Legends Awaken

I woke up to pounding both outside an inside my head.

“This is not how I wanted to start my day,” I mumbled to myself.

“Wake up! It's almost time to get the day started!”

I responded with a loud and long moan slash groan as I got off the cot and went to answer the door. As I moved to it I noticed the lamp had burned out and there was no light coming through the window.

Opening the door I looked down at Applejack through blurred vision and mumbled out a morning greeting.

“Haha, it looks like you aren't a morning pony! Ya got 'bout an hour before we start working. Ya got any questions before I leave?”

I mumbled and gestured out something along the lines of water and taking a leak. Applejack seemed a bit confused then caught what I was trying to get out.

“There's a water barrel outside and for the second I really don't have an answer for ya other then the outhouse 'cause of your size,” she told and admitted to me with a shrug.

I mumbled out a thanks and shuffled past her to find water. After a minute I found the barrel and a large cup. I guzzled down three cups of water before putting it back.

I turned to look around with no light in the sky to find the outhouse to take a leak. I soon saw it and walked over.

By the time I walked to the outhouse I was able to form a thought and it was how badly I had to piss. After I opened the door I realized I wouldn't be able to fit in standing.

I had to sit to use it but had no other problems. After I finished I walked back to my room.

I still hadn't woken up and just flopped into the arm chair and stared past the flowers waiting for the sun. After several minutes of nothing I leaned forward and fell to the floor before pulling out the foot locker.

I pulled out the greaves and left the rest alone except the chest pieces, I'd fallen asleep still wearing them. After putting them on I double check that all the weapons were secured with the exception of the combat knife, I had that on me still. When I confirmed they all were in the locker I closed it and pushed it back.

I stood up with a groan before leaning back with my hands on my lower back. I was rewarded with several pops and a sense of relief. Next I quickly snapped my neck in both directions and got the same results. I let out a small sigh before turning and walking out and locking the door.

I walked outside the barn and looked around to found someone with no results. I shrugged before I proceeded to jog laps around the barn to wake up.

After two dozen or so I dropped to the ready position of a push up. After a deep berth I pushed out about forty before jumping up.

I was feeling awake now and starting to feel hungry. Unfortunately the only food I had was for my rack sack and I didn't want to raid it. I’d just have to wait until later.

I guessed I still had thirty minutes or so until I had to start working. I stood still for a minute trying to think of what to do.

I then realized I hadn't seen the moon set and sun raise since I had awaken, so I decided to get up high at watch it.

I turned around and looked at there barn and sized it up. I could use the stairs inside or take the harder route. Since it was still early and I'm generally lazy I took the stairs.

After making to the upper level and hunching over as I walked over to the window I was able to get up on the roof.

As I stood on the roof I slowly looked over the sky and realized it looked different then I remembered. It didn't look like there were any major changes just a lot of small ones that added up and it unsettled me.

I gave a shrug to try and get rid of it before turning and sitting down towards east.

As I sat leaning forward with my elbows on my knees I let the calm of the morning take over my senses.

I soon felt calmer looking out at the horizon then I had in Canterlot. I then lifted my head to look out at the moon before it was out shined by its celestial counterpart.

I gave it a smile as I watched it fall below the horizon before the sun started to rise.

As the light started to come over the country side I was able to get a look at the farm and nearby area. It looked peaceful and without worry.

The orchard looked huge and probably was, the patches of corn and wheat were gently swaying in the breeze. Everything was good.

That was ruined when a rooster decided to start making noise. I let out a sigh before turning my attention away from it and to the raising sun.

I gave it a half smile as it started its day and lit up the sky.

“What are ya doin' up there? Ya trying to hurt ya self?”

I looked down and say Applejack looking up at me with confusion and concern.

I stood up before replying.

“No, I'm just watching the moon and sun change the guard,” I answered as I walked to the edge of the roof.

“That's good and all but don't you think it's bit dangerous up there?”

I answered by hopping off the edge of the roof and landing in front of her with a thud and rattle.

“No, no not really,” I gave with a shrug after standing. She raised an eyebrow at my actions and words.

“Ookay, well lets get you some food before we head out. Also I'll introduce ya to the rest of the family,” I was told as we started to walk to the farm house.

After we got there she seemed to realize that I wasn't going to fit inside easily.

“Ah, do ya mind eating outside? I don't think ya can fit inside comfy,” she asked as she rubbed the back of her head.

“No not really,” I gave with a shrug.

“Ookay, then can ya walk around to the window? I'll go an open it up for ya.” I gave a small nod and slowly walked around.

By the time I got there I saw an open window and smelled breakfast. After I got to the window I took a knee to see inside.

That's when saw the rest of Applejack's family, which she quickly introduced.

“This is Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Applebloom. We're the local Apples and we got family all through out Equestria,” she told be pointing at each member which I didn't think was needed with pride in her voice.

Granny seemed suspicious of me and disapproving as she gave me an evil look. Big Mac gave me a look over and didn't have much of a reaction from what I could tell and Applebloom liked like she was going to explode out if her chair.

It didn't look like it was from fear but sheer excitement and curiosity. She has shaking in her seat with a huge grin on her face.

“Morning everyone, how are you doing, good I take it,” I asked with a nod of my head.

“I'll be keeping an eye on ya, ya youngster. I don't trust ya yet,” Granny told me before talking a drink. Well I think I know where Applejack got her honesty from.

“Ayep,” was all I got from Big Mac before he starting eating again.

Applebloom let out a squee before bounding out of her chair to under the window but before she could start bombarding me with questions Applejack jump in.

“I'm sure Mister Hunter we'll answer ya questions Applebloom but right now ya need to get ready for school. I'll talk with him to see if he'll be available after ya get back from school,” she interrupted putting a hoof on her younger sister's shoulder. “Remember no talking to any pony 'bout him either.”

“Ah! I was hopin' ta talk with him but I'll go get ready,” Applebloom complained before heading out of the dining room.

“So what can I get ya for breakfast?”

“I'll take coffee, black or with honey, if you got it and some of those pancakes please,” I asked looking at what was on the table.

“Not a problem, I'll get it for ya,” she answered before turning around. After a minute she came back with a stack of pancakes and two cups of coffee.

“I figured someone of your size might need more then one cup of coffee,” she told me after the passed the tray to me.

“You’d be right about that and thanks,” I told her setting the tray on the small ledge under the window. After that everyone sat and ate in silence.

After about five minutes I had finished with my breakfast and pushed be tray a little back inside holding on to one of the cups of coffee.

“Thank you for the breakfast. It ok if I go sit on the porch with my coffee,” I asked as I held up the cup in question.

“Sure can. I'll be out soon so we can start our day,” Applejack told me.

“Thanks, see ya then,” I returned before standing up to leave. After walking a couple paces I heard Granny Smith.

“Well at least it seems he was some manners.”

After I got to the porch I sat down on the worn wood and looked out over the Apple farm. I sipped my coffee as I pondered what was happening with me and tried to figure out why everything had turned out like this.

Again the things I had done and seen in the past should have precluded this reality or something like it from coming to pass.

Before I could get to deep into thought I ran out of coffee and more importantly the door opened up behind me. I turned and saw Applejack step through.

“So are ya ready?”

“Yep.”

“Good, y’all be helping me with the Macintosh harvest. Think ya can help with that,” she asked standing next to me.

“Yeah, shouldn't be a problem, only one I got is what to do with this,” I told her as a held up he empty cup in my left hand.

“I can take care of that,” she told me taking the cup from me in her hoof, which still confused and kinda freaked me out.

“Alright then lets head out to the orchard,” she told me walking past me. I slowly stood up and walked beside her.

“So what are you going to have me doing today?”

“Well, I figured that you could move the baskets off the ground onto the cart while I buck,” she informed me. “I thought that would be easy for ya with how ya are built.”

“Yeah, it will. You'll just have to tell me when to stop loading the cart because I have no idea how much to put in it. Which brings me to the question, where is the cart or carts in question?”

“I left one out in the orchard last night and Big Mac is gettin' the others ready before he comes out.”

“Alright, sounds like there's

a plan.” After that we walked in silence until we reached the cart.

“First help me put he baskets 'round the trees,” I was instructed and started to do so. I seemed to have an easier time separating the baskets and placing them. I gave a small chuckle as I thought to myself.

'Ah, the benefits of hands and opposable thumbs.'

I finished before Applejack and waited for her by the cart standing next to it.

When she got back she seemed a bit surprised.

“How you finish so quickly? Not even Big Mac gets done that fast.”

I gave a shrug before I uncrossed my arms and held them out low.

“Just one of my many special hidden talents I guess,” I replied with a grin and she gave a roll of her eyes.

“Come on now get ready to start moving these baskets.”

And so began my work day in the orchard hauling baskets full of apples off the ground and moving them into the cart. When ever one got full Big Mac would take it away after bringing an empty cart out to us.

It wasn't tiring work just boring and repetitive. I spent several hours working with the two before we stopped for lunch.

I was told I had thirty minutes before we got back to work. I decided to take a nap under one of the apples trees instead of getting something to eat. I felt more tired then hungry since this was the first time since waking up I’d actually done anything really physical.

I woke up startled and confused with my eyes darting around. I took a couple deep breaths to calm down before one of the Apples found me.

After my nap I was told to help Big Mac store the apples we had collected while Applejack kept bucking. I soon found this to be more boring and dull. I’d take the apples from the baskets and put them in barrels and close them. I’d then roll them to a growing stack. By the time dinner was approaching I was ready to start screaming in boredom and frustration.

I think Applejack saw that when she returned from her field work. She had a small grin on her face as she looked at me.

“It would seem that the farm life doesn't agree with ya,” she said as she waved a hoof at me and I let out a groan.

“That would be a true statement. I'm not use to the repetitive work for such long periods. It's going to take awhile to get use to working like this,” I told her as a ran my fingers through my hair and starched my head.

She gave a simply nod of her head before replying.

“This life not for everypony but you did good today. We got further then we thought. Those thingies you got are real useful like,” she said pointing at my hands.

“Anywho, I gotta go help Granny finish with dinner and 'fore I forget, it alright if Applebloom comes to ya room after supper,” she asked with some displeasure in her tone.

“Yeah, it's cool and it'll keep it easy and clean so you don't have yo worry about anything. I'll be there when she gets done,” I told her with a nod before waving and walking towards the barn.

On the way there I gathered from lunch and just now three meals a day wasn't part of the deal with the Apple family.

I started thinking about ways to get food on my own. I had the bits I got from Luna but knew that wouldn't last. I could try my luck with the nearby forest. If I guessed correctly the forest wouldn't  pose to much danger to me. I could also search the area around the farm to try and get food.

By the time I got to my room I had gotten out the key and went to open the door I saw a small metal canister with a note.

'Thought ya might need this some time soon, Granny Smith.'

I gave a small uh as I picked it up and opened the door. I toss the note in the trash before taking the lamp of the hook.

I filled the lantern before adjusting the wick and lighting it again with a match I found in the desk the night before. After adjusting the flame I hung the lantern back up.

After letting out a long deep breath I got the bottle of cider back out. I took a quick swig of it before flopping in the armchair. In sat there for several minutes relaxing taking small sips from the bottle.

I took a deep breath before setting the bottle on the desk and standing. I moved over to the window and opened it out before sitting at the desk.

After pulling out the writing supplies I had gotten from Twilight I gave a yawn as I stretched backwards. I soon started to make a list of items and such that I thought would make my room a bit more comfortable.

At the top of the list was glasses so I could stop drinking from the bottle. Most I didn't think would be a problem finding since I suspected they would be common items in any house.

After a few minutes I but the list away and drew a book of maps off the shelf to my side and the maps given to me by Luna.

I opened the book and flipped through it to find a map of Ponyville and the surrounding area to start my comparison. After finding the desired map I took another sip of cider.

Next I started comparing the maps I was given to the atlas trying to find a partial match.

I think I spent nearly an hour pondering on it and only made progress on two with any real confidence. The problem was the maps I was given looked new, which they were, but seemed to be replicas of maps from older ones or done from memory. I had no real points of reference to work with. Before I started swearing like a sailor there was a rapping at my chamber door.

I took another sip of cider before standing up.

“Who's rapping at my chamber door,” I asked opening the door. When I looked down I saw Applebloom.

Her eyes and face held wonder, curiosity, an amazement.

“Applebloom, correct?” She nodded her head eagerly.

“I sure am!”

“Come in and have a sit,” I told her with a gesture to the chair near the door. I left the door open as I sat back down at the desk.

“So I've gathered myself and from your sister that you wanted to have a talk with me, is that right?”

“It sure is! I've got like a bajillion questions,” she told me with surplus energy.

“Let's start then, I’d offer a drink but I don't have anything for you,” I answered as I got comfortable. “Unfortunately, I don't think either of us have the time for a bajillion questions,” I quipped with a smile. It got a small giggle from her before so opened the flood gates.

I spent the next hour, I think, answering a lot of questions that were covered when I first meet the girls, along with a couple odd ones about what I thought about current events and ponies that I knew nothing about. As we talked I finished about three figures of the cider which caused Applebloom to raise an eyebrow a few times but she left it alone.

After she finished I stood and guided her out before closing the door behind me. As we walked out of the barn I asked her to keep quite about me until I felt more comfortable.

After a few steps past the barn I heard something fall to the ground from behind us. At first I didn't think anything of it and Applebloom didn't seem to notice. However my ever present paranoia started to scream at me.

I did more then a glance out of the corner of my this time then when I heard it. I wasn't pleased with the results.

“Applebloom get behind me right now,” I barked out harshly and with authority. I didn't see her reaction but I heard her gasp before she got between my legs, I could feel her shaking, I could feel my body shake.

I was staring at three sets of glowing green eyes in the dark and with the moonlight available I saw they weren't going to be friendly.

The forms I could see looked canine in nature or maybe feline, at a distance I couldn't clearly tell. I could tell they were slowly staking towards me and Applebloom menacingly.

“Applebloom, listen, when I tell you to run you get inside the house as quickly as you can and tell everyone to stay there 'till I get them. I don't think this is going to be good,” I instructed with a flat tone as I moved my eyes between those coming towards us. I was starting to feel the effects of my body's altered chemical state.

I stood to my full height and shifted my legs to better balance my weight. My fists balled as a started to take slow deep breaths. My hearing was becoming muffled and my sight becoming clearer as strength and confidence began to flow through me.

I started to hear a muffled voice, it could have been Applebloom, one in my head or both, at this point I couldn't tell. The eyes were much closer now.

I heard a snarl from one of the creatures in front of me and I reacted.

“RUN!” I yelled as I pulled my knife from my vest.

One of the sets lunged and jumped at me. I was surprised at the height it reached and snapped my left arm up to defend myself. I was rewarded with a set of teeth latching onto me. With the alcohol and my own blood chemistry there wasn't much pain, for the moment.

Before the beast released its jaws I swung my blade and plunged it down into its neck. I was rewarded and gratified when I heard and felt a loud crack and the beast going limp. I felt the teeth slide out of my arm as it fell in a heap to the ground.

I turned my focus to the other two in front of me. They were still near each other but starting to drift apart in opposite directions trying to surround me. I took a couple step to the side to keep them both in front of me.

As I did I flexed my left hand to make sure it was still usable, it felt usable but I didn't know for how long.

As I attempted to plan out my next move I was interrupted when it was made for me. I felt a large weight smash into me between my shoulders knocking me to the ground.

I landed on my hands and knees and before I could get a full idea what was happening I started jerked to the side to avoid the next attack, I was only partial successful but it was enough.

Instead of having a set of jaws close around my neck they closed around my right shoulder. Most of the teeth were stopped by the armor but some sunk into me as they hit closer to my neck.

I let out a scream of pain before I swung

as hard as I could with my left hand as the beast started to pull away. A landed a solid blow to its body and got a yelp as it let go.

As it tried to back away I swiped at it with my right hand but misjudged an instead ended up having my hand and knife go over its head.

I quickly stood back up and moved away from the creature as it joined the other two. This one was larger then them too, I would guess at he moment it seemed to be about he size of Big Mac while the others seemed about the size of Applejack.

They soon started to growl at me and snapping their teeth as they circled me. I reacted by standing there only moving my eyes and head to keep track of them. After several seconds the two smaller ones made a move.

One came at me from either side, I could only take one on at a time so I would have to choice fast.

For the one on my left I shifted my weight to my right leg as I brought my left up and chambered a kick. When it got close enough I landed a hard hit to its chest and felt a couple snaps before it landed further away. At that moment is when I was reminded of the second to my right.

For the third time I felt jaws close around me. This time the greaves I was wearing stopped the majority of teeth, again some found their way past the armor plates. I let out another scream as I fell to my right knee before I swung my knife down in between my attacker shoulders.

This time it wasn't me that yelled out in pain from an attack. The creature went partial limp from me. I let a grim snarl cross my face before I was knocked back to the ground from my left.

It seemed the first beast had recovered quicker then I thought and now I fighting bare handed as I’d lost the grip on my knife. As my right shoulder hit the ground I quickly rolled on to my back to be able to use both hand and arms.

I now had the creature standing over me getting ready to bite down on me. I swiftly wrapped my hands around its face and neck to push its maw away from me.

It was then I realized the animal had a rough hide that felt like wood but before I could follow that thought I was reminded what was going on. I felt a claw catch me on the right side of my head above my eye. Again I yelled out in pain before I twisted my body to the left dragging the beast to the ground.

I felt claws catching on the fabric and plates I was wearing on the ground and as I stood up with my hands wrapped around the canine's throat. After getting back on my feet I took a glacé and saw my forth attacker hadn't moved.

I soon felt claws find rake down the front of my right thigh but no serious pain. I felt the leg buckle slightly but I remained upright. I then took a deep breath before I shifted my left hand down and grabbed hold of a lower leg. After I had it in my grip I leveled out the beast horizontally before lifting it with strain above my head.

I then threw it with all the strength I could muster at the ground in front of me. The canine would be still form the trauma for several seconds, seconds I would use wisely, and violently.

I brought my right leg up as far as I could with the pain and had my knee several inches above my waist. I let out a angry primal howl as I brought the heel of my boot on the beast's neck. I felt something crack and the beast jerked as a result. I repeated this several times until it wasn't moving any more then kicked it violently in torso.

After that small display I looked back at the last creature and was reminded how big it was.

“Fuck, I really don't want to fight you. So how 'bout you just tuck tail and get the fuck out of here,” I asked as I stepped to the side to retrieve my knife from the whimpering beast.

The large one looked at the scene in front of him, her, it? Before turning and bolting away towards the forest in the distance.

I stood there for several minutes waiting to see if it was a feint as I felt the booze and my blood chemistry started to wear off and all my little ouches started to be not so little. I let out a long deep breath before replacing the knife in its sheath.

After that I looked down in the wounded, whimpering, and crawling critter nearby for a second. I gave a apathetic shrug before I crushed its neck under my boot heels like its partner. I gave it a couple nudges with my foot to make sure it was dead and it wasn't faking.

I limped over to the steps in front of the farm house's door and sat down on them like I had earlier in the day.

“Well, this was an absolute shit first day back on the job,” I groaned out as I touched the still bleeding would on the side of my head.