Missing Pieces

Chapters

Chapter 1: My Life Renewed
Chapter 2: The Tour
Chapter 3: A Day With the Apple
Chapter 4: The Timber Rescue

Chapter 1: My Life Renewed

There was blood everywhere; I have taken an arrow to my side. I do not recognize this place. I was surrounded by my enemies with nowhere to go, no way to escape. My country’s fate was damned by my enemies. I sloped down on my knees knowing I was going to die here. I wonder what I could be reborn as, where I am destined to go, what would become of my world. I accepted my execution as my conquerors prepared their magic, aimed their arrows, swords and spears readied. Everything went into slow-motion. I glanced around to see everything shot at me. I was going to become nothing, but dust and ashes after this. My energy was spent, my strength was leaving me, I tried to shout but nothing could escape my voice. Tears began to form in my eyes as everything went blurry. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I wanted another chance, something that could give me a new life; to start all over. My head lowered in defeat. There’s no stopping this…

You asked for a renewed life? A soft voice trailed off into the distance followed by a bright flash of light

Just as I was about to become the human target of the army, everything froze, as if time itself has fallen into a tranquil slumber. I couldn’t feel the wind across the valley of bloodshed. I opened my eyes to see multiple arrows and spells about to engulf my body, my enemies didn’t move, nor blinked. They didn’t look like they could see what’s going on, as if time froze. I couldn’t find the strength to stand, so I took a looked around from where I was, I couldn’t see anything that was moving until I felt a figure standing above me. I quickly spun around to see who was there, but I could see nothing. My vision began to black out, my strength was gone from the lack of blood; I collapsed on the ground. I could only see a figure standing over me, it wasn’t human as it stood on all fours. The thing was too bright to see its face, but only saw a horn sticking out of its forehead. It unfurled its wings and lied beside me, its enormous wings wrapped around my body as I fell into unconsciousness. I could only feel like I was floating, being carried to someplace else.

I awoke from my slumber. I felt the same pain as I was before, that one arrow that had pierced my body before. I was still dying, but the difference was my location. Everything was green, large trees flooded the land and the army was no more, gone, vanished. I could hear birds chirping off in the distance, a nearby stream running fresh water down its canal. Great, not only am I dying, but I get to die in a forest I don’t know anything about. What could get better than this? I continued lying in my pool of blood as I dozed off to a deep sleep. I couldn’t bring myself open my eyes again as I felt something carry me through the forest. I began to forget how I got here, or where I came from. My memories slowly disappeared until it came to a stop. The only thing I could remember is that I was human…

My strength finally came back to me. After a few weeks of rest, I could finally open my eyes. My the wood and there were bottles, potions, which stood on counters and shelves. I found my sword lying beside the bed of hay. A glimpse of black and white streaks glistened across the side of my eyes. As I motioned my attention toward the source, I saw a zebra standing next to a large cauldron. It didn’t appear to have noticed me yet. I wonder why would anyone have a zebra as their pet, I thought to myself. I tried standing up, but, instead, fell back on the floor.

I felt that there were eyes gazing upon me as I looked up and saw the zebra standing in front of me.

“Ah, it seems you are awake. Wandering in the forest is a big risk to take,” the zebra rhymed with a blissful voice.

I started to panic. Why is the zebra talking? More or less rhyming. “Why is it talking!?” I shouted in fear. Crawled over towards my sword and reached out with my…hooves? I screamed to the top of my lungs as I kept backing away until I crashed into a bunch of shelves. The bottles rattled and fell off the shelves, shattering all over the floor. I quickly took a glance at the puddle of mixed liquids and saw a pony as my reflection. “What is going on here!?”

“Please be still, my pony friend. You still have that wound I have to tend,” the zebra said with concern painting her face. “Be careful not to step in that puddle of ooze. Otherwise, it will be a hoof or two you might lose.”

“No, stand back.” I felt cornered against a shelf. “Don’t come any closer or I’ll-- ack!” I felt pain coming back to my side as my wound opened up. I collapsed on the floor again.

The zebra quickly ran over toward my side, avoiding the giant pool of purple that lied between us. Opening a pouch that rested on her flank, she pulled out a bottle with her teeth and placed it beside her. “It is preferred that you get your rest,” she, I concluded from the sound of her voice, stated as she rubbed the contents of the bottle on my wound. “For this wound will not heal for another week at best.”

I tried struggling, but she refused to release me. She picked me up and started walking back to the bed of hay, placing me back down where I had once awoken. I tried to move my legs, but my body refused to listen. I kept my eyes on alert as I stared at the zebra. “Where am I? Who are you?” I asked in confusion.

“My name is Zecora, and you are in my shack. For I have brought you here from what seems like a violent attack.” She cited pointing her hoof toward my wound. “You looked to be on your last breath. So I ran you back here, hoping not to face your death. If you don’t mind, what is your name? Watching you a while ago, you definitely don’t act the same.”

“The name is…my name is…” I muttered. Why can’t I remember my name? My head started to hurt as I tried remembering. “I-I don’t know,” I shouted out. “Why can’t I remember my name? I don’t even know where I came from, or who I am.” I was about to panic as though there was something I wasn’t supposed to forget.

“Please, calm yourself, young child. There is no need to get anxiety and wild. That is strange that you don’t know who you are. I never knew such a wound could leave such a scar. In order for me to heal a condition like this, I will need to find a certain flower called Angel’s Bliss.”

I sat up in surprise, “You know what’s preventing me from remembering? Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go and get it-arg!” The pain quickly came back as soon as I got up. Zecora helped me back to laying down.

“It is not what is preventing you, my dear. It is more of a loss of memory that I fear. We can’t just simply go and get it. For you can only find this flower in Timber Pit.”

I could hear hoof steps approaching the shack. I glanced behind the zebra to find a small yellow filly opening the door. She had a red mane with a large, pink bow accessory on the back of her head. “Hay Zecora. How’s the sleepin’ visitor?” She notices that I was awake and quickly ran over to me. “Oh my gosh, yer alive!” she exclaimed with her western accent. “Ah thought you were a goner fer sure. How are ya feelin’?” she asks.

I hesitated before answering, since there’s another pony is talking to me. “I’m fine, I guess.”

“That’s good,” she sighed in relief. “My name’s Applebloom. Every pony back in Ponyville was worried about’ cha. Ya were in such a bad shape we couldn’t move ya to the hospital. So you were kept here with Zecora. It took a while to pull this out of yer flank.” She pulled out the arrow that was lodged into my side before from her pack. “Ah went to Twilight to see what it was and she said it was an arrow.”

The sight of the arrow, gave me a severe headache. My mind was spinning with memories I had lost before:

A man standing against all odds against an army of monsters. He wore silver armor, carrying a bow and sword at hand.

My mind flashes into a new image…

A man covered in blood. The field had arrows throughout the land accompanied by dead bodies of different creatures.

My head felt like it was being crushed by a boulder as another image flashes into my mind…

The man stood there with an arrow in his side, as a different army finishes him off with a barrage of magic and arrows.

Tears welled up in my eyes as my vision came back to me. Zecora and Applebloom was standing over me. “Are you okay, sir?” Applebloom asked worrying about me. “Does it hurt?”

I sniffled as I wiped the tears away. “N-No, I’m fine, Applebloom. Don’t worry, the pain is gone.” I didn’t mention anything about the visions that came to me as they sighed in relief. I wanted to switch the subject so I went back to what Applebloom was talking about. “Yes that is an arrow. It has many uses, but most of them aren’t good, sadly.”

“Well, he must rest my fair Applebloom. For today, he has had to learn a lot more than he could consume,” said Zecora guiding Applebloom to the door. “You should go home, and tomorrow you may come back. But if you stay here too late, you will worry Applejack.”

“Aww okay, Zecora,” Applebloom whines. “Ah’ll see ya tomorrow, ya hear?” I only waved my hoof to her as she exits the door. I stared at my hooves wondering how I became like this.

“And it is time for you to rest, so take this pill, get some rest, and tomorrow you will head to Ponyville.” Zecora orders as she hands me a yellow tablet. I simply did so without another word. I slipped the pill in my mouth and swallowed it. The zebra hands me a cup of water and I chugged it down. She went over to her own bed and lie down.

“Hey Zecora? What if I was a killer, you know? Would you still help me?” I asked. “I don’t really know what happened in my past, but if it’s like that, I could change and turn on you and Applebloom.”

“Hmm… You being a killer could very much be true. But the Everfree Forest doesn’t give me ponies out of the blue. Sleep now young colt, there no need to fret. You will turn out to be a nice, gifted pony I bet.”

That was the last time I spoke to her for that night. She may be right, but the images in my mind bothered me a lot. All I could do was to take her advice and fell into a deep sleep…

Chapter 2: The Tour

It’s a new day, inside the Everfree Forest. I dreamt of everything in my life, turning out okay. I hope that it’s a sign on good luck. I opened my eyes and glanced around the hut. Zecora was still asleep in the same haystack. I felt like I had to repay her in some way, so I stretched out my body and got up quietly. There was smashed pottery over in the corner and the puddle still remained there. I guess Zecora was more worried about me than the large mess I’ve made. I walked around to find something to clean it up with and found a mop and broom. Lucky me at the moment I know how objects work. I silently cleaned up the mess of broken bottles and dangerous ooze. Wow, I thought. I was weak last night, but now I feel as strong as an ox. I smiled at myself before putting the tools away. This isn’t enough for a ‘Thank you’ gift. I looked around the small shack, but mostly found ingredients and the giant cauldron. Maybe I will make her some breakfast.

I found a flint in a cupboard which I used to start a fire under the pot. I couldn’t really figure out anything I could make out of veggies and herbs as a breakfast meal. It’s the only stuff Zecora had in her hut. I do remember this one recipe. I grabbed a jug of broth, two green bell peppers, and bunch of essential vegetables from the pantry. I started mixing the broth and vegetables in the cauldron with a wooden spoon. I can’t give it a taste test, since ponies had no pose able thumbs, so I have to trust my nose. I grabbed my sword with my mouth and cut the tops of the bell peppers, then carved the insides out, making a nice bowl. I continued mixing the ingredients inside the giant tub until I thought it was done. I used the wooden spoon to pour the mixture inside the bell pepper shells and closed it up with the lids and waited.

Zecora seemed to be waking up by the time I was finished. “Good morning, how are you feeling?”

“Morning Zecora. I feel great, thanks to you.” I brought her the stuffed bell pepper. “I made breakfast. Be careful, it’s hot,” I warned her.

“Oh, you didn’t have to do this for me. I should be the one cooking for my guest to be.”

“No way,” I protested. “You’ve done too much for me already, Zecora. I mean, you sheltered me, healed me, and took care of me. I think I should do something for you at least. I know this isn’t much, but this is my thanks until I find something better.”

She gave me a heartwarming smile and went to sit down next to the table. “Ah, well then, thank you…” she started before falling silent for she didn’t know my name.

I didn’t really know what to call myself, but it didn’t feel right to leave conversation like this, so I thought quickly, “Strong Charger. You can call me that if you like.” I smiled nervously. I might’ve thought of a name corny enough to leave us speechless.

Zecora’s face gleamed with please. “Thank you, Strong Charger, for the wonderful food. This food would definitely lighten up any pony’s mood.”

“That’s the point. I remember my grandmother cooking this for whenever I felt bad, or lost. Or just anyone in particular.” I happily smiled, then started to dig in. Many flavors exploded in my mouth, giving me such a happy memory I’ve had of my family. The image was only a brief moment, but it’s still brought tears to my eyes. “Oh, I’m sorry Zecora. I don’t mean to cry so much. They just keep coming on their own.”

“Those are tears of joy that you shed. This always leads to a promising future ahead,” she simply said as she began to feast on her bowl of soup.

“I guess they do…” I paused to hearing Applebloom humming to her music. I spun around and saw the filly enter the hut. “Good morning, Applebloom.”

“Good mornin’, Sleepyheads. I gotta show ya 'round Ponyville, Sir.” She cheerfully hopped around us and the table. “Some ponies in Ponyville really wan' to meet’cha.”

“Whoa, calm down Applebloom,” I said holding her in place. “I still have breakfast to finish with Zecora. Then you can take me there, IF Zecora says I’m healthy enough to walk long distances. My wound hasn’t completely healed yet.”

“Aww but you’ve been here fer like weeks,” the foal complained. “Ya should be fine now.”

“It seems I have no other choice. Zecora would you mind having a look at my flank again?” I asked. Applebloom got even more excited and started bouncing around the shack.

“For now, you will want to thank. For what you will see is a blank flank,” Zecora said removing the bandage to reveal nothing more than a blank flank. “So now, you can move around at your free will. Now it is safe for you to take a tour around Ponyville.”

“Thanks a lot Zecora. I’ll tell you all about it once I get back,” I joyfully say as I attached my sword onto my back. I borrowed one of Zecora’s cloaks so that I could hide the sword. I didn’t want anyone to be frightened of me, nor did I want to walk around defenseless. I followed Applebloom into the enormous forest of Everfree. She led me through thorny bushes, around poisonous plants, and past overgrown trees until we finally exited the maze of mysteries.

“This is where I live, Sweet Apple Acres!” Applebloom announced as she pointed out to a large field of apple orchards. Somewhere within all these orchards, I could see a lovely red barn which seemed to be hiding from where I was standing. “Let’s go see ma’ big sister. She’s usually doin’ her chores around the barn at this time of day.”

“That’s good, Applebloom. What’s she like? Your sister, I mean,” I ask as we trotted along the fields.

“She’s the most awesome big sister ever. Her name’s Applejack, the Element of Honesty.”

“’Element of Honesty’?” I asked in confusion. “What is this element that you speak of?”

“Ah don’t really know. Yer gonna have ta ask her yerself, Sir.”

“It’s Strong Charger now. So please call me that,” I pleaded to Applebloom.

“Alright Mr. Charger. Here we are,” she pointed out to the old red barn and house that stood in the middle of these orchards, which an orange pony was bucking a few of them. Apples fell to force of the pony’s kicks; they fell into a straw basket. “Hay Applejack.”

“Howdy… there… Applebloom.” She said in between each kick. She stopped to take a break from bucking, and turned her full attention to us. “So, this here is that pony feller y’all been talkin’ about fer all of breakfast.”

“Yeah, Big Sister. This is Strong Charger, ah thought he was a goner, once Zecora found ‘im.”

I simply just nodded to Applejack before saying anything, “I actually don’t know my real name so I thought up of Strong Charger earlier today.”

“Well ain’t that just fine and dandy. Ah reckon that be the best fittin’ name fer ya. So, what bring ya here t’ Ponyville, Strong Charger?”

“Well I’m not so sure on where I came from,” I explained myself to the orange pony. “So since I’m going to stay at Zecora’s, I might as well know my way around the town she visits. It’s not a bad thing, is it?”

“No, sir, it sure as sugar isn’t. Ah was wonderin’ because Applebloom wouldn’t answer any of mah questions ya see. Then, she left in a hurry this mornin’ t’ see ya, so ah never got the chance t’ know anything…” She paused for a moment probably with this look on her face as if she was trying to remember something. “Wait a sec, its still mornin’. Applebloom! Why ain’t 'cha in school right now? Y’all know t’ain’t nice t’ be skippin’ school.”

“Aw but Applejack…,” she whines.

“No ‘buts’ missy,” Applejack interjected before Applebloom could say anything else. “Ya get t’ school now, ya hear? Ah’ll take Strong Charger around Ponyville, but ya need your education. So run along now before Ms. Cheerilee come t’ get ya herself.”

“Yes Big Sister,” she sighs in defeat as she trotted away. “Ah see ya after school, Mr. Charger.” She waves her hoof as she disappears into the field of orchards. As she disappears, I couldn’t but noticing something pink off the corner of my eye. I slowly turned to investigate, to find a pink pony staring at me. She was close, I mean she’s standing too close. I quickly jumped away, letting out a yelp.

“Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie, and you must be Strong Charger!” she exclaimed. “It is so great to meet you, and to honor our friendship, I threw this party just for you!”

“Uh what party?” I ask in confusion as I try to catch my breath.

Pinkie Pie grabbed me and Applejack and pulled us into a library in a matter of nanoseconds. “This party!”

“W-What? How did you-How did we get here? I could’ve sworn we were back at the farm not too long ago.” I was extremely confused. This pony is really fast.

Pinkie laughed and gave me a big smile. “Silly, we are at the library. This is where your party is at, and it is easier to move you two to the party than to move the whole party itself.”

“Isn’t it a bit early for a party?” I asked the strange pony.

“It’s never too early for a party when you are with Pinkie Pie! Speaking of parties, I have a song that I made just for you!”

“Since when did parties and a song that ya wrote fer him ever relate?” Applejack asked raising her eye brow. “But ah’d rather not question yer logic Pinkie.”

“I agree with Applejack on the first part, Pinkie Pie. But I’d like to hear that song.” Without any warning, confetti suddenly explodes in my face and Pinkie Pie began to sing:

Welcome, welcome, welcome. It’s my fine welcome to you.

Welcome, welcome, welcome. I say, “How do you do?”.

Welcome, welcome, welcome. I say, “Hip, hip, HOORAY!”

Welcome, welcome, welcome to Po-ny-ville todaaaaay!

The strange pony played a series of instruments and dancing as she sang the song to me. It made me wonder where she got all the instruments if they weren’t present to begin with. I ignored asking Pinkie the question thinking she might give me an answer that made no sense. So I clapped my hooves, applauding her. She took a bow to her strange performance and hopped her way into the crowd of ponies. Music began to play by a blue, electric-mane styled unicorn on the stage.

“Welcome to Ponyville, Strong Charger.” I was greeted by a purple pony. Her mane was highlighted with two different shades of purple and a streak of pink. “My name is Twilight Sparkle. Please to meet you.” She extended her hoof to me.

“Likewise. Is Pinkie Pie always like that?” I asked Twilight.

“Get used to it, there’s more where that came from. Follow me, I’ll introduce you to my friends.” I followed the mare through the crowd until we met up with a group. Pinkie Pie and Applejack was part of it. “Strong Charger, I’d like you to meet the gang: You already know about Applejack and Pinkie Pie, this is Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy.” She pointed out to me. “All of us took turns delivering medicine to Zecora while you were unconscious.”

“Then I should thank you all for helping me recover. What can I do to repay you all for your kindness?”

“Oh darling,” the white unicorn said stepping forward, “there’s no need for you to repay us. We are all very much thankful to know that we didn’t have to attend a memorial on your account. You being here right now is plenty enough repayment for us.”

I wiped the tears forming from my eyes and bowed. “Thanks you all for saving me as well as Zecora and Applebloom.”

“What did you expect?” Rainbow said spinning in the air. “We never leave a pony hangin’. Most of your thanks should go to Zecora though. Without her crazy knowledge of potions you probably wouldn’t be here.”

“I know. Without her, I could’ve been dead. But I mostly didn’t expect to be rescued by more-or-less ponies.” I laughed to myself.

The mane six just looked at me with confused faces. “Um..” Fluttershy said breaking the silence, “are you okay? I think you might have hit your head by the tiniest bit… oh, sorry if that sounded rude…”

“Was there something I said?” I asked.

“Well,” Twilight paused to come up with the words to say, “you made it sound like as if you weren’t a pony.”

I paused, remembering that I haven’t seen a human in sight since I got here. I know I was going to have to tell them about me being human at one point, but now is a bit too early. “Oh I’m sorry I guess I did get hit in the head a bit too hard,” I lied to them and casually laughed some more.

“Well then, since the day is still rising why don’t we take you on a tour around Ponyville,” Twilight concluded making steady pace toward the door.

I followed the group outside of the library to notice that we were inside of a tree. I guess I wouldn’t as surprised since Zecora’s hut had the same feature. We first trotted over to a very decorated home. Must be the town’s bakery because it looked like a gingerbread house.

“This here is Sugarcube Corner, the bakery and home to Mr. and Mrs. Cake,” Twilight said motioning her hoof to the gingerbread house. “That is also where you find Pinkie most of the time because she works there and babysits Mr. and Mrs. Cake’s children. So if you are ever looking for something sweet or a bunch of randomness and fun that will be your place to go. Straight across is the town square, the mayor works there.”

We trotted over to the clothes designer store. Just like Sugarcube Corner, this building stood out over all the other places in this village. “This here is Carousel Boutique,” Rarity said proudly before Twilight had a chance to open her mouth. “This is where I live and work on some of the most exquisite fashion you will ever see in all of Equestria. As a matter of fact, I have just finished a magnificent design for a colt like you, and I believe you will look marvelous in it.”

“Maybe we can do that later?” Twilight half asked and whined.

“Heh Heh, why of course, we still have to give you the tour around. Maybe later indeed.”

Walking by the apple orchards again, Twilight continued, “That over there is Sweet Apple Acres, home to the Apples family and Applejack. This is where all the best apples are made, well in my opinion.”

“And that over there is my place,” Rainbow Dash shot to the front of the group and point toward a cloud in the sky. In my opinion, it looked like a rich person’s home. The way the structure is built and how is has a rainbow waterfall. “It’s nothing special. It is definitely not in comparison to the places the Wonderbolts live.” I kind of found that hard to believe.

Walking down close to the Everfree Forest, we stopped at a cottage sitting on its outskirts. “This is Fluttershy’s cottage. She cares for all the animals here, and this is where she lives. If you have an animal that was sick or anything, this would be the place you want to take them because Fluttershy is the best.” Twilight smiled toward Fluttershy’s direction, but she just simply hid behind everyone trying not to draw attention to herself. Starting their way back to the library, we passed by the area where everyone is selling their fresh produce. “This would be the market, where you will find everything that you need to live. Everypony does something different, so there is barely any competition for better quality and quantity. Lastly, this is where I am staying along with Spike, my number one assistant, and it is also Ponyville’s library. If you ever need a book to read, just come on over, and I am sure I can find you something that will suit your interest.” She finished ending at the library as the sun started to creep its way behind the mountains.

“I should be going back then,” I said to everyone. “I promised Zecora to tell her about my day today.” We said our goodbyes and head off in different directions. I followed the same trail Applebloom showed me before. Nothing dangerous happened along the trail. I have finally made it to Zecora’s hut. “Good Evening, Zecora. How was your day?”

“Good evening to you too. I am doing good, how do you do?” she asked as she was setting up our beds.

“I met the ponies who helped you out, they showed me around town, and they threw a party for me.” I explained my day to the zebra, which she seemed very pleased that I had a good time. We chatted for a while until we fell asleep.

Chapter 3: A Day With the Apple

Oh horse apples! I thought snapping my eyes open from a long sleep. I forgot to find Applebloom after her class was over. My first day into town and Applebloom was supposed to give me a tour around Ponyville, instead she had school. Maybe I should make it up to her. I pondered around in my thoughts for ideas while making while making breakfast for me and Zecora, who seemed to be fast asleep.

“I’m sorry Charger, I must go for a bit. I must make my way to Timber Pit,” Zecora said sleepily as she stood up on her hooves.

I glanced over my shoulder seeing the mare put on her pouch. “I thought you were going to sleep for a little while longer.”

“The flower only grows every month of the second week, but they will wilt once the sun hits its peak.” She continued packing her bag with various tools that seemed to be used to isolate an object in.

“Oh…well how long are you going to be gone? I’m not even sure what day it is today.” I was surprised that she was going to leave me here so soon to look for the flower, plus I’m not sure that the potion will help restore my memory. “Aren’t you going to stay for breakfast at least?” I asked.

“The way is a bit more than a half a day’s trip, so I can leave later or the flowers will give me the slip. No worries, I will be sure to return. I will be back before the morning sun starts to burn.” With that, she ran out the door, leaving me alone in a hut that smelled of eggs. Not to mention she forgot to close the door.

“Goodbye, Zecora,” I whispered to myself watching her strips disappear into the Everfree Forest. I was thinking on bringing Zecora to Sweet Apple Acres with me to see Applebloom, but I guess I’ll go by myself. I finished my breakfast and cleaned up my mess. Now, I’m off to see the Apple Family.

Arriving at the apple farm I see a large, red stallion towing one of the empty fields. I slowly approached the working stallion to ask for Applebloom and he slowly came to a stop. “Um hi there,” I said. “I’m looking for Applebloom.”

He just kind of stared at me for a second before responding. “Y’all must be that one feller that she’d be talkin’ bout.” He pointed toward a small path made in the apple orchards. “She’d be down that way. Ya cain’t miss ‘er.”

“Thank you, sir,” I said as I trotted away into the orchards. The stallion watched me disappear into the bushes before he returned to his duties. I thought Applebloom wasn’t too far away, but it took me awhile before finally seeing an old tree house. I could it was old from the wooden planks; they looked like they were going to reduce to dust.

I heard laughter coming from the tree house. So I carefully walked a plank up to the door and knocked a few times to get their attention. Three young fillies opened the door, one of them was Applebloom. The other two was an orange pegasus and a white unicorn. “It’s Strong Charger!” Applebloom exclaimed with excitement.

“Who?” the other two asked in harmony.

“Strong Charger, the colt that Zecora found in the forest. He was didn’t wake up fer weeks,” Applebloom explained to the fillies.

“Ohhh,” the orange pegasus said. “Hey, wassup! I’m Scootaloo and that is Sweetie Belle.”

“Hi, nice to meet you both. I came to see if I can hang out with you three, since Applebloom couldn’t give me a tour around Ponyville. If that’s okay, or is this a ‘No-colts allowed’ club.” I stood on the wooden plank, hoping it wouldn’t break.

“Oh, no,” Sweetie Belle reassured me. “You can come in. In fact, you came at the right time because we ran out of ideas on ways for us to gain our cutie marks. Do you know anything we could do, preferably safe, that will help us gain our cutie marks?”

“Cutie Marks?” I asked cocking my head in confusion. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can help you three out on that one.”

“Aw,” the three fillies whined before Scootaloo quickly spoke up after. “Wait, you don’t know what a cutie mark is?”

“No I’m afraid I don’t. I kinda lost my memory when I woke up.”

“Oh, well, a cutie mark is pretty much the one thing you are special at over every other pony. Something about your special talent will appear on your flank resembling what that is,” Sweetie Belle explained. “Unfortunately, none of us have a cutie mark, so we are just a bunch a blank flanks. We formed the CMC so that we can hang out and find out what our special talents are together.” She paused taking a long look at me before starting again. “That’s why we asked if you know anything we can do because we have tried hang gliding, lion taming, cliff diving, zip lining…”

Scootaloo put her hoof in her mouth before she could continue you on. “Pretty much what she is trying to say is that we have tried everything we can think of, but none of them worked. So now we are stuck thinking of something to do, but we can’t think of anything.”

Sweetie Belle pushed Scootaloo’s hoof out of her mouth, giving her a quick glare before turning to me with curiosity in her eyes. “What’s your cutie mark, Mister? I bet you have something amazing.”

“Um I don’t know. You all said it appears on my flank right?” They nodded before I took my cloak off and revealed there was nothing there. “I guess I don’t have one.”

“Holy Celestia!” Applebloom yelled in my ear. “Ya don’t have a cutie mark either! Ya can join our group, and maybe we can all look fer our special talents together! Y’all can be a part of the CMC. Besides four heads are better than three, so we can all come up with different things and see what we get.”

“I don’t know if I should,” I said hesitantly. “I’m trying to get used to everything in Ponyville and all. Maybe I will later. By the way, what’s the CMC?” I asked, changing the subject.

“The Cutie Mark Crusaders,” Scootaloo said. “You can get used to Ponyville better when you are with us anyways because we are always hangin’ around Ponyville trying to do something. Why are you carrying a sword?” Changing the subject out of nowhere as she pointed at my sword.

“Um, for protection,” I explained. “It’s the only thing I know is mine. Kind of like a ‘prized possession’ or something like that.”

“Protection?” Sweetie Belle tilted her head. “Why would you need protection in one of the most peaceful places in all of Equestria? The only real times we had a problem was when an Ursa Minor came to town and when parasprites devoured all of our stuff. Other than that, which was a long time ago, Ponyville is really peaceful, and there is never any trouble here.”

“I do live with Zecora in the Everfree Forest. I heard the place can be a bit dangerous.” I didn’t feel like standing anymore, so I went inside the tree house and found a comfortable place to lie down.

“The forest isn’t that dangerous,” the purple maned pegasus said waving her hoof. “Even Fluttershy can handle herself out there, and she is the shyest pony here.”

“I guess you’re right, girls.” I was a bit confused about the forest, realizing that I’ve never ran into any trouble on the way through the forest. I set my sword beside me. “So you three are trying to get your cutie marks by doing a bunch of reckless activities? It sounds like these ‘cutie marks’ are mostly your hobbies. I can say my hobby would be swordsmanship, since I keep carrying around this sword. But I know can do more than just that.”

“Hey,” Scootaloo said with a big smile on her face. “We could also be ponies who are good at swords. Come on Cutie Mark Crusaders, we’ve got some swords to swing.” She went to go for my sword, but Sweetie Belle jumped in her way.

“NO!” she cracked. “There will be no more dangerous acts for today. I want to do something a little less dangerous for a change. Is that hard to ask for?”

The orange pegasus shrank to the floor and swallowed back as much fear as she could before speaking. “Yeah, I guess we can do something like… coin collecting?” Scootaloo said in a quivering voice.

“Hey, that’s actually a good idea!”

“I don’t think there’s such thing as a ‘coin collecting’ cutie mark. But treasure hunting is probably much better,” I suggested moving my sword out of Scootaloo’s line-of-sight. “I think Twilight Sparkle has a few treasure hunting books in her library.”

“But we’ve already tried that,” Applebloom said with a grimace face.

“I see…what are you fillies good at anyways? Singing, dancing, building…” I asked.

“We don’t know,” Scootaloo said before taking a bite out of an apple. “Thaf why we made thif group.” That last word, she spit some of her food out on everyone.

I wiped off the bits apple from my face. “I know I lost my memory but I do remember that you shouldn’t speak with your mouth full, Scootaloo.” Everyone laughed, except Scootaloo who was blushing the whole time. I had a fun time, hanging out with the CMC. We did a few activities, played some games in the tree house. I wasn’t keeping track of time when I hear Applejack calling for the three at the bottom of the tree.

“Come on y’all, it’s time fer dinner. Sweetie, Scoot, Rarity is here t’ take ya home.” After putting my sword n cloak back on, I followed the fillies out of the tree house. “Oh, howdy there Charge. Ya was with ‘em the whole time? Ah had a feelin’ y’all were comin’ t’ town today, but ah didn’t know when.

“Well Zecora had to leave for Timber Pit, early in the morning. There weren’t many things I couldn’t do around the hut without making a mess. So I came here to visit Applebloom. Don’t worry we didn’t do anything dangerous.” I smiled to the mare as the CMC trotted passed me into the apple orchards.

“It’s mighty fine,” Applejack responded with a warm smile. “Ah never let ‘em do anythin’ too dangerous...” She stopped talking thinking of something. “Y’all said Timber Pit? The nest of all Timber Wolves? That is one brave heart Zecora has, but that is also a pretty long trip. Why don’t ya stay fer dinner? Ah reckon we got plenty ‘nuf food t’ feed all of Ponyville.”

“Great, Applejack,” I answered to her. I couldn’t say that I was hungry enough to eat a horse, since I am a horse myself. “I don’t think I had much for lunch anyways.” I followed her through the forest of orchards, before reaching an old-fashion, western-style house. “Whoa, there must be a lot of ponies that’s living in that house,” I exclaimed.

“It’s just me, Applebloom, Big Macintosh, and Granny Smith that live here. The rest of the Apples family is scattered all over Equesteria. Y’all haven’t even met Big Mac and Granny Smith yet, ah reckon.”

“Wait there is only four of you working on all these apples? This place is huge,” I exaggerated looking at the hundreds of apple orchards that surrounded the farm. She nodded before we entered her house. The first pony I saw first had to be the giant of a stallion I met earlier this morning.

“Actually it’s just two of us. Applebloom ain’t old enough t’ do really much apple buckin’ yet. Granny Smith is too old t’ do anything ‘cept fer cookin’. So me and Big Mac here do all the apple buckin’ on this here farm, while Granny Smith does the cookin’ and Applebloom is in school. Oh, this is Big Macintosh, by the way, mah older brother.”

“Nice to meet you,” I said extending my hoof out to Big Macintosh. “Sorry for not introducing myself earlier. I didn’t know you were part of the family.”

He stared at my hoof before shaking it. “Eeeyup, ah am.”

“Aw, ain’t ye a handsome youn’ colt,” an old pony spoke with a high, yet hoarse, voice as she slowly made her way to the table. It was worse that her joints let off a sound that was very similar to rusted hinges on a door with every bit of movement she made.

I guess that, in this world, I would be considered as handsome in some way. Big Mac and I joined Granny Smith at the family table as Applejack and Applebloom headed into the kitchen. Later, comes out with a huge spread, most of them were apple dishes though, but they all looked quite tasty.

“So Mr. Charger, did ya remember anythin’ yet?” Applebloom questioned. I thought about it for a moment but all I remember was the graphic scenes of going and ending a major battle. I really did not want to talk about it, because it feels wrong to speak of these things in front of the Apple family.

I had to respond to her anyways, I know Applebloom is concerned about my well-being. “It was only an image, really,” I answered. “Similar to what we are doing now. Eating together, with my family. I remember that I have a grandmother, I don’t know what condition she is in though.”

“Ah bet she’s doin’ just fine,” AJ reassured me waving her hoof. “T’ain’t no need t’ worry. We’ll get ya back t’ your family lickety split.”

“Thanks Applejack.” We all started on our dinner; I helped myself to some Apple and Blackberry Crumble while Applebloom told the family what we did today with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Watching the Apples Family gave me flashbacks of my own family:

A boy talking to his family of how his dad is teaching him swordsmanship and magic.

The same boy got scratches and bruises from training. His grandmother smiling in front of him while she bandaged up his wounds.

The father and son laughed as they took a break from practicing. His mother and grandmother stood in the background smiling at them…

“Hay Strong Charger,” Applejack shouted out. I jumped out onto my hooves quickly in alert. “Whoa there, Sugarcube. Ya was starin’ at us fer quite a while now.” I realized everyone was finished with their meal as they started cleaning up.

“I guess I’m pretty tired today.” I rubbed my temples before sitting back down. “What were we talking about again?” I replied.

“We were wonderin’ if there was anythin’ that’cha liked doin’?” Applebloom spoke up, grabbing the dirty dishes off the table.

She must’ve meant if I remember anything that I used to like. “Um I used to like training swordsmanship and studying magic with my dad. I also liked helping my grandma cook dinner.”

“Aren’t ya supposed t’ be a unicorn t’ learn magic?”Applejack jumped in, seemingly interested.

“They only know Unicorn Magic. There are many different forms of magic from where I come from. Unicorns actually appear in books. Twilight was actually the first unicorn I meant.”

“So ya used t’ live in a town of only Earth Ponies?” That question stopped me for a moment. I was human before I appeared in the Everfree Forest.

“In a way…yes. There were only earth ponies in my town.” Wow I know this much about stuff from before…but all of that was from my childhood and nothing that relates to how I got here.

________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 4: The Timber Rescue

I ended up helping Applebloom wash the dishes that stood in a large pile. I could see the stars glinting through the window; they were absolutely stunning. The Everfree Forest fails to reveal such a beautiful sight through its enormous trees. I wondered if Zecora was able to see this.

“Wow, the princess has outdone herself tonight,” the yellow filly started as she stared through the same window.

“Who?” I questioned. Applebloom stood there unmoving. I could see the reflecting of the starry night through her eyes.

“Princess Luna, of course. She uses her magic to bring the night upon Equestria.”

“Sounds like a difficult job to me. I mean, she has to make the moon rise and fall; in the process she decorates the dark skies with all these stars,” I smirked.

“Ya may be right, but ya can’t make a delicious apple pie without gettin’ the right ingredients.” She smiled at me before putting away the last pate. She was right; you can’t get something great without working hard. I rubbed my temples as I walk towards the door. Applebloom bolted in front of me. “Don’t tell me yer goin’ back t’ the hut alone.”

“Yeah it’s been a long day so I’m going back to get some rest.” I started to open the door before she spoke up again.

“Well how ‘bout ya stay here fer the night, Mr. Charger?” she suggested. I froze as I pondered my thoughts. It was a good idea, Zecora’s place is a long walk away from here. I shut the door and nodded to her. She ran upstairs cheerfully. “C’mon then, yer room is this way.” She gestured off to a direction as I followed her up the stairs.

We stopped at a vacant room. The place was cozy and welcoming; an empty dresser stood next to the door, across from it was a green bed, aside from it was a bright lamp, releasing its bright rays across the room. The bed was decorated with a few apples and leaves.

“Wow,” I awed. “This is a nice room.”

“It’s just one of many,” Applebloom gloated. “Ya can stay here fer the night, as long as ya want.”

“It’s just for tonight, Applebloom. But I can hang out with you again tom-” A burning sensation entered my body. It felt like someone was biting at my sides. I turn to look over, but no one was there. Instead, I saw an aberration appearing before me…

Zecora ran for her life. Her heart was beating wildly, lungs were aching, and there were scratches and bite marks around her body. I took a glance at what’s behind her; they were wolves, three of them. They looked savage and out for blood with their glowing green eyes fixated onto Zecora as they tore through bushes and vines just to get to her. It looked like their fur was brown, almost like they were made of wood. One of them took a slash at Zecora as she screamed for help, I could feel the pain one my back side where that wolf slashed at. Zecora was gasping for air as she ran away from her predators. It didn’t take long for the wolves to catch up to her whenever she gets away…

My vision blurred out as I start to come to my senses, gasping for air. Applejack was standing over me, trying to get my attention yelling my name. “Charger! Yer okay!” she cried in relief, hugging me with all her might. “We were so worried that ya could’ve died in front of Applebloom. Yer heart stop beatin’ fer five minutes.”

I took a look around for my surroundings. It was just Big Macintosh and Applejack in the room. It took me awhile for my mind to catch up. “Zecora’s in trouble!” I shouted out loud before Big Mac pinned me to the ground.

“Wait a second. Calm down fer a moment,” said the big stallion keeping on a straight face.

“I can’t wait. Zecora is being attacked by a bunch of wolves. We gotta go save her now,” I cried out.

“Now yer soundin’ just like Applebloom,” Applejack said cocking her head in confusion. “If Zecora is in trouble, ya can’t go out there on yer own. Lemme go get Twilight and the others; you stay here ‘til ah get back.” She ran out the door and heading into Ponyville, looking for the others.

Big Mac just stared at me as though he knows I’m going to do something stupid. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking from the expressionless look on his face. I couldn’t wait for the others; every second passes by Zecora is getting close to her death.

For a moment of silence we stood there in the room until he finally spoke, “You should go.”

I was confused. “What?”

“If she really means that much to dash into danger, alone, then you should go.” I didn’t have a second thought and galloped passed him at a break-neck pace.

I quickly dash into the forest as fast as I could. Once I arrived at the hut, I grabbed a few bottles that said ‘cure all’ and rushed into the bushes. I am one insane pony, I thought. I have no idea on where I’m going; all I see are giant trees blocking my way. I guess I’m going to have to go with my gut feeling. I took a deep breath and jumped into a general direction. The place I have to look for was Timber Pit. I heard it was very dangerous and infested with monsters so I must get there soon before any more monsters attacked her.

It took me a few hours, but I think I’m finally here. The place was treacherous and creepy. I could tell there were eyes on me in the shadows, so I pulled my sword out and held it ready between my teeth. I saw shadows move from tree to tree, bush to bush, even shadow to shadow. My heart was racing with fear, I didn’t know what was here but I must save Zecora. I knew she’s still alive; I could feel her heart beat close to mine. It was faint, but she’s still here. I sucked in my gut and trotted into the darkness.

I could barely see, I could only imagine what was around me. I heard a loud crunch once I stepped on something; it was a skull. Of course, I’m walking into a cave-like forest of death, why wouldn’t there be a skeleton or a dead body; how cliché. I could only giggle for a moment before I was interrupted by a large number of green eyes surrounding the room. The same eyes like the wolves I saw in my vision. Only one got closer in front of me, I held my sword up high and ready for anything. A large wolf appeared before me, snarling its yellow, rotting teeth at me.

“What do we have here?” the alpha wolf spoke. “A stray?” The monster paced itself around me, circling me like I’m prey.

“I’m here for the Zecora,” I growled. “And don’t lie, I know she’s here.” The wolf chuckled loud enough the rest of the wolves laughed with him.

“I have no idea on what you are talking about, unless you’re meaning that zebra that we played with, not too long ago.” He continued to laugh out loud, but in one second, he threw his enormous body at me. I didn’t flinch and reacted quickly; with one leap to side I took a swing at his nozzle. With his quick speed, he dodged it and jumped away and laughed some more. “You’re fast for a small pony. Maybe faster than that zebra.”

This guy was ticking me off. I am not getting anywhere with all this laughing. “I don’t have all day,” I snapped. “Tell me where you, wolves, have Zecora.” I pointed sword straight at the brute.

“What are you going to do if we don’t give out such information?” he says pointing his paw at me. Before he could react I sliced off a few of his razor-sharp nails. The wolf howled in anger, stomping around the darkness. I noticed the eyes that surrounded me were fixated on the alpha wolf, so I quickly ran out the nearest opening. “Get him,” he commanded to them. With that single order, fifty wolves emerged from the dark in pursuit. “Bring me that colt. He’s going witness the zebra’s execution before I have his head.”

I could hear his commands echoing throughout the cave. I had a few encounters with one or two wolves along the way, but I was able to take care of them. After a few minutes of running away, I’ve finally lost them. The funny thing about it was…I am completely lost. My muscles ached for running and resisting those bastards, it hurts to move. If anyone wants to try tossing seven wolves across the room, then be my guest; they are heavy.

I couldn’t figure out how long I was in here wandering in the darkness. Being the prey to fifty wolves sucks, I guess it wasn’t supposed to be fun. I finally saw a light at the end of the hallway. I quietly drew closer to the light and glances around the corner. I saw a large gathering of the wolves, Zecora was there. She looked horrible; she was tired, beaten, clawed at, and bruised up. She lied in the center of the room with a wolf on top of her, his strong teeth rested on her neck, ready to chomp. The alpha wolf was also in the center of the room, circling the two. He looked extremely angry.

“Would any wolf like to tell me why that pony hasn’t been found?” the alpha roared to the crowd, the wolves quivered. “He made you look like sloths. Here he is, in OUR home and yet he knows how to escape a bunch of buffoons. He’s a pony for Luna’s sake.” He turns his attention to Zecora and stomped on her side as she howled in pain. “Your coltfriend’s going to make you the main course if he doesn’t give in soon.” He licked his yellow chops and laughed loudly. “You hear that colt?!” his voice echoed throughout the cave. “Show yourself or your zebra becomes food for the pack.” The entire group howls to the roof as the cave rumbles and shakes from the vibrating voices.

I waited for the gathering to die down a bit before entering the room in the shadows. There were half of the wolves still there with their eyes on Zecora and their mouths watering. The alpha wolf became extremely impatient, stomping around the room. A wolf entered the room, and whispered into the alpha’s ear. The news gave him make a large grin and gave follower an order. The wolf bowed and ran out the room. The giant wolf turned to his audience. “My subjects, it seems we are all going to have a buffet tonight, because six mares have arrived on our door step.” The crowd roared in excitement, howling throughout the cave.

Oh hayseeds! I thought to myself I totally forgot about Applejack and the others. I gotta save them first before they get to this room. I quietly left the room and followed the messenger. Easily, I made it outside without being seen. The wolf went deeper into the forest and grouped up with his friends. I couldn’t tell what they were saying, but they kept glancing over the cliff; I took a look for myself. There they were, Twilight was leading the group up the hill. I had to stop the ambush, so I was going to ambush the ambushees. I found a bunch of boulders, higher up the hill. After I climbed up there, I tackled the boulders with all my strength, they barely move an inch. I backed up farther and bashed into it even harder, but the attempt failed again. Frustrated at myself, I bucked a tiny rock at the boulders. Miraculously, they shifted around and began falling onto the pack. The wolves were disoriented and confused as I jumped down and knocked out the remaining survivors with my sword.

The Mane 6 finally made it to the top and gasped at the sight of the knocked out and pinned wolves. “What in the hay did all this?” Rainbow Dash began in shock as she flew around and found me sitting on top of a boulder. “Girls I found Charger, he’s right over here!” The rainbow mare tackled me with a hug, followed by the others joining in.

“Ah thought ah told you to wait fer me at the barn,” Applejack broke her hug and hoofed me in the arm.

“I know, I know. I really wanted to save Zecora,” I explained. “She’s still hostage, but at least I bought some time.”

“What did you do?” everyone asked me with a concerned look.

“I pissed off the leader and escaped. Now he won’t execute Zecora until I’m found. Now with you girls safe, I’m going to end this right now.” I got up and started to walk inside, but they stopped me from going any further.

“Whoa there, Nelly.” Applejack said. “Ya can’t be goin’ in there alone, it’s too dangerous.”

“I could say the same. Please, it would be easier if I went in alone,” I begged to Applejack. “I can use the shadows to my advantage.” She stood there silently; she saw the determination in my eyes.

She drew up a big sigh before she answered, “Fine. We’re gonna give ya ten minutes, so be careful now Charger, ya hear.” They let go of me and I left. They watched me disappear into the dark, as they sat outside.