A Little Lost Without You

Chapters

The Great Appearance
Rather Spectacular Realizations
Daring To Settle In

The Great Appearance

The sun rose steadily and began to peek through the windows of the apple red barn, casting magnificent rays of golden light that danced across the hay bales and neatly ordered farm utensils. Morning had graced PonyVille once again, thanks to Princess Celestia of course, and it was time to get cracking on the grounds of the proud and upstanding Apple family farm. Big Macintosh, earliest riser of the clan of Apple, quietly removed himself from his lodgings and began padding his way toward the front door to begin yet another day of strenuous labor. He stepped on the porch and looked out at a slew of bursting apple trees as the leaves twirled around on their twigs. The apples shown bright and shinning in the sunlight that had barely made its appearance. Silhouettes shown on the lush and dew laden grass from bushes that housed small critters that lacked Big Macintosh's incentive to rise eagerly. Big Macintosh filled his lungs with a rough and crisp breath that expanded his chest and pushed his body to put a hoof forward and begin to stride briskly toward the barn. He blinked his eyes a few times as he trotted on his course in hopes of ridding them of their sleepy state. It was time to work, after all.

Upon entering the wooden structure, Big Macintosh wasted no time at all in gather various assortments of hooks, straps, and harnesses. He turned to reach for the plow that was assuredly about to be used, when something deeper within the depths of the barn that had placed itself on a patch of fallen hay, caught his eye. Big Mac jolted backward making surprisingly little noise for a stallion of his stature and size and a small gasp escaped his lips.

"W-Who are you?! What are you doing in my barn? Leave! Immediately!", the words bellowed from the usually silent Big Macintosh like thunder from the angriest of storm clouds.

The figure slowly rose its' head, its' black mane fell from its previous pristine and undisturbed position, to a beautiful mess of entangled waves that fell onto the hay by the figures neatly folded and slender legs. It faced Big M, but he was unable to see who or what it was due to the lingering darkness that Celestias' sun was yet to reach. He stepped forward with a sturdy hoof, uneasy at the figures calm reaction to his hasty and not to mention, loud, outburst.

"You need to...uhh...leave. Now! You are trespassing on private property.", Big M put on his most assertive facial feature and eased forward yet again.

"I-I'm so sorry!", exclaimed the mysterious figure suddenly.

It brought itself to its hoofs and slowly emerged from Lunas' darkness and its eyes shown a magnificent and clear emerald green that captured Big Macintosh in a miniature trance. The mare was a beautiful and glistening dun color. Her legs, however, were black and lean and her tail dragged behind her gracefully like a wedding veil of pure black ash. She looked at Big M's tattered and dirtied red coat. Her eyes then wondered to his mouth that was open in pure wonder and then leisurely made their way to his tangled orange mane. Before returning her glance to his awe struck eyes, she eyed his cutie mark. The lime green apple-half intrigued her and a small smile graced her elegantly shaped face.

"I truly am sorry.", the mare with no name spoke again, "Please forgive me! I-I had no where to go and it was so col-"

"N-no need to apologize. I'm the one who needs to be directing apologies. You just...took me off guard is all.", Big Macintosh interjected in a blurry of hast and embarrassment at his previous rash actions toward the defenseless and lost mare.

"My name is Ani Me. It's spelled A-N-I M-E, but it's pronounced Annie May.", the once nameless acquaintance smiled brightly at Big Macintosh, who shown bright red beneath his deep red coat.

Ani Me walked closer to him and placed a hoof upon his, "What is your name, oh handsome stallion of PonyVille?"

This threw Big Macintosh for a loop and he turned his head away in pure embarrassment. Ani Me noticed this immediately and backed away swiftly, her own cheeks burning a light tinge of crimson.

"I'm so sorry! I'm so stupid! First I enter your barn without permission and then I invade your personal space. Will somepony PLEASE tell me why I'm so pushy?!", Ani Me gasped exasperatedly, a lock of black hair obscuring her vision.

"Hold on there little lady!", Big Mac began to shake his burly head at her ridiculous out burst, "It's just that, I've never been openly approached so warmly before. To be honest, I like your head strong nature."

The distraught mare looked up at the unusual stallion and wiped her tear brimmed eyes with her limber hooves as a giggle began to arise in her throat. "You make me laugh, Mysterious Big Red." Turning toward Big Mac, Ani Me pushed her mane out of her face with a careful hoof and glanced at Big Macintosh's face. "I hate to be a bother but, I'm starving Big Red."

The characteristics of determination melted away from Big Macintosh's face and turned into that of concern as he stepped toward Ani Me in a flash of utmost urgency as he spoke, "My! I'm truly sorry Miss! I didn't mean to be so rude! Please, you probably haven't eaten in a few days-"

"Brother! What in TARNATION is going on in here???", exclaimed a voice that was foreign to Ani Me. Much to her amazement, a golden mare with an adorable hay colored mane and tail appeared in front of the big barn doorway. The boyish pony's pine green eyes flicked from her brother, who's eyes were as round a saucers, to the mysterious mare who was congregating in HER barn, with HER brother, ALONE. The golden mare glared at Ani Me and trotted rather casually toward her before Big Mac could interject to save her from the hurricane of questions that were on the horizon.

Applejack smiled brightly at Ani Me and turned her head slightly in the direction of Big Macintosh, who was a little uneasy at the entire situation, and asked, "Aren't you gonna introduce me, big bro? She ain't one of them bad outsiders we been havin' them encounters with, is she? I can't be loosin nopony else."

Ani Me became uncomfortable with her question and backed away subtly, nearly stepping on her glossy black tail. However, she felt a surge of delight at the fact that somepony actually was interested in getting to know her, let alone know her name. Big Macintosh flushed scarlet, it was hardly noticeable, and turned away. He opened his mouth to speak in his deep and masculine voice when Ani Me realized that she should be the one doing the introducing.

"I'm Ani Me. It's spelled A-N-I M-E, but it's pro-"

"Ani Me??", exclaimed Applejack in an excited tone, "That's the finest name if I ever dun heard one!" She beamed enviously at Ani Me before she began to take an eyeful of her and come to the realization that that wasn't the only thing she might have to envy.
"Come to think of it, partner, you're pretty perfect all over, huh? What do you think Big Macintosh? Ain't this the prettiest stranger you ever dun seen?" Applejack turned playfully toward her brother before she noticed that he had begun gathering supplies and tools in an embarrassed frenzy. Ani Me giggled at his expense and Applejack chimed in as well.

"Well big bro, you sure do have to work on your conversational skills if you're EVER gonna find a mare." Applejack squealed with delight and Big Macintosh froze in his hurried tracks.

"C-come on, AJ. Don't be so mean to me in front of our guest. You're being rude." Big Mac retaliated. His eyes wandered from his sisters smug green gaze, to Ani Me's emerald gaze of slight adoration. He averted his eyes immediately and awkwardly cleared his throat as he began to focus furiously on a dark spot of oil on the concrete floor.

Applejack's expressing of glee quickly converted to that of horror as her brother's words began to seep in; she was being a terrible host and that was not the Apple way! She gasped loudly, slightly startling Ani Me and Big Macintosh who both flinched in unison.

"Oh Ani Me!", Applejack exclaimed, swiftly turning to face her, her blonde mane following close behind. "I'm so sorry! I'm the worst hostess in the history of hostesses! Come with me sugar cube!" Applejack galloped frantically out the wide barn entrance as Big Macintosh raised his head to follow his sisters movement just as her tail disappeared from sight.

Ani Me trotted toward Big Macintosh, odd assortments of dust and hair accumulating at her hoofs with each step. Big Macintosh gulped silently before looking down at the mare who had his heart and body feeling so shaken and foreign. Ani Me giggled softly and stretched her neck out toward Big Mac, opening her mouth slightly before forming words. "I'm sorry for embarrassing you so much...I'm so thankful for your family's kindness. I will never be able to repay you for just the conversation you have given me this morning."

Big Macintosh glanced nervously down at his captor, "O-of course. Anythin' to help a pony in need."

Ani Me accepted this slowly, a pony in need...."If you don't mind me asking...why did Applejack ask if I am a bad stranger? I know there are some out there, but she said you've had encounters? Are you guys okay? Can I help you?"

Big Macintosh stared blankly at the plow in front of them before padding toward the door, "Nope. W-we'll be okay." His words meant nothing to Ani Me, she knew that this was not something that was going to be okay.

"You head on inside...I-I'll be in in awhile."

"Can I help you?" Ani Me felt an urge to help this pony in some way or another as he began to strap himself to the plow with the leather straps whose purpose was clear to her now.

"Nope...I c-can get it." Big Macintosh blushed furiously and he wished that Princess Celestia would just take him now, "Thank you though, Ani Me." He smiled slightly as he said this and Ani Me's heart fluttered slightly as she looked nervously at the dust ridden concrete ground. She glanced up once again to steal a last glimpse of the handsomest stallion she had seen in her life, disappear as his sister did only moments before.

"You can fit in, Ani Me, you can do this!" She whispered, closing her eyes furiously and shaking her head.

Though she wished from the depths of her fragile heart it would work, the beautiful dun earth pony feared that these words of encouragement that she was sharing with herself would not be enough to keep her pushing forward in her grand escape and desire to belong.

She hid her face behind a curtain of wavy black hair before doing just that, pushing forward.

* * * * *

Ani Me emerged from the barn to be greeted by blinding rays of sunlight. She closed her eyes tightly and shaded her face with a swift and lean hoof. Colorful figures of all shapes and sizes began to dance on the backs of her eyelids for a few seconds before she summoned the courage to re open her eyes to the harsh light. She squinted and gradually opened her eyes against the sting and was overwhelmed by lavish bundles of brilliantly colored field flowers, sturdy trees with branches adorned with lovely and tempting apples of wonderful colors, and many adorable and delicate creatures that scurried, flew, and glided about on the grounds of Sweet Apple Acres. Ani Me giggled and jumped about on the lush grass that covered every inch of fertile soil and let the fairly fresh dew soothe the hooves that had brought her so far. As Ani Me frolicked and gracefully played in the lawn, a set of eyes peered at her from afar. Big Macintosh attempted to conceal his presence behind a heavily barked tree on a hill some distance away. He smiled as he watched Ani Me spin in circles and flip her mane around in several different directions, enjoying the breeze that blessed the bird's and their flight.

"Eeyup, she's very beautiful, Applejack." He whispered almost inaudibly to himself. He sighed a deep sigh as he averted his eyes to resume his strenuous labor, a slight smile gracing his lips. Ani Me took a few more playful turns before she stopped to sniff the air that had a tinge of a recently familiar smell. "Big Red?" Ani Me turned in several circles to only glimpse the tail piece of a plow disappearing behind a magnificent tree upon a hill in the distance. 'Was that Big Red? Was he watching me?' Ani Me thought to herself. This assumption elated her heart and spirit. 'Does he like me?' Another thought that made Ani Me giggle like a school filly.

"Ani Me! Come inside, girl. Breakfast is on the stove and in the oven!" Applejack yelled from the Apple house porch before returning inside. Ani Me jumped from this sudden outburst and had at first thought it was him come to get her, but was immediately relieved that the voice didn't even belong to a stallion. She shook her head, hair elegantly falling to her side, before she began to canter toward the foreign house.

She placed a sturdy hoof on the first step leading to the richety porch that had several antique looking chairs swaying in the lovely morning breeze. As she began to advance, Ani Me heard quiet bickering from inside the house. She cocked her head to the side and raised a well defined eyebrow and slowly began to open the screen door to begin another journey. She padded her way into the house to find a foyer with several chests on either side of the walkway. The were varying sizes and some had apples that were elegantly carved into the varnished maple wood. She couldn't help but wonder what was their contents and their purpose. On the floor before her was a brilliant embroidered carpet made of fine thread. There was an elderly tree with verdant leaves and no apples. At the base of the tree, there were several ponies who seemed to be laughing as they feasted upon apples that littered the ground. Their faces were the perfect embodiment of happiness. Of what Ani Me longed for so dearly.

"Applebloom, will you please go bother somepony else." A raspy voice echoed from the living area to the foyer and bounced off the wall. Ani Me swiftly raised her head, verdurous eyes wide as plates. She let out a small squeak and attempted to control her scattered breathing.

"But Scriiiiiipt!!! I'm bored and Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle are busy!!!" A voice that appeared to belong to a young filly, replied pathetically.

"I don't care, leave me be." The gruff voice replied.

Ani Me heard the ruffling of papers and the sound of hoof steps begin to pursue her position. She began to panic and frantically looked side to side. Suddenly, a stallion with long slender legs, similar to her own, appeared before her with an unamused expression of his face. He was completely white except for his blonde tail and mane. His tail was medium length and very clean cut whereas his mane looked naturally slicked back as well as moderately long. She also noticed that his cutie mark was that of a rather old looking piece of paper and a quill. Ani Me gulped deeply and stared into the eyes of the intimidating pony.

"If you are here to fulfill the duty of delivering my parchment and quills, you are exactly thirty minutes late and I refuse to pay even a single bit." The stallion addressed Ani Me in a serious and low tone. Ani Me began to explain herself when a young tan filly, that she assumed was the one that she had heard earlier, peered around the corner at her.

"Script!!", she whispered childishly, eyes aglow, "Who is she?"

The white pony turned his slender head to face the small filly and shrugged, "I haven't the slightest idea, Applebloom. However, I am under the assumption that she is lost."

"I-I'm not lost!", Ani me interjected, "Applejack invited me in and...I had no idea that there was anypony else that lived here of than that red stallion that is hard at work on the fields and Applejack. Please forgive my intrusion, my name is Ani Me. I'm from the city of Fillydelphia. I am here to...visit PonyVille and get to possible live here." Ani Me put as much excitement in her voice as she could as she lied.

Script looked her up and down taking in her features. Her hair, however glossy, was unappealing to him and her coat was of a boring color. The only thing that drew his attention rather sharply was...

"You haven't a cutie mark." He said in an unusually excitable voice," How could a mare of Big Macintosh's age have no cutie mark? This is a phenomenon indeed!"

"Y-you don't have a cutie mark either? Man, I thought I was sad-" Applebloom began, emerging slightly from around the corner to stand with Script, the only pony in the conversation that was familiar to her.

Ani Me's eyes grew dim and she lowered her head in shame, her hair falling slowly around her face. Abblebloom immediately saw the wrong in what she had just interjected and rushed forward, "Oh! No! I'm sorry! I didn't mean it! Honest!"

"Applebloom, go play outside or something, Miss Ani Me and I have some things to talk about. I find her most intriguing! Please, come to my study." Script turned swiftly on his heels as Applebloom rolled her bright eyes and uttered rudely, "You mean your room?"

"Applebloom! Please-"

"Script! Applebloom! You two leave poor Ani Me alone!" Applejack, to Ani Me's relief, appeared from the kitchen and stamped a hoof down, "Now this here pony has been through enough without you two tormentin' her."

Script raised an eyebrow and huffed, "Fine, it was a pleasure to meet you Ani Me. I shall see you at a later time." He proceeded toward the opposite hallway and disappeared into a room. Applebloom looked down in shame and spoke quietly, "I'm sorry sis. I guess... I was just excited that an older pony doesn't have a cutie mark."

Applejack's eyes flitted swiftly to Ani Me's blank-flank. Shock tried to settle in before she quickly dismissed the new discovery and commenced to scold Applebloom.

"Go outside and help Big Macintosh, Applebloom"

"But Sis!" Applebloom began and scuttled toward her agitated sibling. Ani Me eyed them for awhile before looking around at their house some more. Old purple couch to her left, coffee table, a rocking chair in the far left corner.

"No buts!" Applejack glowered down at Applebloom before she submitted and reluctantly made her way to and out of the screen door.

Applejack turned her orangish-tan face from the screen door that Applebloom had just exited only seconds before, to face Ani Me who was standing awkwardly and pawing at the frills that extended from the ripe red carpet that took up most of the Apple's living space.

"I'm sorry about that Sugar Cube, I certainly wasn't the one who taught them to behave like that to such an obvious guest." Applejack chuckled weekly and pointed with a rough hoof in the direction of the kitchen that was only a few hoof steps away before continuing, "Come help me finish my Equestria famous apple pie-"

Before the young mare could finish, she was quickly interrupted by a small whimper to which caught her attention and drew her concern. She flashed her eyes and Ani Me who had her head ducked down, hiding behind her enviable mane, with a sullen and pathetic look on her face. She appeared to be suppressing her emotions as well as a few uncertain tears.

"Oh Sugar Cube! Please don't be so sad! They didn't mean it! They're just two ponies with nothing better to do than terrorize themselves and others. It's rather comedic actually." Applejack raced to Ani Me, who had just plopped done on her haunches, and put a concerned hoof around her shoulders, pulling a few of Ani Me's stray mane hairs. She leaned in closely to see if Ani Me would confess to her feelings and share or just merely continue to stare at the rug tassels that have attempted and almost succeeded at killing unsure hoofed Apple's in the past.

Ani Me breathed in brokenly before speaking, her voice cracking at first, "I-It's not them...It's me. I'm the biggest f-failure in all of E-equestria. I mean," Ani Me turned to look into her loving acquaintance's eyes who had an inquisitive look swirling about the iris's. "what mare of my age doesn't have a cutie mark? It's embarrassing and disgraceful. I try to hide it, but everyone notices and they stare and point evilly at my...blank-flank." The tears began to poor hotly from the rims of her jade eyes. They fell like droplets falling quietly from a recent and severe wound, piercing the ground and dispersing in a watery mess amongst the red tassels at their hooves. "I-I try t-to tell m-myself that I-it'll appear soon, b-but it hasn't. For the past twenty agonizing years I've waited in silence. Nothing. Nothing's there! Nothing will ever be there." She turned her contorted face in embarrassment glancing around, forcing a few more fresh and warm tears to glide from her eyelashes and shatter on the ground. Applejack removed her hoof and sauntered toward and in front of Ani Me's gaze, demanding her attention. Ani me raised her head half heartedly to stare into the eyes of a determined mare, the fine hairs on her cheeks glistening damp in the reflection that Applejack's eyes provided.

"Now lookie here, I don't know much aboutcha and even I can tell that you have amounted to more than most folks in all of Equestria. A cutie mark is a mark of something you may like or are good at. However, that don't mean that you don't know it, here." Applejack raised her left hoof and gently placed it upon Ani Me's chest, feeling her gentle and warm heartbeat from within. "what you believe and know here is what counts, not whether you have a fancy mark on your flank or not.

Ani Me looked wondrously into Applejack's meaningful eyes and felt an emotion she had never felt before. She cared. Someone cared about Ani Me. No one here was going to mistreat Ani Me..."Thank you, Applejack. I shall keep your words close to my heart." She smiled as she used her leg to rid her face of stray and lost tears before she noticed a smoke about their heads. "Um, Applejack? Tell me that's normal around here."

"Say wha now, honey?" Applejack traced Ani Me's blurred vision to the strange smoke...

"Oh sweet Celestia! My apple pie!"

The slightly distraught mare lunged quickly for the kitchen's entrance and hurled herself at the oven that was indeed belching out flames from the pathetic pie within. She flung it open as Ani Me slowly heaved herself onto all fours and trotted toward the kitchen.

"Applejack? Is it going to live?" She asked quietly.

"Darn it!", yelled the pony, exasperatedly, "I've completely ruined it." Applejack fell onto her posterior, shoved her face into her callused fore hooves, and shook her head. "There goes breakfast! Right down the drain. I'm sorry Ani Me, I'm guessin' we'll have to eat breakfast in town."

"What's all this hear fussin' and hollerin'?" An elderly yet spunky voice emitted from the room beyond the kitchen. "What's this here smoke doin' in tha house?" A wrinkly mare that was painted a calming and soft lime green color shuffled into the kitchen, squinting to try and decipher who all was within. She approached Ani Me and peered at her. This made Ani Me avoid her gaze and let her eyes wander aimlessly around the room. "You sure did get tall, Applejack. And since when to you wear your mane down? Are you going through one of them there stages?"

"Granny Smith! That's not me, that's Ani Me!" Applejack inserted herself in between the two and glared down at her granny. "I keep tellin' ya that ya need to go to somepony to check that eyesight of yers."

"Oh hush now, Applejack. I just woke up, youngin'." She tisked and moved past her toward Ani Me. "Ani me, huh? You didn't tell me there was gonna be any visitors, Applejack. What's gotten you so array lately? Is she Big Macintosh's special somepony? Are they serious? You come to see old Granny Smith now didja? Well I'll be darned! He sure got himself a goodun!" She gazed blurrily at Ani Me, willing her vision to clear so she could view that face of the pony that she hasn't realized is truly beautiful.

This thought flustered Ani Me and she surged forward in harsh objection, "No ma'am! I'm merely a guest here in your beautiful home. I shall be only a few days then I'll be out of your hair. Granny Smith is it? I love your cutie mark, I bet Applejack's pie was going to look just as scrumptious as that if I hadn't pouted selfishly earlier." She smiled slightly at the elderly pony's now scrutinizing look.

"Oh pony feathers, when are you and Big Macintosh tyin' tha knot, youngin'? 'Bout time that stallion got his game on!"

Ani me looked up pleadingly at Applejack who was struck with horror. She jumped at Granny Smith and began pushing her out of the kitchen and laughed nervously, "Hahaha okay, Granny. How 'bout you get ready ta go into town and we can talk later, 'kay? Hahaha."

"Didja burn our breakfast again, Applejack? I tell ya child, you need to be payin' a more attention."

"GET READY!" Applejack snapped and fumed.

"Whatever you say. See how she treats her elders, Ani Me? I certainly didn't teach her to act like that. I'll see you two fillies in a few!" She flaunted out of the kitchen leaving Applejack rolling her eyes and Ani Me giggling.

"Sorry about that, she's so stubborn!" She addressed Ani Me, removing her apron and presuming to yell at Script, "Script! Get ready! We're going into town for breakfast!"

"Oh joy, no more of that poison you attempt to pass off as edible victuals." He projected from his quarters, papers and books shifting around.

"Come on, Ani Me. It's time to introduce ya to PonyVille!"

Applejack exited the kitchen leaving a forlorn looking Ani Me and a seriously burnt apple pie in her quake.

Author's Note

Yeeeeaaaah that sucked lol

Rather Spectacular Realizations

Ani Me followed hot on Applejack's heels as she trotted enthusiastically out into the mid-morning sunlight. The rickety screen door slammed annoyingly behind Ani Me as her eyes flashed with excitement as she spotted Big Macintosh mingling about the sturdy red barn that sat several yards away. He was removing the encumbering plow from his brutish body as Applebloom bounced and jittered around him, her words small and fast in the distance. Ani Me peered even longer at Big Mac and his unmistakable handsomeness, his glorious legs of pure muscle moving about as he avoided stepping upon Applebloom as she squirmed around in unexplainable excitement.

"Are you even listening to me?", a sharp voice pierced Ani Me's concentration and undivided attention.

"Wha...What?", she turned to face Script who had a look of slight annoyance on his solemnly sculpted face.

"I was just asking if you would be ever so kind as to either move to the side or vacate the porch.", the white pony spoke in a bland yet not all together rude tone. Ani Me cocked her head to the side and blinked a few times as his words began to right themselves within her head.

"Oh! I'm sorry!", she exclaimed, scrambling quickly down the steps to join Applejack who was imagining a day when Script wasn't so frank. He glided down the steps and trotted in the direction of PonyVille, "I will be in town if you shall need me I shall be fending off Pinkie and her exuberant....spirit, as well as other filly's of this nature."

Ani Me's eyes followed his steps down the path before he finally disappeared and began to open her mouth to speak before Applejack sighed and commenced to yell at the two ponies in the distance, "Applebloom! Come on! We're going into town. Big Mac, go rinse off in the river and we'll meet you there!"

Applebloom's eyes got wide and a grin spread across her face as she scrambled across the slightly muddy and ever verdant grass toward her sister and newest guest. However, Ani Me was thinking furiously of a way to get to be alone with Big Mac. A little rinse? It won't hurt to go peek...

"Ani Me! Come on, there will be many a pony who will be delighted to meetcha!" Applejack interrupted her thought and began to move down the path with Applebloom glued to her side. The little filly was staring suspiciously yet wondrously at Ani Me as she attempted to look graceful and grown-up in her strange guest's midst.

Applejack began ranting and raving about some historic PonyVille fable from years past and something about a sugar cube...

Ani Me watched as they disappeared from sight, Applejack unaware that she was not in their presence and looked once again in the direction of the barn. The plow had been successfully unattached and Big Macintosh had just emerged from the barn's depths and vanished behind the tree that he had earlier been spying on her from. Ani Me panicked and after glancing anxiously down the path to where she was supposed to be heading, she bolted for the tree, flinging mud and bits of grass behind her with every hoof she raised in haste. She was adamant on speaking with him. She also thought, with a blush on her cheeks, that seeing him in a state of peace, serenity, and wet sexiness couldn't hurt either.

Upon reaching the tree, winded and frantically looking around, Ani Me spied Big Mac and got a devilish grin upon her otherwise innocent face. She crept after him, walking in the giant hoof prints he left in the sodden, muddy grass. She held her breath as she prayed to be undetected in her scandalous pursuit of the oblivious stallion that had selfishly as well as unwittingly captured her heart. His flanks were rather muscular as she gazed at him and his stride from behind. She exhaled quietly and stopped dead in her tracks when suddenly Big Mac stopped abruptly. Ani Me raised her head and squeezed her eyes tightly shut as she waited to be caught and possibly scolded.

"AAAAAAAAa------CHHHOOOOO!!!!!!!" the noise frightened Ani Me more than the thought of being found out in her stalker-ish state and reared back, eyes flying open, a hoof over her mouth so as not to gasp.

She stared furiously at the stallion who shook his burly head, mane tossed about, and continued at a leisurely pace toward the stream that Ani Me hoped would bring them together. She let out a long sigh and commenced in her secretive and heart wrenching operation. She could only hope that Applebloom, Applejack, Granny Smith, or even Script would not suddenly and ever so conveniently show up and embarrass the cutie mark off of Big Mac the opposite for Ani Me.

Despite tailing Big Macintosh in a rather awkward manner, Ani Me was rather at ease. The birds flew joyously through the intertwining limbs of the apple trees, playing innocent chasing games with each other. The wild flowers that lay in small bundles swayed delicately in the wind. She turned her head to either side and took in the trees as they began to enclose them in a skinny path that Ani Me assumed was the ever secretive path to cleanliness.

As Ani Me, unbeknownst to her, began to speed up, she heard a light splashing noise that commanded her attention quite prominently. Big Macintosh had just stepped into a quant and slender stream that glistened a magnificent crystal-like blue. The graceful and soft water tugged gently at the dirt that laden the small banks of the river. Ani gasped softly as she gazed upon the contrast of the gorgeous blue water against Big Macintosh's masculine red coat. The vibrancy of the colors as they mixed together slowly caressed her mind as she was unable to look away from the scene. Big Macintosh was still facing away from her and had only moved his body to the side as he wetted his hooves and began to bring small samples of the droplets to his withers in a repetitive manner. The water glided down his wonderfully bulky shoulders in a rather enticing way and Ani Me stepped a feminine hoof forward. She simply had to speak with him. To hear that voice she had only first heard that morning.

As she did this, Big Macintosh dipped his handsome face into the surface of the gentle and soothing stream and swiftly removed it, slinging a mixture of water particles and sweat onto his back. Ani Me's eyes widened as he slowly began to turn his head and she panicked. 'Oh no! I'm dead!', she thought loudly and exasperatedly as she averted her eyes and swing her body around.

"I-I'm sorry! I got uh....a little lost! Where are uh...the others?", Ani Me lowered her head, closed her eyes tightly and awaited her scolding.

Big Macintosh stamped around loudly in the water as his face became obscured with horror and utter embarrassment. She was watching him? Is she lost? No, surely not? What in the name of sweet Celestia is she doing here? A succubus after his own heart?

Ani Me began to walk away, crestfallen, as her face burned with shame and her body drooping, ears lowered. She felt stupid and overly hasty and felt like she could never speak to him again. He knew the truth, he's not stupid. He knows.

"Don't go....Uhhh...do you need some directions?"

Big Macintosh's voice was like heavy, silky black velvet as it met Ani Me's lowered ears. She turned slowly, her body becoming warm and she looked into his eyes before they both averted them in an awkward manor. Ani Me's mind began to reel 90 to nothing and she felt like crying.

"I'm so sorry to have intruded on your privacy. I'm so stupid and ignorant. You probably think me a freak." Ani Me's voice was light and quiet.

Big Macintosh observed her body language with interest, slowly removed himself from the babbling river, and walked cautiously to the slightly distraught mare that intrigued and embarrassed him so.

His voice was shaky yet strong, "I-I could....I would never think anything of such a....an incredibly nice mare...such as yourself that is."

He looked away, waiting for her to scoff and poke fun at him for his attempted consolidation. Instead, his expectations were shocked with tear brimmed eyes.

"How could you possibly know that I'm kind? I intrude on your property, accept your kindness so easily, inconvenience your entire family, and for what? I'm the biggest burden in all of Equestria and I cling to every little thing I receive. Too selfishly, that is. I just....I'm lost. Not just the physical type...the mental type. I belong no where, to no pony. What a joke. A foolish nomad who wishes to stay, but can't."

Big Macintosh looked at her nervously and glanced about, racking his brain for even a sliver of information that may come in handy in this situation considering his living with three females. However, he felt like he could only ask questions to satisfy his rampant and new curiosity.

"Why did a mare, such as yourself, run away from a fine city like that? Ponyville seems bland in comparison."

"Well, you see, I never seemed to be able to establish roots there. I just had to find some where I belong. I hope it's here, I really do. You and your family are the nicest, most accepting ponies I've met thus far. Do you think I could...stay with you?"

Big Macintosh's eyes darted around as he processed her question, he knew not what to say but,
"W-wouldja like to uh, walk to Ponville with me?"

Ani Me's radiant eyes flashed up to look at the red stallion and she grinned crookedly, "Yes, I would like that...very much."

They then simultaneously began to move in the direction that they had just came from moments before, with not a single hint of haste. The two ponies took turns eying each other while the other one was pretending to look away at some unidentifiable object that was elsewhere. Big Macintosh began to feel a small warmth envelope his body as it began to dry from his all too brief stream wash and he new that it wasn't just his temperature. This strange mare fell into his life and they have interacted so little. Yet, these small moments of yearning and innocent silences have impacted him in a new and intriguing way that he was incapable of describing or even begin to be able to place into words. He wondered, as he slowly watched her graceful, fluid movements, if she felt the same way. He watched her, hardly concerned with his surroundings, and noted how her long, glossy black mane is always placed effortlessly and beautifully to frame her elegant and curving face. He took in her down cast eyes and glimpsed a hint of green from their irises ever so often and watched as her long dark lashes, that added depth and severity to her already mesmerizing glance, bat a few times before they were cast up to meet his. He felt his face grow hot and willed his self to look away, but he couldn't. He wasn't going to childishly look away any more. He wanted her.

Ani Me's smile broke apart for her to speak, "Big Macintosh, do you...have a special somepony?"

The words hit him like a cart full of apples going ninety to nothing and he tripped over his fore hooves slightly before recovering smoothly. He had just gotten used to this mare and now she was gonna throw out a straight forward question like that? He liked it, in away.

"I used to. That is, it wasn't really anything serious. A big mistake actually. It, uh, wasn't even supposed to happen." He scratched his head sheepishly and chuckled softly.

"Oh? Is that so?" Ani Me couldn't help but feel a slight sting of venomous jealousy. Serious or not, she felt like Big Macintosh had been taken from her and he wasn't even remotely hers to begin with.

Big Macintosh, though a male, picked up on her crestfallen tone and returned the question just as they emerged onto Sweet Apple Acres.

"Oh? Me? No, never. I wasn't allowed to. There was this pony back in Phillydelphia and he was really weird when it came to me and males." Ani Me glanced at Big Macintosh, who she hoped hadn't thought that this revelation was weird in any way. Alas, he stared on, processing and putting puzzle pieces together.

"You are running from him, aren't you?" Big Macintosh's voice was coated with sympathy and realization.

Ani Me pushed forward without a word. Big Macintosh caught this and with held the words that ironically wanted to pour from his otherwise silent lips. He would protect her, that was for certain. As he took the image of her elegant body from behind, he felt a certain obligation toward her. She was placed so carefully and meticulously in his life. He felt a twinge of favor for his Ani Me.

However, he knew nothing of this dangerous and powerful stallion and knew nothing of the darkness ahead.

* * *

Author's Note

HMMMMMMMM Took forever!!!!! Lol hope you like! Thoughts? Rip it up! lol Need to be longer chapter? More details? Etc.

Daring To Settle In

Big Macintosh was uncertain of how to perceive his newest mare friend. He followed her quizzically until she stopped and turned to face him.

"Which way, Handsome?" she asked as she pawed at the dirt before the fork in the path.

"Oh, Oh!" Big Macintosh hurried forward with slight incoordination and entered the mouth of the path to the right. He waited patiently as Ani Me watched and then placed herself next to him with a giggle.

"I like you a lot, Big Red. More than any pony I've met in my life. Mind you that isn't very many but, it's something right? I enjoy you very much for the little time I have spent with you. The minutes probably don't even equal an hour, yet I fear that I would be a little lost without you if we were ever separated. Then again, I'm scared to like any pony. Terrified, actually." Ani Me kept her shinning eyes forward as a wondrous town filled with assortments of colorful buildings of every shape a building could ever be, came into view. The only obstacle a bridge and a stream running under it. The same creek from earlier? Hard to tell.

"Well I'm glad, Ani Me. You're something else, you know that? I hope that this immense acquaintanceship evolves into an even greater bond. I want to get to know you. No pony else has ever gotten this long a stream of words to flow from my mouth. But here I am, telling a short novel." Big Macintosh had an air of joviality and it nestled itself next to Ani Me's heart.

"You said my name."

"Hm?"

"The way you gently speak my name. I like it." Ani Me flashed her eyes at the stallion before giggling and cantering over the small brick bridge and into the warmth and bustle of the town she wished immensely to live.

As Big Macintosh caught up, winded, his eyes darted desperately around for a glimpse of Ani Me. After a few frustrated seconds, he spotted her at the flower stand and trotted over.

"Oh wow! That smells wonderful!" Ani Me exclaimed, the flower owner staring at her, speechless.

Ani Me finished her last second inhales of the flowers before glimpsed Big Mac and she turned back to the packed street. She had never seen so many ponies in one place. Every color imaginable flashed before her. Wings, horns, and beautiful bodies danced about her. The chatter was overwhelming as they spoke of the little ones at home, breakfast, stallions, mares, etc. Ani Me had never felt so elated in her life and she quickly squeezed herself into the crowd.

"Come on this way." Big Macintosh maneuvered her threw the crowed to stand in the presence of a huge...gingerbread house? Sugar Cube Corner?

They entered the eccentric, giant, frosting covered building to be greeted by an overwhelming smell of assorted pastries and Ani Me's stomach rumbled violently. She quickly looked at Big Macintosh in embarrassment and he flashed a reassuring smile at her.
There was quite a large number of ponies within this establishment and Ani Me glanced around in search of Applejack.

"Didja get lost, sugar cube?" A familiar voice appeared in front of her and it was, as you could guess, Applejack. "I was worried there for a second but, I see that Big Macintosh rescued ya. Come meet everybody!"

Ani Me and Big Mac followed her to a large table filled with chattering ponies. A solid pink pony looked up with big light blue eyes, completely abandoned her rapid conversation, and sprang over the table at Ani Me.

Ani had a miniature heart attack and she backed away a few steps.

"OHMYCELESTIAOHMYCELESTIAOHMYCELESTIA!!!!!!!!!! IT'S YOU!!! ANI ME, RIGHT?? OH MY CELESTIA!!! YOU'RE A DOLL!! I LOVE YOU!!! I'M PINKAMENA DIANE PIE, BUT YOU CAN CALL ME PINKIE PIE OR JUST PLAN PINKIE! WANNA BE FRIENDS? PLEASE? PLEASE? PRETTY PLEASE WITH CHERRIES ON TOP?!"

The strange pony's voice was shrill and girly and Ani Me stared blankly and slightly frighteningly at her face that was turned up in the biggest smile that Ani thought could kill a pony if attempted.

"O-Oh...of course we can, Pinkie Pie." Ani Me smiled back at her and the little pink mares' eyes seemed to almost pop out of their sockets as she turned to the table of silent ponies and yelled, "Ha! HAAAAA!!! I win!!!! I'm her friend first! Eat that! I WIN!!!!! I'm the best friender EVER!!!!"

"Anyways, I REALLY gotta go! Bye everyone! Nice to meetcha, Ani Me!" The ecstatic pony then proceeded to bounce across the room and out into the town. Ani Me barely had enough time to see that her cutie mark was that of three balloons.

Applejack looked about with a fake grin on her orange face, "Haha, yeah, sorry, that's Pinkie...but never mind her!", she turned to the table of bright faced ponies and began the introductions.

"This is Rarity.", she pointed to a pretty mare with curly purple hair and a solid white body like Scripts. She was a unicorn and she had three jewels for a cutie mark. Ani Me nodded at her and Rarity smiled brightly.

"I say darling, I've never seen such beautiful black hair. I simply must arrange it for you sometime. I dare say it wouldn't hurt to add a beautiful outfit to accent your good qualities as well."

Ani Me smiled as Applejack pointed to two small fillies, one orange pegasus and one white unicorn like Rarity and introduced them as Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Ani Me smiled slightly at them as they innocently gazed, open mouthed, at her blank-flank.

"And you know everyone else here. There's three other of my friends you've yet to meet but, Twilight's studying, Fluttershy is feedin' her animals, and Rainbow Dash is likely sleepin' in." Applejack gestured to a few seats next to her for Ani Me and Big Macintosh to sit.

Script sat silently at the end of the parties table. A small, buttered, slightly nibbled upon croissant sat upon a napkin next to him. He was reading a rather lengthy looking news paper titled 'Equestria Daily'. Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were whispering excitedly and rapidly to each other and would glance ever so often at Ani before averting their eyes in what they thought was a "sneaky" fashion. Granny Smith was taking an enthusiastic gander at her menu before giving up in a huff and elbowing Script to read her the special for the day. He sighed before obliging. Rarity and Applejack were conversing about an unknown subject and Ani me looked away from them so it didn't appear as if she were eavesdropping. She inched closer to Big Macintosh who burned red but pretended not to notice.

"Well, hasn't Big Mac gotten himself a pretty one? I'm so glad he's finely got a mare friend! I expect and deserve great-grand foals ya hear, youngins?" Granny Smith said suddenly and loudly to introduce an awkward group conversation.

Applejack face hoofed, the small fillies stared at Big Macintosh as he began to break into a cold sweat, Rarity attempted to stifle her guffaw, and Script rolled his sage green eyes and went back to reading the article he was so rudely torn from. Ani Me stared at the tattered, yellow table runner and moved her legs closer to her body. Big Macintosh looked down at Ani Me who was unaware of his gaze as Rarity spoke up.

"Um, Ani Me, sweetie, what are you doing in Ponyville? And where are you from? Do you have a hobby?"

"Oh! I'm from Fillydelphia and I've come to Ponyville to see if I could possibly live here. It really is beautiful and it's smaller as well as quieter than Fillydelphia so I like it a lot." Ani Me smiled at the mare as a blue mare with pink hair approached the table.

"What would you two like?" She addressed Ani Me and Big Macintosh.

"They'll both have apple cheese danishes!" Applejack interjected with a big smile.

Ani Me didn't care though, she was so eager to eat that she would do anything for even a small bite of anything.

* * *

"Ani Me...my princess...why did you leave me?", the jet black stallion paced uneasily in the cellar. He glared about manically at the chains that were staked to the walls and ground and continued to whisper to his self.

"Why? Why have you left me? The one who loves you the most in all of Equestria!" His menacing voice rumbled and echoed off of the cinder block walls as blind furry rose hysterically in his throat. "I'll get you girl, I'll have my girl. You're mine! You know this! I'll hurt them!" He screeched at the ceiling, spit flying from his mouth in droplets, "I'll ruin them all for stealing you from me. I'll save you...I'll save you my sweet. My girl, MY girl...my Ani me. You can never leave me."

The tall, cynical stallion stopped to catch his breath as his eyes darted uncontrollably about the dank and depressing room. He stepped gently toward the chains on the floor and used his magic that glowed grey to lift one that was made for fastening around the neck toward his face. He nuzzled its' cold and unforgiving texture with his cheek as he closed his golden eyes. His breathing grew from soft grunts to a rapid cycle of rugged inhales and exhales. His eyes popped open abruptly and a sinister grin spread like wild fire across his face as he inhaled the chain.

"I can smell you..."

* * *

"It smells wonderful here! So fresh and inviting! I much prefer it here to smelly and undesirable Fillydephia."
Ani Me gazed at the intricate buildings as she and Big Macintosh paced blazingly by them. Ani Me had never thought that such a cute and pleasant town could ever exist. It provided so much and Ani Me wanted to do everything.

"Ani! Ani Me! S-slow down please!" Big Macintosh pushed his huge body as fast at it would go yet he was still unable to keep up with Ani Me's fast and eager movements.

"I simply can't, Big Red! I'm so happy! I never knew that someone could be filled to the brim with such joy. I never wish to leave." Ani Me flashed a bright smile at him as he trotted next to her with difficulty. He returned the smile in embarrassment.

Suddenly, without warning, someone stepped upon Ani Me's coal black tail and she yelped in fear before turning around with furry, "No! No! Don't touch me!"

As she said this, astonishing Big Macintosh who stared at her dumbfoundedly, she looked upon a beautiful pale yellow pony with a light pink mane and tail to match. She shuddered, frightened, at Ani Me who got a look of immediate and extreme regret as the young mare squeaked pathetically.

"I-I didn't mean to...that is..." The adorable mare whispered with fright.

Ani Me leaned over, horrified by the dirty looks random ponies where giving her as they turned to whisper to each other.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to yell at you! Please, it only hurt and frightened me. Don't be mad or scared of me. I'm harmless, really." Ani Me spoke as apologetically and sincerely as possible.

The skittish mare peeked up at Ani Me through a curtain of lovely pink hair as she pawed anxiously at the worn concrete sidewalk.

"Oh...it's okay. I, uh, haven't seen you before. I'm Fluttershy and I love love love animals. What's your name?" The yellow mare stood slowly and she came up to about Ani Me's chin. She, however, didn't look Ani Me in the eye. Big Macintosh grew tired of sitting idly and decided to answer Fluttershy, "Her name is Ani Me and she's going to be staying with us for awhile. She is from Fillydelphia."

"Oh, my. She's very tall. I-in a good way...I mean, I-I have to go feed Angel bunny!" She bolted past them before stopping telling Ani Me that it was nice to meet her. Ani Me looked at Big Macintosh with an embarrassed glance and chuckled softly.

"I suppose I have a knack for scaring smaller ponies."

Big Mac shook his mane from side to side as he reached for Ani Me's hoof to lead her once again and laughed.

"Don't worry about that shy pony, she is scared by everything and don't talk much. Real animal friendly, though."

Ani Me felt her face flush as she stared at Big Mac's hoof upon hers and smiled sheepishly, hardly listening to his words.

"Wouldja like to go to the park and rest for a little while? We can ask each other questions and snack on tasty flowers if ya want. I know a purtty tree that you'd look just wonderful under!" Big Mac inquired. His inquiry was met with an enthusiastic "Yes!"

The two ponies arrived at their destination quite quickly after smiling uncomfortably at all the quizzical faces that stared at them along the way. More at the fact that the ALWAYS silent Big Mac was chattering away at a rate that would rival Pinkie Pie. He beamed brightly with a dumb-struck look on his face as he watched Ani Me glance about at the warm and inviting atmosphere. They both looked at a few ponies that dotted the field. They played and cantered about with each other, smiles never fading. Big Macintosh lost himself in his thoughts and the sights and snapped to when he felt a gentle touch on his shoulder. He looked down to see Ani Me brushing herself against him and met her eyes that gleamed in the evening sunlight. He held his mouth open as he watched her jade eyes blink sweetly.

"Where is this tree that you admire so?"

Ani had already spotted a magnificent tree in the distance; a beautiful white dogwood with bark that was striped and petals that emitted the sweet smell of nectar. She placed a careful guess upon this being the tree. Once again her inclination was correct and the arrived underneath the beautifully placed tree. Big Mac brushed a few of the brilliant buds that littered the ground to clear a spot for Ani Me to sit. She giggled as she sat upon the green patch and tucked her tail into her body. Big Macintosh plopped down next to her in disregard for the petals as he kept his eyes glued to Ani. She playfully avoided his gaze as she thought furiously of questions she was chomping at the bit to ask him. She asked several and found that his favorite color was green, hers was red, and she also found that he lived in PonyVille for all 21 years of his life, he's never had a voluntary romantic relationship, he wants to maintain the farm for as long as he can, and he hasn't always been as quiet as he usually is.

"I can see shy, but you never used to be talkative??" Ani Me was amazed.

"No ma'am, I was when I was smaller. But when I was a small colt who hadn't even gotten his cutiemark yet, my parents were killed by timber wovles from the Everfree forest."

Ani Me gasped as he shared this sensitive information with her and she lowered her ears and eyes in sadness.

"My mother was the prettiest mare in all of PonyVille and she was coveted by many a stallion. Her generosity and beauty could be matched by none. However, she had little interest in being in a relationship and instead devoted her time to supporting and helping PonyVille. My father was the strongest stallion in all of Equestria and was very handsome. They just kind of, clicked. When they had me they decided to just keep it at one. Yet Applejack was born several years later and Applebloom many years after that. They died protecting their children. A noble cause. A sad cause. My mother left Applebloom her bow and my father left Applejack his farming hat. They left me the farm. Several months ago my cousin from Apploosa, Braeburn, was murdered in cold blood on his way to make a delivery to Fillydelphia. That's why Applejack was cautious with you at first. Such loss is not easy."

"I'm so sorry, Big Macintosh!" Ani placed a sympathetic and concerned hoof on Big Macintosh's closest hoof. "I feel really terrible. You didn't have to tell me. I can't...I'm sorry."

"Ani, where are your parents at?"

Ani Me looked him in the eye, forcing a few tears to stay dormant.

"Well...I'm not entirely sure. I was given up for adoption when I was a foal. I don't remember a thing. After growing tired of enduring the boring days and petty insults that the other fillies and colts directed at me, I ran away. I wandered the filthy streets of Fillydelphia and starved for several weeks. No pony cared. I had collapsed in an alleyway one day and I remember that a young stallion stood over me and had been studying me for awhile. His words were terribly fuzzy and all I remember was awaking several days later in a strange house accompanied by that even stranger stallion. I've lived with him ever since and just recently I decided that I should live on my own considering I'm more than capable now. But I don't know their names. I don't know their coat colors, mane colors, cutiemarks, their voices...nothing. I've tried looking but it's definitely a lost cause."

They sat quietly.

"It's going to rain..." Ani spoke abruptly.

Big Macintosh looked at Ani with a quizzical expression.

"Rain? It was so beautiful today."

He turned his bewildered look from Ani to the sky that grew dark with angry clouds of grey. Ani Me's face screwed up in discomfort. Big Mac was about to suggest heading to the farm when he heard Ani Me utter near silent words.

"No...No...Big Macintosh, can we leave now? Please?"

Big Macintosh heard an air of urgency in her plea and began to nod in permission when an overwhelming crack of thunder emitted from the sky. Ani Me's eyes grew wide in terror and she bolted from the tree in the direction of the farm. Big Macintosh galloped after her but was no match for her adrenaline and was unable to clear the obstacles as professionally as her.

"Ani! W-Wait!" Big Macintosh bellowed after her in futility, "Ani! It's just thunder!"

"No! He's coming to get me!"

As the two ponies made it to the farm house, another clap of lightening rang out. The two had only just barely made it inside and Ani Me yelped in terror and clung to Big Macintosh, who didn't seem to mind.

"What's wrong, Ani Me?" Applebloom looked up at them from the coffee table. She was playing with a toy train and had briefly stopped to address them with curiosity. Big Macintosh beamed red as he realized he was intimately close to a mare in front of his younger sister and let go of her. Ani's eyes were downcast in humility.

"Oh, Applebloom...it's okay. Ani is just a little shookin' up is all."

"She's ain't never been in a storm before? Man, what else hasn't she done?"

"Apple-" Big Mac had his scolding voice on as Applebloom looked at him in rude protest before Ani Me spoke up.

"Oh no, it's okay. I'm just don't like loud noises. That's all, silly little filly."

She grinned at Applebloom who flipped her mane and looked at her in disgust.

"I ain't LITTLE!" She barked, ignoring Ani Me's previous comment. "I'm gonna be even bigger than you before too long!"

Big Macintosh rolled his eyes as he began to make his way to the kitchen, "Applebloom, be nice. Ani, make yourself at home. I'll whip up some dinner." He glanced at Ani with a goofy grin. She returned it sheepishly.

Applebloom squinted her eyes from her big brother to Ani Me.

"I dunno who you think you are sister, but you sure think you have hold on my brother, huh? Well let me tell ya-"

Ani interrupted Applebloom's rant and leaned in toward her.

"Applebloom? Do you like drawing? I adore it and I'd love to draw you...would you like that?"

Applebloom's expression turned from skeptical glares to an excited smile.

"Really?" She squealed, her small body jumping up and down, "I-I mean, if ya wanna. I don't care..."

Ani giggled and sauntered over to the coffee table, Applebloom hot on her heels. Ani sat looking in the direction of the kitchen and looked about the cute table that was laden with toys and various papers. She quickly spied a pencil suffocating beneath a behemoth of Equestria Daily's that she assumed were either Granny Smith's or Script's. She picked up the pencil with her mouth and brought a blank piece of paper toward her center. She eyed Applebloom who was sitting uncomfortably in front of her. Ani smiled and proceeded to draw an alive yet still Applebloom on the crisp sheet. After a few pain staking minutes of shading and listening to the rain pitter patter roughly on the roof, Ani sat the pencil down as Big Mac peeked around the corner at them. Applebloom squealed with delight as Ani Me presented her the flawless representation of her. The lines were pure, tidy, and had an air of sophistication as they collided elegantly with each other. The shades came to life and brought depth. Applebloom was amazed and snatched the drawing.

"Oh, thank you!"

She raced to her room and closed the door with and enthusiastic slam. 'What a strange filly...' Ani Me thought as Big Macintosh smiled dopily and disappeared undetected.

Ani Me remained still as she stared vacantly at the pencil she had used only moments before. Her thoughts were running into themselves and there was no order.

"What in the name of Celestia did you give that filly to make her interrupt my concentration so?"

An annoyed Script emerged from his dimly lit room. Ani Me stood up swiftly and apologetically.

"Oh! I'm sorry, I drew a picture of her and she-"

"You draw? Hmmm...why is that not your cutie mark? Considering Applebloom's squeals of enthusiasm, you must be quite good." Script looked at her intensely.

"Oh....I actually really don't know. I wish it was though." Ani adverted her eyes nervously.

Rumbles of thunder shook the house as Applejack busted through the front door, sopping wet.

"Celestia forbid anypony get ANYTHING done 'round here!"

She huffed, removing her hat and shaking the wet off of her sunset orange coat. She entered further into the house with caution so not as to track mud. She was apparently up to her ankles in it. Script and Ani stared at her and she looked at Ani brightly.

"Oh! Ani! Just the pony I wanted to see! Follow me sugarcube and I'll show ya where you'll be sleepin' tonight."

Ani followed meekly after Applejack. Slowly, the smell of food was reaching Ani Me's nostrils and her stomach growled intensely. Script's nonchalant gaze followed Ani Me as she walked past him. His stare lingered on her blank flank until she completely disappeared down the hall. He looked away and occupied his attention with the sloppy pile of new papers. Applebloom must have knocked them over and put them back in an unconcerned manor. Script rolled his green eyes as he sat down to straighten them.

Ani Me looked around the small bedroom as Applejack threw her drenched hat onto her dresser and placed a hoof on her paisley bed spread.

"It ain't much, but it's a bed!" Se chuckled wryly as she looked at Ani Me.

"Oh! I can't take your bed! Please, the couch will do me justice." Ani protested.

"Nope, no point in arguing. Dinner's in a few, don't dawdle too long, ya hear?" Applejack pranced back out into the hallway and went into what Ani Me assumed was the bathroom, to freshen up. Ani Me slowly sat on the rickety bed and listened to the faucet run in the bathroom and the rapid thumping of the wretched rain. Another thunder clap. Ani Me squeezed her eyes shut tightly and shrunk ever so slightly into herself. She stayed there until the faucet in the bathroom could no longer be heard and she opened her jade eyes as a few hot tears escaped them.

* * *

Dinner was rather uneventful other than Granny Smith's ranting and raving of Ani and Big Mac tying the knot and having her five great grand foals. Ani generously complimented Big Macintosh on his delightful cooking. These praises earned a blush. Every pony departed peacefully to their quarters. Applejack slept on the floor next to her bed and Ani Me lay sleepless in her lumpy and stiff bed. The rain had yet to cease and the shadows that danced on the walls frightened Ani. She slowly rose from her bed, it squeaked terribly, and tiptoed on silent hooves across the hall. She swiftly entered Big Macintosh's room, gliding as swiftly as possible so as not to be caught by the demons lurking in the shadows of the hall. His room was quant and nothing stood out to her. A desk and a closet were all he had. A few pictures were upon the desk's top and she peeked at them. A beautiful couple...His parents. Beautiful children, he and his siblings at much younger ages. She looked away as a pang of sadness resonated in her heart and turned her attention to Big Mac who was messily tangled in his blue bed sheets. Ani giggled as she heard a few snores meet her ears and she padded over to him. She assessed the situation and cautiously brought her body under the covers and into the bed. Immediately she felt his warmth envelope her and she sighed dreamily as she inched closer to him. His eyes were still and his eye lashes were long. Ani smiled stupidly and tried to suppress her excited breathing. His breath licked at and tickled her neck and she brought her nose close to his. They touched ever so slightly and Ani Me felt her heart soar.

"Big Mac, you make me feel safe...please...don't ever leave me."

Ani Me's verdant eyes began to slowly close and the last thing she saw was the surreal face of the stallion she was falling for.

* * *

"WHY?!?!?!?" The black pony wailed at the floor. He thrashed about violently knocking various cups, pots, and bowls from the counter in the miniscule kitchen. He darted about, reared his head up, and opened his mouth.

"My love, my Ani!! Come back to me!" His horn glistened grey and a crack of ferocious lightening lit the sky in a menacing fashion. His howls brought upon more and more rain. His eyes bulged as he staggered about and fell to the floor. He cradled his face as he cried. Images of Ani Me raced through his unbalanced mind and drove him mad. He writhed around until he became submissive to his exhaustion and began to drift to sleep. He layed upon the papers, trash, and other miscellaneous objects that littered the floor and his breathing slowed. His silver mane lay strewn across his face, the grey glow of his horn fading.

"I love you, I love you...I love...you..."

The stallion chanted this until he succumbed to peaceful sleep. His eyes closed despite their defiance and his magic stopped abruptly. At that moment, so did the rain.