up to him and licked his cheek, and muzzle and lips. She kissed him, tasting the cider on his lips. Then she stopped, a trace of morality and self control returning.

She whispered "I love you Beta. You're the kindest male I've ever known." and she turned to leave. She didn't see Beta twitching with slow consciousness. He'd heard what she'd said through a drunken haze. It touched him deeper than she could know. 'This may complicate things' he drunkenly thought.

Luna, looking down, let out a great heavy sigh of relief. She had rushed down into Beta's dreams... a place she often avoided as his nightmares were things to make her shiver. But she had to. She had to wake him up. She wasn't sure what stopped Apple Berry, but she didn't care. This filly had just saved herself from a lifetime of guilt.

Looking back, feeling silly, and still more than a little drunk and amorous, Apple Berry giggled and said, to the thought unconscious,  Beta "Beta, I command you to drag me to bed and make love to me!" she didn't get half a step before her command was obeyed.

Luna could only stare, slack jawed at what followed. 'Where in the heavens did THAT come from?!' she thought. 'One moment Beta was barely conscious, then the next.. THIS!'

It was, however, a very enjoyable show that went on for some time. Shortly before dawn, Apple Berry staggered away from Beta's place with a smile broader than Sweet Apple Acres on her face. "Oh Celestia..." then she paused... 'No... what did Beta keep saying... LUNA?? saved him...' she looked up at the moon before it set and said a prayer of very deep thanks to Luna. 'Dearest Luna... thank you. I've never been so happy in all of my life. I know I may not be able to have him for my own, but thank you Dear Luna for last night.'

Luna heard her prayer, and wondered, not for the first time lately, what in Equestria was going on.