Atlas's Burdenby FunkyfreshChaptersWaking the GiantAmendsImpactCalling aka 'the smol update'Waking the GiantOhhh, by the suns tits that hurts. Opening my eyes I see dirt. Should've expected that considering I'm face down on the ground, but hey I also just woke up from... Why the fuck did I pass out? I remember going on a jog through the woods, pumping myself up with a good bit of Sabaton, and then nothing. I feel around for my phone to check the time and realize it isn't there, which causes me to get up quick as I can and look around me. I also didn't have any of my clothes on which really got my attention. I did not find my phone or my clothes. I would have been very vocal about this, but my voice didn't seem to want to work... I also figured something out. This was not the woods I was jogging in. Not only was the trail I was on not showing up anywhere, but there also wasn't anyway I could have rolled or fallen to where I am from the trail. The trees were a tad different as well, with most of the trees back in my woods being pine. Since I wasn't where I should be and I had no phone I decided that the best thing to do would be to find civilization as quick as I can. After a moment to collect myself I climbed the tallest tree nearby and had a look around for any people or buildings. Yes! I was in luck as I spotted what looked like a really rural town with some horses around. Good, Dad always told me that you could trust someone who raised good horses and there seemed to be a good few around. So after I climbed down safely I started on my way to town, nothing really going wrong on the way other than the odd root that tried to trip me. Then I saw something that stopped me in my tracks. A human on a leash was being lead by some technicolor pony with a fancy coat on. What the actual fuck man... Just, why? Why was this happening and why wasn't the dude putting up some sort of fight? I looked at the guy to see what the fuck his deal was and I saw something that shocked me more than the fact that he was on a leash, this guy was a freaking neanderthal. An honest to goodness caveman getting pulled around by what I soon found out was a talking tiny horse, as the fancy pony pulled on the lease and urged him on. One slight mental breakdown in the bushes later... Okay, so let's wrap our head around this... I'm on a different world with talking ponies that have pet cavemen and some of them have magic or wings. Well fuck me right? So options; Option A is that I stroll on up and say hello which I can't do because of my muteness and them thinking of me as an animal. Even If I did prove myself to be sapient, they would treat me like how humans would treat a talking pony, IE dissection. Option B is to hide in the woods like a crazy man and hope for the best, not gonna work. I can only last so long until winter and I can't find home either. So, Option C. The option that I probably like the least, but at this point is the best option. Finding a good owner and becoming the human equivalent of Seabiscuit, Lassie, and Airbud rolled into one so they can't get rid of me. Then I could work on the whole 'hey I'm intelligent' thing with only moderate fear of disection. From what I've seen of the 'humans' here, if you could call them that the impressing bit shouldn't be too hard. After all at a good six foot three I tower over the neanderthals with nearly a good foot on most and in my personal opinion I look a hell of a lot better. Not only in terms of the face, but also my musculature and physical health seem to be better over all. The hard part is finding a good one to cozy up to, one who wouldn't treat me like shit cause even a shitty person could kick Lassie and ignore the cool shit I could do. Also one that could properly take care of me, didn't want to be the bums dog that didn't get to eat. It was then that I saw the perfect choice, trotting along the road with a sizable bag of food on her back was a yellow pegasus singing to a group of passing birds. Holy shit they were singing with her, she's a frickin princess from the mouse's kingdom isn't she? Kind and caring to things she views as animals? Check. Well off enough to keep me around? High probability considering all the food she has. So after going through my mental checklist I followed her back to her home on the outskirts of town, even better so if she screamed or attacked I could run into the woods easily. When she was walking up to her house I decided to make my move, seeing a nice, choice stick in front of me I brought my foot down on it hard. Crack! She froze up as she heard this and turned to look for it's source. I would have preferred not to go in the buff, but I didn't really have any options so I slowly stepped into the clearing that surrounded her home. "Oh my..." She looked very startled at first, looking me up and down with a great deal of surprise on her strangely expressive face. "H-hello? Are you lost mister human?" Sounded like she was talking to a wild animal, which I guess to her she was. Oh well, I took another few tentative steps forward while gauging her reaction. Luckily she seemed to perk up at this and took an apple out of her saddlebags. "Here you go big guy," she said in a soothing manner as she held out the apple. "It's okay, I'm not gonna hurt you." I decided to play the role I was given and slowly approached her before reaching out for the apple. She seemed to be on the edge of her proverbial seat, waiting for me to take it so I obliged her and brought it up to my nose to smell it. The small yellow pegasus actually gave a little squee of delight as I bit into the red delicious and holy fuck did that apple live up to its name. It was the best apple I've ever eaten and I'm not ashamed to admit that I gave a small moan as I first tasted it. While I was busy chowing down on this heavenly apple, the nice little pony was slowly circling me and studying me. "Oh well you sure look different from the other humans I've seen around Ponyville. I'm not sure I can take care of you big guy-" At this my hopes were a bit let down. "But maybe Applejack could? She would most certainly know more about you, but what should I call you?" At this point she noticed the tattoo of Atlas holding the world that I had on my left shoulder. "Atlas?" I looked up mostly because this meant the written word was the same as the spoken here. "Oh, well I think that Atlas would be a wonderful name for you." After placing her saddlebags inside her home and returning to me, she tried motioning for me to follow. "Come on Atlas, we should go see Applejack now." Deciding that cooperating and showing my intelligence early would be in my best interest I followed her. After a nice little walk following the forest we finally arrived at what looked like an orchard which lead up to an old farmhouse. Seeing an orange pony with a stetson leading a human with a cart in the orchard, the kind pony that I had been following waved her down. As the orange one came over, I hide myself partially behind a nearby tree. Mostly because I was still a bit shy about being nude and also because I didn't know how this one treated humans. "Howdy there Fluttershy! What brings ya over ta Sweet Apple Acres at this time of day?" Presumably Applejack asked. "Well Aj, while I was walking home from the market I met the most amazing thing that I thought you should see." Fluttershy quietly said while circling her hoof in the dirt. "Now listen Shy, I appreciate yer thoughts and all, but I don't need another critter to be a pet. I already got Winona and all our humans to look after as it is." "Actually, I found a human out in the woods. He was really docile and responsive, but I don't think I've ever seen another human like him so I thought I should show you." With this she motioned for me to come out from behind the tree. As I did so the Applejack inhaled sharply, her eyes widening as she took my form in. Now I wasn't some gym addict who tried to get so ripped he could barley move, but I was fairly proud of my body and my capabilities. It seemed she thought so too, as she excitedly turned to Fluttershy. "My gosh Shy! Were did you find this giant again? He's far bigger than any of the normal humans we have, or any that I've seen for that matter." I didn't notice that she wasn't looking at my head at the time. "I don't recognize that symbol on his shoulder either, was he left in the Everfree?" "Well that's just it Aj, he showed up on the edge of the woods near my house and I got him to come near me with an apple. I knew that he would be a sweetheart, but I couldn't take him in with the way the other animals would probably react to him. That's when I thought to bring him to you and see if you could take him in. His face doesn't look like the others either, it's like there's more life in him." "Well shoot sugarcube, that's awfully nice of you. I would love to have a fine, healthy specimen like him, I'd probably have no issue winning the next human fair with one like him. Lets go up to the barn now, to get it official. Big Mac should be finishing up with the new human we brought in today. Hey Big Mac! Everything still ready from the last fresh one?" She called out as we approached the barn. "E-yup." Called a large red pony from the entrance of the barn. "AJ! Fluttershy! Do ya think I could help with this and get my cutie mark!" This came from an excited filly nearby with a large red bow in her hair. "Now Applebloom, you know you should be in the house for these things. The humans can get pretty rowdy when ya brand em." What. The. Fuck. Hell to the fuck no, I wasn't being branded on this day or any other. I don't care how many apples they got. Of course I didn't have much choice in the matter as the orange one had quickly grabbed hold of me while the large red one brought out the red hot brand. "Oh, Aj. Please, you know how much I hate it when ponies brand their humans. It's so painful for them." "Sorry sugarcube, but we have to. Otherwise somepony might just try to take em while we aren't looking." Fuck off fuck off fuck off. Fuck off! These were the things that were going through my head as the brand was brought closer to my skin. Then while the two ponies above me argued I saw my chance. I kicked the rod into the air and broke out of their grasp at the same time. Unfortunately the brand was going to come down right on the cute little one with the bow. Fuck off conscience, she's one of the ones trying to brand me. But then there was also the mental image of her being branded and crying out in pain. "Applebloom! Look out!" called Applejack, but she wasn't going to be able to get up quick enough and Big Mac was on his back too. The brand was falling in what seemed like slo-motion for Applebloom as she heard her sibling call out to her, but she was frozen in place watching as it fell closer to her face. Then out of nowhere a wall of flesh was between her and the falling brand and a pain-filled roar filled her ears. As the brand fell to the side, she looked up into tear stained eyes that stared down at her and she saw all of the pain and fear that they held. Suddenly the human above her took off in a stumbling run for the forest and her siblings took his place, holding her and asking if she was alright. "Oh Applebloom! Are you okay, did it hurt you?" Aj asked while checking her over. "No, he protected me and ran off." Applebloom looked after the fleeing human and back at her sister, "Why did he save me?" "I don't know Applebloom... I just don't know." Applejack looked at the fleeing human as he entered the Everfree Forest, knowing that this wouldn't be the last she saw of him. Author's Note Hey there this is my take on the whole YHaH scenario. I hope you enjoy the read and please leave any feedback. AmendsRun... Just keep running. If you stop they will catch you. If they catch you, they will burn you and break you. It was all I could do, to keep running before I let the agony freeze up my body and override my thoughts. I just had to keep running and they wouldn't catch me. So I ran and ran, until my breath ran ragged and everything was quiet in the wood around me. That is when the full agony of what had transpired hit me, when I actually had a moment to think about it and absorb the sensation of the brand. I could feel it now, pulsing in the center of my back almost in time with the rapid beating of my heart. Then I did the only thing that I could do to make things better, at least by a little... I screamed. I let all the anger, fear, and pain that had built up in the course of today out in that animalistic scream and I continued to scream until I passed out from exhaustion. I woke up a few hours later. Back at Sweet Apple Acres "Oh Applebloom, are you sure you're alright? It didn't hurt you?" Applejack said, checking over her sister one last time. "Ah told you sis, it stopped the brand and ran off. I was scared when it first stood over me, but then I saw it's eyes and..." "What did you see when you looked in its eyes?" Fluttershy asked softly. "It looked scared and hurt... It's eyes looked like a pony's when I looked into them. They didn't look like the other humans eyes, they looked more alive." "Now, Applebloom you know that just ain't possible. Humans show less emotions than some of Shy's animals do." "Well, you are right AJ, most humans don't show any emotion other than 'hunger' and 'anger'. Atlas was different though." Noticing Applejack's skeptical look she carried on, "It was a lot more observant and docile than most, and besides I think that it may be a different species based on it's body. Like how there are black bears and grizzly bears." She added noticing their confused looks. "So you're saying that we just found a species of human that neither of us have ever seen or heard of before? Twilight's gonna love that, I can already hear her..." A prolonged and pain-filled roar echos out from the Everfree. "Oh, I hope he's not too hurt. I'm not sure that he would be willing to come to me for help after I brought him here and you tried branding him." "Well Shy, we should probably go tell Twilight about all of this. If anypony can find information about that 'Atlas' it would be her." Zecora was out gathering what herbs she needed for a potion when she heard the roar, causing her to nearly ruin the plant she was plucking leaves from. She was at first wary, because she had never heard a roar like this in all her time in the Everfree, but eventually her curiosity got the better of her and she cautiously made her way towards it. She almost missed the figure laying prone on the forest floor, if not for it's size and how it stood out from the surrounding foliage. When she realized that the thing was unconscious she was able to gather more of her courage and move closer to better inspect it. She was quite surprised to find the largest human that she had ever seen, nearly a good foot taller than those found in Equestria. Upon inspecting the giant beast she also found what looked like a brand burned into it's back, personally Zecora did not like the way the ponies treated the humans sometimes, but she was a guest in these lands and their customs were their own. She did feel the need to help the poor thing though, so she did the only thing she could shy of taking it with her to her hut and spread a salve on it's back to soothe the burns on it's back and left a scent marker around the clearing that it lay in to keep predators out. Thus finished with what aid she could give it, she started back upon her path towards her home. I woke up feeling like utter shit. Not only was there my aching muscles and the burnt mark on my back, but I was also very hungry and thirsty after only having the apple that Fluttershy had given me apparently yesterday if the sunrise was to be believed. I did notice that my burn did not hurt as much as it should for being such a strong burn. Fearing that it was burned far worse than I initially thought, I felt around where the burn should be and found that a salve or ointment had been rubbed onto it. Did Fluttershy do this? If she found me and didn't bring me back, does that mean I can still trust her? My thoughts were interrupted however by the growls of my stomach and by how parched my throat was. If I was going to do anything, I was going to have to take care of some of my basic needs first and I knew just where to take care of them. The stream that ran by Fluttershy's hut seemed drinkable and I could follow it towards the orchard, hopefully I could find something to eat on the way be it a fish or a berry bush. So after finding the very clear trail I had left in the undergrowth, (how had they not tracked me down? Did they decide to let me go?) I decided to let these thoughts stew in the back of my mind, as I was far too hungry and thirsty to think properly right now and really had to focus on getting that taken care of before all else. A silver lining in the otherwise shit-tastic time I've been having here is that I actually did find a small trickle of fresh water that seemed to be a tributary to the stream by Fluttershy's house and after tasting it I found it to be drinkable. Now that I had my fill of water it was time to get some food into my belly, now I was hoping to find some berries or even fish along the riverbank, but if need be I would probably try stealing from those ponies that tried branding me. I know I know stealing is wrong and all, but so is branding people and I still got branded in the end cause of that stunt I pulled saving the girl. I was walking the wood line near their property and I still hadn't found anything that was edible so I started to see if any of the ponies were nearby so I could nab a couple of apples when a voice startled me. "Hey there big fella!" I had nearly jumped out of my skin when the little filly beside me decided to speak up. "You lookin fer something to eat?" At first all I could do was stare at Applebloom as she stood there holding out an apple... what the fuck? About thirty seconds ago "Now if I was a big ol' human, where would I be?" Applebloom thought to herself as she sat near the edge of the woods, the treats that she had brought with her sitting in a wicker basket. Then as if on cue Atlas walked out of the brush, apparently not noticing her as he scanned her family's farm watching for anypony. That's when she pulled out a red delicious and said, "Hey there big fella! You lookin fer something to eat?" Back in the present "Why was the little pony on her own near the scary woods and why was she giving me an apple?" I thought to myself. "Who cares, food." My stomach's eloquent retort won that debate and I slowly reached for the apple. Upon seeing that it was in fact, not a trick I took a step back while munching on the apple. God that was a good apple, were all of their apples this damn good? No matter, the real question is why the little one was giving me food. I looked at her and she just stood there beaming at me with those big ol' puppy eyes, and the longer I stared the more my resolve weakened. She hadn't tried to hurt me herself (she just wanted to be like bro and sis), she brought me food, and she was so fucking adorable. That's it, I can't hold back anymore I just can't. I tentatively reached out and put my hand on her head. She had been searching through her basket so the sudden appearance of my hand had startled her at first, (can't blame her I have pretty big hands,) but she relaxed as I began to scratch her behind the ears. We stayed in a cycle like this for quite some time with the two of us snacking from the basket she had brought while I gave her scritches. The cycle was interrupted by a voice coming from the Apple property. "Applebloom! Where the hay are you?!" It was one of the ponies that I definitely didn't want to see right now, mostly because I still felt the burn of that brand fresh in my mind. Applebloom seemed to notice how rigid I had become and started to shoo me back to the woods. "C'mon now, git. I know you're still skittish, but I also know I can change that. Just give me a bit and you'll be helping on the farm in no time! This time without the brand too." She said to me with a big grin and those puppy eyes. Dang it, no matter how much I don't want to, I can't help but like this little pony. I'll have to keep an eye on her. Author's Note REEE, I'm still alive and so is the story. I hope it doesn't crash and burn, but as per usual if you have any criticisms please leave it in the comment below. Thanks. ImpactAuthor's Note Hello there dear reader, I know it has been some time for those that have followed this small work and I know that most won't care, but I do apologize about the time I have taken and for the lack of length my works tend to have compared to other writers. As I have stated before, I have mostly been dealing with work, life, and my plans to soon travel abroad. I do hope you enjoy this work, and I would appreciate anything you might have to tell me about it. Impact "Atlaaas! I need you!" Applebloom began to call out in a more worried tone. She feared that while she might get humiliated by the humans lack of appearance, she was far more concerned with the poor creatures safety. After all there are so many things bigger and meaner than him out in the Everfree, though even as these threats were brought into her mind Applebloom herself drew closer to the wood line. "ATLAS!" she called out once more, now at the very edge of the dark woods. "Applebloom, come away from there now. It's okay if your special human isn't real, just come back away from the Everfree." Ms. Cheerilee spoke, her eyes darting across the trees as she trotted towards the young filly. "But Ms. Cheerilee, Atlas is real and I know he'll come he just needs more time." Applebloom's voice now ripe with her own worry. They were both startled by the snap of a branch within the brush, for one it was the sound of a gentle giant coming to help. To the other it was the sound of a predator breaking a bone. Applebloom had begun to move into the brush itself to welcome her friendly human, but Ms. Cheerilee had snatched her up and running back to the schoolhouse. Her swift actions were not a moment to soon as a maw of thorns and splinters snapped shut where the young pony had been just a breath before.While the other school fillies had begun to scream as they were frozen in place, Applebloom cried for help one last time, "ATLAS!" Yet still he was not there... The teacher of these young ponies was pushing herself as hard as she could, pumping every muscle she could to get the filly to safety, screaming for the others to get inside all the while. It was not enough however as the monstrous jaw clamped down on her hind leg and bore her to the ground. As Applebloom was hurled to the ground, she heard Ms. Cheerilee cry out in pain and terror. Driven into action she leaped over her fallen teacher and bucked the approaching wooden-wolf in the snout, stunning it for just a moment before its' eyes began actually glowing with fury. Then Applebloom said the only thing she felt appropriate for this situation, something she only heard her elders say when faced with a dire situation. "Oh buck." Then all the gathered ponies and those that had heard the previous screams bore witness to a sound that chilled them to the bone... A human war cry. With a scream so Primal and Guttural that made those who heard it feel as if the weight of a mountain was coming down upon their souls. Echoing such raw feelings of Wrath and Destruction that made all who felt it fear for the gods protecting whoever it was directed at, and it felt like it was coming for the whole world. The whole world seemed to stop for a brief moment as silence reigned over the area, then many assembled children and a few approaching adults felt a trickle run down their legs as the next cry came only this time much closer. Then those that were gathered in the clearing heard a mighty crashing come from the woods as the destructive entity called out its' dirge of annihilation. The timberwolf had already begun backing away from the downed ponies, but it had made the mistake of not already running as what those who witnessed would call an Avatar of Rage, (if most weren't children,) crashed into the beast at great velocity. Propelled by hate and the desire to crush what posed a threat to his only friend in this new world that he found himself in, Atlas began tearing the beast asunder with little care as to the splinters pricking his skin or the claws of the wooden wolf. First he slammed the skull of his foe into a nearby rock, stunning it, and then pushing it's jaws far enough apart that they split with a mighty *crack*. Then almost methodical in his passion and fury, he tore the limbs from the still moving monster and threw them far away. It was then after suffering many of his own wounds that he began bringing a large stone down upon the already battered head of the beast, finally bringing his instrument of death to rest upon the splinters of what used to be the head of a wooden wolf. The large human had time to turn and see that the one he came to protect was safe and slowly approaching before he succumbed to his wounds and promptly collapsed to a cry of concern from Applebloom. As the young pony rushed to the aid of the fallen man, the first of the approaching townsfolk arrived and began to help Ms. Cheerilee and the terrified children. After some light explaining, Atlas was taken to the nearest clinic with Applebloom and her sister Applejack following close behind. The elder sister unwilling to let go of her sister, but also unable to sway her to stay put. Calling aka 'the smol update'Author's Note Hello cruel denizens of this hellhole we share! I'm not dead! So this chapter is smol and really late, like toddler in the womb late. (been dealing with life shit 24/7.) BUT I do hope to maybe complete at least another chapter or three before I start my Europe trip sometime this June. Life's a bitch, and unfortunately for me she's a dom. Calling aka 'the smol update' "Applebloom! Come on out y'hear!" AJ shouted as she searched the orchard for her little sister. The human could still be out and about, and they hadn't exactly endeared it to the Apple family so AJ and her friends decided that it was best to keep an eye on the fillies and colts around town. Various townsponies had been told about Atlas and how placid he could be, but they were also warned that he was likely agitated and shouldn't be confronted. "Over here sis! I'm alright!" AJ quickly moved over to her sister and checked her over, then took a look around to make sure she was safe. "Now what the hay do ya think you're doing? You know that human might be out n' around here." "I know, that's why I brought these treats." She said while beaming up at her sister. "I figured that he'd be a might bit hungry and scared." "So you thought it'd be a right fine idea to go find largest human we've ever seen, who we just tried to brand, and was likely very hungry, and see if he'd like a treat?!" AJ asked her little sister incredulously. "What if he decided to eat you instead?" "But I knew he wouldn't AJ, honest! I just knew he was a big softie, after all Fluttershy was just fine with him and he even saved me from that brand fallin on my head. He was a bit spooked at first, but after I gave him an apple he cheered right up! Even started to scratch me behind the ears, like Lyra's always going on about." "Hmm, and I thought you had to train humans to do things like that..." AJ trailed off, lost in a thought. "Maybe he just had a good owner before?" "Well I had Twi help me look through the registry n' such, but there ain't no group that marks their humans like that, we even looked at the ones that were way out of the way and asked about private collectors. Nothing." "So we really can keep him?" Applebloom started to bounce around excitably. "Ah don't see a reason as to why not to, but we have to get him to come to us or we have to catch him first." "Just leave that part to me sis! I'm sure I can get him to like us again, I just need a bit more time and he'll be right as rain!" "Hmm, maybe Applebloom. I just know I don't want you running off to catch that critter without me or Big Mac to watch over you. We can talk about this more when you get back from school, okay little missy?" AJ gives her sister a playful rub on the head and then sent her off to school. Later at the Ponyville Schoolhouse "And so children, it is this disconnect between humans and Harmony that makes it nearly impossible for humans to display positive emotions without training and reinforced behavior. Any questions class?" "Does that mean that mean that my human is one of the best? He always does what I say and he's even been trained to hug ponies. And if he doesn't do what I say, he gets less food." "Well Diamond Tiara, while your human is definitely well trained and ahem 'behaved' I wouldn't go so far as to say that it is the best. There are a few humans that can be trained to be slightly autonomous. Does anypony know what that word means?" Cheerilee asked her class. "Isn't autanamy where you can do things on your own?" A young filly offers up. "Autonomy dear, but you are correct." "Well he ain't the best ever maybe, but ah know Atlas is better than yours Tiara. He's bigger, stronger, autonomiss like Miss Cheerilee said, and he'll scratch you behind the ears even though my sis said he ain't been trained properly." "Oh sure blank flank, if this wonder human really does exist then where is he?" Tiara remarks with a bit of snark. "He is too real! 'Sides, he's out in the woods since he got scared off, but I can call him." "Prove it." Diamond Tiara sat there at her desk feeling completely victorious over the youngest Apple until she got up and walked out the door and started calling out for the human. God damn those were good apples. I hear ya stomach, but we can't just keep taking apples from those ponies. Why not? Well, they tried to brand me and who knows what else. They may have not chased me down and the little one fed me, but they could still be bad news. I still want more fucking apples. "Atlaaas!" What was that? Dunno, sound like apples though. "Atlaaas! C'mere Atlas!" Applebloom called out. "Oh shit, the kid! She might be in trouble!" I began to sprint towards the voice of one of the few creatures I could semi-trust around here. Mmm... I hope she has more apples.
Waking the GiantOhhh, by the suns tits that hurts. Opening my eyes I see dirt. Should've expected that considering I'm face down on the ground, but hey I also just woke up from... Why the fuck did I pass out? I remember going on a jog through the woods, pumping myself up with a good bit of Sabaton, and then nothing. I feel around for my phone to check the time and realize it isn't there, which causes me to get up quick as I can and look around me. I also didn't have any of my clothes on which really got my attention. I did not find my phone or my clothes. I would have been very vocal about this, but my voice didn't seem to want to work... I also figured something out. This was not the woods I was jogging in. Not only was the trail I was on not showing up anywhere, but there also wasn't anyway I could have rolled or fallen to where I am from the trail. The trees were a tad different as well, with most of the trees back in my woods being pine. Since I wasn't where I should be and I had no phone I decided that the best thing to do would be to find civilization as quick as I can. After a moment to collect myself I climbed the tallest tree nearby and had a look around for any people or buildings. Yes! I was in luck as I spotted what looked like a really rural town with some horses around. Good, Dad always told me that you could trust someone who raised good horses and there seemed to be a good few around. So after I climbed down safely I started on my way to town, nothing really going wrong on the way other than the odd root that tried to trip me. Then I saw something that stopped me in my tracks. A human on a leash was being lead by some technicolor pony with a fancy coat on. What the actual fuck man... Just, why? Why was this happening and why wasn't the dude putting up some sort of fight? I looked at the guy to see what the fuck his deal was and I saw something that shocked me more than the fact that he was on a leash, this guy was a freaking neanderthal. An honest to goodness caveman getting pulled around by what I soon found out was a talking tiny horse, as the fancy pony pulled on the lease and urged him on. One slight mental breakdown in the bushes later... Okay, so let's wrap our head around this... I'm on a different world with talking ponies that have pet cavemen and some of them have magic or wings. Well fuck me right? So options; Option A is that I stroll on up and say hello which I can't do because of my muteness and them thinking of me as an animal. Even If I did prove myself to be sapient, they would treat me like how humans would treat a talking pony, IE dissection. Option B is to hide in the woods like a crazy man and hope for the best, not gonna work. I can only last so long until winter and I can't find home either. So, Option C. The option that I probably like the least, but at this point is the best option. Finding a good owner and becoming the human equivalent of Seabiscuit, Lassie, and Airbud rolled into one so they can't get rid of me. Then I could work on the whole 'hey I'm intelligent' thing with only moderate fear of disection. From what I've seen of the 'humans' here, if you could call them that the impressing bit shouldn't be too hard. After all at a good six foot three I tower over the neanderthals with nearly a good foot on most and in my personal opinion I look a hell of a lot better. Not only in terms of the face, but also my musculature and physical health seem to be better over all. The hard part is finding a good one to cozy up to, one who wouldn't treat me like shit cause even a shitty person could kick Lassie and ignore the cool shit I could do. Also one that could properly take care of me, didn't want to be the bums dog that didn't get to eat. It was then that I saw the perfect choice, trotting along the road with a sizable bag of food on her back was a yellow pegasus singing to a group of passing birds. Holy shit they were singing with her, she's a frickin princess from the mouse's kingdom isn't she? Kind and caring to things she views as animals? Check. Well off enough to keep me around? High probability considering all the food she has. So after going through my mental checklist I followed her back to her home on the outskirts of town, even better so if she screamed or attacked I could run into the woods easily. When she was walking up to her house I decided to make my move, seeing a nice, choice stick in front of me I brought my foot down on it hard. Crack! She froze up as she heard this and turned to look for it's source. I would have preferred not to go in the buff, but I didn't really have any options so I slowly stepped into the clearing that surrounded her home. "Oh my..." She looked very startled at first, looking me up and down with a great deal of surprise on her strangely expressive face. "H-hello? Are you lost mister human?" Sounded like she was talking to a wild animal, which I guess to her she was. Oh well, I took another few tentative steps forward while gauging her reaction. Luckily she seemed to perk up at this and took an apple out of her saddlebags. "Here you go big guy," she said in a soothing manner as she held out the apple. "It's okay, I'm not gonna hurt you." I decided to play the role I was given and slowly approached her before reaching out for the apple. She seemed to be on the edge of her proverbial seat, waiting for me to take it so I obliged her and brought it up to my nose to smell it. The small yellow pegasus actually gave a little squee of delight as I bit into the red delicious and holy fuck did that apple live up to its name. It was the best apple I've ever eaten and I'm not ashamed to admit that I gave a small moan as I first tasted it. While I was busy chowing down on this heavenly apple, the nice little pony was slowly circling me and studying me. "Oh well you sure look different from the other humans I've seen around Ponyville. I'm not sure I can take care of you big guy-" At this my hopes were a bit let down. "But maybe Applejack could? She would most certainly know more about you, but what should I call you?" At this point she noticed the tattoo of Atlas holding the world that I had on my left shoulder. "Atlas?" I looked up mostly because this meant the written word was the same as the spoken here. "Oh, well I think that Atlas would be a wonderful name for you." After placing her saddlebags inside her home and returning to me, she tried motioning for me to follow. "Come on Atlas, we should go see Applejack now." Deciding that cooperating and showing my intelligence early would be in my best interest I followed her. After a nice little walk following the forest we finally arrived at what looked like an orchard which lead up to an old farmhouse. Seeing an orange pony with a stetson leading a human with a cart in the orchard, the kind pony that I had been following waved her down. As the orange one came over, I hide myself partially behind a nearby tree. Mostly because I was still a bit shy about being nude and also because I didn't know how this one treated humans. "Howdy there Fluttershy! What brings ya over ta Sweet Apple Acres at this time of day?" Presumably Applejack asked. "Well Aj, while I was walking home from the market I met the most amazing thing that I thought you should see." Fluttershy quietly said while circling her hoof in the dirt. "Now listen Shy, I appreciate yer thoughts and all, but I don't need another critter to be a pet. I already got Winona and all our humans to look after as it is." "Actually, I found a human out in the woods. He was really docile and responsive, but I don't think I've ever seen another human like him so I thought I should show you." With this she motioned for me to come out from behind the tree. As I did so the Applejack inhaled sharply, her eyes widening as she took my form in. Now I wasn't some gym addict who tried to get so ripped he could barley move, but I was fairly proud of my body and my capabilities. It seemed she thought so too, as she excitedly turned to Fluttershy. "My gosh Shy! Were did you find this giant again? He's far bigger than any of the normal humans we have, or any that I've seen for that matter." I didn't notice that she wasn't looking at my head at the time. "I don't recognize that symbol on his shoulder either, was he left in the Everfree?" "Well that's just it Aj, he showed up on the edge of the woods near my house and I got him to come near me with an apple. I knew that he would be a sweetheart, but I couldn't take him in with the way the other animals would probably react to him. That's when I thought to bring him to you and see if you could take him in. His face doesn't look like the others either, it's like there's more life in him." "Well shoot sugarcube, that's awfully nice of you. I would love to have a fine, healthy specimen like him, I'd probably have no issue winning the next human fair with one like him. Lets go up to the barn now, to get it official. Big Mac should be finishing up with the new human we brought in today. Hey Big Mac! Everything still ready from the last fresh one?" She called out as we approached the barn. "E-yup." Called a large red pony from the entrance of the barn. "AJ! Fluttershy! Do ya think I could help with this and get my cutie mark!" This came from an excited filly nearby with a large red bow in her hair. "Now Applebloom, you know you should be in the house for these things. The humans can get pretty rowdy when ya brand em." What. The. Fuck. Hell to the fuck no, I wasn't being branded on this day or any other. I don't care how many apples they got. Of course I didn't have much choice in the matter as the orange one had quickly grabbed hold of me while the large red one brought out the red hot brand. "Oh, Aj. Please, you know how much I hate it when ponies brand their humans. It's so painful for them." "Sorry sugarcube, but we have to. Otherwise somepony might just try to take em while we aren't looking." Fuck off fuck off fuck off. Fuck off! These were the things that were going through my head as the brand was brought closer to my skin. Then while the two ponies above me argued I saw my chance. I kicked the rod into the air and broke out of their grasp at the same time. Unfortunately the brand was going to come down right on the cute little one with the bow. Fuck off conscience, she's one of the ones trying to brand me. But then there was also the mental image of her being branded and crying out in pain. "Applebloom! Look out!" called Applejack, but she wasn't going to be able to get up quick enough and Big Mac was on his back too. The brand was falling in what seemed like slo-motion for Applebloom as she heard her sibling call out to her, but she was frozen in place watching as it fell closer to her face. Then out of nowhere a wall of flesh was between her and the falling brand and a pain-filled roar filled her ears. As the brand fell to the side, she looked up into tear stained eyes that stared down at her and she saw all of the pain and fear that they held. Suddenly the human above her took off in a stumbling run for the forest and her siblings took his place, holding her and asking if she was alright. "Oh Applebloom! Are you okay, did it hurt you?" Aj asked while checking her over. "No, he protected me and ran off." Applebloom looked after the fleeing human and back at her sister, "Why did he save me?" "I don't know Applebloom... I just don't know." Applejack looked at the fleeing human as he entered the Everfree Forest, knowing that this wouldn't be the last she saw of him. Author's Note Hey there this is my take on the whole YHaH scenario. I hope you enjoy the read and please leave any feedback.
AmendsRun... Just keep running. If you stop they will catch you. If they catch you, they will burn you and break you. It was all I could do, to keep running before I let the agony freeze up my body and override my thoughts. I just had to keep running and they wouldn't catch me. So I ran and ran, until my breath ran ragged and everything was quiet in the wood around me. That is when the full agony of what had transpired hit me, when I actually had a moment to think about it and absorb the sensation of the brand. I could feel it now, pulsing in the center of my back almost in time with the rapid beating of my heart. Then I did the only thing that I could do to make things better, at least by a little... I screamed. I let all the anger, fear, and pain that had built up in the course of today out in that animalistic scream and I continued to scream until I passed out from exhaustion. I woke up a few hours later. Back at Sweet Apple Acres "Oh Applebloom, are you sure you're alright? It didn't hurt you?" Applejack said, checking over her sister one last time. "Ah told you sis, it stopped the brand and ran off. I was scared when it first stood over me, but then I saw it's eyes and..." "What did you see when you looked in its eyes?" Fluttershy asked softly. "It looked scared and hurt... It's eyes looked like a pony's when I looked into them. They didn't look like the other humans eyes, they looked more alive." "Now, Applebloom you know that just ain't possible. Humans show less emotions than some of Shy's animals do." "Well, you are right AJ, most humans don't show any emotion other than 'hunger' and 'anger'. Atlas was different though." Noticing Applejack's skeptical look she carried on, "It was a lot more observant and docile than most, and besides I think that it may be a different species based on it's body. Like how there are black bears and grizzly bears." She added noticing their confused looks. "So you're saying that we just found a species of human that neither of us have ever seen or heard of before? Twilight's gonna love that, I can already hear her..." A prolonged and pain-filled roar echos out from the Everfree. "Oh, I hope he's not too hurt. I'm not sure that he would be willing to come to me for help after I brought him here and you tried branding him." "Well Shy, we should probably go tell Twilight about all of this. If anypony can find information about that 'Atlas' it would be her." Zecora was out gathering what herbs she needed for a potion when she heard the roar, causing her to nearly ruin the plant she was plucking leaves from. She was at first wary, because she had never heard a roar like this in all her time in the Everfree, but eventually her curiosity got the better of her and she cautiously made her way towards it. She almost missed the figure laying prone on the forest floor, if not for it's size and how it stood out from the surrounding foliage. When she realized that the thing was unconscious she was able to gather more of her courage and move closer to better inspect it. She was quite surprised to find the largest human that she had ever seen, nearly a good foot taller than those found in Equestria. Upon inspecting the giant beast she also found what looked like a brand burned into it's back, personally Zecora did not like the way the ponies treated the humans sometimes, but she was a guest in these lands and their customs were their own. She did feel the need to help the poor thing though, so she did the only thing she could shy of taking it with her to her hut and spread a salve on it's back to soothe the burns on it's back and left a scent marker around the clearing that it lay in to keep predators out. Thus finished with what aid she could give it, she started back upon her path towards her home. I woke up feeling like utter shit. Not only was there my aching muscles and the burnt mark on my back, but I was also very hungry and thirsty after only having the apple that Fluttershy had given me apparently yesterday if the sunrise was to be believed. I did notice that my burn did not hurt as much as it should for being such a strong burn. Fearing that it was burned far worse than I initially thought, I felt around where the burn should be and found that a salve or ointment had been rubbed onto it. Did Fluttershy do this? If she found me and didn't bring me back, does that mean I can still trust her? My thoughts were interrupted however by the growls of my stomach and by how parched my throat was. If I was going to do anything, I was going to have to take care of some of my basic needs first and I knew just where to take care of them. The stream that ran by Fluttershy's hut seemed drinkable and I could follow it towards the orchard, hopefully I could find something to eat on the way be it a fish or a berry bush. So after finding the very clear trail I had left in the undergrowth, (how had they not tracked me down? Did they decide to let me go?) I decided to let these thoughts stew in the back of my mind, as I was far too hungry and thirsty to think properly right now and really had to focus on getting that taken care of before all else. A silver lining in the otherwise shit-tastic time I've been having here is that I actually did find a small trickle of fresh water that seemed to be a tributary to the stream by Fluttershy's house and after tasting it I found it to be drinkable. Now that I had my fill of water it was time to get some food into my belly, now I was hoping to find some berries or even fish along the riverbank, but if need be I would probably try stealing from those ponies that tried branding me. I know I know stealing is wrong and all, but so is branding people and I still got branded in the end cause of that stunt I pulled saving the girl. I was walking the wood line near their property and I still hadn't found anything that was edible so I started to see if any of the ponies were nearby so I could nab a couple of apples when a voice startled me. "Hey there big fella!" I had nearly jumped out of my skin when the little filly beside me decided to speak up. "You lookin fer something to eat?" At first all I could do was stare at Applebloom as she stood there holding out an apple... what the fuck? About thirty seconds ago "Now if I was a big ol' human, where would I be?" Applebloom thought to herself as she sat near the edge of the woods, the treats that she had brought with her sitting in a wicker basket. Then as if on cue Atlas walked out of the brush, apparently not noticing her as he scanned her family's farm watching for anypony. That's when she pulled out a red delicious and said, "Hey there big fella! You lookin fer something to eat?" Back in the present "Why was the little pony on her own near the scary woods and why was she giving me an apple?" I thought to myself. "Who cares, food." My stomach's eloquent retort won that debate and I slowly reached for the apple. Upon seeing that it was in fact, not a trick I took a step back while munching on the apple. God that was a good apple, were all of their apples this damn good? No matter, the real question is why the little one was giving me food. I looked at her and she just stood there beaming at me with those big ol' puppy eyes, and the longer I stared the more my resolve weakened. She hadn't tried to hurt me herself (she just wanted to be like bro and sis), she brought me food, and she was so fucking adorable. That's it, I can't hold back anymore I just can't. I tentatively reached out and put my hand on her head. She had been searching through her basket so the sudden appearance of my hand had startled her at first, (can't blame her I have pretty big hands,) but she relaxed as I began to scratch her behind the ears. We stayed in a cycle like this for quite some time with the two of us snacking from the basket she had brought while I gave her scritches. The cycle was interrupted by a voice coming from the Apple property. "Applebloom! Where the hay are you?!" It was one of the ponies that I definitely didn't want to see right now, mostly because I still felt the burn of that brand fresh in my mind. Applebloom seemed to notice how rigid I had become and started to shoo me back to the woods. "C'mon now, git. I know you're still skittish, but I also know I can change that. Just give me a bit and you'll be helping on the farm in no time! This time without the brand too." She said to me with a big grin and those puppy eyes. Dang it, no matter how much I don't want to, I can't help but like this little pony. I'll have to keep an eye on her. Author's Note REEE, I'm still alive and so is the story. I hope it doesn't crash and burn, but as per usual if you have any criticisms please leave it in the comment below. Thanks.
ImpactAuthor's Note Hello there dear reader, I know it has been some time for those that have followed this small work and I know that most won't care, but I do apologize about the time I have taken and for the lack of length my works tend to have compared to other writers. As I have stated before, I have mostly been dealing with work, life, and my plans to soon travel abroad. I do hope you enjoy this work, and I would appreciate anything you might have to tell me about it. Impact "Atlaaas! I need you!" Applebloom began to call out in a more worried tone. She feared that while she might get humiliated by the humans lack of appearance, she was far more concerned with the poor creatures safety. After all there are so many things bigger and meaner than him out in the Everfree, though even as these threats were brought into her mind Applebloom herself drew closer to the wood line. "ATLAS!" she called out once more, now at the very edge of the dark woods. "Applebloom, come away from there now. It's okay if your special human isn't real, just come back away from the Everfree." Ms. Cheerilee spoke, her eyes darting across the trees as she trotted towards the young filly. "But Ms. Cheerilee, Atlas is real and I know he'll come he just needs more time." Applebloom's voice now ripe with her own worry. They were both startled by the snap of a branch within the brush, for one it was the sound of a gentle giant coming to help. To the other it was the sound of a predator breaking a bone. Applebloom had begun to move into the brush itself to welcome her friendly human, but Ms. Cheerilee had snatched her up and running back to the schoolhouse. Her swift actions were not a moment to soon as a maw of thorns and splinters snapped shut where the young pony had been just a breath before.While the other school fillies had begun to scream as they were frozen in place, Applebloom cried for help one last time, "ATLAS!" Yet still he was not there... The teacher of these young ponies was pushing herself as hard as she could, pumping every muscle she could to get the filly to safety, screaming for the others to get inside all the while. It was not enough however as the monstrous jaw clamped down on her hind leg and bore her to the ground. As Applebloom was hurled to the ground, she heard Ms. Cheerilee cry out in pain and terror. Driven into action she leaped over her fallen teacher and bucked the approaching wooden-wolf in the snout, stunning it for just a moment before its' eyes began actually glowing with fury. Then Applebloom said the only thing she felt appropriate for this situation, something she only heard her elders say when faced with a dire situation. "Oh buck." Then all the gathered ponies and those that had heard the previous screams bore witness to a sound that chilled them to the bone... A human war cry. With a scream so Primal and Guttural that made those who heard it feel as if the weight of a mountain was coming down upon their souls. Echoing such raw feelings of Wrath and Destruction that made all who felt it fear for the gods protecting whoever it was directed at, and it felt like it was coming for the whole world. The whole world seemed to stop for a brief moment as silence reigned over the area, then many assembled children and a few approaching adults felt a trickle run down their legs as the next cry came only this time much closer. Then those that were gathered in the clearing heard a mighty crashing come from the woods as the destructive entity called out its' dirge of annihilation. The timberwolf had already begun backing away from the downed ponies, but it had made the mistake of not already running as what those who witnessed would call an Avatar of Rage, (if most weren't children,) crashed into the beast at great velocity. Propelled by hate and the desire to crush what posed a threat to his only friend in this new world that he found himself in, Atlas began tearing the beast asunder with little care as to the splinters pricking his skin or the claws of the wooden wolf. First he slammed the skull of his foe into a nearby rock, stunning it, and then pushing it's jaws far enough apart that they split with a mighty *crack*. Then almost methodical in his passion and fury, he tore the limbs from the still moving monster and threw them far away. It was then after suffering many of his own wounds that he began bringing a large stone down upon the already battered head of the beast, finally bringing his instrument of death to rest upon the splinters of what used to be the head of a wooden wolf. The large human had time to turn and see that the one he came to protect was safe and slowly approaching before he succumbed to his wounds and promptly collapsed to a cry of concern from Applebloom. As the young pony rushed to the aid of the fallen man, the first of the approaching townsfolk arrived and began to help Ms. Cheerilee and the terrified children. After some light explaining, Atlas was taken to the nearest clinic with Applebloom and her sister Applejack following close behind. The elder sister unwilling to let go of her sister, but also unable to sway her to stay put.
Calling aka 'the smol update'Author's Note Hello cruel denizens of this hellhole we share! I'm not dead! So this chapter is smol and really late, like toddler in the womb late. (been dealing with life shit 24/7.) BUT I do hope to maybe complete at least another chapter or three before I start my Europe trip sometime this June. Life's a bitch, and unfortunately for me she's a dom. Calling aka 'the smol update' "Applebloom! Come on out y'hear!" AJ shouted as she searched the orchard for her little sister. The human could still be out and about, and they hadn't exactly endeared it to the Apple family so AJ and her friends decided that it was best to keep an eye on the fillies and colts around town. Various townsponies had been told about Atlas and how placid he could be, but they were also warned that he was likely agitated and shouldn't be confronted. "Over here sis! I'm alright!" AJ quickly moved over to her sister and checked her over, then took a look around to make sure she was safe. "Now what the hay do ya think you're doing? You know that human might be out n' around here." "I know, that's why I brought these treats." She said while beaming up at her sister. "I figured that he'd be a might bit hungry and scared." "So you thought it'd be a right fine idea to go find largest human we've ever seen, who we just tried to brand, and was likely very hungry, and see if he'd like a treat?!" AJ asked her little sister incredulously. "What if he decided to eat you instead?" "But I knew he wouldn't AJ, honest! I just knew he was a big softie, after all Fluttershy was just fine with him and he even saved me from that brand fallin on my head. He was a bit spooked at first, but after I gave him an apple he cheered right up! Even started to scratch me behind the ears, like Lyra's always going on about." "Hmm, and I thought you had to train humans to do things like that..." AJ trailed off, lost in a thought. "Maybe he just had a good owner before?" "Well I had Twi help me look through the registry n' such, but there ain't no group that marks their humans like that, we even looked at the ones that were way out of the way and asked about private collectors. Nothing." "So we really can keep him?" Applebloom started to bounce around excitably. "Ah don't see a reason as to why not to, but we have to get him to come to us or we have to catch him first." "Just leave that part to me sis! I'm sure I can get him to like us again, I just need a bit more time and he'll be right as rain!" "Hmm, maybe Applebloom. I just know I don't want you running off to catch that critter without me or Big Mac to watch over you. We can talk about this more when you get back from school, okay little missy?" AJ gives her sister a playful rub on the head and then sent her off to school. Later at the Ponyville Schoolhouse "And so children, it is this disconnect between humans and Harmony that makes it nearly impossible for humans to display positive emotions without training and reinforced behavior. Any questions class?" "Does that mean that mean that my human is one of the best? He always does what I say and he's even been trained to hug ponies. And if he doesn't do what I say, he gets less food." "Well Diamond Tiara, while your human is definitely well trained and ahem 'behaved' I wouldn't go so far as to say that it is the best. There are a few humans that can be trained to be slightly autonomous. Does anypony know what that word means?" Cheerilee asked her class. "Isn't autanamy where you can do things on your own?" A young filly offers up. "Autonomy dear, but you are correct." "Well he ain't the best ever maybe, but ah know Atlas is better than yours Tiara. He's bigger, stronger, autonomiss like Miss Cheerilee said, and he'll scratch you behind the ears even though my sis said he ain't been trained properly." "Oh sure blank flank, if this wonder human really does exist then where is he?" Tiara remarks with a bit of snark. "He is too real! 'Sides, he's out in the woods since he got scared off, but I can call him." "Prove it." Diamond Tiara sat there at her desk feeling completely victorious over the youngest Apple until she got up and walked out the door and started calling out for the human. God damn those were good apples. I hear ya stomach, but we can't just keep taking apples from those ponies. Why not? Well, they tried to brand me and who knows what else. They may have not chased me down and the little one fed me, but they could still be bad news. I still want more fucking apples. "Atlaaas!" What was that? Dunno, sound like apples though. "Atlaaas! C'mere Atlas!" Applebloom called out. "Oh shit, the kid! She might be in trouble!" I began to sprint towards the voice of one of the few creatures I could semi-trust around here. Mmm... I hope she has more apples.
