A Dream Met...

by Jon bucker

Rating: teen
Tags: Apple Bloom, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Slice of Life, Human, Applejack
Length: 63078

Sometimes saying you’d do anything, means giving everything. How hard would you push yourself to keep a promise, and more importantly get back to the ones you love. This is the story that includes my life; this is the story of me in Equestria.

Sometimes saying you’d do anything, means giving everything. How hard would you push yourself to keep a promise, and more importantly get back to the ones you love. This is the story that includes my life; this is the story of me in Equestria.

I'd like to give a personal thanks to my nephew Chopper Woods for giving my story its name, and to my two friends Alec Cage and nathan moyer 922 who were so kind to proofread my story, thanks a bunch to all of you. I appreciate all of what you have done.

To read more on the story go here

Published 2014-02-27 05:20:05 UTC
Last updated 2014-02-27 18:57:13 UTC

A Gift For Remembrance:

The sounds downstairs slowly dwindled, clashing dishes stopped and I heard there bedroom doors shut.
I was lying there for maybe three or four hours but I couldn’t sleep, I was wide awake and was just lying there motionless. I was expecting to fall asleep instantly but I didn’t, the realization that I was leaving equestria tomorrow just prevented me from sleeping. My mind was all over the place and I was still finding it hard to accept. So I decided to go for a walk, walking helped calm my mind back at home so I was hoping it do the same here.
I through my covers of and pushed myself up, but I pushed myself up with my left shoulder? then I realized that my body and shoulder weren’t hurting anymore. I took of my shirt quickly and started undoing the bandage wrap. When it was all off I was left utterly surprised. My wounds were completely healed, they were nothing but scares. I felt and pushed on them but it was official there was no pain. That stuff Zecora put on it really worked.
I started moving and rotating my shoulder, it felt so good to be able to move it again without siring pain. My shoulder being better helped take my mind off for a sec but it slowly came back into my mind. She with that I put my shirt back on and rolled up the slightly bloody bandage wrap and sat it on the ground beside my bed.
Then I got up and started making my way towards the staircase quietly, bending my knees as I did so to reduce squeaking on the old wooden floor. When I got down the stairs I noticed a dim light coming from applebloom’s room, her door was open. Curiously, I made my way down the hall and stopped and looked it. The light was coming from her bedside lamp and bloom was passed out on her bedroom floor with a papers and coloring pencils in front of her. She must have been coloring and lost track of time and fell asleep.

I smiled at the sleeping filly and walked in, I walked up to her quietly and bent down and scooped her up with care, I carried her over to her bed and sat her down softly placing her head gently on her pillow. I pulled up her covers and tucked her in. Then I leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. “Goodnight Applebloom...” I said in a soft and loving tone

I got up and started walking back. “Goodnight Jonathan... and thanks...” I heard her say from behind me.

I stopped in the doorway and turned around and looked to her. She was looking at me with tired eyes but she was smiling at me, I smiled warmly back and nodded, stepped out and shut the door quietly and continued down the hall and stairs.
When I got to the main level I looked over into the kitchen clock, it was ten-thirty. It was a bit late to go for a walk but I felt like I had to, I wasn’t going to able to get any sleep otherwise. So I put on my shoes and opened the front door, walked out, and closed it softly.
I walked off the porch and stood, the moon was shining bright like it had the previous nights and the stars were twinkling in the night sky, it was nice and cool out.
I didn’t know where I wanted to go, I was just about to start walking blindly. But then something caught my eye. Over to my right I saw a enormous hill with a single tree on top that stood out from the others. I felt like I was being done to it, not fighting the strange feeling I decide to go there and I started walking through the field. I didn’t bother grabbing a flashlight or a lantern from the house before I left; the moon was shining bright enough so I could see without them.
I wasn’t really thinking much as I was walking, I was just admiring my surroundings. Walking amongst they apple trees and listening to the light night breeze flowing through there leafs helped calm my raging thoughts, it was almost like at home, but I felt more at home here than I ever did back in the forest in my world...
It was so peaceful...

After I made it to the hill, and once I got to the top. I sat down and leaned up against the old tree at the top and looked to the valley below. I could see everything from there, I could see the barn and there were apple trees as far as I could see; I saw a river that I didn’t even know existed running through a part in the orchard, its water sparkled in the moonlight.
It was so beautiful, but that just made it harder because that was another thing I had to leave.

“Couldn’t sleep...” a voice came from my right. I turned over to see who it was. It was Applejack who was just coming to the top of the hill, and it looked like she was carrying something but I couldn’t tell what through the darkness. I didn’t know if she followed me or not but honestly I didn’t really care.

I shook my head. “No... not really.” I said. I moved over to my left to give her a spot to sit, and I turned back to the night covered field.

She took the spot and sat down next me. “What’s troublin you sugarcube...?” she asked

I sighed, It took me a couple seconds to answer. I was still trying to sort through my thoughts. “Just trying to accept that I have to leave... I’ve never felt more loved and felt like I’ve truly belonged in any other place but here, and I’m just finding it hard to believe that I have to leave it all behind and go back to my world...” I said depressed

Applejack remained silent; I wasn’t really paying much attention to her. I wasn’t trying to rude, my mind was just else were. I knew she could tell that though, but she respected that and stayed silent for awhile. “Ya know ah never got around ta properly sayin this, but thank you...”

My train of thought was broken for a sec, and I turned to her confused. “For what?” I asked

Applejack chuckled and pushed me in the side playfully. “Don’t give me that. You save me and applebloom’s life...” she said

“That’s what friends do.” I said. Though I didn’t say family, since I was better my mental barriers were somewhat back up, and I don’t know why but the depression just stopped me from calling them that.

Applejack immediately shook her head. “No... that’s what Family does...” she said

When she said that I was instantly filled with a certain kind of joy and comfort, even though I had already said that it meant more to me hearing it from her, cause then I knew she felt the same way. I had never felt more a part of the family then at that moment.
I put my right arm around applejack and puller her in lovingly and gave her a hug, she didn’t seem to mind and she hugged me back. “Here... a want ta give ya something.” She paused
She got out of they embrace and reached over to her right and passed me an old looking brown leather cowboy hat, it looked similar to hers but it was a darker shade of brown, also it didn’t have the gap in the front and the sides weren’t curved up, and there was a thin brown leather strap that went around the top and hung down the back for decoration.

I knew what it was but, I didn’t know why. “What is this?” I asked

Applejack breathed in then exhaling her words. “It’s my pa's hat... Ah won’t you ta have it...”

I was instantly darted to her. “Applejack I can’t take this... it’s you fathers.” I said

I went to go pass it back but she stopped the gesture with her hoof and pushed it back. “Keep it... The way ah see it, you saved me as well as applebloom’s life. If my pa were alive right now he’d want you to have it, and yer someone who can truly appreciate it. please... take it...” she insisted

I couldn’t believe that applejack was actually giving me this, but I knew she wouldn’t of unless she really thought about it, so this must be what she really wants, and I didn't want that to be in vain. “Ok... thank you. All try to make your father proud.” I said

Applejack smiled. “Ya already have...” she said

It stayed quiet for a couple minutes; I looked away from her and starred at the hat. I was still shocked that applejack gave me this, I felt so honored. My raging thoughts had disappeared the moment she did. I had finally accepted the fact that I had to leave, but even though I was leaving I could take something with me that I truly earned that was given to me by a fri-, by a family member... it gave me a whole new type of pride and accomplishment that I will never take for granted.

After a bit applejack got up from her seat. “Ah’m gonna head back ta the house it’s gettin late, ya comin?” she asked me

I shook my head. “Na I’m going to stay here a bit longer, you go ahead. I'll catch up.” I said. Even though I had accepted it I wasn't ready to leave just yet

She saw that and left me with my thoughts. “Alright, but don’t be takin too long...” she said. I nodded and she smiled and started walking back down the hill and to the farm.

I sat there for sevrol seconds before I stood up. I looked down to the darken farm below then back to the hat. “I'll wear this hat in respect of you, you did a great job with that one... with all of them... thank you.” I lifted the hat up to my head and placed it on; I pulled the tip up to my forehead and the thin strip on the back went down my neck, it was a perfect fit.
I looked back down to the forest of apple trees under the moonlight with a proud and comfort feeling in my heart, I smiled and I turned and started making my way down the hill and caught up with applejack.
We didn’t talk on the way back; everything had already been said so we just walked and enjoyed the landscape. When we got back to the house applejack was the first to go upstairs; after taking off my shoes, I stopped by the kitchen and got a couple glasses of water.
When they were gone I went up stares and up to the attic, I sat down in my bed and took off the hat and looked at it with feelings of proud and appreciation in my body. I sat it down gently on the bed frame and lied back and closed my eyes and fell asleep, heart and mind both at peace...

Final Day, And Its Memories:

My last morning had finally come to pass, the sun started rising in the sky replacing the dark of night with the light of day. And we all started getting up.
I didn’t wake up this time with a filly jumping on my stomach; I woke up on my own. I sat up off the edge of my bed and started thinking, thoughts and feelings on me leaving started resurfacing. I looked over to my left at the hat and they all disappeared.
I reached over and lifted it off my head board and looked at it, feelings of appreciation and accomplishment filled my heart; I smiled. I placed it on my head and pulled it up to the tip of my hairline and felt the lasses go down the back of my neck. I stood up and looked out the window across the room starring fate right in its eyes but it didn’t faze me. I already knew what had to be done.
I looked over to the staircase and started making my way over. I stopped at the top of the staircase and looked back to my former room; I smiled weakly and shut off the light. As I made my down the hallway I didn’t rush and paced myself. Taking in every detail and sliding my hand along the walls, feeling every crack between the boards and nail hole’s as I did so.
When I got down to the main level I slowed down at the bottom of the stairs and looked over all the pitchers one last time, then made my way towards the kitchen. Everyone was in there, even Big macintosh was sitting at table; Applebloom was the first to notice me. “Hey Jonathan.” she cheered with a mouth full of food. It was nice seeing that cheeky look back on fer face.

“There you are, good thing yer up. We were just bout ready ta send applebloom up after ya.” Granny said jokingly

“Morning Jonathan, how do ya feel?” applejack asked

I smiled to all of them and knew the right way to reply to that. “At peace...” I said cheerfully

Applejack smiled. “Good ta hear..." she started as she slipped the food in the skillet. “Now since we don’t have ta be at the library till ten o’clock, and seein how it’s only seven now and there’s no work to be done around the farm, we can just relax.” she said

That sounded nice. “Yeah... I’d like that.” I said

“Then eat up.” applejack said cheerfully as she passed me a plate of food.

The plate had eggs and toast on it, almost joked around and asked where’s the bacon but thankfully I stopped myself, that could have been bad. I don’t know how I would explain that to them.
I pulled out my chair beside bloom; she was already eating her breakfast. I pulled my chair back in and sat the plate down on the table and grabbed a fork that was on the plate and started eating. Granny, bloom and big mac never questioned about me wearing the hat, I guess applejack had already gone over it with them and she spoke for all of them, true or not they didn't protest, so that said how they felt.

I had caught up to bloom and we finished eating around the same time, I got up and grabbed both our plates and started caring them over to the sink, but I did so with my left arm and shocked applebloom. “Jonathan yer shoulder, its healed!” she said pointing to it.

I got to the other side of the table and placed them in the left side of the sink and turned to her, patting my shoulder a couple times with the palm of my hand. “Yep that stuff zecora put on it, she said that it would heal it around six to ten o’clock judging on how I treated it, so it all healed over last night.” I explained

Applejack seemed a bit shocked herself. “Ah can’t believe yer wound healed that quickly, that’s amazing. We should really thank zecora fer that.” she said

“Definitely.” I agreed

After breakfast was done with I started helping applejack with the cleanup, she actually put her pride aside and let me help, so it didn’t take that long. After the clean up was done me applejack and bloom were about to head outside, I had put my shoes on and we were just about to leave, but granny stopped me along side big mac cause she wanted to say goodbye first.
“Hooold yer horses there sonny, ya can’t leave without sayin proper goodbyes...” granny stated. I stopped and turned to her, she continued. “Ah’m gonna miss ya sonny, it was good have ‘in ya here. Take care of yerself jonathan.” she said warmfully

I chuckled and smiled warmly at her. “Thank you for having me, all never forget the love and hospitality you all showed me, I could never ask for a better second family. Thank you for that...” I said

She smiled warmly back and nodded. “Yer welcome... goodbye sonny.” she said

“Goodbye granny...” I said to her, kneeling down to give her a quick hug.

I stood up and looked over to big macintosh, I was about to but surprisingly he started first. “You risked yer life fer two of our own; you treat and respected us despite our obvious differences, not ta mention ya love doin work here. And now that yer finally settled ya have ta leave. But before ya go, know that we’ll always consider you apart of this here apple family.” he said smiling warmly

I was surprised that he actually spoke to me, and what he said to. And I know he wouldn’t have said it unless he truly meant it. And the thought of being able to call myself an Apple gave me more warm feelings then I could count. I smiled back and nodded. “I will, take care big macintosh...” I said to him

He nodded. “Take care Jon.” He said

Then we waved one last time to them and walked out the front door and off the porch. I breathed in the nice morning air, it was a beautiful day. “So Jon, what do ya want ta do? relax under an apple tree, take another tore around the farm, yer call.” Applejack asked cheerfully

I was a bit surprised that she was going to let me chose. Though those were good suggestions, but there was something special I wanted to do, not just for me, but for them. I looked down at applebloom with a smile; I took the hat of my head and slapped it on hers and scooped her up and placed her on my shoulders.
She giggled and I waited for her to get herself comfortable before continuing. When she was good, I looked back to applejack. “I have a better idea, fallow me.” I said with a cheerfully grid and started walked towards the path that led out of sweet apple acres. Applejack as confused but followed me and we started walking.

A lot of the conversations were about applejack and bloom, who wouldn’t stop asking where I was taking them. but I didn’t tell them, I wanted it to be a surprise.
I kept a good nice and slow pace as we walked, I didn’t rush; I wanted to take some time to really admire my surroundings and being with them, though they were a bit more focused on where I was leading them, it was still nice.
When we got to the end of the path I turned right and started walking in that direction, applejack and bloom still had no clue where I was leading them but they realized at this point I wasn’t spilling the beans and that stopped asking. This was my only real time I was going to get to spend with them, just me and applejack and bloom, no one else. That’s one of the reasons I didn’t rush, I wasn’t trying to delay the inevitable, I just wanted to spend my last couple of hours with them, and I knew the best spot to do that.

I had taken them to the top of the hill with the stray apple tree on top that I climbed when I first came out of the Everfree Forest on my first day in Equestria. I let bloom off my shoulders and took the hat back and placed it on my head. Applejack and bloom were taken back by the sight, much like I was when I first saw the view. “Were here, so what do you guys think?” I asked cheerfully

Applebloom was the first to get out words. “Ah can see everything from up here. Our house, Ponyville and Cloudsdale, I can even see Canterlot way out there on the mountain side.” she said with her jaw slightly dropped.

Then applejack manages to get something out. “Jonathan, how did ya’ll come ta know bout this place? it’s beautiful.” she said starring down to the valley below in amazement, her and bloom both shared that similar look.

I was happy to see that they liked it. I walked over to the apple tree and sat down, leaning against it. My hat curved up the tree as I put my head back. “When I first came to Equestria and got out of the forest, I climbed this hill to get a better look around and was surprised at the sight...” I said

Applejack shook her head. “Surprised is right, ah’ve never seen a sight of equestria better than this. It really makes ya appreciate the little things.” she said

After getting a good look around, applejack and bloom turned around and walked over and sat down on either side of me under the tree, and we all rested before the spectacular view. What made it even better, the sun was on the horizon, and was just clearing the mountains, it was beautiful. and I was glad I could share that with them and could all experience that same feeling. The tips on of mountain were a golden yellow from the sun that stretched up over them. The light that made it danced around the valley and sparkled in the morning due. And the shadows awaited for their sun.
It felt good just sitting under the tree with applejack and bloom, letting the hours of the day pass and watching the sun slowly make its way into the sky, and the shadows below slowly disappearing. If there was a better way to spend the last of my time with them I couldn’t think of it. But all good things have to come to an end.

Applejack kicked herself up and off the tree to all fours and looked back to me and bloom. “Jonathan, ah think ah speak fer me and bloom when ah say, thank ya fer showin us this, we appreciate it. But we should probably get movein on our way over ta twilights place. The suns startin ta get pretty up there and if we leave now then we’ll get there early, which is best for the Princess anyway.” she suggested

I really didn’t want to get up; I wish we could have just sat there all day together Intel dinnertime. But I knew why we couldn’t, and I understood that, but that didn’t mean I have to like it. “Your right...” I said as I pushed myself up and off the tree to me feet. “And your welcome, I’m glad you two like it up here. Juts promise me you won’t remember the pony that showed you this... but the person?”

Applejack smiled and nodded. “We promise, right bloom?” she said looking over to our little sister

“Right!” Bloom said aload as she got up from her spot.

I looked to booth of them and smiled, I knew that they would never forget this spot or me, but it was nice hearing it from them just to clarify. “Come on, let’s get a goin.” applejack said. she turned and started walking down the hill.

Me and bloom were about to follow, but I wanted to offer her one more thing that I could only give now. I looked down to the filly. “What do ya say bloom, you want one last ride?” I asked her

She seemed a bit disappointed when I said that, I guess she still doesn’t really like the fact that I have to leave. But she smiled weakly and nodded. “Yeah...” she said

I bent down and picked her up and placed the filly on my shoulders, I didn’t bother taking off my hat this time but she didn’t seem to mind. Her tail went down my back as she adjusted herself to get comfortable; once she was we started walking. Even though she wasn’t that far ahead, applejack had waited for us at the bottom of the hill. When bloom and I got down we all started walking as a group.
It stayed silent as we were walking, there was like a weird atmosphere that prevented us from talking. It wasn’t that didn’t want to talk, but we knew if we started talking then we would have started sharing feelings on me leavening which would have made it harder, so we just didn’t talk all together.
We didn’t take the long way around we cut right across the field. We started coming up to the pound, as we were passing by I looked over at it, memories from when me and bloom went swimming that one day started going through my mind, it brought a small smile to my face. Reminding me of what I gained, but also what I was leaving behind.
I could tell bloom was doing the same thing, for when we were walking by I felt her weight shift to the direction of the pound.
That was one of the things that was helping me stay strong, even though I was leaving I would still have my memories, nothing would ever change that. And if my memories ever started to fade I’d have the hat to remind me. I still had the timberwolf necklace that reminded me of that night, but the hat just sort of tied everything together, which helped a lot.
Once we got to ponyville and as we were walking to twilights place, we had met up with Pinkie pie who’d had just left Sugarcube Corner. She was a bit thrown off by the hat but her fast pace mind quickly moved on to the next thing, and she came and bounced alongside us. I'll never quit understand how that, no matter how upsetting or depressing a moment can be Pinkie can always stay happy. That mare’s one of a kind, that's for certain.

As we approached twilights house, Princess Celestia and Twilight and everyone else could be seen standing off to the right of the library, everyone was there exempt us.

I grabbed bloom off my shoulder and sat her down next to me; then we all walked up to the Princess and bowed before her. Then she spoke. “It’s so wonderful to see you all again, and your early. Thank you, to all of you. I appreciate that.”

We looked at her and smiled and then stood up, I guess that was a good call by applejack. Twilight walked over to the princess’s right side and they others on hers. “And Jonathan, you’re looking much better then you did yesterday. How do you feel?” twilight asked

I grabbed my left shoulder and started moving it, proving that it wasn’t in any sort of pain anymore. “A bit tired but I'll manage.” I said cheerfully

After I said that, I noticed that they were all starring at the hat I was whirring, Rainbow dash was the first to question it. “Hey jonathan, not that it doesn’t look good on you or anything, but what’s with that hat?” she asked

The others seem curious about that as well; I guess applejack never told or showed them the hat before, it made me feel even better knowing that she entrusted it to me. I chuckled and smiled slightly and glanced over at applejack. “Let’s just say I got it from a friend...” I said, clearly leaving much out.

Applejack chuckled lightly as well, the others were still confused and knew that they were being left out of something but they didn’t ask, but rarity seemed more concerned than anything. “Darling, are you saying you’re going to wear that atrocity to fashion all the time?” she asked

I was a bit offended by that but I wasn’t mad at her, she apparently didn’t know anything about the hat or where it came from so I couldn’t be mad. But I still played along and acted concerned. “Well, when you put like that...” I then smiled teasingly. “Yes, yes I am.” Applejack as well as the others started chuckling, rarity didn’t seem too amused but left it at that. I guess she finally realized that I wasn’t ever going to care about fashion or anything like that what so ever, that was the funny part.

But I knew we couldn’t keep denying the fact on why we’re even there, no matter how much I want to. So I thought I’d start the conversation that I really didn’t want to hear. “So... were you able to figure out the spell, Twilight?” I asked looking to her

“Um, yes... after looking over the spell that Princess Celestia gave me, I was able to splice a couple other spells with it that will also work with the element of harmony. But i order for the spell to work we need to go to the spot where you first arrived...” she said

I knew what that meant but something seemed off, while twilight was explaining she seemed worried or concerned, like she was hiding or wasn’t telling everything. But I didn’t want to ask and just raise more questions and put her in the spot so I tried to ignore it.

“So are you saying we have to go all the way to the center of the Everfree?” Rainbow dash huffed

“Actually...” Princess Celestia stepped forward. “That’s exactly what she’s saying. In order for the spell to work correctly, we need to go to the exact point to which he entered this would. The spell will not work otherwise.” She explained

“That’s why it’s good that you all got here early; because now we can leave right away.” Twilight added. Then looked over to me specifically. “Are you ready to go Jonathan?” she asked

I started thinking, there were still so many things I wanted to do and things I wanted to see, not to mention I didn’t want to go, but I didn’t want to drag it out. But one thing did come to mind. “Actually... there is one thing I wouldn’t mind seeing before I go, that might benefit everyone.” I said

Twilight smiled. “Sure, what is it?” she asked

I took that as a green light and looked over to Rainbow dash who was hovering over the group. “Hey dash, do ya think you can send me out with a sonic rainboom?” I asked cheerfully

Her magenta eyes instantly flared with excitement and determination. “You bet I can, check this out!” she cheered as she took to the sky, Twilights and Celestia didn’t make an effort to stop her so I guess they were fine with the request.

She started climbing to an incredible height, to the point she just looked like a speck in the sky. Then when she got high enough she turned around and started rocketing towards the ground. As she gained speed she took her formation and a mack cone started forming around her.
Tingles and shivers of excitement started going down my back, watching this unfold before my vary eyes. Then the mack cone sharpened and she BURST through the sound barrier, visible light spectrum shattered. And along with the giant ring of colors she made a magnificent rainbow over ponyville... it was incredible.
Some ooh’s and ahh’s and some gasps could be heard not only from us but also from all the town folks. As I starred up at the sparkling rainbow in awe a thought crossed my mind. If this world exists then I wonder if sonic’s world does as well, if sonic and dash ever get the chance to meant, that would be a race to remember. I would have to be there for that one.

After she did a fly by Rainbow flew back over to us and hovered in her original spot. “How didga like that!” she asked hyped up.

“Best Rainboom ever! Thanks dash, that was awesome!” I cheered, I raised my fist up to her and she flew over and bumped it and we all started laughing just from a good moment.

Princess Celestia even shared some of the laughter, but as it calmed down I could tell she wanted to get things rolling, and I was right. “Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way we should get going. It’s a long and dangerous walk to my old castle, so we should leave immediately.” she said

We all agreed, but Twilight stepped forward and asked a question. “Before we go Princess, do you mind if I go inside and look over the spell one last time, and grab the things we need?”

“By all means my student...” Celestia said with a nod

Twilight nodded back and turned around and walked to the front door of the library. Once she had gone inside Applebloom walked away from my side and over to applejack, I had good feeling what she was going to ask. “Can ah come applejack?” bloom asked her

Applejack shook her head. “Sorry bloom no... Ya’ll heard the Princess. It’s too dangerous out there, especially fer fillies. Do ya remember what happened last time you were out there? Ya’ll almost became timberwolf chow... go home and wait fer me there, all come back soon as this is all over...” applejack said in a stern yet calm voice

I knew applejack was just trying to look out for bloom and keep her safe, but I kind of wish she should have come. Bloom looked to the ground then over to me, I smiled at her and got to me knees and held out my arms, she walked over and jumped into my chest and hugged me, and I hugged her back.
I wanted to hold her close and never let her go; emotions started rising, I knew this would be my only chance to say what I wanted to say to her. “Applebloom I-“ I was just about to start speaking but she started struggling out of the embrace so I let go, she jumped out and looked at me.

“Goodbye jonathan...” She said in a surprisingly somewhat of a normal tone, then she turned around and started walking home.

I was speechless and confused, I was expecting bloom to be sad or upset or Something?! but she was walking away like nothing had ever happened. I didn’t know if she had finally accepted the fact that I had to leave or she was just in some sort of denial. But that really hurt...
I looked over slowly to applejack and the others who seemed just as shocked as I was, but like me she had no answers. I stood up and all we could do was watch her walk away and wonder.

“Ok everyone, I just looked over the spell and I have it memorized. Shall we get going?” twilight asked as she came out of the house while she was tightening a strap on a saddle bag she was wearing, completely oblivious about what had just took place.

“Yes lets... would you mind leading the way.” Princess Celestia asked her

“I’d love to Princess...” She paused and looked overt to us. “Come on everyone, let’s get moving.” she said

They others looked away and started to follow her, I stood there completely heartbroken and motionless, applejack had to come up beside me and nudge me. I looked to her and nodded and started to follow as well.
And with that we started following her, as we were walking I looked back to where I had saw bloom, but she was gone out of sight. It hurt me not being able to say proper goodbyes to her, but I couldn’t just go off and chase after her, which I wanted to so badly. but the way she walked away it was like she didn’t want or need me anymore, which hurt me the most. But I couldn’t change that so I continued walking.
Once we got to the forests edge we stopped and twilight pulled a map out of her saddle bag, she said she knew an alternate route that would get us there quicker, which was good but then I remembered what me and applejack were talking about that morning. I asked if we could stop at zecora’s hut so I could thank her again for everything she did for me. Twilight checked with Celestia and they said that would be fine, so that would be are first stop. Then we interred the Everfree frost.

You’ll Be In My Heart... Always:

As we were walking through the forest the sunlight quickly disappeared and it was dark, there were vines and trees and plants of all types and a musty smell filled the air around us. The others were being cautious as they walked, but besides the smell, it wasn’t that bad for me.
Walking through the Everfree was like walking through the forest back at home. Other than the smell, it was the most relatable place to my would. But at least there’s light in my forest, in here is like walking through a forest were its always night time, not the most comforting thought but once I got passed that I was fine.
We all walked in a somewhat of a single file, Twilight led like she said she would and Princess Celestia walked in the back, and the rest of us were in a small group in the center. Rainbow dash flew up front with Twilight. Fluttershy was walking a bit slower in the back in front of the Princess.

“ohhh... I really don’t like it here...” fluttershy said in a worried some tone

Applejack looked back to her. “We all don’t fluttershy, but bein in here sure brings back memories, eh twiligh.” she said to her

Twilight put her map back in her bag and looked back. “Yes it does, in these woods is where we all really became friends and discovered the magic in friendship.” she said reliving the moment

Pinkie pie bounced ahead and up to twilight’s side. “Do remember when we were in here and there were all those spooky looking trees? and how you guys were so scared and didn’t know what to do, and I started singing, and dancing, and laughing! and it made everything better. That was super duperly fun!” the pink mare said bouncing

That put a smile on all of our faces and made some of us chuckle. “Yes pinkie we all remember that. Actually, I can remember every moment like that. What about you guys?” Twilight asked looking back to the others

We all nodded but I think that was more meant for them then for me, but I still knew what she was talking about. Rainbow flew from twilights left side over to her right beside pinkie. “And for the record pinkie, I wasn’t scared.” dash stated

A couple of the others rolled their eyes at her, but pinkie just giggled in her face. “Whatever you say dashie...” she said.

Rainbow dash groaned slightly and hovered back over to twilights other side crossing her hooves. We had a couple more short conversations; I didn’t say much because it was more about memories that they had, but I still got a word in here in there when I knew what they were talking about.
Princess Celestia didn’t say anything, I think she was manly coming to supervise and make sure everything goes smoothly, she manly just watched over us, so I let that be.
After about a half-hour of walking, we made it to zecora’s hut. The others stayed behind so I could be along with her to say goodbye.

I walked up to her front door and knocked, zecora answered the door and she instantly put on a smile when she saw me. “Ahh Jonathan I am happy to-...” zecora stopped in the middle of her sentence when she saw the others behind me, but what probable got her was Celestia, she seemed a bit confused. “What did you do, to have six ponies and the Princess behind you?” she asked curiously

I really wanted to fill her in and stall but I knew that wouldn’t have been right so I tried to keep short. “They’re sending me home zecora, but I asked if we could stop here so I could thank you again for everything you did for me, and to also say goodbye...” I said

She smiled warmly at that and chuckled slightly. “I expected this. I knew you weren’t from this place, but since you were injured I decided not to ask and give you your space..." she stated. "Goodbye Jonathan to your side I’m glad I was able to tend, and I am also glad to be able to call you my friend.” she said

I smiled warmly at that. “Take care of yourself, and thanks again for everything you did, all never forget that... Goodbye zecora.” I said to her

I turned around and started walking, I looked and waved back to her, she waved as well and then stepped back into her hut and shut her door. With a good feeling in my heart I walked back to the others in the group. They were all talking to one another; applejack was the first to notice me. “Ya’ll set?" she asked, seeing if it went well.

I nodded. “Yeah... and thank you for taking me here, I appreciate it.” I said looking to the two alicorns

“You’re welcome jonathan. But we should get moving; we still have quite a ways to go yet.” Twilight said and with that we all started walking again.

I was glad that I was able to say goodbye to zecora, after what time we spent together and her pretty much saving my life, I just wouldn’t have felt right with leaving without saying a proper goodbye. It helped make leaving a bit easier to accept, but when I did I started to remember about bloom and that pain returned, mind It never really left. I just wish I could have had the same thing with her, but it was already too late for regrets, so I just had to live with it and keep walking, but it wasn’t very easy emotionally.

Twilight’s alternate route worked and we got there quickly, we didn’t even come up to the river, so that sped up the time greatly. We came up to the on the right side of the bridge that extended over the gorge and started crossing one by one, being very careful on the old rope bridge. Rainbow dash though preferred to fly over rather then walk.
When we made it to the other side and started walking towards the castle, I started to feel a pain of regret; this was it, after spending five days in equestria and having the best time of my life, I have to leave. Just the thought of that made me feel uneasy.
As we entered the castle and while Twilight started going through her bag, we all started walking and looking around. Applejack didn’t even have to say it, I could tell that her as well as the others that being there was bringing back memories from when they defeated nightmare moon and saved Princess Luna.
I probably would have been doing the same but I was only focused at one thing, I was starring from across the room to the spot in front of the pedestal were I woke up in this world. It was kind of cool seeing it cause that’s where it all started for me, but it also made me feel empty because that was the spot I was being sent back from, kind of ironic when you think about it.

Getting straight to it. Twilight pulled out my element out of her bag and stood beside me. “Ok Jonathan, you said that when you touched the element you blacked out and you woke up here. Where was that exact spot?” she asked

I looked down at her and started walking forward and pointed to the spot. “Right here...” I said

Twilight levitated my element over to that exact point and placed it on the ground in front of me, the others lined up behind me, all standing side by side and Celestia stood off to my right. Twilight walked over to the front of the pedestal and turned to face me. “Are you ready jonathan...?” she asked

With every fiber of my being I wanted to yell “No” but I knew I couldn’t, but I still wasn’t quite ready yet. I was still depressed and I had to do something and get it of my conscience before I left. “One sec...” I said turning my back to her

I looked to the others and smiled weakly, I wanted to say a personal goodbye to them all first. I walked over to the first pony in line which was Pinkie pie; I took a deep breath and kneeled down to get to her level and looked her full in face.

“Goodbye Pinkie, and thanks for giving me my first real party. I had a blast...” I said to her

She smiled sadly at me. “You’re welcome Jonathan, I had a lot of fun to, hope to see you again sometime...” she said

I nodded to her and stood up and move to the next pony in line which was Rarity, like before I kneeled down in front of her. “Goodbye Rarity and thank you for fixing my shirt, I won’t forget the generosity you showed me, thank you...” I said to her

She smiled weakly. “Goodbye darling and your welcome, and if you ever come back one day... could you please wear something more decent? for me?” she asked

I chuckled lightly; she could never leave fashion out of anything could she. “If I get time to pack...” I said

She nodded and I got and walked over to rainbow who was next, this time though she started. “Look Jon... I’m not really good at goodbyes. But ya know what your cool, and what you did with those timberwolves was pretty gutsy, I like that. Take it easy Jon...” she said raising her hoof to me

I smiled and bumped it with my fist. “Thanks dash, you take it easy to. And keep improving on those stunts, you’ll become a wonderbolt soon enough, I know you will.” I said to her, and she smiled back and nodded

I then moved on to fluttershy who like dash spoke first. “Goodbye jonathan...” she said simple

She actually talked to me in her normally voice and tone, just when she grouse comfortable around me I have to leave, but I guess that’s just how it is sometimes. “Goodbye fluttershy, and thank you for bandaging up my shoulder, I really appreciated that. I wish I could have seen all your animals but sadly that will have to wait tell next time... goodbye.” I said to her, she smiled and nodded and then I got up.

As I said goodbye to each one of them it was getting easier and easier to accept on me leaving, but the last one was going to be hard.
I walked over and stood in front of applejack and looked directly into her bright green eyes and felt a painful sadness in my heart, and instantly dropped to both knees and held out my arms, she jumped forward and hugged me almost instantly. And we both held each other close and tight.
Tears almost fell from my eyes but I managed to hold back the flood gates, but they were still watery none less. I waited tell both of our breathing rates settled down before speaking.

“Applejack... I can never thank you enough for everything you did for me. You gave me a home, you gave me a family, and you even gave me yer pa’s hat... I'll never ever forget about you or the apple family and love you all showed me... goodbye...” I said over her shoulder, with my voice starting to crack.

Applejack pulled out of the hug for a moment to look me in the eye, there were tears flowing down her face as she spook. “Goodbye Jonathan... and if something like this ever happens again and ya don’t were ta go... know that you’ll always have a special place at sweet apple acres... and in our hearts...” she said her voice cracking as well.
We both smiled weakly at each other and hugged once more, a few of tiers fell from my eyes. We held each other for a couple of minutes and when we were both settled down, we both took a long deep breath and exhaled slowly and let each other go.
I stood up and smiled down at her and whipped the tears from my face, she did the same. I took one more deep breath and turned from her and started walking back over to twilight.

“Are you ready now...?” twilight asked

Even though I had accepted that I had to leave and said my goodbyes there was still one pony I never got to say goodbye to, and that hurt and hunted me. But I couldn’t change that so I nodded. Twilight took her stance and her horn started glowing; I closed my eyes and just waited for it to all be over.

“WAIT!” a voice cried

I instantly opened my eyes, Twilight’s horn stopped glowing. I turned around, I knew that cry anywhere. Applebloom was running towards me with tears pouring down her face, I ran up to her and dropped to me knees and held out my arms.
She jumped into my chest and I pulled her in quickly and hugged her, we both held each other close.

“You don’t have to go anywhere, you can stay on the farm with me and applejack and granny smith and big macintosh. You don’t have to go anywhere.” she pleaded as she cried over my shoulder.

“Applebloom... I would want nothing more in the whole world than to stay here on the farm... but I have to go you Know this...” I said to her

“B-But I’ll miss you...” she said as her voice cracked and she held me tighter around my neck

I squeezed her tighter as well. “All miss you to bloom... so much...” I said my voice starting to crack again. My flood gates had burst and tears began flowing down my face, but I let them.
I could hear some sniffling coming from the others in front of me but I paid little attention to that, my only focus was on her, it felt so good just having her in my arms again. I could feel her tears of sadness going down my back; my tears were rolling down hers as well. And we just sat there, comforting one another and letting the tears fall.

Once I was able to control my own breathing I wanted to give her something. “Here... I want to give you this...” I said my voice cracking even harder

I pulled out of the hug and sat her down on the ground in front of me. I reached to me neck and took off the timberwolf necklace and hung it gently around hers. “Take this... and remember of what happened that night. But don’t let it frighten you... but let it strengthen you... you and applejack were my strength that night, let me be yours for the next...” I said to her

She looked at it and then back to me and smiled weakly and hugged me again. “A-Ah have something fer you too...” she said

She jumped out of the hug and ran over to her saddle bag that she dropped and pulled out a rolled up piece of paper and passed it to me. I slowly unrolled it and when it was open my heart was instantly filled with joy.
She drew a pitcher of big macintosh and granny and applejack standing in front of the barn, but I was standing beside applejack and she was on my shoulders, and there was an arrow pointing to me that said... brother.
Tears started pouring down my face again even harder than before and were hitting the paper; I looked up at bloom and smiled. I folded up the pitcher neatly and lifted up my hat and placed it underneath for safe keeping, and held out me arms again and hugged her and held her close, so very close. It was that moment then, that I truly accepted the fact on me leaving, everything in my heart and soul felt at peace.
I wasn’t feeling pain anymore in my heart but joy; it was kind of like a bitter sweet feeling. Sure I was still leaving, but what I did and achieved here will stay with me for the rest of my days, nothing will ever change that nor would I ever will forget.
I sat bloom down in front of me and wiped away my tears, she did the same, and I looked down and smiled to that little filly. “And who knows bloom, maybe one day all come back... but if I do, I don’t want to come back to sad filly... I want you to be happy, for me ok?” I said to her, trying to look at the positives.

Twilight stepped in from the sidelines. “I don’t mean to be rude Jonathan... but that probably won’t happen. This was never suppose to happen in the first place, it was all accident...” she said with a regretful tone

I chuckled lightly, her words couldn’t break my newly found joy, I looked back to bloom. “Well then... looks like where just gonna have to pray for another accident now doesn’t it?” I said cheerfully to her as the tears still fell.

She cracked a smile and nodded and gave me one more quick hug, I kissed her on her head and sat her down and she walked over beside applejack. I stood up and turned around and started walking back to my original spot. Some tears were still falling from my eyes, I was still sad that I had to leave them, but I was also proud to know them, and being able to call them... my family...

I stood in the spot once more, twilight walked over in front of me, but something was wrong with her, the look she had before we left came back stronger than ever. She looked up at me with sorrow filled eyes. “Jonathan I can’t hide this from you any longer, I wanted to tell you this sooner but I thought if I did you wouldn’t want to come...” She started miserably. “The spell I’m going to use might alter your memory... you might just wake up and think it was all a dream or wasn’t even real...”

I was shocked and tried looking for a positive. “But I'll still have these things to remind me... wont I...?” I asked unsure if I wanted an answer

Twilight shook her head. “No... The spell will only affect you...” she said

I felt a sharp pain in my heart, so she is saying, I traveled to another world, had a life and heart changing experience, Risked my life! for someone I care for... and I wouldn’t be able to remember any of it? “Can’t you send something with me... so all know it was all real...?” I pleaded

Twilight looked away from me for the answer was too painful for her to acknowledge. I stumbled back a bit and tears began flowing from my eyes again, it devastated me, my gut and my heart fall deep into my chest, it felt like she hit me with a truck and stole the breath form my lunges. I felt like I was going to throw up.
I had never felt that much pain before in my life, the very thought of it made my heart cry out; I would have rather the timberwolves then this. I looked over slowly to Princess Celestia to see what she thought about it. Even though she was starring directly at me I couldn’t tell, she had the best poker face. But then she smiled lightly and nodded once to me.
I don’t know why it did but that for some reason that helped a lot, I didn’t know what she was going to do, but I knew she was going to do something. It was in her hooves and taken care of. I stood up strait and whipped away the tears that were still flowing, and steadied myself. The pain still remained but I trusted the Princess in what she had planned, that helped a bit.

I took one more deep breath. “Ok twilight... I’m ready.” I said to her

Twilight looked up to me in some shock that I didn't hate her, but doing what she came to do she whipped away her tears and steadied herself and took her stance and her horn started glowing again. The time it took for twilight to do the spell felt like minutes, I turned around and looked back to applejack and applebloom who both had tears falling from their faces.
I couldn’t explain it but it was like we connected minds again, but it was with both of them, and it was like we were all one thought and operating with the same mind... Every single memory that I had here started flooding my mind, every single one, I could tell it was the same for them, and I held on to them tightly to those in my mind and heart so I wouldn’t forget...

No matter what happens I will always care for you, you’ll be in my heart... always...

I smiled weakly at them, they smiled sorrowfully back and nodded, I knew they heard me as I heard them, and nodded back.
Then the my element of harmony lifted into the air in front of me and a bright orange light shined from it, I didn’t panic though for I had accepted everything that was happening, I smiled as I closed my eyes and passed out...

When I awoke I instantly opened my eyes and sat up. I was in my bed room, but I still remembered everything that happened. I looked over to a calendar hanging on my wall; it said it was Saturday, I guess the spell that twilight used sent me back before I left, it was like nothing happened.
And I didn’t have anything with me, I refused to believe that it was all a dream though; I nearly tore my shirt trying to get to my left shoulder. The scares were still there.
'It was real...'
I threw off the covers and stood up and opened my dresser grower and pulled out the shirt that I wore to equestria, but it fine. There were no singes of any rip or tare anywhere, without thinking I took of my shirt and put that one on with my jeans.
I grabbed my shoes and ran upstairs, no one was awake yet, it was still early in the morning. I put my shoes on and ran out the back door to the forest. What normally would have taken me twenty minutes took me ten at full sprint. When I got to the forests edge I jumped in and ran down the two hills and passed the tree, when I got to the river I didn’t bother taking off my shoes and just plowed across. Then I ran towards the clearing.
When I got there I was speechless, but that might have been because I ran the whole way. The pedestal was gone and there was nothing there, there were no singes of it being there either, it was empty.
Like the clearing I felt an empty feeling and pain in my heart, like I had lost something. I turned around and started walking with my head hung and tears starting to form again back home.
But then I heard a noise from behind me, I turned around to see what it was. There was a box in the exact spot were the pedestal was, and there was something sparkling on top of it, I walked up to it slowly. It was my element of honesty, but it no longer carried Equestrian looks, but like it had came from this one. I got down to my knees and picked it up slowly, and on the back I found something engraved.

“It was real...”

I took a sec to let that sink in; I looked at the box and started wondering. I sat the element down beside me and I lifted the lid of the box slowly. I was instantly filled with joy with what I found.
It was the hat that belonged to their parents, but it didn’t look like it came from their world, it looked like it came from this one, like it was made to be here. I pulled it out and placed it on my head and pulled it to the tip of my hair line and felt the lather strips go down the back of my neck, it fit just like it had before.
I looked back down into the box and there was a folded up piece of paper in the corner, I reached back in and pulled it out. When I unfolded it there was an immediate warm feeling in my heart. It was the pitcher that applebloom made for me, but it didn’t change. It as the exact way it was from when she gave it to me. I could even still see the spots from where my tears stained it.
I sat there for a while in complete joy and kept remembering and soaking up what the element said.

It was real...

Now a days I live my life like I did before, helping my mom and anyone else who needs me but more cheerfully. The dreams had stopped the day I got back and I’ve never had another one.
The only thing that has change is me. I’m more acceptant of things that have happened and also learn to live with what I can’t change, I’m more understanding now and look at things in all knew perspective that help me learn even further, and through everything I’ve been through I chose to learn from it instead of letting it hurt me. Life’s what you make it, and I chose to enjoy what I have instead of what I don’t, no matter how little.
Not a day passes that I don’t think of the apple family and everything I went through both good and bad, but I always find myself walking to that same clearing were it all started... waiting for another opportunity.
I still walk these streets along, but I walk with a hat; keeping the memories alive in my heart and my soul. and talking with a light southern accent that rubbed off on me from loved ones.
And when people ask where I got that old hat, I smile and simply tell them.

“Let’s just say I got it from a friend...”

The end...

Intro:

Its Thursday night now another day has passed, I’m sleeping in my bed dreaming the same dream I’ve dreamt for months now.
The dream starts out with me standing in a void of darkness, but I can see myself like I was glowing.

“Hello...”I called out into the void.

“GREETINGS ELEMENT OF HONESTY... ARE YOU READY!” a load echoing voice came from the void.

“Ready... Ready for what?” I asked

“THERE WILL COME A TIME WHERE WE WILL GET ONE CHANCE AND ONE CHANCE ONLY TO MEET... JUST MAKE SURE...” the voice stopped mid-sentence.

“Make sure of what...?” I asked

There was a bright light that replaced the darkness which blinded me. And then I’d wake up.

I sat up in my bed and wiped the sleep from me eyes. “Why did the voice call me the element of honesty?”

I asked myself that same question every morning ever since the dream started. I knew compared to a lot of people I was a very truthful person.
I didn't like to lie actually lying was so unnatural to me that I was terrible at it. I've always told myself that even though a lie is sometimes easier to take then the truth that didn't make it right.
Although I’m not going to avoid this I have been vary dishonest at times, and I’m not proud of it, I can remember almost every time. That's why I’m in doubt with the voice saying that I’m some 'element of honesty' Besides that was applejacks job being the element of honesty, 'so what did it mean?'
I decided to stop thinking about it before I hurt my brain and started to get on with my daily routine. Get up out of bed, feed the cat, go upstairs feed the dog and eat breakfast.
I would have school but its summer break so I don't have to worry about that, even if it wasn't I’m home schooled so I wouldn't have to go far.
Then I asked my mom if she needed help with anything around the house. I don't mind helping my mom, my mom as well as a lot of family and friends, when they were around, depended on my.
Everyone I knew knows that if they ever needed anything that they could count on me, no matter what it was. Besides I like doing work, I find it hard to relax when I know there’s stuff that needs to be done. Also my mom is pretty old, I don't like to see her do a lot of work on her own, so I’m more than happy to help her with anything she needs.
She said there wasn't a lot to do today, just some cleaning and some stuff needed to be moved to the basement. it didn’t take long we finished around 12 o'clock. After I ate lunch I asked if she needed anything else, she said no.
She said I can go spend the rest of the day how I’d like and then she thanked me and went to go read one of her books.
I didn’t know what I was going to do, normally in my free time I’d play video games, watch my little pony, or go for a walk.
I would hang out with friends but to be honest I don't have any friends in my neighborhood, I don’t exactly live in the greatest place for making friends. A lot of people around here either do drugs or there just unpleasant to be around. Not to say I don’t have friends, I do they just live far away.
My two best friends live the farthest, they're actually my nephews. A lot of people say that it didn’t count because were family, but we tell them that that has nothing to do with it, all being family had done for us is given us the chance to meet and a friendship as strong as ares can never be broken.
It’s never easy always being alone, but I try to not let the loneliness get to me, but it can be hard sometimes. Always being alone, never having anyone to talk to or just to be with when I really need it. I can't even remember the last time I got a meaningful hug.
My little pony has helped fill that empty and deep sense of alone, but I know it will only work for so long.
I sighed in frustration, coming up with nothing on what to do for the rest of the day. I walked to the living room window and looked outside.
It seemed like a nice day out, with only a few clouds in the sky and a nice breeze blowing through the few trees on the block, so I decided to go for a walk.
As I was leaving, my mom asked where I was going. I told her I was going to my normal spot in the forest. She said ok but be careful and be home in time for dinner. I nodded and left.

The only thing I didn’t like about my walks to the forest was the scenery before I got there. The cracked streets and sidewalks, all the grass, plants, and homes were all faded of their original color, and you can practically smell the pollution in the air.
I guess that’s why I’ve always wanted to live in the countryside.
The clean air. The wildlife. The woods and the fields and the farms were there always work and stuff to do. We use to have a house in the country, when I was very young but... we couldn’t afford to stay so we had to move to the city. It was forced. And thanks to me being so young I don't remember any of it.
Maybe that’s why I like Applejack and the rest of the Apple Family more than the others. They live in the countryside on a farm, they work and love doing it, and their always caring for others no matter what, there just ponies I can relate to I guess. If I could have a life style like that I'd be in heaven, but I can only dream.

Anyway, I made it to the forest.

I entered the forest and went down the short muddy hill covered with vines and dead-fall and came to my normal grassy path, their were trees and bushes left and right and on opening above the path to let the sunlight in. I continued walking until reached a cut of path that lead deeper into the woods.
As the path ended I came to a clearing where a very large tree stood. Whenever it would rain I would stay under that tree, no matter how bad some storms were that tree could always hold back the rain and keep me dry. As I walked past the tree I taped it on its side like an old friend would and kept walking.
Behind the tree was a fallen one with bushes entangled with vines. There was an opening that led threw to the other side. As I was going through the bush, trying not to get caught on some vines.
Once I made it through alright it opened up to the place where I normally come to relax. It was a shallow rocky river with a fallen tree beside it that’s been stripped of its bark so it was smooth and rather soft to sit on.
I went up to the tree and climbed up to one of the higher branches and sat down in my normal spot overlooking the scenery.
I’d sit there hours on end, just listening to the sound of the wind blowing through the trees, the sound of all the wildlife, and the water flowing through the rocks in the river. Dreaming that I was actually in the countryside, but a sound normally stopped my fantasizing.
You could hear, and you could also see if you stood up on the branch, a high-way across the river and through a bit more forest, but I normally tried to ignore that. I went there to get away from the sound of cars and the city, but with the high-way right there it was hard.
I’d go there whenever I was stressed or had a lot on my mind, or sometimes simply to take a nap and just get away from it all. Since there was nothing really on my mind next to the dream I’ve been having, I decided to take a nap.
I laid back on the branch that I was sitting on, got myself comfortable and let the sounds around me put me to sleep.

I never had the dream when I was napping, the dream would only happen at night when I was sleeping in my bed. I didn’t know why the dream only happened at night but for some reason it just felt right. more natural.
When I woke up I checked my watch to see what the time was, it was just about dinner time. so I got down from the tree branch, stretched and started walking home.

Once I got home I did what my mom asked and washed up in the bathroom, also getting my dad up from his after work nap and my older sister down from her room upstairs. Once we were all set we started eating. We were never really talkative awhile eating dinner, the food was alright but since we're kind of pour it normally lacked flavor, but hey it was good food, and I'm grateful that we have it.
After dinner I cleaned up the food and started doing the dishes as normal by myself. Once that was done I asked if she wanted my help with anything else.
She said that I did enough for the day and thanked me again and continued to talk with my dad about their day.
With no work to be done I decided to play video games with my online friends until it was time for bed. My friends that lived far away, I don’t see them that often and it wasn’t easy, but being with my online friends brought some comfort to me.
Have to admit, if it weren't for those amazing friends I’ve made on Xbox live I probably would have gone insane by now. But it’s still the same thing, whenever I leave this house I’m by myself. I’m not really close to my parents or my sister, not that I don’t want to, they’re just always doing what they want or have to do, so in the end I’m normally the one that gets forgotten. But I’ve learned to live with that, though it still isn’t easy.
Once I got off the game I brushed my teeth and said goodnight to my mom and dad and my older sister and went to bed.

So that’s my every day routine. Minus on Sundays we went to church but other than that, that’s it. And with another day behind me I went to sleep.

The dream went on again, but this time something felt different.

“Hello...” I called out into the void.

“GREETINGS ELEMENT OF HONESTY... ARE YOU READY!” a load echoing voice came from the void.

“Ready... Ready for what?” I asked

“THERE WILL COME A TIME WHERE WE WILL GET ONE CHANCE AND ONE CHANCE ONLY TO MEET! JUST MAKE SURE...” the voice stopped mid-sentence.

“Make sure of what?” I asked

“YOU FOLLOW YOUR HEART AND LISTEN TO THE WORLD AROUND YOU AND EVERY THING WILL BECOME CLEAR!” the voice said

There was a bright light that shined orange that replaced the darkness and blinded me.
The vary second I woke up I shot up in my bed. My mind was a race of questions and confusion. What happened? Why did the dream change? What did it mean by...?
I sat there for a good fifteen-minutes thinking about the dream and why it might have changed, but despite my efforts I couldn't come up with anything, so I decided to get on with the day.
I got out of bed fed the cat went upstairs fed the dog and eat breakfast. Then I asked my mom if she needed help with anything. But strangely she said no.
She said that there was still stuff to do but she wanted to take the day off for a change and she advised me to do the same, her words were “Too much of one thing isn’t good for you”
This shocked me and left me not knowing what to do, I still had a whole day of free time, time I didn't know how to spend ; it was only 10 A.M.
But for some reason something was pushing me to go for the walk, but I didn’t know why. I went to the closest window and looked outside to see what the weather was like. It wasn’t nearly as nice as it was yesterday but for some reason I still felt like I should go for a walk.
I told my mom that I was going to my normal spot. She said ok but to be careful, I told her I would and gave her a hug and left.
Once I got to the forest I went down the muddy hill, followed the grass path, took the cut off path, passed the big tree, went through the bushes, and made it to my spot. There was nothing different from normal; it was the same as always.
I could hear the sounds of the forest, the water flowing through the rocks, and the high-way was busy as always, but still it felt like I was supposed to be there and I didn’t know why.
I climbed up to my spot on the tree branch and started thinking. I was constantly pondering on why I was even there and what the voice had said in the dream.
I didn’t mind being there but it felt necessary.
I sighed in frustration and was drawing a blank. I thought about taking a nap to help clear my mind, so I did just that and fell asleep.

I mumbled as I woke up from my nap, I sat up on the branch and rubbed my eyes and started looking around. I could tell something was off because I knew that I didn’t wake up on my own. I knew that because when I wake up on my own from a nap I feel refreshed. But I didn’t this time, so I knew that something had to of woken me up.
I tried listening to see if I could hear anything but I heard nothing, actually it pretty peaceful. I shrugged to myself and laid back to fall back asleep, but then I realize 'Somethings missing...'
I sat back up on the branch and listened, I couldn’t hear the high-way.
I got up and stood on the branch, being very careful not to lose my balance and fall; I looked at the high-way to see if there was a traffic jam or something, what I saw left me speechless. For the first time ever their wasn't a single car on the highway, it looked abandoned.
'What’s going on? Where are all the cars?' I stood there looking through the trees in disbelief. But then i noticed something out of the ordinary. Besides the empty highway of course.
There was some sort of, concrete looking thing in a clearing across the river that stuck out from everything else around it; I couldn’t make out what it was though, there were too many trees and plant life in the way.
I looked down and checked my watch to see what time it was, dinnertime wasn’t for while so... I thought why not, I could go for a little adventure. And with that I jumped down from the branch, stretched and took of my shoes and crossed the river.
Once I made to the other side of the river I put my shoes back on and started walking though the bushes.
As I was just about to enter the clearing I tripped over a root that was sticking out of the ground and fell over. I grunted annoyingly at it and got up and dusted myself off, when looked up I was speechless. I couldn’t... believe what was in front of me.
It was the pedestal with the Elements of Harmony on it from; my little pony friendship in magic episode. 1 part 2, it looked identical, but that was one of the things that through me off, because it looked out of place.
I started rubbing my eyes thinking that I wasn’t seeing things right, or that I’ve gone crazy, but every time I looked back up the image stayed the same.
'There’s no way... that this... could be here.' as I stood there, looking at pedestal with the Elements of harmony in complete shock, I noticed that the elements were in their stone orb form and there was only five of them.
I didn’t think much of it though, the sixth element was magic, which didn’t exist in my world, but that still didn’t explain why the other five were.
After I somewhat regained myself I started walking closer to the pedestal cautiously, then stopped in my tracks. As I took those couple steps, one of the elements let off a faint glow. I straightened my eyes trying to see what color it was glowing through the sunlight.
It was orange, but didn’t that represent honesty?
I started walking closer to the glowing element with every step I took, the glow got brighter and brighter. I got to the point where I could have reached up and grabbed it but the glow got so intense that I had to shield my eyes.
I stood under the orange glowing element, their was more then just confusion; should I pick it up? What will happen if I do? I can’t just leave them here.
I didn’t know what would happen if I touched the element, or why they were here in the first place. I was still trying to cope how something like this could be possible. Was it my dream that lead me to this?

“Well...” I looked away from the elements and at the grass in deep thought. "they are the Elements of Harmony, nothing really bad should happen right? But...” I trailed off “No, this could be my only chance to figure out what my dream means, and I’m not going to pass up this opportunity...” I said to myself

I looked back up at the glowing element. “Here goes nothing...” I said hesitantly. I reached up and grabbed the element; there was a bright orange light that beamed in every direction, blinding me, and making me pass out.

In Equestria:

“Uggh...my head” I said as I woke up and sat up off the ground placing a hand of the side of my head

“What happened where...” I posed and started looking around, I was in some building. “Where am I...?”

As I continued to look around it felt strangely familiar. “What... I know this place...” It looked so familiar but I couldn’t put my finger on it, everything’s so colorful and vibrant, like something from a cartoon. And everything looked different, but feels the same. It was like I was in a video game and someone put in a different texture pack.
I stood up slowly and started dusting myself off, not taking my eyes away from the room. It wasn’t till I stood up that I realized that there was something around my neck. It was a thick golden chain nucleus; I reached in to my shirt and pulled out the end of it.
I was taken back to what it was. “Is this...what I think it is?” it was an orange and green gem stone, the orange gem stone was in the shape of an apple, and the green one was in the shape of the apples leaf. My suspicions were right; it was they Element of Honesty...

I almost couldn’t hold my brony excitement from shrieking like a little girl, until the thought crossed my mind. “Wait, what about the other elements?”

I let go of the element that I was hanging on to and let it dangle around my neck and turned my head back as fast as I could to the pedestal to see if the elements were still there. “There... gone...?” I looked at the pedestal with a blank look, with the room behind it; I was close to figuring out where I was. And then it clicked.

I was where Twilight and the rest of them found the Elements of harmony; I’m in the ruins... of Princess Celestia and Luna’s old castle... I’m in Equestria...
The second that, that sunk into my mind I was ecstatic with joy and a vast wonder. To think, I was their, I was actually their! Whether it was a dream or not I didn't care, I was there and wasn't about to waste it.
I noticed that I was standing in the exact spot were Twilight was when they found the elements, but I abandoned the spot and stated walking and looking around the room like a curious kid, abserving every little detail; it looked just how it did in the show, but on a real level. I still couldn't believe it.

I went out back to the second part of the castle were twilight and the rest of them had defeated night mare moon. As I entered I stood there in complete awe. “So this is where it all went down. Where Twilight discovered the magic of friendship and defeated night mare moon with the Elements of Harmony. Incredible...” I said to myself.

I walked into the room slowly looking to were night mare moon had stood, letting history and the show replay its self in my mind. In all my excitement I wasn’t looking where I was going and tripped over something. “Uggh... come on twice in one day?” I got up and looked to see what I tripped over.

I was speechless, stuck by shock and fear, it was a piece of nightmare moons armor; by the looks of it I think it was her helmet. I went to go pick it up but had an eerie feeling about it so I let it be.
I made my way back into the main room, where I started, and went to go exit the castle. “If I’m in Equestria then that means I’m in the every free forest...” exiting the castle I started looking at the forest surrounding me. “And I don’t want to be in here when night falls so I should get moving.” I looked down at the element hanging around my neck. "and I don’t want anything to happen to you...” I tucked it back into my shirt for safe keeping and got on my way.
As I was walking away from the castle, stepping in the soft soil. I came to a gorge with a rope bridge extending from one side to the other. I never really liked heights but it was the only way, didn't help a couple boards were missing though. As I started crossing it I realized something; this was where Rainbow Dash displayed her loyalty to her friends, seeing this right up like this really gave me the sense on how they must have felt crossing it. Once I made it to the other side I looked back to see where she had done her pose for her friends. I smiled and continued walking.
The forest was as thick as ever, trees and vegetation surrounded the narrow grassy path that I walked on. Moss and vines were everywhere, aligned with bushes and plants. It was so thick that the sun overhead was invisible.
As I went deeper there was a certain smell in the air that wasn’t very welcoming, it made me cough a couple times. “Rarity was right, this isn’t the most pleasant place to be; the air is so... heavy. speaking of rarity...” I come to a wide river. “This is where she displayed her generosity towards the serpent.” I looked both up and down the river. “So how am I going to get across?” I would have asked the serpent if he could help me across but I couldn’t see him, I couldn’t even find the rocks that they were originally going to use to get across.
I sighed in frustration. “Looks like I’m going for a swim.” I bent over to feel the water, it wasn’t very cold but I still wasn’t really thrilled about an afternoon swim, but I had to so I did. Once I got out of the river I took off my shoes and socks and squeezed and dumped the water out of them and put them back on, then I was known my way once again.
After a little bit I came up to a creepy looking tree. “That’s definitely the scariest looking tree I’ve ever seen, in fact...” I looked to the other trees around me. “all these trees look creepy.” I don't know why but I started to feel insacure and frightened, it was like the trees carried the effect and forced it whether I liked it or not. But I remembered that this is where pinkie pie displayed her element of laughter.
I smiled at the memory and how it made me feel and started laughing, I didn’t know why. I guess it was the sheer pinkie pie-ness of it all. that random party pony could make anyone laugh, even if she wasn’t around. As I walked away from the trees, still giggling a bit I looked back and shock my head and continued my journey.
Next I came to a small clearing, upon entering I heard an unsettling sound that I hadn’t heard before. I took a couple steps further onto the clearing and then I saw it and was struck with fear, it was a sleeping Manticore.

“That’s the manticore that Fluttershy tamed with her compassion and kindness... but I am not Fluttershy.” I said softly to myself. Not wanting to wake the sleeping beast, I started walking vary carefully through the clearing, with every step I took, I bent my knees to reduce sound.

Half way through I looked at him to make sure he had not noticed me and then the inevitable happened; I stepped on a twig that made a loud cracking noise. I looked to my foot and then back to the manticore, my heart and breath stopped and my eyes went wide in horror. he lifted his head and looked around with drowsy eyes, I didn’t move and remained completely still. he lowered his head and let out a long breath and fell back to sleep. I did the same in relief and continued walking carefully, picking up the pace a bit, and I made it to the end of the clearing.
Once I got out there was a steep hill that lead to a higher point of the forest, I climbed it in a hurry to say the least. When I made it to the top I looked down into valley, I could see just how far I had really come and could also make out where the manticore was still sleeping. “That was to close...” I said with a long breath. I turned back around and continued walking.
I was walking along the ridge of a cliff; it was amazing looking from such a height, seeing the forest and the long drop below sent shivers through my spine, what a sight. I also noticed a place where it looked to be the spot where applejack displayed her honesty. I got closer to the edge to get a better look. “I think this is where!” – Suddenly the part of the cliff that I was standing on, gave way under my weight.
I was sliding down the side of the cliff uncontrollably, the edge of the hill was getting closer and closer, I couldn’t slow myself down. Then I saw a tree root sticking out of the ground, I reached out and grabbed it, my body swung around and came to a halt.
I laid there for a second just to regain myself and catch my breath; I looked down to the edge of the cliff, that answered my question. ”Yeah... yeah it is...” I looked back up to the root I was grasping. “I’m glad you’re still here...” I let of a light chuckle and made my way up the cliff side.
When I got to the top I dusted myself and I realized I managed to of torn a hole in my shirt. Looks like I was going to have to pay Rarity a visit at the Carousel Boutique sometime to get that fixed. I looked back down the hill 'I stand corrected that was to close' and then I got on my way.
After awhile it seemed to be getting brighter, the trees above were started to reveal blue skies and sunlight was seeping through. I looked up ahead and I saw no more trees past a bright light. “There it is, finally I can get out of here!” I started sprinting towards the opening of trees slowing down as I got closer to the light. I made it out but I couldn’t see that well, I raised my hand to shield my eyes from the light. When my eyes had finally adjusted I was taken back by the sight.
It was a large grass field with a couple of trees and bushes scattered and littered with beautiful flowers, it was so colorful. It boggold my mind, but in a good way, like it was brightening my sole and heart. I could even see a pond in the center; it looked like the same one from the mirror pool incident; that must be where dash and pinkie hang out in the summer or whenever it’s hot.
I looked to my left and saw tall grassy hill with a single tree on the top, I thought that would be a better spot to see more of the world, so with excitement in my in mind i made my way towards that. Once I got up to it I started running up the side as fast as I could, feeling the semi tall grass brush up against my ankles. Wanting to waste no time to see the view.
When I made it to the top I was blown away by what was in front of me, and couldn’t help but saying it again to realize. “I’m in Equestria...”
I could see everything from up there, I could see ponyville in the valley below, cloudsdale was floating high in the sky, and also canterlot in the distance, if I wasn’t smiling before, I certainty was now.
A part of me just wanted to run down there and greet every pony but... I know it would be too sudden. If I ran down there now I would just end up scaring every pony, it probably be worse than when Zecora came to ponyville. But I knew I was going to have to go there sooner or later and talk to Twilight and get all of this sorted out.
But at the moment, I just want to enjoy equestria for what it is before things get to serious and twilight tries to send me on the first boat out of here and back to where I came from.
I walked back and sat down and got myself comfortable under the tree. I was tired from the walk and wanted to have a second to myself. I took the element of harmony of from around my neck again, and started looking at it, thinking.
What I didn’t notice before is the gold chain has carvings on it that look like vines, but there aren’t a lot of them so it doesn’t look cluttered. As I stared at the apple shaped gemstone my mind was just a race of thoughts, one of them was the gemstone. The apple represents applejacks cutie mark... so why is it an apple for me? I’m not destined to work at sweet apple acres. I’ve never even been there physically.
My train of thought was broken by my stomach growling, I went to go check my watch to see what the time was but it wasn’t on my wrist any more. I figured that it must have fallen of somewhere when I was going through the everfree forest so I looked at the sun to try to guess that way.
It wasn’t quite sun set yet, but judging on where the sun was in the sky I think it was probably around five or six o’clock, dinner time.
My stomach was quick to conform that with another grown. I didn’t know what I was going to do or eat, I couldn’t go to ponyville that was a bad idea in its self, and I was even hungrier on account of not eating lunch and had nothing more than a couple paces of toast for breakfast.
In my frustration I hit the back of my head on the tree and to my surprise an apple fell on my lap, I looked up in to the tree. In all my excitement I hadn’t realized that the tree I was sitting under was an apple tree I looked back to the apple and chuckled lightly. “That’ll work...”
With every bite I took the apple got smaller and smaller until there was nothing left but the core, but I was still hungry.
In attempts to get more apples, I stood up and turned to the tree and then kicked it with the front of my foot, but nothing happened. A bit frustrated I went around the tree and gave an even stronger kick with my heel and sure enough a couple apples fell on the ground.
I gathered them up and sat back down under the tree and started eating them, looking at the beautiful scenery before me. Their were questions floating in my mind but on this whole ordeal, but I put them aside. Sometimes it's best not to question.
Once I had finished the apples, I looked to the sun which was about to set when something occurred to me, where was I going to sleep?
I started looking down the hill in the valley below, trying to find a suitable place to spend the night.
I saw ponyville but I skipped over that, there was no way I was going down there. I looked off to the field and along the forests edge and saw cottage, fluttershy’s cottage. I smiled but I knew I couldn’t go there and risk scaring the breath out of the timid pegasus, so I skipped that as well.
I noticed a growing amount of apple trees then saw Sweet Apple Acres in the distance; twilight did say that applejack was a very hospitable pony, but I wasn’t entirely sure on how 'hospitable' she’d be towards something like me.
I was starting to lose hope and was just about to look away when my eyes were drone back to something, the barn.
If I could make it there before the sun completely sets that wouldn’t be a half bad place to spend the night, I could rest in some hay, and would have a roof over my head, and in the morning I could leave before anyone woke up. It seemed like the best and was my only option so it was decided.
I got down from the top of the hill but before going to the farm, I stopped by the pond to get a drink of water and to clean myself up a bit, once i was done I got on my way to sweet apple acres.

It was dark out by the time I got to the path, Celestia’s sun has set and Luna’s moon took to the night sky. As I was going down the road to sweet apple acres, I was amazed by how many apple trees there were. Of course being on an apple farm meant plenty of apple trees, I knew that, but it was still a sight to see.
I looked further down the path and could see sweet apple acres under the moon light. I sighed in relief, getting there took a lot longer than I expected, and I couldn't wait to relax.
I walked up to the entrance and I stood under the archway, looking at the darken farm. Despite it being dark out I could picture where everything was as if it were daytime. A warm smile made its way to my face and I strangely felt a certain comfort if my body.
I expected myself to be more excited, being at sweet apple acres and all. But I was really tired; I didn’t really have the energy for brony excitement at that moment.
I walked over to the red building and slid the barn door to the side and stepped in, then shut it leaving a small crack so that I wouldn’t get locked in. when I turned around to look in the barn I realized it was really dark, to dark. I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face.
I turned back and opened the barn door to try to let some of the moon light in. I tried to see if there was anything that could provide some sort of light, then I noticed a stool with a lantern on it and what I believed to be a match beside that.

“Convenient enough...” I said to quietly to myself.

I walked in and picked up the lantern and the match, I struck the match agents a beam and it took flame. Once the lantern was lit, I threw the match on the ground and stomped it out and walked back to the barn door to shut it, leaving that small crack; I turned back around and lifted the lantern up to shed some light in the darkened barn.
It was quite in their, I couldn't even hear get crickets. But it held a peacefulness to it that I couldn't explain.
As I was walking though the barn with the faint orange glow of the lantern, I notice that there were no animals in the pens, but I didn’t think much of it. I remembered that I was in equestria and that animals weren’t typically kept in a barn like in my world. Animals were more civilized in this place then in my own, so locking them all up wasn't always necessary.
Nearing the last pen next to some cider barrels I tripped over a stray basket. It didn’t cause me to fall just stumble. When I caught myself completely, I lifted the lantern into the pen to light it up.
Surprisingly, not like the others, it was clean and had nothing but a stack of hay in it. And there was a somewhat familiar outlining in the hay; applejack must take naps every so often here, I hope she doesn’t mind if I use it for the night.
I set the lantern on a nail inside the pen for the moment and went back to the barn door. I opened it enough and stuck my head out to check if anyone was around or had heard me, there wasn’t though. Thankfully.

As I was walking back to the pen I tripped over that dumb basket again, although this time it managed to make me fall. I sighed in frustration; have to admit I wasn’t really in the mood for that. “That’s it, I’m sorry three sticks and I’m out, good night...” I said in a slightly louder ton. I got up, walked into the pen, sat down in the hay, blew out the lantern and fell asleep.
Even though it was a hay bale, it was one of the best sleeps I had for a while and it felt comforting to me to sleep in a barn. I didn’t have the dream as I was sleeping, but that’s probably because I was already in equestria, but that still didn’t answer why. But I ignored that and slept...

Differences don’t matter:

The next morning come around, the sun rose into the sky replacing night with day. As I started waking up I heard voices talking to one another that woke me up. I sat up slightly in the hay and rubbed my eyes Intel they focused. I was shocked on what was in front of me.
Their were two ponies in front of the pen arguing in a hush tone. One with orange fur and a bright yellow mane, and a smaller one with yellow fur and a red mane with a bow. it was Applejack and Applebloom. I didn’t move, I didn’t what to do, there was a sense of fear and anxiety from being caught and a since of excitement from seeing them, but I couldn’t sort it out so I sat there and listened.

“Applebloom we don’t even know what that thing is. If anypony’s going to wake that thing up it’s going to be me!” Applejack stated. She he turned but I was already awake.

I was sitting there in the hay in complete brony excitement and shock, my eyes were wide and my jaw was hanging slightly open, Applejack and Applebloom had the same expression on their faces, but I could tell theirs wasn't out of excitement.
After that feeling had set in, and was able to think a bit, I was a bit shocked on how small Applebloom really was; I knew applejack would probably stand around my side, but applebloom. I didn’t think she would even reach my knee cap.
A silence fell between the three of us, applejack was the first to brake it. “Uh howdy... my name’s Applejack, what’re you doin in my barn...?” she asked cautiously.

I didn’t answer right away; I was still trying to accept that this was really happening. I mean, what would you do? But I knew I couldn't hold out forever so I regained my thoughts and started to speak, but thanks to the way I was sleeping, I had a bit of a raspy morning voice. “Hi... my name is Jonathan, I’m sorry I broke into your born applejack, I needed a place to stay and I didn’t have anywhere else to go. I guess you could say I’m new around here.” I said to her

Applejack smiled with relief, she seemed to let go my of my appearance rather quickly. “Apology accepted, have ta say, ah ain’t seen anythin quite like you round these parts before."

I chuckled lightly as I stood up out of the hay. “Yeah... and you probably never will again.” I said a bit jokingly.

She took it litarly. “What do ya mean?”

I sighed inwardly and looked at applejack with a somewhat serious expression. I knew I couldn’t hide it from her, and honestly I didn’t really want to, so I just said it. “Applejack I’m from another universe..." I said looking down at them.

When I said that applejack looked at me confusingly, she was about to say something but I cut her off cause I wasn’t done yet. “And this...” I reached into my shirt and pulled out the element harmony. “is what brought me here...”

When I revealed the element her eyes went wide, she didn’t respond, I could tell it was doing a number on her like it had to me. “Lot of questions goin through my head right about now... where did you say yer from again?” She asked looking suspicious lost at me.

I smiled at her, I figured shed want answers right away, I don't blame her. Seeing me with the element of honesty must have really messed with her. but there was something I wanted to ask before we really got into the subject. “I’ll explain everything. But first...” I paused and looked down to the filly that was standing quietly in behind Applejack. “Applebloom would it be too much to asked if you could go and get me a drink of water please, so I can speak clearly.” I asked politely.

Applebloom seemed a bit unsure but she looked at applejack who nodded. “Uhh yeah... sure” she said hesitantly. She started walking to the barn door but never stopped staring at me, that is until she almost walked into the door.
Applejack looked even more confused than before, I think it was because I called her by her name, but I couldn't be certain. I stepped out of the pen, I knew we were going to be there for a while so I thought to get us a place to sit, and the barrels were the only thing around so...
I walked over to the empty cider barrels and picked one up and moved it close to where applejack was standing as I did with two more, giving us a place to sit. She didn’t seem to mind.
I sat down on one of the cider barrels, applejack sat on the one next to me, she didn’t say anything she just sat there staring at me with a blank expression.
I on the other hand was trying to figure out how I was going to explain this to them, and it didn’t help that I’m not really good at explaining things. But my time to think didn't last long with Applebloom soon returning. She came back with an old looking wooden tray balanced on her head with three glasses of water on it; I guess she could tell as well that we were going to be here for a while.

She sat the tray down in the center of the three barrels and then she jumped up on the one next to her sister.

I smiled at her. “Thank you.” I said

She nodded lightly. “Yer welcome...” she replied shyly

I bent over and picked up one of the glasses, after my first sip I started clearing my throat to give the water a chance to work its way around.

“Alright ya had a drink, now time for some answers.” applejack said firmly.

I nodded to her, and took one last sip from the glass and placed it back on the tray. “I’ll start from the beginning...”

I told them everything as far as back when the dream started and explained, continued from there. I had their whole attention as I explained and they didn’t interrupt me once. They sat quietly, listing to every word that came out my mouth. It felt a bit weird at first, having someone listen, but in a good way.
When I finished the story applejack started with the questions, there were a lot. I was expecting it to be weird or somewhat awkward talking to them but it wasn’t, it was like talking to an old friend that I hadn’t seen for a while, I grew comfortable really quickly.
I could tell that applejack was the same way, threw every question she asked, and every answer I gave her, she got more and more comfortable around me. The same with applebloom, heck she started asking questions almost as much as applejack. All the glasses of water were gone quickly from our constant talking.

We were just about done, but applejack wanted to go over everything to make sure she had it. “So let me get this straight... yer from another universe were magic don’t exist, and after a dream ya had for about a month, the elements of harmony randomly appeared in some forest were you go to relax?” she paused

“Yup..." I confirmed

“One of them starts a glowin, you touch it, and it takes ya to the castle were Twilight’n the rest of us originally found them in the everfree forest?”

“Uh-huh.”

“You make it out and ya start searchin for a place to spend the night, you find my barn and that’s how we all got here today...” applejack finished

I nodded to her, she differently was listening. “Yep that’s pretty much it.” I said confirming it all.

“That’s some journey if ya ask me... and a mouth full at that.” she said sort of joking.

I nodded again but turned away and looked outside, the sun was slowly creeping its way along the barns dirt floor to where we were sitting, it looked like a nice day out and I couldn’t wait to go out.

I thought we were done but I was wrong. “Now that still leaves one question though...” she said

I looked back to her a bit confused, what did I miss? “Which is?”I asked

“How do you know so much about equestria, the elements of harmony, hack how did ya even know what applebloom’s name was before anypony told you?” applejack asked raising a hoof and pointing to applebloom

“Yeah ah was wonderin about that.” applebloom agreed

I sighed to myself; I was hoping that they wouldn’t ask that question. I didn’t know how to explain it to them, that in my world there a tv show... No I couldn’t use tv when I explain this, that would just raise more questions, and will just make it harder on them. I knew I had to be careful on what I said and how I said it.

Applejack and applebloom were still waiting for a response, and I knew I had to give it to them. “Listen... I don’t know how you two are going to take this. But you’re going to hear about it sooner or later so you might as well hear it from me...” I said in a very regretful tone.

Applejack and applebloom leaned closer. “It’s a story...” I said simply. Short, but not to sure about the sweet.

Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Come again...?”

“Equestria is part of a story where I come from...” I said, I was being extremely careful on what words I used. They remained silent; I was hoping that neither of them would take it the wrong way.

But unfortunately the filly did. “So yer saying that none of this is real and are whole lives is nothin but a lie?” applebloom said in an sadden tone

“No...” I said looking directly to her, I was quick to current her I didn’t want her or anyone to think that. “Though in my world it’s a story, this world is real... None of this is being controlled by some writer. This world and everyone in it is acting of their own... nothing is controlling it.” I said firmly. my words seem to have comfort the filly but I could tell that, that the thought of it was still going through her head.

“So you know about everythin that’s ever happened in equestria?” applejack asked looking at me with a similar expression.

I shook my head. “No... I only know of certain parts, starting when Twilight first came to ponyville and ending when she became an alicorn, but theirs big gaps...”

Applebloom perked her head back up. “But that was a long time ago though.” she said, almost joy that her thoughts weren't real.

“Exactly.” I said pointing to her

“Speaking of twilight...”applejack started, as she got off the barrel and started to walk to the barn door. “Ah should take ya to her house, if there’s anypony who'd know what to think about all this, it’s her.” she said

Though applejack was right, that was kind of what I was afraid of. I stood up off the barrel. “Actually applejack... is it alright if we do that tomorrow? I still kind of want to enjoy equestria before things get to series and I have to go.” I asked her hoping that shed understand and I wouldn’t have to explain it, because I don’t think I’d be able to.

She stopped at the barn door and looked at me with a blank expression, but then smiled and chuckled lightly. “Sure, that’s probably best to. Ah still have lots of cores to do, Apple trees don’t buck’em self’s ya know...”

I smiled and nodded. “Thank you” I said with lifted spirits.

She nodded. “No problem.” she replied. She walked out of the barn. “Feel free to stay around the farm!” she yelled

“I will thanks’ again!” I yelled back

I sighed with relief; I was glad that not only she gave me the day, but had already trusted me enough to give me free rang around the farm. I don’t think she realizes how much that means to me, I’ve always wanted to be on a farm and this was my chance.
I walked up to the barn door and looked out to the world surrounding me, breathing in the wet morning air. If it was a sight to see last night, it was amazing to see in the brood of daylight; I stood there and soaked it all up.
The view of the sun rising over the fields littered with trees and hills, smelling the clean air and sweet smell of apples, and watching applejack get her wagon and pulling it up the sweet apple acres path, I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
All the thoughts on the element of harmony left me, and frankly I didn’t care. I’m here in equestria there will be plenty of time for worrying about that later.

As I was going through my thoughts, I heard applebloom jump of the barrel, she walked up and stood beside me. “So what are you goin ta do now?” she asked curiously looking up to me

I looked down to her. “Honestly... I don’t know I was just gonna wing it.” I replied. Now that I had it, I never considered what I’d do with a full day of free time, and in equestria to boot! I had a hard enough time trying to decide what to do at home when there’s no work to do, let alone equestria.

But the filly already made up for that. “Do ya wanna come play with me then?” she asked excitingly

I was a bit surprised that she wanted to play with me so soon, I would have expected her to want to avoid me, but I guess that's just applebloom; she didn't judge zecora for being different, I’m glad she didn’t with me. A lot of ponies could really learn something from her. So I decided to go along; besides I wasn’t about to disappoint that cute and eager looking face.

I let off a warm grin and nodded. “Sure.” I said cheerfully

She seemed even more excited than before and jumped with her words. “Really!”

“Yeah it’ll be fun.”

Applebloom didn’t hesitate to get things moving. “Well alrighty then, let’s go!” She cheered. She ran out of the barn and started making her way to the main road.

It was nice seeing that I made her happy, but I haven’t had anything to eat. “Wait! What about breakfast!?” I called out to her.

She stopped under the archway and yelled back with a chuckle. “It’s an apple farm just grab an apple. Now come on!” she cheered again

I don’t know why that didn’t occur to me before, but seeing her like that and that happy made me laugh. “Alright I’m coming!”

When I started to run to the entrance, applebloom took off down the path like a bullet and I chased after her. It wasn’t long before we caught up with applejack; applebloom ran past her, I followed suet; I waved back at her and continued to chase the filly.
Following not too far behind her, my attention was drawn to an apple that was hanging from a branch over the path, it was the most delicious looking apple I had ever seen!
I centered my vision on the apple and picked up my pace, running past the filly, and when I got close enough I jumped into the air and picked the apple from the tree and landed without losing speed, I looked at the apple to make sure that I haven't browsed it, then I put it in my pocket and slowed down beside applebloom.

She giggled playfully. “Ready to go?” she asked

I chuckled and gestured with my hand. “Lead the way...”

Running with Bloom was like a dream come true. It wasn’t brony excitement anymore for me, I was truly happy. Back at home, I could only dream of waking up on a farm and seeing the beautiful scenery and going for a run down the countryside with a little sister, not to say that she’s my sister, but I like to treat her as one, despite are obviously differences.
I honestly never knew I wanted a little sister, but being with bloom just feels right. It’s like it’s filled a special spot in my heart that has been empty, and it feels good. No it feels great, I feel so alive.
As we started to lose some energy we slowed down and started walking. She started asking me more questions, but not on what I was or were I came from, but who I was as a person. Did I have any siblings, what was my family like, stuff like that. Although one of the things she did find interesting about me were my hands.
I told her a couple funny stories and adventures that me and my nephews had shared, she seemed to like them. Though they were nothing competed to the one I was on.
She started to tell me a couple stories herself. One of them in which, was when her and Sweetie belle and Scootaloo went into the Everfree forest to search for one of Fluttershy’s missing chickens and how she stared down the cockatrice. But the way she told it, it was a bit different from the episode. But I wasn’t going to tell her that I already knew the story, to a percent and instead just listened; besides it was nice hearing it from her point of view.
I didn’t know where she was taking me but really, I didn’t care. Anywhere in equestria would do me just fine, I just had to wait.

“We're here!” Applebloom cheered, raising a hoof to the landscape. It was a large field littered with flowers and bushes; it wasn’t too far from where I came out of the forest. Their were butterfly and insects roaming about, with a few woodland creatures. It was beautiful

I don’t think that seeing the fields of equestria will ever get old to me. “It’s beautiful...” I said amazement.

She walked away from my side and stood in front of me. “Yeah, this is where me and sweetie belle and scootaloo normally come to play. Not too many ponies come out here so it’s a good spot.” she explained

That raised a question for me. “Speaking of sweetie and scoots where are they? I would have expected you three to be crusading or something.”

“Oh sweetie belle’s shopping in canterlot with rarity, and scootaloo said that she’s working with the rainbow dash fan club. So ah was on my own today.”

I felt a bit that she was left without something to do, but it also made me feel good that I was the reason that she wasn’t alone today. “Then It’s a good thing that I was around.” I said a bit arrogantly, but jokingly. “So... what do you want to do?” I asked

“Hmm...”Applebloom started rubbing her chin with her hoof. “Want to play ball?” she suggested.

I thought that would be a good idea, but there was one problem with that. “Sure but uhh, we don’t have a ball.” I said, kinda speaking the obvious.

She chuckled. “Sure we do.” she walked over to a tree with a hole in the side and reached in and pulled out a colorful ball, and kicked it over to me.

I picked it up the ball with a strange look. why someone would put a ball in there? but then I remembered something and glanced over at applebloom with a slight grin.“Pinkie pie...?” I said simply

“Pinkie pie...” she said

We both laughed and I tossed the ball back over to her and we started kicking it around, we didn’t play anything in particular we just had fun, and playing with her made not only her day better but mine as well.
After an hour or so it started getting pretty hot out; since am a Canadian boy I don't care for the heat to much, bloom didn't seem to like it much either. We both decided that it would be a good idea to find a spot to cool off. I suggested sitting under a tree to get out of the sun, but she said that was to boring for her. Applebloom then said that she had a better idea but wouldn’t tell me, she just ran of saying to fallow her, so I did. I had a feeling that she was trying to surprise me so I didn’t bother asking and went along.

She took me to the pond that I had visited last night. “Ready to go for a swim?” She cheered as she ran and jumped into the air and cannonballing in the water. “Come on in, the waters fine!”

I wanted to but I also didn’t want to, because of my cloths, and there’s no way I was taking them off. But I guess that’s just the consequence for fun with a filly. I did take off my shoes and socks though also my shirt, I would have taken off the element to but I didn’t want to leave it out in the open, so I kept it on.

“Alright here I COME!” I cheered

I ran along the sandy ground and at the edge dove into the pond after her, when I surfaced I was greeted by a splash of water to the face, in which I splashed back. It was on all out splashing war, although it was a bit hard for me to stay floating with my wet jeans weighing me down, but it was the most fun I’ve had in a long time.
Just playing with applebloom and being with her made me feel nice on the inside, though I’ve been through a lot and I wouldn’t want to tell her and risk scaring her about it. Being with her made all my problems seem smaller, because whether she knows about them or not, she cares for me and I care for her. It was really soothing.

When we got out of the water and just before I put my shoes back on applebloom noticed me feet. “You have hands down there too?!” she asked shockingly pointing to my feet

I laughed lightly and shook my head. “No these are called feet. Though they look similar but there not nearly as flexible.” I explained.

I put my shoes back on and we walked out further into the field and picked a spot to lie in the sun to dry off. We laid in the field together side by side, in the bright green and soft grass with the smell of all the wild flowers filling the clean air.
There were so many good feelings going through me that I couldn’t even count. It wasn’t just being in the field and laying in the sun on the soft grass, which was great on its own, but I was doing it with someone I consider a little sister, I couldn’t explain it, it just felt right.

As we were lying side by side in the sun looking up into the sky, pointing out funny or different clouds, I couldn’t help but realize. “The clouds aren’t moving?” I said to myself.

Applebloom overheard me. “Well of course they ain't movin, a cloud only moves when a pegasus moves it... unless there over the everfree forest that is.” she stated

Now that I really thought about it, the everfree isn’t that different from my world, besides that looks and magic playing a roll, everything’s remotely same. “Yeah but in my world the weather controls its self.”

She seemed a bit shocked and sat up and looked back down to me. “Really?” she asked

I nodded. “Yup.” I said simply

She looked at me strongly like I was crazy then lied back down. “That’s weird...”

“Only cause you're not use to it...” I said, chuckling a bit to myself

While we were lying there looking at the sky, I took my arm out from under my head to look at my watch to check the time, but I was reminded that it had fallen off in the forest. I sat up and looked to the filly beside me. “Hey Bloom, do you know what time it is?” I asked her

She sat up and looked to the sun. “Hmm... my guess would be round lunch time.” she said and then her stomach growled. She chuckled lightly at that. "Haha, yeah... lunch time. do ya wanna head back to the farm?” she asked me

I was about to say sure but then I remembered the apple in my pocket. “Oh I still have that apple, want half.” I asked her pulling the apple out of my pocket

“Sure!” she said happily

I dusted the apple off on my shirt; I put my two thumps directly in the center of the bottom of the apple and the rest of my fingers on top; Once I had a good grip, I flexed and shot my arms forward pulling back with my fingers and splitting the apple into two perfect half’s

I looked to bloom who seemed like a kid who just saw a magic trick “Wow! How did you do that?” she asked shockingly

I smiled and paced her a half. “A trick a friend showed me.”

“Can ya teach me?” she asked eagerly

I would have showed her but there was one problem with that. “Uh... bloom?” I smiled at her and fluttered my fingers around.

She chuckled awkwardly. “Oh right I don’t have... what do ya’ll call those thing on the ends of your hands again?” she asked

“Fingers?” I asked playfully

“Yeah those.” she said giggling lightly

We both started laughing and ate our separate half’s, after they were gone we decided to start walking back to sweet apple acres anyway. As we were just leaving, I thought I’d ask applebloom something that would make her day even better. I looked down to her. “Hey bloom, wanna ride on my shoulders?” I asked gleefully

She didn’t waste any time to replay. “Yeah!” she said beaming with joy.

I bent down and picked her up and placed her on my shoulders; I felt her tail run down my back. “That good?” I asked her making sure she was comfortable.

“Perfect...” she replied, after shifting her weight. And with that I started walking back to sweet apple acres with a bit of guidance from the filly on my shoulders.

As we were walking, her tail tickled my back but I restrained from scratching, I didn’t want her to fall off. Also her hooves on my head weren’t the most comfortable thing in the world, but I didn’t mind. For some reason it just felt right having bloom on my shoulders despite it being a bit uncomfortable.
Even though me and her are of total different worlds and races I still consider and like to treat her as my little sister, and I don’t know for sure but I think she feels the same way, and that made me feel good inside.

As we were walking down the road, me and applebloom were talking about everything we had done. “Do ya’ll remember when ya tried to kick the ball and you missed and fell flat on yer back? that was funny!” applebloom said laughing hysterically.

“Funnier from you’re view, I fell on a rock...” I said laughing a bit myself, shaking my head at my own clumsiness.

As I continued down the path with the laughing filly on my shoulders, she calmed down and it was quite for a second and nothing could be heard accept a light breeze blowing through the apple trees. It was quite peaceful.

“Jonathan...” I noticed applebloom’s voice change to a bit more serious tone, so I paid close attention. “Thanks for playing with me today, ah had a lot of fun.”

When I heard her say that I smiled greatly at myself, it made me feel proud and it made my heart feel warm with joy and happiness, I almost felt like crying. "No problem Applebloom, I had fun too. Qnd you can call me Jon if you want...” I said in a loving tone

It stayed quiet again for a couple of minutes, I was soaking up what bloom had said, when she said that I truly felt like a big brother, a feeling that I’ve always wanted to feel, but has always eluded me tell that point.

“What time do you think it is? One, two o’clock...” I asked her

I felt her head turn to the direction of the sun. “Ah’d say round... two or three, yeah.”

“Yer guess is better than mine...” I said. I tuned and started looking amongst the apple trees. “So where do you think Applejack is right now?” I asked her

“He, probably in the south field.” she replied

I thought about it for a second, and decided I’d go and see if she needed any help. Even though I was in equestria, that didn’t mean I couldn’t do work. “I’m gonna go and drop in on her ok.” I told her as I lifted her up of my shoulders

I sat her down on the ground gently in front of me. “Ok all meet ya back at the house then.”

I nodded. “Sounds good.” I said cheerfully smiling to her

“Bye Jon!” she cheered as she ran down the path back to the farm.

I waved to her. “See ya later bloom!” I yelled back

Now I just had to figure out which way was south. I looked up at the sun to find out what direction to go. Once I had a way I started walking off the trail and through the forest of apple trees.

A Place To Call Home:

If I didn’t find applejack soon I was going to have to turn back before I got lost. I was only walking for ten, fifteen minutes. But that was enough time for the path to disappear behind me.
I was just about to turn back when I saw a filled apple basket sitting under a distant apple tree. As I walked towards it the number of basket’s multiplied. At least I had a sign that I was going in the right direction.It wasn’t long before I found applejack’s wagon, and not too far off I saw her resting under an apple tree.

I didn’t really want to wake her up, if she was even sleeping, but I couldn’t help myself and started my approach. “Hey applejack, hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

She lifted her hat off her eyes to see who it was; she greeted me with a smile. “Howdy there Jonathan, not at all. say what brings ya out here?” she asked

“Applebloom said I might find you out here. I came to see what you were doing.” I said, now standing in front of her

She pushed herself up and off the tree to all fours, and started to walk towards her wagon. “Ah just finished up some buckin. Now I got ta load all these here apple basket’s inside my wagon...” she said lifting a hoof to the filled baskets.

When I really saw all the baskets I realized that this was going take her some time to do it on her own. So I thought I’d offer her a hand. “Mind if I help?” I asked her

She turned to me confused but smiled with appreciation. "Come on now, ah can’t ask you ta help me with my chores.” she said

I knew applejack never liked to accept help, not saying she needed it, heck I'm the same way. But I didn’t come out here for nothing. I looked to a suitable basket and walked over to it and picked it up. “Then I guess it’s a good thing I’m offering...” I said with a understandable smirk.

Applejack smirked as well. “Alright, if ya really want to. Thanks though.” she said as she walked over to pick one up as well.

I was glad she let me help; going a whole day without doing any work just didn’t feel right for me. The work wasn’t that hard but it was a bit tiring on the back. Applejack though was probably having it harder since she carried them on her back.
Every time we cleared a section, I’d grab the wagon and pull it over to the next so we wouldn’t have to make longer trips. To keep it from going silent she had asked me what me and bloom were up to. When I was done explaining she seemed happy to hear that I was treating her alright. It still made me feel nice thinking about bloom, but I tried to keep my mind more on work, but the feeling didn’t go away.
Working with Applejack in the orchard for some reason felt right. Dispute it being hard, it was good work. And worked up an even better sweat. In a wired way, it even felt peaceful to be working in the apple fields. I guess that comes from me always wanting to live on a farm, where there’s always work to do. Now don't get me wrong I do like spending some time inside, but if theirs something to do out then why not right?

When me and applejack had finished loading the apple baskets she went to hook herself up to the wagon. “Mind if I pull it?” I asked. I know it was kind of a strange question but I wanted to try my hand at it, plus it would help.

She looked at me again with a confused look on her face. ”Ah guess... but why are ya’ll so eager ta help me with my chores?”

I shrugged. “It’s just what I do... back at home all I do is work, for my mom as well as family and friends. I find it hard to relax if someone I know is doing work and there’s a way I can help. I guess you could say I’m a workhorse.” I said chuckled lightly

Applejack chuckled herself. “Ah can appreciate that, lot of pony’s come to me as well lookin fer help, and it just don’t feel right to say no. Anyway, hook up and let’s get a move on.” she said cheerfully

She turned and started to walk off back to the direction of the road. I went up to the wagon, something just occurred to me. I realized I wouldn’t be able to ‘hook up’ I’d have to cruel on my knees. So instead I put my hands behind my back and grabbed the wooden harness and started to fallow behind her.

Applejack waited for me to catch up once she got to the road so we could walk side by side. After I couple of minutes, I noticed she was staring at me out of the corner of my eye. I didn't turn to her, but smiled and chuckled lightly. “Not quite use to me yet?” I said teasingly

She shook her head and looked away. ”Uh... sorry” she said awkwardly.

“It’s fine, if you were in my world it probably be the same thing” I said looking to her. I didn’t mind her staring at me, I kind of liked the attention. A lot of people back at home normally overlook me and paid next to zero attention, it was nice for a change.

“So what’s yer world like anyway? Ah mean ya’ll say you found the elements of harmony in a forest and what not. So Ah’m guessin you live in the country.” she suggested

I sighed and shook my head, I felt an inner pain my heart but kept it under wraps. “I wish I could say yer right, but I’d be lying... I’m from the city but I’ve always dreamed on livein in the country.” I replied

“Really? ya fooled me. Ah was certain you lived in the country just by the way ya’ll act.”

That helped a lot with what I was feeling. “Thanks that means a lot coming from someone who lives in the country and not just another city person... or pony.” I said. I was hoping she wouldn’t want to talk about my world, I didn’t really like talking or even thinking for that matter about my world, there’s nothing really I wanted to say about it, but unfortunately she did.

“So what’s that like then?” she asked

I looked away from her and at the road before my feet; I really didn’t want to talk about my world, I never liked or took pleasure about my world, but she asked and I didn’t want to say no, so I started. “Honestly applejack... there isn’t a lot of good things to say about my world. I mean, sure we have advanced technology but what’s the good in having that if everyone is going to abuse it...” I said

“What do ya mean? It can’t be that bad.” she asked again, a bit concerned.

I continued but I started to get a bit louder as I did so. “Your world is rolled be friendship and magic and peace, my world is rolled be hatred, greed... applejack my world is a nightmare, destroyed by war and the people that live within it!”

“If it’s so bad then why doesn’t yer leader do something about it?” she suggested, hoping to provide some answer.

I barely heard applejack; I was too lost and enraged with my thoughts that I was holding in, but then they made themselves known. I shook my head. “Because their no different! sometimes I think their what actually caused it. All they seek is the money, they don't care about the ones that pay for it. There are a lot of bad people in my world, I can’t even walk to my corner store without the fear of getting beaten and robbed! I'm constantly looking over my shoulder because I don't even know if something going to be their to kill me!”
I started losing myself in my emotions. “It’s so hard being my normal cheerful self when the world around me is constantly hating and criticizing on me, even a good portion of my family have been taken by the world I live in. I’ve lived in my neighborhood for my whole life... sixteen years... and I don’t have one person I can call friend, because everyone has lost hope and they spend their days done up on drugs and alcohol!
The reason I stay myself is because I don’t want that to change who I am, I never want to lose my true self, but that's the last thing I'd want. but it’s a constant and hard battle to not give in and...”
I was about to continue when I remembered that applejack was still walking beside me, I forgot that she was even there, I just got careered away.
I looked too her, she was looking at me with a worry and concern look on her face; I realized that I had said too much. I stopped walking and sat down on the dirt road and closed my eyes to study myself and my thoughts. I felt bad that I just poured all that on her, I didn’t want to trouble her with things like that but it just came out, but I had no excuse for my actions...

“I-I’m sorry...” I said softly. I’m normally such a positive person, I was a bit ashamed for venting like that on her but I just happened so fast.

I heard applejack walk towards me; she stood beside me and patted my shoulder with her hoof. “It’s ok sugarcube. Ah’m sorry I asked...” she said in a gentle tone

I regained a bit of myself to face her, and looked into her bright green eyes. “Thanks... but it’s not your fault and it still wasn’t right of me to vent on you like that...”

“Sometimes ya have to... ya can’t keep stuff bottled up like that, it ain’t good fer ya...” applejack reassured me keeping a calm tone.

I knew she was right, and I accepted that, but it’s hard every so often. “I guess your right...” I looked back down to the road. I knew she had a point, keeping thoughts like that, is just another way for my world to corrupt me.

Applejack remained silent for a few seconds to let that sink in. “Ya want me ta pull the wagon the rest of the way...?”

I looked at her and smiled weakly and chuckled, like her I was too stubborn to let that go. “No I’m too stubborn, I said I’d pull it and that’s what I plan on doing...” With those words I stood up off the ground and grabbed the harness once again.

Applejack smiled and chuckled as well. “Couldn’t have said it better myself...” and with that we continued to walk back down the path.

We didn’t talk much walking back, whenever I looked at her she was staring at the road ahead, though she didn’t say anything I could tell she was thinking about everything that I had said. I really wished I hadn’t of done that, but that was the past, couldn't change It now.
Applejack would’ve been the last pony I’d do something like that to. But after it was all said and done, I started to feel better, I had finally gotten some of it off my chest and talking about it helped get it off my mind, I guess she was right after all. I’m normally a vary content person, but with everything that surrounds me, I lose sight of that sometimes, but talking really helped. But in all honesty that wasn't even part.
We were just coming up to the entrance to sweet apple acres, after all our hard work it was nice to be there again, but before we got there I wanted to tell applejack something, before bloom came and wanted to play again.

“Applejack...” I looked at her and made sure I had her attention before continuing. ”Thanks for listening to me, back at home, it’s hard not seeing my friends and taking the challenges of my everyday world alone... thanks for being a good friend and being there.” I said smiling warmly at her.

She smiled warmly back. “No problem Jonathan, that’s what ah’m here for.” she said in a loving tone.

As we walked through the archway applejack turned towards the house. “Thanks fer yer help, ya’ll can park the wagon by the apple cellar over there.” applejack said pointing to a door in the ground.

Looked over and nodded. “Sure thing.”

As I walked over and put the wagon where she had told me, I sighed in relief and was just about to sit down and take a break. Then Applebloom came barreling out of the house and ran past her big sister and up to me. “Hey Jon, what took ya so long?” she asked cheerfully

It didn’t matter how tired I was, I couldn’t help but be cheerful when seeing that little filly. “Hey bloom, I was just helping applejack in the field that’s all.” I said cheerfully

“Do ya wanna do something together?” she asked excitingly

Well there goes my wanting to take a break, but I wasn’t gonna let something like that stop me. “Sure but do you mind if we keep it on the farm. After playing with you and helping applejack, I have to admit, I’m a bit tired.”

She smiled and nodded. “Sure, there’s lots we can do round the farm. what do ya wanna do first?”

I was glad she understood, I didn’t think I would have the energy to do anything else. I started thinking on what she had asked but nothing really came to mind, so I just thought of something random. “I don’t know, why don’t you give me a tour around sweet apple acres.” I suggested

She seemed to like that Idea. “Sure let’s get started!” she cheered, not wanting to waste time.

We started to walk as she showed me around the farm, it was pretty cool actually, seeing everything in person was amazing compared to a TV or computer screen, and this was real. I was having a great time and I could tell that she enjoyed showing me around as well just by her mood.
One of the more notable places she took me was, the cutie mark crusaders clubhouse, but she said that I couldn’t go in, due to it being official CMC business, but I understood. Besides I’m not sure if I really want to know what they’re planning in there so we left that along.
After showing me everything else which took a couple hours, we were nearing the end of the tour; the last place we passed was where applejack trained, in 'The Last Roundup' episode.
I didn’t know why, but I got excited and a rush of energy flowed though me, I couldn’t help myself and asked if I could give it a go, bloom said it be fine, I could tell that she was just as eager to see how well I’d do then I was.
She grabbed a stopwatch that was hanging on a nail next to applejacks ribbons and jumped up on the fence and told me to wait on the white line until she said go. I put the element on the nail that the stopwatch was hanging on and jumped over the fence then took my place on the line.
I made sure I feet were firmly plant foe a good push off and waited for her to say it. I calmed myself and stopped all my thoughts and slowed down my heart beat, focusing only on what was in front of me. When she yelled go, I looked up and launched forward as fast as I could, dust trailing behind me.
The first hurdle was going to be a problem, I was closing in on it quickly and I knew I couldn’t just jump over it, I wouldn’t clear it. So when the timing was right, I jumped arms first and dove over it and when I knew I was clear, I tucked in my weight and landed with a somersault and continued to run without losing pace to the next hurdle.
When I made it over the others, I ran up to the hay bale with a rope attached to it, and grasped it tightly and swung with my body weight and through it as hard as I could, when it passed the line bloom stopped the timer. I stopped for a brief second to catch my breath and asked bloom what my time was.
She was shocked and said I was only four seconds off from applejacks best, four seconds was a number I could live with. And gave her a high five, or hoof... Either way.
When we were done I grabbed the element and put it back around my neck. Applebloom said that was the end of the tour so we started walking back.

It was probably around six or seven o’clock when we got back to the main part of the farm. As me and bloom were walking applejack came out of the house. “Applebloom, it’s time for dinner!” She called

“Ok applejack!” applebloom replied and started running towards the house.

When she went inside, I smiled and turned and started to walk towards the road. I didn’t want the apple family to feel like they had to feed me so I decided to just go so it pressure them, I was thinking of going to the hill and eating there.

I was just about to exit the farm when I heard applejack call from behind me. “And where do ya’ll think yer goin?"

I turned to her a bit confused. “What do ya mean?” I asked

“Ah said its dinner time.” she called again

I was bit surprised that she’d offer something like that, normally people just let me go and forget about me, the whole thing just felt different to me. “Are you sure I don’t want to intrude...”

She seemed surprised I’d asked that, and sounded almost insulted, but she understood where I was coming from. “How could ya’ll possibly be intruding? You helped me and from what ah heard ya also gave bloom a great day and kept her company; ah think you’ve earned a decent meal. Beside where were ya planning on going anyway?” She said

I took a couple steps closer to the house. “Well what about Granny Smith and Big Macintosh?” I asked

“What, them? There fine, granny already knows about ya. When ah was helpin her make dinner, ah told her about you and how yer not from around here and don’t have any place to go, she thought it be a fine idea if ya’ll stayed for dinner. Her words were ‘If he ain’t got a place ta go, then we’ll gave'm a place ta call home’ and big mac won’t think much of it. Now come on before it gets cold.” she said cheerfully with a warm smile

I smiled brightly and ran to the house, I had never been treated like that before, I couldn't discover it. When I got to the porch applejack turned to walk inside. “Thanks applejack...” I said in an appreciative tone. She smiled back and nodded then led me into the house.

I was going to take off my shoes but she said not to worry about it, any dirk that got tracked in could be cleaned up. The happiness I was experiencing I hadn’t felt in a long time, and it made me feel loved, a feeling I rarely got. “Look who decided to join us for dinner.” applejack said cheerfully as she entered the kitchen/dining room.

I came in behind her and saw the apple family sitting at the food filled table, their was all kinds. Roasted corn and steeped carrots and vegetables alike, all tipped off with spices that made the mouth water. It looked and smelt amazing.
Applejack walked over to her seat next to big macintosh at the back of the table, granny smith sat at the front of the table and bloom sat across from her sister. There was an empty seat beside apple bloom, she must of had something to do with that. I felt a bit nervous. I mean, it wasn't them, all this just felt alien, I wasn't use to it.

As I sat down I thought it would only be proper to introduce myself. “Hi big macintosh.” I said to him. He didn’t reply but he smiled and nodded, I expected nothing less from him.

I looked to my left down the table to their granny. “Thank you so much for letting me stay for dinner gr-misses smith...” I said. I almost called her granny, it just felt more natural, I was hoping that she didn’t pick up on it.

She raised an eye brow at me. “Yer welcome. and sunny? if ya want to call me granny you call me granny, I don’t mind...” she said with a old loving smile. I was glad the she didn’t take offense by that, and I smiled and nodded. “Let’s get started then shall we?” she cheered

With that we started to pass the food around the table, granny started the rotation and then passed it to applejack and we continued around the table from there. Every time a plate or bowl would reach me I’d put some on my plate and also some on applebloom’s, what she wanted anyway. When the food made it to everypony and person at the table we all started to eat.
While we were eating something felt off to me, there was like this weird and awkward atmosphere. I looked to every member of the apple family as I was chewing; they were all eating normally, quite chewing and closed mouths, sitting up strait and keeping it civil and well mannerly, even applejack was eating with her mouth closed.
I didn't put it together right away, then I realized that was the problem. This wasn't them. I couldn’t help but to think that they were doing it because of me to make me feel more comfortable, and I appreciate that, but it was doing they exact opposite.
When I swallowed my food I felt like I had to tell them. “Listen...” I started and waited until I had all of their attention before I continued, they all looked to me. “Thanks for trying, but I know you all aren’t this well mannered. Don’t feel like you have to behave because I’m here; please just act like I wasn't. Be yourself.” I said encouragingly

When I was finished they all looked away from me and to granny who raised her eyebrow again glaring at me. “Are you sure...?” she asked pausing long

“Positive.” I replied

She stood up on her chair, still glaring but then she cut loose and smiled. “Dibs on that last corncob!” she yelled.

She took her drenchers out of her mouth and threw them at a piece of corn, claiming it and retrieving it.
When she sat back down she started to chow down on her plate full of food. Applejack and big macintosh looked at each other and smiled and started to fest down on their plates as well, as uncouth as passable.
I turned to bloom, who had her whole face in her dish eating away. I looked to my own plate, at least now I didn’t have to act well mannered. And with that I joined in. And as we all ate our own ways, the feeling want away.

“Who-wee! that was some good eatin.” applejack said leaning back in her chair and placing a hoof on her stomach in satisfaction.

I was leaning on my elbows over the table still trying to digest my food. “It sure was, I don’t think I can eat another bite.” I agreed.

Granny had got up from her chair and walk towards the oven; she grabbed an oven mitt and opened it, pulling out a freshly baked apple pie. “Not even for one of my famous homemade apple pies?” she asked placing it on the table.

That apple pie smelled so delicious, every eye was drone to it as well as stomachs. “I stand corrected... there’s room.” I said eye balling the pie.

Applejacks tough hung and was practically tasting the fresh steam coming off it. She started reaching for the pie when granny smacked her. “Hold on their missy, it’s fresh out of the oven it’s still hot, you’ll burn yerself.” granny said sitting back down, applejack robed her hoof and we all chuckled and waited patiently. When the pie had cooled down enough to touch, granny started cutting and passing out pieces to everyone sitting at the table. When I got my slice, I wasted little time and took my first bight; it was on explosion of apple’y flavor in my mouth, I normally would have severed it but I didn’t have the control and was quick to eat the rest, I wasn’t the only one.
When I finished I complemented her on it. “Granny I don’t normally like apple pie, but yours is the best pie I’ve ever tasted, this is amazing!”

She smiled and nodded. “Thank ya kindly, and Ah’m guessin that’s n'other way ta say ya want more?” I didn’t hesitate and held out my plat; bloom had just finished hers and did the same. Granny chuckled and fed us to our hearts content.
When we all had our fill and dinner was over, granny got out of her seat and walked to what I think was the living room. Applejack got up as well and started to clear the dishes and the mess from dinner, I had offered to help but she said that she’d take it as on insult if a gust helped with the cleanup.
Applebloom instead, asked me if I could tell her more stories and adventures that I’ve been on; I was more than happy to tell her more, I was glad she liked them. We got out of our chairs and she took me into the next room, which indeed was the living room and sat in front of an empty fireplace. Granny was already sound asleep on her chair and was snoring up a storm, nothing I hadn't seen before though, it kind of reminded me of my dad. Big macintosh had gone out back and grabbed some wood and started a fire in the fireplace. When it was lit he picked up granny smith and cared her up stares to turn in early for the night.
When it was quiet and the only sound to hear was the crackling of the burning wood in the fireplace and applejack cleaning the kitchen, I picked a good number of stories and started telling applebloom more adventures that I had with my nephews, some though were just ones that only I had been on.
I had blooms complete attention when I started to speak, she seemed fascinated by some of the stories I told; even applejack stopped her work to hear a couple. To me though they weren't stories at all, just random things that had happened, but they seemed to enjoy them.
In the middle of one, their dog Winona came into the living room, I didn’t know where she spent the whole day but I was glad to see her. She was a bit defensive of me at first, but that was to be expected, she was quick to take a spot on my lap. I could tell that she preferred hands petting her over hooves, when she had settled down on my lap I continued.

The last story I had just finished telling her was on how I made it through the everfree forest, but this time with more depth. “So that’s how ya put that hole in yer shirt...” applebloom said with tired-some eyes, I couldn’t blame her, it was a long and vary eventful day, for everyone. “Can you... can you tell me another?” she said yawning heavily.

Applejack came out of the kitchen and stood on her back legs in the doorway, wiping her hooves with a dish towel. “Ah think that’s enough stories fer one night bloom, time for bed.”

“Aww...” bloom sighed.

She looked back to me with puppy dog eyes, though they were cute as heck I was gonna have to agree with applejack on this one. “Sorry bloom she’s right, you’re still a filly and you need you rest.” I said to the tiresome filly.

She sighed but agreed and said goodnight and went to the staircase in the other room and started to go up them. Winona had got off my lap and followed her up to bed.

I got up of the floor and stretched my back and yawned myself; applejack had tossed the towel back into the kitchen. “How about you? you set fer bed?” she asked

I lowered my arms. “Definitely... and now that I can ask you, can I spend another night in the barn?” I asked. I didn’t expect to be invited to stay in the house, so I just asked for the barn. I never liked to expect things like that from others, because I normally just got let down.

Although applejack looked at me like I had insulted her but smiled teasingly. “Oh come-on now, ah think ah can do better than that, follow me.”

I walked towards her and she turned and walked to the staircase, not waiting for a response. Even though she didn’t give me the chance to, I think she already knew what I would have said, so I followed her without question. When we were just about to go up the staircase, I slowed down and started to look at pictures that were hanging in the wall.
I recognized the ponies in the pictures, some of them were the apple loosens in their home town and some the pitchers were from the apple family reunion and just other memories.
I smiled at all of them, seeing families like that always gave that sense of well family, it felt good. I was just about to turn away to catch up with applejack, who was already climbing the stairs, when I stopped completely. There was one picture on the wall who I didn’t recognize.
It was of two ponies, a mare and a stallion both smiling, they both were warring old fashioned brown cowboy hats and were standing in front of the barn; unlike the photo, the smile was wiped from my face, I had a good idea how they were, and I felt my heart drop in my chest.
Applejack had noticed I had stopped and came to see what I was looking at; she stood beside me, looked at the picture that I had stopped at, I noticed her ears drop slightly out of the corner of my eye, but I didn’t turn to her.

“Those you parents...” I asked gently in a hushed tone. I was trying to be careful on what I said I didn’t want to upset her, but I sort of did anyway.

“Yeah... But ya’ll ready know what happened to them so there ain’t no point in me explaining...” applejack said in an abrupt tone.

I knew I had crossed a line but I had to make something clear to her. “Applejack... ” I looked to her and started speaking calmly and choosing my words with care. “I don’t know what happened to your parents... no one does in my world...”

She didn’t reply nor did she look at me, she just shook her head. She just turned back to the stairs. “Whatever, come on...” she said speaking lowly

I looked at the picture one last time and then followed her up the stairs. We walked to the end of the hallway and up a second set of stairs. When we got to the top it was dark, that was until applejack flicked a light switch. It lit up an attic, there were boxes pilled in its corners but there was still quite a bit of space, but it was made to look like a room.
There was a dresser, and even a stand up mirror and closet, there were two windows and across from that was on old looking bed.

Applejack walked over and dusted off the bed and stood in the center of the room. “This is where you can sleep... it ain’t nothin fancy, but it will work.” she said sounding like herself again.

Her tone changed back to normal, it through me off. She was acting like what happened downstairs never did; I didn’t want to force her to talk about it. So I thought it would be best to played along. “It’s fine, I never liked fancy.” I said with a slight smile

She chuckled lightly. “Alright all let ya’ll get settled... Good night Jonathan.” she said walking past me back down the stairs.

“Night applejack.” I said to her.

When she got to the bottom of the staircase I heard her walking, then the lights went out in the hallway and heard her bedroom door shut.
When I heard the door shut I walked away from the staircase and over to the bed and sat down, it wasn’t the best bed but it was better than the one I have at home so it will do just fine. I took off my shoes after a long day’s work not to mention fun, have to say my shoes haven't smelt that bad in a long time.
When they were off I took off the element of harmony and hung it on the bed frame, I laid back and sighed relax-fully, it felt amazing to lie in a bed again, I was expecting it to be easy to fall asleep given on how tired I was but it wasn’t.
I couldn’t help but think about applejack and her parents, my heart cried out for her. What I said to her was true, I don’t know what happened to them, I have my suspicions but that’s all they are is just suspicions, and I don’t want to talk about them because that would be gossiping and I don’t want to get into that.
But the concept of applejack’s parent’s was just messes with my mind... cause in a way, I can relate but I don’t like to talk about or even think about it unless I have to, so I can understand what she was going through, but I tried anyway to stop thinking about so I could sleep. So I shut off the light and did just that.

They Live...:

I was just about to fall asleep when I heard a noise from down stairs; I sat up in my bed. I heard a door open and then hoof steps down the hallway, who would be up this late? Curiosity got the best of me so I got out of bed, I didn’t bother grabbing the element; I just put on my shoes and walked down the stairs quietly.
I just saw the tip of a tail down at the end of the hall but I couldn’t make out what color it was, it was too dark. I walked down the hallway softly so wouldn’t wake anyone up. When I made it to the top of the staircase the front door had just shut.
Well I knew it wasn’t granny because she can’t move that fast, but I still didn’t know who. I eliminated big mac as a culprit because he would have made bigger hoof steps down the hall, so that only left applejack and applebloom. I went down the stairs and opened the door slowly and shut it behind me, then I looked out to the darkened farm; it was a bit brighter than last night, there were no clouds so the moonlight light had free rang.
I noticed the doors to the apple cellar were open and there was light coming from out of it. I started walking towards it when I heard hoof steps coming out from the cellar; I hid behind some nearby hay bales to prevent myself from being seen and watched. I wasn’t sure what this was all about but I didn’t want be found encase it was something important, I wouldn’t want to make it awkward or something, or make it like whoever it is felt like they had to tell me, if it was I would just leave.
A golden manned, orange furred pony came out of the cellar with a lantern and a beautiful looking apple; it was probably the best one out of the stack, but what and where is applejack going with an apple in the middle of the night?
She put the apple under her hat and closed the cellar doors, and then started walking off past the barn. When the coast was clear I got up out from behind the hay bales and followed behind her quietly.

She started to walk down a dark path, but it wasn’t really a normal path, It wasn’t even dirt, it was just slightly worn grass along a slight path of apple trees. Vary discreet. I was a bit hesitant to follow down the path but I wasn’t about to stop there so I continued anyway.
There was no turning back for more than one reason, if I went back now without somepony guiding me or a light I would probably get lost, not to mention why she was out here. I followed her for what felt like thirty or so minutes, in a deep part of the ordered where the apple trees were the thickest.
She started to slow down when she entered a small grassy clearing from what I could make out, I got closer and slowed down and stopped behind an apple tree and watched.
The lantern applejack was carrying lit up two old tombstones, she sat the lantern down and took off her hat and pulled out the apple and placed it in front of the two gravestones and sat down, placing her hat on the one of the gravestones.
The second I saw the gravestones I regretted coming and a terrible feeling came over me. I had a good idea on who they belonged to, and I didn’t like it. I knew she would want to be alone so I decided to risk getting lost rather than interrupt or upset her.
I was just about to leave when I stepped on a stick, my heart skipped a beat; it made the loudest cracking sound ever at the worst of time.

Applejack turned. “Can’t you tell when a pony wants ta be LEFT ALONE!” she snarled at me, but she had the complete right.

I could tell that she was hurting and me being there was just making it worse, but I did as she asked. “Sorry applejack I didn’t know, I was just leaving...” I said back in a sad and regretful voice.
I turned and started to walk away; I felt so guilty and hated myself for it. “Wait...!” she called. “Ah’m sorry... don’t go.” I stopped and turned around slowly and looked at her, she smiled weakly and patted the ground on her left and turned back to the gravestones.

I took a deep breath and walked slowly towards her and sat down on my knees. I looked at the gravestones and felt an unsettling feeling in my heart. I didn’t look at her, I just kept my eyes on the gravestones. I really didn’t want to, but I wanted to start with a question. “These your parents...” I asked

I caught her nodding out of the corner of my eye. “Yeah...” she said quietly and continued. “Ma...? Pa...? This here’s Jonathan... he's stayin with us for a while. and don’t worry Pa he’s treat’n me and bloom just fine...” she said with a hopeless smile, like she was praying for their words that she knew would never come.
I could hear the pain in just the way she talked and it only made me feel it more, she stopped for a second but I didn’t speak I just listened. I wanted her to finish saying what she had to say and what she was feeling before I started speaking. Her head dropped. “It’s hard sometimes not hearin a response...” she said softly

She slowed down to steady herself and her breathing, I could tell that this was extremely hard for her so I stayed quiet and gave her the time she needed. She started talking and going back about her memories.

She sniffled a couple of times and continued. “Ah come here every now and then to visit them. Sometimes ah talk to them, and sometimes ah just cry when ah’ve had a bad day and need some comfort... Ah was really close to them and loved them with all my heart, they were the best of parents anypony could have ever asked for...
Ah can remember the day my ma passed... She started dying after givin birth ta bloom, when pa told me that she didn’t have much time left he took me to see her...”
Applejack took another breath to stop herself from crying. “Seeing her in that condition destroyed me, ah loved her so much and ta seein her like that hurt me so much... as ah was crying on her bed side she lifted my head and wiped the tears from my eyes... and with her finale breaths she told me on how much she loved me, and she was proud of me. Fer being the best daughter a pony could ever asked for... then she gave me her hat... and went to heaven...” she said

I felt my eyes water I robbed them to prevent tears and continued to listen, applejack wasn’t faring any better her voice started cracking with a sniffle as she spoke.

“A-Ah remember... the day my pa died... he got very ill with some unknown virus with no cure. Me and big mac tried are best ta help him but nothing was workin, ah never felt that helpless before in my life. Seeing him just as bad as ma and ain't their being nothing ah could do take help them. But knew we were gonna lose him to.
Ah can still remember the la- the last thing he told to me... he said he loved me, and to look out for bloom and keep her safe and happy... then he gave me his hat and told me to give it to someone who truly earned it and deserves to wear it. Then he went to be with ma..."
"Now I watch over the farm and applebloom, makein sure she lives happily. She reminds me so much of ma, she has her eyes... and ah never want ta see them anything other than happy and filled with joy...”
She started to lose herself. “B... bout the hardest thing that’s ever happened to me wasn’t even that... one day after a family reunion bloom asked me where our parents were... so I showed her...”
Tears started flowing down her face uncontrollably. “S... She cried herself ta sleep fer weeks, it hurt me so bad seein her like that, but ah had caused it... it tore me up on the inside seein those eyes that sad, and there was nothing ah could have done except bare it...”
She stopped talking and started crying and sobbing with no end in her hooves, a tear ran down my cheek as well. Seeing her like that was bad enough I couldn't imagine bloom like that... but my heart-felt for her in more ways than one.

I looked to her. “I think I know what you’re feeling.” I said softly.

She pulled her face out of her hooves. “NO! You don’t, how could ya possibly know what I’m FEELING!?” Applejack asked snapping at me in an angered tone, but I didn’t blame her.

I looked away from her and to the gravestones; I took a deep breath and started to explain.

“There was a time, earlier this summer, when I was home alone for ten whole days by myself. I do have a brother and sister but my sister was out at her friend’s house and my brother was house sitting and on top he's never home. and my parents had left out of town for a wedding across the country. so it was just me.
I decided to treat my mom and dad being gone as if they had died... I thought it would be great... I could do whatever I wanted. The first day was awesome, I did just that. The second day I did less and third and for the rest I did nothing.
The realization of not having my parents hit me in my heart. I got so wrapped up in pretending that I felt like I had actually lost them... the pain and the loneliness and the emptiness I experienced was destroying me... it drove me insane.
Some night’s id even cry myself to sleep cause the pain was too much for me to bare. It was like that every day, but each day it got worse and worse... I couldn’t even properly morn because they weren’t even dead, and I knew that... But..." my eyes started getting watery. “If they had actually died then that would have been my everyday life, and just the thought and feeling hurt me, it hurt me so much...
When they... came back it was like a miracle, like seeing the dead walk again. I expected all the things I felt to leave me but...”
Tears began to flow out of my eyes and down my face, but I let them I didn’t have the strength to l hold them back any longer. “t-they didn’t... all the pain I felt still lives with me to this very day... because I know... somehow I know, that their time is coming soon and theres nothing I can do but just, sit idly by and wait for It to happen...
I don’t want to feel that empty and alone ever again... and scares me because it’s going to happen for real this time... t-that’s one of the reasons why I work myself to the bone for my mom... I-I want her last days to happy and blessed... but it’s so hard knowing that it’s coming so close, and it scares me because I don’t want to feel like that very again, but there’s nothing I can do...”

I turned to applejack whose tears were still flowing. “So no applejack, I don’t know entirely what you’re feeling... but I scared I will soon...” I said sobbing.

She smiled weakly and hugged me, I returned they embrace and we both started to cry. She cried in my arms and I cried in her hooves, liquid pride flowed from both of our eyes and down each other’s back’s.
We sat there for a while just crying together under the glow of the lantern and moonlight. In a way, It was comforting to have someone, or in this case somepony, to cry with who knew what I was feeling.
Now that I really look at it, me and applejack aren’t that different when it comes to our families, but its more the opposite. She doesn’t have parents but she has a family that loves. I have parents but a family that hates. Although I do love my parents, I can’t really decide which one is worse.
After awhile we just sat there not really crying anymore, just comforting one another. And holding each other close helped with the pain. When we both settled down enough we pulled out of the embrace and smiled at one another.

We both stood up of the ground and wiped the tears from our eyes. “Thank ya jonathan... its nice have in someone ta go to who understands what Ah’m feelin at times like this... thanks for being a good friend.” applejack said smiling proudly, but her voice was still a bit shaky.

It was nice hearing applejack call me friend, it made me proud to call her mine as well. “No problem applejack, I'll always be there... thank you as well.” I said smiling back. I kneeled down and we hugged one last time.

Applejack picked her hat up off the gravestone, and dusted it off and placed it on her head. “Well we should probably get back to the house now... it’s late.” she said

“Yeah we should.” I agreed

She picked up the lantern and looked at the gravestones and smiled warmly, and then she turned and started to walk.

I started to follow her but there was one thing I wanted to do before we left. “Wait a sec...” I said.

She stopped and turned to me a bit confused. I turned and started walking along the ridge of the clearing and found a dissent looking apple , to which I plucked it from the tree. I walked back over in front of the gravestones; kneeling low and placed it gently next to the one that applejack had placed.
I put my arm on my knee and smiled I stayed there for a couple seconds more, to properly pay respects, then I got up and looked to applejack who was silent but smiling warmly, I smiled warmly back and walked up beside her.

Then I thought of something that I thought should be shared. “In the midst of all this I remembered a poem that would be good to end all this on... would you like to hear it?” I asked

She nodded. “Sure...”

I took a deep breath and let the poem out that came from my heart in a soft tone. “The ones you love, truly love will never die. You keep them with you, and like this that are alive...” I’m not one for poems but that one I have always kept in my mind and heart to keep me strong, it’s always brought comfort to me.

Applejack wiped another tear from her eye as I finished. “That was beautiful Jon... thank ya.” she said. I nodded to her; I knew just by the way she was looking at me that she knew exactly what the poem meant, and that made me happy. And then we started to walk back to the house.

We didn’t talk much on the way back; everything had already been said, but the smiles we sheared stayed with us for all the while. Walking back to the house after what had happened felt peaceful, the crickets chirping, the smooth soft breeze, it was perfect... like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders... I wasn’t going through this alone anymore. Some was there helpings carry the load and that brought a lot of comfort and peace to me, as well as applejack.
I had never talked about that with anyone before because I knew the people I do know wouldn’t understand, so it did me good talking about it with someone who did know what I was feeling, I really thanked applejack for that.There was so much more to my story though and the ten days but the rest didn’t really matter at the moment so I didn’t bring them up.
As we were walking, applejack mentioned that there was a tree on top of a hill that’s one of the oldest trees on the farm and its where her parents first met through certain circumstances. But that was the only conversation that was had.
When we got back in house we both got a drink from the kitchen, from all the crying we did our throats were extremely dry. Then went upstairs and said are goodnight’s and went to our beds, the second I laid down I fall asleep instantly. That was the best sleep I'd had in a very long time...

To Ponyville:

The next morning came around; I just woke up after much needed rest. I rolled over in my bed and looked to my left out the window that was across the room. I saw the sun slowly making its way into the sky and I could hear the sounds of the morning birds.
I smiled at the sight and rolled back over to fall back asleep, that is tell a little filly came up and started jumping on my stomach.

“Come on Jonathan up-n atom!” applebloom cheered.

Though she isn’t that heavy, her hooves were doing a number on my gut, even though I didn’t like her method of getting me up I was still more than happy to see the filly I love.
I reach up and grabbed her in mid jump and pulled her in for a hug then I sat her down gently on my stomach.

“Good morning applebloom. What is it?” I asked cheerfully. I didn’t have my morning raspy voice, probably because I had a drink before I went to bed.

“Morning jonathan, just time to get up that’s all.” she said

“Ok... I'm up.” I said to her. She giggled and jumped of my stomach and on to the floor.

I sat up out of bed and stretched and let out a yawn. I then reached over and picked up the element of harmony off the bed frame and put it around my neck and tucked it in my shirt. Then I bent over to put on shoes.

“Why do you wear shoes all the time?” applebloom asked curiously

I got the second one on and stood up off the bed and looked down to the filly. “Because feet aren’t as tough as hooves, there more fragile so I wear shoes when I go outside or something to protect them.” I explained to her

“Oh... they look a bit weird though.” she said

“Yeah I guess, but they help. That’s for certain.” I said

She shrugged and turned and I started to follow her down the staircase; I didn’t bother making my bed, I’ve never really seen the point in making the bed after you sleep in it if you’re just gonna mess it up the next night.
I could tell I wasn’t the only one that thought that, as we were making our way down the hallway the doors to their bedrooms were open, they were all messed up and unmade as well, I chuckled quietly to myself at that. I followed bloom down the second flight of stairs and into the kitchen, applejack was in there sitting in her spot and drinking what appeared to be coffee.

When she saw me and bloom she greeted us with a smile. “So ya did manage to get em up.” applejack said looking at applebloom.

Applebloom nodded and jumped up into her seat at the table, I stood behind mine. “Good morning applejack” I said cheerfully to her

“Morning Jonathan, If you want breakfast there’s a box of corn flakes in the cupboards there, bowls underneath, spoons in the drawer, and milks in the fridge. Help yerself.” she said pointing around the room.

“Ok, thank you.” I said to her.

I had already grown pretty comfortable in their home, although the design wasn’t too far off from mine but still. I walked over to the other side of the table and opened the cabinet that applejack had pointed to; I reach up and grabbed the box of cereal.

I was about to grab a bowl when applebloom asked from behind me. “Can ya get me a bowl to?”

I turned to look at her. “You haven’t had breakfast yet?” I asked

She shook her head. “Ah wanted to wait fer you.”

I was a bit surprised that she waited for me, knowing her she was probably up early; I know it’s something simple but I’m grateful for it. “Ok thanks... l-bloom.” I said beaming.

I was holding back from calling her little sis. it didn't matter to me that she’s a pony, I loved her like she was my own, I know she loves me to even after are short time together, but I don’t think enough to call me brother yet. The reason I don’t call her little sis is because I don’t want to make it awkward or weird for her, especially with applejack around. So all just stick with Bloom for now and wait for the right time if it comes.
I looked back to the open cupboard, still smiling, and pulled out two bowls and pulled out spoons for the both of us as well as the milk, then carefully carried it all to the table. I placed a bowl in front of bloom and also the spot beside her and pored cereal and milk in both, when I sat down we both started to eat. After a couple of mouthfuls while I was chewing I looked at applejack as she took a sip from her mug full of coffee... but it was coffee?

I swallowed the cereal before I spook. “I didn’t know you drink coffee applejack?”

She looked to me then down to her mug and smiled. “Yeah, ah ain’t a big drinker of it but every now and then, if ah have the time, it’s nice to enjoy a nice cup of coffee in the morning.” she explained

I nodded, satisfied with the answer and looked back to my bowl and continued eating; applebloom had her face inside her bow, barely even touching her spoon. I took a few more mouthfuls and looked back to her. Since I knew I couldn’t keep avoiding it, and she already gave me yesterday, I thought i should ask her when we’re heading to the library. “So when are we going to twilights house?” I asked

Applebloom took her head out of her bowl, she seemed curious as well. Applejack took another sip from her mug and placed it back down. “I was thinkin that ah would take ya down there sometime after lunch. Ah still have chores to do but they shouldn’t take long.”

I was kind of glad to hear there was more work to be done, but I guess on a farm there’s always work to be done. “What kind of chores?” I asked

“All those there apple baskets ya’ll brought back from the field yesterday have ta go in the apple cellar... why ya lookin take help?” she said grinning slightly

Though my answer was already going to be yes, I started to think about it. I don’t really have anything else to do, and this is something that I can help with. I could pretty much help with anything on the farm as long as it’s not apple backing, I already proved I can’t do that. “Sure sounds like fun.” I said cheerfully

“Can I help too applejack?” applebloom ask beaming with a full mouth of food, some in which came out and splattered to the table.

Applejack seemed a bit irritated with that. “Sure... and bloom? ya know ah don’t mind ya’ll being unmannered and what not, but when that cases a mess that ah have ta clean, can ya try ta show some self restraint?” applejack said as she got up out of her chair and grabbed a cloth from the sink behind her.

Applebloom giggled lightly “Right... sorry” she said

As applejack was wiping the table I looked down into my bowl, there wasn’t much cereal left so I decided to just chug it. I sat my spoon down and picked up the bowl and did just that. When it was all gone I put the spoon in it and got out of my chair and carried the empty bowl it over to the sink.
Applejack had finished wiping the table, she grabbed her mug and placed it on the counter and started the water to do the few dishes in the sink. I was just about to sit back down when someone started knocking on the front door.

“Can you get that applebloom? my hooves are full.” applejack asked

“Sure thing.” applebloom said with another mouth full of food.

I was already up so I thought I should offer to get it, besides she was still eating breakfast. She was just about to get out of her seat. “Don’t worry bloom I'll get it you sit and finish you’re breakfast.” I said to her

Applejack stopped washing dishes and turned to face me. “Uh... do ya really think that’s the best idea?” she asked raising an eyebrow

I was already at the doorway of the kitchen, but I know what she was getting at. “No... but I’m gonna be walking into ponyville later today so everypony’s going to know about me sooner or later.” I said to her

“Guess yer right, just be careful.” she said as she turned back the sink.

Another knock from the door, I turned and walked out of the kitchen. I know pretty much every pony in ponyville, more less anyway. I grabbed the door handle and opened it. Standing of the porch was two familiar looking fillies. I smiled and greeted them.

“Hey Sweetie belle, hey Scootaloo, looking for Applebloom?” I asked them

Though they didn’t look scared of me they looked hopelessly confused and thrown off. “Uh... yeah. is she... home?” sweetie belle asked hesitantly, scootaloo remained silent.

I nodded to them. “Yep on sec...“ I turned my head back into the house. “Applebloom, sweetie and scoots are here!” I called out

“Sweetie and scoots!” I heard applebloom say excitingly from the table.

I then heard a gurgling noise; no doubt she was chugging what was left of her cereal like I had. When the sound stopped I heard her chair slide out and she came blaring around the corner and past me to meet her friends. They took a couple of steps off and out away from the porch, probably cutie mark crusader business that they didn't want me to hear, but I stood in the door frame and listened to the fillies anyway.

“Hey girls! how’re ya’ll two doin.” Applebloom asked cheerfully

“Great! you ready for another day of crusading, I have all new ideas for how we can get are cutie marks.” Scootaloo said excitingly

Applebloom nodded. “Yeah but...” the smile was wiped from her face. “Ah already said I’d help applejack around the farm.” she said disappointingly, sweetie and scoots sighed and looked disappointed as well.

I admired Bloom for keeping her word, despite on how much she wanted to go and play with her friends, she knew the importance of keeping her word to applejack and that work came first. That was very muter of her, but I don’t want her to grow up to fast... Listen to myself, I’m thinking like she’s actually my sister, even though I’m not technically her brother that doesn’t mean I can’t offer something.

I took a couple of steps of the porch. “Don’t worry about that bloom, I got ya covered.” I said cheerfully to the filly

“Really!” she asked beaming

I nodded. “Yeah no problem, you girls go have fun.” I insisted

“Thanks jonathan yer the best.” she said beaming with joy

I crouched down as she ran towards me, she jumped into my chest and put her hooves around my neck giving me a quick hug; I returned the embrace. It felt good giving her a hug that she started; it just shows even more that she cared which gave me a slight warm feeling in my heart. Then I released my grip and she jumped out and ran back to her friends.

“Come on cutie mark crusaders, let’s go!” she cheered

They all started running in the direction of the club house but there was one more thing that I wanted to say. “Hey bloom! Meet us at twilights house later today ok?” I called out

Applebloom stopped and yelled back “Ok see ya then!”

I heard Sweetie and Scoots start bunbarding Applebloom with questions as to who and what I was, but it got harder and harder to make out what they were saying as they got farther away.
Once they were out of eye sight I stood still and took in my surroundings. It was just as beautiful and peaceful as it was yesterday morning, maybe even better with the sound the crusaders laughing and cheering in the distance. I wish I could say that I’d never leave but that would be lying. I know sooner or later I'll have to leave and go back to my world, whether it be through a simple pop and I'm gone or a process, either or I’m not really looking forward to it.
I truly feel at home here, I’ve grown so found of the apple family, and it’s not just bloom but also applejack. I consider her like an older sister, even though back at home I have four, they never really treated me well so we weren't very close. But I already have a better relationship with applejack then any of my siblings, that's a bit sad but the truth.
But even though I’m younger I look out for her, I have her back and I know she has mine. I treat and love her like she was and respect her judgment.
I’m in no rush whatsoever to get to the library. It’s not that I don’t want to see twilight, I just don’t want to be sent home, but I’m not going to run from it. But I am grateful to applejack for giving me at least yesterday; that was probably the best day of my life, spending the day with bloom and helping applejack and all that.
I just hope it won’t be too hard to say goodbye when the time comes.

As I was lost in my thoughts I heard the door open behind me. “Ya’ll ready to... hey? where’d applebloom go? ah thought she wanted ta help.” applejack said coming out of the house.

I snapped back to reality and turned to face her. “She went to go play with sweetie belle and scootaloo. She was a bit upset that she had already told you that she’d help. So I said I’d cover for her.” I explained

“Well that was mighty kind of ya Jon, say if ah didn’t know any better ah’d say yer treat’n bloom like she was you’re sister.” she teased walking off the porch

I didn’t know quite how to respond to that, I didn’t want to say to her that I do consider her a little sister. And I couldn’t say that I don’t because that would be lying. So I just remained silent and smiled awkwardly with a shrug. “Shall we get to work?” I asked in attempts to change the subject. Thankfully it worked.

“Yep let’s get to it.” she said cheerfully

We both started to make our way to the apple cellar; I was relieved that she didn’t bring that conversation back up. When we got to the cellar I grabbed one of the rope handles and applejack grabbed the other and pulled open the wooden doors.

“Alright be careful goin down these here stairs. Ah already had twilight fall down them, and ah don’t need you to as well.” applejack said as she led the way down.

I nodded and followed. walking down the stairs I was kind of excited, I have never seen or even thought about what the bottom of the cellar looked like, and I’ve never been in any cellar before so this was a new experience for me. When we got to the bottom applejack flipped a switch and the place was filled with light. I was pretty shocked on what was down there.
There were enormous apple bins; I counted twenty one of them and they all had pitchers of different colored apples on them; it was amazing.

“Applejack this is incredible, how did you do these?” I asked looking in awe around the room

“It sure is, ah had some family come down who knew how to do stuff like this and they helped me install It.” she explained

I was still a bit shocked; I wouldn’t even know how to even begin to do something like this. “Well you all did a great job.” I said

“Thanks, now ta get ta business” applejack started as she walked to the middle of the room. “What we have ta do is simple. We bring the apple baskets down and start sortin them. Green one go there, red ones go there and bright red ones go over there...” she explained pointing to the separate bins. “Got that?”

It was pretty straight forward, couldn’t be that hard. “Sounds easy enough.” I replied

“Alrighty then let’s get to it.” she said, and so we did.

We headed back up and started bringing the apple baskets down one by one; once they were all down we started sorting.
It wasn’t very difficult work but the sorting was a bit boring and repetitive. I would have much more preferred to work out in the orchard with applejack but this will do I guess, I didn't mind. Working in the field just felt more peaceful, but one the reasons for that is probably because that’s outside and not in an cellar, but whatever work I’m more than willing to do, and h lp I'm willing to offer.
When we finished we took all the empty baskets back up and closed the doors. Applejack thanked me for helping; I told her that if she ever wanted help with anything that she just had to ask, she appreciated that. We went back onto the house and took a quick water brake, applejack was right we finished around eleven thirty-ish.
We didn’t do anything big for lunch just a couple apples, but we did sneak a piece of left over apple pie, it tasted just as good as it did the night before. Once we got back some energy, and also once the pie settled in our stomachs, we left the house and started to walk down the sweet apple acres path to ponyville.
Me and applejack started talking along the way, nothing in particular just random conversations. One of the conversations though was what happened last night.
It was nice talking about that again, sharing the same feelings with one another, going in bit more in-depth, in a sad way it was comforting. Applejack had said that besides me she didn’t have anyone else that really knew what she was feeling. She said that her friends knew but it never got further than that.
Course she did had applebloom but she doesn’t want to talk about it with her and make her sad or upset and big mac doesn’t really talk at all so I was all she had, which was nice in a way.
I told her the same, I don’t have anyone besides her either; I’ve never talked about it with anyone besides her, I could have talked about it with my nephews, but I don’t think that they would really understand how it was affecting me, they have lost their dad but they still had a mother, for me and applejack it was like both were taken away.
I did bring up one pony in ponyville that might now what she feeling besides me. I mentioned Scootaloo being an orphan. I’ve always had my suspicions on scootaloo being an orphan, the show isn’t really clear on what happened or if she even had parents, but I’ve always thought that.
Unfortunately applejack was able to confirm that, although she said it would be kind of hard talking about that with a filly, but she did have a point. During the conversation both of our eyes started watering, I wiped mine and told applejack that we should probably stop talking about it before we start crying again, then I chuckled.
Applejack chuckled herself but agreed, that would be best then she wiped her own.
Even though we stopped, having the choice and opportunity of being able to talk about it with her probably made her one of the closest friends I’ve even had, and I could tell that the feeling was like-wise. We went back to talking about random stuff; time flew by as we continued walking to ponyville.

As we were just entering ponyville, I was getting a lot of weird looks from the towns ponies. “Is it just me or is every pony in town starrin at ya.” applejack asked looking around at all the strange faces.

“No they are. I bet the only reason there not running in terror right now is because you’re with me.” I said jokingly

Applejack chuckled. “That and pinkie pie hasn’t encouraged them to.” she added

We both started chuckling as we walked through the town, I have to say the brony excitement kicked in lightly again, seeing ponyville up close and in person was amazing. Seeing the whole town right up close, the layout was so different from any town I’ve even been in back at home.
The streets were dirt and grass that felt nice through my old thin soled shoes, there were actually trees and plants that weren’t faded and were filled with the fullest of coolers and life, and I loved it. The bright colors of everything had a positive effect in its self. While we were walking I spotted the carousel boutique and that jogged my memory about the hole in my shirt, I completely forgot about it.

I looked down at applejack. “Applejack, would it be too much to ask if you can stop by the carousel boutique and ask Rarity to fix this hole in my shirt.” I asked pointing to the whole

“Why sure we can, let’s go.” she said

When we got to the entrance applejack raised a hoof to block my path. “Ah should go in first, ah ain’t entirely sure on how rarities gonna reacted to ya.” she said walking in front of me

She had a good point, knowing rarity and the drama she possesses there’s no telling how she’ll reacted. “Good idea.” I replied

Applejack took a couple steps ahead and closer to the door but turned to me. “And fair warnin Jon, Rarities gonna probably insult ya on what yer wearing.”

“Don’t worry I’m already expecting that.” I said chuckling a little, I already knew that Rarity was gonna insult me but I don’t care, a little constructive criticism never hurt.

She chuckled with a nod and turned back to the door and opened it and, she walked in I followed behind her, the moment of truth. A bell rang when she opened the door when we both entered, applejack greeted her. “Hey rarity.” she said cheerfully

Rarity was folding fabric with her magic; she had her back turned to us as she spook. “Applejack darling, have you finally come to your senses and want some beauty advice?” she asked in an elegant tone.

My mouth dropped slightly when she said that to applejack and was trying to hold back from laughing out loud. Instead of insulting me, she insulted her. I don't know why, I found that hilarious. Applejack seemed irritated at that and was un-amused . “No rarity that’s not why I’m here, can you just fix my friends shirt for him? it has a hole in the side.” she asked

Rarity finished folding the last piece of fabric. “Well of course I can, is he...” she turned and saw me and stopped mid-sentence; her eyes went big as she starred at me and then she screamed.

“Rarity, it’s OK! He ain't gonna...” applejack was cut off by rarity who ran past her like a courted back, throwing her to the side, she wasn’t screeching at me

“Darling! How could you wear such clothing!? Wrong jeans and a singled color camouflage green shirt. Honestly how could you wear such thing’s in public!?” rarity asked in disgust

And there was the insult; at least she wasn’t scared of me, that was always a positive. I looked at my clothes and back to her. “Nice to meet you to rarity, I’m Jonathan.” I said sarcastically to her out burst but also chuckling.

She took a couple steps back and calmed down. “My apologies for my rude introduction, but seriously darling what were you thinking?” she asked

I was just about to reply when applejack got herself back on her hooves and walked over. “And Ah’m just dandy, thank ya very much.” she said rudely walking back beside me.

“When you live in a place like I do, in a family with little money you learn to love and live with what you got. but can you fix it.” I asked pointing to the hole.

She was took a closer look. Her eyes flared with inspiration. “Oh darling I can do much more than just that, I can do so much with this old plane outfit...” she started getting cared away; I didn’t understand even half the words she was using, they all revolved around designing and fashion.

“Rarity just a patch please.” I said. I appreciated her offer but I didn’t want her to fix my look what so ever no matter how much she insisted, and insisted she did.

“But darling there’s so much potential...” she was about to continue but cut her short “Rarity." I said firmly. "just a patch, that’s all.” I said again

She seemed a bit upset but she agreed with a scoff. “Very well, I will withhold my creativity.”

That was a relief; I don’t even want to know what she was planning. “That’s all I asked, thank you.”

She walked in and took a closer look at the tar. “It should be no trouble at all. But I will need to ask you to take your shirt off.” she said

I didn’t have a problem taking of my shirt in front of them, heck there naked all the time, but I’m very glade that I didn’t rip my jeans or that would have been really awkward, not to mention out of my comfort zone.I took off my shirt and passed it to rarity, she grabbed it her magic and was just about to get to work when she saw the element of harmony hanging around my neck.

Her eyes went wide again, she glanced over at applejack. “Umm... I don’t mean to alarm you applejack, but is he wearing you element of harmony?”

Applejack shook her head. “No... That’s his.” she put it plain and simple

Rarity looked to me in disbelief. “She’s right. It is mine... and for the same reason as well.” I added

She looked more confused then ever. “How...” Rarity was about to speak but someone else came into the shop, and at a timing like this.
Applejack turned her towards the door, I just turned my head, I didn’t want the wrong pony to see the element.
It was a rainbow manned cyan feathered Pegasus. “Hey Rarity, what was all the yelling abo...” Rainbow dash stood and starred at me with a shocking eye. “What the heck is that thing?” she asked pointing to me with her hoof

I was a bit surprised that she wasn’t the least bit scared of me, but her method of introducing herself was lacking, but I probably would have done worse if I was in her spot so I didn't judge her. “Hey that 'thing' has feelings thank you very much.” I said looking at her

Rainbow dashes curiosity skyrocketed when she heard me speak. “Wow it can talk!” she said excitingly

She smiled and started walking towards me, I turned to her thinking that everything was fine but it went slightly down hill when she saw the element hanging around my neck.The smile was wiped from her face and she took defensive positions. “Applejack he has you’re element of harmony, GET HIM!” she yelled. She jumped into the air and charged me; I quickly leaned back and dogged her. She crashed into the fabric that rarity had just recently folded.

Applejack spook up to defend me. “Calm yourself dash, that’s His! Not mine.”

“What?” dash said sticking her head out of the pile of fabric.

There was only one thing I could think of to stop her from attempting to attack me. “She’s right Rainbow dash... I’m from another universe.” I didn’t know what else to say but that.

Rarity gave me a look like she didn't know what to think when I said that. She got out of the pile and walked towards me with a judging eye. She stood close to rarity when she spook. “That’s AWESOME!” she said cheerfully. “Tell me more.” she insisted.

“That’s a story I wouldn’t mind hearing as well.” rarity agreed now looking entreated.

I didn’t know exactly what to tell them, I have to already explain this to Twilight... actually that’s not a bad idea. “I’ll explain everything at Twilight’s house, me and applejack were going to go there anyway to get all this sorted out.” I said looking at the two of them.
But I looked specifically to dash for the next part. “Rainbow dash why don’t you go and get pinkie pie and fluttershy as well.”

“Why...?” she asked curiously, winding on how I even knew them.

“Because this includes the elements of harmony, they have the right to know, then I can just explain it to you all at once.” I explained

She seemed a bit hesitant to go but applejack agreed. “That’s a good idea.”

Dash sighed and started walking to the front door. “Alright... back in a dash.” she said before taking off.

Rarity walked over to her sowing machine. “While she is doing that I’ll fix your shirt... won’t take long.” she said

I was glad that got sorted out, now I don’t have to explain myself more than once. I was just about to take a seat on the ground until rarity came back with my shirt, I was surprised, it really didn’t take long. And thankfully it looked the same minus the hole of course. “Finished!” rarity chimed, levitating the shirt over to me.

I grabbed it and put it back on. “Thanks rarity, I can’t even tell were the hole was.” I said cheerfully

Rarity smiled and nodded. “It was my pleasure. I just wish you’d accept my advice, but your no more stubborn then applejack... no offense applejack.” rarity said smiling sheepishly.

Applejack seemed a bit annoyed. “Uh none taken... ready ta head out Jon?” she asked me

There’s still some more things I want to do but I think I’ve prolonged the inevitable long enough. “Sure let’s go.” I said

Me and applejack both started walking to the door, applejack looked back to rarity. “Aren’t ya coming rarity?” she asked

“You two go on ahead I’ll catch up, I have to... refold all the fabric that rainbow dash was so kindly to unfold again.” she said sighing in frustration

“Alrighty then see ya there.” applejack said

And we both left out the door, I didn’t say goodbye I just wanted to get out of there before rarity tried something again. When we were out I sighed in relief. “Well that went better than I expected.” I said laughing lightly. Applejack laughed as well, and we started to make are way towards twilights house.

To Twilight's Place:

Twilight’s house was just down the road when I spotted Applebloom and the rest of the cutie mark crusaders playing off to the side. Applebloom noticed us coming down the path. “Jonathan!” she cheered

She turned from Sweetie belle and Scootaloo and started running towards us, it always makes my day seeing that joyful smile upon her face. I kneeled down and held out my arms, she jumped into them giving me a quick hug, completely ignoring applejack. “Hey bloom, how are you.” I asked cheerfully setting her back down.

“Great...” she said. Sweetie belle and Scootaloo walked over to us and stood behind bloom, they seemed a bit more comfortable around me; no doubt Applebloom told them everything she knew about me. “Hey jonathan we were wondering...” she started. “if you might know what our cutie marks are!?” she said rapidly beaming

I was a bit set back, was the hug just a way in buttering me up or was she actually happy to see me? I chose the second. I turned to applejack; she gave me a stern look and shook her head slightly. I smiled and turned back to the three fillies waiting for my answer. But I had to be the responsible one.

“Now Apple bloom, you know it doesn’t work like that. You being part of a story where I come from has no bearing on you here. And cutie marks don’t work like that either, a pony needs to find what makes them special on their own. They can’t have someone tell them... alright?” I said stern yet gently.

They all sighed but bloom was the one who responded. “Alright...” she said slightly disappointed

“Good...” I said with a proud smile, ruffling the top of her mane a bit. The sad look she had quickly faded and she giggled.

I stood up and looked down to the fillies. “You girls might want to stay out here, all we're going to be doing in there is talking, you’ll probably get bored. but why not stop by in a couple of hours and we should be done, ok?” I suggested to them.

They seemed to like the idea. “Sure thing Jon, see ya later.” bloom said cheerfully running off with her friends, again completely ignoring applejack.

“Bye Bloom.” I said cheerfully as well. I just loved making that little filly smile, or as pinkie would say, It fills my heart with sunshine.
But I don’t think she acutely said that here, it feels different here then I would have expected it to, it doesn’t feel like the show it feels more... natural. Now that I’m actually here in Equestria I honestly don’t believe everything happened the same way as I remember from the show. I know that most the songs that they sung were just in the show and didn’t actually happen here. And all the adventures that they went on probably weren’t the same then the ones I knew, but my point still stands.

I turned to applejack that was grinning and giving me a smug look. “Ya do treat bloom like a little sister.” she said positive of herself.

I didn’t know how to respond, I don’t want to tell applejack that I do consider bloom as my little sister but I don’t want to lie ether, I guess I’m just gonna have to go with it. “Yeah... I do.” I said smiling kind of awkwardly, I don't know why but when it came to stuff like this I was kind of shy showing it.

Applejack chuckled but smiled warmly. “Just don’t forget who her real sibling is.” she said nudging the side of my leg.

“Never.” I said laughing lightly.

We started walking again down the path and soon enough we were at the front door to twilight’s house. Applejack raised her hoof and knocked. Have to say I was a bit nerves, not because I was about to see twilight, it wasn’t that at all. What I just hope is that she doesn’t have a way to get me home immediately.

The door opened to a little purple and green dragon. “Oh hey applejack, hey uhhh...” he stopped mid sentence and looked up at me.

“Jonathan... nice to meet you Spike.” I said cheerfully. He remained silent he just stared at me blankly.

“Howdy spike is twilight home?” Applejack asked, getting strait to the point.

He shock is head and looked to applejack. “Uh... Yeah she’s upstairs, I'll go get her... come in.” He said hesitantly. He stepped back to give us room to enter.

When I stepped in and started looking around. I was amazed on how many books twilight had. I know being a library meant books but personally I’ve never been to one, and a bit of brony excitement flared being able to say that twilight’s was my first.

Spike shut the door behind us and not to long after a voice came from upstairs. “Who was it spike?” the voice called

He walked to the bottom of the stairs. “It’s applejack and uhhh...” he paused and looked over at me. “Twilight you might want to get down here...”

“All be down in a sec, just let me finish up here.” the voice said

I bet twilight would have been down quicker if Spike had said that applejack brought an alien, but oh well. That would have been funny though. An awkward silence fell between the three of us; applejack was standing quietly off to my right. Spike was staring curiously at me from across the room. I could tell he was trying to figure out what I could possibly be, but I don’t mind it.
Without saying anything he he made his way across the room and stood in front and looked up at me, I never realized how small he really was, he just nearly reached my kneecap. He lowered his vision to my hands then he looked down at his own, I’m guessing he was trying to compare the two, so I thought I’d help him out.
I didn’t say anything; I got down to his level and raised my hand in front of him stretching out my fingers, he looked at it and placed his against mine, his scales felt weird and his, or what I would call hands, were very small. They just fit my palm, but he only had four fingers.
He looked at my hand and then to me, I smiled. He did as well and then lowered his hand, I did the same. At least I somewhat broke the ice with him.

The upstairs door opened and we all looked to the purple alicorn that came out and started walking down the stairs. “Sorry about that Applejack I was just finishing up some...” twilight stopped mid sentence half way down the stairs when she saw me.

Why did I always have that effect? To prevent any more awkward silence, applejack spook up. “Howdy Twilight, this here’s Jonathan he’s uh... not from around here.” she said

I thought since she was probably just gonna starr at me, I’d get the easy part out of the way and say hi. “Hello...” I said standing up and raising my hand.

“Uh... hi?” she said walking slowly down the rest of the stairs and towards me. I could tell she was lost. “I don’t mean to be rude but what are you? I haven’t seen any species or anything like you before...” she asked curiosity.

I don’t know why but seeing that confusion and curious look that I get from somepony when asked what I am, I just find it funny for some reason. I chuckled lightly but I tried to hide it. “I’m a human but... But from another universe.” I said

Twilight’s look of curiosity instantly turned to confusion. “Another universe...?” she said

I looked to applejack pointing to my neck, she nodded mowing what I meant. “Show her...” she said

Twilight darted to applejack and back to me, it was like we told a joke and she wasn’t in of it, but this was no joke. “This is what brought me here...” I said

I reached into my shirt and pulled out the element of harmony and let it dangle loosely around my neck. When I revealed the element, Twilight as well as spikes eyes turned into saucers. “How could this be? I thought there was only one set of elements of harmony.” twilight said, trying to make sense of it.

She did make a good point, I thought there was only one as well, but I think this one came from this world and somehow made it to mine. And the reason it looks different is because it’s my world’s version. That’s my best guess, I think there all the same element they just look different. “There are... but for some reason this randomly appeared in my world that has no magic.” I explained

Twilight starred at the element blankly, probably trying to figure out what could have possibly happened, would be my best guess. “Wait... how long have you been in equestria?"

I wasn’t going to lie that I asked to let it wait, but i don’t think she’s going to like the answer though. “About three days ago.” I said

Her eyes went wide again. “Three days!” she turned to applejack. “Applejack, why didn’t you bring him to me sooner?” she asked raising her voice slightly.

“Ah...” applejack was about to speak but I raised my hand and cut her off. “Twilight, don’t get made at applejack... she didn’t know about me tell the second day, besides I’m the one who asked if it could wait. It’s my fault it’s taken this long. But applejack and applebloom have been treating me very well... that counts in my book.” I said. This wasn’t her fault it was mine, and I wasn’t about to let her take the fall.

Twilight sighed and walked to a spot where she could look at both of us so she wouldn’t have to constantly tern. Things were about to get a bit intense. “Look, I know you two meant well but this is serious... Jonathan I’m glad you’re having a good time but you really should have come to see me first...” She said looking at me
Then she turned to applejack “And applejack, when you found out that he has an element of harmony you should have brought him to me immediately, no exceptions.” she said looking to her, and finished

I knew that it was probably a bad idea to not come to her first, but I just wanted to enjoy myself. But she was right, no exceptions, she deserved an apology.

“We’re sorry...” me and applejack said in perfected sink. We looked at each other and laughed lightly. that broke the tension, thankfully.

Twilight sighed again to calm herself down and turned back to her normal self, then spook. “Good... Now Jonathan, can I ask you to explain everything you know from the beginning? Right from where you think it all started; I need to know as much as I can if I’m going to figure this out.” she asked

I was just about to start explaining but then I remembered about the others. “Sure no problem I'll explain everything, but let’s wait first... Rarities on her way over and Rainbow dash went to go get Pinkie pie and Fluttershy.” I said. I was being careful to not make it sound like I was talking back to her.

“That’s acutely a good idea...” Twilight agreed. “Their elements of harmony to so they should now as well.” It was like she read my mind

Applejack finally spoke. “That’s what you said Jonathan, good call.” she said to me. I didn’t reply but I smiled to her.

Twilight seemed impressed that it was my idea to get everyone but that look was gone quickly. “While were waiting, I’m going to see if I can find a book that might talk about other universes. You guys can take a seat somewhere if you’d like.” Twilight said.

Her horn started glowing a faint purple and books started to fly off the shelf’s and started levitating around her, she was concentrating and reading though them vigorously looking for answers. To avoid getting hit by a stray book me and applejack walked over to the stairs and sat down on the third step from the bottom and watched the books fly. I was trying to think if a better way to explain to all of them at once without being taken wrong, and it was proving to be a bit difficult.

Spike made sure that Twilight didn’t need him and then walked over and sat down on the step below us. “So you’re really from another world?” he asked turning to me

I stopped thinking and looked at him and nodded. “Yup..."

“That’s amazing, what’s it like?” he asked with entrust.

Out of the corner of my eye I noticed applejack look at me with a slightly concerned look, I guess she realized how much I don’t really like to talk about my world, I respect her for that but it’s not needed. I should be able to talk about it without getting all riled up again, but I’m still going to avoid it for as long as possible. “Uh... I’ll tell you later, let’s wait for everyone else first.” I said dodging the subject.

“Ok...” he said like I had burst his bauble. I think he might have noticed the look I gave him and the way I said to let that wait, but I know he doesn’t know why. But that left him when the door handle started glowing with a light blue mist, then it opened, It was Rarity.

“Hello twilight. How are you on this fine afternoon?” she asked elegantly entering the library.

Twilight didn’t even seem noticed her, I guess she was really into it. She didn’t turn around or even glance back at her. “Uh... hi rarity.” she said as she looked through her books.

Rarity sighed and shook her head and started walking over to us. “I see you two have managed to tell her already.” she said rolling her eyes at twilight.

“Yep... now were just waitin fer dash ta get the others, shouldn’t be much longer.” applejack said.

She did have a point; rainbow dash was the fastest flyer in ponyville if not all of equestria she can fly anywhere in no time at all. Pinkie pie shouldn’t be too hard to find, just go to where there’s sugar. Fluttershy though might be a bit harder, if she’s not at her cottage then there’s no telling where she might be. My best guess would to look for a gathering of animals and she might find her, but I guess will just have to wait and see.

And see we did, the door opened again, it was Rainbow dash. Followed by a bright pink bouncing mare, and a yellow, nervous looking pegasus.

“Hey twi, what’s up.” Rainbow dash said.

Twilight paused and all the books dropped to the ground. She turned around and saw that dash had got the other two. “Oh good you found them, now we can get started." then she saw all the books that she dropped and chuckled lightly at herself. "Just let me put away these books first...” she said as she started levitating books back to their proper place on the shelves.

Have to admit she had a good stack going, all the shelves were stripped of their books and were put all around the room. Minus the ones she dropped. But twilight got frustrated with me and applejack for leaving telling her this long. But now that we’re all here she wants to clean up first... a bit hypocritical if you ask me but I don’t judge.
Me and applejack got up and walked over with Spike and Rarity to meet they others, the second Fluttershy saw me she screeched and cowered to the nearest corner. Pinkie pie on the other hand.

When she saw me she gasped long with excitement. “Who are you? I’ve never seen a pony like you before. Unless you’re a zebra, but I doubt you’re a zebra because you don’t have stripes. Ooh what’s with your hooves what are these things sticking out of them? And Oh my gosh what’s with your mane?, why don’t you have fur?” she said rapidly darting at every difference between me and an actual pony.
I was a bit overwhelmed at first; I was trying to think of everything she said so I could give her a proper answer but to no avail. I was just about to give it a shot when rainbow dash grabbed pinkie by the tail and pulled her back and looked her strait in the face. “He’s not a pony pinkie!”

“Well of course he's not a pony, he looks nothing like us.” pinkie pie replied cheerfully.

Dash just starred at her with a blank and confused expression. When it had settled down a bit, applejack and the rest of them started greeting and talking to one another, mainly about what’s been going on in their lives lately. I just stood there and listened.
I looked ever to fluttershy in her corner; she let out a little peep when I did. I couldn’t help but feel guilty, I know being shy and timid is just part of her, and I don’t judge her for that. But I feel guilty because I’m the one who’s scaring her away from talking and being with her friends. I had to at least tell her that there no need for that.
As the rest of them continued to talk and I drifted off in my thoughts, Twilight had joined the group after finishing re-stocking the shelves.

“It’s so good to see everypony again; we haven’t been in a group like this for a good couple weeks... are you all ready to start?” she asked with a smile.

I heard the rest of them agree as they continued to talk, but I didn’t really acknowledge her, I heard her but it sort of went in one ear and out the other, I thought now would have been the best time. I walked away from the group of ponies and over to fluttershy, I heard the talking slowly dwindle to nothing, I could imagine the looks I was getting but I felt this was necessary.
I walked over to her quietly which was very hard with my old worn thin soled hiking shoes. She started quivering as I got closer to her.

I kneeled down slowly to get to her level and smiled softly. “It’s ok fluttershy... I’m not going to hurt you, Ok?” I said in a calm and genital tone.

“Ok...” she said softly.

I barely heard what she said; she just said it so quietly. But I heard enough to understand; besides I’m not going to pull a twilight and ask her until she says it clear enough. I smiled one last time and stood up. “Shall we get started?” I asked walking back to the others.

Besides applejack who was smiling slightly, they were all giving me a weird look, probably had something to do with me calling fluttershy by her name, but I couldn’t change that now so I’ll have to go with it.

Twilight stopped the look and spoke up. “Uh... yes we’re all set.” she said.

I re-entered the group. “Ok good... all start from the beginning, from where I think it all started and all end it when applejack found me. Sound good?” I asked them.

They all stopped the look as well and nodded and agreed, applejack though wanted to add something. “And In all fairness Jon, it was bloom that found ya, not me.”

I didn’t know that it was bloom that found me, what was she even doing in the barn? “Really...? How?” I asked

“Oh ah left one of my apple baskets inside the barn and I asked her to go and fetch it for me, I guess that’s when she stumble upon ya.” she explained

Though I’m grateful, I have issues with that basket. “You now I tripped over that basket like two times right?” I said laughing lightly. Applejack started herself.

They others remained silent, rainbow dash started to get a little impatient. “Uh hello, can we get started already?” she said.

I don’t blame her for getting impatient or irritated; I’ve kept them waiting long enough and I won’t drag it out any longer, no matter how much I want to. “Right... sorry.” I took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly to calm myself down. “It all started back about...”

I started explaining everything as far as back as the dream to them, like I had with applejack and bloom in the barn. Except this time it was easier. But that’s probably because I had more time to think what I was about to say, and there wasn’t nearly as much tension as there was last time either which also made the whole thing easier.
I had all of their attentions as I spoke, although Applejack didn’t pay as close as attention as the others but she’s already heard the story before. Twilight had asked me a couple of quick questions and had also told Spike to take notes on everything that I was saying.
I didn’t mind, I don’t blame her from wanting to keep track of everything that happened, out of all the things that’s ever happened in both our worlds, this was probably the most bizarre. After a while we all started taking random seats around the room, I was talking for too long to remain standing the whole time.
I sat on the ground where I was standing, Applejack sat to my right, Twilight sat across from her, Rarity sat on a fancy pillow next to Applejack on her right, Pinkie pie said it be fun to sit next to me so she sat on my left. Spike walked over and sat on the ground and lined up agent’s one of the book cases and continued to take notes from there. Rainbow dash lied on her back and hung over the staircase. And what surprised me the most, fluttershy even came out of her corner, not vary far though, she sat back and a bit to the right of twilight. It was nice to see she was somewhat warming up to me.
I did get interrupted a lot by rainbow dash and pinkie, but that was to be expected. Pinkie pie is simply to hyperactive to sit still or quiet for a long amount of time unless it’s absolutely necessary. Rainbow dash is just... impatient.Out of all the ponies, the last one I would have guessed to interrupted me was fluttershy, but she did. She vary politely interrupted me when I mentioned the manticore. She just asked how he was doing.
Honestly I was terrified of him and was trying to get away from him as fast as possible, but I wasn't going to tell her that, I just said that he was doing fine and healthy, she seemed to appreciate that.

After I finished explaining everything, and answering what questions that I could, rainbow dash jumped off the staircase and hovered over us. “So... Let me see if I got this... You’re from another world that doesn’t have magic and after a dream you had for a month the element of harmony randomly appeared in a forest were you go to hangout or whatever, it starts glowing, you touch it, and then it brings you here. is that it?” she asked.

I went through everything she said in my mind and nodded. “Yep, that about sums it up.” I said.

“That’s quite a story Jonathan...” Twilight started. “And it makes some sense that you were transported to Princess Celestia’s and Luna’s old castle in the everfree forest. That’s where we first found the elements so it only makes sense that that’s where you ended up...” She explained. This did make sense.

Now that I had answered their question’s, I thought it’s only fair if I ask some. There’s only really three in mind that I really want answers to, I just hope she can them. “Twilight is it alright if I ask a few questions?” I asked

She nodded. “Sure, be my guest.” she said

“What do you think my dream was all about, and why did it change that one day?” I asked

She levitated the notepad the Spike rout in and started looking though them, rubbing her chin with her hoof as she did so. “My best guess would be that, that was the element of harmony calling out to you, and when it changed that was the only time you and it could connect... but how I don’t know.” she replied

Ok... that one was somewhat answered now for the second. “Then why is it in the shape of an apple? The apple represents applejack’s cutie mark... so why is it like that for me?” I asked

Twilight didn’t even bother looking though her notes. “Oh that’s an easy one. Since the elements of harmony originated in this world, and cutie marks don’t exist in yours, the element had nothing to go off of, so it resorted back to Applejack’s as a default.” she explained.

That does make sense; I’m glad that she’s answering these in ways that I can understand. But I’m not sure how she’ll fair agents the last one; I don’t even really want to ask this it doesn’t really matter now but I need an answer. “Why am I here...? how am I here? I thought the elements of harmony didn’t work without the magic of friendship, so why did it?” I asked lost at the question, and it showed to.

Twilight seemed stumped and disappointed that she couldn’t give a definitive answer. “I don’t know... I’ve never known the elements to act like this before, or even be capable; something like this has never happened in pony history before, unless the elements have somewhat of a subconscious, which would explain a lot of this but... I can’t be a hundred percent certain.” she said

I didn’t reply to her after that, I just stared blankly and started thinking about what she had said. That does make some sense if the elements do have a subconscious, and it would explain why I was the only one that crossed over. Maybe that was the only spot were the elements could warp to and there just wasn’t any other good hearted people in the area to be bearers of an element besides me... or at least ones who’d listened.

After a couple of minutes of silence twilight spook up and she seemed more serious. “Now I have a question for you...” she paused and waited tell she knew she had my attention.

I picked up on her change of tone; I didn’t reply I just looked at her, I think I know what this is leading to. “How do you know what the elements of harmony, equestria and who we all are?” she asked curiosity.

Rainbow dash lowered down and hovered up on Twilights left. “Yeah... when you called fluttershy and pinkie by their name at rarities place, that Reeeeaaally through me off...” she said

That was one question that I could never seem to dodge, but I knew it had to be answered, no matter how much I don’t want to answer it. I looked at applejack, she gave me a light nod, she knew as well as I did, that was obvious. I just have to be careful on what I said and how I said it, I don’t want them to take it the wrong way. But I think I'll explain it a bit differently than at the barn.

I took in a deep breath and said it. “It’s a story... “

“What?” Rainbow dash said as if I were crazy. “Darling, what could you possibly be saying?” Rarity added. Twilight remained silent.

“Equestria is part of a story where I come from...” I said again. It didn’t matter how many times I explain this I don’t think it’s gonna get easier.

“So... you’re saying that none of this is real and are whole life’s are nothing then what a writer made of it...?” Twilight said in a sadden tone. The rest of them started to as well.

“No!” I spoke up quickly in a somewhat stern tone, like with applejack and bloom I don’t want anyone to think that. “Though in my world it’s a story that has no barren on anything here. Though you all are the same characters from the story you are indeed different.
You’re not just some fictional characters dreamt up by some writer, you’re real... you think... you talk and work on you’re on being. You have brains and hearts that all work independently, nothing is controlling that... nothing is controlling you or this world, it is acting a hundred percent on its own.” I finished at that statement

It remained silent for several minutes; I guess my words were settling in into their minds. By the looks of it they all understood to a degree, I’m glad for that. Pinkie pie was the first to break the silence. “So... wait, you know about everything that’s ever happened in equestria?” she asked shockingly, she acutely asked a normal question.

I shook my head. “I only know of certain parts, starting from when twilight first came to ponyville and ending when she became an alicorn... but I don’t think it happened the same here, and there’s also gaps.” I explained

“I wish I had a better number then that.” twilight said

Twilight as well as the rest of them seemed discouraged at that, even applejack, but I don’t blame them. If a random species randomly came to my world and told me that in their world I was part of a story and tried to convince me otherwise I would feel the same way.

I was trying to think of a way I could give them a decent answer, and then I thought of something... the lessons on friendship. “Twilight, I know about the lessons of friendship. How many have been sent to Princess Celestia in total, not just including yours but everyone else’s?” I asked in a rush.

Twilight seemed a bit thrown off at the question, but she did reply. “About, three hundred and sixty four... Why?”

My jaw dropped slightly, I was a bit surprised at that answer. Three hundred and sixty four is way more then I would have ever guessed, that’s enough for almost every day of the year. I guess I was right, things did happen differently here.

“That’s just it... in this world there’s three hundred and sixty four, in my world there’s only sixty one known, and they might not even be the same.”

Twilight and the rest of them seemed relieved and somewhat happy at this fact. “So there is a lot you don’t know.” she said

“Have ta say Jonathan. Ah was gonna ask ya that same thing back at that barn, but ah decided it would of been best ta let it weight tell today. Ah just assumed ya’ll knew everything there was ta know, but it turns out you know next to nothing.” Applejack said laughing lightly from joy. I laughed a little bit myself, she was right I just couldn’t believe that there were that many things I didn’t know about them.

After the laughter died off twilight spoke up. “We should probably contact Princess Celestia... I don’t know why you’re here and how I’m supposed to get you back is completely beyond me. If there’s any pony who might know what to think about all this it’s her.” she stated

I was expecting her to have something on how to get me back, but since she doesn’t I guess we have no choice then to go to the princess. I nodded. “Agreed.” I said

Twilight got up from her set stood up. “Great. Spike!” she called, spike got up of the bookcase and ran over to twilights side. “Write a letter to Princess Celestia, tell her everything that’s happened and ask her if she can meet us here immediately.” she asked him

“Gotcha...” he said

He wrote up a quick letter like it as nothing, when he was done he rolled it up and ran over to a window. In a broth of green fire the letter turned into a mist and flouted away. It was kind of cool seeing that first hand. Twilight sighed peacefully. “Well... now that, that’s out of the way. Jon, what is your world like?” She asked cheerfully

“Uh... Twiligh?” applejack spoke up

She shook her head once sternly, starring directly at twilight. I appreciate and also respect applejack for trying to look out for my feelings, I really do, but it wasn’t necessary. “It’s ok applejack that was before, it happened because I held it in for too long. I’m fine now... thanks though.” I said smiling poorly at her.

She smiled as well and nodded. Twilight and the rest of them were completely oblivious to what me and applejack were going on about, but they would soon know. I stopped smiling and turned to face twilight withal slight hardness. “Besides fancy technology, there isn’t alot of good things to say about my world... but if you want me to continue I will, but brace yourself..."

I was hoping she wouldn’t want to continue but she did, fluttershy though didn’t seem all too thrilled. “Ok...” she said cautiously.

I think she could tell that she asked a question that she now realizes she might not want an answer to, but I continued as she asked, but I did warn her. “My world is a nightmare caused by the people that live within it. This world is ruled be friendship and magic and peace, my world is ruled by hatred greed and war.
There is little good my world, you can barely even go for a walk and say hi to someone without them telling you to F-off, or if there part of a gang they'll beat you up and next to no one will care or help.
I can’t even walk to the store at the end of my street without the constant threat of being robbed or beaten... or worse.
I’ve lived in my neighborhood for my whole life and there’s not a single person I can call friend because everyone’s done up on drugs and alcohol or they just don’t care about anything but them self’s and they treat everyone they talk to like trash...”
They all looked at me with mixed emotions; twilight seemed the most heart broken when I motioned that I had no friends in my town, but I wasn’t done yet.
“The best way I can explain my world to you...” I posed and started to think of something I could compare it to so they could get a better understanding. “You all remember the story hearth's warming eve, how the three clans had conflict with one another?” I asked looking to all of them
They didn’t respond but some of them nodded. “Pitcher that, but one clan, but all that hatred and conflict remained and there wasn’t a storm to show them that what they were doing was destroying their land... what would have become of that...?” I asked. In a bit of a riled tone, but I able to control my anger
My tone got a bit aggressive as I explained; I was trying to hold back my aggression and frustration but some managed to slip out, they picked up on it, but I think they understood why, but I don't think they’ll ever truly know. They all looked away from me and to the floors and walls; I could tell just by the looks on their face’s they were thinking about a world like that and how terrible it would be.

“That would be chaos...” twilight said in a soft and low tone

It wasn’t tell than that I noticed how much I had said, like before it happened so quickly, but at least this time I was staying in controlled of myself.
I nodded to her; and looked to the floor took a deep breath and exhaled slowly to calm down, when I was done I remained looking at the floor, thinking on what I was about to say, I was still a bit angry though and that expression didn’t completely leave my face.
“It’s hard to live in a world like mine... you can’t go with the flow in my world or it will change you for the worst, I’ve known to many people that’s tried going with the flow, saying that they could fight it.
And all that happened is they lost who they were and they turned onto just another evil being that lives within it.
You can never give up on who you are, the vary second you question yourself is the very second that the world will come in and starts to change you. You have to remain strong, even in the toughest of times, but it’s a hard and constant battle not to lose faith in yourself...” I finished in a somewhat calmer tone.

“has that um... ever happened to ah... you…?” fluttershy asked quietly quivering as she did so.

I looked at her, I knew what she was asking, I guess she knows what it’s like to lose yourself, but I really wish she hadn't of asked that, but I’m not gonna tell her no. I sighed deeply. ”Yes... almost...” I paused and looked at all of them, they all seemed shocked. I was ashamed to admit that but I had to tell the story behind it.
“About two, three years back I started giving up on who I was; I thought being myself wasn’t worth the criticizing and the pain or not having any friends, I started thinking and acting like everyone else, like the world around me.
I was terrible... I started swearing, disrespecting my parents and anyone who'd speak, but I didn’t care. I almost turned to drugs when one day I looked into a mirror and saw how bad I became and far I had fallen from who I was. Even though I still hated my world I was no different, it tore me apart on the inside. But at that moment I remembered what I told myself when I was a little kid...
I told myself that no matter what happens in life that I'll always be me, that the last thing my world will ever take from me, is who I am. and that’s capped me going ever since...” I finished smiling slightly myself. I had never told anyone that before, not that I was hiding it but it just never came up. But after I did I felt amazing.

I looked up to everyone else in the room; they were smiling warmly at me, rarity even had watery eyes. “Did I say something wrong...?” I asked laughing lightly; I didn’t know why the laughter I just felt good.

“No darling... you said something simply beautiful.” rarity said wiping away a stray tear.

I didn’t realize on how much of an impacted that had on them, I turned to applejack to see what state she was in, she was smiled warm and proudly at me, like I had really concord something. But I thought it was nothing more than just saying no to the world, but I guess that’s not something someone can easily do.
They all seemed happy and appreciative on how I opened up to them. But it did me good as well.

Twilight took a deep breath to study herself then spoke. “I know this has nothing to do with anything Jonathan, but how old are you...?” she asked

“Sixteen... why?” I asked but I think I already knew.

Twilight shook her head in disbelief smiling slightly. “You have a very mater mind for your age Jonathan... I don’t think I could have ever lived in a world like yours without friend’s to keep me going.” she said

“Thanks... but it came with a price." I said my voice changed back to its normal tone. I didn’t give anyone a chance to ask why I just thought I’d say it anyway. This wasn’t really something deep like before it was just something that had to be done. “I didn’t really get to have a childhood, I had to grow up fast in my neighborhood or it would have changed me.
I had to discipline myself and get a good understanding on what was right and what was wrong in my head while I was still young, if I hadn’t I would have been corrupted long ago...” I explained. I’m not really disappointed at that, it was on my own doing, but I still wish I could have had both but I can’t change that now.
There’s no point getting upset over something you have no control over, I guess that’s one of the reasons I’m so easy going. whenever something goes wrong or something happened I’m always the one who stays calm, because I know if it already happened, then I have no control over it and just let it be and help with the cleanup, so to speak.

A lot of them seemed shocked by that for some reason especially pinkie pie. “Are you saying you’ve never been to a party before?” she asked shockingly

I guess that was another thing that my world took from me. “Besides family and a couple of out of town friends... no not really.” I said shrugging, her jaw dropped when I said that, but I guess it’s just because that’s her thing.
But I tried to turn the subjected back to my world. “I’m not saying there’s no good left in my world, there is. It’s just very hard to come by. But I make the best of it and that keeps me happy. I never like to look at the negatives and always try to stay to the positives, there’s a positive in everything; you just have to find it.” I said cheerfully

They all smiled and some nodded at that. “That’s a good motto, but you really don’t have any friends in your world?” she asked

“I do they just live far away, my two closest friends live the farthest out, but I know if I ever truly need them, distance is just another variable... ” I started thinking back to when I saw bloom with her friends. “It’s kind of funny, when I see the crusaders play together, it reminds a lot of me and them when we were young. I just wish I got to see them more often...” I said

She seemed a glad to hear that I at least had friends, but now it was more on something else. “Well why don’t you just go and visit them?” she asked

I would do that, but my family is just to pore to drive all the way out to see them, when we can use that money to help us survive, I barley even eat at home, and I have responsibilities that I can’t leave. “Believe me I would have, but we don’t have the money to, they just live to far.” I explained

Applejack jumped in. “How far do they live then?” she asked

I didn’t really know how to explain distances properly to them; I’m not good when it comes to stuff like that. So I thought of a comparison. “I don’t really know how to explain... picture Sweetie belle and Scootaloo, they live in ponyville. But Applebloom lives even farther than Manehattan. That’s pretty much it.”

They all seemed a bit shocked at that, I guess they realized just how far I was talking. Twilight stepped back in. “Well you can always send them a letter and keep in touch that way, can’t you?” she said

Though she was right, I would call them first before sending them a letter, I don’t think people even use letters anymore, unless there bills or something. Besides my hand writing is for crap. But I knew I couldn’t say what it was or it just confuse them, and I wouldn’t know how to explain a lot of the technology in my world, I don’t even know how most of it works, I just know how to work and fix it. “I can, but we have a different way to contact other people in my world, but it’s just not the same. I mean their my closest friends, and I only get to see them once every four to six months, if not longer.”

They all seemed to understand, but I could tell they didn’t like it. “I can understand how that c-...” Twilight got cut off by Spike starting to heave. He let out a fiery belch and through the flames a letter materialized. “Oh good it’s the princess.” she said

She grabbed it with her magic and levitated it over to herself and opened it, we all stood up and got closer. “What’s it say Twi?” rainbow dash asked

Twilight cleared her throat and started reading the letter off in the princess’s words. “Greeting my most loyal and faithful subjects. I regret to inform you, but I do not know what happened either.
After reading through the notes that Spike was so kindly to write, I do not believe it was some ‘freak accident’. The way everything happened and how it happened, I agree that the element must have called out to him, which would lead to a subconscious, but like you twilight I cannot be sort in of this...
I also regret to inform you that I will not be coming today. Some other royal duties have come up that need my urgent attention. I will be at the library tomorrow at noon. My deepest apologies for making you all what, but I know you understand.
In the meantime, Twilight. I want you to take some time to look into this matter. See if you can’t eliminate or confirm some theories, then report back to me tomorrow...
I wish you all the best, Princess Celestia...” Twilight finished and lowered the letter and looked at all of us surrounding her.

“So what the heck are we supposed to do now?” Rainbow dash asked

Pinkie pie instantly shot up in excitement. “I know! how about..." She paused mid-sentence and bolted out the front door. We all starred in confusion. “Now where do you suppose she’s going?” Twilight asked

Applejack shook her head. “Beats me... ya never quite know with pinkie pie.” she said

About a minute later there was a growing sound of music, then Pinkie bursted through the front door with a record player on her flank and her party cannon. That explains everything. “A PARTY!!!” she cheered.

She started blasting confetti and streamers around the room. Twilight looked like she was going to interjected but by the time she would of... half her house would of already been covered, so she sat there and endured it with un-amused expression. As we all watched the confetti fly, except for fluttershy who got startled by her cannon and hid behind twilight, I couldn’t help but think.

Was she doing this for me? or was this just the same old Pinkie pie wanting to through a party for her friends, or maybe it’s both... who knows, i'll have to ask her if I get the chance. After she finished covering the room with party decorations she sat the record player on the ground and posed the music. “Well, what do you guys say?” she asked gleefully

We all looked to one another; Rainbow dash was the first to speak up. “If Pinkie pie’s throwing a party then I’m there, I’m in!” she cheered

“Well I could go for a good party right about now. All this seriousness is wreaking havoc on my stress lines. I’m in!” rarity agreed

Well that was two votes, I didn’t quite know what stress lines are but I don’t dare ask. I looked to applejack. “What do ya say applejack, you up for a party.” I asked gleefully

“Are you kiddin? Ah wouldn’t miss one of Pinkie pie’s parties for the world. Ah’m in!” she said cheered

Well that answered my vote, now that just leaves Twilight, fluttershy was still hiding behind her. We all looked at her. Twilight sighed “I was... going to start studying like the princess had asked...” She paused while looking to the ceiling.

As we all waited for an answer I took a second glance at everyone in the room. Pinkie pie was bouncing up and down, beaming eagerly. Rainbow dash had her hooves crossed; rarity had her neck extended waiting for the answer, and me and applejack were both eyeing her down with a smug look.

She eventually caved in. She sighed again. “Fine... I guess a party couldn’t hurt. But can we please not have a late one like we did last time, so I at least get some time to study?” she asked

“Sure. Ooooooh this is going to be soo great!” pinkie pie said shivering with excitement.

We all stopped the looks at her and smiled, have to say I didn’t think she’d go for it. I heard a sound from behind and noticed all of them start looking at the door, so I turned around to see who it was. It was Applebloom Sweetie belle and Scootaloo, standing in the open door way, after pinkie blasted through it.
I guess the saw her run in here with the cannon and got curious, their eyes were instantly filled with joy when they saw all the party decorations. “Is this a party?” Scootaloo asked looking around the room.

“Sure is, come on in. Let’s get this party STARTED!” Pinkie pie cheered like a different as she turned the music back on.

It was a decent party, not to long after she started the music she asked Twilight if she had any party games. There were two in particular, Pin the tail on the pony and twister. Once it was set up and everyone had a good turn, I was a bit hesitant to try pin the tail on the pony. But they all encouraged me so I did. I didn’t do very well, mined you it was set to their height and not mine but it was all in good fun.
Then the twister mat rolled out, we all agreed to let the fillies go first on account on of how eager they were looking to give it a shot. It was kind of funny watching fillies play, trying to reach all the colors as they came. There short legs made things difficult for them but that didn’t stop them from trying.
After they decided they pulled enough muscles, we got on and started taking turns. Have to say I did pretty well, although I do have more mobility then they do, humans are a bit more flexible then ponies. After I won a few matches Rainbow dash wanted to challenge me to a 'one on one' match against her, I accepted.
Though I had mobility on her, she had two extra lims on me, her wings. They helped her reach closer colors and also helped keep herself balanced.
But when Pinkie pie called a color that was on the opposite side of me, and when she tried reaching for it with her front left hoof, her front right hoof slipped and she fell on me, we all started laughing. She didn’t seem very happy that she lost but the feeling was quick to leave her.
I was expecting it to feel a bit awkward playing twister and other games with a bunch on ponies but it wasn’t. They didn’t seem to find it the least bit weird or awkward, so I didn’t either. The feeling never came, which was kind of nice. After the games were done with, Pinkie pie said she was going to go to Sugarcube corner to get some desserts, I offered to go with her to help carry things back.

As we were walking there Pinkie pie managed to strike up a couple quick conversations. “Soooo? What do you think of the party so far?” she asked with a bright smile on her face.

I turned my attention away from all the random ponies starring at me and giving me weird looks to reply, I guess now would be a best as time as any. “It’s great I’m really enjoying myself, but I have to ask you Pinkie... did you throw this party for me?” I asked

“Well, not just for you, for everyone. I love making my friends happy, and your my newest friend. But when I heard you say that you’ve never been to a party before, I felt really bad for you.
So I decided to through this one! Now you can’t say you’ve never been to a decent party, and now I can’t say I’ve never partied with an ALIEN!” she cheered with excitement.

I laughed, I was going to tell her that I wasn’t an alien, but in a way I guess I am. I’m another being from another universe, in theirs. So I guess I could be classified as an alien... kind of funny when you think about it.

It wasn’t long before we arrived at Sugarcube corner, I asked Pinkie if I should stay outside for obvious reasons, but she insisted that I come in, so I did. Mr. and Misses cake were a bit surprised by my appearance, but once they realized that I wasn’t going to hurt anyone they grew comfortable rather quickly.
Pinkie told me to wait in the lobby while she went into that back room to get the desserts, which I didn’t have a problem with.
I noticed two little foals playing of to the side who were starring at me with curiosity and wonder, it brought a smile to my face. I walked over and sat down with them and played with them while I was waiting for Pinkie, with permission from Mr. and Misses cake first of cures, they didn’t seem to mind. But they did keep an eye on me but that was understandable.
They were so cute and harmless, and small. I could fit them in my hand they were so small. They took an interest in my fingers, but what they really seemed to like was the element of harmony around my neck, probably because on how the gemstone shined. But they seemed to like and were comfortable around me and that’s all that mattered.
Pinkie came back with a pill of treats, I said goodbye to Mr. and Misses and thanked them and said goodbye to the twins as well, then I grabbed a load and we started walking back.
When we got back everyone looked excited on how much me and pinkie actually brought back, we sat all the desserts down on a table that twilight had set up and spread them out around the table. Once that was done we all started chowing down.
I have never tasted a cupcake that delicious before in my entire life, and the problem was you couldn’t stop at just one. The fillies ate enough sugar to keep them going for the whole night, I don’t know how Applejack’s gonna manage getting bloom in bed, but if I know her shell find a way.
After all of our stomachs were full we sat down in a group and started talking, the fillies sat off to the side in their own group but that was to be expected. Fluttershy even sat comfortably in the group, though she didn’t say much. But she did get a word in here and there.
They asked a couple more, simpler questions about me and my world, I was happy to answer them. Although I tried to dodge most if the questions that revolved around electronics. I honestly believe that electronics are one of the reasons that my world is so destroyed, though I do like videogames, but there’s just so many people that don’t have very good self-conscience and can’t limit them selves to things like phones and stuff, I’m not judging them, that’s just my opinion.
Twilight talked about a new spell that she was creating, Rarity mentioned a new clothing design she’s working on for Hoity toity, and Rainbow dash went on about a new flight trick that she taught herself. As we were talking I took a second to really observe my surroundings. I was sitting in a group in another world with six colorful mares, laughing, bonding, having a wonderful time. I didn't see them by their species, I saw them for who they were. Even though I knew them before that’s completely different.
Before I just new them from just a show that I watch, now their real, this is real. I know them personally on a personal leave not just through some TV screen... but friends. They’ve really shown me what friendship feels like, not to say I didn’t already know... but it’s nice to have a reminder.
I wish me and my friends back at home could have a party like this to keep in touch with one another, but sadly we just live too far away from one another, but what time we do got spend with each other we make it count, and that’s what matters...

“Hey... hey... Jon.” Rainbow dash said, breaking my train of thought. “Are you just gonna sit there or are you gonna pass me that cupcake?” she asked pointing to a cupcake on the table behind me.

How long I was daydreaming? “Sure thing dash.” I said cheerfully

I reached back and grabbed the cupcake off the table and tossed it to her, she had her hooves out ready to catch it, and then in midflight Pinkie pie shot up and ate it out of thin air.

“DENIED!” I yelled playfully

We all started laughing hysterically; dash didn’t find it so funny. “Pinkie that was mine! That was the last cupcake!” she yelled

Pinkie giggled. “Oops sorry dashie. You snooze you lose.” she said playfully. Dash groaned in frustration, we all continued laughing and the good times lasted throughout night.

It was about nine o’clock when that party ended, everyone had already gone home. The only ones left were me, Bloom, Applejack and Fluttershy.

Fluttershy had asked Applejack if she could walk her back to her cottage, probably due to her being scared of... everything. applejack agreed. We were just getting ready to leave when Twilight stopped and asked. “Jonathan, would you like to spend the night here? I have more than enough room, and I’d love to hear more stories about you’re world and what’s it like.” She offered

I started considering it; I didn’t really have a reason to say no, it might be fun spending a night at Twilights place, but I still wasn’t sure. I looked down at the filly standing on my left, right into her big reddish orange eyes that always made my heart melt, that was all the answer I needed. “Thanks for they offer, but if it’s all the some twilight... I'd like to stay at Sweet Apple Acres. I’ve grown comfortable there, and I’m pretty fond of the apple family.” I said smiling warmly looking back to her

She seemed a bit disappointed but she nodded and smiled. “Oh it's fine, I understand. But can I at least keep the element for the night? I’d like to run a few tests on it, and also compare it to applejacks. Is that alright with you?” she asked

I was a bit reluctant to hand it over to her, it’s been with me ever since I got here, heck it’s what got me here. I felt attached to it, like it was a part of me. Maybe it does have a subconscious, but we can’t find out unless I let her take it. So I decided to give it to her. Besides she looks over the other ones, it’s not like she can’t take good care of it. But I still have to ask. “Promise you’ll take good care of it...” I asked

She placed a hoof on her chest. “You have my word.” she said

That was all I needed, I took off the element carefully and passed it to her. She grabbed it with her magic and levitated it over to Spike. “Spike, Can you take this up stairs carefully, and put it with the others?” she asked him politily

He nodded. “Sure thing.” he grasped the element and walked over and up the staircase. When he got to the top step he opened the door and waved to us. “Goodnight guys, see you to tomorrow.” he said cheerfully with a yawn. We all waved and said are goodbyes back.

We all walked out the door and off of twilight’s porch. “Goodnight everyone, see you all tomorrow. And make sure you’re on time, remember twelve o’clock sharp.” Twilight said standing in the doorway

“Don’t worry twilight will be on time. Night.” Applejack said, we all waved and said goodnight to her as well. She nodded and shut the door.

Applejack stepped in front of us. “Ya’ll sat ta get goin?” she asked

“um ... yes ...” fluttershy said

It was nice to see that Fluttershy was comfortable enough around me to talk in her normal tone and not so quiet that you can barely hear her, but she still was a bit nervous around me, in time I guess. I looked to applejack and nodded. “Yep.”

Applebloom agreed as well but there was something else. “Yeah but uh... one sec.” she said unsuringly; she walked up to me. “Jon? is it ok if ah ride on...”

I cut her off mid sentence with an honest smile, I knew exactly what she was getting at. “Don’t worry Bloom ,I got ya.” I said cheerfully

I scooped her up and sat her on my shoulders; her tail went down my back as she shifted and got herself comfortable. At least this time it’s comfortable for the both of us. “Alrighty I’m set.” she said cheerfully

Applejack chuckled and smiled lovingly to the two of us. “Alrighty then let’s get a move on...” she said. And with that we started walking.

It was a pretty bright night out, the moon was shining brighter than it had the two nights before and there weren’t any clouds to bloke it, but never the less it was still night time.
As we were walking, I walked a bit further back from Applejack and Fluttershy. Mainly I just wanted to give Fluttershy some space, I don’t want to walk up their with them and not a peep come out of her because of me. Even if it is just her, I have to respect that. Which wasn’t that bad, me and Bloom talked about are day’s prior from being together.
Even though Applejack and Fluttershy were walking just ahead of us, it felt like it was just me and her; like I was taking her on a late night walk, which felt nice.
Tomorrow if there’s nothing to be done around the farm, I'll take her out and go for a morning walk. I’d like that, and I know she will to. If I can make her happy just by being with her and spending time with her then that’s what all do. I would do and give anything for Applebloom, as well as Applejack... Anything...

Anything:

We had just arrived at Fluttershy’s cottage; Applejack walked her to her door. Me and Applebloom waited at the bottom of the path just in front of the bridge.
At this point Bloom wanted to get down off my shoulders. She said that she wanted to do some walking around for herself. Wasn’t very surprised though, she still had alot of sugar energy left in her, whatever energy we can get out of her before we get back the better.

Applejack was just coming back down the path after saying goodnight. “Should we start heading back to sweet apple acres.” I asked her

Applejack glanced up at the night sky. “Yeah... But do ya’ll wanna take the long way back?" she suggested. “The way ah see it, it being such a nice night out’n all, it might be nice to go for a good night stroll. What do ya say?” she asked

Bloom jumped in excitement, it was clear she still under the influence of sugar. “That’s a great idea!” she cheered eyes buzzing like a bee.

I questioned if Applejack wanted to do this not just because it’s a nice night out, but to try to get as much energy out of bloom as possible. But ether way it was a good idea. “I’m in.” I said cheerfully

Applejack smiled and seemed glad that we wanted to go along. “Good, let’s get goin then.” she said happily

We started walking down and away from the path out into the field, we walked side by side. Out of curiosity I asked Applejack what exactly was the long rout. She said it was just following the edge of the Everfree forest. She said that eventually we’d see a fence then that will lead back to the farm. It was pretty start forward.
It was a beautiful night out, the moon and stars were shining bright and there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky to block the magnificent few. It wasn’t cold either, actually it was kind of warm, but there was a cool breeze that lingered through the night that made it just the right temperature.
I thought nothing could destroy this night. And having Applejack and Applebloom made it nothing short from perfect.

As we were walking along the forests edge we started hearing strange sounds, but we tried to ignore them for the most part. “Princess Luna really out did herself tonight eh?” I said looking to the night sky with a fast look of wonder.

“Yeah sh...” Applejack stopped mid sentence when we heard some ruffling coming from the bushes behind us.

We all looked back “What was that?” I asked suspiciously

Applejack starred at the bush and shook her head. “It’s probably just some animals er something.” she guest

We took her word for it and shrugged it off, but then the same happened from in front of us. “Are you sure about that sis...?” applebloom asked unsurely

Something was definitely up. We slowed down and listened, the noise stopped. “Whatever it was ah think it’s gone now.” Applejack said. We continued to walk normally again, but their was something unsettling in the air. Then out of the forest, a large beast made of wood and tinder with bright green glowing eyes. “IT’S A TIMBERWOLF, RUN!!!” Applejack cried

We instantly turned around and started running in the opposite direction, when two more jumped out in front of us again. “LEFT!!!” Applejack yelled again

Me and applejack instantly made a sharp left turn and ran. We ran like there wasn’t no tomorrow, in which case there might not have been. We looked back to see of they were still chasing us but thankfully they weren’t. We slowed down and stopped to catch your breath.

My heart was racing, that really scared that heck out of me. “That... was a close... one...” I said breathing heavily

Applejack nodded lightly as she gasped for air. “Yeah...” she said

As I was still catching my breath it felt like something was missing, then it clicked and felt an instant sharp pain in my heart. My eyes went wide and started to look around frantically. “Wait, where Applebloom!” I asked unsurely

Applejacks eyes went wide as well and she started looking around but she was nowhere to be seen. “APPLEBLOOOOM!” she called out

We stayed quiet to see if we could hear anything, there was no response. Me and applejack looked at each other with shocked and worried expressions, we thought our worst fear had been realized. Then we heard a cry for help that came from the direction that we just came from.

“THE FOREST!” Me and applejack said in prefaced unison.

Me and applejack started running back at full pace, when we got to the forests edge we didn’t slow down we dove start in plowing through any plants that got in are way.
I was terrified and scared, not for my life but applebloom’s. If something happens to her or worse... I won’t be able to live with myself. As we were running blindly through the woods I just kept repeating; please be ok, please be ok, and please be ok, in my head...

I saw a clearing not too far in front of us, we ran even faster towards it. We jumped out on the edge. The three Timberwolves were standing side by side. They had cornered applebloom in front of a steep mounting side and were closing in on her slowly, their was nowhere for her to go.
Applejack froze in horror. I instantly shot forward and charged the first one.
Seeing that much fear in blooms eyes... It was like I blacked out. Something just snapped, I wasn’t being held back by my fear anymore. I didn’t care about myself... I didn’t care about my own well being. All I knew is that I had to get to applebloom and that meant going through Timberwolves.
I ran up beside a Timberwolf, caching it off grad. I grabbed a thick log from its front left leg and pulled it out, its leg clasped. With the momentum that I gained from pulling the stick out I followed through and hit the best in the head. Its head as well as the rest of its body turned into nothing more than just a pile of sticks.
With the stick behind my back I followed through again and through it at the far one and it got logged in its neck. It whimpered and backed up, the other one went to go check on it.

I got in front of bloom to put something between her and the wolves. “APPLEJACK GRAB BLOOM AND GET OUT OF HERE, RIGHT NOW!!!” I yelled at her

The one that I through the stick at appeared to be crippled, the other one just seemed pissed. I didn’t here applejack come for bloom, I turned to her to see what she could have possibly been doing. She as looking at me with amazed and shocked expression, but there wasn’t time for this. “AND, NOW!!!” I yelled even louder, voice sounding angered and rough

She shook her head and ran over; I heard her picked up bloom and slapped her on her flank and began running back. The one Timberwolf looked like it was ready to attack. I noticed applejack stop and turned to look at me; I tilted my head and looked to her. Time seemed to have slowed down at that point, it was like me and applejacks minds were connected.
I knew as well as she did, that there was a slim chance of me making it out of this alive, but I promise you and bloom that I'll be back...
I nodded once to her, she did the same to me; it was like she heard everything that I thought. She closed her eyes I noticed a single tear fall from her face, then she turned and ran into the forest. I heard applebloom scream my name. I looked back to the Timberwolf, I could have ran but the only way I could ensure her and applejacks safety is buying them as much time as I can, which means I have to take them out, or survive as long as I could.
There was so much blood and adrenaline flowing through my vanes that it physically hurt, but that was miner to what might happen if it were to stop. All my senses felt enhanced and stronger then ever, it was incredible. The one Timberwolf started walking towards me and snarled wickedly, I kept stance and on grad, waiting for an opening to strike.
With a load growl, it jumped in the air and lunched itself towards me. I jumped to my left and dogged. When it landed I saw an opening, I lunched myself as hard as I could into its side. It fell over and before it had a chance to get up, I jumped into the air and stomped on its head with all my wieght. Its head basically exploded. I started to lose focus, I was acutely doing this, I’m gonna win. I was just about to turn to finish off the last one... and then it happened.
The one I thought was crippled wasn’t anymore; it came over and bit down and HARD on my left shoulder. The pain was excruciating, I screamed in agony. It felt like I had an open wound with a thousand wasps in it constantly stinging. But with ever sting there venom got more and more intoxicated.
I ripped my shoulder forward and fell on the ground; I reached and put my hand in my wound. I felt things sticking out of it; some of its teeth came out and were stuck in it, the pain was unbearable. The Timberwolf didn’t seem to mind losing a couple teeth and was more focused on ending me. It started to approach me slowly; fear started taking over my mind, I started shuffling myself away on my back, grabbing a rather large stick as I did so with my good arm.
It backed me up against the rock were it had cornered bloom, when my back hit the rock I pushed up against it and stood up, I could feel the blood rushing out of my wound, but I wasn’t about to give up, I made a promise and I planned on keeping it.
The Timberwolf lunched at me, not knowing what else to do I held up the stick to block. It bit down on it and started shaking its head vigorously and pushing towards me.
I didn’t have enough energy to hold it with just my right arm, so the left end fell and hit the rock beside my head. The Timberwolf continued biting down on the stick franticly. It was so close to my face. I didn’t know what to do, I couldn't keep this up for ever. I noticed it started sliding down the stick to the way it was angled, then I had an idea, but didn’t have any time to think it over whether it work or not, it was my only shot so I had no choice.
I glanced down and kicked its front left leg throwing it off balance, at the same time with what energy I had left; I pushed as hard as I could with my right arm up and flipped it. I was sitting on top if it holding it down with the stick in its mouth and my knee was pushing down on the one that was in its neck, preventing it from flipping back. It continued hitting and struggling in attempts to throw me off.
I grasped the stick with my left arm as well, it made my muscles burn but didn’t have enough strength to do it with just one. And with every last little bit of my strength I had, I twisted the stick sharply to the side, twisting its jaw straight off. Then I raised it over my head and sent It down into its skull. Its head turned into a pile of sticks, I fell to the ground as the rest of its body did the same. I grasped my wound again and got out of the pile of timber and fell to my knees. It was done... I won.
I wanted to do nothing more then take a break, my body was exhausted and my wound was on fire and was bleeding constantly, but I wasn’t in the clear yet. As I was catching my breath, the wood from the first Timberwolf that I killed first started glowing a faint green. It was going to regenerate soon.
I forced myself to my feet which wasn’t easy, and started running blindly through the woods, I didn’t remember which direction applejack ran off to, so I just started running. Several minutes later that run quickly turned into a trudge, I was so tired and was losing so much blood. My whole left side was drenched with my blood, I was starting to go into shock; I didn’t think I was going to make it.
I started stumbling and my vision went blurry, I tripped over my own feet and fell to my knees, I let go of my wound and caught myself with my right arm, but I didn’t have any strength left to get myself back up, my left arm dangled motionless dripping blood off my elbow.

“Help........” I tried calling for help but I had such little energy that it just sounded like I was talking normally.

I heard a sound from in front of me; thought it was the Timberwolves coming to finish me off. I lifted my head weakly, there was a figure standing there, it was too small to be a Timberwolf but my vision was to blurry to make out who or what it was.

“help......” I said one last time. My arm gave out and I fell on my side and passed out.

A Promise:

I slowly started regaining consciousness; I lifted my hand slowly from my side to the front of my face. I wasn’t dead...? my mind wasn’t operating very well on account of everything that happened, I just started going over myself. I lifted my head to look at my wound but then I realized that my shirt wasn’t on, on top of that, all the blood that was on my body was cleaned. And to my surprise my wound was covered in bandage wrap.
I lowered my right hand carefully onto my wound, the pain was still searing, but I didn't feel any ridges sticking out, the timberwolf teeth weren’t there anymore and it felt like there was some gel or something on it.
I dropped my right arm limply back to my side and then the next thought crossed my mind, where was I? I started looking around the room, but my vision was still too blurry to see straight. I lifted my good arm and wiped my eyes until they focused.
I was in a room lying on a thin mat that kept me off the ground. The room was covered in shelf’s littered with bottles of all shapes and sizes, I wasn’t quite sure where I was Intel I saw some tribal masks lying around. I dropped my head back down; it took to much energy to hold it up. So that’s where I was, I was in Zecora’s hut. Was she that figure that I saw?
I tried remembering back but with little luck my vision was just too blurry back then, but that’s who it probably was. With what energy I could muster up I forced myself to sit up, I was out of breath just from doing that, I have never felt this weak before.

Then the door to my left opened, it was a black and white striped zebra wearing gold earrings and other jewelry of the sort, holding a wooden mixing bowl. It was Zecora.

“Ahh there is no mistake, you are finally awake.” she rhymed with a firmilar accent.

I probably would of been more excited to see her but I had nothing left. There were some questions going through my head but I didn’t know which one to start with, my mind just wasn't there, so I decided to start with a simple one. I started talking but I was still trying to catch my breath. “Zecora... was that you... who I saw? and you brought me here?” I asked

She smiled nodded. “Yes that was me indeed, for I am always there to help a pony in need.” she said, walking towards me

I chuckled breathlessly. “But... I’m not a pony...” I said jokingly

Zecora chuckled herself. “That is true, which leads me to my next question, what are you?” She asked

“I’m a human... my name is Jonathan...” I said. I tried to keep it short; I didn’t want to have to go through the long explanation on how I was from another world and the elements of harmony and all that. Not because I don’t want zecora to know, I just don’t have the energy to explain. But thankfully she left it at that.

Then she passed me the wooden bowl. “Here, drink this tell there is no more, then your body it will start to restore.” she said

Her rhyming was really different to listen to, but it could be followed. I grabbed the bowl with my right arm and look inside. It didn’t look very good and it had a bad smell to it. I trust in zecora in what she’s giving me will help but I would at least like to know what I’m putting in my body first. “What is it...?” I asked

“Its Zecokera rout made into a brew, a name I can almost relation to. Regenerate blood cells at twice the rate, but at the amount you lost you will have to wait in your physical state.” she said

“How long?” I asked

“Six hours after noon, but if you put pressure on it, four more tell the moon.” she explained

It took me a sec but I understood; this was something I really need so bottoms up I guess. I lifted the bowl up to my mouth and tiled it. It tasted like it smelled, it was terrible but I forced it down like she asked. When it was all gone I passed the bowl back to her, she smiled and sat it on a table off to the side and then started going through the bottles on the shelves.

“Now that you have tried my concoction, I must ask how you got that lesion?” she asked

I didn’t mind explaining that much to her, besides she practically saved my life, she has a right to know. And thankfully my breath had finally caught up to me, although I still have to pace myself as I speak. “Me, Applejack and Applebloom were going for a night walk alongside the edge of the forests...” Zecora’s interest peaked and turned to me when I mentioned Applebloom.
“A timberwolf jumped out in front of us, we instantly turned and started running in the other way but two more jumped out there... Applejack yelled to run left and we did, but I guess bloom panicked and ran into the forest... When me and applejack noticed we ran in after her, when we found her the timberwolves had her corned agents a mounting side, they were about to kill her... so I attacked." I said with no emotion
"By the time I took out the first timberwolf... I told Applejack to grab bloom and get out of their, she was a bit hesitant but did... By the time I took out the second one I started to get a bit ahead of myself... and that’s when the third one came in and bit my shoulder...
It was a miracle that I still won but even after I did it wasn’t over... the wood started glowing and I knew what that meant so... I started running and then that’s when you found me.” I explained

Zecora seemed a bit surprised at that story; but after the moments past a warm smile made its way to her lips. “Those two ponies you must have affection, for risking your life for their own perfection.” she said

I nodded, I didn't go into explaining how much, I think risking your life said enough. My mind started drifting off to that moment when me and applejack were staring at each other, the promise... My train of thought was broken by a sharp pain in my shoulder, even though the pain hasn’t stopped it will spike every now and then.

And then I felt like asking. “How bad was it?" I asked bluntly, Zecora raised an eyebrow. “I mean... I know that when the timberwolf bit me, some of its teeth came out. But I don’t know how many...” I asked. I wasn’t really focused on how many there was all I knew is that it hurt, a lot.

Without saying a word zecora walked out of the room, a few seconds later she came back with a wooden plate, she sat it down beside me. “When I brought you here I see to have found, three timberwolf teeth inside your wound. But they extant of you injury was moderate, no broken bones you are very fortunate.” she explained

I was shocked on the timberwolf teeth, two of them were about the same size only about the length and width the tip of my middle finger to the first joint. But the third one was the size and length of my whole thumb; I couldn’t believe that was in my shoulder. No wonder it hurts so badly.

But that was at least some good news, besides major blood lose, to hear that it didn’t break bones was comforting. If it had I can't imagine how long it would take to heal. Then I remembered something from an episode and started to worry. “Wait... If the teeth are here, won't the timberwolves come looking for them?”

Zecora shook her head. “Normally yes. but that is not the case, for I put something on them so they will not be able to trace.” she said

Well that was a relief, have to admit I got really worried. I don’t think I could handle another brawl with them Intel I get better. But then I remembered the gel or whatever it was that I felt on my wound when I woke up. “What is that stuff you put it? when I woke up and felt it; it felt like a gel or something.” I asked

She smiled at herself at her own creation. “A highly concentrated Aloe Vera extract, on your wound it will have a major impact. For a lot of ponies show affection, to the plant that heals and prevents infection.” she said

I think I knew what zecora was talking about. Though I don’t know about concentrated, but I remember my mom saying she was trying to grow Aloe Vera, but she said it was a lost cause thanks to the ground not being fertile enough, it was mostly clay.
My mind again continued back to when, me and applejack were staring at each other, the promise... it was like it was hunting me and I couldn’t forget it, not just because it’s a promise but also that I wanted to make it back to them and let them know that I’m alright. “Zecora? thank you for everything but I have to go, they others are probably looking for me...” I said. I was just about to try to push myself up, I don’t know where I was going with that this, I barley had enough strength to sit up, I don’t know how I’m going to manage to get up, but I had to at least try.

Zecora though raised her hoof and stopped me, and shook her head. “Those ponies will wait tell sunrise, go through the woods at night could lead to a horrible demise.” she said firmly as a warning

“Zecora please, I made a promise... don’t ask me to break it...” I pleaded

She gave me an understanding look. “I’m not asking you to break anything, but postpone tell morning.” she said

I sighed. I guess zecora was right, the others would wait tell it was safe and I’ve already nearly died as it is. I’m actually somewhat glade that zecora stopped me. Going out there now in my present state would be a death sentence. But I still don’t like the idea of postponing a promise and waiting, but I guess al just have to live with that.

I lowered myself back down a bit before speaking. “Alright zecora, I'll do what you say and get some rest... But can you please wake me up before sunrise so I can leave at the crack of dawn...?” I asked if she could give me that much.

She nodded. I smiled and lowered myself back down to the mat slowly to prevent less pain. When I was laying down zecora walked out of the room and was about to shut the door, but there was one more thing I wanted to say. “Zecora...” she paused and looked back to me. “Thank you...” I said smiling warmly

She smiled back. “You’re welcome Jonathan, Intel the morning all see you than...” she said and then shot the door. I closed my eyes and passed out, this time on my terms.

Threw the night I kept having flash backs on the timberwolves in my dreams. But every time I got to the part were me and Applejack were staring at each other, it restarted, the promise... I don’t know how me and applejack connected minds or if she even heard me, but either way I made a promise... and that continued for the rest of the night.

Zecora kept her and of the deal and woke me up before sunrise, I thanked her for that. I was actually able to get up and walk around without any help. I felt a lot better than I did the night before, but I still didn’t have much energy, my strength was still greatly less than half but it was enough so I could walk. I just had to pace myself.
After I got my shirt on, which was very hard and extremely painful with my shoulder, I noticed there was a big hole on the shoulder part, so big I could see all the bandage rap underneath. I guess when the timberwolf bit me and I pulled forward it tore it. I didn’t even notice, everything just happened so fast. I don’t think rarity can fix this and I don’t think she’d even want to. The shirt was still stained with my blood, but I saw it as a memory.
I walked into the main room in Zecora’s hut, more bottles, masks and her cauldron. I looked out the window, it was still pretty dark so there was some time to kill. Zecora wanted to give me more medicine, they weren’t anything extreme like last night, and thankfully they didn’t taste as bad as they other.
One of then she said was to help with the pain for my shoulder but it would wear off. And some others were just some vitamins which I really needed. Zecora offered to walk me as far as to the edge of the forest, but I respectfully declined, I felt like this was something that I had to do along. Thankfully she understood.
She did tell my though witch way to take to get out of the forest, and also to stay away from a blue flower. I thanked her; I already have an injured shoulder, I didn’t need poison joke to. During that morning me and zecora grew kind of close, but when someone saves someone else’s life I guess that’s kind of what happens, but it was still nice. We spoke about simple things of each other and she even showed me a few natural remedies.

The sky started brightening and I was just getting ready to leave, but before I did I wanted to thank zecora for everything. “Zecora, I can never thank you enough for what you did for me, if you hadn’t found me and helped me, I would have died... The kindness and generosity you should me I will never forget, I will forever be grateful. thank you...” I said smiling warmly to her in a vary appreciative and respectful tone.

She smiled at that. “Thank you isn’t necessary Jonathan it is what I do, but it’s still nice to hear the thankfulness I heard from you.” She said cheerfully

We walked up to the door and she opened it for me. I was about to go when I remembered about something. “Zecora is it alright if I keep the teeth from the timberwolf? I liked to keep it as a reminder.” I asked

She chuckled. “I thought you might ask, so I went ahead and did a little task.” she said

A task? “What do you mean?” I asked

She pointed her head back into the house, I took a couple steps away from the doorway. She walked over to a cabinet and opened a drawer, She pulled them out but kept them hidden in her hoof, she grabbed my good arm gently and placed them in my hand. But she made them into a necklace, she had the big tooth on the bottom and the two smaller ones she somehow tide them slightly higher on either side and it was all held together with a strong thick black string, it actually looked kind of cool. “I can’t believe you made this for me... thank you.” I said cheerfully

We walked back ever to the door, I walked out and looked at the darken forest around me. I trued back to zecora to say goodbye. “Goodbye zecora, I'll never forget you and what you what you did for me. Thanks again.” I said cheerfully waving to her.

She waved back. “Goodbye Jonathan and before you go, my door will always be open to a friend that I know.” she said, it made me feel good knowing that I could call zecora friend. She waved one last time and then shut her front door and went about her business.

I looked back to the forest, well here goes nothing... I lifted my right hand and placed it on my shoulder, it hurt but keeping pressure on the wound helps with the pain. I found the path that zecora had machined and started walking...

Reunited with loved ones:

All the energy that I had soon left me, it got increasingly difficult to walk, every step that I took got harder and harder; I don’t know how I was still walking. I was so tired and weak my body itself was screaming in pain. Every time I moved the the pain got worse, but I forced myself to take every step by step, enduring the pain and suffering to get back to them.
This strength wasn’t mine; it came from the ones I love.

I have to get back to them... I have to keep my promise... I have to get back to them... I have to keep my promise... I kept repeating that in my head, it was the only thing keeping me going, and it was like that all the way through the forest...

By the time I got out of the forest the sun was almost in the sky; I didn’t know how long I was walking for, but by judging on how high the sun was I was probably walking for an hour or two.
I lowered my head again and closed my eyes and continued walking, it took to much energy to hold my head up, even though I couldn’t see where I was going I had a general direction. I judged were I was going by the sun hitting me on my face, so I always had a good idea.
My walking, if you can even call it that at this point, was hard. I kept myself leaning forward, every time I was about to fall I’d drag my foot and catch myself and repeated. It was slow but at least I was moving, and that’s how I continued...

About fifteen-some minutes later, I heard my name being called from in front of me. I caught myself one last time and stood still. I lifted my head and eyelids which felt like they weighed a thousand pounds and looked up.
I saw six familiar ponies all running and flying frantically towards me, all yelling and calling my name. Applejack led the group, I smiled weakly. When I saw Applejack I knew I was safe, and my body did to and gave out. My right arm dropped to my side and my legs gave out, I fell to my knees and then fell forward.
I was expecting the ground to brake my fall but something caught me. I opened my eyes into a golden manned orange furred pony who was hugging me. I lifted my right arm slowly and sat it on her back and returned they embrace and held on tight, letting out a quite breath in relief.

“Hey... AJ how’s... It goin...” I spoke slowly, my voice was really soft and weak, I would have been panting but my lungs simply couldn't.

“Ah’m fine... now...” Applejack said her voice cracking slightly

We held they embrace for several more seconds, my promise wasn’t complete yet, I made it to two ponies. “Applejack...?" I paused, she gave sound that she was listening. “can we go home now...?” I asked

Applejack pulled out of the embrace. “Sure...” she said with watery and joyful eyes. “Can ya walk?”

I shook my head lightly “Not without help...” I said

She nodded and got on my left side. “Dash lend me a hoof ta help get'em up will ya.” she asked

Without hesitating Rainbow Dash flew to my add and pulled me up by my right arm while applejack pushed from my left, eventually they were able to get me up. When I was up I slowly placed my right hand back on my wound and we started walking to sweet apple acres.

Not too long letter Rainbow dash spoke up. “Have to say jonathan; what you did was pretty gutsy.” she said like it was over. She then punched my right shoulder lightly.

Normally something like that wouldn’t faze me but I had no energy to stop myself so I started falling towards applejack. Luckily she was able to catch me in time. “Careful dash! He don’t have any energy!” applejack snapped at her

“Uhh... right sorry.” She said. I chuckled breathlessly, I let go of my shoulder for a sec and raised a fist slowly to her, she smiled and bummed it.

Applejack and Dash stayed on either side of me, if I ever started stumbling then Applejack would redirect me. And if I started losing my balance then Rainbow would steady me. It was needed a couple of times. We were getting close to the path that led to the farm. As we were walking I looked down to my left at applejack, then up to my right at dash, then at the four others following in behind us, and was a bit shocked. “You all came... to help find me...?” I asked

“Of course we did, why wouldn’t we?” Twilight said. “Yeah, you’re our friend.” Pinkie pie added cheerfully.

I felt so full of joy when she said friend. “Thanks...” I said cheerfully, although it didn’t sound like it with my tiresome voice but they understood.

Rarity picked up her pace and walked up beside applejack. “Darling, I now this isn’t really the best time but is that *ahem* Blood, on your shirt?” she asked.

I nodded slowly. “Yes...” I said

She seemed instantly disgusted. Twilight walked up beside her. “What happened...?” she asked concerning.

“A t-timberwolf... bit my shoulder...” I said

Twilight’s as well as the rest of their eyes widened, with some gasps of shock. “What happened?” Dash asked wanting to hear more.

I knew she as well as they wanted me to explain what happened out there but first things first, bloom. “Sorry... I want to tell you... but I don’t have... much energy to.” I said

Twilight spoke up again and raised a suggestion at my state. “We need to get you to the pony hospital immediately.” she said

I appreciated her caring for me but it’s already taken care of, I shook my head lightly. “There’s... there’s no need. Zecora said that she already did everything... besides they couldn’t do much... for me anyway.” I said

They seemed a bit surprised. “How did ya’ll meet up with zecora?” applejack asked this time

I knew if I said that she saved my life they would want me to tell even more so I decided to leave it at that. “All tell you more when we get home...” I said.
I don’t know why I kept calling it home, but it was a better home then any and that’s were I felt like I belonged, I don’t know. but there were no barriers holding me back from saying what I was thinking anymore, I spoke freely. Thankfully they all agreed to leave it at that Intel later, I really appreciated that.

We were now walking down the path to Sweet Apple Acres, even though they said that they would leave it at that, they were all talking to one another, but they left me out of it and just went on about what they think happened.
Applejack didn’t talk much either; she seemed more focused on me more than anything else, that made me feel loved. I did chuckle slightly at myself, just walking down the road with my pony slash big sister, Just brought a slight smile to my face.
Even though I was still exhausted and in pain it wasn’t as bad anymore, I was surrounded with friends helping me carry myself, mentally and also sometimes physically. I did need applejack and dash a couple of times. But I never stopped and forced myself to continue and endured the pain.
We were getting closer to the farm; I could see it at the end of the path. As we were walking, Big Macintosh was coming down the path pulling a wagon. As he approached he looked directly at me and gave me the warmest smile I had ever received and nodded. I guess that was his way of thinking me for what I did for AJ and bloom. I smiled and nodded back as he passed.

Then we walked up the hill and under the archway, I saw applebloom sitting on the porch and she saw me... “JONATHAN!” she yelled, and started running towards me.

I'll never forget the amount joy that was on her face, I smiled and started walking fast ahead of applejack and dash. I stopped thinking about my pain, it didn’t matter anymore, all that mattered was her.

When we got closer I stopped and kneeled down and held out my arm, she jumped into my chest giving me a hug. When she jumped, I didn’t have enough energy to stop so I fell onto my back, but pushed myself and sat up and hugged the filly and held her close and tight. And then I knew the time was right. “Hey little sis... how’s it goin?” I asked cheerfully. But I felt her starting to sob. “What's wrong...?”

She pushed out so she could look me in the eyes. “Don’t you ever scare me like that ever again!” she yelled angrily, she was mad at me but she went back to hugging me and sobbing in my chest. I was confused.

Applejack walked over in front of us. “When I was running with her we heard you scream... We thought... we thought you were gone.” she said lowly, terrified of the moment.

I had no idea how much they cared for me until that point; I’ve never felt that loved before in my whole life. I smiled and continued to hold tight and comfort the filly. “Shh... it’s ok... shh... it’s ok... I’m so sorry I scared you like that little sis... but even though I saved your guys life’s. in a way you also saved mine...” I said in a soft tone

She pushed out of the hug again but this time not as forcefully. “How...” She asked through a sniffle. Her eyes were watery and a stray tear fell from her eye.

I didn’t care about my shoulder and the pain; I slowly lifted my left hand to her face and wiped the tear of her cheek. “Even though... you and Applejack weren’t there physically... you were both there in my heart, cheering and rooting me on, pushing me to my limits and beyond... I could have never of done something like that on my own... But the reason I was able to... is because I had your love in my heart, strengthening me...”
She smiled softly and resumed hugging me, I kissed her on her head and held her close, rocking back and forth smoothly. A tear almost fell from my eyes, not from sadness but the love and joy I had from being with bloom again. I heard some awws from behind me but I didn’t care.
After she had settled down I pulled out of the hug. “What do ya say we go inside, and all tell you a little story...?” I said cheerfully, breath finally starting to to catch.

She nodded and whipped her eyes. “Yeah...” she said

She jumped out of my chest onto the ground in front of me. I went to go push myself up, applejack was about to step it from the side lines but I raised my hand, I didn’t want applebloom to see how much pain I was actually in, I didn’t want her to worry.
So I gritted my teeth beneath my lips and forced myself up on my own, it hurt a lot but I managed, I put my arm back on my wound and walked towards the house slowly... I felt at peace, it was done and finished... my promise was fulfilled... I’m back with my family...
I didn’t bother looking back to the others; I almost forgot that they were even there to be honest; my attention was more on Applejack and Bloom. They followed quietly in behind us, but what made me remember, was some sniffling could still be heard, to who I think was rarity but I still didn’t really look back, at that moment it was only about Applejack and Applebloom to me...

When we got to the house applejack opened the door and we all walked in, I started making my way towards the living room. Granny smith was in the kitchen baking and she saw us walk by. “Landsake’s... yer still kickin!" she said in shock. “Applejack told me what ya did, that was mighty kind and brave... Glad ta have ya back sunny.” she said with a warm smile

I stopped and smiled lightly back. “Good to be back granny...”

We continued into the living room, I lowered myself down carefully in front of the fire place were bloom had sat a few nights before so I could look to all of them, bloom sat next to me and the others sat in their own spots around the room. But before I spook I need a drink. “Bloom... before we start, can you get me a drink please? I haven’t had anything... since I left zecora’s...” I asked

She nodded and quickly got up and ran to the kitchen, she soon returned with a glass of water and passed it to me, then returned to her spot. “Thank you...” I said to her

I didn’t really care for manners at that point; I lifted the glass to my mouth and drank it in one go. When it was gone I sat it on the ground next to me. But I wanted to make sure of something first before I started explaining. “Did Applejack already tell... all of you what happened?” I asked

They all nodded and replied. That was only going to make thing easier. “Good... then this shouldn’t take that long... All explain everything from when applejack got away with bloom...”

When I started explaining it to them I didn’t use A story telling kind of voice, I didn’t really have the energy to tell a gripping tail on how I defeated the timberwolves, I just told it how it was. Bloom didn’t seem to mind though and neither did the others. Although there were some cringes when I mentioned the bite and how much it hurt.

“It was a miracle that I still won... but even after I won it wasn’t over; the wood started glowing, I knew what that meant... so I started running...” I paused for a second and looked to everyone sitting around the room. They all had wonderuse exertions of all sorts, but I guess something like that doesn’t happen very often.

“So you not only took on three timberwolves, but won?... That’s’ awesome!” Rainbow dash cheered

“But that still don’t explain how ya’ll met up with zecora?” Applejack said

I almost forgot about that part. “Oh yeah... when I was running I was getting increasingly tired, I was in so much pain and was losing so much blood... I started stumbling, my vision started going blurry, I tripped over my own feet and fell and wasn’t able to get up...
Then I heard a sound from in front of me when I looked up, it was zecora, but I didn’t know that at the time... my vision was to blurry to make anything out, it was just a blurry figure... I asked for help and then passed out... I don’t know how zecora managed to get me to her hut, but thankfully she did and took care of me there. When I woke up I found that not only my wound but also all my cuts and scrapes were taken care of...
Then zecora came into the room to check up on me, and give me medicine..." I paused to catch my breath. "She said that she put a highly concentrated sap from an aloe vera plant on my wound that would help heal it faster and also prevent infection... Then she gave me something she said that would help regenerate my blood cells twice as fast as normal…
Then the next morning she gave me some more, she gave me one that would help with the pain but it wore off quickly. Then she just gave me some that were vitamins and stuff... I thanked her for everything she did and left...” I was just about to stop but there as one more thing I wanted to add. “Oh yeah... and she also gave me this...” I reached into my shirt and reveled the timberwolf necklace.

They all seemed confusion; applebloom leaned out to get a better look. “What are those?” she asked.

“Their the teeth from the timberwolf that bit my shoulder... zecora said that when she got me to her hut and started caring for my wound, she found these embedded in my shoulder.” I explained

All their eyes went wide, some jaws were even dropped. “Those... were in yer shoulder?” Applejack asked.

“That must of hurt, I mean the two smaller ones would have been bad enough on their own. But the middle one must of really really reeeaally hurt.” Pinkie pie added

She was right on that one. “It wasn’t the most pleasant thing I’ve felt I can tell ya that.” I said

They all continued to stair in shock, but twilight seemed worried. she jumped up from her seat. “Jonathan why do you still have those? we need to get rid of them before the timberwolves come looking for them!” she panicked.

The worry started spreading throughout the room, but I spoke up before it got worse. “No its ok... zecora said she put something on them that took away that effected, she said they won’t be able to track or find them... to them it’s just another piece of wood...” I explained again

They all sighed with relief like they had dodged a bullet. “That zecora has a remedy for just bout everythin doesn’t she.” Applebloom said

Zecora pretty much does have a remedy for everything, and if she didn’t then she’d make one, alchemy must come in real handy, I know it did this time. I nodded “Just about...” I said

“Then why would you want to were three pieces of plane wood around your neck then?” rainbow dash asked

I smiled and chuckled lightly, there’s a very deep reason why I wanted to keep them. But for their sake I'll keep it short. “To remind me of what I did that night... and why.” I said in a vary meaningful and acknowledgeable. It stayed quiet for a few seconds, applejack and bloom had a look of appreciation on their faces. They others just remained silent.

“I don’t mean to be rude or interrupt.” rarity started “But Twilight, don’t we have to be at the library at noon for Princess Celestia?” she asked

Twilight’s worried look came back. “Oh no! I completely forgot about that. quick what time is it? I hope we’re not going to be late.” she said rapidly

Applejack got up from her seat calmly and walked out of the room and looked to the clock in the kitchen. “It’s about ten-thirty.” she said

Twilight sighed with relief. “Oh good that’s plenty of time.” she said

“But how are we supposed to get jonathan there if he can barely walk? I mean we can’t just throw him in a wheel barrel or something, that would hurt him.” pinkie pie asked

Twilight started thinking. I was a bit surprised that they were all taking time to consider possible ways. It was so unnatural to me, normally peopled say just to suckered it up. it showed me how much they cared for me, and it made me feel good. “I don’t know pinkie, I might have to go to the library and wait for the princess’s arrival, and when she does bring her here...” she said coming up with no other solution.

“Couldn’t ya just send her a letter asking her ta meet us here instead?” applejack suggested

“I could but I don’t think she’d get it.” she started. “You see, when I send my letters to Princess Celestia they all go directly to her bed room, if she’s doing her duties then she won’t see them. and if I know the princess then after she’s done she’ll leave right away so she wouldn’t get it...
And that’s my only idea... unless...” she paused striking another conclusion and turned to me. “Can you walk?” she asked

I honestly wasn’t really sure, my head was saying yes but my body was saying hell no. But I guess I could give it a shot. “I should be able to... I’ve lasted this long haven’t I?” I said

Twilight nodded. “Then it’s decided, but we should probably still leave now. Judging by jonathan’s physical condition we’ll need the extra time.” she said

They others nodded and agreed, I still wasn’t sure if I could make it or not, but I appreciated them thinking of me. “Agreed... and thank you...” I said to them

They all started getting up out of their seats; bloom got up and ran over to applejack. “Can ah come applejack?” she asked her older sister

Applejack paused and looked over her head to Twilight, she shook her head lightly. “Sorry bloom. This is important and besides ya wouldn’t know what were talkin bout anyway.” applejack said

Applebloom seemed disappointed; she turned and looked at me with concerning eyes. Maybe she was worried that Princess Celestia was going to send me home. Honestly I’m a bit worried about that to but I try to keep my mind of it. But if I know her, she’s not gonna stop at just that.

“Can... Can ah at least walk with ya’ll ta ponyville? Ah’m supposed ta meet Sweetie and Scoots at Sugarcube Corner anyway. Ah would of left, but ah wanted ta wait for jonathan ta get back first.” bloom asked

Applejack didn’t bother looking to Twilight for that one. “Well, ah don’t see anythin wrong with that, sure.” she said

“Yay, thanks applejack.” bloom cheered. She turned and ran towards me and gave me a quick hug, and then ran towards and out the front door.
The others smiled and started make their way in that direction as well; I on the other hand was still trying to get up. I pushed as hard as I could but I just didn’t have the strength nor the energy to. Applejack was at the back of the group and was just about to leave the livening room. “Applejack...” I called for her quietly.

She stopped and turned and walked back into the room. “I can’t get up on my own... can you help?” I asked

She smiled weakly and walked over; I knew she didn’t like seeing me like that but there wasn’t really anything I could do about that. “Sure...” she said

She got on my right sided and started pushing up against me, I put my arm on her back and started pushing myself up. She was able to get me up to my feet, when I was up I placed my hand on my wound and stood still to let the pain go down a bit, it wasn’t just the pain in my shoulder, my whole body was to. “Thank you…” I said as some of it subsided

“No problem Jon... come on lets go.” she said smiling warmly. We started making our way towards and out the front door, slowly. They others were waiting for us just off the porch.

“Are we all set to go.” twilight asked

“Yep, let’s geta goin.” Applejack said cheerfully, and with that we all started making our way to ponyville.

Meeting the Princess:

As we were walking, applejack staid on my right side to help me when I needed it as before, rainbow dash didn’t stay as close, she decided that she wanted to fly around but she kept watch. Applebloom hung close to my left side and kept an eye on me from there.
I didn’t think about much as I was walking, I was more focused on taking my next step more than anything. Even though bloom and applejack and the rest of them were all helping me, it was still extremely hard to walk. I was so exhausted and my mussels were on fire, every step was a nightmare of pain. I had to resort back to my leaning technique, which was almost as slow as before.
I was trying to hide the fact on how much pain I was really in from bloom, but it became obvious to her when I tripped and fell a couple times and applejack had to cetch me, and some loud grunts of pain could be heard.
Every time I fell she would worry and panicked, but she’d also be the first by my side cheering me to my feet. Applebloom and applejack were the only things really keeping me going at that point. There wasn’t much talking, but I overhear fluttershy talking with pinkie saying how hard it is to watch me walk, I don’t blame them, in fact I envy them. and it was like that all the way to ponyville...
When we got to ponyville my tank was running extremely close to empty, she was a bit hesitant to but Bloom had already left with the other crusades, sweetie and scoots left sugarcube corner to meet her half way. When we ran into them they all left to do some crusading.
As we were walking through the town I noticed I was getting a lot concerning looks, but this time it was different. They didn’t seem concerned about me being different but it look like they were worried about my physical condition. Miss Cheerilee actually came up and asked if I was alright, Twilight spoke for me though and said that I just needed to get to the library and get some rest, she took her word for it.
We were about fifteen feet away from Twilight’s house, when my tank finally hit empty. My legs gave out underneath me and I collapsed, this time though applejack wasn’t able to catch me and I fell straight to the ground. It was like I blacked out but I was still aware of everything around me, it was weird.
They all panicked and formed a circle around me and started routing me on. I could hear their voices but my ears were ringing like bells. I felt disoriented.

Twilight: Jonathan are you ok? Can you get up...?
Pinkie pie: Come on jonathan you can’t give up now, were so close...
Rarity: Come on darling, lying in the dirt is simply revolting...
Rainbow dash: Don’t give out on us now Jon, get up...
Fluttershy: um... are you ok...?
Applejack: Jonathan, ah now yer in alot of pain, but ya need ta get up. Come on, Push...!

I heard and retained all their words and opened my eyes, I lifted my right arm and started pushing; they all started cheering me on even more. Applejack and Dash got on either side of me and pushed, Pinkie stayed behind me to catch me if I fell backwards, and with one final push they got me to my feet once again.

Twilight ran ahead and opened the door. “Come on, let’s get him inside. he needs his rest.” she said with caring eyes.

Breathing almost nonexistent, I slowly made my way to the front door. Applejack and Dash walked on either side of me to provide support, I wouldn’t have come this far without them.

When we got inside I stepped off to the right of the door and leaned up against the wall to catch my breath. Spike was just coming from the kitchen. “Hey guys good to see you found-..." he paused when he saw me struggling to even stand, he also eyed the bandage wrap. "Uhhh is he alright?” he asked

Twilight shook her head. “Not really spike, there was a run in with some timberwolves and one bit his shoulder, I guess he’ll be fine but he’s just exhausted and sore.” she explained

Although he didn’t seem to know what she was talking about, but then again it happened late so he probably wasn’t awake, she probably just said that something happened and left without saying any details. “What? What Happened?” he asked with a conceded eye.

“All tell you later... Also what time is it?” she asked him

“I think it’s about eleven fifteen...” he replied. I was a bit surprised; we actually made somewhat decent time, even with me.

She nodded. “Good, then there still some time before the princess gets here. We can all wait here, in the main time... Rainbow?” she waited Intel she had blue peguses's attention. “Can you guide jonathan upstairs to my spare bed? he needs to rest.” she asked her politely

She nodded, taking this matter seriously. “No problem Twi.” she said

She walked over to me and we started making our way over and up the staircase, I staid leaning up against the wall to support myself, dash stayed of my left to make sure I wouldn’t fall off, the door was already open when we got to the top.
She had her wing’s open to help steady me as she helped me over to the bed, the bed was just under were Twilights was. When I got up to it I didn’t really have the type of energy to let myself down slowly ,so when I got to the side I just fell in. I didn’t have any energy to lift my legs up, but thankfully somehow managed to swing on to the bed. Even though I was in so much pain I was so happy to be lying in a bed, my mussels could finally have a break.

When I lied down Rainbow dash started walking away. “Thanks dash...” I said softly to her in a appreciative tone

She turned and smiled proudly at me. “Hey no problem Jon, thank you for saving my best friend.” she said. I smiled back nodded lightly; “Taken it easy tiger, get some rest.” She said then left to go down stairs to be with the others.

I didn’t really sleep while I was laying there, I was expecting to fall asleep instantly but instead I just lied there and rested, let my body get back and regenerate some. I will never take for granted of how much a thirty minute-some rest can really do for you ever again. I could hear them all talking in the main room, it was mainly twilight just filling spike in on everything that happened, with some help from Applejack of course, and I lied there and listened.

After a while I heard Twilights tone change, if I heard her correctly she said that Princess Celestia had arrived, then I heard the front door open. I don’t know why but I felt like I had to make a good presentation for the princess, I felt determined to make an appearance. So I forced myself to sit up and stand, and started walking towards the door.
Despite my pain, I had a lot more energy than I did before; I wasn’t dragging my feet near as bad, but walking was still difficult, but also in a different way. My body had already felt what it was like to take a brake and wasn’t willing to give it up without a fight, but I forced myself to.
As I got closer, I could hear Princess Celestia’s firm yet gentle voice. I heard her ask where I was, Twilight replied and said I was up stairs resting and she had asked Rainbow dash to come get me.

The door was open and I stepped out to the staircase. “I don’t think that will be necessary Twilight...” I said as I started making my way down. “I may be tired and wounded but I’m not crippled...” I didn’t turn to them as I spoke, although I could see that they were all starring at my through the corner of my eye, I think I caught them off guard. I was more focused on walking down the stairs then anything.
But as I was just above half way down I missed stepped and fell. I was able to catch myself but since I was holding my wound I caught myself with my left arm. the pain in my shoulder skyrocketed, but I restrained from screaming in front of Celestia, I just grit my teeth and prayed for it to go away.
I noticed a drop of blood making its way down my arm from my shoulder, so that’s the kind of pressure that Zecora was talking about, I tore open my wound. I didn’t know how to get up, I couldn’t push up with my left arm, that was a bad idea in itself, and I didn’t want to let go with my right hand because I didn’t want it to bleed more.

“Scratch that, Dash I need help...” I said

Without word she flew up beside me. “Come on big guy.” she said. She started pushing me up from my right side, since I had a bit of energy it didn’t take as much before she got me back to my feet, she held her wing open to help support me and walked by my side Intel the bottom.

“Thank you dash...” I said to her once we got to the bottom, she smiled and nodded, and walked back to the others.

I continued walking forward, with my head hung and stopped when I saw pure white hooves. I lifted my head slowly and looked into the face of the Alicorn Princess with a rainbow mane flowing without a breeze, who was staring at me with a concerned and a judging eye. I smiled and got down to one knee and kneeled to her, keeping my right elbow on my knee and my left arm dangling.
It remained quiet for a couple seconds. Looking back on that it was a bit more dramatic then I would have ever wanted, but I can’t change that now. Then she spoke. “I appreciate your respected towards me, but please have a seat before you hurt yourself.” she said in a concerned and gentle tone.

I stood up slowly, still smiling and nodded lightly, I turned from her and walked back to the others and I sat on the ground just to the left of them and started to take off my shirt. I knew my wound was open so the bandage wrap would need to me changed and the shirt was just getting in the way.

When it was off I sat it on the ground next to me and looked over at twilight. “Twilight do you have any gauze? I need to change mine.” I asked

She nodded. “Yes it’s in the kitchen, all go get it.” she said and walked away.

I undid the clip and started unraveling it carefully, they others moved in closer to get a better look. When it was off I sat the bloody wrap on my knee, there was a sharp pain in my shoulder from the air hitting they open wound. Some sounds of disgust were heard from everyone in the room but I didn’t think much of it.
But it was doing very well, the two smaller ones were fine they were almost completely healed, but the bigger one was still raw and bone was slightly visible three flesh, but thankfully it wasn’t infected, that stuff zecora put on it really helped.

Twilight was quick to come back with the gauze, I lifted my arm slowly and reached for it but she pulled it back. “Jonathan, you barely have any energy. Let me do it...” she said

She sounded a bit irritated by me wanting to do it by myself, but that was just me. I was always by myself back at home; I never really had anyone else. I was still trying to get use to that, but it was nice to know that, that wasn’t needed anymore. I smiled warmly and nodded. “Thank you...” I said lowering my hand.

“Actually...” Twilight posed and turned to fluttershy. “Fluttershy, could you do it? You have a gentler touch when it comes to thing like this.” she asked

Fluttershy quivered, she didn't seem to like they idea. “umm... me?” she asked

“Yes, can you do it?” Twilight asked again

Fluttershy was a bit hesitant to answer; she looked over at me, I didn’t say anything I just starred at her. She took a deep breath and nodded lightly. “ok...” she said nervously

With my right arm, propped my left arm up so it would be easier to get around it, Twilight passed her the bandage wrap and she walked over behind me and got to work. Twilight took the old wrap and through it in the garbage.
As she was working, I was looking over at Princess Celestia’s mane and tail; that was something that I always wondered about, it flowed like their was a breeze but yet there’s nothing. But I tried not to stare too much and risk her noticing.

Princess Celestia stepped up to us. “What happened to your shoulder?” She asked curiously

“I-...” I was just about to tell her but applejack cut me off before I could. “What he did Princess Celestia, is he saved me and m’ah little sister applebloom from a pack of timberwolves. Neither of us would of been here if it weren’t fer him...” she stated

The Princess seemed rather shocked by this. “Is this true?” she asked looking to me

I closed my mouth and nodded, fluttershy was just finishing wrapping my shoulder. “ahhh... that’s not to tight I hope...?” she asked, putting the clip back on to hold it all together.
I don’t think I would of even known when she was done if she hadn’t said anything, Twilight was right she did have a soft touch. She also did a great job, it wasn’t too tight and it wasn’t to loss that it fall off, and it was comfortable to. I appreciated it a lot. “No its fine fluttershy... Thank you...” I said smiling warmly to her

She smiled lightly back. “um... you’re welcome.” she said walking back over to Dashes side

I grabbed my shirt and started putting it back on carefully, when it was back on Celestia asked another question. “Though I admire your courage, you could have been killed. why did you do it?” she asked,picking up the here she left off.

I didn’t really know how to answer her; I looked from her and to applejack and starred deeply into her bright green eyes, and it all became clear. “Because that’s just what family does Princess Celestia... we stick and look out for one another, and protected each other despite what harm might come to are self’s, because we love one another...
Sure I got bit on the shoulder; I would rather that, and knowing that they got away safely, then me running and something might have happened to them... or worse, because that’s just what we do...” I finished smiling lovingly to Applejack

It got quiet again, I didn’t really care that I called them family; they were just as much as family to me than anyone else, I felt like I belonged more with them then I do back home. I wish I could have heard it from Applejacks mouth but I’m not going to force it, weather they feel the same way or not, that’s not going to change how I feel about them. I'll always consider them my family...
Applejack didn’t say anything, she was stuck giving me the same expression back., her eyes were watery with liquid pride but no tears were shed. I guess she felt the same way.

I noticed the Princess looking to me and applejack out of the corner of my eye, but neither of us looked away from one another. Celestia chuckled lightly. “That’s a fine answer indeed; I can tell you two really care for each other, despite your obvious differences. Even though you two are from separate worlds, you love one another like family, that’s something special and speaks volumes.” When she said that me and applejack both looked at her and smiled, but I couldn’t help but from staring at her main and tail again, but this time she noticed.

“Is something wrong?” Celestia asked

I shook my head and looked to her; I guess I couldn’t hide that anymore so I might as well ask. “Sorry Princess it’s just... your mane and tail, they flow like there’s a breeze but there isn’t.” I said confused by the fact.

Celestia chuckled at my curiosity. “My mane and tail do flow, that is true, but not by wind, but with life. I’ve been alive for many many years, my mane and tail have been this way ever since I was a filly, and will keep doing that for the rest of my days.” she ended with a smile

I smiled and nodded, that answered that question. I was glad that the princess wasn’t offended by my asking. But she wanted to start get things moving. “But we can’t avoid the reason that I’m here any longer... Twilight?” she waited Intel she her attention before continuing. “What were you able to find on the lone element of harmony?” she asked her student

Twilight stepped forward and cleared her throat. “Well Princess, I ran some tests on Jonathan’s element of honesty and did a comparison with Applejacks. But besides visual appearance I couldn’t find any real differences, other than ones eligible to either one of them.” she said

I started trying to figure out what she meant, but I just wanted to make sure I was following correctly. “So, what you’re saying is that even though me and Applejack are both Elements of Honesty, she can’t use mine because that one is entitled to me, and I can’t use her’s because it’s entitled to her?” I asked

“Precisely...” Twilight confirmed. “And also whenever they get close to one another they start glowing and it’s almost like there drown to each other.” she said

“Like... magnetic?” I suggested

“Yeah very similar, I tried letting them touch but nothing happened. There just drown to each other, and they effect only happens when there close to each other so I don’t think it has anything to do with you being here. But where you came from or how you got here, I wasn’t able to find anything on, I have ideas but there’s nothing to confirm them in my books.” she said

Princess Celestia stepped forward. “I might be able to help with that... I had read a book in my personal library that talked about another world. But I suspected it to be nothing more the just some pony myth.” she said

I chuckle lightly. “In all fairness Princess Celestia, the same could have been said for me. Before I came here I thought this world was just a story, I was way off...” I said

She laughed gently. “That is very true, although I still do not understand how our worlds have knowledge of one another, unless they are connected by the elements, but that I am not certain of.” she said

I didn’t really have anything for that, Twilight and Celestia both started thinking, but by the looks of it they couldn’t find any answers either. “So how are we supposed to get him home then Princess?” Twilight asked her teacher

Celestia seemed to have something though. “In the book there was an untested spell that if anything were to cross into this world from the other, it could send it back. But I don’t think this is the case... since this was done with the Elements of Harmony I don’t think the spell will work on its own.” she explained. Then looked specifically to her student. “Twilight, I'll bring you the book early tomorrow morning so you can find another spell that will work in tandom with the elements.” the princess said

Twilight didn’t seem certain. “I’m not sure if I’ll be able to Princess, but I’ll give it a try.” she said

Celestia smiled proudly. “I know you will, my most loyal and faithful student. as for the rest of you.” she waited tell she had all of our attentions. “I want to see you all here tomorrow morning at ten o’clock, we'll leave then. Judging by Jonathan’s physical appearance, he could use the rest. Have I made myself clear?” she asked

“Yes Princess Celestia.” we all said in unison

She smiled, and started making her way back to the front door. “Good. now I must return to Canterlot, there is still some thing’s I need to tend to. I will see you all tomorrow, goodbye my subjects.” she said cheerfully as she stepped out the door and flew off.

A New Family:

Once she left we could all breath and relax a bit, I was a bit disappointed that I was getting sent home tomorrow but at least she gave me today. They others start talking to one another on what to do, I sat there and listened. “So what do you suppose we do now?” Rarity asked

“Well, you all heard the Princess; we don’t really need to be here until tomorrow, so I guess all see you all then.” Twilight said

They all continued talking, a couple seconds after she said that, the front door flew open, I turned to see who it was. It was Applebloom who had a worried look on her eyes but was instantly replaced with joy when she saw me. Without word she ran and jumped into my chest. I felt something might have been wrong. “Hey bloom, what’s up?” I asked

I felt the filly sigh with relief against my chest. “Just glad yer not gone...” she said

I smiled and continued to hold her close; though the talking didn’t stop I had a distinct feeling that they others were starring, but I didn’t bother looking.
She let me go as I got my legs and feet underneath me and pushed myself up, placing my hand back on my wound. I was still tired and my shoulder as well as my mussels were still aching. But I had energy to spare, that rest helped greatly.

“Yer gonna be able to make it home... right?” Bloom asked concerningly

I looked down at her, if I couldn’t make it back I would surely try. “Sure I will.” I said with a warm comforting gaze

Rainbow dash came over and interjected. “Uh hellloooo? you barely made it down the stairs.” she said sarcastically

She did have a good point, but before was just my body not wanting to give up rest without a fight, and me forcing it too quickly. But I’m in way better shape than I was before so I should be fine. I looked at applejack and then down to bloom. Though applejack had it to, mostly bloom had hope-filled eyes, and I didn’t want that to be misplaced. “If I made it all the way here I think I can make it back, especially If I have Bloom and Applejack cheering me on. But that rest did help a lot...” I paused and looked over at Twilight. “Thank you for that twilight.”

Twilight walked over. “No problem, but are you sure you can make it all the way back to Sweet Apple Acres?” she asked concerningly

“Sure I’m sure.” I said positive of myself

Twilight didn’t seem convinced, then Pinkie pie bounced over. “Don’t worry Twilight, he’ll be alright. I mean, that’s four sure’s! I’m sure he’ll be fine. Oops that’s five.” she said giggling

Twilight still didn’t seem certain but seeing she wasn't going to be able to stop she went along. “Ok... but stay off that arm, see you guy’s tomorrow.” she said cheerfully

Me Applejack and Applebloom all waved and said our goodbyes and then walked out of the house. “Don’t worry Jon, Ah know these parts like the back of my hoof. I'll take us the shortest route possible.” applejack said

I appreciated that, but that wasn’t really what I wanted. “Actually applejack... can we take the long way?” I asked. I didn’t care about how tired I was and the pain; I wanted to spend time with them. If I was really being sent back tomorrow, then this was my least day in equestria. And I want to spend what time I have left with them.

Applejack seemed to understand yet she was confused. “The long way? Are ya sure ya’ll can make that?” she asked

I chuckled lightly, that was six, but not going for seven I answered simply. “Yeah...”

Applejack gave off a warm smirk and agreed. “Alright if ya say so... let’s go.” And with that we started walking.

As we were walking I had asked bloom what her and the crusaders did today, but there wasnt much. Apparently bloom had forced Sweetie belle and Scootaloo to wait with her outside Twilight’s house Intel the Princess had left cause she wanted to make sure I was still there. It was nice hearing that from her that she cared for me like that, but I already knew she did.
Walking was still difficult for me, still tired as heck and mussels still hurting every time I moved. But despite that it wasn’t that bad. Since I had some energy, I wasn’t dragging my feet as badly as before and I didn’t have to use my leaning method either, but I was still slow. But Applejack and Bloom walked at my pace without question, I appreciated that.
Once we got to the field I truly realized how nice of a day it was. There was a light cool breeze, the sun was shining bright, the birds were singing, and the squirrels were running around collecting food, and off in the distance you could hear the frogs croaking at the pond, it was beautiful.
Applebloom had run ahead and started chasing and playing with some butterflies, me and applejack staid back and watched. It warmed my heat seeing applebloom that happy, listening to her play and laugh and seeing that joyfully look on her face, it helped in more ways than one. The pain in my shoulder and the rest of my body was somewhat nonexistent, because I wasn’t focused on it; I was only focused on that little filly I care so much for.
I nearly lost my life because of her, and I’d do it all again if that meant seeing that joyfully face...
I would never want to take that away from her, but I knew eventually I’d have to. Me and applejack both agreed that bloom had to be told about me leaving, it was just waiting for the right moment. Though there isn’t really a 'right moment' for something like that, but it needs to be done. I told applejack that I would do it, I felt like it was my responsibility to, but she didn’t question and agreed and we continued watching the filly we both cared for, play.
As we were getting closer to the path, we were all starting to get really hungry on account of missing lunch, but I think I was the worst considering I hadn’t eaten anything today except zecora’s medicine. So when we got to the path applejack bucked the first tree she saw and got us each a couple apples, me and bloom both thanked her for that.
After they apples were gone, we didn’t talk much walking down the path, course Applebloom did but me and Applejack mainly listened. We were just enjoying one another’s presence, being with each other. We didn't need words for that. it was like that all the way back to the farm. And you know what? I wouldn’t have changed any of it...

When we got back to the farm, applejack had mentioned that there was still some thing’s that needed to be done here and there. I knew I wouldn’t really be able to but I offered to help, it just felt natural to me. Applejack just about smacked me for asking to do work and got annoyed by that. “Jon, how do ya suppose yer gonna help me, if ya’ll can barely walk? Stay here and rest up, alright?” Applejack said firmly

Even though I’m almost three feet taller than her, she still talked down to me like I was her little brother. But I didn’t mind one bit. “Ok...” I said

“Good, now Ah’m gonna go check up on Big macintosh and see what he has and hasn’t done yet. And when ah come back, ah better not see you trying to do something. Understood?" Applejack asked seriously. I replied with a nod. "Good, see ya in abit." she said as she walked off

“See ya later applejack.” me and applebloom both said in unison. She continued walking and soon she was gone.

I knew applejack was right about me getting rest, I can agree with that. But I wasn’t exactly sure were, since this is my last day on a farm I didn’t want to rest in just some bed, then I thought of a place. Without word I turned around and started making my way towards the barn. “Were do ya think yer going? Applejack said to rest.” Applebloom insisted

I continued walking and looked back to her. “I am...” I said simply

Applebloom seemed confused but followed behind me. Once I got up to the barn I walked inside and started making my way to the back pen next to the empty cider barrels. When I got there I looked in, they hay was undisturbed and was exactly how I left, it was nice seeing it again. To think that’s where it all really started for me.

I walked in and turned around, lowered myself and dropped in the bile of hay with a sigh of relief. I let go of my shoulder and kicked off my shoes, it felt so good to finally get those off. “Wouldn’t it be better if you laid down it the house?” she asked coming up to the pen.

“Probably... but I feel better right here.” I said adjusting myself

I was expecting her to maybe leave and go catch up with sweetie and scoots. But instead, she walked into the pen and lied down in the hay next to me on my right side. I looked down to her and smiled, she smiled back and I pulled her in a bit closer and rested my head back.
Having her snuggled up right next to me brought enormous amounts of peace and comfort. Feeling her fur and the small thuds of her heartbeat against my side, all topped off with the light sound of her smooth and gentle breathing. My exploded.
I was actually close to falling asleep this time, but then I remembered what me and applejack agreed on, and realized that this was probably going to be a best as time as any. I sat up slightly out of the hay. “Applebloom... I need to tell you something.” I said

She picked up on my change of tone and sat up. “What...?” she asked

I started feeling a uneasiness in my heart but I fought it, I didn’t know the right way to brake it to her so I just said it. “Bloom... I’m going to be sent home tomorrow.”

Blooms eyes were instantly filled with sorrow. “W-what...? y-you can’t go, you just got here.” her voice started cracking as she spoke

It hurt me so much seeing that much sadness in her eyes, and knowing that I had caused it made it all the worse, but I couldn’t stop there I had to continue. “I know... I know it doesn’t seem fair, but I have to go. This world isn’t made to house me, I have to leave.” I said

Water started forming in her eyes. “No you don’t... ya have a home right here on the farm...” she said

It tore me up on the inside when she said that, it didn’t matter how much I wanted it to be true, I had to keep denying it. But one thing was certain. “That doesn’t matter, I still have to go... but you are right, my heart will always belong here on the farm with you and Applejack... nothing will ever change that.” I said my voice starting to crack as well

Tears started pouring down her face. “Ah just don’t want ya ta go...”

I scooped her up with my arm and sat her on my chest and held her tight. “I know... I know...” I said softly as I continued to hold the weeping filly.

She continuously cried and sobbed into my chest; I held her close and comforted her. I almost started crying myself but I held the tears back, I had to be strong for her.
Holding her close to me helped heal the pain I was feeling, but never want away. After a while she started calming down, her sobbing slowly turned to sniffing, and her sniffing faded into the smooth breath of the sleeping filly on my chest. I didn’t move her and kept a hand on her so she knew I was their and slept.
Bloom stayed on my chest the whole time we were sleeping. That was harder than I thought it would’ve been, but I think I finally knew how applejack felt. Me and bloom continued to lay there, it was all said and done but the pain still remained, we lied there and let they hours of the day pass before are sleeping eyes.

“Applebloom? Jonathan? Ya’ll in here.?” Applejacks voice came from the entrance of the barn

I heard her and slowly started wakening up, nudging the filly on my chest as well. Then applejack came to the front of the pen. “There ya are, ah thought ah might find ya’ll in here. It’s almost dinnertime...” Applejack looked to bloom. “Bloom can ya go and help granny set the table please?” she asked her

Applebloom sat up on my chest and rubbed her eyes and jumped off. “Sure thing applejack...” She said starring to the floor as she started walking out of the barn, her voice was a bit shy from cheerful but that was understandable, she wasn’t the only one.

I sat up and wiped my face, I felt recharged, my body wasn’t in as much pain and my shoulder wasn’t hurting as bad as before. But I didn’t want to risk moving it so I just let it hang. When I stood up I didn’t bother putting on my shoes, I bent down and just carried them and walked alongside applejack out of the barn.

“Did ya tell her..?” applejack asked. I didn’t respond, I looked at her and nodded lighty. “How did she take it?” she asked

I shook my head in the same. “Not that good, but she knows I have to leave. But that doesn’t make it any easier...” I said my voice getting low near the end

She nodded sadly. “No it doesn’t, but it’s a good that ya told her. It wouldn’t-of been right if ya just got up and left without lettin her know before hoof.” she said

I nodded to her and we continued walking to the house, but the things that bloom had said stayed with me. Even though I had managed to convince bloom that I had to leave, I have to convinced myself yet, but I tried to let it go.
When we got in the house I could smell the food on the table but before I went, I dropped and left my shoes at the front door, applejack didn’t seem to mind. When we walked into the kitchen everyone besides me and applejack were sitting at the food filled table, I went to go take my seat beside bloom as before.

“There you two are, how’s the shoulder sonny?” granny smith asked

I sat down in the chair. “Bit sore but I'll live...” I said grinning to her

She smiled. “Good, but don’t start a thinkin since yer injured ah won’t fight ya fer some of this here food. Dig in everyone!” granny cheered as she started plundering the table of food.

We all started collecting food from around the table. Nothing was passed this time, if you wanted it you had to get it. I know it’s what I asked but they certainly weren’t holding back from eating one bit.
Although I didn’t really either, though they apples from before did help this was so much better. I think one of the reasons of why I was so tired is because there was no real fuel in my gut, but I couldn’t say that after that meal, I filled myself to my heart’s content as did everyone else.

“That was great granny, just as good as before.” applejack said leaning back in her chair and placing a hoof on her stomach.

I had to agree. “Definitely, you really out did yourself this time granny.”

“Thank ya kindly youn’ins, but it ain’t over yet.” She got up and out of her chair and walked over to the counter and brought back a plate loaded with apple fritters. “Ah made they earlier so there nice and cool to eat, so help yerself.” she said encouraged with an elderly smile

Me and applejack and just about everyone else eyes and tastebuds watered when she put that plate down on the table, they looked and smelled delicious and they tasted even better, they were the best apple fritters I’ve had in my interior life. But I only had a couple; I filled myself with more food than before so there wasn’t much room. Besides I don’t think it’s the best thing to have sugar when you have a wound, but oh well.
After they were all gone the house moved as it did before, applejack stated cleaning and doing the dishes, and big mac took granny and turned in early. I stayed in the kitchen and talked with applejack for a bit. Applebloom never asked me to tell her a story, she still seemed very upset about me leaving tomorrow but I don’t blame her, so I didn’t force it and we skipped story time.
Besides Applejack said that I should turn in early as well and rest up, we don’t know what the Princess has planned for tomorrow so she said I should get some rest while I can. Seeing how bloom was too disappointed to want to do anything, I agreed.
So I got up and said goodnight to them, applejack replied but bloom remained silent and just starred down at the table. It hurt me seeing her like that, and knowing that there’s nothing I could do just made worse, it wasn’t just that though, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. so I tried to let it slide.
Applejack had asked if I wanted help getting up to my bed, she actually called it my bed. But I turned her down and said I would be fine, she took my word for it. I didn’t grab my shoes; I didn’t really need them so I decided to just leave them where they were. I walked over and up the stairs, down the hallway and up the second flight of stairs to the attic.
When I got up to the attic I looked over to my bed, the sheets were still unmade and untouched and were they exact way I left them from a couple nights before, it was nice to see that they respected my space and left it along, even though they had the full right to. They respected that space and treated it like it was mine, I just wish that was true...
I walked over and sat down in my bed, I got my feet up and leaned back slowly and sighed with relief and tried to fall asleep.