BRAWLER

It was fittingly cold tonight, the only warmth or light coming from the lantern that dangled on the side of the wagon. Something that was very striking for Applejack, was how beautiful the sky was. Normally she did not pay attention to the stars, but she was feeling reflective and melancholy. Stars were strange, sprouting randomly in the sky. A funny thought came to mind if she was in control; those stars would be much more orderly.

“This is crazy.”

“I know Rainbow.”

“Remind me why we just blew those bits?”

“He would not have made through the next fight.”

“I think he could have.”

“Even if he did, they were fixing for tonight to be the last one.”

“Right.” All she did was stare at the ground in contemplation of that reminder. “AJ?”

“Yeah?”

“You as freaked out as I am?”

“I think so.”

“I still feel sick. How can they get away with that? I mean why doesn't something like that just say no to these fights?”

“If he did, the cages make sense. I doubt any creature would want to be in those conditions at all.”

“I guess... It was really lucky we found him.”

Now the nature of this suspicious night came back to remind Applejack of what was happening. “Wasn't too easy?”

“I think that mare took us for suckers.”

“I hope she did, then the worst is over.”

“Still worth it?”

“Even double.”

The heavy cart behind slowed to a halt with her lead, Rainbow as relieved for the momentary break. Applejack dropped the reins of the wagon to inhale the fresh countryside air. She had been hauling the container with Rainbow for what felt like a long time. Her nagging worry now could find relief being at a greater distance from the arena.

“Alright, we're far enough now.”

“Far enough for what?”

“I need to get in there and have a gander.”

“Applejack, he's had time to rest.”

“So?”

“So that thing-”

“It's not a thing!” Rainbow snapped back in surprise at the outburst. Applejack turned about to stare at the foreboding doors, only imagination seeing the creature inside. “Sorry... He needs help.”

“I know, but if we move faster we can get home to Twilight. I'm not too keen on seeing him agro up on us.”

“I'll be honest with you, I don't think any if that shaking around helped. I know you can smell that too, it's bad.”

“I understand, i’m worried too. It could be dangerous.” Applejack took the lantern down from the peg to fully illuminate the doors. “I'm not letting you open it up.”

“Try to stop me.”

Applejack removed the first bolt before Rainbow's hoof grasped hers. “I'll do it.”

“You'll what?”

“Look AJ. If things get tough, I can fly away.”

“But I can't-”

“Let me just do this, stay back and wait please. You are way too slow and we can’t trust the idea that he won't hurt us. I mean...you saw what he did already.”

Reluctantly acknowledging the offer with a nod, she retreated a significant distance from the wagon. Every few hooves Rainbow would gesture to gain a little more distance. It was understandable, they were not sure what the motives were for cooperation. Applejacks instinct was to trust him, but Rainbows were not the same. The contrast was reason enough to be cautious.

Applejack waved to her friend, watching her pull at the bolts and hoist the door ajar. It was heavy, groaning complacently as the metal ground it's way open. No sooner than the half door as fully swung to expose a dark interior, was she joined by her friend with a gust of wind and exhale of relief. “That...reeks!”

Normally she would have chuckled with that, but her attention was enraptured with this thing now. They waited together, Rainbow holding onto Applejack and ready to fly. Time dragged on, the dim moonlight only illuminated the swaying of with grass and trees in the breeze.

It was difficult to wait, to stare at the dark empty gape of this cage. Fear failed to hold Applejack, terror managing to push her forward. Rainbow settled beside, slowly stepping in closer. She squeaked in a restrained scream as Applejack cleared her throat, that confused glare at her giggling only encouraging it.

“Relax there, lets see if he's still alright. Hey Champ! Can you hear me?!” There was no answer. The minutes moved forwards for seemingly hours before Rainbow whispered.

“Can he even understand us?”

“I know he can. Look, we want to help you! You need help. Please just come out here and let us look.”

“They waited for any response, nothing.”

“You got another light?”

“Only the lantern, but we have to get close to see.”

“No choice here,” she sighed. “Light it a sec, let me just grab this.” She removed a rod from the side of the wagon, to the shock of her friend. “I know, but some animals don't know we're trying to help them. Just in case.”

“I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“I wrangled me a critter or five before, this ones hurt so be careful.”

“Alright...”

They cautiously stepped into the dark, the lantern providing some light in its feeble glow. The smell and heat were incredible for one animal to have generated. Te containers surface was padded, insulated, the first sign of any true compassion for the brawlers.

From this distance, they could see the glinting of the metal in the brawlers body. A few steps more revealed his unblinking eyes. Applejacks breath stopped as she watched the chest, a breath confirmed after what felt too long a time. She smiled to him, the only response a blink. What made it worrying was how he watched her; widened eyes and tensed muscles, constantly looking to the rod she held. His body was slumped on the back wall, sagging arms and legs.

“Hi?”

He swallowed, the opened cheek doing little to hide the gurgled gulp. “Help...”

“That's right, we're here to help.”

“To help.” He raised the plated hand to touch his chest. Applejack nodded and he seemed to sigh.

“We want to help you. You understand?” He nodded in response. “My name is Applejack, this is my friend Rainbow. We think you need something for that knee, but we need to know you will not hurt us.”

“Not...much...speak.”

“Great...this is going to complicate things. What do you want to do AJ?”

“I...don't know.”

“Let's start with this.” She stepped forwards to the brawler, he did not move from the sullen slump. She continued to come into the reach of him, still no movement. His intentions were confirmed as he closed his eyes and screwed up his face, almost afraid. “You won't hurt us, right? Take my life?”

“Master...is life. I no can take. I take...brawler, and master’s no friend.”

It was very difficult to understand what he meant, but the exhaustion apparent spurred Applejack on. She was now a fraction from him, reaching her hoof out to rest on the plated left hand. She held her breath as her frog contacted the knuckle. He did not move. She jumped back as a movement caught her eye; Rainbow had taken the other palm in her hooves, avoiding the two spikes on the fingers. Her tenderness was surprising, the concern quelling all fear.

“Rainbow?”

“He's hurting...just look.” She followed the eyes to his hand, he had lost a lot from those minor cuts. The heat from the knee she was standing over was radiating upwards. It was an indication to how much damage had been done by that female mentioned.

“New master...is...” Applejack waited but the words did not seem to come.

“I'm not your-”

“Maybe that's not a good idea.”

“You..buy. You are master. You hold key.”

“Key?”

“This I think.” Applejack held up the stick she unsheathed from the wagon. He seemed to tense as she held it closer. It was a simple item, a black rod with a rubber grip and a lever to squeeze on. She squeezed done on the lever, a series of aggressive and violent sparks shooting off along the body of it. The sudden crackling startled her enough to drop it, never had she been so conflicted.

“That's... Horrible!”

On one hoof, her only defence had fallen away, the brawler now watching her next action. On the other hoof, he did not move. It was strange as she picked it up again, he did not try to escape. She showed a true sign of trust, turning about and throwing the rod clear out of the container. She spun abruptly about to the gaping mouth of Rainbow and the brute,

Look! I'm here to help, nopony is your master!

“No master?”

“Applejack!”

“You no master...” He seemed to growl as he said it,

“No, I'm your friend! Do you know what a friend is?”

“Know...is?”

“To understand.”

“Look, friend.” Rainbow grasped the heavy spiked hand and gently shook it. We are your friends. Applejack was proud of her courage, it was clear that alone relieved some of his tension.

“I...know...friend. You not fighter keepers?”

“We are not fighter keepers.”

“We...are...not fighter keepers,” he imitated.

“I could not leave you there in that pit. Is your old master going to pull a fast one?”

“Fast one...many words I not..know.”

“Will they come to get you back?”

He thought about it a moment, the eyes looking to the upper left. “If they come, I brawl. I no...think they risk.”

“You would fight them?”

“Master is in trouble, I brawl to protect. Life of you is high.”

“Thats terrible, but I understand. Right now, let's look at that knee.”

“Look at knee?”

She hovered her hoof over the swollen area. “Help.”

“I...know.”

“You mean you understand.” He nodded. “That’s Good. Please hold still.”

“You want me still...still like others?”

Applejack could understand what he meant, although she did not know why. “Not still forever. Still for a minute.”

“He doesn't get much at all.”

“Understand minute. Sixty seconds on clock, average brawl time.” She nodded, a shock at being reminded of the brawlers nature. “I hold still for sixty seconds.”

Alright. Her hoof gently pulled up the cloth, allowing him to retain what little dignity he had. She examined the leg, every movement being carefully followed by her friend and him. He winced as her hoof gently pressed on the top, then growled as it probed the area gently. Something strange needed to be confirmed by probing the other leg; the kneecaps were on the front strangely, one of them completely shattered. The damage could have been worse, it needed a scan.

“What's wrong?”

“I think his knee is right done in. We'll get him to the vet.”

“A vet?”

“Her scanner is large enough to take a gander and she's closer to help out.”

“Can we do anything now? I mean I can bandage it up but I don't think that will help.”

“Me too, best let it air out.”

“Bad.”

“Don't worry Champ. Will be good soon.”

“Sorry Master. I no more strong.”

“No saying sorry. I think you meant; I am not strong anymore.”

“I are not strong anymore.”

“Close enough,” she smiled in gratitude that he was trying, although he did not mimic the gesture.

“Alright Champ, listen please.” He turned to look at Rainbow. :We are friends of the princesses, they can stop this.”

“Stop.”

“That's right. We need you to stay strong and alive. Please don't give in.” Seeing the glazed eyes, it was certain Rainbow’s fears were well founded.

“I will stay strong. I no stop.”

“I don’t think he gets it.”

“He will AJ.”

“I agree. Now do you need something Champ?”

“Thirst.”

“No worries.” Rainbow darted out the container for a moment, leaving Applejack alone with it. While it seemed harmless enough on the surface, being alone with the brute brought a new sense of terror. Her mind cruelly ran scenarios over what he could do to her if that fighting spark emerged once more. She fought the urge to scream as his plated hand tapped her hoof.

“Master...thank you.”

“Champ, how long has this been going on?”

“Not understand. Sorry.”

“Ah it's alright. Just stay put for a few more hours.”

“Will stay for a few more hours.”

“Here!” Rainbow darted in with the Aquarifist, the official drink if the brawlers. “Drink up big guy.” He grasped it weakly with the trembling right hand. Rainbow merely carried the drink to his mouth, the hand slipping off in understanding. “It's okay.”

He drank gratefully, emptying the comparatively small bottle in seconds. Some spilled out through the teeth on the right side, no cheeks left to hold it in. There was another spilling, it betrayed a broken spirit. Applejack had to check twice to be sure. “What's wrong? More pain?”

“Thirst, never thought...to taste this again.”

That one managed to hurt, the truth of it sinking in. As she thought about it, she could see him standing in the ring not a few months ago; his arms spread wide in triumph, his favourite drink the greatest reward for victory as he splashed it about himself. Wishing was for fillies, but Applejack wished with all her being they had found him sooner.

Rainbow was as eager as her about this ordeal. Her hoof stroked the scared arm as he drank, never had Applejack seen Rainbow this tender. It was endearing. She noticed Applejack’s staring and quickly retracted her hoof with a blush. Looking up with a smile, it was clear he had fallen asleep.

“I'm not sure this is going to work...the roads only get rougher from here.”

“We have no choice sugar cube.”

“We might...”

“What?”

“We are not too far from an old friend.”

“Wait, we’re in...are you sure Rainbow?”

“I don't know. We haven't spoken since that whole visit fiasco. I mean maybe she should help because I know she's a fan. If you're going to be alright here alone I mean, this won’t be a five second dash.”

Applejack thought about it very carefully, the eyes she looked into were not ones to fear. There was a trust in them she recognised. “Worth a try. How long do you need?”

“Depends on her. I'll be sure to make it quick, I promise.”

“If you can, it would really help him get there safer.”

“I know. Good luck AJ, please be careful.”

“You too.”

With an hesitant beat of the wings, she watched her friend disappear to the night. Now came an overwhelming feeling of dread, knowing she was right beside such a creature. It was dread for no known reason, not even instinct was sure what should be felt. She slowly stepped out to the cold night.

After a stretch and and an attempt to shake of the exhaustion, she retrieved a thermos from the wagons side saddle. It was something they had picked up a mile or so from an inn, a warm drink of something sweet. She was glad Rainbow could be so insistent sometimes. Returning to the back of the container, the brawler remained slumped against the far side. She stroked the good cheek gently to coax him back. The eye did open to be followed by a look of pure confusion to her.

“Champ, I need you to drink this please.” She unscrewed the top and poured the hot drink into it, watching the steam sway as she stepped by his left side. The right was too dangerous with the stained metal there. After blowing on the surface to cool it, she placed the beverage to his lips. He managed to sip some of it, the eyes now too weary to open. He drank the entire cup, the leftwards tilt not allowing ant to spill out this time. She screwed the cup back on top.

“How is it?”

“Is it warm.”

“You mean; it is warm.”

“It...is warm.”

“Very good.”

She moved to the side as he lay on the ground, beginning to shiver. Applejack looked around for something, finding some blankets in the side in a pouch. She took a woollen one and tossed it over, his body was very cold. Extra effort was set into tucking his paws and legs. To see him shivering here, a shell of what she once knew, was surreal. The reaction had come very quickly, the drink had perhaps reminded him of the cold night.

“Champ? Can you drink some more warm please.”

“Not want.”

“I know, but you need to.”

“Cold...c...cold without smoke.”

“Smoke?”

“Blue smoke. I....think worse now with no smoke.”

A realisation hit as she remembered the mist beginning and ending that fight. The shaking made sense now, this was something she had only seen in school a long time ago. The shivering, sweating, he was in agony; he was in withdrawal. Every instinct in her commanded not to do it, but it was impossible to just sit there and watch.

“Come here.” She reached over and leaned in, he did not move as she held on to what she could. Adding pressure was unwise with the blade under the blanket, it must have made it difficult to sleep properly. The frame was large, engulfing in its mass. There was this dismay in her over holding such strength, brought to a state by a time she could scarcely imagine.

In her sadness an urge gave in to kiss the shoulder, a salted bitterness in the balked texture. She shushed his complacency, offering more of the cup. He sipped from it, almost whimpering with the swallow. Do you know what's happening to you right now?”

“N...no.”

“Your body is coming off the blue smoke. It was a poison.”

“Feeling very weak. Poison...is?”

“Bad stuff, hurts you. You will feel terrible tonight. Give it time to adjust.”

“Adj..ust?”

“Change.”

“Sorry.”

“You're sorry?”

Sorry for words, weak. Weak brawler is dead.”

“No no. Just try to go to sleep, it will make it easier.” He drank some of the cup again, most of it spilling to the floor. The hand managed to wrap around it neatly to remind her of his dwarfing size.

“Ah this won't work.” She She stepped out quickly and grabbed a part of the wagons storage tarp. “Hold up your sharp arm please.” He complied slowly, the mechanism twisting clumsily as it balanced on the spike. She wrapped the part tightly around, draping another blanket over herself as she settled beside him.

It was probably unwise to be here, but she knew he needed warmth from another body, at least the blanket over him dampened the smell. She tested the fit, hoisting the bladed arm over and fitting against his belly. He did not look comfortable, trying to shy away.

“Master should not, dangerous.”

“No no. I am fine and you are too. Does this feel good?” She nestled against the softer section of his chest. The trembling simmered, as did his laboured breathing. “It's alright, you're safe here. I promise.”

“Master...”

“You need something to be safe right now, I am here for you.”

“Why?” That was the confusing question. If anything, she was here because of what her Granny said; kindness is difficult, because it is the most rewarding. That alone kept her this close, a desire to give something back to the one she respected. That respect was well founded, already he had shown faith in what was happening. “Master?”

“Doesn't matter right now, just please get better.”

The weight of his plated arm sank down as his breathing deepened. It was a tremendous force, but bearable. The icy metal did not feel comfortable. At least the draped the blanket over the both of them would warm it up soon.

“You not as old master, old master was...hurt.”

“I know. How are you feeling?”

“Smaller cold. Master is very warm.”

She sighed. “Look Champ, could you please stop calling me that. Now that I think about it, what's your actual name? Do you like being called Champ?”

“Champ is joke.”

“Because you were the champion...”

“Old champion, yes.”

“Well, what name would you like?”

“Name? I can have another name?”

“It's up to you.”

“Can I think?”

“Oh of course, but I have to call you something for now.”

His eyes visibly wandered in thought. “No know. Old name no longer here.”

“I got nothing neither. Well, you must call me Applejack. Say you, not master all the time.”

“I must sh...show respect.”

“You already have by not hurting me.”

“I...want t..to.”

It was becoming more difficult not to tear up. This reminded her of a time long before now, this action a comfort she had felt for a long while. “Hey, how about Adam?”

“A dam is?”

“That was my grandad's name, I think he would be honoured a champion brawler has it. Adam Apple, perfect. You like it?”

“Apple?”

“Fruit.”

“Why name of fruit?”

“Oh, that’s my family name. Applejack Apple.”

“You have a good name, Master Applejack. Name of Adam is smart.”

“You know what an Adams apple is?”

“Target on brawler throat, takes breath away for time. Correct?”

“Oh. Yeah...that's right.” He seemed to have learned all his language from only fighting, an unpleasant reminder yet again.

“I not know why you help...thank you...my friend.”

“Could you...say that again. Please.”

“Applejack is a good friend. Correct word.”

“What is a friend?”

“Friend is...feel safe.”

“Thanks. The grip around her tightened as she nestled in.”

His trembling became worsened, she reached up to the head as his whimper came through. She needed to smother this turmoil with the only thins she had. She pressed her muzzle firmly to his, the action easing the shaking.

:Look at me Adam. The eyes hesitantly found their focus. You are safe with Applejack. I promise.”

“Applejack.”

“That's right. You just let it all out, I am here for you.”

“I not know why you are safe, but I know you say to me one day.”

“Even tomorrow. It's alright, Applejack is here.” She did not understand why she did it, but she kissed the snout. He was strangely salty in taste, it felt great to just kiss him. It was empowering to be able to bring safety to this dwarfing animal. It was relieving to see that the trembling resided. The only way she could help now, was to be there for him as best she could.

“Master must not.”

“I am not your master, and I can do what I want to you. You need to know there's somepony here for you.” She kissed the forehead, even the metal plating could not repel. Tucking her forehead under his chin, she sighed deeply to welcome the beginning of sleep. His rough voice tickled as he spoke.

“Thank...you.”

“Not yet, I got to earn that one.”

“You...earn it now. Where other one go?”

“She's gone to get help, we need to get you somewhere safe and fix up those... Umm... She gets help for you. Trip rough, not smart to shake you.”

“I understand, thank you for speaking easy.”

“No problem.”

“Master Applejack has seen me before in the filly fights.”

“Yeah,” she sighed. The deduction was surprising and thrilling. It was unclear if he remembered her or he simply concluded it, but it was flattering to know he could know that.

“I happy to be your...umm...”

“Friend?”

“Friend, he agreed.”

She tucked her forehead in further,nestling to give him any further comfort she could. The smell had become more bearable with the exposure. The fresh air and lantern did help. “Sleep now.”

“Yes Master Applejack.”

The night was sadly not over, she needed to rest quickly and hope Rainbow could recruit that hardhead to help them. Another daunting task did approach however; it was to find a reason. A reason why in all sanity she was helping him, risking so much for this stranger. A reason why it had felt too good, to kiss him.