The Stallion Without A Mark

The stallion without a mark

The tales of heroes is like the running water. It passes by either being noticed or ignored. Destiny and fate can be the same or they can be opposites. The tale you are about to embark on is about who I am and what I am. I was born in front of a farmer’s door step. He said I just appeared there as a baby. I had no mother, nor did I have a father. The farmer who took me in instructed me to never call him my father. His name was Jack. He never gave me a name and always worked me to the bone. He was kind enough, however, to do me a favor. When I was just a young colt, I had seen my reflection in the mirror. This made my head throb with pain and I didn't know why. once he found out that mirrors could harm me, he got rid of them all.

Day in and day out, I did all the farming while he stood there and watched. I hated him and I hated the life fate had given me, so I ran away. In my room, if you could call it a room, I packed some water and food in my bag. I didn’t know what kind of life I would live, but anything could be better than this. I ran with great enthusiasm for myself. For eighteen years I had worked for him with no more that a thank you and now I was free! Running up to a pond to get a drink, I repeated over and over that I was free from slavery! I looked at myself in the water. I had a brown coat, and a pure white mane. My eyes were dark yellow and unforgiving. Even though I should feel happy, I felt mad at myself. I’m not like other ponies. I had never found my destiny. My cutie mark had never revealed itself yet. I was what you might call a blank flank.

The more I looked at myself, the worse my headache grew, until I couldn’t take it anymore and stomped my hooves in the water. Rubbing my eyes to get myself together, I looked up to see a forest. A warning sign was posted In front.

it read “The Everfree Forest is one that should not be investigated. You have been warned.”

Ignoring the sign, I ventured into this forest with little regard for my wellbeing. Smoke like fog lofted on the ground and sounds of Timberwolves howled in the distance. Through the trees, I saw a hut with masks on the outside walls. Entering, I found a zebra about my age mixing brews together in a cauldron. I hesitated before introducing myself.

“Hello. I’m searching for… I guess my destiny.”

She stopped and stared. “Hello, my name is Zecora, and welcome to my land. Sorry for the mess, I'm sure you can understand."

She walked up to me, and looked me up and down. Walking in circles, she said “what a unique pony I see. No cutie mark? Now how could this be?”

I lowered my head in dissatisfaction while she continued.

“Prophecies I have had. Some, to me are very bad. Your fate intertwined with destiny. Pressure will bring out the best in thee. You will never find your mark until you die. And your mother, she will cry!”

I giggled at the last statement. “I don’t have a mother” I began to speak, but I was interrupted by her.

“Nor a father, I know. The visions in my head, I wish I could show. Before you leave, I have a gift, in case any danger may shift. Many future events I have seen. This weapon will help but the fight will not be clean.”

She walked up to the corner farthest from me and grabbed a wooden lance that was sharpened to both tips. She walked up to me with it in her mouth and gave me it. I left with the weapon, and headed to the left. Not ten minutes later, I found myself in a clearing. The trees disappeared in a three hundred and sixty degree circle around me. It was big enough to fit at least twenty ponies in it. In front of me was a giant mound of rubble.

I stared at it wondering how the circle was made and why there were so many rocks in front of it. Suddenly, I felt the ground shake around me. The rubble of rocks moved and lifted itself from the ground. It was a giant Rock Troll that had been using the clearing of trees as a hunting ground! It stared at me with giant, blood red eyes. Looking around, I considered my chances of escape, but this was very unlikely. He was probably able to run much faster than me, so this was a do or die conflict!

His left rocky hand lifted into the sky and came hurdling down to where I was standing. I dodged it in the nick of time. With the lance still in my mouth, I ran up and onto his hand. I felt him raise it as he noticed what I was doing. I ran up to his shoulder, took one end If the lance and jabbed it into him… Dumb idea considering he was made of hard rocks. The lance got stuck and I had to yank it out but It wouldn’t budge, so I broke that end off with my hoof. Swatting me off his deformed body, I landed hard on the grassy dirt with the lance still in my mouth. What was I going to do? Was I to run? Was I to die? He looked at me once again, and then i realized what I had to do! His eyes were probably the weakest point of his body.

He raised his other hand to try the same thing. You’d probably think he would’ve learned by now that this attack wasn’t going to work any time soon. I dodged it again and ran up to his shoulder. I only had one shot, so I had to make this count. I took the still sharp side of my lance and thrust it deep into his eye! Blood sprayed out as he screamed in pain. I jumped off smiling but failed to make a graceful landing. He took off with the spear still in his eye. Huffing and panting, I wondered if that feat might have earned me my cutie mark. I checked to see but it was still blank. I gave a sigh of disappointment and continued with my journey. Exiting the forest, I came upon a farm. Memories of hard work and pain filled my head as I looked at this gloomy place. Gray clouds filled the sky and it seemed to me that I was meant to visit this place but for what purpose, I did not know. A pink pony was moving rocks in the distance. She seemed rather sad at this job. I walked up to her and asked for a name.

She looked at me with tears in her eyes.

“I’m Pinkie Pie” she said sadly.

“Why so glum?” I asked.

“My family wants me to move the rocks... But that’s not really why I’m so sad… You see, their always depressed. They never smile and never laugh. I just want to do something to make them feel happy, even for one minute.”

I brought myself down so I could talk face to face with this pony. “You know, I heard of something known as a party once. It’s usually held to celebrate something like a birthday or a special occasion. Maybe that might work.”

She looked at the rocks and said “I don’t know how to throw one of those…”

I looked around at this colorless landscape and said “It’ll come to you. I’m not sure how or when but it will come. After all, laughter is one of life’s best past times.”

I left her to think about what I said. About ten minutes later, I heard something. The gray clouds were filled with a round rainbow filled with color! I didn’t pay much attention to it, but I knew it meant something very good just happened. I stumbled upon a small land scape filled with little critters everywhere. I heard some small and soft voice coming from a nearby tree. I checked to see who it was and saw a butter yellow Pegasus with a pink mane trying to calm the animals. After she did, I saw her get her own cutie mark! I was a bit jealous but not too concerned. I decided to leave her be and continue towards my destination, wherever it was.

The Pegasus heard me step on a branch. Soon after the crunching sound, I heard her give a scared shriek of fear. I ignored it and kept moving. She saw me walking away and for some reason that I cannot fathom, followed me. I heard the clomping of her hooves in the grass, so I stopped. She became frightened and hid in some bushes. I turned to look at her and saw her flank still sticking out of the shrub. Rolling my eyes, I kept walking. “If this scared filly wished to follow me, then let her” I thought. I came up to a small pond and decided to sit for a while. The Pegasus still followed me. She walked up to me and began poking me on my back. I still ignored her.

“Umm, Mr., are you alright?” She asked kindly.

I hesitated for a moment but decided to answer. “No… Not in the least bit.”

She came up next to me and asked me for a name. I looked at her and told her I had no such thing.

“How can you not have a name… And you still haven’t gotten your cutie mark?”

She seemed concerned. I stared at the water, and said “I guess… You can call me no name.”

She looked at me while I frowned. For a moment, I fell silent. The sound of silence always seemed to sooth me. The Pegasus grabbed hold of my arm and hugged it. While she tenderly held onto me, she said “I’ve found that a hug can make anything better.”

She was so kind to me even though I tried to push her away. Finally I said “Kindness is something that can make any pony feels better. It sometimes is good to know there are such kind ponies like you in this world.”

I left her with the animals to play together. I wondered around the lands and a cyan Pegasus flew right above my head. She stopped in midflight, swooped down to my location and landed with amazing balance.

“Have you seen a filly with pink hair?” She asked. She had a rainbow mane that shined in the light. I didn’t answer at first.

“She’s a weak flyer, and is extremely shy.” She stated.

I told her that the friend she was seeking was up ahead. She thanked me and stopped, turned back to me and asked “What’s your name?”

“No name” I told her.

“That’s a strange name. You mean to say you don’t have a name?” She asked.

“Yes, and I don’t have a cutie mark either.” I said knowing she would ask about it.

She looked at my flank with wide eyes. “But how is that even possible? No name AND no cutie mark?”

I laughed a bit and said “I get that reaction a lot.”

“Well, if you need any help finding your destiny, your good friend Rainbow Dash is here! That’s me.”
I looked at her with a confused look on my face. “Friend… What’s that?”

She looked at me as if I said something bad. “You don’t know what a friend is? A friend is some pony who helps you and cares about you and makes you happy. Get the picture? Always be loyal to your friends and they will be loyal to you!”

I hadn’t heard about loyalty in a long time. I looked at her with a frown. “I have never had a friend, nor do I intend to. You should catch up with your friend before she wonders too far away.”

I was anything but loyal. I had run away and bit the hand that once fed me. Loyalty wasn’t my strong point.
Rainbow Dash flew up and stopped me in my tracks. “Now you wait just a minute! Loyalty is the thing that keeps friends close together. I don’t know who you think you are, but I know I’m going to stay loyal to my friends new and old.”

She strut past me with her head held high and finished this statement. “You should do the same.”

Feeling sadder than ever, I now knew what she meant... But it was also clear that she knew this better than any pony.

I walked to a mountain that seemed to have a trail leading around it. I decided to travel up the mountain. After a minute or so, I came across a young unicorn with a well groomed coat and mane. She was using her magic to lift a whole heap of diamonds, jewels, emeralds and other shiny gems down the mountain but was struggling under the weight. I walked up to her and asked her if I could help. She saw I had a bag big enough to fit some of the diamonds in it and carry them down. She put some of them in my bag, and thanked me for the help.

“By the way, I didn’t catch your name.” She said smiling.

“No name.” I said gloomily.

“You mean to tell me you haven’t a name or a cutie make? I feel bad for you.”

I sighed and said “Don’t be. I’m work on getting my mark. I don’t need sympathy.”

She frowned at this statement but continued with small talk.

“It really is quite generous of you to help me with this.” She said. “I’m using them in costumes for a play and if you hadn’t come along, I might not have had the time to put it all together.”

I looked at her as we got into town. “Generosity is just common curiously taken to the next degree. I didn’t have to do this, but I felt compelled to do so. What kind of a mare would I be if I simply walked right by you when it was obvious you needed help.”

We arrived at her house and I gave her my load of diamonds. I was about to leave when she turned to me and said “wait! I wish to reward you for your time.”

I tried to tell her it wasn’t necessary but she didn’t listen. Bringing a few bits over, she said “here you go. There isn’t much, but it will help.” I refused and bid her goodbye. Just before leaving, I asked for her name. “Rarity.” She said.

I began to walk out when she magically lifted my bag and slipped an emerald in it without me noticing. I walked away from the city only to find myself in an apple orchard. Trees with ripe red and green apples surrounded me. I stopped to take a rest and picked up an apple to eat. The light shined through the leaves in the trees, and I began to feel rather sleepy. I laid my back down against the tree behind me and fell into a deep slumber.

The next morning I was rudely awakened by some young, orange filly hugging me by the waist! “Big Mac, Big Mac, I missed you!” She yelled as I sat up. She looked at my eyes with glee but after seeing I wasn’t the pony she thought I was, she shrieked and bounced off.

“Who in tarnation are you supposed to be?” She asked in terror.

I decided not to answer and laid back down to resume my nap. She became annoyed and said “Don’t ignore me!”

"I'm not. Im just laying here listening to some silly filly."

She became even more irritated and said “Don’t lie! You’re ignoring me, and that’s rude!”

“It’s no picnic waking up to some pony hugging you either.”

She sensed I was depressed about something more serious and asked for my name.

I looked at her and said “No name… And before you ask, I don’t know why I don’t have a cutie mark yet.”

She seemed calmer now. She walked up to me and asked why I didn’t have a name. “That’s because I never had a mother or father.” I stated harshly.

She accused me of lying once again but seeing me dart a look of anger at her, she knew I was being truthful.

“You know” I began. “Honesty is one of the things that makes me who I am. I’ve never lied in my life. If any pony lies, then they don’t understand what it is to be a respectable pony to others and themselves... Tell me, whats your name?"

She smiled and said "Applejack."

I looked at her and said "Your all right."

I got up and left her knowing she knew what I meant.

Strolling into town, I became very hungry. Looking in the bag to my left, I saw It was empty but looking in my right bag, I saw the gem rarity had left me. I smiled and traded it in for a total of five thousand bits! I got a five star meal and a new bag. I was passing by the train station and saw a sign that said the train was going to Canterlot. I had never been there and to get a ride would only take a fraction of my money. I decided to go but got the last class train car. First class was too pricy.

As I exited the station, I couldn’t help but to drop my jaw at the rich and lavish city. Stores on every corner and fancy ponies in all directions! They were far better looking than me by miles. I decided to get myself cleaned up. I entered a salon and ordered the works. You would not believe the wondrous treatment they gave me. It was pure heaven as they spiffed me up. As I exited, I felt like a new stallion! My coat almost seemed to glow in the sunlight. My mane was softer than a cloud, and it felt like I was accepted by society. I checked how much money I had left. It was Just enough for some meals and a trip through the palace. As I entered, the guards seemed to give me looks of suspicion. I decided to look at the garden and found a young, purple mane and coat filly reading a book.

“Well hi.” She said happily noticing my presence. “It’s Nice to see a new face around here.”

I smiled and asked what this young girl was doing.

“I’m practicing my magic for the princess.” She said. “I’m trying to levitate that stick over there and attach it to that tree.” she pointer to a tree with a missing branch. She put the book down and made her horn glow. The branch glowed to and levitated up to the tree but it wouldn’t reattach itself. It fell to the ground and she pouted.

“What did I do wrong?” She asked herself.

“Maybe you’re trying too hard.” I suggested. “There’s a saying… Work smarter, not harder!”

She smiled and said “Maybe your right. I’ll try it again.” Once again the horn and the branch glowed. The branch went up to the tree and attached itself perfectly this time! She cheered and thanked me for the advice.

I smiled and said “I’m no unicorn but I know that magic is easier than it looks. If you focus long enough, you can perform any spell without any trouble.”

She smiled and asked for my name and for the sixth time in a week, I told a young filly that I had no name and no cutie mark. She smiled and said “I bet Princess Celestia can help you with this!” It’s not like I had a choice as she begged me to see her.

I entered the throne room and stood in awe of how beautiful and magnificent the room was. Giant pillars ascending to the roof stood side by side. A red carpet led strait to the throne of the princess, and a giant stained glass window of the sun and the moon could plainly be seen behind the throne! Princess Celestia sat on her throne looking peaceful and serene. The young filly walked up to her while I stood about three yards away.

“Princess Celestia!” the young pony said.

“Ah, Twilight Sparkle, How’s my new student doing?” the princess greeted.

“This pony, he hasn’t a name and what’s worse is he doesn’t have a cutie mark!”

The princess looked at me and ceased smiling. Her eyes were beginning to curl onto the look of anger and disappointment.

“Do you think you could help him out?” Twilight asked.

“Go to your room Twilight.” She said sternly.

“Huh?” Twilight asked looking confused.

“Do as I say, please.” The princess said not daring to take her eyes off me.

“… Ok. But, please help him.” Twilight said as she entered a door to the right of me.

The princess looked furious. Had I done something wrong? And if I did, then what did I do?

She stood up and slowly walked towards me. Her head lowered itself to my mane and smelled it. Then, she backed away from me and screamed at the top of her lungs “GUARDS!!!”

They entered and circled around me with sharp spears pointed at my neck! I didn’t dare speak as sweat formed on my head. Princess Celestia circled me and her guards while chanting something that I didn’t understand at all.

“And so, the son will come to you bearing the name of nothingness and missing his mark. Hair of white and the smell of chaos, He is my son and will act as my body when the time comes… I would recognize that smell anywhere!” She had made a complete circle around us and the guards moved from left to right letting her enter the circle. "You never should have entered this place." She continued. "You think I would be so idiotic as to not recognize who you are?”

By then, I was shaking. I didn’t know what she was saying as this odd turn of events unfolded before me. She walked to the left and opened the door that could be found directly across from the one Twilight had entered.

“Follow me.” She commanded.

I didn’t move an inch until one of the guards said “MOVE” in a threatening voice.

I crept up to the door and was followed by the guards. “Leave us.” The princess ordered and they left. As I walked down the dim stares that were only lit with candles, I could feel the back hairs of my mane stand up as it became colder and gloomier. The princess didn’t speak a word as we ventured deep down the circular stares. We came to a door and she opened it with her magic. I felt a cold shiver all over my body as I entered and the door was shut behind us. It was a dungeon with a sword siting on a shelf. I turned to Celestia and got the worst look she had given me thus far. Her horn lit up and I saw the sword pass by my now glistening with sweat face.

“You are charged with the possible power to destroy this world. Punishable by death.” She stated coldly. “Are there any last words you wish to say?”

I couldn’t find the courage to speak. Thoughts ran through my head like “I’m innocent. I’ve don’t nothing to deserve this. What are you talking about? Please spare me your highness!” But nothing came out. I was choked up. Silence was my one and only answer at the time.

“So be it” she said frowning and staring into my worried eyes. “I’m sorry it had to be like this… But if I let you live, it could mean the end for us all!”

Tears shed from my eyes as she prepared to take my life by putting the sharp tip up to my chest. It pricked me and some drops of blood dripped from my chest and onto the cold cement floor. Finally, I don’t know why but I accepted my fate by saying “If this is what you wish, princess, then let my life be yours for the taking.”

Her mouth dropped ajar and hesitated on allowing the sword from entering my shivering body. “You aren’t going to fight back, my subject?”

“Why try” I began. “I have traveled far and wide in search for my destiny but now… I know I have no destiny. My fate is to die here... For reasons I have no idea what they could be. But they must be legit if you must perform the deed.”

The sword shook and she considered my predicament.

She decided to put the sword down and question me. “Who… Is your father?”

With tears still running down my face and mixing in with the drops of blood on the floor, I said “I haven’t one.”

“Who… Are your parents?”

“I was adopted by a farmer named Jack…" I said as I remembered the painful days on the farm. "He put me to work in the fields. He never loved me. So I ran away from home in search for my cutie mark… But I never found it. Please your majesty, I mean you no harm… I am truly sorry.”

She then began to cry as well. The tears ran slowly down her face as she began to apologize. “I am sorry… I had no idea. I thought you knew who you were… I thought you were the bringer of destruction! I thought… oh, I am such a fool to think this.”

She walked up to me and wrapped her arms around my body.

“I… oh… I don’t know what had gotten into me." She continued. "I should have known something wasn't right when you hadn’t tried to escape. Please… Oh, please forgive me!”

The feeling of her apologize to me was indescribable. “I forgive you. But why was I supposed to die?”
I asked as I looked into her eyes.

“I’ll explain later… so, you’ve never had a mother?” she asked with concern.

“No… I haven’t… I bet it would be nice to have one.”

She stroked my white mane to try and calm me. As the next few words left her mouth, I couldn’t help but start to cry even harder.

“Would… would you like it if I adopted you?”

The words seemed to repeat in my head like a broken record player. Tears left my eyes, and though I tried, they wouldn’t stop. Finally, I was able to conjure the one single word that seemed like it would never leave my lips. “Yes!”

We had been in that dungeon for what seemed like hours. Emotions ran its toll, and it felt great to exit the darkness.

As light hit my face, I could barely walk. We had been under there sobbing so much; I needed to adjust to the brightness of the throne room once again. Following the princess, I found my mind reeling with questions that would have to wait till tomorrow. She led me to my own room that was just down the hall from hers. It was a big room with a balcony. The bed looked so elegant and the room had its own bathroom. I was going to need some time before even getting use to this.

I turned to her and said in a trembling and quirky voice “Thank you princess, thank you!”

She stopped me by putting her hoof to my lips and said sweetly “Call me mom or mother from now on.”