Slaves in the End

by Escaping Reality

Rating: teen
Tags: Human, Sad, Anthro, Dark, Alternate Universe, Romance
Length: 8360

Some say the bonds of friendship can be one of the strongest, but can it replace one forged by cruelty and enforced by pure iron?

Beaten, tortured, humiliated, and broken by their Equestrian masters, human slaves everywhere toil away like they have for the past thousand years. A young man who only knows himself as a number finally finds a chance to escape from the bonds of slavery after a long twenty years. He is chased through Equestrian soil like a rabid dog until, by a miracle, he managed to get away.

After a lot of unforeseen circumstances, he ends up in the care of six new ponies bewildered by his violent and sudden arrival. Will he be able to forget and put the past behind him and start a new life? Or will the years of being treated like an animal convince him that he is nothing more than that?

*Characters will be added as the story goes along, as will character perspective.

Cover Art by Ask-CandleLight-Song

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-05-04 01:30:50 UTC

Chapter 1: Death's Grip

Run, run, run. You have to run.

The voice in my head repeated itself over and over, never letting up, forcing me to keep going.

If you stop, you’ll hang, if you collapse you’ll hang, if you go back you’ll hang. Don’t stop.

My body ached, every breath felt like fire burning at my lungs, my legs wobbled as I ran, my muscles turning to mush. I took a moment to look down, my blood stained chest growing redder, the wound that caused it beat me down with every step.

Don’t pay attention to it, you’ve endured much worse. This is your only chance to escape, don’t let it slip you.

The voice in my head went quiet as I heard the angry shouts from behind, they found me!? How could they have caught up so soon? I turned to look behind me and sure enough there they were, the Equestrians ran after me on the horizon. I could hear their dogs barking, waiting to rip into me with their sharp fangs. The only chance for me now was to keep running, and not stop until I’ve found a haven.

Coming upon me was a large hill overlooking a new land, I prayed for a miracle as I ascended it and for once in my life, was rewarded. The sight before halted me in my tracks, a large orchard of apple trees fenced off from the outside world. It was perfect, my pursuers couldn’t travel onto private property, it was the perfect place to hide.

Just then, loud cracks splintered in the wind behind me. I found myself on the ground, clutching my knee. The scream that left my mouth was inhuman, fitting for a wild beast in pain. The bullet had well shattered my knee, blood poured out from the fresh wound. I gasped, air returning slowly to my lungs.

I told you not to stop, you have to go. RUN RUN RUN RUN!

Somewhere inside me I found the strength, whether it be determination or desperation, to pull myself up and hobble down the hill, which quickly turned into tumbling as my ruined leg gave out. My body lurched at the foot of the hill as I stopped rolling, still I rose and limped on towards the fence. I was almost there, just a couple more yards and I’d be safe for the time being.

Another crack ripped through the air and I felt a sharp whizzing sound scream past my ear, the ponies were right on me, and gaining fast. Step by step my knee screamed in agony, much like I did a couple of times. The shouts grew louder, barking turned to rabid snarls and growling. I could hear them taunting, laughing, spewing threats about what they were going to do to me once they got me.

Then all of a sudden, I felt myself vault over the chest-high fence, landing hard on my shoulder. The laughter died, turning into angry shouts and swears, I was relieved by all this. The Equestrians had stopped in their tracks, pacing back and forth along the fence. I didn’t take long to hobble away once one of them shouted ‘Jus’ shoot em’ rite ‘ere!’, I painfully made my way into the thick tree lines, leaving behind the shouts and snarling.

After a couple of minutes I let myself have a moment of rest, or what could pass as rest. I slumped against a tree, the effects of the past day finally catching up with me. I looked down to my crippled knee, blood pouring out like a leak in a water pipe, my chest wound wasn’t doing any better. I had nothing to stop the blood either. My sorry excuse for a shirt would covered with grime, more likely to cause an infection than help. Blood loss was probably going to be my killer now, better that than a noose.

Don’t you think like that, we’ve gotten this far haven’t we? You’ve done what most slaves would never think of doing.

“Yeah? Well I did it, what's the point of it now?” I said aloud.

I could hardly hear the voice’s response over my grunts of pain and wandering thoughts. My vision was getting blurry at this point, my body was done for, I couldn’t move anymore. My eyes were heavy, the one that you feel when you haven’t slept in days and they just didn't want to stay open. I let them flutter as I struggled to keep them open, despite the voice’s constant complaints against it, just a little nap and maybe I could move again.

Close your eyes and this will be your last day on-

The voice went silent, and my eyes shot wide open, we had both heard it. The distant but nearing of strange voices. It was coming from in front of me, further out from where I guessed the farm was. I didn’t know what to do, just lay here and be caught? I don’t know what they’d do to me, find my previous owners and give me back? Finish me off for trespassing or worse? Or even take me as property?

Well we’re not going to let that happen are we? Get your sorry self up, whatever ounce of strength you have, find it.

“I haven’t had any strength for the past twenty years...you know that. Maybe it’s time to just give up.”

  The voice didn’t like that very much, it hounded me until I ended getting up on one leg. I couldn’t run anymore, not even walk. I more or less threw myself at the trees using them as support. I heard something really close now, just a couple yards from me if I could tell correctly.

“Pinkie Pie git back ‘ere ya crazy mare! Ya don’ know wha’ ‘em noises were, who’s ta say wha’ it could have been!” One of the voices said. It was feminine and had distinctive southern accent, very strong like a leader of some sort.

“Well you said we should get here quick silly! Don’t you wanna know what it was? Sounded like cannons!” Another one said in a much lighter, bubbly tone, I’m guessing this was Pinkie Pie the other mare was talking to.

She was much closer than the southern sounding mare. I stealthily peered past the tree I was against and that’s when they came into view. Two figures stood near where I had laid down surveying the area, I looked to the ground and saw what I was most afraid of. A more than obvious blood trail led to my direction. The metallic taste was engulfing all of my taste buds, as a constant stream of blood poured from my mouth, my breathing become quick and shallow from the terror of them finding me.

The one I figured named Pinkie Pie, due to her pink mane and fur, bounced around the area, not really paying attention to anything. The other one with a long braided blonde mane and orange fur walked to the exact tree as I silently pleaded her not too. I heard her gasp and called the pink one over, they both crouched and looked at each other, shocked.

 “Well whatever happened ‘ere we have somethin’ hurt, its gotta be somethin’ large too. Hey Fluttershy, where are ya sugarcube?” the blonde maned one shouted.

 I took this as my chance to try and get farther away, I swung myself in the other direction around the tree and smacked into something soft and yellow, knocking me and it down bringing a shocked shout. I brought myself up quickly and found myself looking into the terrified eyes of the yellow Equestrian in front of me, the other two’s companion I gathered. We both sat in silence and fright, she was scared of me and I of her. We remained like this until she happened to look over me, noticing the blood and my wounds.

“Oh my, are you hurt? Who are you, do you need help?” she asked, all former terror gone. She stood and held out a hand towards me.

Don’t trust her, you have to go now, run.

“Fluttershy, is that yo-what in tarnation!?” said the country mare from behind me.

 I didn’t hesitate to move, fear rejuvenated my body as I shoved past the pony before me. I heard them pursue, shouting at me to stop from behind. I couldn’t, never be fooled by how kind one of them looks, that was rule number one. Suddenly the yellow one, appeared next to me, wings flapping gently. She was a pegasus, how could I escape that?

“Oh please stop running, we’re not going to hurt you! You’re really hurt and we can help-” she tried to say before I changed directions, ducking under a large branch to my left that she had to maneuver around.

A large stream came into view ahead, I’d have to try and jump it, and if I didn’t...well I don’t know how to swim. I turned my head to see the three of them right on me, gaining fast.

“Slow down partner, we just want to talk that’s all!” said the orange one.

Go, go, go, go!

I listened to the voice as the stream came but feet ahead of me, and I leapt, or tried to. I put too much pressure on the wrong leg and  felt what was left of my knee shatter and give away, an audible crack was all I heard as I felt the rush of cold water around me. I flailed my arms and my good leg, trying to tread and stay afloat to no avail, this stream was more like a small river and deeper than I thought. I was truly terrified now, the fight or flight instinct that had been giving me motive was gone now, leaving me with the awful need for air.

One large struggle after another, air left my lungs and filled with water. I pitifully lunged my hand above the water, trying to grab onto anything. That’s when my body finally shut down, everything went limp and I could feel my mind give up as well. My eyes darted around, watching the surface slowly go out of reach, the water around me turned a dark red from my open wounds. The voice even went silent as my frozen hand sunk beneath the surface, then something ploomed into the river, raising me from the water.

I broke the surface to see a blurry figure dragging me onto the land, laying me on my back. Two more entered my view, shouting words in panic. I couldn’t understand any of it, the one who pulled me lowered her head, a long pink mane and yellow fur came in front of my eyes, my head fixated in one direction, straight into her eyes. She said something to me but all I responded with was a choking cough, a mix of water and blood streaming from my mouth.

“Can you...me? ...going to be oka..” she said, her words faded in and out.

I struggled to get something up, any kind of words, “P-please...don’t...hurt..” was all I could muster, before my eyesight dimmed to black, the last thing I saw was a vague outline of her seemingly concerned face as it inched closer to mine.

‘So this is it huh? I always imagined us going out in a worse way, a tiny relief I guess.’ I rationalized as my mind slipped into the darkness as well.

Chapter 2: No Matter Where I Go...

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.

Far Away Dreams

Applebloom rummaged through her kitchen trying to find something for her new guest to eat, he must be starving after all, he looked so skinny and frail. The problem was that she didn’t know what he liked to eat, or what humans ate exactly. She decided to go with a safe bet of a few apples and a glass of cider. She found herself excited as she carried the tray of snacks to the guest room, she never spoke to a human before or even seen one up close, most she saw were the ones being loaded onto a few trains to who knows where. When she arrived at the door it opened and out walked Fluttershy, who looked down and smiled at her, moving herself out the way and joining Applejack and Big Mac in conversation. Applebloom took a deep breath and walked into the room, shutting the door behind her, startling the human in front of her.

“Well hi there, thought ya might wan’ sum snacks and a drink.” she chimed.

He quickly sat himself up, or tried to with difficulty, before answering.

“Thank you, Miss. I am a bit hungry.” he replied.

Applebloom picked up on a bit of hesitation in his answer, but nonetheless sat the tray on the nightstand and ushered him to start eating.

“The cider is amazin’, our own family recipe fer years, try it!”

Salem did as she said and took a sip of the cider, and nearly choked on it, going into a coughing fit.

“Wha-what’s wrong? Do ya not like it? Are ya okay?” Applebloom asked concerned.

“No..no Miss, it’s amazing. I’ve just never...tasted something so sweet, it took me by surprise.”

Applebloom smiled wide as he took another large gulp of the cider. The yellow filly laughed when he sighed heavily after completely finishing the glass. Salem even smiled as she laughed, but quickly covered his mouth, as if trying to wipe away the trace of his smile. Her own smile faded away as he resumed his apparently normal timid state. The others knew why he was like this, of course they left her out of the loop, but she could figure things out on her own. He had been hurt and on the run, that much was obvious, he was also a slave. She always felt uneasy about that, when the subject of humanity was taught in school, others like Diamond Tiara laughed at it like humans were jokes. No one should own someone, whether they be ponies or human.

“Ya goin’ ta try the apples?” Applebloom asked, “Jus’ as good as the cider, I promise.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever had an apple before, Master said they were too expensive.” Salem admitted,holding a Red Delicious in his hands, looking it over like a foreign object.

Applebloom audibly gasped, making Salem almost drop the fruit.

“Sorry, sorry! Jus’ the thought of never havin’ an apple is crazy. Try it, try it please!” She almost begged.

The small smile returned as the human bit into the apple. An audible, satisfying crunch was heard when he took the first literal bite of his first apple ever.

“Well?” Applebloom asked excitedly.

“Delicious, Miss.” he responded, still smiling.

“Ya don’t have ta call me Miss ya know, jus’ call me Applebloom.” she remarked.

“I’m sorry...it’s a habit.” He said quietly.

“No no, it’s okay, friends don’t call each other Miss or Mister, now do they?” She smirked.

“I don’t know Mis-Applebloom. I only know what I was taught.” He responded.

“What were you taught?” She curiously inquired.

He paused and looked to the ground, his head hung as if he had done something wrong. She was about to take back the question before he began speaking.

“Equestrians are our masters. Humans, one and all are here to serve, no matter the task. I am below them, and I must always know that to survive. Your job is to so as Master says, never disobey or you will be punished, harshly. Never expect to be lov-”

“Salem…” Applebloom whispered, catching his attention.

He realized he had said too much, running his hands over his watery eyes.

“I’m s-sorry, M-miss.” He stuttered.

“Don’t apologize, I shouldn’t have asked. I don’t really get why they would do this to ya, to any human.” She countered, trying to justify her innocence.

“It’s okay, neither do I.” Salem stated, his eyes drifted off to the side,not wanting to look directly at her.

“If it’ll make ya feel better, ya don’t have ta worry about that anymore, you’re not a slave here. Fluttershy will take really good care of ya, so will we, I promise!” Applebloom asserted.

“She does seem nice.” Salem added after a long silence.

“She’s the nicest pony I’ve ever met.” Applebloom stated immediately.

He didn’t respond to that, just a small shake of his head before looking towards the ground again.

Both heads turned as the bedroom door opened, revealing Fluttershy and Applejack who held a large blue, worn out shirt.

“Howdy pardner, thought you’d want a shirt, we don’t have any your size so Big Mac’s will have to do.” Applejack said, handing Salem the giant shirt.

“If I can, I’d like to check your bandage one more time, to make sure it’s on tight.” Fluttershy asked.

Salem nodded and turned around to let Fluttershy tend, but the gasp that came from Applebloom made everyone freeze. She stared at Salem’s back, or what his back was supposed to be. It was covered in vicious scars torn with old, faded lines, others still seemed fresh and new. She didn’t mean to make a scene, but was horrified by the sight.  The two older ponies didn’t know how to respond, they just stood there, looking back and forth.

“Wh- What happened to ya? Why would they do this to ya?” Applebloom stammered.

Salem quickly put the shirt on, covering his torn back, before turning around to face the filly. His eyes watery again, distant and lost in thought, or perhaps the past.

“I was bad.” Was all he said.

“Ya were bad? What cou-” Applebloom began to ask before a hand covered her mouth. Applejack looked down with glaring eyes.

“That’s enough, why don’t you go help Granny with dinner.” Applejack scowled.

The young filly didn’t say a word as she walked out of the room, looking back to see the newly met human staring at the ground, too ashamed to look at anyone.

__________________________

“I’m sorry about that Salem, she’s young. She doesn’t know about all this sorta stuff.” Applejack apologized.

I nodded in response, bringing back the awkward silence. It wasn’t the child’s fault however, I had forgotten about the torment on my back somehow, and I had scared her. I felt like an abomination when I heard her scream.

What a pity, you two seemed to be getting along so well too.

Must you mock me right now? She’s just a child, innocent, she was trying to be friendly.

None of them are innocent.

“Well...I think I’ll go help with dinner too, see ya’ll in a while.” Applejack mumbled out, breaking the stillness.

She walked out of the room, leaving me alone with my new mistress, who had said nothing since entering. She sat on the bed next to me, quietly listening and watching, maybe embarrassed of me.

“Okay, let me take a look at those bandages now, if that’s alright?” She requested softly.

“Yes, Miss.” I muttered, taking off the enormous shirt.

Soft hands examined the gauze that wrapped around my upper body, peeling and adjusting the bandage.

“Hmm...no good, I need to clean it again.” she stated, examining the wound on my chest, still a little bloodied.

“Alright, this is going to sting a bit, okay?” She reported,  looking at me with an apologetic face.

I nodded, closing my eyes in preparation as the disinfectant soaked cloth was padded on the wound. The sting brought forth a pathetic grunt, which made the padding stop. I opened my eyes to see her large teal eyes, staring at me gently. She smiled kindly before applying a fresh bandage and gauze, wrapping it around my chest and back again. There was a pause after I felt the wrap tighten, and I flinched as the soft hands touched the jagged lines on my bare back. I didn’t know what to do, or say, nor did I have a clue to what she was doing.

“Do any of them still hurt?” Fluttershy questioned.

I hesitated for just a second, “Some-Sometimes yes, Miss.”

“Hmm...probably nerve damage. I’m pretty sure there’s something we can do to fix that, Salem.” She chimed.

I was confused as to what she was talking about, you can’t fix scars.

Not the ones that we have anyway.

Shut up.

Hey now, don’t get hostile, it’s true isn’t it? I wouldn’t be here if we weren't screwed up.

I always hated how right he was about everything.

“Salem?” Fluttershy squeaked.

I shook my head in order to drag myself from my inner conversation.

“Ye-yes, Miss?” I whispered.

“Are you okay? You looked like you zoned out for a while.” She asked curiously.

“Yea-Yes, Miss. Sometimes that happens to me, I’ll try to not do it again.” I stammered.

“No no, it’s okay! It happens to us all, and umm, please Salem you can call me Fluttershy. It’s fine, really.” She insisted.

“I got hit for breaking etiquette, Mistress.” I said, nearly under my breath, pointing to areas on my back.

A shocked looked spread across the face in front of me, almost like she was hurt by my words...maybe she was.

“I-I’d never hit you Salem, I’ve never hurt anything in my life.” She quaked.

That’s what they all say at the beginning.

“As you say, Mistress.” I responded, bowing my head slightly.

“Alright…” She paused, letting out a defeated sigh. “Oh! If you’re feeling up to it, and if you can move, I thought maybe we could go to Town Hall tomorrow and get all the paperwork done?”

Why does she ask us so many questions? Is she daft? Does she not understand the title of ‘Slave Owner’?

I had actually been wondering the same thing, well obviously, but this pony did seem to be very timid.

“If that is what you want, then I will be able too.” I answered.

“Great! Then we can get you some clothes that will actually fit you, my friend Rarity works wonders, you’ll probably be the first human she’s fitted. She’ll love it!” She beamed.

I shook my head in response and smiled half heartedly, which she seemed to have worked as a smile spread across her face as well.

“Don’t worry Salem, I know it’ll take some time, but I’m sure we’ll be friends in no time. No matter the title.” She promised.

I didn’t know how to respond to that one, it honestly shocked me enough to make me flinch. Slaves don’t become friends with their masters or mistresses, it’s completely unheard of. The only thing close to that would be the...consort servitude, which this didn’t seem like, at least I hoped.

The title always matters my Equestrian ninny, the title always matter. Tell her that Salem. Tell her how it means we will hate her and her kind till the end our pitiful existence.

“Please stop...just go away.” Salem mumbled aloud.

“Excuse me?” Fluttershy asked, a bit taken aback.

The color drained from Salem’s face as he realized what had happened, confusing Fluttershy even more. She meant it as a question, not to scare him.

“Noth-nothing Mistress! I wasn’t speaking to you, I was just-” Salem trembled, barely getting his words out.

Fluttershy reached out with her hand to try and calm him but he flinched away quickly, like it was out of habit. She wasn’t surprised by his reaction, she’d seen many hurt animals try to run or hide from her when she’d be there to help, but Salem wasn’t an animal. Fluttershy persisted and calmly grabbed the humans hand and held it gently, until Salem opened his eyes again to look at her on his own will. He darted them to the floor and wrenched his hand from the pony before him.

“We’re not supposed to touch our masters.” Salem whispered.

Fluttershy was at a loss, no other creature had put up such a barrier before towards her. Maybe it was best to just leave him be for now.

“Alright Salem, well I will come bring your dinner when it’s all ready, okay?” She suggested.

“Thank you, Miss. You’re very kind.” he sighed, almost relieved it seemed.

She huffed quietly, he was stubborn, but she knew it wasn’t his fault. It would just take a bit of time for him to open up. Time was not an issue however after tomorrow was over. The only thing she saw as a challenge to fix was his mindset, his wounds were the easy parts to mend. She was pretty sure she could handle it, he just needed a lot of kindness, and she had plenty of that to spare.

_____________________________________

“Please...not again. No more…” I pleaded, blood spurting out of my mouth through breaths.

Another strike to the face left me reeling to the floor, on the verge of blacking out. They didn’t want that though, as a bucket of freezing water was thrown upon me, shocking my entire system. I could hardly get air to my frozen lungs before a hard kick connected to my stomach, sprawling me onto the floor.

“Mas-Master.” I begged to him, knowing the futility of it.

I heard him shout words I didn’t understand, and found myself being picked up by my legs and dragged off, my head spinning the entire time. I kept begging, just for a small amount of mercy, my terrified plea reaching deaf ears. The area around me grew dark, like the sun had burned completely out. I could barely make out the two people who held me, they looked more like phantoms than beings. Suddenly I felt a tug at my hand, which made the grey spirits in front of me come to a halt.

Now I was being drug back, away from the darkness ahead. Light’s began to shine behind me as I was picked up, hurriedly rushed away as more and more light filled the apparent void around me. Voices shouted and whispered in my ears, I didn’t understand any of it, but they made me feel safe. I finally turned to see my rescuer, and was shocked to see dozens and dozens of figures who shone like the brightest ray of light. They carried me, one by one, until I was on my feet in the middle of their group. Their faces were obscured by the brilliant light, but I felt like I recognized some of them. The crowd stood around me all of them mumbling something incoherent, until one side split from the middle, revealing a female figure who shone even brighter than the rest. The figure walked towards me, singing a children's song that soothed the soul. The song had me captivated, I stood still as if I were in a trance, embracing each and every word.

Before I knew it I was looking at the woman before me, she looked old and frail, but wore a smile that could warm you better than any fire. The sight of her nearly blew my heart out, my eyes suddenly bearing waterfalls. I embraced her without thought, I knew exactly who she was. The old woman chuckled and embraced me back, shushing my cries as I let go.

“Now now, dear. There’s no need to be upset.” She told me gently.

I didn’t have any words to say as shaky hands came to wipe away the tears that stained my face. She still hummed the song that calmed me so, every tone made the pain I felt disappear piece by piece. A smile burst from the depths of my body, making the old woman laugh with joy. We stood there for the next few moments laughing, happy.

That was until the shining crowd around us began to flash one person at a time. Each one that flashed soon snuffed out to nothing, a void where a light once was. Shouting and screams were heard in the distance, one sound that shook the area cracked like a whip, another like gunfire. Soon it was just me and the old woman, our guards were gone completely, just us and the encroaching darkness. An anxious, dreadful feeling began to rise within me.

The woman placed a hand to my cheek, bringing my eyes to her, she was still smiling in the midst of the dark.

“Don’t worry love, you’re free from this now.” She whispered.

Her light began to flicker.

“No, no don’t go please.” I began to cry out.

“Ssh, don’t you cry for me. I’ll always be here Salem, always.” She assured.

“Grandma no…” I cried.

There was a shout within feet of me, my ears were deafened like a cannon had gone off next to me, yet I remained still.

She was gone, her light now mixed with the darkness around. I started choking on breaths and sobs, I felt like I was going to vomit. There was a click next to my ear, like the arming of a gun. Something cold and metallic pressed against my temple, pressing into my skin like it was going to burst through my head.

BANG!

My eyes shot open from slumber as my body lurched forward in bed, my breathing heavy with anxious whimpers as I gazed my surroundings. I was in the same room as I had fallen asleep in, my breathing slowly returning to normal as I recovered from the dream

Sorry about that, better me to wake you than the dream, huh?

I guess.

I miss her too.

I know.

The voice went quiet after that, both of us suffered from the nightmares, he had more control over them though. I sat in the warm bed rubbing my tired eyes, until an annoying sensation began to build up, I had to go to the bathroom.

“Fantastic” I screeched, stretching my splinted leg off the bed.

Beside me leaned a crutch Applejack had given me, which would do me some good while I sat here half awake. I took it and propped it underneath my left arm, uncomfortably supporting myself. Now all I had to do was treck to the bathroom, wherever it was. Hobbling out of the room I looked both ways down the hallway, the way to my left led to a couple more doors and the end of the hall, on my right one door and stairs leading downwards. I made my choice and quickly limped to the doors on the left, hoping for the best, my bladder fighting me every step of the way.

I tried to ignore the closed doors, they were either bedrooms or closet, or at least I hoped. Wobbling down the end of the hall I had almost lost all hope before I reached the last door, which stood wide open, revealing my target. Relieving myself moments later I trudged back to my temporary room, stopping at the door for long moment, an idea caught my mind. My eyes peered to the stairway, where it led would be a front or back door. Looking at the clock in the room it was very early morning, I could leave before anyone ever got up.

This is our chance, are you gonna take it?

You made me think about it didn’t you.

Of course I did! Who else is going to look out for you?

I don’t...Miss Flut-

What about her? You don’t know her, she’s nothing to us, none of them are. I’m the only one who cares about you, I’m all you have left.

My mind waged a small war, the voices forces were steadily winning against mine. I tried to argue but his words hit home, and he was always right. No one would miss me, I’d just leave and hideout until I recovered.

That’s the spirit! Then we’d leave this entire place behind us, leave Equestria behind.

He made it sound so easy, but then again I had escaped once, this time wouldn’t be under a hail of gunfire.

Our decision was made, I turned from the doorway to the stairs, walking forward with a purpose. Down the stairs I went, not a second of thought, they were in good condition so not even a squeaky step was an issue. Something made me stop in my tracks about halfway down however, a creek of a wooden door opening. I froze, not breathing, I heard quiet footsteps walking in the other direction from me. Another door closed soon after, which signaled me to continue my descent.

After a few more steps, and nearly falling on my face, I had made it down the stairway into what looked like a foyer. In front of me waited my destination, the front door, which beckoned me out into the open world. I placed the crutch forward and hopped to it, unlocking the deadbolt and knob lock, then shutting it behind me.

The morning air was chilly as it touched my skin, the sky sparkled with luminescent stars, it was amazing. The Celestial Monarch had even yet to rise, the timing was perfect for my escape. I hobbled forward, meeting the sweet scent of fruit that grew in abundance around me, I smiled as I recalled biting into an apple for the first time yesterday.

Don’t just stand there, let’s get goi-

A loud creek behind us interrupted the voice, my body turned to stone.

“Salem?” a feminine voice shouted from the house.

I forced my body to turn towards the house as Applejack stared wide eyed from the doorway. My throat began choking up from fear, I stood there alone and helpless, unsure of what to do.

“What do you think you’re doing out here? Little early for a walk don’t you think?” she chuckled drowsily.

She approached me after a few moments of silence, I still stood unmoving, nervously shaking as she got closer. She came within arms reach, rubbing a tired eye with one hand, the other moved a strand of hair out of her face from her untied mane.

“So, what are ya doin’ out here Salem?”  She pondered, her tone neutral.

What could I say? What should I say!? I couldn’t tell the truth, but if she caught me lying.

“You aren't thinkin’ about runnin’ off are ya?” She accused suddenly.

My stomach turned as I looked the mare in the eyes, she saw right through me. No excuses ran through my mind, I simply let my head fall, ashamed.

“Hmm...well I think it’d be mighty hard with only one workin’ leg, don’t ya think?” Applejack remarked.

My head still hung low but I gave her an agreeable nod, I didn’t want to upset her. Even the voice was gone now, I was all alone. A silky hand touched my chin and brought my face to meet heres, eye to eye.

“How about you just let your leg rest up, and give us a chance? It’s a dangerous world out there for you right now, I’m sure the Emerald Star already put out papers for the wardens. You know what’ll happen if they catch you, Salem.” She reminded.

“Yes, I know that, Miss. I’m sorry.” I stammered.

She shook her head as I apologized, and ushered me gently back inside the house. I settled back in bed after Applejack escorted me into the room. I laid in bed thinking of nothing but the stars in the peaceful sky that I had dreamed of for so many nights. Wishing that maybe if I thought about it hard enough, my mind would take me there.