Tides of Shade

by ChromeMyriad

Rating: teen
Tags: Slice of Life, Dark
Length: 13013

A dark stranger arrives in ponyville borne upon unusual magic. Will the ponyvillians find a new friend, or does his black coat hide an even darker heart?

A wandering pony with strange magic arrives in ponyville and starts to warm up to the kind residents. However, Applejack soon discovers he is hiding a lot about himself.

If she isn't careful, Ponyville could gain a dangerous new enemy, but she can't let the strange pony do as he pleases. Will he turn on his new friends or finally let go of his fear?

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2013-08-13 19:52:57 UTC

Chapter 2: First Impressions

The smell of roasting apples wafted from the old wood stove. It wasn’t often the Apple family had this kind of slapdash meal, but every once in a while they just didn’t feel like baking. A blackened pottery dish lay in the coals, keeping the moisture in. Apple Bloom walked up to the dish, appreciatively breathing in the smell of the spices as they mixed with the sweet juice of the apples. She pricked up her ears, listening to the thumping sound of heavy hooves on worn wooden stairs. She turned slowly, eyes wide and bright, to greet her big brother.

“Mmm Big Mac, these apples smell dee-licious! What did ya put in ‘em,” she asked enthusiastically, “It smells like cinnamon and sugar?”

“Yup. Just cinnamon and sugar. Maybe a little butter. It’s just campin’ food,” he drawled.

“It still smells mighty good. You give yourself too little credit, Mac,” said Applejack, walking slowly into the kitchen. Letting out a contented sigh, she sat down at the table. She loved this time in the evening, just sitting and relaxing. After a hard day’s work, nothing made her more content than sitting in her warm, familiar kitchen with her loving family.

*Thump*

“Ah!”

Creeaak

“Consarnit… Big Mac, can you help me with these confounded stairs agin? Ah cain’t rightly walk down the rickety things,” called a voice like a rusty hinge.

Big Mac walked out into the hall, climbing the stairs again to give Granny Smith a steady hoof to lean on. “Now, Granny, you know you shouldn’t be walkin’ up these stairs all day long. Why won’t you let me move your bedroom downstairs? It’ll be a lot easier on your hip.”

“Oh, fiddlesticks, ya big worrywobbler. Ah may be old, but Ah ain’t helpless! These old stairs just need a bit o’ firmin’ up and such.” The stairs in question creaked loudly in protest as the two good-natured bickerers stepped off of them and into the kitchen.

The light green elder mare sat gingerly down at one end of the table, settling down as the last rosy hues of daylight followed the sun past the horizon. Big Mac gripped the dish with a pot-holder and pulled it from the stove, careful not to let any hot coals tumble out. He carried it to the rough-hewn table of apple wood, setting it in the center. Sweet-smelling steam billowed from the concoction as the lid was lifted and set aside. The apples had been sitting in the coals for hours, the spices melting into the syrupy runoff as they were reduced in the heat.

*Knock knock knock*

All four ponies looked up at once, glancing at the door. They paused, turning back to each other and staring around the table with questioning looks. Applejack relented with a sigh and got slowly to her feet.

“Why’s it always me who’s gotta get the door,” she huffed with exasperation. She pulled a sour face at her family as they smiled encouragingly back. Shaking her head, she pulled open the door.

At first, she didn’t see anything. Squinting into the darkness, she finally saw the dark outline of a pony, his fur glinting wetly in the firelight.

“Can Ah help you,” she asked, concern showing in her voice. This stranger seemed a little the worse for wear. Not only was he soaked to the skin, but he was also keeping his right eye closed like it was injured. Despite all this, he smiled warmly as she opened the door.

“Yes. I’m sorry to bother you folk so late in the evening, but I’m afraid I don’t have anyplace to stay tonight. I’m a traveler, you see, and I don’t have enough to rent a room at an inn. I was wondering if I might sleep in your barn tonight to shelter from the cold.” Applejack’s face fell a bit as she gave him a pensive look. Normally, she’d be more than happy to lend a helping hoof to a traveler in need, but something didn’t seem right about this pony.

She was about to start asking questions when Granny Smith sidled up beside her.

“Why, howdy there young’un. Sakes, ya look like ya walked a hundred miles underwater. Why don’t ya come in here and dry off by the fire?”

Applejack pulled Granny aside, nervously smiling at the stranger, “Can you excuse us for just a moment?”

Turning, she whispered, “I don’t know about this colt, Granny. Don’t somethin’ seem off to you? The road into Ponyville is clear on the other side of town! There’s a halfway house and even a couple of ponies in town who wouldn’t mind takin’ him in for the night. Why walk all the way across town to ask us?”

Granny Smith looked up at her incredulously, “Applejack, I’m surprised at you. Don’t ya remember? The Apple family were wanderers before we settled here, and Ah remember seein’ your great-grandfather lookin’ a lot more raw than this whippersnapper.”

“Ah know, but…”

“But nothin’,” said Granny firmly, “Findin’ good, generous folk while wanderin’ the roads is harder ‘n horseshoes. I remember nights where it was all we could do just to stay warm, huddled up in the back o’ that drafty wagon. We ain’t about to send this young feller off to sleep on the road soakin’ wet and hungry. We just ain’t.” With that, Granny shoved the door open wider with strength belying her age and greeted the black stallion again.

“Sorry ‘bout that. We’d be happy to let ya stay the night in the barn. If ya like, there’s enough supper fer ya as well.”

“Thank you, ma’am, you’re most gracious. If you’d like, I can repay you by helping with the farm work. I may be a unicorn, but I’m still fairly fit,” Pitch said as he accepted the invitation. He walked into the warm farmhouse and noticed the two remaining ponies at the table.

“Thank you all very much,” he said in heartfelt thanks. He paused at the entrance to the kitchen, trying to decide where he should sit. Apple Bloom scooted aside and patted the ground next to her, offering him a warm smile. He sat down, returning the smile and looking across at the big red stallion sitting across from him.

Applejack watched him a little nervously. Once he and Granny were seated, she sighed in resignation and decided her objections could wait. For a few awkward seconds, the only sound in the kitchen was the dripping of Pitch’s mane as everypony sat watching the two mares of the family for any further signs of argument. Big Mac broke the silence.

“Um… I guess I’ll go getcha a towel or somethin’. We can’t have ya drippin’ all night."

“Thanks,” Pitch said with a small smile as Big Mac exited the kitchen.

Applejack and Granny Smith were too busy staring each other down, but Apple Bloom had noticed something about the newcomer. It hadn't taken her long, since it was usually the first thing she wanted to know about anypony.

"Your cutie mark," she gasped excitedly, "Ya don't have one! Why is it so late?"

She stared up at him, her eyes wide. It would surely be quite an adventure to help an adult pony find his cutie mark.

Pitch's expression darkened, "I'd rather not talk about it," he said quietly. "It isn't exactly a story I like to tell."

Apple Bloom's face fell. "Oh... okay."

They sat in awkward silence for a moment. Apple Bloom, feeling obligated to save the situation, decided to break the silence.

“So… what do you go by, stranger?”

“Pitch Herald.”

“’Pitch Herald’? What do ya do with a name like that?”

“Pretty much just… travel around I guess. I know a little magic, but I’m not terribly good at it. Don’t ask me to sing either! The ‘Herald’ part is just for show.”

“Hmm, a traveler. ‘Bout how far have you traveled from?”

“I get that question a lot, but I never really have an exact answer…” Applejack’s frown deepened, “My first real point of reference is the southernmost edge of Saddle Arabia. I tend to stay out of cities if I can help it, so I don’t get my bearings very often. It can be hard to find reasonable folk on the borders, so I prefer to keep to myself.”

“Hmm,” Apple Bloom nodded sagely, “I suppose that’s true. What about that eye of yours? Did ya hurt it?”

Pitch’s smile grew strained at this question. He always ran a gamble no matter how he handled it. If he told the truth and showed them his eye, they might think he was some kind of freak and kick him out. If he lied and continued to hide it, they could find out later. Then he would definitely get chased off. Luckily, Big Mac returned just then with a towel for him.

“Here ya go. Go ahead and dry off a little. You can go ahead and tell us your name too, while you’re at it.”

“Thanks. I was just telling this sweet little filly here about my travels.”

“Aw, shucks. Don’t you go callin’ me ‘little’ now. My name’s Apple Bloom. This here is Big Mac, Applejack, and Granny Smith.” Apple Bloom pointed to each pony in turn as she said their names. Big Mac and Granny Smith smiled and nodded, but Applejack just grunted and turned away.

Apple Bloom looked up at her, nonplussed, “What’s wrong Applejack? It ain’t like you to act all un-neighborly.”

Applejack saw no reason to hide how she felt. “I just don’t cotton to allowin’ ponies we don’t know nothin’ about into our home. For all we know, everything he’s said has been a lie.” Looking over at Pitch, she noticed his downcast eyes.

She continued, a slightly apologetic tone to her voice, “It’s nothin’ personal, mind. We just don’t know the first thing about ya! Bad ponies are still out there, ya know. In my place, you’d prob'ly feel the same.”

Granny Smith was about to speak when Pitch interrupted her, “I understand, Applejack. Nopony I meet has any real reason to trust me. I can’t really say that my appearance has helped much,” he said with a sad smile. His pure black coat and single eye really didn’t inspire confidence in his honesty. She quietly admitted to herself that his shady appearance had probably colored her judgment. Ignoring the slight twinge of guilt, she decided to stand her ground. Putting on a stern look, she waited expectantly for him to elaborate further.

“I guess now would be a good time to answer your question, Apple Bloom,” Pitch muttered quietly as he pulled his mane to the side, revealing his still-closed eye. “My eye isn’t injured. I hid it on purpose because it looks… well I suppose I’ll just show you.”

With that, he opened up his eye and looked around the table. The effect it had on his face was shocking. With one eye appearing larger than the other he looked like an insane cartoon. No matter how you saw it, his lopsided gaze seemed to be directed slightly over your shoulder. He smiled nervously as he looked around at his hosts, their faces frozen with surprise. His smile faltered as the stunned silence stretched on. Wrong gamble…

Apple Bloom was the first to speak. “Woooaaahh…” She was in awe, “That’s so COOL! How’d ya get your eyes to do that?”

Pitch felt his chest unclench. Grinning mischievously, he looked Apple Bloom full in the face, “What? You mean you’ve never been warned about what happens to ponies who make scary faces?” He leaned forward and whispered, “They stay that way.”

Apple Bloom drew in a quick breath and her eyes grew wide with fear. Pitch laughed at her reaction. “I’m just kidding Apple Bloom! No, I was born with these mismatched peepers. Actually, even though my right eye looks like it’s uncolored, you can look real close and notice that it’s actually a veeerry light pink. See?”

He brought his face down to her level as Apple Bloom stared hard at his strange right eye. “I think I can see it… It still looks weird though.”

He pulled a face at her, “So I’m weird now?”

“Ah-Ah didn’t mean it like that. It’s just your eye that’s weird. Ya seem like an okay pony to me.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

Pitch looked around the table. Applejack and Granny Smith seemed to have forgotten their argument for the moment. Applejack was looking closer at him, trying to distinguish the color in his right eye from the whites. Granny was grinning appreciatively at the stuck-face joke.

While this had been going on, Big Mac had gotten up and was rummaging around in the cabinets.

“Will one of you ponies help with supper? It’ll have gone flat cold before we get ta eat at this rate,” he said with mock severity as he pulled several dishes out and set them on the countertop.

The tension broken, everypony helped set the table and served themselves some of Big Mac’s concoction. The apples had softened considerably from their normally firm texture. Their juices had thickened with the sugar and cinnamon, giving the dish a taste and feel a lot like apple pie filling. A bit messy, but it smelled delicious.

Pitch waited for his hosts to start before beginning to eat with obvious enjoyment. He hadn’t tasted anything so sweet in a long time. He ate slowly, savoring every bite. Applejack watched him with some amusement.

“I know you’re among earth ponies, Pitch, but ya don’t have to hide yer magic from us. Go ahead and levitate yer food, it don’t offend us none.”

Pitch paused mid-bite, “Actually, I can’t levitate things. I never really had any training in magic, so there’s a lot of magic I still don’t know.” Pitch smiled as he lied. He felt a little guilty lying to the ponies who had taken him in, but he banished those thoughts immediately.

Nopony has to know about that.

Applejack was taken aback. How in the hay does a unicorn go his whole life and never learn such basic magic?

She opened her mouth to ask some very pointed questions, but instead let out a big yawn. Night had snuck up on them all and the crescent moon was now high in the sky. Everypony seemed to be in a similar state of mind. Pitch was licking his lips contentedly as they all settled down sleepily.

Applejack blinked sleepily, “I guess I’ll show you to where you’ll be sleepin’. Follow me.”

She led Pitch out of the house and into the barn. She pointed to one of the fresher bales of hay and he walked slowly over, taking in the musty scent of the barn. The moonlight streamed through gaps in the slats, illuminating the dust kicked up by the ponies’ tired hooves.

“Now, we start early in the mornin’ around here, so if you’re gonna help I expect ya to be able to get up early, ya hear?”

“Yes, ma’am!” Pitch managed a slow salute before flopping onto the hay, exhausted from the day’s events.

Applejack chuckled a little, softening toward the dark-coated stallion.

She walked back to the farmhouse in the moonlight, staring up at the starry sky as she thought about what Granny had said about her great-grandfather.

Her last thought before she fell asleep was, Maybe he ain’t all bad…

Chapter 3: Misgivings

The musty smell of dust and old wood filled his nostrils. He was desperately trying not to make a sound even as his body greedily sucked in air. The light coming through the slats highlighted the dust as it swirled before his eyes. He felt claustrophobic, as if the dry pine walls were slowly drowning him. He forced himself to breath slowly as his heart raced.

No…

The deep rumbling had stopped. A few minutes before, the world had been dominated by high-pitched whines and earth-shaking booms. Now, the last echoes were fading and the air was soaked in silent tension. He strained his ears, hoping to hear some indication of what was happening.

No, please…

Tears came unbidden to his eyes as he thought about what had happened. Where had they all come from? What were they? Why did they…

Suddenly he froze. He didn’t breath. He didn’t think. Quiet whispers seemed to be coming from somewhere outside his hiding place. He began losing the fight against fear as his body began to shiver. Listening closely, he realized what sounded like whispers was actually slow, hissing breaths as whatever it was slowly approached. There were no footsteps. There was no rustle of movement. Only the hissing breaths getting slightly louder as whatever it was drew closer.

Why did you…

He didn’t know why it was coming closer. Did it hear his breathing before he was able to quiet himself? He tensed as something shuffled over the surface of his hiding place. The light shining through the slats began to fade. Something began to cover his rough wooden hiding place as it slowly became his coffin…

“NO!”

Pitch awoke with a panicked yell. He whirled around, staring into the darkness. Cold sweat soaked his mane, mingling with his tears as they rolled down his face. He glared into the shadows, hoping to pierce the disguise and recognize the nightmare for what it really was. Indifferent to the frightened pony’s gaze, none of the shadows moved to attack him. As silence settled back over the barn like a layer of dust temporarily disturbed, he gradually calmed down. Glancing cautiously around the empty barn, he noticed the moonlight filtering through the slats of the barn. The dust floated peacefully down on the still night air.

He sighed with relief, shaking his head. The dreams hadn’t troubled him for years.

I’ll have to stop sleeping in barns.

The dark horizon began to glow orange as the world slowly opened its eyes. Pitch shrugged. It hadn’t been a peaceful sleep, but he couldn’t possibly fall asleep again. Besides, Applejack had mentioned getting started early. The adrenaline from his nightmare had worn off by now and he was feeling sluggish this morning. Must have been that apple bake last night. His mouth watered as he remembered the dish. I wonder what they do for breakfast around here. I can’t work all day on an empty stomach.

Walking with a leisurely pace out of the barn, he noticed Applejack sitting outside the front door of the farmhouse. She was watching the sunrise, a slight frown playing across her freckled face. She was clearly lost in thought. Pitch took his time walking over to her, his eyes traveling the length of her body. She looked… strong. His gaze slowly traveled from her green eyes down her torso to the red apples adorning her flank. He admired the way the shadows softly traced her curves in the growing sunlight. Despite this, she didn’t strike a hard figure. Everything about her seems so… blunt. No, that’s the wrong word…

Pitch got a strong feeling about certain ponies. He seemed to have a fairly accurate sixth sense about what another creature’s emotions or intentions were. He had never come up with an explanation and the sense was generally vague to the point of uselessness, but it had saved him in some situations.  One memorable night, a village elder had decided he was a threat. A young mare was tasked with luring him into a trap so he could “stand trial”. The feeling of danger had filled his mind from the moment she stepped into his room… but that was enough reminiscing.

“Good morning.” He put on a cheerful smile as he approached the orange mare.

Applejack didn’t immediately acknowledge his presence. He decided he might be interrupting a morning ritual for her, so he took a slow turn and started walking toward the farmhouse.

“Wait…” Applejack’s voice was quiet, “Ah have something Ah need to say.”

Pitch paused, turning his head back toward her. He gave her a questioning look, but she was still facing the rising sun so she didn’t see it. She sounded pretty serious about this, so he walked up beside her. “Yes?”

She let out a long sigh, “Look… when ya came to the door last night, Ah didn’t really trust ya. Now, Ah told ya so and Ah told ya why, but Ah’ve had some time to think about it. Ah have a lot of questions about where you’re from and what your intentions are, but Ah may have let your looks get between me and mah manners. You ain’t done nothin’ wrong and I ain’t got no excuse to treat ya the way Ah have been. Ah’ve decided ya deserve the benefit of the doubt, Ah guess is what Ah’m sayin’.” Applejack’s voice started out frank and thought-out, but by the end her nervousness was evident. Admitting her own failings wasn’t something she liked to do.

Pitch listened patiently, nodding once or twice. When she had said her piece, he threw her a sidelong look. She was making a point of not looking at him, frowning as she continued to stare at the now bright horizon. His silent gaze caused a blush to start in her cheeks. His mismatched eyes twinkled as he turned his sight forward again, his voice soft as he answered her.

“Well, I can’t say I blame you. At least you came out and told me about it rather than hiding it. A lot of ponies are afraid to mention how my appearance makes them feel out of misguided sympathy. I prefer honesty wherever I can find it.”

She smirked a bit at that, I guess he came to the right place after all.

They stood in silence for a while, waking up as the sun slowly chased the early morning chill out of their bodies.

“Well, Ah reckon we’ve had enough jawin’ for this mornin’,” Applejack said as she punched him lightly in the shoulder, “You ready to get started? Everypony’s prob’ly awake by now.”

She turned and walked back into the farmhouse. Pitch followed her and was greeted immediately by Apple Bloom. “Good mornin’ mister Pitch! Ah see ya ain’t gonna sleep in on us. Don’t worry, Ah know everythin’ you need to help out! Ah’ll take ya under mah wing today.” Apple Bloom paused mid-turn, thinking about that last statement, “Uh… or under-hoof. No… Um. Ah’ll be showin’ ya the ropes.” With that, she led Pitch into the kitchen.

“Well, thank you Apple Bloom. I’m sure I’m under good wings.” He chuckled as Apple Bloom puffed up her cheeks, shooting him an exasperated look as she sat down at the table. Granny Smith looked from Applejack to Pitch, an amused expression creeping across her face. Pitch met Granny’s eyes for a moment. She raised her eyebrows, trying to appear disapproving but her smile never quite disappeared. Big Mac’s face was impassive as he watched the two sit down.

A small basket of apples was already on the table. Everypony took an apple as breakfast began. Pitch quickly learned that this wasn’t just a meal, however, as each pony took a turn laying out their plans and coordinating which duties needed to be finished by the end of the day. The Apples weren’t sure about how much work Pitch was really capable of, but agreed that he would start at the most strenuous work in the cool morning and work his way toward the easiest as the day grew hotter. Everypony was surprised when Big Mac jumped in to show him how to buck trees. Apple Bloom’s face fell a little at this, but there were still many other chores she could teach him.

The ponies dispersed from the front door, ready to start their work. Applejack and Apple Bloom headed toward the east end of the north field carrying a multitude of apple baskets. Pitch and Big Mac headed toward the center. The plan was for each team to work toward the west until all the apples were harvested. Pitch and Big Mac walked in silence, sizing each other up. Mac’s obvious strength and endurance didn’t escape Pitch’s notice. He carried several baskets over his back without any sign that he was carrying anything at all. Pitch weighed his options. Why would Big Mac volunteer to be his coworker for the day? Honesty had served him well thus far, so Pitch cleared his throat and spoke up.

“So, Big Mac, why so eager to teach me how to buck apple trees? Not that I’m complaining, but you nearly jumped at the chance.” Mac said nothing, so Pitch decided to be more direct, “Is there something you want to tell me?”

Big Mac stopped, putting down his baskets and turning to face Pitch. His expression was still impassable as Pitch slowly put his baskets down as well. He felt a slightly adversarial vibe from Mac, but he didn’t think a fight was at hoof.

Mac thought for a second, “Ah ain’t good with words or booksmarts,” he spoke slowly, “But Ah ain’t no foal. Mah sister’s a grown mare and a rock o’ good sense. She can take care o’ herself. Sumthin’ she don’t need, tho’, is some smooth-talkin’ pony warmin’ up to ‘er and then just up and leavin’.”

Pitch was stunned, “Y-You really think,” that I have a chance with her? He stopped himself just in time, “that I would do something like that? I have no intention of…” What exactly are my intentions?

This was a bigger question than Pitch thought it would be. When he came to a village, he usually stuck around until he didn’t like it or was kicked out. He always told himself he liked solitude, but some buried part of him ached for the kind of steady life the Apples had. He realized he didn’t have any plans at all.

“I… I have no intention of hurting anypony.” It was the honest truth. Whatever happened, he wasn’t after anything malicious.

Big Mac quietly chewed a hay straw, digesting Pitch’s response. “Ah believe ya,” he finally said, offering Pitch his hoof to shake. Pitch breathed a sigh of relief as he accepted the hoofshake. Big Mac’s face finally broke into a small smile as he walked over to their first tree.

He positioned a few baskets around the tree with a practiced eye. Walking up to the tree he turned around and threw a huge kick straight into the trunk with both hooves. Pitch winced as he felt the ground shake with the tree as a rain of ruby apples fell into the baskets. Impressively, only a few apples had fallen outside the baskets. These were quickly collected. Big Mac looked up at Pitch, wordlessly pointing at a nearby apple tree. Pitch nodded and dragged a few baskets over to the tree. Placing them as best he could, he reared his hind legs and delivered a kick with all of his strength to the trunk of the tree. Another small shower of apples fell. They landed mostly in the baskets, but Pitch groaned as he looked back into the tree. It was still full of apples. He would be all morning just getting a few trees done at this rate.

Then, he had an idea. “One more try,” he told Mac. Mac nodded, still chewing his hay straw. Pitch coiled up his flank muscles, ready to give the tree another kick. As he readied his kick, though, he also readied his magic. Whereas most unicorns would have an aura around their horn when they cast, Pitch’s particular brand of magic caused his horn (and sometimes other parts of his body) to glow with a kind of inner heat. The glow in Pitch’s horn was imperceptible as he put only as much magic into the spell as he needed. Pitch delivered the kick. The flurry of wind in the trees was masked by the momentary shaking of the branches and the apples all fell at once.

Big Mac raised an eyebrow as the apples fell into the baskets. Ah guess he can handle some apple-buckin’. Hope he can last ‘til lunch. “Not bad, stranger. Still plenty to do.”

“Of course,” Pitch agreed as they began to buck the apple trees in earnest.

Not only did Pitch last until lunch, but he bucked apples almost at the same pace as Big Mac for the full day. Nopony was more surprised than Granny when she saw the strange dark-coated pony had nearly matched the other two farm ponies basket-for-basket. “Well, how d’ya like that. Looks like the stranger might actually give you young’uns a run for yer bits!”

Apple Bloom was pouting. She had wanted to take charge today and show the new pony the ropes, but Big Mac had other plans.

I guess he *did** do a pretty good job buckin' apples today,* she thought. Pitch noticed her dour look and stood beside her, nudging her. "Hey, don't worry, you can teach me all you want tomorrow."

"Really," she asked hopefully.

"Of course! I don't know everything about the farm yet. I need an orchard master to teach me," he leaned in closer, "Are you up for the challenge?"

"Ah sure am! Just you wait, Ah'm gonna show ya how to repair the baskets properly and how to tell a good apple from a bad apple and all sorts of stuff!" She bounced a little with excitement. She was usually the one being taught. It was good to be the one better at something for a change.

Applejack was flabbergasted.

“Ah cain’t believe some wanderer could do so well on his very first day! How’d ya do it?”

“Well, like I said, I’m pretty fit. Wandering isn’t exactly a sedentary lifestyle, you know.”

Applejack didn’t necessarily believe that a unicorn had matched an earth pony for endurance and strength, particularly one as powerful as Big Macintosh. However, Mac had been with him the whole day and had sworn he didn’t see Pitch using any magic. Despite her doubts, she was pleased with the amount of work they’d been able to accomplish with Pitch’s help. At this rate, they could easily finish harvest early and start making cider. That is unless…

“You leavin’?”

Big Mac had broken the silence with the simple question. Everypony was quiet, but what had been a peaceful evening had taken on a more somber mood. Nopony really wanted Pitch to leave. Not only had he been a big help, but he had been a very kind pony in general. The five ponies sat or leaned in various places around the porch.

Pitch felt that Mac had meant to remind him of their conversation that morning. He remembered what he’d said, but he wanted to leave least of all. “Actually, I was sort of hoping to stay for awhile. I don’t really have any particular destination in mind. I know I’ve only been here a short time, but I haven’t met any ponies with… um. Well, any ponies like you,” he finished rather lamely. He looked over at Big Mac, expecting him to be disappointed or reproving. Big Mac’s face was as indifferent as ever, but a slow smile crept to his mouth. Mac walked over to Pitch, pulling him into a one-legged hug. “You’ll be good to have around.” He squeezed Pitch painfully tight for a split-second before pulling away and walking inside. Pitch didn’t miss his meaning. Big Mac still didn’t completely trust Pitch around his family, but was willing to give him a chance.

Applejack had known her brother for a long time. He wasn’t a very… huggy pony. She had watched these events pass with disbelief until she noticed Pitch’s eyes widen for a moment as Mac tightened his hold. She was glad her brother was on the watch as well. “Well, if you’re stayin’ here agin tonight, we’ll have to move some of those apple baskets around. Tomorrow is usually when we sort the apples and today’s surplus filled up more floor space than usual.”

Pitch tensed for a moment, “Actually, could I maybe just get some hay and sleep outside the barn? I feel like sleeping under the stars tonight.”

Applejack shrugged, “Suit yerself.”

After dinner, Applejack and Pitch walked out to the barn. They found some fresh hay and Pitch carried it outside, picking his spot. As Applejack climbed down from the loft, she stepped carefully around the baskets carpeting the floor. She had almost made it to the barn's entrance when she bumped one basket. A few apples spilled out of the barn into the moonlight. “Ponyfeathers…” she swore under her breath.

She walked over to the spilled apples, bending to pick them up. Upon closer inspection, she noticed something strange. She couldn’t have seen that…

Looking closer, there was no doubt left in her mind. These apples hadn’t been bucked, picked, or even levitated off the tree. Their stems are cut clean through. Uneasiness stirring in her belly, she picked up the apples and placed them back into their basket. She took the time to look quickly around the other baskets. All of the apples Pitch had picked were cut at the stem. “I knew he used magic,” she muttered.

She was about to call out angrily to Pitch, but checked herself at the last second. I ain’t never seen any magic that could slice up a whole treeful of apples. I still don’t know anything about him. If he’s here to cause harm and ain’t done nothin’ yet, then callin’ him out might force his hoof. She bit her lip, extremely troubled by this revelation. Confronting a unicorn capable of slicing and dicing her could only end poorly. He hasn’t been anything but nice so far, but hiding this is definitely a good reason to be suspicious.

Convinced she wasn’t being silly or prejudiced, she turned to see Pitch standing in the doorway. She jumped a little. “Did you hear me, Applejack?” Pitch looked like he hadn’t noticed anything. Good.

“Uh, no, sugarcube. Ah was thinkin’ of somethin’ else.”

“I asked if this spot over here is okay to set the hay.” Pitch indicated an area against the barn wall with an outstretched hoof. He kept his face happy, but he felt her fear. What happened?

“Oh, uh, yeah that’s fine.” She let out a genuine yawn, “Ah’m tired, so Ah think Ah’ll turn in. See ya in the mornin’!”

Both ponies parted ways. They lay on their respective bedding, feeling very uneasy.

Applejack decided this predicament was something she needed help with. She’d head into town tomorrow with her apple cart and leave the sorting to everypony else. She had some friends to talk to…

Chapter 4: Wrath

Pitch rubbed his bleary eyes as he awoke. The misty dawn peeked over the treetops of the orchard as he stood, stretching out his stiff legs. Oh well, he thought, waking up damp is better than waking up screaming. Trotting over to the farmhouse, he noticed Applejack pulling a cart loaded with apples and apple products toward the road out of Sweet Apple Acres.

“Hey Applejack. What’s with the cart?”

“Oh, uh, just takin’ it into town to set it up in the market. Don’t worry, though! Apple Bloom will be more than happy to help ya with the farm work.” She gave him her best winning smile.

“Oh, okay. Don’t worry! I’ll try not to burn down the farm while you’re gone, heh.” He felt a small jolt of fear from her, but her expression never changed. Pitch was about to ask what was troubling her when she interrupted him.

“Heh heh, good one. Well, Ah need to get going if Ah’m gonna make it to market when it opens. Ah’ll see ya when Ah get home this evenin’.” With that, she trotted away.

Pitch watched her go. Maybe it was just him, but she was going slightly faster than seemed necessary. He let out a frustrated sigh. Shaking his head, he turned and trotted into the farmhouse.

“Good mornin’!”

“Hey Apple Bloom, good morning to you too! What has you so excited today?”

“Today Ah finally get the chance to teach ya what Ah know! You’ll be surprised how much Ah can teach! Ms. Cheerilee taught me a lot about teachin’ a while back, but Ah ain’t had anypony to teach yet. Ah can definitely see myself with a new cutie mark before the end of the day.”

“Sounds like a plan. I remember something being said about sorting today?”

“Mhm. We’ll get started right after breakfast!”

Twilight Sparkle woke up with a headache. She groaned and rolled over, turning her eyes away from the glaring sunlight. I reeeaally need to stop staying up so late. Late-night study sessions never felt good in the morning, but sometimes she just lost track of time. It was easy to get sucked into the explanations of Equestria’s inner workings. Although learning about the fractal interactions of living magical transformations was totally worth it. A smirk stole across her face as the images of nature’s mathematics flashed through her mind.

Forcing her body to move, she rolled languidly out of bed. Trotting down the stairs, she noticed the fragrant aroma coming from the kitchen. Tea first thing in the morning… the prospect sounded heavenly. The lavender unicorn walked into the kitchen, spying her faithful assistant. He was standing before a plain, off-yellow counter throwing ingredients into a mixing bowl. The white drawers and cabinets in the kitchen all had neatly inscribed labels on them denoting what was inside.

“Good morning Twilight!” Spike never liked to get up early, but he could always be depended upon to help his friend after a late night.

“G-Good Morning, Spike,” Twilight yawned as she sat down at the table, her tea already waiting for her. A soft glow enveloped the mug as she lifted it to her lips. She sipped gingerly on the steaming fluid. Sweet warmth flooded through her, spreading outward from her core. The headache receded as she woke up fully. Spike slid a salad of greens and daisies onto the table for the two of them to share.

“Can we fit in a trip to the market after our stop at Sugarcube Corner?” Twilight munched thoughtfully, mentally listing the groceries they would need for the week.

“Um, I think so. What’s at Sugarcube Corner?”

“Well, I can’t leave my number one assistant with no energy for the rest of the day! You got up really early to make me breakfast and I know how late you usually sleep,” she said matter-of-factly.

Spike got the message, “Ah, yes, of course. I wouldn’t want to waste away from tiredness.” Though he said it in an equally businesslike tone, a big grin was plastered across his face as he wrote something on a scroll.

“Excellent. Now I just need to make a checklist for the market.”

“Uh, Twilight?”

“Yes?”

“We already have one. You made it two days ago. You remember? You finished a book before you were scheduled to and started making more checklists?” Spike rummaged through a drawer marked ‘Miscellaneous’ and came up with a small scroll. Levitating it to herself, she looked it over.

“Right. This looks correct,” she announced, blushing a little but choosing not to acknowledge her oversight. She quickly re-rolled it and stuck it in a saddlebag near the door. Twilight donned her saddlebags as Spike rolled up the newly made checklist and followed her to the front door.

Stepping out onto Ponyville’s main road, Twilight and Spike made their way toward the center of town.

A pink whirlwind had taken over the interior of Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie Pie hurtled from shelf to shelf in a spirited attempt to take inventory. Mrs. Cake stood at the counter watching. She wore a weary expression as she waited for Pinkie to slow down. A clipboard and quill had been abandoned on the counter in front of her, completely blank.

“One, two, three, four raspberry cakes here…” zip “three over here to add to the four over there making six!” She quickly stuffed one of the small cakes into her mouth.

Whoosh “Now these walnut muffins… One, two, three, five, twelve. Twelve muffins! Oh, wait, they’re still in the pan! Silly me.” Mrs. Cake facehoofed. The muffins had just been baked and their muffin pans had a dozen slots.

ZOOM

“Nooooww the cupcakes! One, two, three, four, Spike, six- SPIKE!” Pinkie dashed over to Spike, who had just entered with Twilight. She bounced excitedly in front of them, “Guess what, you guys! Mrs. Cake finally said I could help take inventory! Isn’t that great!?”

“I meant take inventory of the stockroom, Pinkie! We baked everything out here this morning,” Mrs. Cake said with a long-suffering sigh. “Welcome, you two. What can I get for you today?”

“Go ahead, Spike. Pick out what you want.”

“Oooh. Spikey-Wikey is getting a treat, huh? Betcha had another all-nighter! What happened this time?” Pinkie continued to bounce, following them to the counter.

“I was studying why fractals appear in nature and how they affect transformation spells. What interested me the most was the proposed algorithm for efficiency in-”

“Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! You mean like how the veins in a leaf repeat the same pattern over and over?”

“Uh… yes, actually,” Twilight said, genuinely surprised, “How much do you know about them?”

“Nothing at all.”

“Ah.”

“I think I’d like a piece of ruby pound cake, please,” Spike said, ignoring the two mares as they continued to talk about sciency stuff. Twilight gave Mrs. Cake a few bits. Mrs. Cake brought out a piece of pound cake studded with glittering rubies. Twilight also ordered a milkshake to drink and the two of them decided to stay a little while and chat.

Just as they sat down, the door to Sugarcube Corner creaked open and Applejack entered. Quickly scanning the lobby, she saw her friends at a table.

“Hey, ya’ll.”

“Hey Applejack! You look like you could use a party. What’s the matter?”

“Ah have something important to talk about with everypony.”

Twilight spoke up curiously, “Oh? It sounds serious. Is it an emergency?”

“Not an immediate one, but this ain’t somethin’ Ah wanna put off. Could you girls gather everypony?”

“Sure,” Twilight said reassuringly, “We’ll gather all the girls and we can meet up for lunch someplace we can talk. Maybe a picnic?”

Pinkie gasped, “A picnic? I’ve been waiting for the perfect chance to try out my all-new, super-dooper, extra splendiferous picnic cannon! This is gonna be awesome!”

“Uh… yeah, Ah guess.” Applejack turned and strode out of the bakery. Her friends watched her go, wondering what could possibly make her so nervous.

Apple Bloom was sorely disappointed. Although Pitch caught on to the chore with relative ease, she still didn’t have her cutie mark. She had dragged him around to a couple of other tasks to continue teaching and perhaps finally get her cutie mark, but a quick glance at her flank told her she wasn’t any closer.

She gave a frustrated sigh. Pitch glanced up from the basket he had been sorting, “Apple Bloom? What’s the matter?”

“Oh, it’s nothin’ to worry about. Ah just thought Ah’d have mah cutie mark by now. Nothin’ I try seems to work though.” Her ears drooped a bit as she recalled all the different things she’d tried to obtain her elusive prize.

“Oh, it’s not so bad to be without a cutie mark. There are still plenty of things you can do without one.” He wanted to reassure her, but he couldn’t seem to make his voice sound sincere.

“Who needs one of those anyway,” he said, more to himself than to Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom winced, remembering who she was talking to. “Ah’m sorry, Mr. Pitch. Ah didn’t mean to bring it up.”

Pitch stared morbidly into his basket. “I had one once, you know. A cutie mark, I mean.”

Apple Bloom didn’t look up, but she had frozen to listen. “What happened,” she asked apprehensively.

“It was… taken, I think. I’m not exactly sure how, but I know what took it.” He looked up at Apple Bloom, wondering if he should trust her. He’d only known her for day, but she didn’t seem like the type of pony to gossip. “The creature that did it seemed to like stealing things that you loved. It took things from a lot of ponies back where I’m from. It’s part of the reason I started wandering.”

Apple Bloom had been trying not to let her curiosity show, but now Pitch had her full attention. “Why would it take things ya loved? It didn’t want food or jewels or nothin’? Why steal a cutie mark?”

“Well, it did take food and jewels as well. It always took the things you seemed to want most. Those were the only things of value.”

At this, Apple Bloom just looked confused. Surely gems held more value than simple foodstuffs?

Pitch smiled, chuckling knowingly at the look Apple Bloom was giving him. “Let me tell you a secret, Apple Bloom. This is from somepony who has lived outside society.” He walked over to her side, throwing a shifty glance around and beckoning her closer. Still confused, she cocked an ear in his direction and leaned a little closer. He whispered, “Nothing is valuable unless you think it is.”

She gave him a look that could sour milk. She had been expecting a big secret, not some philosophical nonsense.

“Oh, don’t give me that look, Apple Bloom. Did you know that Saddle Arabian ponies fight tooth and nail for plants that you ponies would just throw in the compost pile? Or that the same gems dragons hoard get kicked aside like gravel by the tribes living in the Sparkling Mountains? The only reason apples are valuable is because they’re a source of food. If you couldn’t eat them, you’d just throw them away!”

Apple Bloom thought about this. “So you’re sayin’ this thing stole stuff that ponies wanted just ‘cause they wanted ‘em? Why would it do that?”

Pitch shook his head. “I wish I had an answer for you, Apple Bloom. I still have no idea what it was.”

Apple Bloom stared at the ground, afraid to ask the question she desperately wanted answered. Pitch just sat and waited. He had already told her more than he usually told anyone, so he wasn’t going to volunteer anything else.

Eventually, Apple Bloom’s curiosity got the better of her. “What does it feel like to... to have your cutie mark just… Ah-Ah mean…” Apple Bloom’s question just trailed off into nothingness at Pitch’s silence. She stole a peek at his face. His expression was haunted as he recalled that night…

“It was… awful. I was asleep in the bedroom across the hall from my parents’ room. The smell woke me up. It was smoky… acrid. It smelled like burning tar, but more bitter. It was so thick around me, I couldn’t see anything. I’d been taught, just like all the foals, to hold my breath if it ever got that close because it was poison. I wanted to run, but I couldn’t seem to move. I kept hoping it would just go away.”

He paused, his face contorting with hate as the memories replayed in his head. The scene Apple Bloom brought to her mind was of a young pony, trapped and suffocating beneath a cloud of miasmic smoke. She shuddered, but hung on Pitch’s every word just the same.

“The next thing I felt was… wrong, more than anything. It felt like something reached through my chest and was clutching my heart. The grip tightened and tightened. I tried to scream, but just a wheeze came out. Suddenly, just when I thought I would die, I felt the clutch slip through my heart like it was water. Then it just vanished. I lay there holding my hooves up to my chest, feeling my heart still beating. I had no idea what chased it off, but I was relieved to be alive. I went to my parents’ room to tell them what had happened.”

He paused again. Apple Bloom looked up to see his stony expression. She wondered if maybe she had gone too far. Before she could decide whether or not to stop him, he continued.

“The actual taking of my mark wasn’t as bad as continuing to live without it. I felt my talent fade quickly after it happened. Everyone just pitied me, but I learned to do other things. It was one of the contributing factors when I decided to run away.”

He came out of his reverie and turned to Apple Bloom. “In a way, I’m glad I chose to run away. If my travels have taught me anything, it’s that you don’t need a special talent to leave your mark on the world.”

Apple Bloom nodded, giving him an understanding smile. They both stood there for a time, lost in thought. Apple Bloom stared at the ground, thinking about cutie marks and what she would do with her life if she lost or never got one. She shivered as she thought about the scenario. She imagined Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle growing up knowing their talents while she was gradually forgotten. The ponies in Ponyville were kind, so she didn’t think she’d be ridiculed, but she would probably be pitied exactly like Pitch said. She didn’t know which was worse.

Apple Bloom glanced at Pitch. He had a far-off look in his eyes, staring out over the Everfree Forest. Suddenly, his ears perked up. He looked down the path a little. Two smaller ponies were headed toward them. “It looks like we have visitors,” he said to nopony in particular.

Apple Bloom scanned the path. Spotting her friends, her face split into a wide grin. Running to meet them, she gave a shout, “Hey, guys! What’re ya’ll up to today?”

Scootaloo’s wings fluttered excitedly. “Apple Bloom, guess what? We finally have enough to rent those hang gliders! We can finally get our hang gliding cutie marks!”

Apple Bloom’s face split into a wide grin. “A hang gliding cutie mark? Ah can definitely get used to that!”

Sweetie Belle frowned. “Are you guys sure we don’t want to try something safer today? It’s kinda windy. I know Pinkie Pie offered to teach us to decorate cakes. We could try that.”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “No, Sweetie Belle, we’ve wanted to do hang gliding for ages! You can’t back out now.”

“She’s right, Sweetie Belle, Ah’ve really been looking forward to this one. Ah’d hate to come this far and not try. Ya’ll wait here, Ah’m gonna go make sure it’s okay.”

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo continued to bicker as Apple Bloom made her way back to Pitch. He had covered his eye again and had been listening to the debate with faint amusement. As Apple Bloom approached, he held up a hoof. “I heard, Apple Bloom. I can handle the sorting if you want to hang out with your friends, but you should ask Granny Smith about this hang-gliding thing.”

Apple Bloom bounced with excitement. “Thanks, Mr. Pitch, Ah can’t wait to try this. Ah’ll go ask Granny right away!”

She dashed off in the direction of the farmhouse, calling for her two friends to follow her. He watched them go, still pondering the worth of a cutie mark. To a young pony, it represented security and a steady path to follow in life. He wore a hardened expression as he turned and walked into the barn.

Cutie marks are a crutch.

“When Ah checked the apples he bucked, every one of ‘em had a cut stem! What else could he be hidin’? Am Ah right?” It was clear from her expression that she was looking for guidance, not indulgence. She stared pleadingly around at her friends.

Rainbow Dash lifted her sunglasses to respond, “So what I’m hearing is this weirdo pony-“

“Who looks absolutely dreadful,” Rarity interjected.

“And has been super nice and helpful,” Pinkie spoke up.

“Can cast strange and worrying magic,” Twilight said with a thoughtful look.

“A-and just showed up from nowhere in the m-middle of the n-night?” Fluttershy quaked as she imagined such a pony showing up unannounced in the dark of the night.

“Well, not night exactly. More just early evenin’. That’s the situation, though. What do ya’ll think?”

The ponies exchanged significant looks.

Rarity spoke up first. “Darling, I realize the magic thing is a bit odd, but this sounds an awful lot like what happened with Zecora. Perhaps you’re overreacting?”

“Yeah, I mean this guy hasn’t done anything but be helpful. What gives?” Rainbow Dash continued to lounge against a tree, her thoughts already starting to drift to her afternoon practice session.

“Um… well… I mean he still sounds scary with the magic and the not knowing where he’s from. I know I’d be scared to have him around my little critters.”

“Oh come now, Fluttershy dear, surely we can’t judge a pony who wanders around alone for having a way to defend himself. Surely such a spell would be pretty common for such a nomadic pony, right Twilight?”

Twilight snapped out of her reverie. “Actually I can’t think of a spell or permutation that fits Applejack’s description. Unicorn magic can form blades with enough concentration, but to cut every apple in a tree at the stem is impossible. Applejack, are you sure they weren’t bucked off the tree?”

Applejack folded her forelegs. “Ah’m sure. Big Mac was with him the whole time, and it looked like he bucked those trees clean. It’s only when Ah checked ‘em over at night that Ah found out the stems were cut.”

“Hmm…” Twilight couldn’t think of what kind of magic he could be using. New magic hadn’t been created in centuries. At least, it hadn’t been discovered in centuries before her own little invention. Her wings fluttered as a new idea came to her, “Applejack, did he say anything about where he was from? Anything at all?”

“Uh… nothin’ particular, but he did mention comin’ from the southern tip of Saddle Arabia.”

Twilight mouthed the words ‘Saddle Arabia’ silently. Realization hit her like a thunderbolt. Eyes wide, she stood up and exclaimed, “I have to check something.” With a flash of light, she was gone.

Rainbow Dash sighed. “Well, looks like we’re down an alicorn. This discussion really needs to start going someplace. I’m not made to sit around.”

“Well, duh,” Pinkie said with a roll of her eyes, “Obviously, we need to have a welcome-to-Ponyville-please-don’t-turn-out-to-be-a-meanie party! We’ll have cake and punch and party hats and everypony will be invited and I’ll even bring Gummy. He’ll have no choice but to be nice after that!” Pinkie began bouncing as she spoke, warming up to the idea as she described it.

“Pinkie, as much as Ah enjoy parties, we spent three days repairing the barn the last time you held one at Sweet Apple Acres. Granny made me promise not ta have any more big parties there.”

“Aw shucks, Applejack, what if Ah throw just a teeny-tiny little itty-bitty party there?” Pinkie imitated her friend’s accent surprisingly well. “We can have one just for us and him! It’ll be loads of fun!”

“Just a moment, darling, are we sure that a party is the right thing to do in this situation,” Rarity asked, hoping to stop Pinkie’s train of thought before it took over the whole discussion. “I know breaking the ice is important, but this colt sounds like a real loner. Maybe six random strangers – well, five random strangers and Applejack – throwing him a party out of the blue would be too uncomfortable for him. I really think a nice talk will be just the ticket here.”

“Oh, yes, a calm sit-down and a talk would probably be best,” Fluttershy squeaked, barely audible. “I mean, he might get too excited during a party or-or he might even get mad. That wouldn’t be good.”

Just then, a bright flash lit up the picnic cloth. Twilight appeared, her nose still stuck in the book she had been reading. Setting the book down after a moment, she gave her friends a grave look. “How plausible is it that a colt as strange as this one walks through the center of town and nopony notices him? Not plausible at all!” Twilight flipped the book around with a dramatic flourish to show everypony. The book was open to a map of the world. It wasn’t terribly detailed, but it was geographically accurate. Twilight stared expectantly around at everypony, still wearing a dire expression.

Rainbow Dash stared incredulously over her sunglasses at Twilight. “Look, Twi, I know you think this means something to us, but it doesn’t.”

“Yes, darling, I’m sure this map means a great deal, but we need some context.”

Blowing a frustrated sigh, a crestfallen Twilight slowly set the book down and began explaining, “Pitch said he started out near the southern tip of Saddle Arabia.” Twilight pointed to the map with her hoof, tracing it along Pitch’s projected path based on what Applejack told her. “If he starts here and moves from village to village along the border like he said, he probably went this way.” Fluttershy squeaked as she began to see what Twilight was leading up to. “He’s in Ponyville now, so if he followed this path and arrived here, he must have cut through the Everfree Forest.”

This declaration had the desired effect. Everypony’s eyes grew wide as they realized what this meant.

“S-so c-c-can we be s-scared now?” Fluttershy cowered behind Applejack, who wore an expression of grim determination.

“Woah. What do ya think he did to get through there,” asked Rainbow. She imagined it had to be some sort of Daring Do-esque feat of skill to get through the Forest unscathed.

“Ooo I wonder if he’s secretly a wild jungle pony raised by monkeys…” Pinkie said, imagining a black stallion hanging from the trees by a hoof, scratching himself and screeching. Her eyes followed the imaginary pony as he swung away through the park.

“Now, let’s not jump to any conclusions,” Rarity said, “Everypony deserves a chance to explain themselves, and I think his conduct should merit at least that.”

“Geez, Rarity,” Rainbow scoffed, “You got a crush on him or something?”

Rarity flicked her mane with the air of one brushing aside a bothersome fly. “I have nothing of the sort. Honestly, I think he should be commended for being such an upstanding pony considering. It sounds like he had every opportunity to take advantage of Applejack and instead chose to honor his arrangements.”

“Girls,” Twilight shouted, trying to restore order, “We need to focus! We don’t have enough information to draw any firm conclusions at all. We won’t get any questions answered by sitting here arguing. There’s only one pony who can tell us anything and that’s Pitch himself.”

Silence reigned over the picnic for a moment.

“Sooooo… Party?”

“NO! No party, Pinkie,” Twilight said firmly, “We are going down to Applejack’s farm to talk with this pony and hear his side of the story.”

The uproar was instantaneous.

“What do you mean ‘no party’? The best way to get somepony on your side is-”

“-mah little sis sortin’ apples with him all day and we’re just gonna-“

“-make it rain tonight! I can’t go flying after some-“

“-uncouth ruffians. You ponies really need to-“

“-feed the bunnies! I mean, my schedule for the day is completely-“

Phweeer BOOM

Twilight glared madly around as the last sparks from her conjured firework fell to earth. Her eyes twitched as she rattled her rant off at lightning speed. “There is a pony in Ponyville we know little about with hitherto unknown magic and the ability to travel alone through the Everfree Forest! As the Elements of Harmony, it is our duty to make sure this pony poses no threat and THAT’S WHAT WE’RE GOING TO DO!”

Twilight panted for a minute or two, then took a deep breath and seemed to calm down. “Now, if anypony has questions or concerns, we can talk them over one at a time.”

Though Twilight waited for a response, there didn’t seem to be one forthcoming. They all seemed to be realizing that this was a serious matter. Shaking, Fluttershy raised a hoof from behind Applejack. “Yes, Fluttershy, what is your question?”

The yellow pegasus slowly stood up and rejoined her circle of friends. Gathering her courage, she asked, “What do we do in the worst case scenario? What if he is mean and powerful, even evil, and we suddenly start asking him a ton of questions? What if he attacks us wi-with slicing blades or something?”

An uncomfortable rustle made its way around the circle. Twilight took another deep breath. “We will take our Elements with us, just in case he is… uncooperative. We’ll keep our wits about us. Don’t forget we’ve faced down tough opponents before. As long as we are together, he won’t be a problem.”

Though not altogether reassured, Fluttershy nodded.

Twilight continued, “Now, there’s no sense wasting time. I’ll go grab the Elements. You girls finish any business you absolutely have to and meet in the town square in thirty minutes. We’ll all head down to Sweet Apple Acres together. Keep in mind that we want him to like us, so don’t start accusing him or anything right away. Okay?”

There was a chorus of ‘okay’ along with one ‘okey-dokey-mopey’ and they parted ways.

Pitch sighed with boredom. Sorting apples wasn’t exactly arduous work, but it was time consuming and tedious. Tossing the multicolored fruits into their designated baskets, he heard the clopping sound of tiny hooves. Eager for some distraction from his task, he got up and stretched. Walking to the barn door, he peered down toward the path.

Sweetie Belle was galloping toward him as fast as her hooves could carry her. The panic shone from her eyes as she caught sight of him in the doorway. His stomach turned over as he ran to meet her.

“Sweetie Belle, what’s wrong? Where are Scootaloo and Apple Bloom?

Gasping for air, Sweetie Belle tried to recount what had happened, “S-Scootaloo went to tell Granny. A-Apple Bloom is… she’s in the Forest!”

Pitch’s face hardened. “How far in? Why would she go into the Everfree Forest?”

Sweetie Belle had begun to cry, preventing her from forming complete words. Pitch felt his anger flare. “Sweetie Belle, stop crying and speak clearly!” She stopped, though it was more out of shock than anything else. Nopony had ever shouted at her for crying before. “I realize you’re scared, but Apple Bloom could be in danger. She needs you to be strong. Now try to calm down and tell me what is going on.”

Sweetie Belle took a few big gulps of air as she tried to fight back the tears. Finally, she calmed down enough to speak, “We were hang gliding using an old watchtower near the Forest. Apple Bloom’s glider got caught by the wind and blew into the Everfree Forest. I don’t know how far in she is now, but she didn’t come back out.”

Pitch nodded curtly, “Point me to where you think she went down.”

“The watchtower isn’t too far that way.” She pointed out toward where the Everfree Forest bordered the fields. “So she drifted to around there.” She pointed her hoof vaguely over the Forest.

Pitch nodded again. “Big Mac is on the other side of the field kicking over a few dead trees. Tell him what you told me. I’m going after Apple Bloom.”

Pitch sped off toward the Everfree Forest. The air around him shimmered and he began to perceive his surroundings without eyes. Galloping ever faster, his aura began to pierce the gloom of the Forest. Stomach churning, he cast his mind around the area covered by his spell, trying to find Apple Bloom. Worry weighed him down as he scoured more and more woodland only to find trees. Suddenly, he happened upon the hang glider with his spell. It had gotten caught in the branches of a gnarled oak some distance above the ground. Apple Bloom was still nowhere in sight. He quickened his pace, realizing with a fright that she must have fallen from the tree and headed deeper into the Forest.

He ran into the thick of the Forest, cursing the woodlands he now had to weave through. On the edge of his spell, he began to sense movement. The spell was too weak at that range to tell exactly what was happening, but there were about a dozen creatures moving about a short distance from Apple Bloom’s crash site. Zigzagging through the trees, he gradually began to make out the details of the creatures. A short but lithe silhouette formed first in his mind, then the haphazard array of branches and leaves jutting from its body. Finally, the jagged wooden teeth of the timberwolf completed the picture. Apple Bloom was surrounded by a pack of Timberwolves. She was doing her best to buck rocks at them, but she couldn’t seem to put any weight on her right foreleg. They circled her slowly, ensuring no escape routes were left open.

One timberwolf, larger than the rest, broke the circle formation. He slowly approached the filly as his pack closed the gap in their ranks. Apple Bloom pressed herself against the earth, closing her eyes as hot tears rolled unchecked down her face. The alpha’s mouth gaped open as he approached the quaking filly’s neck.

No.

The wooden fangs descended closer to Apple Bloom as sickly green vapor curled out of the timberwolf’s mouth.

DON’T YOU DARE!

The razor-sharp teeth glinted in the moonlight as the black smoke curled around them.

NOT HER! ANYPONY BUT HER!

It didn’t matter what Pitch did. He could do nothing but stand helplessly as the jet-black teeth settled over the neck of his mother…

He snapped.

“NOOOOOO!” A feral scream tore through the wilderness. Deafening cracks and booms echoed through the Forest as Pitch tore through everything in his way. A phantom force blazed the trail for him, splintering trees and pounding stones to dust as he charged straight toward the clearing. The alpha looked up from his prize, startled by the sudden cacophony. It was his final mistake.

A tree at the edge of the clearing burst and suddenly Pitch was among them. Trampling a timberwolf in his path, he ran straight at the alpha. Not giving it a chance to even bare its fangs, Pitch chomped deep into its neck. Howling and whining, the wooden predator was wrenched bodily away from Apple Bloom by the maddened pony. The timberwolf writhed madly, scratching and tearing at his captor with sharp claws. Pitch couldn’t even feel the deep scratches through a haze of rage. Wrapping the timberwolf in a swift embrace, he reared up and crushed it between his forelegs. The alpha fell to the ground in pieces. Pitch turned immediately on the nearest timberwolf, his horn glowing like fire. It was blasted to shards by an unseen force. With their leader in pieces and no sign of the attacker’s fury abating, the remaining timberwolves turned and ran. As they ran, blasts of Pitch’s magic whooshed by their heads. Chucks of trees exploded around them as if struck by a monstrous bludgeon.

Just as Pitch was about to give chase, he felt something grab onto his leg. Horn flaring, he turned on his new attacker ready to crush them immediately. Apple Bloom’s terrified expression shocked his system. His anger quickly faded as he remembered why he was angry in first place. He began to shake. Exhaustion and blood loss was catching up with him quickly. Concentrating, he magically sealed his wounds enough to stem the bleeding. Having taken care of his own wounds for now, he turned to look over Apple Bloom.

Despite the harrowing situation she had been through, she hadn’t sustained many injuries. She still couldn’t really put weight on her right foreleg, but that seemed to be caused by the fall. The silence between them stretched on. Pitch was still trying to get his second wind after the reckless attack. Apple Bloom seemed afraid to speak. It broke his heart to admit it, but she seemed almost as scared of him as she was the timberwolves moments ago. He tried to put a hoof around her to reassure her she wasn’t in danger, but she shrank away from his touch. Just then, a rustling crash sounded in the distance.

Big Mac had been following the trail of destruction left by Pitch’s rampage for the last few minutes. Finally coming upon the clearing, he was just in time to hear a deep roar sound from somewhere not too far off in the Forest. He took in the scene with a glance. Mac ran quickly to Apple Bloom’s side, lowering himself to allow her easy reach. She pulled herself onto his back and hung on. Big Mac and Pitch exchanged a wordless look. Whatever there was to be said about the shattered timberwolves or Apple Bloom’s injuries, it could be said after they made it out of the Forest. The trees on the other side of the clearing began to shudder as something massive forced its way between the trunks.

Not stopping to see what was after them, Big Mac took off following Pitch’s trail back toward Sweet Apple Acres. Pitch paused just long enough to see a very angry Ursa Minor tear a tree up by the roots and toss it aside. He dashed away, quickly catching up to Big Mac. Pitch knew the humongous hunter could easily sniff out their trail. Something extra was needed if everypony was going to make it out in one piece. As the end of the path Pitch blazed came into sight, he shouted to Big Mac, “I’m going to try to lead it away! Get clear of the Forest as fast as you can!”

Without waiting for a response, Pitch veered to the right. As he headed deeper into the Forest, he shot off random bursts of magic to produce concussive booms along the path he was following. The Ursa stood at the point where the ponies parted company, sniffing about and looking this way and that indecisively. After a moment, though, the Ursa decided to follow the two scents heading toward the edge of the trees.

Pitch bit his lip as the crashing footfalls of the Ursa resumed. It was still following the other ponies! They would lead it straight to Sweet Apple Acres. Turning around, Pitch knew that there was only one way to keep the Ursa from deciding its territory included Ponyville. He raced toward the edge of the trees, praying he reached the Forest’s boundary before the great bear.

Twilight galloped toward the Forest, her friends hard on her heels. Scootaloo’s tiny wingbeats filled the air with a buzzing sound as she kept up with them on her scooter. Rounding a bend in the road, they could see the old watchtower looming over the path. Stopping just after the bend, Twilight turned to Scootaloo. “Okay, Scoot, where did Apple Bloom go down?”

“About… there!” Scootaloo pointed to an area of the Forest.

“Alright girls,” Twilight said, “We need to stick together in there, but we also need to cover as much ground as possible.”

“Uh… Twilight?”

“Scootaloo, we don’t have tim-“ Rainbow swooped down on Twilight, turning her head back toward the Forest. Distant treetops swayed violently as something large made a beeline for the edge of the trees. The crackling of underbrush being trampled caused everypony to tense up (and caused Fluttershy to shrink back behind the group).

Big Mac emerged from the wilderness, dashing toward them with Apple Bloom clinging to his back. He came to a halt as he reached everypony else. Fluttershy immediately flew over to Apple Bloom, cradling her carefully and setting her down next to Scootaloo.

“Mac, what the hay happened,” asked Applejack.

“No time,” Big Mac said, gasping for air, “Somethin’ comin’. Pitch tried to lead it away. Didn’t work.”

As if on cue, Pitch ran out of the woodlands slightly left of where Mac had. He saw the small crowd of ponies gathered at the edge of the path, but he didn’t have time to wonder who they were. He had to devote all of his concentration to his next spell or it could turn out very wrong.

Rainbow Dash was already flying toward the black unicorn as he turned back toward the Forest. Suddenly, she felt a tingling along the outside of her wings. The sharp smell of ozone invaded her nose as she braked hard. The unicorn’s horn was glowing, but not like Twilight’s might. A buzz began to fill the air as the pegasus shouted, “Everypony duck!” Taking her own advice, she quickly dropped to the ground and flattened out as much as possible.

The trees parted, torn aside by massive paws as the Ursa roared at the ponies who had dared invade its territory. As it stepped outside of the treeline, Pitch focused his magic. A strong positive charge accumulated on the bear’s leg. Suddenly, a blinding arc of electricity singed the creature’s massive paw. It roared in pain and rage. Pitch started charging another shock. As the Ursa took an angry step toward him, he allowed small patches of positive charge to accumulate all over its starry coat. The air filled with deep buzzes and loud cracks as the electricity leaped all over the bear. Roaring in agony, the Ursa reached out a huge clawed paw and swiped at Pitch. Concentrating on the magic, Pitch didn’t even see the blow coming. It knocked him completely off his hooves, throwing him twenty feet away. Pitch groaned, slowly getting to his feet. The Ursa shook itself like a dog, trying to rid itself of the aches caused by the bolts.

Both combatants recovered enough to face each other again, the Ursa roaring in rage and puffing itself up. Pitch glanced behind him. The ponies who weren’t sitting still with shock were cowering behind others. Pitch turned back to the Ursa. He had to end this now, or these foals might get themselves hurt. He began focusing his magic again.

The glow of Pitch’s horn traveled down his spine to his ribs. Soon, his entire skeletal structure glowed like a beacon as a loud buzzing filled the air. The hair on everypony’s back stood straight out and they all felt the tingle in their skin.

KRA-KOOOOOM!

The scene before the Forest lit up like the surface of the sun. Blinding light threw everything around it into sharp relief for a brief flash. The ground quaked as deafening thunder rolled over them and echoed back. Panicked roaring and crashing could be heard mingling with the thunder.

Her vision gradually recovering from the flash of light, Twilight saw that the Ursa had turned and run back into the Forest. One of the trees was split in half and smoking, small tongues of fire licking a couple of branches. Pitch himself stood where he had before, his horn smoking slightly. He shook with the effort of standing up, gasping for breath. Sitting down, he turned to look at the small congregation of ponies. Their expressions were a mix of anger, shock and in one yellow pegasus’ case, abject terror.

Just like that, here I am again, he thought.

Staring at them with disgust for a few minutes, the black unicorn eventually came to a decision. Turning slowly but resolutely, he began walking back into the Forest. He knew what to expect by now. It had always turned out this way when he eventually revealed his magic. If he stuck around, the mob wasn’t far behind. Memories of the past few days came to the forefront of his mind. Forcing them away, he thought instead about what had happened in the clearing. His eyes began to moisten as he remembered the look Apple Bloom gave him…

This is the right thing to do.

“WAIT!”

Pitch turned at the shout. Apple Bloom was hobbling toward him as fast as she could, falling every now and then as her injured leg collapsed under her. Despite this, she picked herself up and continued each time. He stood frozen in shock for a moment, and then trotted forward to meet her halfway.

“Why’re you leavin’,” she asked piteously, keeping her leg raised off the ground. “Ah thought you liked it here.”

“I do, Apple Bloom, but now that everypony knows I’m… well… different they won’t want me around anymore! Just look at them!” He pointed an accusing hoof at the small crowd of ponies. They still stood in a shocked silence, not knowing what to make of the situation. All of their manes were now stood out from their heads like afros, except for Pinkie whose mane was now twice the size of her head.

“Aw, that’s just stinkin’ thinkin’. You ain’t even met ‘em yet!”

Pitch still thought the Forest was a more appealing proposition. It must have shown on his face, because Apple Bloom brought out her ace in the hole.

Looking up at him with wide, tear-filled eyes, she pleaded, “A-Are ya really gonna make me walk all the way back there alone with a hurt leg?”

This was too much for Pitch. He relented with a frustrated sigh. Lowering himself so she could climb onto is back, he started walking slowly toward the other ponies. “Alright, let’s meet these friends of yours.”