Fallout Equestria: Shaping Shadow - Book 1

Chapters

Chapter 2 - Harvest
Chapter 3 - Canning and Jamming
Chapter 4 - Options
Chapter 5 - Obligations
Chapter 6 - Breaking Point
Chapter 7 - Filly Foolers
Chapter 8 - Autumn Arrives
Chapter 9 - Marble Falls
Chapter 10 - Duty
Chapter 11 - Up and Down
Chapter 12 - Aerial Combat
Chapter 13 - Practicums
Chapter 14 - Final Pieces
Chapter 15 - Graduation
Chapter 16 - Request
Chapter 17 - The Next Step
Chapter 18 - School
Chapter 19 - Letters
Chapter 20 - Focus
Chapter 21 - Flying
Chapter 22 - Crowd Control
Chapter 23 - Leave
Chapter 24 - Family
Chapter 25 - Heritage
Chapter 26 - Finals
Chapter 27 - Family Stories
Chapter 28 - Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow
First Intermission
Prologue
Chapter 1 - Home

Chapter 2 - Harvest

Shadow did all he could to help pull in the parsnip harvest. It was actual work in the fields, pulling the parsnips up. He was way behind. They took it row by row, each pegasus pulling their own cart and each had their own row. Most of them were moving four times faster than Shadow, but they left him alone to complete his row.

Shadow was not backing down. They most certainly needed him. It was just his family helping. Early Blossom and Cherry Tart were welcomed with open arms. Shadow worked through the lunch break. He had set his will to do all he could. He may not have strength, but he had endurance, and plenty of it from the acrobatics.

Cherry Tart brought him water and a apple tart at lunch time when it became apparent he wasn't stopping.

“Thanks,” Shadow said smiling.

“Don't mention it,” She said. “You know, your resolve has made an impression on all of them. Slow, but not a quitter. You taking it all in stride just like them. Speed doesn't matter. An extra set of hooves working as hard as possible does. It means a lot to them due to the lack of available hooves. They can see you. You are not getting lost in the crowd.”

Shadow finished the apple tart before she had finished speaking. He also drank the water before responding.

“Thanks Cherry Tart. And thanks for letting me know what they think.”

“No problem Shadow,” Cherry Tart smiled. “And please, call me Tart, like the other night. You have earned that right. Only you and Blossom can call me Tart, my family calls me Cherry. Though it seems like everyone calls you Shadow.”

“Yeah, it has always been Shadow. I was always introduced as just Shadow. The Flare is befitting, especially with my contrasting mane, but its just not...”

“It's flamboyant, not something you can pull off. Shadow just fits more,” Cherry Tart finished.

“Exactly,” Shadow responded. “Lunar, Spice and Dream are all family shortenings, but stay in the family. Blossom makes more sense than Early for all sorts of reason.”

Cherry Tart blushed. “Yeah, no one is supposed to know.”

“Your secret is safe with me Tart,” Shadow said.

“For the record,” Cherry Tart began. “Nothing happened at your house.”

“I figured,” Shadow responded. “The mood was tense for the most part. Sleep was the only option.”

“It was funny to hear your Dad yell at Spice. How did he know?”

Shadow explained what he had gone through and rigged up.

“You are smart,” Cherry Tart said.

“Yeah, well, you have to be with my sisters, except for Dream. And now Blossom.”

“Funny how a little kindness can go a long way,” Cherry Tart stated.

Shadow dropped a parsnip into his cart. “It is.”

Cherry Tart laughed. “I should stop distracting you.”

“Thanks again Tart,” Shadow said.

It was a nice break, as short as it was. And it was even better talking with Cherry Tart. She was family, but outside and saw things differently.

He set his mind to work again. Sky Breaker said power came from form, not strength. He had not had time to go and see him, but if he was right, then Shadow was going to work his hardest. Training would not be easy. Any advantage he could gain was an advantage.

It wasn't long before the others went back to work. They were much further along than him. But Shadow trudged on. By the end of the day, he had not only finished the row he had started, but he had gotten a third of his second row done.

Dinner was served there at the farm as it always was. It didn't matter how many ponies came to help with the harvest, the farm always provided a light lunch and a good, solid dinner. It was the proper, considerate thing to do for their helpers. Reciprocity was the rule out here.

What would have normally taken a day or two to harvest took six days. There were seventeen barns being overhauled, and several farms were left without anypony to help harvesting. By the end, Shadow was keeping up with the others. He even was breaking for lunch. The others were tired, but Shadow, as tired and sore as he was, still had the endurance to keep going.

It left them two days before the cherry harvest. Shadow decided to spend it with Early Blossom and Cherry Tart. There was plenty of work needed to be done to prepare for their harvest. They could not have done it without Shadow's help.

“I am finally becoming of some worth to the community,” Shadow thought with pride. “Even if it starts with small ways. It can grow bigger.”

At dinner the night before harvest he spoke out, seeking advice. “I am finally beginning to be of worth in the community, and showing I am a capable, hard worker. Slow, but hard. I am reconsidering staying around.”

“Why,” Early Blossom raised her eyebrow. “Finally beginning to make a place in the community doesn't meant you should not at least pursue the idea of joining.”

“I think its a wonderful idea Shadow,” Cherry Tart smiled. “You should at least talk to Sky Breaker. I may not have known him, but from what Blossom has told me, I think it is a good idea to talk to someone so influential in your life.”

“I guess you are right,” Shadow sighed. “Just because things are up right now, doesn't mean they will stay that way.”

“If you don't get accepted you can always join us here,” Early Blossom offered. “This farm is a handful. Besides, we could name it 'Outcast Farm.'”

They all openly laughed.

“Well, if I do not find the Enclave to be for me, or if I don't get accepted, I would love to move in with you.”

He was grateful for Blossom and Tart's generosity. Blossom's laugh finally fit how Shadow saw her.

“It is going to be another long harvest,” Tart said worried. “I hopefully have three days of lunch tarts made. And even with my family and your's, it will take a while. I am afraid three days won't be enough.”

“When is your family coming in?” Shadow asked.

“Any moment now. It is a miracle they are coming. I don't think anypony else joined them. We all know how harvests are. In fact, they might have had to leave with the harvest unfinished. The community would finish it, but still...”

“It's tough when you have to abandon your farm and have the others harvest it,” Blossom said putting her hoof on Cherry Tart’s.

“I didn't realize they were coming in tonight,” Shadow stated shocked. “If you need the bedroom, I can sleep anywhere.”

“Nonsense!” Cherry Tart said. “The bed is yours. It is a slim chance, but you might have to share the room. But we bought it for you and you will not give it up.”

“Thanks,” Shadow said.

“No need to thank us,” Early Blossom chirped. “You are my brother. Besides, you have more than earned it if we were keeping track.”

Early Blossom laughed. Shadow just smiled.

“Buck up Shadow,” Cherry Tart said. “Don't look down. Keep that head held high. You need to have more confidence in yourself. You may not fit in like others, but you are worth more than you think.”

“She was kind, yet firm.” Shadow thought. “A good teacher. That was something nopony had been to me once Dad stopped teaching me acrobatics.”

“Tart is right Shadow. You are the reason we are ready for the harvest. And you are more valuable and loved than your realize. Dream loves you. Dad is proud of you as a son, and mom loves you as well. Mom and Dad may not know what you are going to do, but neither do you. Your world is open. Lunar and Spice, you can't let them get to you. I know how they got to me. You are destined for more than farming in my opinion. And I am learning to forgive them and move past their control of me because of you.”

Shadow never had time to respond because of the knock at the door. Cherry Tart's family was here. Cherry Tart went to open the door and Early Blossom smiled at Shadow.

“Now is the time you can get a new, fresh start. A rare chance,” Early Blossom encouraged him.

The house got loud as everypony came in. Cherry Tart's family never had never met Early Blossom and had never even made it this far over since they were leagues to the East. A complete contrast to Shadow's family. There were ponies of all ages and sizes coming into the house.

Cherry Tart stood next to Early Blossom to do the introductions.

“Everyone, this is Early Blossom and her brother, Shadow Flare.”

There was her father, Red, her mother, Yellow and Grandma Cherry Tart, who Tart obviously got her name from. Her sister was Diamond Dawn. Her brother Stump Crusher was newly married to Silver Sun, something Cherry Tart didn't know about. Her brother Big Red was alone. His wife, Sweet Cherry, had to help her family Harvest. Cherry Tart's little brother Lex was there as well.

Bronze Bell, Parsley Green, and their Son, Lightning Storm were a big surprise. Bronze Bell was from the Farm across the way. The two farms were old family. He and Stump Crusher grew up together and were like brothers. His family was all Stallions. Bronze would not be missed in the harvest between everypony helping there.

“How was the harvest?” Cherry Tart immediately asked after the introductions.

“Wonderful dear,” Yellow said.

“We finished,” Red said. “Well ahead of schedule. The community helped more than usual so we could leave to help you.”

“In the old days,” Grandma Cherry Tart began. “We didn't cross the district to help ponies. We lived close by.”

“Grandma, you were the only who suggested we send someone west to start a new farm,” Cherry said. “That is why Early Blossom and I are so thankful you all could make it for our first harvest. We definitely need the help. Nopony in town accepts this farm yet. And even if they did, nopony knows how to deal with fruit trees, or fruit of any kind.”

“Hmmm, well we still didn’t. Prove your commitment and approval will come!” Grandma Cherry Tart exclaimed.

“We brought all the carts, barrels and equipment we could carry,” Red said. “Flying it all the way took longer than expected.”

“I know,” Cherry Tart responded. “It is a trip. It is very appreciated.”

“Most of them we will leave for you. You need a proper stock and you know how many we have. We also brought cots,” Red said.

“Thanks Dad. We could use the equipment. And cots will be a very welcome help It is just out bed and Shadow’s,” Cherry Tart began.

She had a lot to say. Shadow just got to stand there and look good. Look like Shadow Flare.

“Lex, you have grow a lot this year! And Bronze, it is wonderful to see you and Parsley again. And Lighting Storm has grown big.”

“BIG ENOUGH TO HELP!” Lighting storm yelled jumping up.

They all laughed.

Bronze made sure he started before anypony else. “Cherry, your family is mine. You are like a sister. Of course we came. It is an honor to travel so far to help you. Ponies may not approve or understand, but they recognize the dedication to go so far to help.”

The family broke into conversation centered around Early Blossom and meeting her. Except for Diamond Dawn, who came over to Shadow Flare.

“Shadow Flare,” She said sized him up. They were the same size and she would most likely have a good growth spurt or two.

“Your name is that of a Stallion, but you look like a mare,” Diamond Dawn stated.

“Well, what I lack in strength, I make up for in speed and agility,” Shadow responded.

“Either way, you are cute. Tiny things are cute.”

Shadow was taken aback. Nopony had said that to him before.

He stammered out a “Thanks.”

With his tongue untwisted he continued. “I have never had anyone call me cute before.”

“Their loss,” Diamond Dawn said.

Stump Crusher and Silver Sun greeted Shadow, ending Diamond's flirting for now.

“Early Blossom says you are the only stallion from your farm,” Stump Crusher started.

“Yeah, I am. Three older sisters and then one younger. Early Blossom is just a year older than me.”

“What do you farm over here?” Silver Sun asked.

“Most of them are parsnips farms, but a lot of hay, and a handful of wheat farmers are within a day's flight. My family grows the only turnips in the area. The first in the area a long time ago, a Homestead.” Shadow answered.

“Homestead carries great weight. Means larger land too,” Stump Crusher said.

“Four times larger,” Shadow said with pride for once. “My oldest sister, Lunar Harvest, married a strong stallion Buck. He is a huge help with the farm.”

“A long time ago, there was the original cherry farm in our area. But between brothers, it was split up to make things easier for harvesting and inheritance. Ours is one of them, same with Red's. All four of them are still considered Homesteads.”

“Buck has the inheritance of the farm, and he certainly has a knack for turnip growing. You will meet them all tomorrow.”

“We look forward to meeting the rest of Early Blossom's and your family,” Silver Sun said.

“I know they are looking forward to meeting all of you as well,” Shadow smiled. “Well, most of them.”

“Oh?” Silver Sun asked.

Shadow regretted the comment immediately. “Nothing big. Just Lunar Harvest and Spice Cake are not the most social. Some grumbling will probably happen, when you can't see it. Lunar especially is not, how to put it, approving of Early Blossom and Cherry Tart. She will never show it to their face in front of others.”

“Don't worry Shadow Flare,” Stump Crusher hesitated. “Its not all that approving in our family. We don't all, know what to say or think about it. Especially since none of us had any idea. But Cherry is family.”

“Yeah, she is family,” Shadow nodded. “And I have the feeling both of our families have the same feelings about the two of them. We were just as shocked as you were.”

The all smiled in understanding.

“It sounds crowded at your family's farm, are you living here?” Silver Sun said.

“Sort of,” Shadow said before he explained the going ons in the community.

“Wow,” Stump Crusher said. “Unfortunate, but the harvest is in.”

“That is what matters,” Shadow said. “Cherry Tart and Early Blossom were not expressly invited, but they were welcomed with open hooves on the first day. We hope that Buck's family will join us in the harvest. Buck's family is old friends. Our dad's go a long way back. They say before they were born.”

“I hope so too,” Stump Crusher sighed exhausted. “It is what is best for the community.”

Shadow was elated. He was actually respected here, despite his size. Ponies were actually talking to him and cared what he had to say. Diamond Dawn was flirting with him all evening. They were the same age. Shadow did his best to be kind, but he never had never flirted before. Anypony listening would find it a very awkward conversation on his end.

Things calmed down as the night grew late. Red was the one who called for the night to end, even though there was so much more they had to say and talk about. For now, they had more than enough rooms. Cherry Tart had gone over the top when it came to the number of bedrooms.

Grandma Cherry Tart was adamant about not leaving the comfy chair that she had occupied all evening. She had tested it out with some napping throughout the evening.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rain Jubilee was loud when it came to gathering the family together. Loud and commanding. And everypony knew Lance backed her, even if he was just as tired and annoyed as everypony else. As they were eating breakfast, a knock came on the door. It was Rift. He had slipped out early to join them in helping Early Blossom and Cherry Tart.

Lance smiled and nodded his head in silent approval as Rift walked through the door. Unfortunately that meant neither of them caught Lunar's scowl. Buck caught it and called her out.

“Your family welcomed me with open arm's Lunar. Show Rift the same respect. Especially since he isn’t here to appease anypony. He genuinely wants to.”

Lunar silently dropped her head in shape.

Spice was excited to see Rift. She hadn't seen him since Early Blossom and Cherry Tart had spent the night.

Not to long later, a knock came again. It was Buck's family. All of them ready to join them in helping bring in the cherry harvest. They were warmly welcomed. Buck's father was Black Sky, but Black was all he ever needed to go by since a young colt. His mother was Golden Harvest. Buck's brother and sister in law had to stay and take care of a few things on the farm. They were going to check up on Lance's farm as well.

The road to the cherry farm passed the local schoolhouse which doubled as the community meeting house when those time arose. It was also considered the 'town.'

“Hey Lance, Black and Buck,” Maple Tree greeted them as they reached the it. “Glad you are joining us today. We were not sure if you had heard or not. It is a last minute meeting after all.”

Lanced raised and eyebrow. “We didn't know about the meeting. We are off to help my daughter, Early Blossom, and Cherry Tart bring in their first cherry harvest.”

“Oh,” was the only response he got.

“Are you joining them too Black?” Black just nodded sternly. His mind had been made up the week before.

Buck's father was an old and big, strong pegasus. He was well respected in the community and needed to speak little words. Buck was a spitting image of his father. It was Buck who sternly spoke up.

“Helping them is what is right for the community. They helped bring in our parsnip harvest, and deserve our respect and help. We are a community. Enough said.”

With that, Buck moved on and the rest followed him. Buck's words would definitely be brought up at the meeting. He proved to Maple Tree that he had his father’s backbone and mind. And that he should be respected as such.

When they finally reached the cherry farm, most of Cherry Tart's family was already in the fields, not working, but looking over the harvest and checking out the trees. They all came back when the bell was rung and then began the mass and chaotic introductions among themselves.

Diamond Dawn stayed out of the fray and instead joined Shadow on the side. “Your family is certainly something. All your older sisters are definitely better built than you, but no where are good looking as you.” She said that as she circled behind him, her hoof gliding across his shoulders. Shadow blushed, he had no idea what else to say.

Diamond's hoof was put to his lips. She was in front of him now. She leaned in and whispered, “We should slip out and have some fun in between the cherry trees later.” She didn't wait for a response. Instead she walked away as seductively as she could.

It took all of Shadow's might to not let his mind wander to where she wanted it to go. He took his mind back to acrobatics, keeping the wings tucked in close to his body. Nothing lose. Concentration and reaction to the next, highly variable terrain. He just wanted to help.

A little while later Cherry Tart came over to Shadow. “Don't pay her any attention. She is a big flirt. I don't think there is a colt or young stallion back home who she hasn't flirted with.”

“Just one big tease then,” Shadow said.

“I wish. This time she means it. Probably just to spite Blossom and I. Please don't entertain her.”

“I won't Tart. Community law be damned! I wont do it for you,” Shadow said.

The city might be different, but out here, swearing was something done very rarely, and generally frowned upon. It was unbecoming.

Cherry Tart smiled and was immediately called away to take charge of the harvest. It didn't take long. Cherry Tart had it well planned out. Grandma Cherry Tart just sat in a cloud rocking chair, making her comments like Cherry Tart had expected.

The fillies and colts were excited to make new friends, and excited to remove the cherry stems. It would not last long, but their early enthusiasm was infectious.

“What about Shadow Flare?” Red asked.

“Shadow Flare is going to be our sorter so the little ones can focus on just removing the stems. His agility and mental speed is unmatched,” Cherry Tart said.

Shadow smiled as the attention was put on him. Cherry Tart's family embraced it easily. It really was an important task. A fast sorter for such a mundane task was rare and respected. Shadow thought his Dad stood a bit taller with the acceptance that Cherry Tart's family had for Shadow's role.

Cherry Tart's family was teaching the others to buck properly. They had a lot to learn about cherry harvesting. They were getting better and the harvest was moving steadily. Shadow was only behind by a few baskets. And even then, his heart was only half in it.

By lunch time, the learning curve was over. Cherry Tart had only enough tarts for the day. She had underestimated the amount of ponies helping. The three families were getting along well and everything was going off without a hitch.

After lunch, Chery Tart, Yellow and Rain Jubilee retired to the kitchen to begin dinner, and prepare lunch for tomorrow.

Shadow had to pick up his speed now that the harvest was moving a lot faster. But it was fun work. And it was nice to be doing something of special value with the harvest. The young ones were bored and moving slowly at removing the stems. Shadow smiled at their lack of enthusiasm. It was completely different than in the morning. Even Catcher was bored.

As the day ended and everypony dragged in from the trees, Grandma Cherry Tart woke up and was overjoyed at how fast Shadow had worked. “Just like the best sorters in the good old days!” She exclaimed.

The decision was made to spend the night. It took them three hours to fly there this morning and would only set them behind for tomorrow. Besides, everypony found it more fun.

Despite four families staying at the farm, they had enough rooms since Grandma Cherry Tart was sleeping in the chair. The only change was Lex and Lightning having to pair up to free the room up for rift. They found it more fun.

Dream Catcher caught Diamond Dawn unaware in her room.

“Don't even think that I am going to let you get anywhere near my brother,” Dream Catcher said coldly to a stunned Diamond Dawn.

Diamond Dawn tried to play it off but Dream Catcher was better than her.

Her tone was spot on to make her point. A very sharp point. “No excuse, I have seen you make moves on my brother all day. I have also seen his reaction. I know my brother way better than you think. You are just out to tick your sister off by doing things 'right.'”

Shadow had come at just the right moment to hear it all. He smiled to himself. She really was a sweet, kind pony. She really did love him. Any mare Shadow wanted to marry would have to pass Dream Catcher's scrutiny. It would be tougher than their dad's.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The next day brought a surprise. They were beginning to start harvesting again when five of the older Stallions and their oldest sons approached, with their own carts. They were lead by Maple Leaf.

“None of us are used to cherry harvesting. We are simple ground cloud farmers. But we decided as a community, that we should at least send a few ponies your way to help.”

Cherry Tart smiled and greeted them by name. “My Father and brothers will show you the ropes. It is not hard at all.”

She ran the brief introductions, including what they each farmed. Cherry Tart had not joked around when it came to learning the community.

“Yep,” Red said. “It is not hard at all on our end. The young ones have the boring job of removing the stems, at least until we join them at the end. Shadow Flare is the most critical point. A good sorter is needed, especially when there are a lot of ponies bringing the harvest in. Usually you have to put several on the task.”

“He is just like the best sorters in the good old days!” Grandma Cherry Tart exclaimed for all to hear.

Shadow was beaming. For the first time, ponies were building him up, with real meaning behind every word they said.

By mid morning, Shadow was beginning to be really backed up with the sorting so Diamond Dawn was sent to him as reinforcements. Diamond tried flirting with Shadow, but got hit in the head by a bad cherry flung by Dream Catcher. Early Blossom, who was dropping off a filled basket, laughed. It only annoyed Diamond Dawn even more.

“Oh take it easy Diamond Dawn,” Early Blossom said. “We all have seen you flirting with him. I am guessing that Dream Catcher cut you off and made sure where you two stood. She looks up to Shadow as a hero and loves him. Gaining her approval is going to take a lot more than that.”

“Oh, Dream, what do you think of me moving in and helping out here with Early Blossom and Cherry Tart?” Shadow asked.

Shadow got hit in the middle of his forehead, right between his eyes with a bad cherry. Dream Catcher was a perfect shot. Early Blossom's laugh was like sweet honey.

“What do you think?” Dream Catcher said sarcastically.

“Umm… That is why I asked you?” Shadow shot back.

Dream Catcher took a second to think. “It would be a good move. I would still love you, despite you abandoning me, no matter where you are or what you are doing. Setting up with Early Blossom would remove you from under Lunar's and Spice's hooves. And since you two made up, it is a wonderful idea.”

Dream Catcher's voice relaxed to that lazy, friendly tone they all loved. “Find that special somepony, not Diamond Dawn next to you.” She pegged Diamond Dawn right between the eyes with another bad cherry as she said her name.

Diamond was getting irritated.

“Relax Diamond,” Shadow said nudging her with his elbow. “It's no big deal. After all, we are brother and sister in laws. Family. And family likes to peg each other with the bad cherries every so often.”

With that Shadow swiftly used his wing to roll a bad cherry from his stash up his wing and launched it from his wing. It slammed into Dream Catcher's head, right above her left eye. It didn't bounce off like the ones Dream Catcher had thrown. It splattered all over her head, leaving cherry juice to drip down her face which was set in a frown.

“Not only a good sorter, but a great shot!” Grandma Cherry Tart exclaimed. They all laughed except a still sore Diamond Dawn. Grandma Cherry Tart actually got out of her cloud rocking chair and came over.

She tapped Diamond dawn on the shoulder. “Now Diamond, turn that frown upside down. It's harvest time. A time of friendship, family and care. We all know your game. When I was a filly, there was a colt I flirted with, just to annoy my parents. Buck up, take it in stride and laugh. Its supposed to be a fun time.”

Diamond Dawn actually smiled at her grandmother. “Yes Grandma. I will.”

“Good, now back to sorting and stemming, all of you!” Grandma Cherry Tart said, moving back to her chair.

Shadow continued to sort, but he hesitated to ask a question. He finally worked up the nerve. “Grandma Cherry Tart, obviously Cherry Tart was named after you, but is it a family name?”

“Just call me Grandma deary. And yes, it goes all the way back to before the great war. The old cloud farming families keep records of their offspring and who inherits the Homestead. All of us older families, like yours, could probably map out a good half of the farming ponies and their relations to each other over the years.”

“I checked the records before we came. This is not the first time out two Homesteads have married. Seven times over the 200 years they have married. They did them to strength both Homesteads and their worth in the Enclave. Each marriage was strong and loving despite being arranged. Like friends, a marriage fails when one side wants it to. Otherwise, they can be fought through anything.

“Now that is cool,” Shadow said. “Our father has hinted about keeping family records a few times. But not in that detail.”

They continued to sort and de-stem the cherries. The conversation was more light hearted, and everyone was enjoying a good time. Lunch came and went and so did dinner. Plenty to eat, and the stallions were making quite a discussion about farming across the district. Shadow was even part of their conversation.

They sent their guest's along their way, each with two cherry pies. The harvest was almost done, so they told them not to return. Their help was extremely appreciated. It was a ways out and things needed to be done at their farms and other harvests closer. The barns were finally done.

It was a wonderful day in all. Most importantly, Cherry Tart was officially a part of the community, and her relationship with Early Blossom was fully accepted, as was their farm. Not understood, but accepted.

Bedtime was earlier than the day before. They wanted to finish with the trees early and then knock out sorting and de-stemming by the end of the day. After that, most of the cherries would be canned to preserve them for the coming year and the rest turned to jam. Shadow's family looked forward to learning that step in the harvest process. They were the closest family and would do the bulk of helping out Early Blossom and Cherry Tart. Next harvest Cherry Tart's family could be held up on their own farms.

Right before bed, Lance spoke up and with a joy that Shadow had never heard before. “Once the harvest is brought in, we ought to show you just how good Shadow Flare is at acrobatics.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Red said.

“I have heard about them, but never seen them myself,” Cherry Tart added.

“Well, then I better get to bed. I know you are not going to go easy on me Dad.”

“Nope. I'm going to test your limits every step of the way. You will hate me when I am done.”

The all laughed and began to get ready for bed.

“Its a good thing they have that spare bed for him, and only him,” Diamond Dawn said.

“Diamond, that isn't fare,” Red said. “Shadow was here helping before we arrived.

Grandma Cherry Tart pulled her blankets up tighter so she could sleep warmly. “Besides, the stallion is going to need it once he moves in here after we all leave.”

Everyone was silent and Lance turned his head to look at Shadow, a acquisitive look on his face.

“Really Shadow?” Rain Jubilee asked.

Cherry Tart hesitated. “We have discussed it, before family came. Grandma Tart is a bit ahead of things.”

“You know I am not!” Grandma Tart exclaimed.

“But it is a strong possibility,” Cherry Tart finished.

Shadow just smiled and shrugged. “I am off to bed. If Dad is going to throw me through an obstacle course tomorrow, I need all the rest I can get.”

Shadow ended things by getting up and heading upstairs. Everypony else followed suit.

In the hallway Spice Cake and Shadow crossed paths. “Shadow,” She said quietly stopping him. “I never... You are much better a stallion than you are given credit for. You really can do things. I am sorry I didn't see it sooner.”

Shadow smiled at Spice Cake. “Family. It happens. You are forgiven. You are my sister, how could I not?”

“Well, for one I would terrorize your room at night.”

“Ha, and then I rigged my room so Dad knew when you had made a move.”

“So that is how dad knew!”

“You have not been the nicest over the years, but I learned a lot from you early on. And besides, I have been learning more and more what family means, as well as forgiveness. Now only Lunar is left to make up with.”

“That one would be interesting.”

“I know. Goodnight Spice.”

They went their separate ways to bed.

The soft glow of a single candle was all Shadow had to get into bed.

A soft knock came at his door.

“Come in,” Shadow whispered.

Cherry Tart came, followed by Early Blossom.

“Grandma really has taken a liking to you Shadow,” Cherry Tart stated.

“Grandma also had fun today, didn't she Blossom,” Shadow said. A quick recap of their time sorting was given and all three snickered.

“She seems to have no care about you two,” Shadow said. “The others…”

“Its still foreign to them,” Cherry Tart chuckled. “We may be accepted, by both of our families, and now the community, but the bedroom is still something they won't get. But Grandma may be the most outspoken about supporting us, but she will be the last to ever talk about the bedroom.”

“I still can't believe Grandma is so frank,” Shadow said. “It's one thing to talk about the good old days an compare them to, but to tell everyone I was moving here, before we had even officially settled on it. Or without us telling anypony... I never knew either our grandparents.”

“That is Grandma Tart,” Cherry Tart said laughing quietly. “Oh, Shadow, I heard your full name mostly all day, from your family as well. Even the others from town refereed to you by your full name.”

“Yeah, I noticed my dad add Flair when he brought up an obstacle course. And I don't think anypony in the surrounding area has ever called me anything but Shadow.”

“That is a nice and good for you Shadow. Its like you are growing up,” Early Blossom said.

“Only three years late,” Shadow stated. Nopony could see the smile on his face, but the smile still held old pain. That would take time to let go. Each change would slowly remove more and more.

“Well, better now then never,” Early Blossom said.

“I agree sis.”

“Now that is a new one,” Early blossom giggled. “I have never even heard you call Dream that. But it sounds right.”

“Well…” Shadow began, unsure what to say. “Sis just feels right. You are only a year older than me, and I am three years older than Dream. Besides, we have our own secret nicknames for each other.”

“Yeah, Spice is two years older than me, and Lunar four. They never have been… anything but older siblings. I did used to go to Spice when I was afraid in the night, but only for a short time.”

“Mean older siblings for most of it sadly.”

“You broke that streak though,” Early Blossom said.

“And it is time for me to break the talking streak tonight,” Shadow said finding that perfect spot in the bed.

The door softly closed and Shadow blew out the candle.

Chapter 3 - Canning and Jamming

Chapter 3 - Canning And Jamming

Shadow rolled out of the bed. It was early, but later than the two days before. Shadow stepped out of his room to quiet. He moved down the hall to Early Blossom's and Cherry Tart's room. He knocked softly on the door.

“Come,” Cherry Tart groaned.

Shadow slipped inside.

“Shadow...” Early Blossom said.

“Its getting late. Sun has been up an hour.”

Early Blossom was the first to sit up. “Well… I guess we need to join it.”

Cherry tart finally sat up. Early Blossom gave her a quick peck on the cheek, in front of Shadow. None of them batted an eye at the gesture.

“Come on, lets get the others up,” Shadow said.

The smell of breakfast being made greeted them as they left the room. That was not there when Shadow had walked down the hall. It turned out it was all of the parents. And they were enjoying their morning, talking quietly about their young ones and not so young ones.

“How long have you been up?” Cherry Tart yawned.

“For a while now,” Lance said.

“We got up on time, the rest of you are late,” Red said.

None of the stallions were actually cooking. They were just staying out of the way of their wives and drinking tea.

“Well we are up now,” Early Blossom rubbed her eye.

“I don't feel like waking the others quite yet,” Cherry Tart groaned.

“By lunch the rest of the cherries will be in. With all of us working on sorting and stemming, it will be a relaxing evening before we begin canning and jamming tomorrow,” Red stated.

Shadow, Early Blossom and Cherry Tart were served breakfast. The others had already eaten. Cherry Tart went to wake up everypony else when Grandma Cherry Tart came into the kitchen.

“Those boys are fast asleep still. Stallions rise first,” She said with disapproval. Her mood immediately improved with breakfast in front of her. “Now you were raised right. Up early and making breakfast.”

The upstairs became noisy as the others were getting in the way of each other.

“It is nice to have a large house and hear it filled with ponies and laughter,” Grandma Cherry Tart said. “An awfully big house for you two, let alone anypony.”

She was silenced as the others came in to get breakfast.

The harvest was in sooner than expected, and lunch was a ways off, so they all relaxed. Lance began setting up the obstacle course for Shadow. He was silently chuckling to himself as he walked away. It was a rather mean obstacle course he had planned. It would test Shadow beyond his limits.

“Dad isn't going to be nice,” Dream Catcher warned

“I know,” Shadow said, obviously a bit worried. “Even when he first started, he pushed my limits. I failed a lot early on.”

“But you haven't failed in a while,” Dream Catcher shot back.

“But dad hasn't fully set up a course for me in a long time,” Shadow bounced back.

“Well I think we all are looking forward to it, even if you fail. I know I am,” Red said.

“Back in the good old days,” Grandma Cherry Tart began, “Anypony with talent would put on a show. It was a fun way to finish the harvest before canning and jamming. You will do fine youngin.”

Shadow smiled. Their enthusiasm and support made a huge difference in his outlook.

It didn't take to long before Lance came back. “Ready Shadow?”

“Now or never,” Shadow said, his face set in concentration.

They all went over to the course. Lance had even set up a siting area with perfect view of the course. Shadow's jaw dropped. This was not going to be fun. It would require such precision to navigate the course, and only had three definitive break points.

He thought back to what Sky Breaker had said. “Speed, Power and Agility,” and that “Power is based in form, not strength.”

There were long jumps, vaults, side walls and every platform was short. He would have to always be moving, leaping, rolling and flipping to complete this course. There would be little time to plan anything, he would have to react and only stay one step ahead of himself. There was little to see ahead of him.

“Ready Shadow Flare?” Lanced asked him again.

“Never better than now,” Shadow smiled.

“I want to remind everyone,” Lance announced. “This is a no wings obstacle course.”

Shadow took his spot on the starting cloud. The bottom level was all clouds with only a few small hurdles before the wall came where he would have to vault off to the next level. He took off, gaining speed but conserving his energy. The hurdles were so low his stride was more than enough to clear them without a second thought.

He vaulted off the wall, just barely seeing that the next thing was a duck. He pulled his rear into his chest and pushed off the wall with his forelegs. He slid backwards on his stomach under the obstacle and immediately back flipped over the next hurdle. As he landed he twisted so he could do a front flip over the next hurdle and roll under the next low hang.

Coming out of the roll he had two strides before he had to vault over three hurdles that were over a drop. As he got to the end of the jump, he rolled to set himself up to vault off the wall. He landed the vault on his forelegs in a hoofstand. He took a second to set up for the next step. It was a low hurdle right against a very short ledge.

Shadow gingerly rolled his stomach over the low hurdle. His hind hooves were barely on the hoof wide edge, and a long jump was behind him. The jump also had a ceiling, forcing him to go low and long. A very difficult maneuver. He dung his hind hooves into the side of the edge as he turned to face the jump. With all the power and determination he had in him, Shadow sent himself flying across the jump. He spun sideways in the middle so his rear hooves would connected with the next platform.

He landed the jump and immediately did a back twist so he landed in the same spot, but facing the rest of the level of the course. That was the second rest of the three he would get. It wasn't a difficult ending to the level, just a few narrow clouds across a wide chasm. It just took the right rhythm.

The vault off the next wall was the toughest he had ever faced. He had to jump high enough to grab monkey bars. They were also set up with rungs far apart. He landed, griping the first one with his front hooves. This was the third and final rest, and it was not much of one. Hanging took its toll.

He began to swing back and fourth, using his abs to drive each swing. Form, meant power. From there he let go, almost floating between the bars. His rear hooves caught and curled around the next bar. Shadow let the momentum take him as he continued to swing in the flips across the six bars.

From the last swig he was immediately at the next wall to vault up to the final level of the course. There was no platform to land on, rather he had to land on an angled cloud. The center was a long gap that ran almost all the way to the end. Alternating on either side of the gap were platforms.

Shadow didn't miss a beat as he skipped back and fourth. Each platform had a stepper angle until the last six were perfectly straight. He drove his hind hooves into the sixty degree angled platform under him and he bounded back and fourth along the tops of each of the perpendicular walls. Each time he lost height. The last one he almost didn't make the platform.

His strong abdominal muscles pulled him into a handstand so he could bend over in a bridge spanning the last hurdle before he had to jump over a hurdle higher that he had ever jumped. His legs were aching and he was out of breath. But there was no stopping. He wasn't even thinking, just reacting to the next obstacle.

Like so many other milestones, last jump felt like the world slowed as he reached for the stars. He slid his forelegs over the hurdle, then bent his head over and brought his hind quarters straight up into a mid air hoofstand. And mid air it was. He had failed to catch the ending of the course. He had to drop the entire height before handling the final two obstacles: A small hurdle and then a small duck to jump a few feet up to the ending platform.

It was entirely possible his father had adjusted the course's end once he started. Shadow adjusted himself in mid fall so his back was to the finish. He was falling fast. He rolled on the landing to dissipate the energy from the fall and slipped right over the hurdle and fell into a sideways roll under last duck. Out of the sideways role he transitioned to jump up to the finish platform. Shadow didn't just jump. He jumped high and lazily did a front flipped to land on all four hooves.

Shadow's heart was beating so fast and loud, he couldn't hear the cheers from the others. His whole body was on fire from the great feats he had just accomplished. There wasn't a moment to stop and think the entire time. Just reaction after reaction.

Of course, he was actually thinking and planning his next move, but it was at such a fast paced, subconscious level it almost wasn't a real thought. Thinking stopped you as you evaluated the next move. What he had just done was so second natured to him. It was something few could do in history. And probably none in the entire Enclave could do.

It was his father who brought him back to reality as he hugged Shadow. “Well done son. Well done. I gave it my all, and there is no way to top what you just did. Purely second nature. You learned well. I am happy I fostered the obstacle courses with you from the beginning.”

“Thanks Dad. I am glad you did too. I can't even believe what I just did,” Shadow smiled back. “I know you changed the end of the course. You had to. I wouldn't have missed that.”

“Good catch, but like I expected, you responded perfectly,” Lance said beaming.

“I hurt, all of me,” Shadow said. Both of them just grinned at each other for a few seconds until the others pulled Shadow away to answer questions and praise him.

“Now not even in the good old days did we have anypony as talented as you!” Grandma Cherry Tart said when the noise had quieted down. “And no wings! Just perfect,” She finished.

Dream Catcher had been attached to him in an eternal hug as soon as Shadow had gotten off the finish platform. And she was not letting go anytime soon. Even Lunar softened and said, “I have to admit, you impressed me Shadow. I never knew my little brother had that talent.”

Lunch was served early, and it never had felt as good as it did today. Shadow drank tons of water. He needed it all. His body ached and would for the next few days.

Grandma Cherry Tart mixed up some herbs and spices from the garden to ease Shadow's sore muscles. “There deary. That always helped me after an extra long and hard day's work.”

“Shadow Flare looks stronger, more like a good farming Stallion,” Red stated during lunch.

“Thanks, Father Red,” Shadow smiled.

“Father Red was my Father, just Red,” Red replied.

“His name was actually Father Red,” Yellow chuckled. “No joke.”

Shadow sighed and fell on his back. “I hurt all over. I am not going to be a fast sorter today.”

Everyone laughed.

“Don't worry Shadow,” Cherry Tart said. “Lots of hooves means it gets done faster than you would think.”

Sorting did move faster than Shadow expected. It was relaxing and fun. They talked about all sorts of things. Diamond Dawn was actually fun to talk to, since she was no longer aggressively flirting with Shadow. She was very impressed with his feats today and actually was interested in him, for him. The first filly to be interested in Shadow. Dream Catcher didn't say a word. It was all good in her eyes for now and only because Diamond Dawn's priorities were straight.

About mid afternoon, Dream Catcher, over at the foal bucket where they were still destemming the cherries, shot a bad cherry at Shadow. He caught it out of the corner of his eye and leaned to the side. His wing was curved and ready. The cherry rolled intact from the top to the bottom where he launched it right back her with a flip of a single feather.

Unfortunately, Dream Catcher was prepared and dodged it. The cherry slammed into the back of the head of Lunar Harvest. She just sat there in shock, cherry juice soaking into her mane and back of her neck, with her mouth opened slightly. It was Buck who began to laugh first.

“It's NOT funny Buck!” She yelled.

“Actually it is,” He laughed back. “You didn't see all that happened behind you before it came flying at your head.”

“Relax Lunar,” Spice Cake said.

It was Spice Cake, Buck, Lunar Harvest and Rift at the bucket sorting. “It was an accident.”

A cherry slammed into Buck and Spice Cake's head.

“Darn it Shadow!” Dream Catcher said, cherry dripping down her face. “No fair. You can fire off multiple cherries with your agile wings.”

“Ha!” Shadow gloated. “Sorry Spice and Buck. Had to make sure she got hit. Dream can dodge.”

Buck began to laugh as he wiped the cherry from his face. “I saw.” He said. “I guess I better begin my own stash of bad cherries.”

“I'm actually surprised that its been this calm,” Cherry Tart said. “Sorting Cherries...” She never finished. Red had hit her square in the face.

“Been waiting all day to do that,” Red said. “Nothing better to do with bad cherries than strategically pelt each other with them. Its usually basket against basket.”

“Ah, now I get who you guys are sitting like you are,” Shadow said. “Your bucket has tactical advantage over everypony else's.”

“Just don't get out of hand and make me get up and break it up!” Grandma Cherry Tart said. They all laughed heartedly. It was a fun relaxing afternoon of sorting, stemming and strategically flinging. No one was spared by the end of the day, and everything was ready for the next day.

They all had to quickly shower to clean up. The married couples doubled up to conserve water. Shadow had taken the brunt of the assaults. He was the best at dodging and returning fire, so they made sure he was hit as many times as possible.

Dinner was the most relaxed it had been. Shadow really began to see Cherry Tart as a sister, like Early Blossom. He would really enjoy living here. It would mean hard work taking care of the new farm. He had never shied away from hard labor. That was life on a farm. No matter who you were and what you could do, you worked hard. It was finding you place that was not always easy.

At bed time, Shadow met them at their room, before Early Blossom and Cherry Tart came in. When they closed the door, Shadow spoke up. “If I don't join up, I would enjoy living here. And if I do, then I will enjoy my time here.”

“Yeah, you will be a great edition to the farm, no matter how long you are here,” Early Blossom said.

“After that show today, I think the Enclave would be much better off having you than us,” Cherry Tart smiled in the candlelight.

“Thanks you two.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Shadow,” Cherry Tart called as Shadow entered the kitchen. “I heard you pop and crack inside your room as I walked by. Are you okay?”

Shadow turned his head side to side, the cracking was extremely loud. It accentuated everything perfectly.

“Yeah. I just need to loosen up a bit.”

Shadow sat down with the others to eat.

“This is the first year we will have cherries in the Market,” Lance said. “The Market will be in seven weeks, if you want to join us all.”

“Wish we could, but our Market is the same time,” Red said.

“Makes sense,” Lance replied.

“I can't wait for the Market,” Rain Jubilee said. “Rumor has it that several apple farms are coming to El Nino to trade. Apples in the pantry is an amazing treat!”

Market day was also a day to get supplies and sell their pantry food to the city folks, who also wanted to diversify their food supplies. Enclave redistribution system ensured that nopony went hungry by evenly distributing the food ponies would need to survive, but plenty did what they could to bring in fresh choices.

“I wonder how much the other farming districts are taxed?” Red said. “Sixty percent leaves more than enough for us, but I always wonder.”

“I never thought about it,” Lance said. “Turnips are not the most popular around here. Its mostly the travelers who come to buy less farmed items, like turnips.”

“Next year, we should exchange stocks. Turnips would sell fast.”

“It would flood your daughter's cherry monopoly, and water down her prices,” Lance stated. “Obviously a bad idea. However, I think bringing turnips to your Market is a profitable idea. You said there are a lot of carrot farmers near you. We could use fresher carrots.”

“Much better idea,” Red said.

“Alright! Everyone assemble!” Grandma Cherry Tart ordered. The canning and jamming processes was her field. She led it as if they were soldiers in her army attacking the enemy cherry forces.

“For the newcomers,” She started. “All the cherries have to be washed, pitted and then dried outside. Wings will be used for drying. We will rotate out dryers. Then we will take three quarters of the cherries, of each color, and can them to preserve them. The last quarter we will mash up and make jam. You know, with plenty left over fresh because nothing beats fresh cherries. We brought plenty of supplies to can and jam, and Cherry Tart and Early Blossom have a remarkable stock already.”

“Taxation is split. Fifty percent of the cans will go to taxation, ten percent of the jams will go to taxation. Jam is more valuable than Cherries. You have to work the system. Jam takes three times the cherries than what goes in the cans. The Enclave only counts total number of cans. We get to select what we give them, so long as it totals sixty percent.”

With that, they began to work. It was a lot more work than the day before. Shadow made an excellent dryer. He had the wing endurance and blew the widest pattern, far beyond the others. Grandma Cherry Tart, Cherry Tart, and Yellow selected what cherries were to be jammed. Jam was only as good as the worst cherry in it. They taught Rain Jubilee and Golden Harvest the ropes as well. Of course, they chose the best of the lot for the cans they were keeping. The less desirable cherries went to be taxed.

They had a unique and quiet system to distinguish what was taxed and what was saved. The jars were sealed with red war for the tax, and black for the cans they were keeping. They also put a wax stamp on the jars to identify the farm it came from. Cherry Tart's family had brought a special sealed for the new farm. It was the Homestead's seal, but slightly different to show it came from their western farm.

“Jams look good to the Enclave,” Yellow said. “They are smart enough recognize their value. It makes it easier to put the taxation in our favor. It means they do not have to have ponies work to make cherry jam for their shelves. Cherry Tart knows how to work the system. They are otherwise dumb when it comes to cherries.”

“We do something similar with the turnips,” Rain Jubilee said. “There are no differences, except size. We tag them in groups of fives, and five to a sack. The smaller ones to the tax, we keep the larger ones, with just enough large ones spread out so nopony questions anything.”

“I think all farms do what they can to work the tax in their favor,” Rift said as he was on break from drying. “We do the same on our farm. We leave much more of the chafe on our wheat that we give to the tax than what we keep. It gets weighed in our favor.”

“My family bags the parsnips like the turnips,” Buck said. “I agree with Rift. All farms do what they can to survive better and keep the best food in their Pantries.” With that, Buck switched places with Shadow.

Grandma Cherry Tart had to force Shadow out of rotation because he was just trucking without realizing it. And at a better pace than the others could keep up. “You worked too hard yesterday, and your bones sound like mine! Time to quit before it gets worse and you look like me at your age! Although I do look remarkably well for my age.”

The others were all outside drying the last of the cherries when Grandma Cherry Tart spoke up to Yellow, Rain Jubilee, Golden Harvest and Cherry Tart.

“That Shadow, he has grown up a lot these few days. I reckon also the last few weeks. He looks weak, but he is stronger than any stallion I have known. He reminds me of my father. Small, hard working and stubborn. When he set his mind to something, it was set in stone. No matter how long it took. They don't make em like Shadow there often. He is going to make a big difference in the world.”

“I know my son is special,” Rain Jubilee sighed. “But Lance and I have no idea what or where he should go. He doesn't belong at the farm, even with Cherry and Blossom.”

“He will find his way Rain,” Yellow assured her.

“Agreed. Shadow is like a brother to me,” Cherry Tart added. “But he is going to go places other than the farm. As much as Blossom and I would love him to be here.”

“You always need a stallion at a farm,” Grandma Cherry Tart bluntly stated.

“Grandma!” Cherry Tart had rosy cheeks.

“Oh hush,” Grandma Cherry Tart waved her off. “You made your choice. So long as you two stick together, that is all that matters to me. Same as your parents. Heck, I said the same thing to both of your brothers at the alter. Before they said their vows and tied the knot.”

“You two have tied the knot right?” Yellow questioned.

“Yes mom. We did, in El Nino,” Cherry Tart groaned.

“You know,” Rain Jubilee ventured. “Early Blossom has always been elusive to how you two met. I gave up trying to get it out of her.”

“Well, there is not much to tell. I had left the farm, at everypony’s approval, with the best cherry pits and headed west. Just trying to find somepony to settle down with. Or at least start a farm on my own. Early Blossom just happened to be in the right place and right time to show me to El Nino. I was close to your farm, so obviously, way off my mark.”

“I remember that night she didn't come home,” Rain Jubilee replied. “She zipped in said she was going to show a traveler to town. When she got back later the next day, all she said was she got them to El Nino, and they paid for her dinner and room for the night.”

“Well, I paid for her dinner. As for the room, she stayed with me. We had already hit it off on the way to El Nino and at dinner.”

“And then a few days later we had to send somepony to El Nino for a supplies run,” Rain Jubilee said connecting the dots.

“We knew somepony was coming back and was going to be spending the night. One thing led to another and we decided to start a farm out on the outskirts together. Your farm is crowded as it is. It all happened really fast. But those few days apart were not lacking in that special spark for both of us.”

“That is really fast,” Yellow aagreed.

They were all hearing this for the first time.

“We actually got married after she got the supplies for you. Shopping first. Then I began to get the farm in order while she went home,” Cherry Tart explained. “It took a few days for paperwork and then the building team was a whole other ordeal. I was only at the farm a little over a week before she came. The barn was built by the surrounding families, who welcomed me as a new farmer. Before Early Blossom came and then they had no idea what to do.”

“So mom, you finally got a straight answer,” Early Blossom said coming in. “Well?”

Rain Jubilee took a second to answer. “It was fast and sudden for everypony, but you two look to be doing fine together. And I think Grandma Cherry Tart is right. So long as you stick together, you have our approval. Same approval as we have for Buck, and probably Rift here. He asked Lance a few days back. We are just waiting for him to ask Spice.”

The conversation immediately switched to Rift proposing to Spice. Especially details about the ceremony. Things were done quite differently between families.

“Shadow! Take a break!” Grandma Cherry Tart suddenly yelled out. Shadow transitioned out with Lance. “That stallion. I don't know a single mare who deserves him. Whoever he will find, it will be a very special mare.”

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The canning and jamming was done, but Cherry Tart's family was not leaving until the morning. Everypony else decided to spend the night as well. It was a rare chance to have the families together and they decided it was not just for the best but the most fun. A tough harvest always meant they deserved some fun.

They were all lounging in the family room, chatting back and forth.

“Shadow,” Buck called. “You really out did us all today drying. No hoof for farming, but you are way more useful than you look and the community gives you credit for.”

Shadow smiled sheepishly. “Thanks Buck. That means a lot.”

“Head up, chest out,” Cherry Tart ordered. “I told you to buck up and be more confident. You look bigger and make a more handsome stallion that way too.”

The room erupted in agreement. “We may not have always recognized it as best as we should have,” Lance admitted. “But you really have a special place in our family and on the farm. The community is missing out on how helpful you can be.”

Red followed up. “Make sure the community adds Flare to your name. You deserve to take your name back, and reserve Shadow for only those close to you.”

“Well, in that case,” Shadow began, “I definitely want all of you to call me Shadow. Family gets that right.”

Lex, Lighting Storm and Dream Catcher was asleep on the floor. Diamond Dawn was almost asleep and leaning her head on his shoulder. Shadow had no problem with her leaning against him, he had sat next to her.

“Now Red,” Grandma Cherry Tart as she began to reiterate some of her earlier talk with the mares.

Shadow drifted off to sleep, his head on Diamond Dawn's, for a while. The candles were low when they finally went to bed. Most single ponies had fallen asleep.

“Oh, sorry,” Diamond Dawn blushed when they were woken up.

“Ha, my head was on your's Diamond Dawn,” Shadow yawned. “No worries.”

“Just call me Diamond,” Diamond Dawn yawned back.

“Thanks Diamond,” Shadow murmured.

They all headed their respective ways to bed.

“Tart, I can't believe my mom got you to tell her how we happened,” Early Blossom sniffed.

“Bad time,” Shadow said from right behind them. “Now I need to know.”

Early Blossom put her head in her hooves out of frustration.

“I'm sorry,” Cherry Tart whispered. “Grandma started it all. Talking about Shadow, and then about commitment, and then I was backed into a corner by all of them.”

Cherry Tart grabbed Shadow and pulled him into their room before continue.

“I kept it short and without much detail,” Cherry Tart grinned. “But I think Shadow deserves to know it all, don't you Early?”

Early Blossom added smiled and nodded her head. “Definitely. After all, he calls you Tart, and he knows you call me Early, he gets all the special details.”

“Not what I was going for,” Shadow gulped. “Besides, I thought the idea was to not terrorize siblings.”

“This isn't terrorizing you, yet.” Cherry Tart asserted. “We could really terrorize you if we wanted to.”

“Yeah,” Blossom teased. “We could start having fun.”

Shadow plopped onto his back. “Lets get this started.”

They blew the candles out and began. At the end, all Shadow had to say was, “Wow.”

“When you know, you know,” Early Blossom giggled.

“Its not like we were looking for each other. It just, happens sometimes,” Cherry Tart said. “Grandma always told me that. She never told anypony else that. She also said that its a commitment. Approval is made by the commitment. If that fails, it all falls to disapproval, every moment.”

“I think you fell asleep Shadow,” Early Blossom yawned. “But I know she said it tonight about you.”

“She did in the kitchen,” Cherry Tart confirmed. “Its how this all got started.”

“And this is how I get started to going to sleep,” Shadow said quietly leaving their room.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In the morning, while all of them were getting ready to leave, Grandma Cheery Tart pulled Shadow aside. They stepped out of the house away from all the noise. “You are a special stallion Shadow Flare.”

She faced him and put her old front hooves on Shadow's shoulders. “I know you have heard me say it a few times, but listen to your heart. You will know her when you meet her. She will be a mare you don't have to work to understand, and one who feels exactly like you. I bet neither of you will have dated anypony else. I have seen it few times over my life. You are more special than every other pony I have met. When you meet, it will move fast. Approval is earned by commitment. Commit and hold and the approval will come. Never let that commitment leave your mind. And make sure it never leaves her mind. You are going to do well. You are going to make a huge difference in the world. I have no idea what, but your type doesn't come alone often. Whoever you will find, she will be a very special mare.”

“Thank you Grandma,” Shadow hugged her. “And you can rest assured it will be a mare.”

“I always share the approval and commitment talk to all new couples, but I don't tell just anypony about finding the one, mind you. Only those who are above the norm, like Cherry Tart. She proved that early on and it is why she was the one we sent out to found this farm.”

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Thank you all, for coming and helping with our first harvest!” Cherry Tart said bringing out a round of applause. “I know you all have farms to get back to. Some are definitely closer than others, but either way, thank you for your sacrifice. And safe travels, from our farm, to yours.”

Goodbyes were said on all sides. Family was discovered these past few days. And lasting relationships were made.

“Before everyone heads their way,” Rift spoke up. “We combined two families, around Early Blossom and Cherry Tart's farm. Well, I want to make that even more.” He turned to Spice Cake, “Spice Cake, would you give me the honor of marrying me?”

“YES!” Spice Cake exclaimed, throwing herself at him

“Now you two,” Grandma Cherry Tart said beginning her lesson about approval and commitment. It was only after Grandma Cherry Tart had finished and asked them both a lot of questions that she nodded her head and they were all off.

“Blossom, Tart, I am going to head home and gather my things. I will be back soon to help you two straighten up,” Shadow said.

“Alright Shadow,” Early Blossom replied. “See you soon.”

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As Shadow was leaving his family, his mother kissed him on the cheek and his father wished him well. Dream Catcher was hugging him the entire time.

“I will miss you. But go live your life, like you should be,” Dream Catcher sniffed.

Shadow kissed Catcher goodbye. Lunar Harvest said goodbye, an unexpected surprise, and Buck wished him well also. Spice was off at Rift's home, breaking the news to his parents.

“We all are going out separate ways,” Shadow stated. He was unsure as to what else to say.

“Its good and natural,” Lance encouraged. “But we are still family.”

“And that is why I will be back for the Harvest in four weeks.”

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By the time Shadow got back to Cherry Tart and Early Blossom, they had everything in order and were just lounged in the family room. Dinner was the left over tarts from lunch.

“Wow, it seems so empty,” Shadow marveled.

They agreed with Shadow.

“Has to be worse for you Tart. I have Shadow and my family close by.”

“Early, I walked away from my family. In a good way. I left to take our legacy to a new place. Besides, they are not all gone. Grandma gave me a copy of the Homestead book to leave with this farm.”

“Wow,” Early Blossom blinked. “That is special.”

“Well,” Cherry Tart hesitated, “Technically this is a Homestead, not a farm. When I acquired this place, my seeds and the copy of my heritage made it classified as a Homestead. We have four times as much land as we have harvested. I have not had time to show most of it to you.”

“Awesome,” Shadow piped up. “I don't know of a Homestead being established anywhere in this district since the great war. And that is what Grandma Tart meant by you being special.”

“I am shocked,” Early Blossom said. “Why didn't you tell me before?”

“Well, I decided to wait until after the first harvest, because it was already a daunting task getting this all started with what we had. Four times bigger? You and I can't sustain that yet. Our trees are only a year old. They grew fast and yielded well, but its stretching it right now.”

“And it's okay to grow into the land. I didn't know how the community would be about it. Tomorrow I will show both of you the land. I need to survey it all again and make sure the tree markers are growing strong.”

“So,” Shadow suggested. “Outcast Homestead, not Outcast Farm.”

They all laughed. Shadow enjoyed the different feeling. It was nice to be away from his parents. Living with his sister wasn't weird. It was a piece of home. Besides, it would probably not be long before he headed out. It was a lot to take in and he had not had the time over the past week to process all the changes.

“Not tomorrow since we will be surveying, but the next day, I will head into El Nino to talk to Sky Breaker,” Shadow declared. “Need anything?”

“Sounds like a good plan,” Early Blossom affirmed.

“Thanks Shadow, but I think we are good,” Cherry Tart thought. “Besides, Market is only a few more weeks away.”

“Well then, I am heading to bed,” Shadow yawned.

“You know you are set up close to our room,” Cherry Tart insinuated, a mischievous look on her face.

“And you don't know how loud she can get,” Early Blossom joined in, the same look on her face.

Shadow rolled his eyes. “And you are called Early by Tart for a reason. I know.”

They smiled and Shadow went off to bed.

Early Blossom laid her head onto Cherry Tart's head. “I like the house with somepony else in it.”

“I know Early. It is nice. Shadow is wonderful and fun.”

“I am going to miss him.”

“Yeah. There is no way he won't be accepted by the Enclave.”

“He is the piece that was missing from this house since we started here. He will always have a place here.”

“Absolutely. Always.”

“Now lets go to bed. I am too tired to do anything but sleep.”

“You are not the only one.”

Chapter 4 - Options

Chapter 4 - Options and Obligations

Shadow finally touched hooves in El Nino. He left at dawn and it was almost mid day. It was a long flight and would be a long day. He had no idea how long he would talk to Sky Breaker. He had enough bits for lunch, dinner and a stay at the local hostel, but he didn't want to use it. He may not be meant for the farms, but he was a farming pony. Bits were rare and used sparingly.

Shadow also had no idea where the recruiting office was. He had only been in town for Market days. He looked for the closest shop and entered it. It was a boutique.

“Hello Dear!” A friendly voice called. A mare stepped out from behind a rack of dresses. “Welcome to Rarity's Gems. How can I help you.”

“Sorry to bother you,” Shadow said.

“Oh, but it is no bother at all. I am always happy to help anypony. I think I have the perfect dress for you for the upcoming ball.”

“Ball?” Shadow asked, ignoring her mistaking him for a mare.

The mare took a second look at Shadow. “Oh, you must be from out of town. How silly of me. What can I do for you.”

“I am from the farms Ma'am. Took me all morning to get here,” Shadow said.

“My my, you must be tired.”

Shadow shrugged. “Not really. But I am hoping you can direct me to the Enclave Recruiting office.”

“Have you been here for Market before?”

“Several times,” Shadow nodded.

“Good. It is on the corner of Main street and 1st Street West. Mark sure you go to the West, not 1st Street East. The park where the Market happens is the dividing line for this block style city.”

“Thank you,” Shadow said.

“Oh it is no bother,” She smiled. “Just remember 'Rarity's Gems' if you ever are looking for that special gown.”

“I certainly will,” Shadow said smiling.

It was not hard to find the recruiting office with the directions given. He knew enough of the city to easily make it to the Market place. And from there, it was east to spot the Enclave Recruiting Office. Flags were waving, the entire corner of the building was painted with their colors and symbols.

Shadow stepped into the cozy office. It had three desks, but only one was being used. Sky Breaker was sitting at it, with a young colt across from him filling out paperwork.

Sky Breaker stopped what he was doing and looked up. “Hey Shadow! I was wondering when you would finally be able to slip into town.”

“Had to pull in a parsnip harvest basically alone, and then my sister, Early Blossom, cherry harvest right after that.”

“I heard about them.” Sky Breaker said. He had to stop talking and go back to work with the colt. Shadow took a seat while they finished up. It didn't take much time for them to fill out the paperwork.

“Alright Flash , I will send this off. Either way I will personally deliver their response. It will come in a sealed envelope. I won't know their decision and only you can receive it from me. It will take about two weeks.”

Flash left and Shadow walked over to Sky Breaker.

“Glad to see you Shadow,” Sky Breaker said smiling. “It's time for my lunch break, come on, my treat.”

“Thanks,” Shadow said following Sky Breaker out. Sky Breaker locked the door. The sign on the door listed the hours. 9am-12pm & 1pm-6pm, M-F. Unless otherwise posted.

“Plenty of time to yourself,” Shadow marveled.

“Definitely. And if we had another recruiter, we would have somepony here everyday.”

They walked the streets. Sky Breaker obviously knew where he was going, Shadow followed him, lagging a bit behind.

“It is all so foreign,” Shadow said.

Sky Breaker laughed. “I know. Market doesn't prepare you for actually being in the city, and El Nino is really small. No buildings over three stories tall. Wait until you see a real city like Los Pegasus. Farming to Enclave is a huge transition.”

“I figured,” Shadow replied.

They stopped at a deli and sat down outside. It was a nice day. It didn't take long before the server came over. “Hey Sky Breaker,” She chirped. It was a sweet voice. “Who is with you today?”

“Crepuscule, meet Shadow Flare. He is an old friend, from before I joined the Enclave.”

“Hello,” Shadow smiled. “Nice to meet you.”

“You as well,” Crepuscule smiled back.

“I am assuming its the usual for you Sky?”

“Of course. But wait to put it in until Shadow orders.”

“Alright, I will be back shortly. Just water for you Shadow, or something else?”

“Water please. It was a long flight in.”

In the end, Shadow chose the Shaved Melody. A bunch of vegetables and fruits shaved up and put into a sandwich. It was the same as Sky Breaker.

“You come here often?” Shadow asked.

“Yeah, at least twice a week,” Sky Breaker said. He took a sip of water before continuing. “Crepuscule is something isn't she?”

“Sky Breaking, are you saying what I think you are saying?” Shadow whispered as he leaned in.

“Nothing official, but I just happened to have the definitive game changer handed to me last night. And just call me Sky.”

“Well, I hope it goes well for you,” Shadow grinned.

“You will get to see shortly,” Sky said beaming. “But let's get back to business. When I saw you the other day. You looked like some of our Aerial Combat Units. I know Scout and Recon teams are rumored to be around. Recon with your size and agility would be a natural fit. We are talking highly competitive slots, but I think you have what it take to not only get one, but be top ten percent. I assume you are as good with your wings as you are without them?”

“I can fly for hours,” Shadow answered. “It isn't as easy to be acrobatic in the air. Ground, you have stops, walls and can turn faster. I have amazing abs. They are the strongest muscles on me. But I can sustain myself well enough in the air.”

“Well, you will probably have no problem with ground combat. In fact you probably will excel in it after the years of farming.”

“Besides, I don't know when to stop once I put my mind to something.”

“Good. I actually already have your papers all filled out, except for your signatures. That is how much confidence I have in you. I have a decent reputation in the Enclave. Nopegasus wants to head here because its kind of a dead spot to recruit from. So I am known for the risky move this early in my career. My name backing you will get you in for sure. From there it really is all up to you.”

“What about leadership, or mechanical?”

“Honestly, I doubt you would make it as a mechanic. Most mechanics go to a school as the grew up that teach them the cutting edge techniques. Our farm equipment is very different and very basic. But leadership… you are small but as long as you can back yourself, they will respect you. How far that will go I can not say. We have little charm out here compared to the big city pegasi. Respect is better than charm.”

“I rigged my room so my sister spice would stop terrorizing me at night. Set off an alarm in my parent's bedroom.”

“Now that is something the recon teams would find great use for.”

Shadow thought for a second. “What is the difference between them all?”

“Quite a bit. You get picked. You don't actually chose one over the other. Lets start at the base. Basic training. Everypegasus goes. It is 16 weeks long, you learn all you need to. Then it is to specialized school. Most head to Combat School. A more in depth and specialized school for soldiering, weapons qualifications and policing. Soldiers, light troopers and law enforcement go there. Law enforcement continue on to another school after.”

“Aerial Combat School is for aerial squads that focus all their training on tactics from the air. Dogfighting, strafing, bombing and other close air support roles for soldiers. It is kept very quiet and limited spots. The Wonderbolts fall into that category.”

“Technical School is for mechanics, engineers and scientist. Field Medics go to a separate training and work with Enclave Doctors and hospitals if they are not in the field. Officer School is another training that can be done if you prove you can be trusted with command.”

“Scout and Recon have existed. Rumors say they were not disbanded as the official record says. I do not know of an actual school either went to. The may very well send you to Aerial Combat School to start.”

“The difference between them though, Recon actually lands on the ground and work within the designated area, whatever the specific job is. Scouts don't touch down. They fly high and pay attention over a larger area, or play aerial support for recon when necessary. When they were official a few years ago, recon was hard to make, but very few want it. Both are hard jobs and not desired by many, despite the prestige. Recon is more prestigious and significantly more dangerous.”

“We have lost quite a few recon teams shortly before I joined, and there were not many to start. That is why they were officially disbanded. Unless the rumors are true.”

“We never hear about that,” Shadow puzzled.

“Of course not. The Enclave keeps it quiet. Besides, most of them are from the cities. Us farming pegasi don't join often. The cities have schools that parents send their fillies and colts to that train them for Enclave roles.”

“And they afford that how?”

“The cities are driven more in commerce and luxury. I use luxury loosely because us farming pegasi live very simple, quiet lives. I miss being on the farm. The bits our families keep, those precious bits, they would be laughed at. A Hundred bits is not that much. An Enclave officer makes five thousand bits a year. I am only a sergeant so I do not make anywhere near that, but I don't pay for food or boarding as a recruiter. I have a budget for that and my boarding is above the office.”

Crepuscule came with their food. “Here you two go,” she said sweetly.

“Crepuscule, fell free to decline answering,” Sky Breaker hesitated. “But how much do you make a year?”

“Oh, a bit over two thousand bits a year. Just enough to get by and live quietly.”

Shadow shook his head. “I have never seen more than two hundred bits. On a good Market day, my family will make upwards of that. That covers all the expenses for the year. Bags and ties are the normal expenses. But if a cart breaks, or other farming equipment, it can be disastrous financially.”

“That is why I convinced them to increase the sign on bonus for the farming pegasi in this district. It used to be two hundred bits, I got it raised to eight hundred. Just for this district sadly.”

Shadow sat there in shock.

Sky Breaker continued, “It is just for the farmers. Losing a set of hooves impacts the whole community. The money typically goes to family farm anyway.”

“I have no idea what to do with that many bits, other than give it to my family,” Shadow said.

“Isn't your farm a Homestead?” Sky Breaker asked.

“Yes, why?” Shadow answered.

“There is a Homestead bonus. I could not get it raised, but its an automatic two hundred bits. You are giving up linage for service. It is not treated lightly. That linage is a huge duty to the Enclave and Pegasus Race.”

“You leaving, it was pride, but a big loss,” Shadow admitted. “Bits can really never come close to compensating for the loss of a set of hooves to the community.”

Sky Breaker laughed. “I know. In a few days I am heading out to my parents to help them bring in their harvest. Family first.”

“Family first,” Shadow confirmed.

Crepuscule came back to th table. “It's ten till one Sky.”

“Thank you Crepuscule.” He gave her the bits owed and left her a tip.

“Before you go,” Sky Breaker spoke up. “Crepuscule, I have been given tickets to the upcoming ball. Would you be my date?”

Crepuscule smiled, “I would love that.” She blushed. “But what do you mean 'given tickets'? They are always bought.”

“The Mayor came by and handed them to me. I am their guest of honor and they want me to speak at the ball.”

“Wow,” Crepuscule sputtered.

“I know,” Sky Breaker said. “I was shocked too. But coming from right here, El Nino being my closest city, they find it an honor. I was able to get tickets for my family as well, so we won't exactly be alone.”

“That is more than fine,” She blushed. “Besides, I want to meet them. You have already meet mine.”

“Well they own this place. It wasn't hard to meet them,” Sky Breaker laughed.

“I will have to get a special dress for the night,” Crepuscule noted. “But you need to get back to the office. You will be late.”

“Rarity's Gems pointed me to the recruiting office when I got to town,” Shadow pitched. “I may not be from here, but it looks like a wonderful place for that special dress. Even though I was mistaken for a mare.”

Sky laughed along with Shadow.

“It is a marvelous boutique,” Crepuscule stated, unsure what else to say from the sales pitch.

“Alright Shadow, I may be the only recruiter, and in a small area with nopegasus coming to join up, but I do need to get back to my post,” Sky Breaker stood up.

Shadow followed suit. “It was wonderful to meet you Crepuscule.”

“The same to you Shadow Flare,” She smiled back.

Back at the office they sat at Sky Breaker's desk. Shadow was nervous. A different nervous than what he experience before an obstacle course, or anything else before. This was a big choice. On one hand, the community was beginning to find a place for his unique talents, but he still didn't fit in and was not sure he wanted to spend his whole life farming.

“Now, you won't get any sign up bonus until you are excepted. And of course there is no actual guarantee you will be accepted. And I have to hand deliver the sealed envelope with their choice personally to you, and your hooves alone. I will not know if you are accepted or not.”

“What about harvest?” Shadow asked.

“In this season, recruits do not go to training until three weeks after Market day.”

“What are the other seasons?”

“Just winter and summer. Summer happens a few weeks after all the planting is done. They did model things to fit in with the farms. Unless they open up more training times.”

“Okay,” Shadow nodded.

“I had that same nervous look that you have. The pit in your stomach at making such a huge transition in your life. You are only signing on for five years. Most stay on longer, but it is only five years. They do want your loyalty in ways you wont find out here. Out here we are the exception, they are the rule.”

Shadow took a deep breath in. “Let's do this. It has to be better than my current situation. I am going no where back home. This has to be what I was meant to do.”

“I think it is a wise choice,” Sky Breaker affirmed. “And I say that as an older stallion to a younger one. As a friend and as your hero. I do not say that as a recruiter.”

“Thanks Sky,” Shadow said shaking from the nerves.

Sky Breaker stepped him through all the paperwork, took his picture and prepared it all to go out through their computer system.

“It is getting late,” Sky Breaker said. “I have plenty of room upstairs if you want to spend the night. Two unused flats actually.”

“Thank you Sky,” Shadow said. “But I think the fly back will be good for me. Help me clear my head and process all you said.”

“Have a safe flight,” Sky Breaker bid him farwell.

Shadow stepped out of the recruiting office and breathed deeply. He has just made a big change in his life. And he knew there was no way of understanding all that he was getting into. It was all to foreign to him.

It was very late when he got back to Early Blossom and Cherry Tart's Homestead. There was no candles on when he got there. He slipped into house quietly and went to his room. As he got to his room he stopped. There was plenty of low noises coming from his sister's room at the end of the hall. They were obviously having fun. It probably had been over two weeks since they had been intimate with each other because of the harvests.

Shadow just quietly closed his door and laid down in bed. He was asleep almost instantly. They couldn't be heard from his room. The walls made a huge difference. This was a well build cloud house.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Some days it felt like dawn came too early, and on the days you needed more sleep, you woke up too early. Shadow was up first, so he began to make breakfast. He didn't hear the girls come down.

“Shadow,” Cherry Tart yawned. “You must have gotten back late. Why didn't you spend the night?”

“I needed the flight back to clear my head,” Shadow explained. “Besides, it wasn't that late. You two were still up.”

Both Early Blossom and Cherry Tart blushed.

“Relax you two. I live here now. That doesn't mean you should stop or hide it. Or be ashamed of it,” Shadow smiled. “And once you are in the bedrooms, nothing can be heard. Only in the hall.”

They both smiled back at Shadow.

“So, did you join up?” Early Blossom asked.

“I put in my application,” Shadow stated. “I wont know for a few weeks if I get accepted. Besides, the next training doesn't start until three weeks after Market.”

“Then you can work all the harvests,” Cherry Tart said happily.

“Yep,” Shadow beamed. “But harvest talks can come later. What needs doing around here?”

“Just the dishes now,” Early Blossom said. “It is really relaxed. Not much upkeep. The major issue is harvest.”

“After Market Day, I will step Early through surveying your land. And there should be a meeting tonight,” Cherry Tart added. “That should give us a place to help in the harvest.”

“Not much left to harvest out this far,” Shadow said. “Good intentions do not change the fact that we are just so far away.

“I know,” Cherry Tart admitted. “At least it will show that we want to help. That will make things easier for next year.”

“So what did you two do yesterday if there is nothing to do?” Shadow asked.

“Had lots of sex,” Early Blossom blurted.

“Everywhere but your bed,” Cherry Tart teased.

It probably was more true than actually teasing.

“I was going to inspect the cherry pits in a bit and pick out the best ones,” Cherry Tart informed Shadow. “And teach Early more about farming cherries. Especially tree care. Come with.”

“We could prepare the clouds to double our crop...” Early Blossom began. “… But we don't think its wise yet. Not until he have more hooves to help.”

“Any plans for that?” Shadow asked.

“Adoption?” Early Blossom said unsure. “But for starters we don't have anypony to adopt.”

“We explored that option over the summer,” Cherry Tart began. “But there really are not many orphans in the Enclave. If something does happen, family and friends immediately step in and take care of them. It is just not an opportunity.”

“We could get a donor,” Cherry tart continued. “Either randomly or chosen by us, to cover the other half. It is an option. Expensive and we would have to go to a Las Pegasus, but an option. One I am partial to except the price which will run thousands of bits to even start.”

“And we doubt anypony would join us as farm hooves except under dire circumstances. Too many other good farms available, and who has money to pay for help?” Early Blossom added.

“Which is why you are always welcome,” Cherry Tart smiled.

“Yeah, life without you here… well you complete this house,” Early Blossom blushed.

“Thanks you two,” Shadow said. “Minimum sign up time is five years. I know I am not really built for farming, but I will end up back here someday and relax, doing the good, hard labor that is in my blood.”

“You said relax and hard labor in the same sentence,” Cherry Tart giggled. “The sign of a real farming pony. No matter how old or what size.”

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sky Breaker touched down on the road and approached the house. Lance came around the side. He had seen Sky Breaker descend to land. It was amid afternoon.

“What brings you here?” Lance asked Sky Breaker as he walked up to him.

“Shadow Flare,” Sky Breaker said flatly. “Is he here?”

Sky Breaker was dressed in his uniform. It had been cleaned and pressed the night before so he could look his sharpest.

“No, he is with his sister, at the Homestead up the way.”

“Homestead?” Sky Breaker said confused. “You are the only Homestead in the area.”

“Yes. Our own Early Blossom married Cherry Tart,” Lance explained. “The two of them started a Homestead. Apparently, when Cherry Tart acquired the land, her family heritage and the seeds given to her automatically made it a Homestead.”

“Two filly foolers starting a Homestead?”

“Well, the community is still getting used to it, but yes,” Lance said. “Now you said you were here for Shadow Flare?”

“Yes, but its for his hooves only,” Sky Breaker replied.

“I see. He applied, didn't he?”

“I can not confirm or deny that sir,” Sky Breaker curtly said. “Even if he is your son.”

Lance nodded in understanding. “He is three hours out along the road. It is where the road ends. I am sure it slipped his mind to notify you of the change in his home address.”

“The edge farms are always where the road ends,” Sky Breaker laughed. “And his change in address is nothing new out here. Ponies marry and move between the land. It is only natural. The lack of structure out here makes it difficult for the Enclave to grasp.”

“Except for the taxes,” Lance chuckled.

“I have nothing to do with those. But yes, for the good of the Enclave, we can at least keep the number of farms counted, so that the grand Pegasus Race continues on in its glory.”

“I can send Dream Catcher to fetch him and send him to you in El Nino,” Lance offered.

“No, I think I will head on,” Sky Breaker said, looking off in the direction to the Homestead. “I want to see this for myself. Besides, my training in the Enclave wasn't easy. I am not about to get soft at a desk job. It's late, but I will still be able to make the round trip journey.”

“I know they will put you up for the night. They have plenty of room. Cherry Tart went a bit over the top,” Lance said. “Or you could spend the night here.”

“No,” Sky Breaker said distracted. “I need the workout. And besides, I will be taking enough time off to help my family with the harvest. Thank you sir.”

With that, Sky Breaker took off towards his new destination.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cherry Tart, Early Blossom and Shadow Flare were making dinner when the knock came on the door. It was late for somepony to be making a social visit. Cherry Tart headed off to get the door.

“Is Shadow Flare here?”

“You must be Sky Breaker,” Cherry Tart said.

She turned to call Shadow. “Shadow, Sky Breaker is here, he needs you. And he is in full dress uniform. Don't let him wait. Blossom take over for Shadow.”

“I am too busy Tart. We both have our hooves full here.”

Cherry Tart sighed. “Come on in. Sounds like teaching Shadow to cook has backfired tonight.”

Sky Breaker nodded and stepped into the house and Cherry Tart trotted back to the kitchen.

“Shadow, you… Blossom stop, let Shadow...” Sky Breaker could hear her trying to fix things in what sounded like a vein attempt.

After a few minutes, a very messy Shadow came around the corner to where Sky Breaker was standing.

“Sorry,” Shadow said cleaning his hooves. “And I guess I forgot to tell you about the change in address. You went to my family's house first didn't you.”

“No worries,” Sky Breaker said. “Besides, you know as well as I do that address do not exist out here. Anyway, here is your response.” Sky Breaker lifted his wing up and grabbed the envelope from out of the mail sling he was wearing.

Shadow took and opened the envelope. It was hoof written, with lots of big words, but it was an acceptance letter.

Shadow reread it and said the final assignment out loud. “Accepted for basic training and evaluation of skills required for recon duty.”

“Congratulations. You are now a member of the Enclave, the protectors of the Pegasus Race.”

“Thank you,” Shadow said slowly.

“One of the papers in the back will be the bank note for your signing bonus. The local bank in El Nino will be able to cash it.”

“Thank you,” Shadow said again. It was all he knew what to say.

“Don't worry about it. Also, in there will be report orders, as well as a list of approved items to be taken to training, though I doubt you have little, if any of them. I certainly didn't. You can pick up the duffel bag on market day.”

Shadow glanced at the specific orders. “Report to the El Nino office at 7am, where Cherry Town recruits will be waiting. From there we go to Mountain Ridge to join recruits and spend the night. After that it is on to the Enclave training camp, Base Wind Rider..”

Shadow stood there rereading it. It was a lot of flying. He looked at Sky Breaker. “I am going to be way out of my league.”

“In ways you will be, but you have a tougher hide than the city pegasus I met in training, even those in the military schools. It's the farming blood in you. You will do fine. Especially once training begins. Just put all your focus to that. I know the flight to Wind Rider is going to be all new and difficult.”

“If there are anypegasi from Cherry Town, between you and them you will pick your sergeant who leads things. Right now there are only two recruits coming from El Nino. In the past ten years, this district has only seen three pegasi join the Enclave, including you, that pegasus Flash you saw, and me.”

Shadow smiled at Sky Breaker. “You commanding officers must be happy. You basically doubled the recruits prior to your assignment as recruiter in El Nino.”

Sky Breaker leaned in to whisper. “Shadow, this district is almost completely ignored by the Enclave. Except for the tax. There are only two soldiers in the district. Me and whoever is at Cherry Town. If there even is a recruiter there. The recruiter I took over for was an old pegasus, who had spent his life in the Enclave. A highly respected pegasus, but they needed new blood to move up, so they transferred him to El Nino. When I put in my application, I had to go up to his flat on the second floor and knock on the door. He didn't even have office hours.”

“The rumor is that I am the only recruiter in the district. I was offered this job because they thought I could get better results. They wont get them until there is a stronger Enclave presence. And the Enclave has more important things to do than be present here right now. They only care about the food.”

“Mind you, I will begin campaigning in the surrounding areas, and soon I will be officially checking in with the Cherry Town Office. I was sent here with high hopes, and the more I am here, the more I learn that there is no hope. I sent myself to my doom here. I only began to unravel how bad it is because of official communications that were sent to me. Yes, I look good, this year. But it is probably going to be the only good year.”

“You know I am right here and can here you,” Cherry Tart chimed in, surprising both of them. “And you are right. The recruitment office in Cherry Town in closed. I came from near there. Reported our taxes to Cherry Town. The recruitment office was well known for its tattered flags and its sign posted directing everypony to El Nino. Only problem is, we don't have decent maps. That is how Blossom and I met when I completely missed El Nino.”

“So then, It is as bad as I feared,” Sky Breaker said, downtrodden.

“Probably not. But you should make your presence known in the summer there. That is when you can get recruits, or at least peak interest. It is a bit overcrowded there compared to the rest of the district. Which is why I came West.”

“Thank you for you help,” Sky Breaker said nodding his head in thanks. “I must be off now.”

“Nonsense!” Cherry Tart exclaimed. “Screw tomorrow's office hours. Nopony is going to go there anyway. You are eating dinner with us, sleeping here, and then going on your way tomorrow morning, AFTER breakfast.”

Shadow was already heading to the dinning room. “Come on Sky, there is no point in arguing with her. Tart does not take no lightly, especially when it comes to hospitality.”

Sky Breaker stood there, Shadow walking off. He saw Early Blossom poke her head out of the kitchen to take a look. Cherry Tart was staring him down, waiting for him to give up and come on in. He caved and followed her to the dinning room. He was on an official Enclave business trip after all, so lodging might be needed.

They talked over dinner. Cherry Tart gave Sky Breaker a much needed picture of the other half of the district. The half he wasn't officially responsible for. It was nice having Sky Breaker over.

“I can already stay as this is an official business trip, but I will also put spending the night here in my official report as information gathering from the outer reaches about the district and surrounding farms, as well as to verify the new farms for taxation purposes,” Sky Breaker announced. “Perhaps I should set up a recruiting booth at the Market in Cherry Town?”

“That would be a wonderful idea,” Cherry Tart said. “It would be the talk of the Market. I am sure you could figure out a way to work both recruiting offices.”

“This just became a lot more than I was ever led on to believe,” Sky Breaker sighed.

“Which was probably what they wanted,” Cherry Tart cooed. “You got more than you bargained for, but you also are a farming pony who won't back down.”

Sky Breaker slammed his hoof on the table. “Damn It! You are right. I will figure this out. And I will make sure that when the proper time comes, the Enclave knows all the hard work I have been doing and either sends reinforcements or removes me from my position.”

“Good!” Early Blossom said. “Now, lets all go to bed. Sky Breaker has an early morning and a long flight back to El Nino.”

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Alright everypony,” Lance began. “Thank you for all coming out to pull in this year's harvest. This year we will do something a little different. This year we will not be putting the turnips into carts. This year we will bag. Once the bag is full, leave it where it is. We will have a runner or two bringing the bags in.”

Everypony began to talk back and fourth about the change.

“You have a lot of turnips to harvest,” Maple Tree said confused. “So we just leave them in the field, to be picked up later?”

Shadow walked over to his father, a specially built carrier on his back with saddlebags as well. It had plenty of room for his wings to be used and maneuver.

“Try And keep me busy,” Shadow smiled.

Everypony just stood there. Unsure as to what to say. Shadow hadn't helped at all since the cherry harvest. They were too far out to be useful. But the community had heard about him and his feats. Now was the time to prove it.

“He is serious,” Lance stated. “Just bag and move on. Shadow will keep up.”

Shadow hadn't told anypony that he had joined the Enclave yet. The only ponies who knew were Cherry Tart and Early Blossom and there was no way to avoid keeping that secret from them.

“Besides. It will be good endurance training for me before I head off to training.”

Lance look at Shadow. “Training?”

“I am officially a recruit of the Enclave,” Shadow declared. “I will be bucking for a hard earned place as a recon team member. If not that, scout. I should have no problem with either. I fit their entrance qualifications to a T.”

It was a half lie. He fit their entrance qualifications for basic training to T, but the recon was still unknown.

“Well then,” Lance said still shocked. “I wish you the best of luck on your pursuit to protect the community. Although we will be talking about this is detail as soon as the harvest is in.”

Shadow nodded in understanding.

“Shadow,” Black said stepping forward. “You will be a great asset to the Enclave. The community will miss you.” Other Stallions and Mares stepped forward giving their approval.

“Now, lets not dwell on it any longer,” Shadow said putting his hoof down and standing proud. “We have harvest to bring in!”

Even with the best farmers working their hardest to bring in the harvest, Shadow wasn't having a problem keeping up with them. They certainly were impressed with his speed and endurance. The entire harvest moved faster without them having to haul their carts and go back to drop the turnips off.

Back at the house, they were unbagging the turnips, cleaning them and tying them off for the tax.

“Well isn't that something,” Maple Tree said to Lance. “Shadow, after all this time, is going to be in the Enclave. And apparently he is exactly what they need.”

“I don't doubt he is what they need,” Lance agreed. “I do wish he had informed me sooner.”

“I am surprised you didn't know.”

“Well, there was one hint,” Lance replied. “Sky Breaker stopped by last week with something for Shadow. And he had to hoof deliver it Shadow. He couldn't officially say anything.”

“Well, he certainly has proven his worth today, and this harvest,” Maple Tree marveled.

“That he has,” Lance confirmed. “I only wish, for his sake, that we had figured it out a few years back.”

“It's not your fault,” Shadow said stunning both of them.

“Shadow!” Lance jumped.

“Sky Breaker was the one who figured out my Cutie Mark in a way that made more sense than farming could make of it,” Shadow began to explain. “I got it on an obstacle course you made me after all. Each lighting bolt stands for something just like each arrow head they are on do. Each is a fundamental of being an Enclave soldier. “Speed, Agility and Power.”

“I just do not understand why you kept it a secret?” Lance asked.

“Because if I did not get accepted, it would only be another strike against me. Something that would not be forgotten in the community, even though it would not be one of ill will or low repute. It was better to keep it quiet until everything was official.”

“When do you leave?” Maple Tree asked.

“Three weeks after Market. The training is typically centered around the farming schedule too keep the farms working better.”

“Well, you should be quite proud of yourself Shadow,” Maple Leaf stated. “The community would love to hear from you as soon as you get the chance. We never got much word from Sky Breaker sadly.”

“Of course,” Shadow said grabbing the bag and then continuing on.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The night was spent discussing all the details with his family. Shadow had brought his orders and the official acceptance letter. He kept the signing bonus secret, for now. The family was understanding. Less so for Cherry Tart and Early Blossom knowing Shadow's plans and not informing them.

“It was not our place to speak about Shadow's future,” Early Blossom explained. “Yes, he confided in us. Yes, we knew he went to talk to Sky Breaker and we knew he applied. But it was his place to speak up about it. He spoke truth today. If he had not been accepted, how would he be viewed?”

“Well then,” Lance decided. “When we are in town for Market, we will need to get a family photo taken, so you will always be with us, and us with you. And you will also take a small bag of turnip seeds, so the farm is always with you.”

“I agree,” Cherry Tart added. “You have and are living with us, and always accepted as a member of our house. Some cherry pits will also be sent with you.”

“Thank you, all of you,” Shadow said warmly. “Those are not on the 'do not bring' list and will be carried always.

“I will truly miss you,” Dream Cather said. She hadn't stopped hugging him since they had finished for the evening. “I know it is right for you to go, but I love you and will always love you. Nothing you could do will ever change that. ”

“Thanks Catcher,” Shadow said openly using her nickname for the first time. “You will always be in my heart. I love you more than I can express.” He hugged her back.

Shadow, Early Blossom and Cherry Tart spent the night. There was sorting and cleaning work to be done in the morning, but the harvest was in. The community was always there to help bring in the last harvest. It didn't even take a full day to bring all of the turnips. A big feat since they were a Homestead.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Market day was always fun, except this year. This year would be their last as a whole family, at least for a while. They got to town a day early to get the family pictures taken. They took one of the nuclear family, another with Cherry Tart, Rift and Buck. Dream Catcher had her photo taken alone with Shadow and Cherry Tart and Early Blossom also took a picture together with Shadow. The pictures would be ready the next day. Shadow would have copies of all of them.

Shadow didn't know how many bits they cost. He also had no idea how many bits his father had. It suddenly seemed like the farm had a lot more bits than anypony was ever led on to believe. Lance was probably the only one who knew the exact amount, maybe Buck since the farm would be his.

Shadow also stepped away later that day. He had some business to take care of. First he cashed his signing bonus. Then he went to Rarity's Gems. Her name wasn't actually Rarity. It was a name from prewar which had stuck around. Her name was Opal Waters, and her Cutie Mark was that of a sewing needle and thread.

“Hello Shadow,” Opal Waters said coming out of the back. “I have your orders all ready. I must say, I am quite proud of them since they were such simple orders.”

Shadow followed her over to one of the racks. On it hung several things. The first noticeable ones were the three aprons. One for Cherry Tart, one for Early Blossom and one for his mother. Their names were embroidered on the front and flanked by their Cutie Marks and they would match their coats perfectly.

The next thing was three heavy, black, waterproof coats. One for his father, one for Buck and one for Lunar. The clasp in the front was their Cutie Mark. Alongside the clasp was each pony's name embroidered in white. The next two coats were the same, except brown. One for Rift and one for Spice Cake. Other than the color, they were made like the others, embroidering and all.

The final item was a saddle bag. Made of tough cotton weave, it was embossed with a white Cross and every stitch was red. The brass clasps that held the flaps in place were crosses as well. At the bottom of each side of the saddle bag was Dream Catcher, expertly embroidered into the material. The bag had an inner lining to keep the contents waterproof, while the outside could look as stunning as it was.

“These are just perfect!” Shadow exclaimed. Two days after he was accepted, he flew the long flight to El Nino to make his order. He had traced out all of their Cutie Marks and matched their coat and mane colors as best as he could. He was not much of an artist, but it did its job.

“What is my final total,” Shadow asked.

“Five hundred and thirty four bits,” Opal Waters replied. “16 bits less than I estimated. But the quality is outstanding. Although they may not look like much, I actually photographed them for my albums. They may not be gowns, dresses and suits, but they turned out to be more than simple garments.”

“They will mean a lot to my family as well,” Shadow said as he counted the bits. “It was well worth the time and price of coming here to make a special order than just going to a normal shop.”

“Function meets fashion,” Opal Water said flamboyantly. “And that is the title of that section of the album. You wont find a better made item in El Nino, if not the entire Enclave. I also embroidered my name and shop discreetly on the inside of everypony's gift. It is standard on all of my goods. It is good marketing also, for one can not forget it's origins. Even though I am the only boutique in the city, I am proud of my work and everypony does deserve to know where they can get fine, yet affordable fashion.”

“You certainly do your job well,” Shadow praised her. “Too bad you do not live in a larger city.”

“Oh, El Nino suits me just fine. I actually send pieces out to other boutiques in the larger cities. Some of them love to feature small, exotic pieces from other parts of the Enclave. It is the bulk of my business actually and it sustains the real passion and pieces I can hoof design here for special orders. Besides, someponies have come from other other side of the Enclave just to order from me because of those shops.”

“Your orders were inspiring,” She sighed contently. “I was afraid they might be a bit dull, but their came out so well I have already begun to manufacture a Homestead line, to target at the farming ponies outside of El Nino. After all, they deserve quality items that are as hard working as they are. Cost effective too.”

“I would love to see them,” Shadow said intrigued. Opal Waters showed him the cloaks she had begun to make in several sizes. Each one was expertly crafted and of extremely durable, waterproof fabric. Better than the normal cloaks the farms wore on the tough days. And well worth the extra expense. She also had an apron half made.

“You might want to close down shop tomorrow and get a booth to show off your new line to the farmers,” Shadow Flare suggested.

“Wonderful idea Shadow Flare,” Opal Waters said. “I will go get a booth. Your farming brethren should know there are other options out there for them now.”

“They certainly do need to know. And be prepared to barter with food. Bits are rare,” Shadow said.

“Oh I usually close down shop in the morning to get shopping done at Market. I know the drill,” Opal Waters said.

“I should get back to them,” Shadow stated. “The family is probably wondering where I wondered off to.”

“I wish I could see their faces, but your presents are special and should be done in privet.”

“Thank you again Opal Waters.”

Shadow left the boutique and put his hood up. His coat also hid his saddlebags and how full they were. It was the end of fall and the wind was really picking up, making the already cool weather colder. Soon the winds would be dancing with snow and ice. The northern mountain's icy teeth were closing in fast.

“There you are Shadow,” Rain Jubilee declaird. “We turned around and you were missing.”

“Sorry, I wandered off to meet an acquaintance.”

“Well, it is almost dinner time. Your father and Buck headed out to find a good place to eat. That fits in the budget.”

“I am not sure we really have a budget,” Shadow replied. “We are not staying in a hostel, in fact we have six very nice rooms. We couldn't even talk him down to five rooms. We are perfectly fine doubling up. And the pictures had to have cost a pretty bit as as well.”

“I know,” Rain Jubilee said. She gathered her strength. “Your father knows what he is doing. This is a special year. We won't see you for another five years, at least, and I know he wants to make it special before the Market tomorrow. Tomorrow is definitely a business day and not one we can really enjoy. Besides, getting here a day early got us the best booths. Cherry and Blossom are right on the main corner, and we are right next to them. Rift's family will be besides us as well. We will not be short hooved, even with Spice primarily helping her Rift's family.”

“Well then,” Cherry Tart added. “We are all set then.”

Cherry Tart and Early Blossom had taken a stroll through the city that had brought them together, so they had missed the booth buying and Shadow had seen them arrive right just before he did.

Lance and Buck came trotting up a little bit later. “We found a nice place up the ways. Good food, good prices. We got them to set up some tables for us all.”

Shadow was surprised when he saw what place they were going to. It was the only restaurant around and it was the same one Sky Breaker had taken Shadow. They had sat outside, so Shadow didn't realize how nice the inside was. The deli was a lot more fancy then he realized and it was really only a deli at lunch. The place was way more fancy than he expected his father to want to pay for.

Crepuscule trotted over to their table, which was set up in the private party room. There already was water at each spot as well.

“Well hello Shadow,” Crepuscule said. “I didn't know you were in town. That must have been how Lance found us.”

“Actually,” Shadow began. “I wasn't around when they left to find a place to eat dinner. And I had not told them about Sky Breaker taking me here. I also didn't know it was so nice inside.”

“I know, the tables outside are much more relaxing, and our lunch menu is very different than our dinner menu,” Crepuscule chirped.

“How was the ball? It was the other evening right?” Shadow asked.

“Oh it was wonderful. And the treatment they gave Sky and I was amazing. I had never been to the ball before, and it was certainly a real honor. He spoke about reaching out, and being the only Enclave recruiter in the district. He promised to do much more for the community than had ever been done before. He is actually in Cherry Town for their Market. He set up a booth there to bring the Enclave presence back to Cherry Town.”

“That sounds wonderful. Him being away will be tough wont it?” Shadow asked.

“Oh I will manage,” She said nonchalantly. “Besides, he wants to get much more serious in our relationship. Which can only mean good things.”

“Well I wish you two happiness and joy to come,” Shadow said toasting her with his water glass.

“Thank you. Now, for the rest of you, my name is Crepuscule. I will be taking care of you this fine evening. We have other drink choices as well if you desire to see that menu and I shall be back in a bit to take your orders.”

“Lance, I know you have the finances in control, and want this to be special, but this is getting to be a bit over the top, don't you think?” Rain Jubilee asked concerned.

“We have lived sparingly on our farm since the beginning,” Lance began. “But over the years it has paid off. Not only have we been able to help others in need in our community, but we have saved a lot more than you would think. And not just in the farm.”

Lance got situated a bit more before continuing. “There is a sizable amount in the bank here. The founder of our Homestead came from a well off family. Most of his family died in the attack on Cloudsdale. He and his brother became the beneficiary of a sizable enterprise based in Las Pegasus. I do not know which one or if it is still around. That was stricken from the family's main records.”

“His older brother was in Las Pegasus at the time, learning to manage a business. He decided to stay a farmer. He gave his share of the business to his brother for a percentage of the profits each year. Together they made sure that our farm would always be financially stable. I am barely touching the funds we have.”

“We threw Lunar and Buck a nicer than normal, but still appropriate wedding. Spice Cake's wedding will be the same and so will Dream Catcher's. Shadow too if he get married around here. But I don't want this farm to lose its ideology that has stood for two hundred years. Honesty, hard work and living within your means.”

“And actually, we have more than enough bits from the farm to cover all of this. I still will go to the bank replenish what we had at the farm, but that is besides the point. Our farm alone has saved a lot of bits because of these ideals.”

“This is a special day. One of the last days we will get to spend as a whole family in a long time. Things will change. Change is good in many ways. But I want to make sure that we have a very special time together. One we can remember for years to come and all of you can tell your grand fillies and colts about, except the secret stash of bits of course.”

Everypony was shocked, except Buck who already knew.

“Thank you dad,” Shadow gasped. “It means a lot to me. But we should turn our focus to dinner.”

“And no holding back. Order what you want,” Lance insisted.

Everypony made their selections for food, and Lance ordered a round of mead for everypony, including young Dream Catcher. Alcohol was rare on the farms. Only at weddings was any brought out, and that was usually a glass a pony for the toast. Some farms did make their own meads or wine. But fruit was rare and honey had better uses.

In the lull after everypony had finished eating, Shadow decided that was never a more appropriate time to give out his gifts. Although, the shock of their actual financial situation made him second guess the importance and the cost he had actually spent.

It took him picturing his family working on other farms to bring a harvest or planting, in their embroidered coats, that were bought special, for them by their son, out of the bonus he was given, to remember that these gifts were outside the means of the family, despite how much they actually had.

His family truly lived like the others in the community. As honest, hard working cloud farmers. They lived off the land and what little bits they made. They were just like the others, even if they actually had a lot more than anypony realized.

“Everypony,” Shadow said. His heart began to beat faster as everypony's attention focused on him. “As part of joining the Enclave, I was given a signing bonus. Dad is right. It is a special time. And for that reason, I had special gifts designed for you all, to keep me close to you while I am away.”

Shadow moved his coat off his saddlebags. He pulled out his father's coat first. “Father, you have done everything you could for me. If it was not for you instruction and training when I was barely able to walk, I would not be where I am today.” Shadow handed the coat over to his father. “A specially designed coat that is waterproof and will keep you warm. The clasp is your Cutie Mark and your name is embroidered beside it.”

Shadow's father might have a lot more money than they realized, but he really did believe in living within your means. And the tears in his eyes at the special gift were more than words could say.

“Buck. You are as strong as my father, hard working and a great pegasus. The farm will be yours, and you are out with my father everyday, no matter what the weather. I am proud to call you my brother. To you, I also give a waterproof coat. Like my father's it has your Cutie Mark as your clasp and your name embroidered alongside it.”

Shadow had never seen Buck shed a tear. But he accepted the gift with great reverence and with tears falling down his face. “Shadow, this is a perfect gift. You could not have chosen better for me.”

“Lunar, we may not have seen eye to eye over the years, but you are still my sister. And like my Father and Buck, you work for the farm and it's legacy. I give you the same cloak as your husband and our father. Like their's, it is a hard working and durable as you are.”

Lunar Harvest was stunned. “I really have not been a good sister to you over the years. I certainly do not deserve this.”

“I chose it because you do. You are my sister. Family is what matters. In your heart you know that.”

Lunar had nothing more to say but tears. Both of sorrow for the past and the touching and perfect gift.

“Spice, you are leaving us to start you life with Rift. You will have to work hard to keep their farm going, and already you have made such a a wonderful impact on their lives. Same coats as theirs, except in brown. Personalized with your name and your Cutie Mark clasp like all the others.”

“Wow, Shadow,” Spice Cake sputtered. “It is, amazing and thoughtful gift. One that will be well used and is already well loved. I just ripped my field cloak, and the material of this, it is going to withstand even the toughest of conditions for years to come. Heirloom quality.” Like the others, her eyes were watery.

Shadow didn't know what else to do but continue.

“Rift, I chose for you the same as Spice Cake's. As their designer, Opal Waters put it ' Function meets fashion.' She actually is creating an affordable and functional farm ware line that can withstand the pressure of all of our hard work. Of course, they are not as nice as your cloaks, and they will be definitely lacking the special embroidering and Cutie Mark clasps that were specially designed for your cloaks.”

“Shadow, you have just welcomed me into this family in a way that, that, is indescribable. I have not had much to do with you, but you are looking out for the greater good of the family, including those of us who have just joined. 'Function meets fashion' is truly what you have given us. This cloak will certainly not wear out for years, if it ever does. It is absolutely amazing. It is certainly above what my farm can afford, as well as most farms. It will shine out among the community as a special gift and the love you have for us, and the community as well.

“Thank you Rift,” Shadow said. “It was exactly what I wanted to treat all of you too. Something special and functional. Something that would fit in the community, but stand out as well.

“Mother, what can a son say to his Mother? You gave me everything you could. You loved me in a way no pony could. You have sustained this farm from the beginning. You have worked the fields, but now you leave that to your foals, so you can keep all of our belly's full and the house together. I have for you a specially made apron. It has your name embroidered on the front, flanked by your Cutie Mark. It is strong like you and will not be easily worn out.”

“A mother could not ask for a better son,” Rain Jubilee said. “And this design is colorful, fun and perfect.”

“Early Blossom and Cherry Bloom. You two have been absolutely amazing to me. You offered me a chance beyond everything. And you supported me as well. You even taught me cook. You two spend most of your time in the kitchen and I am convinced it is you favorite room in your house.”

Both of them blushed. Shadow pulled out their aprons. “Like the one made for my mother, this is a stronger apron than most aprons and I know they will be well loved and used.”

“You need to get one yourself,” Early Blossom said making them all laugh. “And even more frilly than ours.”

“When I come back,” Shadow chuckled.

“Even if you bring your special somepony. Promise me that my brother.”

“Of course I promise you Blossom,” Shadow smiled. “I will make my word good.”

Shadow breathed in deeply and let the air out to compose himself.

“Catcher,” he began. “You know I love you more than I can express. You are kind, just and will make an impact on this world. Your passion is caring for anypony who needs it. And so I got you something that will only help you do that more.” Shadow picked up the saddlebags and handed them to her. “Waterproofed, durable saddlebags. The details on it is exquisite. You should never need another one. It is embroidered with your name, accented with your coat color, and embossed with your Cutie Mark.”

Shadow couldn't say anything else. Dream Catcher was hugging him to tight.

Lance ordered another round of mead for everypony, except for Dream Catcher who was only half done with hers and who had enough for a filly her age.

“Shadow, I don't know where to begin,” Lance said. “You epitomized exactly what the Homestead is about. Living within your means and giving it your all. You have made an amazing choice joining the Enclave. It will be a wonderful thing and I know you will be the best you can. I have watched you grow up and become a very special pony. And now you will take that to all of Equestria. You gifts are, well I have no words to explain how you thought of more than yourself with the bonus.”

“These obviously cost a good bit. But cost didn't matter, what mattered to you was getting the best you could for your family. The best that they needed. Never forget that. Never forget where you came from. Never forget who your family is. Never forget the life lessons your Mother and I have taught you. And never forget the lessons you have learned about yourself up until this time. The Enclave is tough. They have their ideals. But remember your ideals and your identity.”

“Thanks dad,” Shadow said.

Lance came over to Shadow and hugged him. They left the restaurant when it was near closing. The stallions each had a few more drinks. And they all had desert added on as well. It was an extremely special night for all.

Chapter 5 - Obligations

Chapter 5 - Breaking Point

Shadow and Flash landed and stood in one of the two lines. They had their orders out and ready, with their gear bags on their backs. The only thing Shadow had brought was a simplified version of his heritage to the Homestead, the cherry pits, turnip seeds and the photos. His gear bag was marked with his name and district origin, but he left “City” blank.

As to the rest of the signing bonus, Shadow had left half of with Cherry Tart and Early Blossom. They would have more need of it than his parents. The other half Shadow had given to Spice Cake and Rift as an early wedding present. It was only a week early. She really appreciated it, and her eyes said it all. Two hundred bits being brought into the farm meant that Rift's farm would be a lot better off and able to get better and much needed equipment immediately.

But all that was in the past. Still a part of him, but past. Shadow stepped up to the sergeant.

“Are you the acting sergeant?” The sergeant asked. 'Terror Space' was the name on his uniform.

“Yes Sir. Shadow Flare reporting with everypony from Northern Farming District, all two of us,” Shadow responded.

“Excuse me?” The sergeant asked.

Shadow was puzzled but repeated himself.

“You think that is funny?” The sergeant said, stepping closer to Shadow in order to intimate him. Shadow had know far bigger and more intimidating pegasus back home, and armed with his new confidence, he didn't move or flinch. Shadow decided to drop the ending.

“Shadow Flare reporting with everypony from Northern Farming District.”

The sergeant now was up in his face. Despite being smaller, Shadow let him bump his chest, but didn't budge and inch. “You realize your words are treason?”

“No Sir,” Shadow replied confused. “Shadow Flare reporting with everypony from Northern Farming District”

“Back down Sergeant Terror Space,” A new voice said, with command almost as strong as Black.

“General Red River,” The sergeant said backing down.

“Report in recruit,” The General said.

Shadow repeated it again. “Shadow Flare reporting with everypony from Northern Farming District, all two of us.”

“Two of you from Northern Farming District. Interesting. Last time we had somepegasus from there, lets see...”

“Four years ago Sir. Sky Breaker. He now is the only recruiter in our entire districted,” Shadow stated. “It is the largest district sir and very spread out.”

“I take it you know him?” The General asked.

“Yes Sir. He lived about thirty minutes from us. Our community was impressed to have somepony go to join the Enclave.”

The sergeant spoke up, “Sir, are you going to ignore the blatant treason?”

“Relax sergeant,” Then General said. He turning back to Shadow. “What city are you from?”

“No city is my home. I work the cloud fields.”

“What city were you recruited at?”

“El Nino sir.”

“Where do you live based on that?”

“Depends on if I am staying at my sister's farm or my parents. Enclave flight time is marked six hours flight north to my parents. My sister's farm just brought in its first harvest. It takes me another three hours flight to their house, but I do not know if the Enclave have a marked flight time for them yet. They are registered and were surprisingly able to get a good enough cherry harvest in to be taxed. I have been at my sister's farm long enough now to call it my new home, though home will never be anything but my parent's Homestead.”

“You grew up in a Homestead?” The General asked.

“Yes Sir. The Turnip Homestead.”

“You grow the best damn turnips I have ever tasted!” The General exclaimed elated.

“That isn't news,” Shadow responded puzzeled. “But how do you know about our turnips?”

“Recruit, your turnips are so sought after by the upper class, that the distribution system has to draw lots for them. The upper class has a lot of social gatherings...”

Shadow cut off the General. “Just because they are the best does not mean they should be withheld for only certain ponies. I just know that over everypony else who grows turnips, ours are the best by a long shot. All of the others come from our seeds, but none of them grown are bad, assuming they were grown and harvested correctly.”

The General laughed deeply. “Last weekend was my first taste of your turnips. It was put on by the main contractor for the Enclave armor. I was invited this year. It was a creamy leek and turnip soup.”

Shadow just shook his head in disgust. “Turnips with their greens is the best way to get the full flavor out of them. Covering up the flavor in a leek soup, blech.”

“Well, this pegasus personally went all the way to El Nino to buy your turnips.”

“OH,” Shadow stammered. “He was the first and only customer of the day. He bought every turnip we were selling. And a large amount of cherries from my sister.”

“That must have been where he got the cherries for the desert tarts. They were exceptionally good.”

“They better be good, Sir. We worked ourselves to the bone to bring in their first harvest, and they are a Homestead, an extension of the Northern Cherry Family Homesteads. Sir.”

“A new Homestead in Northern Farming District. Impressive,” The General marveled.

“Sir, treason?” The sergeant softly said.

“Sergeant, you are about to learn an interesting and valuable lesson,” The General stated. “Shadow Flare, what are the laws of the Enclave?”

“Do not steal. Do not go beneath the clouds. Be Honest. Work Hard. Family First, but consider the Community. The community is family, only larger. Extramarital sex is forbidden. Premarital Sex is forbidden. If spending the night at your special somepony's house, the rule is always to sleep in a separate place, and never to have premarital sex.

“MOST OF THOSE ARE NOT EVEN LAWS!” The sergeant shouted.

The General called to the other Sergeant on his other side. “Sergeant, did I hear right that she is from Apple district?”

“Yes sir.”

“Recruit, come here,” The General ordered.

“Recruit Cardinal Spitfire, of the Spitfire Legacy sir,” She reported.

She was the same size and build as Shadow. Small for a grown mare. Her red coat and yellow mane certainly accented the name 'Spitfire.'

“You look like a strong mare, stronger than Shadow Flare here. What did you do?

“I was raised on an apple farm sir, despite my heritage.”

“Shadow Flare, repeat your introduction, and Cardinal Spitfire, tell Shadow Flare what is wrong.”

“Yes Sir. Shadow Flare reporting with everypony from Northern Farming District, all two of us,” Shadow restated.

“Everypony implies greater than the Enclave exists, and the acknowledgement and belief in that is punishable by Death by Banishment. The proper form is everypegasus,” Cardinal Spitfire reported.

“Shadow Flare,” The General began. “I will give you lenience on this matter. The Enclave does everything it can to leave the foundation of our great existence alone. We collect the tax, maybe recruit the odd pegasus or two. But we only really care about you not going beneath that clouds. That would destroy the entire Enclave. The foundation of your community is set, so we do not want to disrupt it. Your community laws are yours to keep, we only care that you don't steal and don't go beneath the clouds. And I am sure you have no problem with violent crimes in your area.”

“Sir, you should redirect aid to Recruiter Sky Breaker with those orders. Currently he is attempting to be reachable to the entire district,” Shadow reported. “Results will be slow, but obtainable if the effort is put in. Like farming.

“Noted recruit and I will follow through with it,” The General said thinking. It took him a moment before continuing. “Shadow Flare, what is your education?”

“Well, we had school at the community meeting house. We learned basic math, history, biology, weather, flora and a few others. What we needed to make it. Most of our training came from hooves on teaching, on the family farm. I am not built like they are, I mostly kept farm equipment functioning. I did rig my room so my sister would stop terrorizing me. It set off an alarm in my parent's bedroom. But really, no formal schooling like I have heard about in the cities.”

The General nodded. “Cardinal Spitfire, what was your education?”

“All grades according to Enclave specifications. Top ten in my class, ranked third Sir. And in the summer I received some military training,” She answered.

“Both of you are farmers,” the General stated. “One is formal, the other practical. That is all I care about.” The General turned back to the sergeant. “Sergeant Terror Space, break both of them. Farm pegasus against farm pegasus. One side of the Enclave against the others.”

“My pleasure,” Sergeant Terror Space stated. He had a crooked smile on his face that said he would enjoy his power over him.

Shadow took a strong step into the sergeant. The sergeant pulled back and flipped his wings out. Shadow chuckled back. “Weak. Cowardly.”

“Excuse me?” The sergeant said angrily.

“You first reaction is to move to the sky. To run,” Shadow began. “And I have lived with ponies with more command and strength than you.” Shadow took another step forward. The sergeant reared back slightly more. “I might be the weakest in my community, but I certainly do not fear you.”

“That is why we break you in,” The sergeant snarled. “One big Enclave family.”

Shadow almost fell over laughing. The General was still looking on, amused at the breakdown of command and order as well as the Sergeant's failures. Cardinal Spitfire had and angry look on her face for being pulled into what Shadow had accidentally started.

“The Enclave can never be family,” Shadow said as he finished laughing. He turned serious, with an edge to his voice. “The Enclave is a structure. It can bring comrades, friends, but it can never, not ever, be family or community. The Enclave serves the Pegasus Race and protects them. That is their goal. But it is not family or community.”

The General turned to the sergeant. “This pegasus has a point. He knows what he is getting into, partially. Break both of them in and make sure they become comrades in arms. For the pegasus behind Shadow, let him be with the normal group, but I want you personally pay attention and push both Shadow Flare and Cardinal Spitfire.”

“Sir,” Cardinal Spitfire asked getting desperate. “Why am I pulled into this? Sir.”

“Because I said so. Farm upbringing against farm upbringing. Everypony against everypegasus.” The General smiled. Cardinal Spitfire was shocked beyond words. And extremely angry at Shadow. “Cardinal Spitfire, what are you inductions orders?”

“To be inspected for skills regarding Aerial Combat Unit, and I am personally bucking for a spot as a Wonderbolt sir,” Cardinal Spitfire reported.

“Shadow Flare?”

“Evaluation of skills for a Recon Team sir. Scout if I have to be, but preferably recon,” Shadow said.

“Hmmm. Both tough positions, but both of you are strong farm pegasi,” The General stated. “Mark them both for Black Sergeant Terror Space.”

“Black Sir? We have not even begun?”

“We have done enough. Mark them black.”

“Yes sir!”

Shadow didn't like the sound of being marked black, especially before they had even begun. Flash had already been processed through with everypony else. They were waiting on Shadow Flare and Cardinal Spitfire. Cardinal Spitfire was fuming. It was obvious, just as obvious as her trying to hide it.

The sergeant pulled two black patches off his uniform and put them on the Velcro spot on their left shoulder on both of their uniforms. “Fall in line you two! And throw your bags in with the rest of the others.” The sergeant commanded.

Cardinal Spitfire tossed her's on top and ran off to get in line, Shadow slid his off to his left and slung it around his neck twice before ducking his head and sending it off to land on top. The almost empty bag had just enough weight for Shadow to perform that act. He jogged off to the line and took the open spot in the back. They were kindly marked with an X on the ground.

“Shadow Flare and Cardinal Spitfire!” Sergeant Terror Space ordered. “Font and center. Recruits, reform the formation around them.”

In the shuffle, Cardinal Spitfire bumped into Shadow hard, making him step to the side to keep from falling. It was definitely out of spite. The look on her face, as well as how tense she was made it extremely obvious. Shadow cracked his neck and relaxed his muscled, just like he would do before an obstacle course.

“Five Laps around the circuit, on your wings,” a sergeant ordered.

“Seven laps for Shadow and Cardinal,” Sergeant Terror Space ordered. Cardinal Sprinted to make up the extra laps. Shadow was moving, faster than most of the others. By his gauge, he would finish his seventh as they finished their fifth. Exactly where he wanted. He would not be 'broken' like the General asked. It did not sound conductive to training.

The laps took a small toll on everypegasus. And then there were ordered to run another five on their hooves. Seven for Shadow and Cardinal Spitfire.

“Cardinal and Shadow,” Sergeant Terror Space called. “Whatever I order, make sure you keep up with the other's orders.”

Shadow Flare and Cardinal Spitfire were ostracized immediately. Nopony wanted to join them, talk to them or stand by them. Cardinal Spitfire's anger only grew.

“Water break!” The sergeant called.

“No water for Shadow or Cardinal.” Sergeant Terror Space added.

Shadow's face was set in stone as he stepped over to the Sergeant. He had taken enough, and you could not make it any worse. “I'm sorry Sergeant Terror.”

The sergeant's face got angry. “You will address me properly! Sergeant Terror Space!”

Shadow stepped into him and said with more authority than the sergeant. “And so shall you address me! Shadow Flare.” Shadow stared him down. The Sergeant was leaning back, and his wings were out. The sergeant recognized his mistake immediately. “And you had better address Cardinal Spitfire the same way. Neither of us have given you the permission to call us anything else.”

The other sergeant stepped in, bumping Shadow back. “Recruit! We are in charge here! We will call you by the name we chose.”

Shadow turned to him. “Call me what you will. But I will only respond to my given name. The name on my orders!” With that, Shadow stepped back to his spot on the grounds while the others drank water.

“Thanks for nothing,” Cardinal Spitfire spat out the side of her mouth.

“Not my fault you got pulled into this.”

“You are the one not making things easier for either of us. You are making things worse by resisting! I am dying of thirst.”

Shadow shrugged. “Just another long day in the fields.”

Sergeant Terror Space barked another order. “Recruit Cardinal Spitfire, water break!”

Cardinal Spitfire trotted over to the water as quickly as she could. She was tired. All the extra work was weighing deeply on her. Not as bad as others like Flash. Flash could barely stand. Shadow was feeling it, but he was by no means tired yet. He had worked a lot harder for longer. There was nothing testing strength yet either.

The recruits had regathered, with the help of the drill sergeants. There were a dozen and half other drill sergeants helping to correct and control the recruits, who had to number in the 250's. Then there was the main drill sergeant, and then Sergeant Terror Space. Shadow didn't find him that terrifying at all. Lance and Buck was intimidating. Black's word was final. When Black spoke, you listened and obeyed, You never forgot Black's words.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“General, he doesn't seem tired at all. You may be right. He might make good candidate, as much as one can be in a few hours into training. I know you spoke to him, but still. He has a long way to go. A long way to go convince me.”

“We have plenty of time Major Winter,” General Red River replied. “And he certainly has an angle of control over Sergeant Terror Space. I have never seen the sergeant on edge like he is. It is amusing.”

“What about his speech?”

“The Enclave will learn to understand that Shadow comes from a different place where community is key. It is an obvious difference, where there it is 'everypony' for a reason, because it encompasses the community as a whole. And that 'everypegasus' just does not make sense to him. He also is not going to let it make sense. That will be his real breaking point, if he bows to 'everypegasus.'”

“He isn't going to break then, not for a while.”

“Which is exactly what we want.”

“Doesn't that make him less dependable?”

“His family's farm goes back to the war,” General Red River said. “Well before the clouds were sealed up. There is a lot of strength and history in that linage. We need to preserve that as much as possible. The loyalty he has is greater than some of the most notable military families.”

“With good comes that bad. Calculated risk Major. He will break in many ways, ways he doesn't even know he has. But at the core, we don't want him to break his ideology of “everypony.” Then he will become truly dangerous and out of control. Then he will truly be lost forever. If he breaks to early, he will have to be put down. Only bullets will work. And if he is already armed, it will truly be terrifying.”

“Everypegasus means he is alone and he will be frightened beyond what we can comprehend and he will lash out. If we tailor training right, reconnaissance is perfect for him. He does not possess raw, physical strength, and is the weakest recruit when it comes to that, but he has power and is sure in every step he takes, along with a strong head. He will need that to make it into recon. You will need him like that. I forgot I had written his acceptance orders until he had the problem at the gate. Then things became interesting.”

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Now that you are all warmed up, Push ups recruits!” The drill sergeant barked.

The others were strong. Sure, he could not pull a plow, or buck a cherry tree in one go, but those were brute strength. Those actions had their forms, but he was not built to perform them. “Speed, Agility, Power”Sky Breaker was right. Shadow lost himself in the orders he was given. He didn't know that for every push up most of them were doing, he was doing two. It was all very simple body weight work.

Patches were beginning to be passed out. Black, Red, Green, Blue and Yellow. No one understood what the patches were for exactly. But they could tell they were dividing them up in some way.

“HALT!” The drill sergeant yelled. “On your backs and begin sit ups.”

Shadow was down on his push up, so he dropped onto his belly and rolled. As he rolled, he spun so he was facing the drill sergeant and so that he never actually moved an inch. He was already on five when the others began to do their sit ups.

Sergeant Terror Space came over to Shadow. “What do you think this is recruit? Some kind of circus?”

“No Sir!” Shadow answered at the top. Back down he went, never stopping.

“Then why did I see you preform a circus act?”

“It… was… no… circus… act… sir… it… was… only… using… my… current… position… to… my… ad… van… tage… to… trans… ition… to… begin… sit… ups… as… quickly… as… possible.” Shadow answered as he was breathing.

He was only able to briefly speak at the top without stopping. Every time he sat up he was face to face with the sergeant. Every time he sat up the sergeant was face to face with Shadow who had zoned out and only focused on the next task, each and every time. The sergeant had no counter response to Shadow's enthusiasm.

Shadow had lost track of time. They had run and flown a lot, and now they had again begun basic body weight drills.

“Halt!” The drill sergeant called. “Stand up and we will begin to squat.”

Shadow had no idea he was the only one still doing sit ups. Even Cardinal Spitfire had given out. Most of the recruits groaned as they stood up and began to do the squat. Shadow stood straight up on his hind legs and then leaned forward into a push up. Shadow never realized the strengths he actually had. Better put, the power he had. The muscles where there, and they were stronger than these city ponies.

So far Shadow had only been tested on endurance running and flying. The push ups were no different than many of the actions he had to do on the obstacle coursed. While the obstacle courses didn't directly do sit ups, push ups and squats, Shadow had to preform movements that only strengthened those muscled. Vaults, flips, hoofstands, they all were useful for the basic bodyweight workouts. The squats were a lot easier than most of the vaults he had to do. He was only being asked to lift his bodyweight, nothing more. An easy task.

Shadow noticed the pegasus next to him fall as he tried to squat. He glanced around him and saw that the others were dropping too. Shadow was feeling the workouts, but he was not ready to drop.

“HALT! Take five,” The drill sergeant said. Shadow was the first to get to the water. He could keep going without water, but there was no point. Besides, the next water break he probably would not be allowed to get some.

“How are you able to keep going?” a pegasus asked him through rough breathing.

“I am a farming pony and this was life for me,” Shadow stated. He just trotted off, back to his spot.

“Everypegasus take another five!” Sergeant Terror Space barked. “You all can get to watched our little prodigy spend the next five minutes in hell. Recruit Shadow Flare.” Flare was said with a strong edge of distaste. “Do a hoofstand.”

Shadow shrugged and rolled up onto his front hooves. He was perfectly still.

“Now, do pushups in that hoofstand.”

Shadow began to move up and down as requested until the drill sergeant barked more orders. “Break over! Everypegasus back to their spots! Recruit, stop those push ups!”

As ordered, Shadow stopped. A quick tuck backwards and he landed on all hooves in the same direction he was facing, where the drill sergeant was. They got a moment more of rest as the drill sergeants assembled and began to talk amongst themselves.

“Great, now you have them talking,” Cardinal Spitfire whispered to Shadow.

“Hey, you are also the one with enough breath in her lungs to talk,” Shadow shot back.

“I heard what you responded to the other recruit,” Cardinal Spitfire said. “I can't believe you were put through so much daily to keep going when everypegasus else had given out.”

“Well, the longer you don't believe it, the more stunned you will be. And I left out I was the communities acrobat, performing for the other fillies and colts, trained for fun since I was young.”

“That explains the hoofstands,” Cardinal Spitfire stated. Talking to Shadow couldn't hurt her since she was already singled out with him.

The drill sergeants broke up. “Nice little break there. Three more laps, six for our prodigy and he better finish first.”

“Hooves or wings?” Shadow asked.

The drill sergeant was taken aback. “Wings of course. You and your hooves. You had better learn to go to your wings instinctively!”

Shadow heard him, but was already well on his way to begin his lap. Shadow noted that many of those marked with red where able to push it and were doing their best to finish before him. Shadow had to make sure he kept focus so he was not overtaken.

By mid afternoon, every recruit not only had a colored patch, but none of them could keep up, but for short bursts. Shadow was left to continue as ordered. The first day was obviously to take them all down a notch and exhaust them. Shadow was certainly hurting, but he was not going to give out anytime soon. The lack of lunch took out many of the other recruits. And even limiting Shadow's water access did littleto slow him down.

They put the recruits through everything. And Shadow had a feeling they were being extra tough and rough in general because of him. They also allowed the others more down time before they were yelled at to get going.

Laps, sit ups, push ups, squats, swim kicks, leg lifts, wing ups, repeat. They did everything they could to break him, but he never gave. The harder they tried, the harder he resisted and was set against them. It still surprised him how harvesting ground plants like turnips and parsnips was a lot like push ups and half of the other harvesting work was like many of the other drills.

Shadow thought it was about 5pm when they let everyone go except him and Cardinal Spitfire. Even Cardinal Spitfire had given out and had very little, if not nothing left. The had Shadow run sprints, fly sprints, more bodyweight movements until there was nothing else they could think of.

I was after dark and Shadow was still being worked.

“Alright Sergeants. You did well today. Shadow Flare, you can stop,” The General Red River softlyordered.

Shadow was currently doing push ups. For fun, he dipped down, pulled himself up into a hoofstand and flipped over fast to land on all fours.

He almost didn't make it, but none of them noticed. None of them could see that he was almost about to give out. His focus gave him control. He had long ago learned to control his shaking muscles when they were almost depleted.

“Shadow Flare has a unique background. I am not surprised he kept up this long,” The General said. “I hear he was also trained as an acrobat, and one without wings.”

“Yes sir. Lots of vaults and flips, twists, you name it, I probably have done it. Most of the work was on levels and moving through them to vault up to the next level. I even have bounded back and forth off vertical walls over a wide gap. Years of training. Ever since I was a young colt. The first thing I remember is obstacle courses. As soon as I could stand Sir.”

“See sergeants. That is why Shadow Flare wins this round,” General Red River explained.

He redirected his focus to Cardinal Spitfire, “Sorry Cardinal Spitfire. You gave it an amazing run, better than the others, but I have never seen anypegasus handle the beating we gave Shadow Flare. Go get dinner you two,” The General said, pointing his head to the mess hall. “I had them hold food for you.”

The General turned to Sergeant Terror Space. “Sergeant, make sure they find their barracks in the dark. There will be a debrief in the morning while the recruits eat to get everypegasus on the same page, but it is sufficient to say that I am impressed with all the recruits. Every last one.”

Shadow Flare and Cardinal Spitfire arrived at the almost empty mess haul. They were given two trays, still warm, of their dinner. Cooked turnips, hot mashed oats and hay. Simple food.

Cardinal Spitfire turned to the cooks and asked suspiciously, “This is what the other recruits ate?”

“Yes. And we snuck in a bit extra for each of you. I have no idea what they were putting you two through out there, all of you for that matter, but you two most definitely need the extra we could spare. I would eat quick though. You will want to get rest.”

“Thank you,” Shadow smiled happily. “Let's eat Cardinal Spitfire.”

“Finally something I can not hate about you,” She replied, tired.

“Sorry, I never meant to drag you or anypony into this. I never wanted any of this myself.”

“I still hate you.”

“Understandable.”

“I don't get it. How you did it?”

“The right upbringing, being taught the right mindset. Much of the farm work is similar to all of that. But I keep saying that and nopony gets it.”

“This food is so bland,” Cardinal Spitfire said changing the subject.

“These turnips are from Central West Farming District,” Shadow stated.

“How can you tell?” Cardinal Spitfire asked with a mouthful.

“Because of their taste. The clouds are different there. It is mostly oats and wheat there. And my dad may have had us learn the difference one year.”

“Uggh,” She growled. “Just stop talking. My head hurts.”

The finished in silence. The food was bland. And the hay was harvested a bit late, but food was food. Shadow could not think of a time where he had eaten worse food, this was almost certainly the worse he had ever eaten. He could hear his father giving another lesson about hard work, toil and being happy with what you had, even if it was little.

Sergeant Terror Space had come in soon after they had begun. He was sitting a few tables over, quietly watching them and sipping on something. He was obviously there for them, but he was not going to push anything yet.

Shadow was done eating first, but he waited for Cardinal Spitfire to finish. “How come you always beat me at every!” She exclaimed.

“Because I was taught to value what you have. We never had much, I do not expect much. Sure, my mother was a better cook than this food, but this is obviously prepared for the first day of the recruits. The few others here are not eating the same food. Just like today, take it like every break you got and be thankful for it. Every advantage is an advantage.”

Cardinal Spitfire weighed his words and continued eating.

“She really is special. I know she is not like the mares back home; she lacks that rugged, determined look and mindset of the rural farms I grew up on. But I can still see the strong farming muscles rippling beneath her coat. She is quite attractive, more so if she didn't hate me,” Shadow though to himself.

Her Cutie Mark was yellow lighting bolts crossed, except the wide ends of the bolts tapered off into flames. A very unique Cutie Mark and one you could not forget. It stood out perfectly against her deep red coat.

She really was quite pretty for a mare, once you took off all the ugly light green uniform of the Enclave. Her soft yellowmane was cut in a way so that it could be pulled straight back into short braids. Braids that did not look like it was coming loose anytime soon. Her tail was the same, a short braid. It would look much better free. She was here to train, not look pretty.Thus she made sure they stayed out of the way.

When she was finished, Sergeant Terror Space led them to Black Barracks. “You will be briefed in the morning before breakfast by your Barrack Masters. They may be sergeants, but between us, I would not call them any other name than Master. Even the drill sergeants call them masters. Our primary job is done. From now on you take your orders from them, although the drill sergeants will be around to aid them. I will still bring whatever terror I can over you two.”

“Thank you Sir,” Shadow Flare smiled.

Sergeant Terror Space just nodded his head and walked away.

Cardinal Spitfire was the first through the door. It was a long bunkhouse. The doorway opened up into a short hallway. It was a co-ed bunkhouse with no partitions. Showers and the bathroom right next to the door, the rest was bunks. Every bunk had somepony on it. Some were sleeping or trying to sleep. Most were talking. Everypony had their uniforms off and was in fresh shirt and shorts. Shadow guessed those were the regulation bunkhouse clothing.

The bunkhouse quieted as they realized that Shadow and Cardinal Spitfire had arrived. None of them wanted to be caught up in whatever Shadow was. They all had seen that Cardinal Spitfire was stuck with him and Sergeant Terror Space.

A brave pegasus spoke up. “Your bags were here when we arrived. You two are the last two bottom bunks on the right. I am Olive Pit.”

“Nice to meet you Olive Pit. Interesting name,” Shadow complimented.

“My family is olive farmers outside Las Pegasus. My mother always said I was called pit because her labor was 18 hours. I was tough to get out, like an olive pit.”

Shadow laughed. “My Family never had a reason for my name. Only Lunar Harvest, the first, had a reason. Her birth was during the day, forcing my dad to work a lunar harvest.”

The bunkhouse began to lighten up a bit.

Shadow's bunk was the hottest place in the bunkhouse. There would be little airflow. It was designated to him by his empty bag which was laying on the bed. Cardinal Spitfire's bag was on the other. No doubt they gave him the worst spot on purpose. But he had a bed.

“So Shadow Flare, I am Flex” the pegasus above Shadow's bunk said. “What exactly happened today?”

Shadow took a deep breath in before he answered he answered. “I have no idea, honestly.”

Things got quiet for a little bit before Cardinal Spitfire, who was sitting on her bed with her back deliberately to Shadow, spoke up. “What happened was that General Red River ended up putting Sergeant Terror Space on both of us to test the difference between an regular farmer and a nowhere, uselessfarmer.”

“Thank you Cardinal Spitfire,” Shadow said. He was still standing at the end of his bunk. “I think we all got an extra whooping from the drill sergeants for that as well. The General wanted me to break? Whatever that means. Not even I knew I could last that long.”

Shadow took in a deep breath in and released it before continuing. “Back on my farm, in the community, well you can see, I look more like a mare than a stallion.”

They all chuckled.

“I am no farming pony by our standards, but I guess years of hard work led to this. A friend once explained the difference between strength and power. Power was the form you used. Proper form brought you power, which can increase strength. But brute strength requires you to push through it. I noted that most of the ponies keeping up with me at the end were marked red. I bet it is red for brute strength.”

“And this is where it all started,” Cardinal Spitfire said in their shock at Shadow saying 'ponies'. “Shadow is apparently so far out that the rules do not apply.Apparently its where enough of our food is grownand that his only official laws is no stealing and no going under the clouds. Everything else is community based and enforced. And that is why he is allowed to say everypony. Because only somepegasus from there would be that stupid.”

Cardinal Spitfire stopped suddenly. “I hate you, yet I am explaining you. The General literally said 'Both of you are farmers. One is formal, the other practical. That is all I cared about. Sergeant Terror Space, break both of them. Farm pegasus against farm pegasus. One side of the Enclave against the others.' He had both of us tagged black before we even began!”

Her hate was the only reason she remembered the words verbatim.

Cardinal Spitfire took a deep breath and calmed down. “Anyway, apparently Shadow's speech patterns are allowed and not to be treated as the treason we grew up with. He wasn't even schooled to anywhere near Enclave standards.”

“Where I come from, Family comes first,” Shadow fluttered away. “Then the community, which is an extension of the family. The General decided we were to be pit against each other. I mean, look at her. You can see the muscles, and she is only a fraction smaller than me. On me, you can't see muscle like you can her.”

“But I have more endurance and a different mindset than anypony in here because of my rearing. Only two from our district came, one from the small city, and me from hours away from any city. 4 years before that another pegasus joined, and before that, no one in my community knows. I doubt anypony in the district joined. But today is over. Done with. Tomorrow is a new day and a new type of training. No more pitting Cardinal Spitfire against me... I hope.”

“Sounds good,” A pegasus spoke up from the bottom bunk in the middle. “I'm… Well just call me Deke. And it is nice to meet all of you and nice to meet you Olive Pit, Cardinal Spitfire and you Shadow Flare. I think Shadow Flare is right. We are black badged and that binds us. If there is any testing, it will be against the other colors. Shadow Flare, we have all had time to chat back an forth. I am bucking for working on the Raptors, I want to become a captain of one. What about Cardinal Spitfire, You, and I didn't catch your's Olive Pit.”

Olive pit spoke up first. “Medic. I'm going to patch you bastards up when you get your dumb asses shot.”

Everypony laughed at his comment.

“Not if I shoot your ass first,” Shadow fired back. That comment had everyone relaxed and laughing. “I'm bucking for recon. Which is why I am guessing the General really wanted to test me.”

“Nopegasus knows much about recon,” Deke said. “I didn't even know you could apply for them.”

“And I'm going for Wonderbolt. My name Spitfire isn't used lightly. I am a mapped out descendant of THE Spitfire from the great war.”

That got plenty of nods and respect from their fellow bunkmates.

“Let's hit the sack guys,” Deke said rolling into bed.

It took several minutes for everypony to get organized. Deke had been trying to sleep when they came in. Shadow and Cardinal Spitfire still had their uniforms on. Shadow had one of the two lockers that were in between the wall and the bunk bed. He stored his few belongings in there where they would be safe. Besides, there was no need for his duffel bag, at least for a while right now. So he just slung it up on one of the hooks in his locker, along with his uniform.

He did not remove the two bands he wore. One on each foreleg. One was yellow, like Cherry Tart, which had a a red cherry hoof embroidered on it. The other was barely visible on him It was white and from Dream Catcher. Both were tied snug, but not to tightly. Totems to always wear too remember perhaps the three most important pegasi from home. He was a long way from home.

Shadow laid in bed. It had been one hell of a day. A very interesting start. At least the bed was somewhat comfortable. He was going to be stiff in the morning. He looked over at Cardinal Spitfire and felt bad for her. It wasn't his fault or intention to catch her up into any of this, let alone get caught in it himself. But he still felt bad. And she hated him for it with good reason. She deliberately laid with her back to him.

As Shadow's eyes closed to sleep and he began to dream, he heard Cherry Tart and Early Blossom. He heard his father's teachings, and remembered what the community meant. He could still feel Dream Catcher's embrace.

END: PART 1: LOYALTY

STRENGTH – 4

PERCEPTION – 3

ENDURANCE – 8

CHARISMA – 2

INTELLIGENCE – 7

AGILITY – 9

LUCK – 7

Chapter 6 - Breaking Point