BRAWLER

Whatever was going on in this place, it was clear it was wrong. The back room to the brawling arena proved to be something from the darker of imaginations. Lighting was limited to exclusively focus in each area a brawler sat. They were contained in basic cages, thickened triangular bars neatly set up around each one individually.

The sounds of hoof steps were all that could be heard in the room, eerie considering how many brawlers there were. If there was one striking feature about each one, it was the smell. Applejack did not have the constitution to look at some of them, the festered injuries and offensive odours turning her eyes forwards.

It was remarkable how calm the usher was. He strolled by them with ease of mind, not a single glance to any of them. Seeing Rainbow move closer to herself, it was a composure she envied of him.

They were guided down a flight of stairs to turn about under the area. Looking ahead, there were only two cages now present; one brawler on its back only to be seen. Champ was clearly visible, seemingly blinded from all the lighting around. Beside the cage was a familiar mare examining him at a distance, the same one who sold the tickets to them. She turned about and smiled broadly, the only sense of warmth down here. It was a strong contrast how her kind eyes, white mane, and warm summer sun coat contrasted the darkness. Something distinct though was her cracked horn.

“You can get going now chicken.” She gestured to the Usher and seemed to gratefully trot out. “Welcome Ladies!” Her accent was now less slurred than in the bar, it reminded Applejack of the fast talking city ponies.

“Umm...hi? Weren’t you kind of...you know, at the bar?”

“Oh I get over those things very quickly. Got your bits worth on the opening brawl alone I bet. Want to look at my prize huh? Really thought he was going down there.”

“How?”

“That knee should have been it, Twist never capitalised. What a fight though! Told you his finisher was the greatest!”

Applejack had to stifle her revulsion being reminded who was now staining her white shirt. “It was...a finisher alright...”

“I see you got an awesome souvenir. Very nice pattern indeed. The fibres will lock it into place, just iron it before you wash it and its a keeper.”

Applejack had to nudge Rainbow seeing the anger she was about to release. “Yeah...awesome.”

“Well come on then, take a good look at your winner. Stay behind the red line ladies, no need to be loosing anything today.”

“Is it that dangerous?”

“Well we do have measures, but why risk it.”

“What do you mean by that?” Applejack was more curious as to how her champion could allow himself to be subjected to this.

“Well, the bars are sharpened for example.”

“And that smoke?”

“Just a little something to give them a few minutes nap, nothing that would harm the body.” The triangular bars made more sense now.

“How do you keep them like this?”

“Easy really, just add the right mist in the air and there we go. They are mostly the same colour unfortunately, so we have to be careful with labels.”

“How does smoke do that?”

“Something in the formula. It actually makes it very easy to treat him for the next fight.”

“So you do treat him then?”

“I do quite a lot, got to keep him fighting. The other trainers are not so...prepared shall we say.”

“Prepared to pay to look after them?”

“That, and prepared to get in and look after them.” She tapped her horn for emphasis. “Nearly got me once, had to up the dosage there.”

“So they are not so friendly...”

“That was when he was still new, broke him in now. Watch this.” She shimmied up to the side and tapped on the bars with a rod of some design. The brawler within stirred to sit up, the whole time his eye focussed on that rod. “Up there sunshine, didn't think I’d be seeing you again.” The brawler’s balance, even seated, was sloppy. It was disconcerting to see what he was, considering before. “I said hello sunshine!” She hit the bars to echo off once more in their ring, he seemed to wince at the sound.

“Master.” The voice, while growling deeply, was strained in the effort to form words. Applejack was not aware they could speak. The words themselves tied a knot in Applejacks stomach, a great sadness settling in.

“Say hello to these two ladies, they paid good money to come see you back here.”

“Hello ladies.”

“Umm...hi.”

“Evening Champ.”

“Don’t they look pretty? Apparently lost a bit on your fight.” She waited but no response. “Sorry, they don’t really speak the local language. Say they look pretty.” She hit the bars once more, now he seemed to gain some lucidity. It was difficulty to watch, to have everything in her scream to stop it. What made it bearable was placing her granddad beside her, and knowing what she waited to do with Champ. There was already an idea seeing his current condition, she only needed to wait for the right opening.

“They look pretty.”

“Good boy. Now you just stay put.”

Applejack say Rainbows distress, she still hadn’t let go of her hoof. With a squeeze and a pleading smile, she reminded her friend she was there. It seemed to work.

“Well he is a big one, and very strong.”

“I don't know what I can tell you, this one is something. I've seen his leg break, but he can still stand on it. Doesn't look too good though.”

“You don't want to treat that?”

“Too much money, not worth the fix.”

“I thought he was tough? You don't want to invest in that?”

“Nope.”

Seeing the tired eye of the brute, there was a lot of anger in them. Enough to make her take a step back. “That’s a shame.”

“Like I said, he's not worth the fix. Not sure anypony could get close enough to do it. I'll tell you something...he is one ruthless monster. No compassion, not even for his own kind.”

“Really?”

“Took down a female last time. She did that to his leg, he did the same to her neck. Poor thing was gone before she hit the ground.”

Applejack had to restrain herself hearing this, having great disgust in maintaining a feigned enthusiasm. “That sure is ruthless. Got a fighting spirit.”

“You know, how was he not the favourite to win?”

“I don't boast, gets some of the more...naive ponies to bet otherwise. Oh nopony is going to believe it. You should see some of the beasts he's taken down.

“So he's your best?

“Yup.”

Applejack could see something; she was talking it up. Many a time had she dealt with sales ponies and this was a pitch. Her granddad taught her the signs to watch for. “So...hard to contain huh?”

“Yup, that there is the strongest cage I can put together without wasting the cash. Other fighters cooperate. Mine over there...” She gestured to the dark. “He's broken, a little thing that I can rely on. Sort of like a pet.”

Applejack looked about but there was nothing she could see. “I don’t get it sorry.”

The mare smiled and tapped her hoof three times. Applejack jumped back as a dark coloured brute stepped out from the shadows. It looked nothing like champ; tall and modestly built, wearing fine armour of the darkest black.

“Relax, he’s a good boy.”

“You..have two?”

“I own about seven actually. Champ it my best fighter, but Titus here is my best companion. I keep him as a...protector.”

“So he’s a bodyguard?”

“Not really. With him around, Champ doesn’t try anything funny. What better to keep a brute down than another brute!” she laughed. The brawler behind her remained silent, his expression steady as his focus shifted to Champ.

“So they...can be...tamed?”

“Sort of, I have a collar on Titus just in case. Never trusted nopony before.”

“Mind if I ask some questions?”

“You got the ticket there mare.”

“Alright...” She thought about the next series of questions carefully. They would have to be designed in a way that showed interest in one, but not in owning one. “Why are they hairless?”

“Oh, that’s our work, no hair to grab onto during a fight. They do have some hair in the pits of the upper arms, head, and various other places. I just weaved a spell to remove it all.”

“And what about the...decoration?”

“The writing? He did that to himself.”

“I mean the...armour?”

“Oh...” The mares voice became saddened. “That was a while ago. We’ve tried to graft steel to a brute before, he was the first one to survive and lead the way for others like Twist. The procedure is dangerous sadly, Titus here has none for example.”

“I thought you said he was hurt.”

“He was, that’s why we did it. I don’t want to get into details.”

“How was that blade necessary?”

“Hmm... After we fixed the crushed facial area, I decided to add some things in one go, instead of many. Make it quick at least.”

“So this was your doing?”

“Hey, he was worth it back then.”

“And now?”

“Nopony...or otherwise, wants to pit theirs against him. He just doesn't bring in the bits.”

“And what do they...eat?”

“These here are carnivores, no different than the next flesh eater. They are weird though, like it better cooked.”

Applejack was so stunned she could not speak, fortunately Rainbow did not have the same problem. “Oh come on! How could you keep a flesh eater around?! You expect us to believe he just lives off water or something?”

“Darling, you’ve seen what he lives off of already. In fact, I guess they are already preparing it.”

The casual tone and realisation did cause Applejack to release her stomach into her mouth. It was sheer force of will that returned it to the rightful place. Seeing the funny look on the unicorn, she casually tried to avert attention. “E..excuse me.”

“So you...umm.”

“Its alright, not many ponies know about it. It’s not a secret, but it’s just something they assume, never confirm. I was shocked when I learned about it too.”

Rainbow still had her jaw dropped, sounding words out in gibberish. Applejack squeezed the hoof again, snapping her friend back to here. “So they eat...”

“Twist was a big one, that’s a good week or two. But I guess you should know they do eat other things.”

Applejack didn’t want to ask, but her mouth had other ideas. “Such as?”

“Well there are no rats around for a reason. Bug; fruit, veg, other things... They pretty much eat anything.”

At this mentioning, Applejack had an overwhelming urge to jump away from the cage suddenly. Looking on him, the eyes were squarely focussed on her. He did not move or react, but that instinct told her to move. There was more than enough to convince the Princesses to end this. Looking at that leg though, he wouldn't be around long enough for that. There was one way out for him; “How much?”

“Oh?” the unicorn slyly answered. “Does this here little guy interest you?”

“He does, as you say he's not much of a fighter with that leg now, probably will lose the next one. I can make better use for him.”

“One or two more fights though can easily come in helpful to seal big money.”

“Sounds like you're trying to pull a fast one.”

“Really? Now they all know what he's made of, when he goes down they will lose a lot of bets.”

“But they know he's injured, how many ponies would bet on a one legged horse?”

“I suppose...” She smiled as she rubbed her jaw and stared at Champ. “Still going to take quite a bit to convince me.”

Now the game was going to begin, Applejack would have to make her granddad proud. “Well... Let's start at ten.”

“Ten! Ha ha you are joking!”

“I said start.”

“Make it one hundred and ten.”

Applejack cursed the fact that her ear twitched at the price, a tell to her situation. It was a lot to ask. “Why shouldn't I just canter out right now?”

“Go on, I see you want him. It's not my job to ask why. Gotta tell you they don't make that great a companion. Seriously lacking if you catch my drift.”

“Fine then, fifty.”

“Still not hearing, make it one hundred and fifty.”

“I...can't pay that for this.”

“Then we are done here. As she turned away to make for the stairwell, Applejack was lost on what to do. The mare passed her with the dark brute following, a smirk at having employed one of the oldest ricks in the book.

Applejack looked to Champ, almost as though to apologise. He did make a movement in that instant however, it was enough to furrow her brow in confusion. A hand raised up to point a finger in her direction, then to the unicorn. He seemed to mouth a word she could almost understand, the shining teeth causing her to wince as they shifted.

“Bet?” He nodded to her, a feeble smile of approval. The idea hit, she trotted past the red line and came close to him, the brawler not moving at all. “You want out?” Again he nodded. “You will not hurt me?” With his shake of the head, an urge caused her to spin about and shout at that keeper. “Hey! We're not done!”

She slowly turned with a smirk. “Oh?”

“You like bets? Let’s make one.”

“What on the outcome of a fight? I would rather have the money!”

“Well you have my offer. Fifty for a near dead brute.”

“What did you have in mind for a bet then?”

“Name it, your terms.”

The unicorn trotted beside Applejack, passing the red line without the slightest care. Her reason became obvious as Titus eerily rounded the cage to stand behind Champ, a slight tap on the bars to gain his attention. The unicorn seemed intrigued by Applejack’s energy.

“You really like him...don’t you?”

“Like I said; he’s got a fighting spirt.”

“You plan to breed or rebuild?”

“I don’t know,” Applejack chuckled.

“What do you mean?”

“I just don't know!” she laughed out loudly.

“Hang on a moment, you’ve seen him in the filly fights! Oh I get it! This is some infatuation you got.”

While being offended, Applejack did not correct her in hopes of sympathy. At this moment, the keeper had the upper hoof. “Sure, now what’s the game?”

“Never said yes dear.”

“Didn’t say no either.”

The smile she gave Applejack was very unnerving. “I like you.” She tapped her jaw in contemplation. “Since you really like him, care to show it?”

“Umm...Applejack, let’s just forget this please.” Rainbow did have a point, but that look he gave moments ago...she could not trot away.

“Hush now, I got this. Show you huh? Depends...”

“Get in there with him. If he doesn’t maul you, you get your sixty.”

“I said fifty!”

“And I’m saying sixty! Want to make it one sixty?”

“You really are something, you know that?!”

“Hey, hate the game not me.”

“No, You are not getting in there with-”

“I got this Rainbow! Just simmer down.” She released.

“Actually...” the mare began, “fifty if you both go in.”

“Deal.”

“WHAT?!”

“I need a minute to talk to my friend here.”

“Take a lifetime! I’m not-” Applejack grabbed Rainbow and dragged her off a few more hooves away. She whispered in a manner that seemed to calm her friend instantly.

“Look at me Rainbow, You said you’ve got my back.”

“Of course I-”

“Keep it down.” It was difficult to maintain a calm voice. “That is our favourite brawler right there, and he’s in serious trouble.”

“I know AJ, but he isn’t our friend, he will-”

“Not do one thing to us, you saw him nod.”

“Yeah, but they don’t speak pony.”

“Don’t need to, he wants out badly. Now you get in there with me, and we’ll sort this out. The...P’s are going to need to see this to believe us completely. They need to see it.” There was silence for a while. “Bow?”

“Alright...” she sighed. “Are you sure sure sure?”

“I am. I can’t explain it, but I am.”

“So what do we have to do.”

“Honey, that there is one serious carnivore. You get in there with it, with your friend... I’ll take that fifty. Bear in mind, he hasn't been fed for a while. It’s what gives them an edge in the fight.”

“Alright, you still got my back?” Her friends nod was what gave her strength to step to the large door. The mare flickered her magic to open the lock. It was one lock, but by the sound it was a heavy one. The ominous groan of the bolt did little to stave the nerves.

“One thing before we begin this, you understand I might not be able to get you out of there.”

“I do.”

“Then why risk your life? For some beast that could do you in.”

“They are are tough like you say. Truth be told I want to preserve him, if he's as strong as I've seen.”

“Oh he is. You know you begin this, you aren't coming out. I've seen him tear the throat out of one of his handlers. Asked for his help, fool never saw it coming.”

Now there was a lower certainty as to why it had nodded. She needed to believe these things were worth saving. She saw those eyes, there was no hatred for her. It had looked so sincere. Her instincts told her what to do. The door swung open and she took the first step, Rainbow hesitantly following.

“Deal.”

“W...what!?” Suddenly that sly composure broke.

“Did I stutter?”

“No...no, but...he will kill you.”

“No he won't.”

“Honey, I'm not going to let you get in there. Let's talk a serious price. You can have the body when I'm done, easy to study. No brute is that important.”

“You will accept my offer right? No strings. Let me in.” There was an argument waged with stares at that moment, one that did not contain words. After some minutes, the mare sighed.

“At least let Titus-”

“I don’t need that thank you.” Applejack stepped confidently through the doorway, the unicorn dumbfounded as the two stepped in.

The mare slammed the door, the bolts locking in place again. The brawler did not move. Applejack cleared her throat to try relieve the dryness.

“Hey. It’s alright.”

Rainbow grabbed Applejack’s foreleg tightly as the brute shifted to try and stand. It was more painful to watch as the weight shifter and the metal components twisted in their vice of muscle and skin. Applejack nervously faced the dark corner as its dull thuds approached. She had the urge to panic again, but stifled it in an instant. The limp was terrible to watch, every agonised grunt drawing closer.

This was insane, she did not know this thing. The question of sanity came frequently in her mind as she saw it lumber closer. Something inside her was strangely...excited. That is what is was after all; excited. She felt as a filly did meeting a famous pony. She was excited to meet Champ.

Her enthusiasm and fear wrestled furiously with each approaching step. She gasped as Champ’s head washed over with light. This was the first time she had been this close to a brawler, his size was titanic. He was certainly taller than Celestia herself, the tallest pony she knew. The size was intimidating, it rooted her in place. She wanted to speak, but it was difficult.

She looked quickly to Rainbow as she swallowed audibly, she was as transfixed as her. A loud sniff from Champ and stole all focus, her breath shallow and quiet as he glared. He repeated it, turning to the keeper.

“Master?”

“This...umm...this here filly wants to...own you.”

“Own is?”

“Ah, idiot. She buy you. You go way.”

“I go?”

“I speak clear?”

“Yes Master!” His voice escalated in panic a moment, Applejack understanding as she saw her brandish that rod again. Even her brawler was tense; hands on the side and muscles tensed.

“Bend legs!” He complied with a heavy thud as the body collapsed to the knees, a tremendous wince betraying his pain. Applejack wanted to reach out to him, he looked so...broken. That was the best word for it. This brawler she admired and supported for his determination and will was now a weakened pet.

“Done gawking?”

“Umm...sorry. Just taking it in.”

“So am I! Never seen this before, you two should be gone. I know what you mean, first one is always a shock up close. Take your time to see all. Don’t be afraid to drop that ridiculous belt if you want more.” Applejack looked at the twisted fabrics as they twirled around the waist, that makeshift draping providing little dignity.

“I...don’t think I need that right now.”

“Really? Alright. Regretting your choice?”

“Not one bit.” She reached up to touch her hoof to his face. As it made contact with the rough skin, something remarkable happened. She saw his face wince, then soften. He appeared to relax at the sight and feel. She cast a smile now, enjoying the feel of his hand as it reached up to her hoof. A bang made him jump, and nearly made Applejack scream.

“What do you think you’re doing? Do not touch! No touch! Idiot.”

“Sorry master.”

“That mare in front of you is your master now. Anypony with the chops to get in a cage with you, is aces to me.”

“So we have a deal.”

“I actually was thinking about it. I would rather have the bits than the headache of another body. Just for fun though, get him to hug you and I’ll throw in the wagon to haul him.”

“You were going to skimp us on the wagon?! After...my friend just dropped that many-”

“It’s alright, you got a deal.”

“Are you crazy!”

The mare smirked smugly. “Your funeral.”

Applejack leaned in to the sagging brute, barely able to reach his ear. She whispered very quietly to him, hoping with all her heart he was the creature she imagined him to be. “I want to get you out of here. No more fighting. Just please trust me. Please trust me.” She whispered all the emotion she had into it, every piece she could to plead his cooperation. “You hug me and she let’s you go.”

“Hug...what is hug?” The voice was loud this close.

These words pained her, only adding to the picture of what had happened to him. “This is a hug.” She reached around to hold him, not too tightly.

“Hug...” Her breath was caught as she felt the arm come around her slowly, the cold metal touching her back as it eclipsed. Strangely her eyes closed and cheek pressed in, a smile easing its way.

Applejack knew why she was smiling upon seeing the keeper; her smirk looked as though it had been smacked clean off. “That’s right.”

“Ha!” Rainbow’s outburst made her jump again, all these sudden noises were havoc on the nerves. “Sorry, looks like we get a free wagon then.”

“How...how did you do that? Please, what did you say?!” The mare’s shock removed all enjoyment from the victory.

“I told him I wanted a hug, then I showed him what one was. Looks like the big guy needed it.” She was not wrong, the patch of dampness on the shirt she had told her so. He had tucked his head over her shoulder, calmed breathing and relaxed body doing much to motivate her. It was the good side, the one without plating or exposed teeth.

“It can’t be. I’ve never even seen it...”

“I thought you ‘explored’ them,” Rainbow mocked.

“After a heap of restraints and tranquillisers! You, are a brute whisperer for sure! Never seen one myself!”

The astonishment seemed ridiculous to Applejack. Her only focus however was getting him out of here. “It’s alright, let’s go home.” She released him and he hesitantly followed the cue. The face remained expressionless as she backed out, an open door being held for her.

As she and Rainbow stepped out, the door did not close. They waited expectantly, before finally the unicorn gestured to the brute still in the cage. “You have to haul him to the wagon, there’s a depot yonder.” She pointed towards darkness, lighting up a lantern on the far end of the chamber with her magic. It illuminated a large wagon, similar to circus carts but heavily armoured.

Rainbow’s sigh came out loud and clear. “We’re gonna have to haul it ourselves...aren’t we...”

“Oh come now, I bet I can pull faster than you.”

“We’ll see!”

“First you have to pay up, sixty as agreed.”

“Ahem.”

“I mean fifty sorry.”

“I bet you are,” mumbled Applejack. “You got a phone?”

“You can’t pay with cash?”

“Obviously I didn’t expect to be buying my very own brawler.”

“Obviously...”

“I can make a transfer through a phone, and I will pick up the late night fee. You know your number?”

“Wow, no worries here.”

Titus brought a long distance cable phone, the hand easily cradling it as he kneeled to hold it to her. “He speaks pony?”

“Oh he has to. Tough to train, a lot of positive reinforcement. Now if you please.”

She dialled the number and waited as each ring sounded out. The mare watching leaned against Titus and folded her forelegs, eagerly watching. Applejack knew she was being ripped off, but she allowed it for a good reason. If this mare was cheating her, she would want them out of the area as soon as possible, a goal for both of them to share.

Applejack could have lied, but she did not want any pursuit with the condition Champ was in. Another problem was being too honest; nothing she said tonight was a lie, why start now. Finally somepony cheerily answered, “Bank of Ponyville night service, Mrs. Zuinig speaking, how may I help?”

“Umm...hi. This is AJ.”

“Oh hi sweetie! How’s your brother and the little one?”

“They’re fine thanks. How’s Mr. Zuinig?”

“Still in bed with the flu.”

“Still?!”

“I know right! I told him to try the carrot soup but he’s just so-”

“Ahem! Want to hurry up there sweetheart?” The mare tapped her hoof in irritation with a playful smile.

“Sorry... Mrs. Zuinig, I kind of need to make a large transfer tonight. How fast could you move sixty thousand bits?”

“What?!” Even titus chuckled at the surprised squeal. “Are you in trouble or something AJ?”

“I’m fine sugar cube. Just buying myself something pretty.” She winked to the mare, sickened to do so.

“You can’t talk right? Just say your birthday and I’ll know.”

“I promise I’m fine, even got Rainbow here.” She held up the receiver in invitation. Rainbow eagerly accepted.

“Fixed that hole in your roof yet?!” She had cheered up quickly, perhaps it was the fact that her favourite was going to get out of this madness.

“I see dear. You know what I need then to make this happen.”

“I know.”

“And you’re sure? I have to ask what your buying.”

“I’m investing in my own brawler.”

“A what?”

“You know...brawler. Those two legged things that beat each other senseless.”

“In the filly fights maybe,” chuckled the unicorn.

“Alright, I need the number.” Applejack handed the receiver to the mare.

“7 18 9 5 14 4 18 8 9 16” She handed the receiver back.

“Who is that?”

“That’s the owner I’m buying him from. You got the number?”

“No worries, says the account belong to a...what’s her name?”

“Hang on, what’s the name?”

“Filly Fighters Anonymous.” She smiled as though pleased with her own joke.

“Filly Fighters Anonymous.”

“Alright, password?”

“Lock the account after the transfer please, password is two one three five D.”

“Alright honey... You really are sure? You’re going into fighting?”

“I am sure thanks. See you in the morning.”

“Alright dear, you take care now. There are easier ways to get a man you know...”

“I know,” she chuckled with the teller. “Thanks.”

“Night dear, money’s already there.”

She replaced the receiver and Titus took it back to wherever. Suddenly a beeper sounded from the mare and she removed a concealed pager from a pocket on the neat brawler. “Alright! He’s all your problem now.”

“Thank you.”

“Do you want Titus to haul him up?”

“I don’t-”

“Applejack...problem!” Rainbow jumped back as Champ stood high, most of the weight focussed on his good leg. Titus draped his arms and clenched his fists, facing the direction of Champ.

“BACK OFF!” Applejack’s shout stunned the brutes. “That’s my brawler and I’ll be darned if you hurt him.” She stormed to his side and grabbed the hand, avoiding the blade narrowly. “You won’t make trouble, right?”

“No...trouble.”

“It’s just amazing.” Champ lumbered into the awaiting wagon, every step being watched by the neater counterpart. The doors slid open with the help of the mare’s magic, the sound alone betraying how heavy it was. “Bye big guy. Going to miss you.”

“Bye master.”

She sighed in frustration and held her hoof to her head. “Such an idiot.”

“My problem now.”

“You got that right.”

Champ staggered to the back of the container, not even a sliver of moonlight treading through. AS she watched him lower to the hard floor, she whispered carefully so as not to be overheard. “I got you Champ. We’ll be home in no time, let’s get out of here.”

“Thank you,” he whispered. She stroked the cheek one more time, having to tear herself away from the urge to remain there. She pulled out and the door crashed loudly shut. Rainbow was already waiting by the mounting bracket.

“Need to wash your hooves?” Applejack was not as shocked as she should have been to notice the stains on her hooves, matching the ones on her shirt.

“I’m alright thanks.”

“Not staying for the other fights?”

“Can’t, got a champ to fix up.”

“And good luck there.”

Something was bothering Applejack a lot about what she had seen tonight. “You know, you have great control over Titus. Why so surprised about Champ listening?”

“He’s never been broken.”

The comment nearly made Rainbow faint. “I see.”

“I know what I’ve said and all...but watch yourself with him. There is always that little spark nothing can get to, he has a lot of fight in him.”

“I will. It was a right pleasure.”

Applejack mounted the brackets with Rainbow, and used all her strength to haul the wagon forwards. It was surprisingly simpler than expected, the weight barely a problem on the smooth road.

As they pulled away, Applejack glanced back to see the mare high hoof Titus.

“You okay AJ?”

“Yeah, thanks Rainbow. I mean thanks for just listening and trusting me.”

“Hey, you weirded out too?”

“Yeah...”

“What’s the plan now?”

“Let’s get some distance from this place, patch him up for the trip, and get him to my barn.” Applejack noticed Rainbow staring at her. “What’s wrong sugar cube?”

“You’ve done a really awesome thing just now.”

“Anything for our fave.”

“You bet. I don’t have too much AJ, but I will help out as best I can. No arguments.”

“I...appreciate that.”

“Where did you get that much anyway?”

“It’s not important right now. We need to keep this steady, nice and slow.”

“Scared to race me I bet. Next time I’ll whoop you good.”

“It’s a deal.”

Whatever they had witnessed tonight, she and Rainbow knew it was wrong. There was one major nag in the back of her mind in this eventful circumstance; Was that too easy?