Legends Awaken

The morning after Trixie left I pulled my face off some paperwork, or was it the other way, and sat up at my desk. I was beginning to wonder why I even had a cot.

Soon Applejack told me I wouldn't be working on the farm that day but in town helping to clean of after the Ursa. I didn't argue just shrugged and told her alright and proceeded to again force myself to do my morning wake up exercises.

After finishing them and having some water I left without telling anyone since they knew I was going to be in town. However this I made sure I was carrying the long sword and pistol, I knew the odds of something like yesterday again was super slim but I'd forgotten, better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it.

I was still yawning when I got into town and the sun was just coming over the horizon which I gave I single finger salute to. I was mildly shocked to see Twilight up with a groggy Spike nearby with pen and scroll.

I mumbled out a morning to her with a small wave, in return I saw her give a smile and wave.

“Good Morning Hunter! It's going to be a great day,” she greeted with enthusiasm.

“First word, no. Second word, yes. Rest, maybe,” I grumbled out as I walked over to stand next to her and she gave a small giggle at my response.

“It seems somepony else isn't a morning pony,” she offered as she pointed to Spike who's head was bobbing with half open eyes. I gave a zombie groan in agreement.

“Would you like some coffee to help get you going,” she offered turning to head back into the library.

“Please,” I gave as I moved to plop down next to Spike, it gave him a small startle as I did and reacted with surprise.

“Neither of us should be up before the sun little dude right,” I told him as I ran my hands over my face and through my hair.

“I agree completely. I'm still a little dragon and I need my sleep,” he gave as he sat himself.

“Yeah, and I'm just lazy and like to sleep,” I returned with a smile and glance at him and saw a smile and nod. At that point Twilight had returned with paper cups floating in magic near her.

“Here's your coffee, you take it black correct,” she asked as she moved the cups towards me.

“It's my preference and thanks,” I told her as I took a cup in each hand. I down the first like a shot of vodka, which seemed to empress Spike for some reason. I returned the empty cup to Twilight and started to sip the second.

“Well, while you drink your second cup I'll explain what need to get done today,” she told me as she took the scroll Spike had. I soon learned I would be cleaning up the wood from Trixie's carriage and helping repair a damaged roof and how to do the roof repairs.

I didn't say anything as she talk just nodded and drank the coffee. After I finished she took the second empty cup and headed into the library as I heading to the pile of scraps that use to belong to Trixie.

When I arrived I found a cart next to the pile to load everything into. I let out a groan as I started to toss pieces of wood into the cart. After what I would guess to be two hours or so I was finishing up when I started to hear something fast moving.

As I looked around I saw Rainbow Dash flying around at a fast pace followed by a slow bouncing Pinkie Pie. This went I for several minutes before stopping at the same time I got down with the mess from the cart.

I dusted myself off as my stomach clearly stated it was empty and wanted to be corrected.

“Oh be quite,” I told it as I walked to the house that needed its roof repaired. It took me a few minutes to get there and more to convince the owner I wasn't a threat and or danger despite my appearance. After that problem was taken care of I found the ladder and thatch required to do the repairs.

As I was working I saw Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie wandering, or it seemed they were, around town with devilish grins on their faces and baskets in mouth, I shrugged it off and focused on my task.

I soon discovered I hated thatching as much as working on the Apple farm. I mumbled and whispered to myself about that while I worked. When I guessed I was half done with the roof I stopped and told the owner I was going to get something to drink and take a small break through a cracked open door.

As I walked to found refreshment I wiped the sweat from my brow with the back of my hands and noticed I was getting a few odd looks from the ponies that were passing closer to me. I didn't give it any thought as moved about.

I soon arrived at the edge of the river and knelled down and brought my face close to the water. After cleaning my hands off the best I could I cupped my hands and started drinking the cool water. With my stomach full I fell back onto my ass and went to look out to the horizon.

Before my eyes made it there I was several ponies whispering among themselves and a few pointing at me. I narrowed my eyes as I though about what they might be talking about. Without coming up with an answer I let out a deep sigh before standing back up and heading to finish my task for the day.

My stomach rumbled again as I walked past the library and figured I'd gave Twilight an update. I knocked and waited.

“It's open,” Twilight loudly spoke.

“I'm to big to fit through the door Twilight,” I gave back and soon the door opened and Twilight walked out.

“Oh, hello Hunter, you finished already? I thought it would take longer,” she greeted and asked putting a hoof to her chin.

“Nope, still working. I got the wood scraps cleaned up and I'd say I'm half way through with the roof. I just got done getting a drink and a small break and since I was passing by I'd give you an update with my progress,” I informed her as I pointed around me in different directions.

“Oh, OK, thank you. I take it you want to get back to your tasking and,” she started but was cut off when my stomach rumbled again.

“Shut up! You're adopted and no one love you,” I said aloud with a dumb smirk as a rub my fingers against my palm on one hand.

“Wow, that was pretty loud. You want a snack to eat while you head back,” she asked with some concern in her voice. As I thought my eyes darted from side to side as I thought.

“Thank you, but I'll be alright 'til I make it back to the farm,” I told her as I pointed over my shoulder with a thumb to the area of the Apple farm. She look a little concern before she replied.

“Well, if you say, I'll...” she started before she stopped and her nose curled and quickly brought a hoof to it.

“Excuse, me I have to go,” she quickly blurted out and ran back into the library.

“Um, odd,” I said aloud to myself before I turned around and started walking. I made it back to the job in progress but didn't bother to tell the owner I was back, I just started to work.

By the time I finished the job I guessed it was around dinner an it was a good thing too since I was getting ready to start screaming out profanities. With the ladder I was using put back where I got it I headed back to the river to get another drink.

Doing as I had earlier I drank my fill before headed to report to Twilight. My knocking replied the scene from earlier.

“Evening Twilight. Stopping by to let you know I'm finished with everything and I'm heading back to the farm. You need anything before I leave town,” I told her and asked as I wiped my hands on my pants to try and dry them.

“Thank you for telling me and I don't have any...,” Twilight said before stopping with her nose scrunching up again as earlier she excused herself and run into the library.

“Um, that's odd,” I plainly said before I left to go the the farm. After a minute of walking I gave a yawn and closed my eyes as I covered my mouth with a hand. As a result of that I tripped over something and fell to the ground in a heap.

After I rolled over to see what I had tripped over I saw it was Fluttershy I quickly pulling myself to my knees and crawling over to her.

“I'm sorry Fluttershy, I closed my eyes for a second and didn't see you, are you alright? I didn't hurt you did I,” I rambled out as I held a hand out to help her back to her hooves.

“...,” I saw her lips move put didn't hear what she had said.

“Sorry, can't hear you.”

“Oh,” was all she said that time as she drew a small circle in the dirt with a hoof.

“Are you OK,” I asked again.

“I'm alright and it's my fault. I should have been watching where I was going. I didn't hurt you when you fell did I,” she asked without looking in my direction.

“I don't think it's possibly for you to hurt me by me falling over you Fluttershy, I'm twice your height an at least that in weight, probably more. It far more likely that I hurt you as I tumbled down,” I told her with a soft reassuring voice. I was rewarded with a warm smile and a quick glance at me before she broke eye contact.

“Here, let me help you help,” I told her as I stood up and offered her a hand to help her to her hooves. She hesitated for a second before taking it and me helping her up.

“Thank you,” she meekly spoke kicking at the dirt.

“You're welcome. Now you're sure I didn't hurt you,” I asked with a smile. She give a nod of her head and opened her mouth to say something but before she could her nose scrunched up.

“Sorry, excuse me,” she blurted out before quickly walking off to where ever she was heading. I tilted my head in confusion before shrugging my shoulders and continuing my trip to the Apple farm.

“Hey, so, what are you,” I heard an aloft voice ask me with no body.

“Ah, mildly confused wondering if I've lost more of my mind,” I offered turning around looking for a body to go with the voice.

“I got that by myself,” the voice returned before I heard a bird of prey screech come from above. Almost immediately after that I saw a griffon in front of me.

“I mean what are you,” the voice asked again with some frustration in it this time.

“I'm,” I paused not knowing if I could tell the griffon without any issues from the throne.

“I'm not at liberty to discuss that topic,” I gave with a flat neutral tone. The griffon wasn't thrilled with my answer.

“Whatever loser. You know a Rainbow Dash.” I raised an eyebrow at the jab but nothing more before answering.

“Yeah, I kinda know Rainbow Dash, and before you ask I have no idea where she is at the moment or where her home is, sorry,” I answered and gave the answers to her next few questions before she asked. Her face displayed what I took as disappointment and contempt before she spoke.

“Uh, I knew it would be a waste time to ask a ground bound,” she quipped before launching herself in the air.

I thought how she seemed like someone I probably wouldn't get along with.

By the time I got back to the barn the moon was up and I was yawning more. I didn't bother to left the Apples know I was back, I just heading into my room.

Falling into the chair near the door I let out a sigh as I thought about what to have for dinner. After several minutes I pushed myself back to my feet and moved to sit at the desk.

I sat back down and opened a bottom drawer and pulled out some fruits and vegetables I got from town and leaned over to pick up a bottle of wine I had near the corner next to the desk.

Sitting in near dark I ate and drink in silence before just drinking in silence.

Much like the previous day I woke up at my desk but unlike the day prior there was no paper stuck to my face, I just woke up staring at an empty wine bottle. Groaning I started getting ready for another mind numbing day at the Apple farm.

By the time Applejack arrived I was drinking at the water barrel.

“Mornin', seems ya starting to get use to the hours 'round here,” she greeted me as she walked up beside me. I responded with a string of incoherent noises before the actually words started.

“... before the sun comes up,” was the end as I rubbed by eyes with a single hand, she gave a laugh.

“Well, I reckon you probly nev'r get use the the hours around here, but relax ya not goin' to be working on the farm today. Granny is going to be going into town today to sell some of our produce and you'll be going with her,” she gave me as we walked into the barn.

“First, you'll have to get the cart an' everything ready to go. All goes well I reckon y'all be I town no later then lunch. After that ya will stay 'till 'round sundown. I'll stop by sometime in the day to check in on ya and see if ya need anythin',” she continued pointing out the cart and items that needed to be loaded on.

It was at the point I let out a groan of frustration as I rolled my head in a circle as Applejack walked out.

“I'm tempted to tempt the fates to break this boredom,” I told myself as I started loading baskets. “I don't want to spent, what ever this is, on this farm.”

“Maybe I'll write the sisters and ask for something that isn't this,” I added as I opened my arms and waved them around the work I was doing. I soon drew back a foot to kick something but stop when I realized I'd somehow just end up breaking something, self or object.

By the time Granny Smith walked in I was putting the last few items in the cart. She looked like she was going to yell about something but stopped when she saw I was finishing up, I also interrupted her.

“So, when will Applejack or Big Mac be here to pull this thing into town,” I inquired as patted the side of the cart. Granny replied with a laugh.

“Sonny, they ain't pulling that cart,” at that I let out a sigh thinking I knew where this was going, “you'll be taking the cart into town for me,” at that I let out a groan and let my head fall.

“Fine. Let me get some water, then we're off,” I told her walking out of the barn. At the water barrel I took my drink before placing my hands of the rim and taking a deep breath. Walking back inside I decided to spend the rest of the day thinking of a way to get out of work tomorrow.

Looking at the cart I tried to figure out how I was going to move the damn thing. The setup was for someone in the Apple family to move it and not someone built for two legs. Narrowing my eyes that left pulling and/or pushing it into town. Taking another deep breath and letting it out through my nose I moved to pick up the cart handles and push.

Thankfully Granny didn't want to talk with me on our trip, unfortunately she wasn't able to walk at a pace I found acceptable.

After stopping several times for me to alternate between pulling and pushing the cart we made it to a location Granny deemed acceptable.

“Finally,” I let out with some frustration and sarcasm as I rolled both my shoulders before wiping the sweat from my face. Moving the cart hadn't been gently on my injuries.

Granny started yelling out trying to turn a profit, I was doing my best impression of a statue with blank eyes.  I don't know how long I was standing there but next thing I knew I heard Granny yelling at me as she poked my with stick.

“Ya messing up my sales! Ya need to disappear, so I can do this right,” was what I heard as I came back, “be back when the sun is below the flag on the Town Hall.”

“Acknowledge,” was her answer as I simply started to walk away without a destination. After several minutes I stopped my aimless walking when I caught site of Rarity's shop slash home.

I let out a deep sigh as I decided to stop and talk to her about a clothing issue. I walked over and tapped on her door with my boot.

“Come in darling I'm open,” she spoke out to me and I let out another sigh.

“I'm not going to fit through the door without breaking something,” I gave her as I waited.

“Oh! Hunter, um w-what brings you here,” she asked as she opened the door and stopped out.

“Well, I stopped by to see when you would be free to take some measurements of me so I could, ah, place when order? Is that what it would be,” I told her with some confusion in my voice. She took a sharp breath in before she gave a giggled.

“Yes, let me see I' can do it in, lets say... fifteen minutes. Does that work for you dear,” Rarity offered be ass she tapped a hoof to her chin.

“Yep, that works. I'll be waiting over I that alley over there,” I told her as I pointed with my thumb. Rarity narrowed her eyes before she spoke.

“Why would you wait in the alley? Is there something wrong with waiting here,” she asked with confusion and a hint of offense.

“I'm beginning to realize me standing or being around someplace dressed for work seems to have a negative influence and I wouldn't want to do that to your business,” was the truth I gave her as I gave a small turn of my head to show the looks I was probably getting behind me.

“Ah, yes, that, that does seem to be how it seems to be shaping up doesn't it,” she gave after she looked behind me and confirmed with a nod. “Also, seeing as you can't make it through my door without breaking something as you pointed out, how about I meet you in the in front of town hall.”

“Sounds like a plan. I'll see you there. After we finish with my request would you be against getting a cup of tea at my treat,” I added before I turned to leave.

“Of course dear! How could I turn down such a simply request. I'll see you soon,” she answered before heading back inside

When I arrived in front of town hall I moved to sit down on the edge of a statue of a mare rearing up on her hind legs but stopped before I sat. Those eyes. Those eyes are so creepy.

It's like they follow you no matter how you move even though they're set in stone, literally, but they move I swear. So instead of relaxing I spent my time trying to get those eyes to lose track of me.

I'm also sure I confused a whole lot of ponies as they went about their day.

“Darling, is something the matter?”

“The eyes are following me no matter where I go...”

“Um, you, you do know that's a statue right?”

“What? Of course I do. I'm not that insane... I think. It's just... just... I don't know actually but something makes it seems like those stony eyes are following my every movement,” I replied as I turned to Rarity and gave a shrug.

“Alright then, I've got everything I should need to take your measurements. Let's begin, first...,” she started before stopping herself and had a look of confusion and concern. After several seconds I spoke up.

“What's up and or wrong?”

“It's, well, it's as you said your work clothes and, ah, items are in the way,” she explained with worry. It took me a second to realize she was right before I glanced down and saw she was right.

“Damn. Forget about that.” I flatly spoke before waiting several seconds and started to take armor and weapons off. As I did I placed them into a pile resting against the base of the statue. When I was left with only sidearm and chest plates I gave a visible hesitation as I moved to take of the last weapon. It looked like Rarity was going to speak up but stopped when I took of the weapon and placed it on the ground.

“I may need help with this last piece,” I told Rarity as I undid the straps and buckles used to keep the armor in place. I grasped the material running over my shoulders keeping the two separate pieces attached and pulled up, my shoulders gave protest but nothing to stop me. Holding the armor in my right hand I again hesitated in placing it in the pile, for some reason I didn't want to let it go.

I took a deep breath and dropped it. I noticed how oddly it felt to have full range of breathing again and how constricting it felt at the same time. It must have shown on my face because Rarity asked about it.

“What is the problem Hunter?”

“The conflicting feelings I have about being able to fulling expand my chest, it feels good not having my torso pressing again fabric and metal plates, however it feels oddly constricting at the same time. I'm trying to work it out.”

“Don't give it any thought, I'm sure it well pass quick enough. Now would you place step on the statue so I can start,” she told me as she floated out the tools of her trade encased in light blue. I let out a small groan as a stepped up.

At first we didn't have any problems with taking the measurements but we both forgot I was twice the height of the average pony. Through trial and error we were able to move me around through standing, sitting, and for some reason laying down Rarity was able to get all she wanted to make me clothing.

I started simply and asked for two sets of black sweats and hoodies. She nearly flapped out about how drape and basic the request was but I was able to calm her down when I explained they were for simply physical training. This was on top of all the mumbling and nose scrunching she did while she took measurements. I also had to give my word I would get with her at some time in the future to work on something more fabulous.  As we talked I put everything I had taken off back on since it was easier to wear then carry around town.

We were soon at the cafe we stopped out after her tour and ordered our tea. While we waited Pinkie Pie stopped by an invited us to a party being put together at Sugar Cube Corner. I didn't have any valid reason not to show up and couldn't think of a plausible excuse so I ended up agreeing to show up.

After parting ways with Rarity I decided to check on Granny Smith to see if  she was still with the living. Even before I go to the cart I saw it was unattended and was a little curious on what was going on.

After I look the cart over for a note or something I found nothing and started asking random ponies walking by to see if they had an answer. All I got were weird looks, apologize, or fear before they dashed off.

I don't know how long I was waiting but Granny Smith soon walked up with Twilight as I did another statue impersonation. Twilight gave a brief greeting before headed off to Sugar Cube Corner.

Granny explained what had happened and how the cart was left alone. I looked over the cart and nearby area to confirm it was snake-less and reassure her. After she was happy with everything I told her I'd be back at the previously agreed timed and walked off.

I slowly made my way to the party and show several other ponies headed there as well. When I got there I bent down and tapped on a window and waved at everyone outside. They all waved and smiled before going back to what they were doing.

Before I looked away I saw the griffon I had talked with yesterday or I thought it was the griffon since I had talked with only one since I got to Ponyville.

I left the window and leaned up against the wall near it. I was bored and a little angry I was stuck outside as I heard all the commotion going on inside.

Soon I heard the griffon blow its stack in angry a minute before it stomped out.

“What's going on,” I asked with my elbows resting on my knees. The response I got was not what I thought it would be.

The griffon snapped its head to me and looked me over for a second before taking action.

It let out a scream of a bird of prey before launching itself at me with a single powerful lunge.

Even as it hit my legs and arms I was wondering what the hell was happening. Sadly, my limbs did nothing to slow down the attack. I next felt the griffon's weight slam into my chest causing my head to snap back and hit the wall.

I was dazed a second before I gathered my senses again and that was when I felt a talon on my left shoulder pressing down and saw the other talon raised up preparing to strike.

As the talon came down I snapped my right arm up to try and grasp the attacking limb. I failed an overshot but did end up blocking the attack with my forearm.

My attacking slide their limb down my arm and grasp my other shoulder before shrieking again.

“WHAT THE FUCK!” I screamed as I moved my hands to my attackers wrist as I tried to get my feet planted so I could to move to press against the wall. As I did that I felt talons starting to tense to grasp more then cloth and metal.

“AAHHHHH!” I screamed back at my attacker before landing a headbutt against their chest. It took enough wind out of them so I could bring myself to a position to stand.

When I made the move to push myself to my feet the griffon snapped its beak shut against my right forearm hard, luckily it didn't find flesh just cloth and metal.

Using the wall and muscle I brought myself to my feet pulling the griffon up with me, after struggling for several seconds I was able to get myself steady on my feet dealing with a struggling griffon. Now that we were both on two legs I had the advantage, for the moment at least.

The griffon didn't seem to be nearly as stable on two legs as me or had the upper body strength, form what I had gathered to easily pull away.

The griffon let go with its beak and started to try and pry its arms from my grasp. I was struggling to keep the grip, my balance, and find a way to end the fight without freaking everyone out.

I could lash out with kicks to the legs, abdomen, or start knee strikes but I didn't think it would go over well with me trying to inflict serious bodily harm on an attacker that spoke. Fortunately, I didn't have to decide what to do as the choice was taken from me.

Suddenly the griffon was encased in purple and blue field, which caused me to dart my eyes over to the nearby door. Standing there with looks of concentration and concern were the girls. By the time by eyes were back on the griffon I felt it trying to pull away.

I took a step into the pull to keep my grip and the griffon under control.

“What's going on,” I yelled pulling the griffon's arms to the sides. What I got wasn't what I thought it would be.

“Let her go,” Twilight yelled as I saw the purple light to my side grow. Doing something I was good  at, not asking questions, I let go and took a step back bringing my arms back to in front of me. Without any words I saw the white light around the griffon disappear and the purple intensify.

Then the griffon was hurled backwards and upwards and like the odd cartoons I watched disappeared over the horizon. After several seconds I dropped my guard and turned to the girls rubbing the spot were the griffon had bite.

“Again, what's going on,” I flatly asked. I got some nervous chuckles and lots of shifty eyes.

I was filled in on the events involving the griffon, named Gilda by the way, and her interactions with the girls and some of the locals mostly by Rainbow Dash and Pinkie. As they filled me in Fluttershy had brought me some ice my arm.

When they finished I let out a sigh and rubbed my eyes.

“So how does any of that result in what just happened,” I asked knowing I probably wouldn't get a response I liked.

“Well, Gilda has always what a pretty bad sense of humor,” Rainbow Dash gave, which I gave a sigh.

“Again doesn't explain the whole attacking me thing,” I returned waving a hand over me.

“You know what, I'm going to stop while I'm behind and not think about it any more. It's just going to make me angry and or confused,” I blurted out flipping my hands above my head before sitting back down.

“Let's leave the parts with me out of any and all paperwork of any kind, including to the princess. Which brings me to my next point, I'm taking the next couple days off to look into something for her,” I finished with a sigh before heading out to pick up Granny Smith with Applejack and called it an early day.