Differences

The following morning, I awoke to Fluttershy humming a song. Soothed by the sound, I attempted to get myself out of the bed. Slowly but surely, I was able to stand and hobble over towards the tune. "Well, top of the mornin' to ya'" said a southern, female accent. Turning my head towards the voice, I noticed another pony in the room with me. She had a pale orange body and a blonde mane, tied into a braid at the end. She also had a cutie mark with three apples. Smiling, I approached her. "Mah' names Apple Jack. Pleasure ta' meet you umm Jon. Reaching down, I shook her hoof, yet somehow, she was the one shaking me. After introductions, Fluttershy called us in for breakfast.

Whilst eating, I was told that I would be getting help regaining my strength. I asked how, since everypony was worried about me being caught. "Well, I own alota land ya' see, and its secluded in certain areas. I can set up somthin' for ya' to exercise your muscles." said Apple Jack. Still weary about idea of going out in public, I asked how I would get there and back without being seen. Both ponies laughed and we finished up with breakfast. A few minutes later, I was slowly getting dressed as to avoid injuring myself again. With the help of Fluttershy and Apple Jack, I picked out a green and red top with blue bottoms. They seemed light and manageable for physical exercise although they didn't really match. Smiling, Apple Jack led me to a wagon that was neatly parked outside. She motioned for me to climb inside and I did so at my own pace.

The ride through town was a bumpy one. Since the roads were made out of cobblestone and the wagon of wood, there was no easy way suppress the bumps. "I have to hand it to you. Apple jack is one strong pony", I whispered to Fluttershy as she hovered next to the wagon. "Well, she bucks trees and collects apples all day. She's been doing it since she was a filly," replied Fluttershy. The wagon halted. "Welcome ta' Sweet Apple Acres," said Apple Jack. Peeking out from under the cloth that concealed me, I could see miles and miles of apple trees. The air was filled with the aroma of apple blooms. Enjoying the scenery, I slowly started to climb out of the wagon. Before I could take my first step, a loud boom, followed by a dazzling rainbow ensued overhead. Awed at the sight, I had forgotten I was climbing out of the wagon and fell face first dirt." Brushing myself off, she finally let go and we started walking towards a large, red barn. "I see you like Dash's Sonic RainBoom." said Apple Jack. "Sonic Rain what?" I thought to myself as we approached the entrance of the barn.

Inside were stacks of hay, a rope swing, and various equipment that looks made for use by ponies. There was also a few chairs, a table, and exercise equipment. "This is where we're gonna get ya muscles workin again." said Apple Jack. Looking nervously at the equipment, I knew it wasn't going to be easy. I walked to the first machine, which looked like a treadmill of some sort, and stood on it. I grabbed hold of the bars to my sides and began to slowly walk. I only walked for a few seconds before stopping and collapsing from pain. Fluttershy and Apple Jack rushed to my side to make sure I was ok. "I don't expect you to be able to gallop a mile in one day," said Fluttershy. Standing to attempt it again I replied "This is gonna take a while." We all nodded and Apple Jack handed me a glass of homemade cider. I chugged it and it burned going down. Coughing from the sensation, I asked if it was alcoholic. Giggling, Apple Jack assured me that it was plain cider and i was over exaggerating. Still coughing, I took another shot at the treadmill.

A month or so had passed and my bandages had been removed. I wasn't sure if it was from Fluttershy's nurturing or the repeated exercise, but I felt good... no... I felt great. My wounds weren't fully healed. I was still sore. I still needed help with some things. But I felt great. I felt that it just might work. Sleeping in Fluttershy's house, sneaking over to Apple Jacks for exercise, Rarity making me clothes, Twilight answering all my questions, even Pinkie Pie helping me to fell better about myself. It all felt great. All great things have an end though.

Finishing up a small exercise routine that Apple Jack helped me to create, I stepped down from the exercise machine. Sweating profusely, I walked over to the table and poured a glass of cider. Chugging it as usual, I set the glass down. Everything seemed to be going as usual. Light stretch. Lift a few tools. Take a break. And always finish up with a brisk walk on the treadmill. It was all normal. Upon preparing to exit the barn, and return to the waiting wagon that I usually traversed in, I noticed something abnormal. Staring directly at me were multiple ponies. The lot of them looked the same. White coats with golden dressings over their manes and bodies; but one stood out over the others. It had a horn and wings. It was considerably taller than the others. Its mane was flowing without wind. And the mane it self was filled with multiple colors. It had a tiara over its head and golden shoes over its hooves her cutie mark was just as unique, being one of the sun. Her expression was one of anger though.