Slaves in the End

Wake up, you’re not dead. Yet. Now, come on we have to get up.

The voice’s sudden words rattled my mind, bringing consciousness slowly back after what seemed like years of darkness.  My body ached all over, every breath felt like a punch to the gut, but I was alive. Pain always reminded me of that, after every beating, pain let me know that I was still alive. My eyes felt as heavy as concrete as I tried to open them, but once I did manage to pry them open it didn’t help much, my vision was no better than a hazy blur.

Not good, where are we? Feel around, get a sense of your surroundings.

I did as it asked, quickly patting the area around me, it seemed surprisingly springy. I appeared  to be on either a bed or cushion, a weird sensation seeing as I’ve rarely ever been on either. I almost allowed myself to get comfortable until something rattled on my right arm. I tugged hard, startled by the sudden noise, but my arm caught on something cold and metal around my wrist.

 “No...no...” I dreadfully said aloud, my voice a raspy mess.

Reaching over with my left hand I confirmed my fear, a metal cuff was attached to my wrist, the chain leading out to somewhere I couldn’t reach. My vision slowly returned as I blinked repeatedly, and after a few minutes I was able to  barely see. Another few moments passed as it all finally came  back, and what I saw left me confused. I was in a warmly lit room, with a rustic interior and furnishings. I examined the room’s only entrance, a single wooden door that was most likely locked, and a large window to my right. I looked down towards my own body and winced at what I saw; My bare chest had a large gauze padding on where the wound was, the bandage bloody and my chest still leaking it seemed. My knee was wrapped heavily and tight, and what looked like a splint helped to support it. Everything began to hurt as I noticed each and every bruise and cut, but I was relieved to have them patched up, yet puzzled deeply as to why the Equestrians would use their supplies to help me.

Don’t use that word, they may have patched you up, but they haven’t helped you. Take a look at your arm.

Right, the chain that held me here went under the bed, probably onto one of it’s legs. It was however, long enough to allow me to move off the right side of the bed. Lifting my upper body brought forth a whole new set of aches as my muscles screamed at me to lay back down. I went against their wishes and moved my good leg to the side, gingerly lifting my ruined one until they both touched the floor. Bracing myself, I put pressure on my right leg, not making the same mistake as before. Taking a few deep breaths, I pushed myself up and grabbed onto the bed frame, grunting loudly and nearly screaming as I did.

Good job, you’re up, now what are we going to do?

‘How am I supposed to know? You’re the one with all the ideas.’ I asked myself.

Using as much of the remaining length of chain allowed me to, I walked towards the window in hope to find any clues to where I might be. It was bright and sunny outside, the light felt rejuvenating as it hit me, giving me a sense of comfort. A large red barn lay directly across from the room I was in, apple trees went on as far as the eye could see and over the horizon.

So...we’re at the farm...an apple farm. That doesn’t bode very well for us.

The voice didn’t help calm me as my heart and mind began to race as I began to play different scenarios in my head. What were they going to do with me? They mended my wounds but what for? Were they just getting me well enough again so they could work me to the bone or sell me back...but if I couldn’t work again…would they just take me out back like they’ve done to the older or sick human and..an-

Equestrians will do anything for free labor, you know that! That’s what they are, cruel opportunist with no-

A noise outside the room brought both of our thoughts to a halt, floorboards squeaked as someone walked towards the door. My entire body froze in fear as I stood, waiting for the door to open. The door made an audible ‘click’ as the person outside unlocked it and opened it to reveal a familiar sight.

The yellow pegasus with the long pink mane stood in the doorway, unmoving as she realized I was staring right at her. My eyes hit the ground immediately, knowing it was not allowed for us to look at a superior’s face if not verbally permitted beforehand.

“Um, hi there. H-how are you feeling?” she asked nervously.

It took me a moment to calm myself enough to answer, “I’m okay Miss.”

“Oh that’s so good to hear! You were in such bad shape before…I did what I could to help but we had to have the doctors come in, y-you…. you wouldn’t have made it otherwise.” she said, concern lingering in her voice but visually relieved.

“Th-thank you Miss.” I said.

You don’t owe them any sort of thanks.

“Absolutely, I don’t like to see anypony in pain. Now, it is time to change your bandages, i-if that’s okay with you I mean…”

I nodded my head and hobbled over to the bed, she walked over and lent out a hand, offering to help. I just stared at it until she slowly took it away, letting me painfully maneuver myself back on the mattress . Slaves were not supposed to touch those above them, even the children knew something as simple as that. She gazed me over once more with a confused look but quickly got to work, unloading a large bag she had been carrying.

 “So...can you tell me anything about yourself?” The yellow mare asked while peeling off my chest bandage.

  “What would you like to know Miss?” I responded, still not making eye contact.

 “Well, how about your name? Or where you came from, how you ended up here in Ponyville all hurt?” She asked.

 “I...ran, Miss. They chased me, my owners.” I answered, knowing fully well the severe consequences.

 “Mhm, so your name, what’s your name?” She asked again, changing the topic. Did she not hear me correctly?

 “You can call me what you wish, Miss.” I pathetically muttered out.

  “Okay, well you can call me Fluttershy, that’s my name. You must have a name of your own right?” She politely pried.

How ignorant this one is.

“My old master called me many things Miss Fluttershy. Scum, bane, animal, and other harsher things. The other slaves gave me an old nickname until the master found out.” I said.

  “And what was that?” She inquired again, still searching.

 “Salem.” I answered back.

 “Salem...well I think that’s a wonderful name.” she replied with a soft smile on her small yellow muzzle, placing a new bandage on my wound.

 The alcohol in it made me wince as it burned for a few brief moments, she pressed it tight before applying the adhesive tape.

 “May I ask a question, Miss Fluttershy?” I fearfully forced the words out of my mouth before I could tell myself to stop. It was taboo for us to even think to ask for something of our masters.

  “Of course you can, I’m sure you have a bunch.”

  “W-what...what are you going to do with me?”

She paused for a moment, shocked by the question. She opened her mouth to answer but was interrupted by a new set of figures by the door. The orange mare with the country accent from before stood outside alongside a very large and muscular-looking red stallion and a small yellow filly, who peeked from the side.

“Will ya look at that, he’s finally awake!”  The country mare exclaimed.

“O-oh, Applejack! You scared me...I didn’t see you there...” Fluttershy said after calming down and taking a few breaths, she had been startled by their sudden entrance .

“Sorry ta sneak up on ya!  Jus’ wanted ta see how he was doin’. Now that he’s awake, first things first.”  Applejack said, walking towards me with a small key in hand. Without much of a thought she grabbed my wrist and unlocked the cuff that held me prisoner.

“I apologize ‘bout that partner, I know that must not look good on our part, but we had to be sure ya wouldn’t freak out much.”

“Thank you, Miss.” I said, gently rubbing my newly freed wrist.

That means nothing, don't trust them. You don’t know their real intentions.

“Now that that’s done I guess I should introduce us. Mah name’s Applejack, this here’s mah older brother Big Mac and the little filly over there is mah little sis Applebloom.” She said in rapid succession.

I bowed my head as best I could while Fluttershy went to work on my knee.

“Now...judgin’ on that there brand on yer shoulder, I’m gessin’ you had quite the trip here from Emerald Star Farm. I am right, right?” Applejack stated , pointing at the ‘ES’ that was burned into my shoulder so long ago.

“Yes, Miss.” I answered out of habit.

“Right, well ya don’ have ta worry ‘bout ‘em anymore, Emerald Star has a very bad reputation round these parts. We wouldn't give them the time of day if they came here lookin’ for ya, specially when they put ya in this kind of shape.” She said, taking a minute for me to follow, “Now, the big question here is what to do with ya.”

“His name is Salem by the way, Applejack.” Fluttershy piped in quietly from the background.

“Oh! Well that was mighty rude of me, wasn’t it?” Applejack apologized.

“He could stay here, help around the farm when he gets better!” A small voice from the door shouted. The crowd turned their heads to the filly, Applebloom, who now stood with everyone else.

Just as awful as the adults.

Not being able to take the hostility of the voice anymore, I shut him out. I was capable on my own sometimes.

“No, no, no.” Applejack quickly responded. “ I don’t like the idea of owning a slave, not one bit. Besides, staying on a farm would probably be your last thing to do right now, huh Salem?”

“Applejack.” Big Mac said sternly.

“What? Wait! No I didn’t mean it like that, gosh Big Mac. I mean he shouldn’t be kept somewhere similar to the last place.” The country mare immediately defended.

“Well...they’ll be lookin fer him no doubt. It ain’t gonna be safe outside of town, so we can’t just let him go.” The large stallion shot back.

As they bickered back and forth, I continued to lay on the bed with rapidly growing anticipation. I didn’t want anyone to own me, I wanted to leave and just try to get as far away from Equestria as I could if possible.

“Excuse me.” Fluttershy said softly, gaining none of the attention of the room but mine. I hadn’t even noticed she had redone my knee already.

“Um, excuse me everyone.” She tried again, to no avail.

She grew impatient and puffed her cheeks as Applejack and Big Mac continued deciding on my fate, both of them shutting everything else out.

“I said, excuse me!” This time she shouted, startling everyone. Her face turned a bright red as she saw everyone staring directly at her.

“Oh, um, I was just going to say that...I’ll take him...that is umm... if he wants to that is and until he gets better....” She finally got out after hiding behind her long, pink locks of hair with a vibrant blush.

My eyes went wide eyed as the soft spoken pony’s words reached my ears.

“Fluttershy...Sugarcube, I don’ think ya get it. He...can't leave, they’ll kill him if they find him.  Also don’t think you’re quite suited for owning a slave.” Applejack said after bit, most likely choosing her words carefully.

“What does being suited for it entitle Applejack? Being cruel, mean and hateful? If so, then no, I don’t have those qualities.” She struck back.

“She’s gotta point, never seen her hurt so much as a fly .” Big Mac said plainly.

“He’s in trouble, and I can help him, or at least let him settle in.” she finished.

How they could talk plain as day about my own future while I was right here was beyond me. I sat in silence as they continued talking amongst themselves, It’s not like I  had a say in this anyway, we never did.

“Fluttershy, are ya serious ‘bout this?” Applejack asked with a heavy sigh.

“As I’ve ever been.” Was her final answer.

“Well, I guess I can’t make your decisions for you, can I? If yer serious then that’s that. You’ll need to get a license of ownership from the Mayor, ya know?” Applejack said, giving up, although a tiny smile crept from the corners of her mouth.

“I know what I need to do, and thank you Applejack. I think this is for the best, who knows who else he would end up with otherwise. It might be a big meanie!.” Fluttershy said graciously.

What just transpired in a matter of minutes should have taken hours or even days, along with a large sum of bits. My new owner, sat on the end of the bed and smiled lightly as the trio left to discuss something else, leaving us alone. I couldn’t look at her, no matter what her intentions were, I couldn’t bring myself to. She seemed kind, kind enough to let me go, but that was crushed in an instant. After all that I had endured and survived, to escape the old farm and live, just to be back somewhere new as property again.

“Well, now we can just focus on getting you big and strong again! Won’t that be great?” The naive mare delightfully said, not seeing anything wrong with the situation.

“Yes, Mistress.” I said, blankly staring at the sheets, feeling empty inside,  dread slowly took over as I clenched the white fabric in frustration.

Maybe we should have just died in the river.