It was the first morning in awhile back in Ponyville Taylor had waken up in. Staying with Twilight as usual when he was in town. He sat up and stretched, letting out along yawn as he got up and shuffled to the bathroom to wash up and get ready for his day. The first pony on his list to hang out with for half the day was surprisingly enough..Fluttershy. As he leans against the wall of the shower, cause he wasn't awake yet, he smiles slightly.

"Ah Flutters, never did I think I would ever be spending time with the pony who is the most shy in all of Equestria. Well...I suppose Pinkie's other sister is pretty shy to. But, Flutershy takes the cake."

He then began to wash his hair and soap up his body. After he got out and dried off, he got his usual clothing on sliding on his coat and boots afterwards. As he walked passed a mirror, he stares at the mask that seems it will never release its grip upon his face. He places a hand on the side of it and frowns lightly.

"Don't get me wrong...this is my favorite mask. But I don't want to hide my face from Luna forever. Out of all the ponies I have met here. I want her to see it. Just wish I knew how to get it off..."

He walked out of his room and down the stairs, waving to Twilight as he headed to the door.

"I will be back later tonight Twi. got some plans for today."

"Alright Taylor, be safe and I will see you tonight. Don't be late for dinner!"

"Yes, mother."

He said teasingly. Twilight sticking her tongue out at him in return. He chuckled lightly as he closed the door on his way out. walking down the stairs and into the town. As he did this, the ponies he had come to know smiled and waved to him as he walked by. He returned the gesture. He finally made his way on the outskirts of Ponyville, which eventually lead down a small path and to Fluttershy's small cottage. Indeed many many animals surrounded the home. Bird homes and dens all over the place. Taylor could feel all sorts of eyes on him as he approached, but it didn't bother him none. He got to her door, knocked on it a few times and waited..and waited..he knocked once more

"One second..I will be right with you."

He heard her say

"Fluttershy? It's only me."

"Oh Taylor?"

She asked before opening the door and looking up at him with a gentle smile.

"Please come in, I just put on some tea."

He ducks down to come in, closing the door after he makes his way in. Her house looked small on the outside, but inside was actually quite spacious. He looks down at her.

"You said you needed help with one of your animal friends Shy?"

He asked using a little nickname he had given her

"Mhmm, she is a fox I had found wandering around. She was hurt and I nursed her back to health, but she is very...stand-offish towards me now that she is better."

"Well, I am good with canines in general. Perhaps I can see if she will warm up to both me and you huh?"

"That would be absolutely wonderful Taylor. But first, let me get you that tea.Please make yourself comfortable on the couch over there."

Taylor nodded, walking over and taking a seat. he looks around, meeting the eyes of all the animals that peek from their hiding places to look at him. one little white bunny stands in front of him with his eyes narrowed and his arms crossed. Taylor couldn't help but chuckle.

"And you must be Angel. I know, you get jealous if Shy has a new friend don't you? Sorry little guy, but you can't control who her friends are after all."

The bunny kicked at the bottom of his boot and hopped away. He shook his head and watched as a small white mouse came up to him and sniffed at his boot. Taylor slowly reached down and opened his hand to allow the mouse to climb on if he so wanted. Hesitantly, the mouse did so. He brought him up close to his face and brought a finger under his chin, gently scratching.

"I can see why Shy loves you all. You are very friendly. Animals back in my world weren't like this."

The mouse squeaked to him with a smile, he seemed..to some what understand what it had squeaked to him

"Indeed, she is a wonderful pony. I suppose Shy has told you about me and Luna then? I won't lie. She is an incredible mare. And I love her with all my heart. No one will ever take her place."

This conversation went on for a few more minutes, until Fluttershy came in with a saucer holding a glass of green tea. Taylor gently sat the mouse back down on the floor gently and watched him run back to his family. He waved to Taylor, he in turn waved back with a warm smile. He turned to see Fluttershy starring at him with an approving smile.

"What?"

He asked with an arched brow

"Angel bunny doesn't like new faces. But my other animal friends have already warmed up to you Taylor. You truly have a kind soul and a warm heart. Despite what you did to Tirek. It didn't change you negatively. I was worried the event would send you further into the depths of cruelty when you took his life. But,I can see I and the girls have nothing to worry about."

"Well Shy, I wasn't going to let him bring harm to you and the others again. Especially to Luna."

"You truly do love her, don't you Taylor?"

"If only you knew how much Shy...if only you knew."

"She is a lucky mare...to have someone as gentle and loving, but willing to cross the line to protect her at the same time. I wish I could have somepony like that..."

"Don't worry Shy. You will find somepony who will sweep you off your hooves, and cherish that sweet and adorable personality you bare. And your shyness will entice them even more. Trust me, if it wasn't for Luna. I would have taken you for myself."

Fluttershy's cheeks turn crimson and she hides behind her mane, placing her hooves together.

"You really would have wanted to be with me Taylor...? I mean, I am nopony special-"

"You are special Shy. In fact you and the rest of the girls are quite special to me. I had no one until I came here"

The conversation went on for awhile, until Fluttershy lead him out into the backyard and to the den where the fox was living. Taylor watched the fox come out of it and locked eyes with her instantly. The fox lowered her ears when he made eye contact with her. he knelt down and held out his hand. sparks began to form between their eyes as they gazed at each other for a few moments

"Come here."

He said in a calm tone, the fox complied and walked over to him, he reached up and began petting her gently, the fox letting out happy fox sounds and nuzzling into his hand. Fluttershy was again impressed at how quickly he could make friends with animals.

"Amazing...she came right up to you...and she seems very happy with you as well."

"Like I said, I am good with canines mostly. She was just afraid is all. Seems like whatever hurt her caused her to become mistrustful. I am just reassuring ehr that everypony isn't all that bad, even someone like me can show her that. Now then sweetheart. Fluttershy will take good care of you. She is kind and gentle as well. So please don't shy away from her. I promise you she won't hurt you. Alright?"

He got a nod and a small yip from the fox, her tail swaying behind her happily as he pat her gently again

"Good girl. Alright Shy, I need to get to AJ's, I promised to help her with apple bucking...even though I can't really buck. I suppose a good drop kick would work...who knows."

"Alright Taylor, thank you again for coming over. I enjoyed our time together, and thank you again for helping me with my little fox friend here."

"Of course Shy, you be careful and be safe."

He said as he began to make his way to Sweet Apple Acres.

--Sweet Apple Acres, Entrance--

Taylor walked along the dirt road and into the farm's entrance. He looks around, getting a bit of a flashback to when he was younger. He grew up on a small ranch when he lived with his parents. Raising cows, goats, rabbits, all kinds of animals. His flashback was quickly shatter by the sound of a young filly calling out his name and slamming into him with a hugs, she clung to his leg and nuzzled into him happily

"Taylor! Its you! Ah am so glad you came by! I have been wantin' to thank ya for savin' muh life. Along with muh friends..."

"Ah hello there Applebloom. Good to see you again. And no worries little one...I simply did what I had to do to make sure you all stayed alive."

"You were so brave....you were like a knight jumping in to save a princess from an evil creature. it was rather cool of you to do. Sweetie Belle especially admired you for it. Ah think she may have a crush on you.."

"Poor little filly...my heart already belongs to another unfortunately for her. Even if it wasn't taken, she is far too young and I am sure it would be frowned upon. Anyways, where can I find your sister? I am supposed to be helping her with the apple bucking today. Or...at least try to anyways."

"She and Granny Smith are in the house with Big Mac. They are waitin' on you actually. Come on in, make yourself at home!"

Taylor nodded and made his wait to the house, coming in behind Applebloom, watching her run in circles around him

"He's here, he's here!"

She shouted excitedly

Applejack looked over and smiled to Taylor, pulling her sister away from him to give him some room.

"Sorry about that sugarcube. Ever since you saved her hide, she has been wantin' ta see you for awhile now."

"Soooo Applejack, this is the handsome stallion you told me about. Well he isn't a stallion, but he is handsome. He needs to remove that mask! So we can see what he looks like!"

"Granny Smith...please don't talk ta him about his mask..it's rather personal!"

"Its alright AJ. I have gotten used to ponies wanting me to remove my mask. It simply just can't be done. That's the only explanation I can offer them."

Big Mac walked up to him and looked him up and down, after awhile he smiled and simply said "Eeeyup."

"Looks like Big Mac has already taken a liking ta him. That's good progress."

Applejack said as she lightly punched at Taylor's leg.

"Why i'd say you are already part of the family!"

"Thanks AJ...you are all too kind."

"T'ain't nothin' sugarcube.Now then, shall we get goin' to the orchard and start gettin' them apples down?"

"Yes, put me to work AJ. I am your man-...er pony"

"That's what ah like ta hear!"

Taylor took off his coat and put it o.n the coat hanger that was by the door. He wasn't going to need it. As they walked to the orchard, he was amazed at how many apples had already grown and ripened. Applejack stood there and grinned with her eyes narrowed. Taylor a bit confused.

"Show me what you can do sugarcube. Let see those legs work."

Taylor walked up to a tree and looked up at all the apples. He thinks back to his martial arts training back home and inhales, then exhales, taking a stance and performs a full round house kick to the side of the tree.The tree shakes violently and apples fall from the branches and into the baskets below them. This surprised both him and Applejack.

"Wow...I was actually expecting to fail miserably. But...it turns out as my magic strength grew...as did my physical, albeit a little..but still!"

"Indeed. ah am quite impressed with you Taylor. If you can deliver a good solid kick like that, ah'd hate ta be on the receivin' end of that boot of yours..."

This went on for the rest of the day, he helped carry the barrels, kicked a few trees, gathered water for them to drink, and just all around helped the best he could for them. It got to the point where his shirt was completely soaked with sweat, so he removed it as he continued working. Both Applejack and Big Mac looked at his upper body. They starred in shock at the black lightning scars that littered his form. but never brought it up. After is was getting close to sun down, they stopped for the day and went back to the house.

"Thank ya ever so much for helpin' us today Taylor. With your kicks, we got a lot of apples down. We may have ya come by as a part time job if you are interested."

"I will think on it AJ. But right now...I am ready to go back to Twilight's and pass out...feeling a bit sore after that."

"Alright sugarcube. You be safe goin' back now."

"See ya'll around then. And thanks for the job offer. I will let you know soon."

He said as he made his way back to Ponyville. Eventually making it back to Twilight's and passing out after faceplanting into the bed.

Author's Note

And we are back baby! here is another one for you all!

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May the darkness grant you peace.