The Future They Didn't Wantby MangoSyrupChaptersTrances and VisionsQuestionsTheoriesShaiTrances and VisionsIt is sometime after midnight as Applejack awakens. She looks out her window to see the moon still hanging high in the sky. Its usual cool pale glow joined by another warmer orange light. Fearing a possible fire Applejack jumps from bed throwing her quilt from her legs. Leaning on the window sill peering down at the barn next to the house. She notices a light on inside, but no sign of movement besides the flicker of flame. They never bothered to hook up electricity to the old barn. So there is no other way for it to be lit up except by the few lanterns they keep inside. Worried she throws on a pair of pants and heads out to the barn. The large doors are open just wide enough for a person to slip through. Applejack shivers as she peers inside catching a glimpse of a large shirtless figure standing stock-still in the middle of the barn. A lantern sitting on the ground next to him. Casting shadows all around as the flame flickers. Applejack thinks she catches the hint of a whisper on the wind. She twitches her ears forward in an attempt to hear better. Frowning when only silence greets her. Applejack waits for a few more seconds, but curiosity and the cold gets the better of her and she slips inside. Keeping to the edge as she creeps around the side of the stallion. Recognizing the stallion before her. Applejack gasps in surprise, "Big Mac whatcha doin in here?" Stepping forward Applejack presses a hand to Big Mac's shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze, but gets no response. She looks at the side of her brother's face. He is staring off at the far side of the barn unblinking with such an intense gaze. Jaw set in a firm frown. Panic swells up in her breast as Applejack steps in front of Big Mac, gripping both shoulders tightly shaking him. Big Mac barely even budges the brick wall that he is. Applejack steps back waving her hands in Big Macs face. Still no reaction, Applejack sighs, unsure of what to do next. A cool wind blows in and she shivers against it. "Big brother come on speak to me. move! do something!" Applejack pleads stepping forward once again. Wrapping her arms around Big Mac's waist as she presses her head against his broad muscled chest. Nuzzling into his crimson fur as tears prickle at the corners of her eyes. "Surry" Applejack shoots back her arms stretching out as her hands go to Big Macs' hips, "What?" Her eyes searching his face frantically, but there is no sign that anything has changed. Applejack sighs once again her forehead landing against Big Mac's chest along with her hands as she bows her head in defeat. It was hopeless she couldn't get him to snap out of it. Applejack didn't want to hit Big Mac but she was beginning to think that was the only course of action that might actually work. Applejack closes her eyes stepping back from Big Mac. Taking a deep breath Applejack let it out slowly as she opens her eyes. She raises her hand ready to smack him and just as she swings. Big Mac clicks on eyes focusing on Applejack. His body slackens. "AJ?" her name falls from Big Macs' lips like a plea. His eyes tearing up. Applejack manages to stop her hand just short of hitting Big Macs' cheek. Her fingertips slacken as they gently brush through the fur of his cheek. "Big Mac?" Applejack couldn't believe he'd actually snapped out of it. She is glad that she doesn't have to smack Big Mac though. Her hand falling back to her side. "Ahm so sorry AJ," Big Mac says suddenly grabbing Applejack in a crushing bear hug. Applejack gasps as the air is knocked out of her lungs. wrapping her own arms around Big Mac's neck as he lifts her a ways off the ground. She buries her muzzle into the crook of his neck a wave of relief blooming in her chest. She's used to his bear hugs. The crushing warmth of them always makes her feel safe and loved. But something isn't quite right with this one. It's too strong, too desperate, it makes Applejack feel suffocated. "There's nothin ta apologize fer big brother" Applejack spoke as she nuzzles into Big Mac. Trying to ignore the worry gnawing at her gut. "Ahm so sorry" Big Mac repeats into Applejack's mane. His fingers gripping at the fabric of her nightshirt. An echo of what his desperate words are doing to her heart. Applejack pushes back against Big Mac leaning away as she tries to break free of his hold on her. Something definitely isn't right here and she aims to figure out just what it is. His hold however only tightens as he repeats his apologies like a desperate plea. The immense sorrow in Big Mac's voice and on his face breaks Applejacks' heart. She has no idea what to do, or why Big Mac has snapped out of one trance only to fall into another. Panic replaces her relief once again as she begins to struggle harder. She feels her brother's grip loosen for a moment and takes her chance finally escaping his hold. Applejack steps just far enough away from Big Mac so that he has to move to grab her again. She takes a moment to catch her breath. Breasts heaving. Before confronting the problem of her older brother once again. When she looks back up at him, Big Mac looks broken. Tears trail down his face. Carving dark paths into his crimson fur. His green eyes wide and wet with sorrow. It's like he'd done something so terrible. He didn't feel like he could ever be forgiven. However, he hasn't done anything, as far as she knows, besides standing like a statue in the middle of the barn for Celestia knew how long. Perhaps Big Mac had seen something that had caused the trance and the flood of apologies. Applejack isn't sure but she knows she needs to get her brother inside and into bed out of this cold freezing air. Maybe once he's slept things would return to normal. Applejack carefully steps back into Big Macs space, "Come on big brother. let's get ya ta bed" Big Mac makes to grab Applejack again lifting his arms as he stretches them out to her. She gently pushes them back down with a shake of her head. Applejack leans down extinguishing the lantern before turning Big Mac around moving her hands to his back as he follows her direction. Turning to face the door out of the barn. She keeps a slight but constant pressure on his back as she walks next to him keeping him moving forward on shuffling hooves. They enter the main house without further incident beyond Big Mac's constant apologies. Applejack closes the front door behind them as she guides Big Mac up the stairs. They reach the top landing just as Applebloom pokes her head out rubbing her eyes sleepily as she yawns. "Sis?" Applebloom questions opening one eye curiously. "Go back ta bed Applebloom" Applejack orders stepping between Big Mac and Applebloom not ready to deal with the avalanche of questions she is sure their sister has waiting behind those curious yet still tired crimson eyes. "What's up with Big Mac?" Applebloom persists. Finally registering that Big Mac is standing beside Applejack like a very tall shadow in the dark hallway. "Nothin now get ta bed," Applejack says more sternly this time. Trying to push Big Mac further down the hall and closer to his room. "Ah'm so surry AJ" Big Mac mumbles at her side. "What's he Surry fer?" Applebloom questions stepping further into the hallway. Eyes bright with curiosity. "Ah don't know, just get ta bed please ah'll explain in the morning." Applejack pleads turning to fully face her little sister as she tries to ward her off. "Fine but ya better promise ta tell me tomorrow" Applebloom reluctantly let up, scowling at Applejack before turning and heading back into her room. "I will. G'night" Applejack calls after her. "Night" the door shuts behind her. Applejack feels bad leaving Applebloom in the dark but it isn't like Applejack knows much more herself. She frowns at her sister's closed bedroom door moving back to guide Big Mac to his room. Just a couple feet down from where they stand. "Surry" Came his mumbled chant. He'd been mumbling different variations of it all the way into the house. "What on Earth did you see in that barn big brother?" Applejack questions under her breath as she shakes her head. Applejack steps around Big Mac opening the door. Only to have him latch onto her again from behind. She sighs pulling him into the room and over to the bed. She's lucky he moves with her willingly or else they would have been stuck at the door until she broke free. As it was Applejack still had to try to break free of him. She twists and shoves uselessly against his hold. Realizing it's futile, Applejack leverages her bodyweight causing both of them to fall onto the bed. Now she just has to wait for Big Mac to fall asleep. He drifts off hold loosening and Applejack slips free. Leaving Big Mac to sleep still murmuring about being sorry to her. She leaves the room quietly closing the door behind her. Applejack crosses the hall to her own room. Closing the door behind her as well. Slipping off her pants and getting into bed. A shiver runs through her as she pulls her quilt over her body wrapping it tightly around her. She settles into her pillows as the questions in her head float around. She hopes Big Mac will have answers for her in the morning. ****** Elsewhere in Equestria, Twilight Sparkle awakes to the sound of someone banging on her front door. Groaning in irritation she gets out of bed. The knocking persists as she grabs her robe pulling it on and cinching it at the waist. She opens the door and heads down the stairs to answer the door. She yawns as she reaches the landing combing her fingers through her mane to make it somewhat more presentable. She opens the door surprised to see the pony on the other side. "Shining!" Twilight exclaims purple eyes widening in surprise. "Hey Twily, sorry to wake you." Shining Armor says giving an apologetic smile. Shifting uncomfortably from hoof to hoof. "Well come on in, weren't you supposed to be in Canterlot?" Twilight asks as she steps aside letting her brother in. Shining Armor steps in and turns around to face her, "Yeah..." a nervous smile spreads across his face as Twilight stares at him suspiciously. An unasked question in her big purple eyes. "Just thought I'd come for a visit to see how my little sis is doing." Shining Armor says by way of an answer. Twilight knows her brother is hiding something, dodging the real reason for his visiting her at such an odd hour. Twilight would like to drill Shining Armor for answers as she normally would. However, she isn't in the mood for playing twenty dodged questions and is eager to get back to her warm bed upstairs. "We'll talk about the real reason you're here in the morning." Twilight decides giving her brother a pointed stare. "Thank you Twily," Shining Armor says softly. Head bowing apologetically. "Yeah, yeah, I'm going back to bed. Would you like me to show you to the guest room?" Twilight asks as she makes her way back upstairs. "No, I'll be fine you back on to bed twily. Goodnight" "Goodnight shiny" Twilight says with a soft smile and disappears at the top of the stairs. Left alone on the main floor Shining Armor sighs. He isn't looking forward to trying to answer all the questions Twilight will have for him in the morning. He is however determined to keep his baby sister safe. He spends the entire rest of the night searching through the library for any kind of answer to his current problem. There had to be some kind of explanation for what he saw. What he heard and why. Twilight crawls back into bed curling up under her covers. Her robe discarded on a nearby chair. She wonders about the distant concerned look in her brothers' blue eyes. She wishes she wasn't so tired. She hasn't slept in two days and keeping her eyes open any longer is simply impossible. "Twilight" Twilight thinks she hears a voice whisper as she falls back into a deep sleep. Author's Note I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and would love to hear any speculations you all might have. I love feed back of any kind. Kisses ~ ~Mango Syrup QuestionsShining Armor has searched through every book in Twilight's library. He has found nothing on what he is looking for. Perhaps he needs a bigger library. He thinks as he looks around at the piles of books on the floor and up at the empty shelves. He plops down on the floor in the center of the piles of books a sigh escaping his lips. Shining Armors horn glows books flying up circling around him. He rubs at his eyes reading the titles of the books as they pass by. When the right one floats around he sends it back to the right bookshelf. He isn't a huge fan of book organizing even with the help of his magic but he knew Twily will appreciate not having all her books all over the place. ~*~*~*~ Big Mac awoke bright and early, as usual, his head foggy as the memory of his vision from last night came swimming into view. He remembers the smell of smoke and blood. The feel of grime and sweat mating his fur. As he watches Applejack screaming pulling at her restraints anger a fire in her eyes. Being taken away along with her friends and there was nothing he could do. He shakes the images from his mind. His stomach, knotting up and twisting, making him feel sick. The voice had told him that it was showing him the inevitable future. That unless he did something their fate was sealed. Every bit of him wanted to deny it. He would never, could never let anyone hurt AJ like that. But the truth was, in that future, he wasn't himself. Whatever evil thing had crawled up from the depths of Tartarus was controlling him to punish Applejack and to punish her friends as well. With a grunt, he forces himself out of bed, pulls on some clothes, and heads downstairs. He sits down at the breakfast table. Applejacks worried eyes boring into him from the kitchen. "Sorry about last night AJ. I don't know what came over me" Big Mac apologizes. "It's okay just glad ta see ya back to your normal self" Applejack smiles kindly setting a stack of pancakes down in front of him. Big Mac thanks her before pouring syrup over the pancakes and tucking in. Applejack nods, smile fading a little, as she sits down joining her siblings at the table with her own stack of pancakes. "So ya gonna tell me what happened last night like ya promised?" Applebloom questions looking from Big Mac to AJ in turn. Her eyes widened with curiosity. Applejack sighs before recounting the events from the night before. "And that's ah'll I know" She finishes looking over at Big Mac with hopeful eyes. "Ah don't remember much myself beyond a strange voice calling me down to the barn. sayin it wanted ta show me somethin" Big Mac says shrugging. Trying not to worry them too much "That's like super weird" Applebloom comments her pretty face screwed up in thought. "Eeyup" is all Big Mac said before returning to his pancakes. Applejack looks like she wants to say something more but decides against it. Applebloom, who has inhaled her pancakes hops up and runs out the door. Most likely to go play with Winona before school. After they're done with breakfast Big Mac gets up to put his plate in the sink. Applejack follows after him, placing a hand on his shoulder to get his attention. "Yeah?" Big Mac asks, turning to face Applejack. "Do you remember what the vision was?" Big Mac shakes his head, "I don't, sorry AJ." "It's okay," Applejack says a look of concerned concentration creasing her features. Big Mac smiles softly ruffling her mane as he places his plate in the sink and steps past her. It's time to get to work. Applejack raises her hand to her head-turning to watch her brother leave. She knows he is still hiding something from her but at least he's okay. She never wants to see that look of pure agonizing sorrow on his face ever again. ~*~*~*~ Twilight awoke still feeling groggy and unrested. She slips out of bed blinking the sleep from her eyes squinting at the clock on her nightstand. "Twelve o'clock" she mumbles. Twilight walks across the hall to the bathroom where she brushes her mane and teeth. Then returns to her room and dresses for the day. Heading downstairs she finds Shining Armor asleep on the floor. Twilight places a hand on Shining Armors' shoulder, "Shining get up. You shouldn't be sleeping on the floor" "Good morning Twily" Shining Armor mumbles rolling over, looking up at his little sister with a tired smile. "Good afternoon Shiny" Twilight laughs patting Shining Armor on the shoulder. "Did you stay up all night?" Twilight asks making her way into the kitchen. Shining Armor stands up following her. "Yeah" Shining comes up behind Twilight as she opens the cupboard to grab the oatmeal. Her fingers are only able to graze the bottom of the container. She sighs, stretching up on the tips of her hooves to reach it. "Spike you jerk" Twilight grumbles under her breath. Shining Armor chuckles as he reaches forward grabbing the oatmeal. His chest presses against Twilights back. "Here ya go Twily" Shining Armor says handing it to Twilight. "Could've just used your magic though" he says through a yawn. Twilight grins up at Shining as she takes the oats from him. "I know and thank you" "Anytime" Shining ruffles her mane stepping away back into the main library section of the house just as Spike comes downstairs. His large purple tail thumping down the stairs, alerting everyone to his presence. It drags across the floor as he is too tired to bother holding it up. Spike greets Shining with a tired nod as they pass each other and slips into the kitchen. "Gems" Spike mumbles scratching at the white scales on his chest. His pajama pants hanging low on his hips. "No gems, but there's bacon in the fridge" Twilight responds from the stove where she is making her oatmeal. Shining makes his way up to the guest room flopping down on the bed. Falling immediately back to sleep. His dreams are filled with images of the vision. The voice had given him. The sky blackened by smoke. Lit up by flames that come from the husks of broken, burning buildings. The ground is barren of life. Each step he takes kicks up clouds of dust. A cacophony of screams and crying fill his ears. The scene shifts to a dungeon. The walls already coated in all sorts of bodily fluids. The majority of which is blood. Twilight hangs from shackles around her wrists. The tips of her hooves just barely touching the floor. Cuts from whip lashes marr her flesh most crusted with dried blood. A few still freely wept. Her head lolls to her bare chest. Her friends are strung up in similar positions on either side of her. All naked all wounded in a similar fashion. Shining holds the whip in his hand. His body is no longer his own. The scene shifts once more to a calm hill overlooking ponyville. Shining stands with Big Mac, and another hidden in shadow. Their form seems to constantly shift. The voice, however, is the one that gave him the visions in the first place. Smooth and masculine with a sort of wispy air. The image of another floats before them conjured up by the formless being. It's somepony he'd never met before but who also seems so familiar. This is the one that will cause the calamity and send Equestria spiraling into chaos. He wishes to remember something significant when he awakes. TheoriesShining Armor failed to remember anything significant about the culprit from his dream other than that the culprit might be closer to home than he initially thought. He also remembers that Big Mac was there. He had recognized the stallion thanks to his sisters' long letters and even longer conversations about what she and her friends had been up to. Including detailed descriptions of family and friends significant to whatever story she was telling. The next day, Shining arrived at the Apple's farm shortly after the sun had risen good and high in the sky. Finding the stallion in question plowing the fields. He stopped just on the edge and called out to Big Mac. "Hey! Big Mac!" Big Mac stopped and turned at the voice. Noticing Shining Armor standing just a few feet away. He gives a one-moment signal as he sets down the plow. Wiping the sweat from his face with his shirt which was wrapped around his waist. Big Mac walks across the neatly plowed rows to greet Shining Armor. "Shining Armor right? Twilight's brother?" Big Mac held out his hand in greeting reaching where Shining stood. "It's good to finally meet you. Twilight's told me much about you" Shining shook the offered hand. "Likewise AJ said you're a royal guard in Canterlot right?" "Yeah, it's a rewarding job much like your farming" Shining smiles kindly looking up at the taller stallion. "Everybody has their place" Big Mac agrees with a grunt "so what brings you all the way out here?" "A vision, I'm pretty sure you had as well" Shining hedges hoping he isn't mistaken. "Mysterious voice" Big Mac confirms. "Yep," Shining nods. That confirms Shinings' suspicions that Big Mac has also been shown that horrible future he was. He has to know if the crimson stallion has seen the same things he has and if not what the differences are. They move over to a shady part of the farm. Sitting down in the grass beneath a tree. "We should check our facts," Shining says draping his arms over his knees. "Yeah, I'll tell ya what ah can remember" Big Mac nods. These are the theories that Shining and Big Mac compiled from the telling of their separate visions to each other. One: It was someone they both knew or know but physical appearance may have been changed by the creature. Due to shinings thought that he sort of recognized the figure shown in his dream by who they will be calling " the vision giver" until an actual name is found. Two: Whoever summoned or set free the monster from the depths of Tartarus gained both immense power and lost all control of themselves essentially becoming a meat suit for the creature. Shining came to this theory thanks to the repeated theme in both their visions of being unable to control their own bodies but still aware of everything going on around them. He assumed this was a power of the creature, but only a taste compared to what the host was probably experiencing. Three: It had a vendetta against any and everything pony. Big Mac mentioned this one. He figured it was only attacking places with ponies. No other creatures seemed to be in serious danger in either of their visions. This could also be because the images shown were limited in scope. Pertaining to just them individually. Four: The one that gave them the vision believed for whatever reason that they not the mane six could prevent it all from happening. They were not the ones shown the visions after all. "So who or what do ya think gave us the warnin'in?" Big Mac asks. "I don't know, there's a lot of different creatures with varying degrees of power, that could conjure up visions, throw their voice, become invisible, or even see the future. However, none can do a combination of most if not all of them at the same time. Well, none that are free to actually use their powers anyways." Shining explains recalling his earlier research. "So we just wait for it ta show itself. Are we even trusting these visions?" Big Mac asks skeptically. "I don't know about you but, I can't shake the feeling that it's not trying to trick us," Shining says eyes boring into Big Mac. "Yeah" Big Mac nods. Then a thought dawns on Big Mac, "what if it was also freed with the evil thing?" "Time travel would be needed or at least some form of it" Shining muses aloud "It does feel ancient but familiar like I've known it my whole life" Big Mac continues "But if it's always been around how could it have been trapped" Shining continues "Right, this is confusing" Big Mac sighs "Yeah, let's just wait and see for now" Shining concludes standing up. Big Mac follows suit with a nod. "I'll see ya later," Shining says with a wave. "Eeeyup" Big Mac responds waving goodbye. Shining and Big Mac were not the only creatures beneath the tree that afternoon. A snake sat curled up amongst its roots its shiny gold speckled black scales blending in with the dark bark keeping it perfectly concealed. Once the Stallions had left the snake slithered off. ShaiShining ran into Pinkie Pie on his way back to Twilights. She was prancing down the lane singing to herself. She spotted Shining and bounded over to him stopping mid-song. "Hiya there Shining!" She greeted jovially. "Hello Pinkie" "What brings ya all the way out here huh?" She asked with a twirl. Leaning backward to stare up at him mid-twirl. "Just visiting Twilight" Shining stifled a laugh at the young mares antics. "That super sweet of you!" She bounced back to a proper standing position. Her hands clasped together grinning wildly. "Heh yeah, I guess" Shining scratched the back of his head shyly. Pinkies' eyes suddenly dart behind shining. "Snake!" She screams jumping first into the air then Shinings' arms. Shining catches her and swiftly turns around to see the snake in question harmlessly curled up behind him. "Calm down Pinkie" Shining soothes setting her back on her hooves. "It's gonna bite me!" Pinkie whines squeezing his arm as she hides behind him. "I don't think so. It looks rather harmless at the moment," Shining says trying to get her to calm down. The snake slithers its way toward Shining causing Pinkie to run away screaming. Shining holds still pure curiosity keeping him entranced as the snake rears up wiggling its head almost tauntingly at the retreating Pinkie Pie. Flicking its tongue out in what Shining assumed was a taunting laugh. "You're a strange thing," Shining says grinning down at the snake. "No stranger than most of the creatures in this world" the snake replies stilling its movement. Shining practically jumps out of his skin. All the hairs on his body standing on end. He didn't expect it to speak. "How the!" The snake begins to glow bright blinding white. The sound of a deep amused laugh emanating from within the glow. The light fades revealing a black-furred pony with the lower half of a snake. the scales the same gold-dusted black as the snake from before. Its golden wings splayed out behind it. A golden horn upon its head. An odd golden makeup lining its pale gold snake eyes that are crinkled with enjoyment. "You may call me Shai (Shay)," The regal-looking being says. "What? who are you?" Shining stammers still shocked. "I am 'the vision giver' " Shai replies amused his golden eyes filled with mirth. "What?" Shining says not entirely comprehending what's going on. "Do not worry, we have plenty of time for you to wrap your head around this" Shai says "of course Equestria may be in ruins by then" he finishes playfully. Shining doesn't know what to say. He never expected that the "vision giver" would turn out to be such a beautifully strange androgynous creature. "Just tell me what you are at least," Shining says taking a deep breath to calm himself. "I am Shai God of fate and destiny. I am born with you and I will speak for you at the end," Shai says all profoundly raising up on his tail towering over Shining. "God of fate and destiny? Aren't they kind of the same thing?" Shining asks skeptically brow furrowing up at Shai. "Yes but people love to separate them so I'm just covering my bases" Shai answers looking bored as he lowers back down to eye level. "So a god? like in the stories Twily likes to read?" "Precisely" Shai nods. "This is a bit much to wrap my head around" Shining states with a shake of his head. Arms folded across his chest. "Your future depends on what you and Big Mac do next Shining don't forget that," Shai says ominously. Shining watches as Shai disappears in another glow of blinding white light before he can ask any further questions. Now more confused and none the wiser for their conversation. ******** Applejack came down into the fields to check up on Big Mac. He'd been mostly the same as he'd always been beyond the occasional zoning out. She just wanted to be there for him in case anything weird happened again. "How ya doin out here Big Mac," Applejack asks. Big Mac stabbed his shovel into the ground "I'm good" He rolled his shoulders getting a few good pops out with a roll of his neck. He looked down at Applejack and found himself staring at her shapely breasts and soft curves. It's an unusually hot day and she's wearing a tight white tank top and cut off jean shorts. The tank top is just tight enough that it rides up revealing a bit of her stomach just above the waistband of her shorts. He pinches at the little bit of pudge there earning an indignant yelp from her as she swats his hand away. He grins chuckling at her reaction. Applejack doesn't take offense to the action she knows he means it in an affectionate way. He's been poking and pinching her since they were little. Never aiming to hurt her though that did happen on occasion. Big Mac wasn't always aware of his own strength. "It's hot out here you keeping hydrated?" She asks pulling down her tank top and folding her arms beneath her breasts. "Yep," Big Mac nods focusing properly on her face. Holding up his thermos shaking it so she can hear how full it is. Applejack nods in appreciation. Her breasts bouncing slightly with the motion shifting into her arms. Big Mac's eyes are once again drawn to her breasts straining against the thin fabric of her tank top. Her matching white bra peeking out so that he can see the lace accents on the tops of the cups. His Mind-wandering to places it shouldn't. He was tempted to grab her and pull her to him but they could be caught out here and he wasn't interested in getting his ear chewed off by AJ for getting them caught either. Applejack noticed him staring and purposefully lifted up her breasts higher squeezing them in with her arms. "Wanna take a break?" Applejack asks with a suggestive gleam to her green eyes. Big Mac's eyes green eyes shoot up at the suggestion "ya sure AJ?" he asks warily it's unlike her to be so suggestive in the middle of the day. "Yeah, we've had a long enough dry spell" Applejack steps into Big Mac's personal space grabbing the waistband of his jeans tugging him towards her "you were so handsy the other night it was hard to hold back" she teases. Big Mac knows she's talking about the night he got the visions. He doesn't remember much about that night, especially being overly handsy with AJ. He isn't the type to get handsy outside of the bedroom. He was also taught better than to just grab or feel up a mare let alone his sister without proper consent. Granny Smith would tan his hide if she found out. "I'm sorry AJ" Big Mac said bowing his head in shame. "It's okay you didn't do anything wrong," Applejack says giving his jeans another good tug. "Ya sure?" Big Mac looks back up at her hopefully. "Yes Big brother, I'm sure" Applejack laughs softly placing her brothers' hands on her hips. Big Mac took the invitation nuzzling into AJs mane "didn't mean ta worry you the other night" "I know" Applejack lifted up on the tips of her hooves wrapping her arms around his neck " now make it up to me," she says seductively. Big Mac couldn't keep the grin from his lips. He gripped her ass pulling her into a coaxing kiss. Tongues tangling with one another as the kiss deepens. ********* Shining couldn't believe what he was seeing Big Mac and Applejack making out in the middle of the field. He felt rather bad to intrude on such an intimate moment between the siblings but there was no time. He needed to talk to Big Mac now. "Big Mac!" Shining called stepping onto the field. The siblings pulled apart like something had burned them. Applejack looked accusingly in Shining's direction while Big Mac waved him over. "Sorry to interrupt but could I borrow Big Mac for a moment it's urgent" Shining bowed apologetically at Applejack before placing a hand on Big Mac's shoulder and steering him away and out of earshot of his little sister. "What's up?" Big Mac asks folding his arms as he looked down his muzzle at Shining. "Shai" Shining says simply and Big Mac's posture softens. "Whos Shai?" "The one that's been warning us apparently" Shining explains. "Ya met im?" Big Mac asks with a raised eyebrow. "Well I met it" Shining clarifies "It?" "Well it was a snake than an alicorn snake but yeah it" "That don't make much sense" "I know that" Shining sighs " If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I wouldn't believe it myself" Big Mac nods taking in the information. He can tell that Shining isn't the type to lie or tell tall tales but what he was saying was just too strange to be real. "I'll take yur word fer it" Big Mac finally says with a nod. Shining visibly relaxes a smile forming on his lips. "Thank goodness" "So what is this Shai?" Big Mac asks "He said he was the god of destiny and fate" "A god?" "Yeah and I mean with enough power anyone could be called a god" "True a little pompous ta claim to be one though" "Right?" They stood there taking in the information. Until Applejack interrupted. "You guys look serious is somethin up?" Applejack asks from a few feet away. They both turn to face her reassuring smiles in place "yeah all good here" they say in unison. Applejack doesn't believe them for a second but she trusts Big Mac to tell her when the time comes so she lets it drop. " well stop jabberin over there by yerselves I'm startin ta feel left out" "Sorry about that Applejack it was good to see you but I've gotta go now bye," Shining says waving to Applejack and giving Big Mac a meaningful look. "We don't got nothin ta worry about, do we?" Applejack asks Big Mac pointedly. "Yep" "Alright then" Applejack turns to leave. "So that break off the table now?" Big Mac calls after her. "Sorry just not in the mood no more" Applejack apologizes and walks away. Big Mac sighs a little upset he lost his chance but at least it went better than he expected and they got some answers on the mystery of the "vision giver" or well Shai now. Author's Note Shai is based off of the Egyptian God Shai of yep Fate/Destiny. He's the only non-canon character I plan to have in this story and even then he isn't planned to show up in many scenes.
Trances and VisionsIt is sometime after midnight as Applejack awakens. She looks out her window to see the moon still hanging high in the sky. Its usual cool pale glow joined by another warmer orange light. Fearing a possible fire Applejack jumps from bed throwing her quilt from her legs. Leaning on the window sill peering down at the barn next to the house. She notices a light on inside, but no sign of movement besides the flicker of flame. They never bothered to hook up electricity to the old barn. So there is no other way for it to be lit up except by the few lanterns they keep inside. Worried she throws on a pair of pants and heads out to the barn. The large doors are open just wide enough for a person to slip through. Applejack shivers as she peers inside catching a glimpse of a large shirtless figure standing stock-still in the middle of the barn. A lantern sitting on the ground next to him. Casting shadows all around as the flame flickers. Applejack thinks she catches the hint of a whisper on the wind. She twitches her ears forward in an attempt to hear better. Frowning when only silence greets her. Applejack waits for a few more seconds, but curiosity and the cold gets the better of her and she slips inside. Keeping to the edge as she creeps around the side of the stallion. Recognizing the stallion before her. Applejack gasps in surprise, "Big Mac whatcha doin in here?" Stepping forward Applejack presses a hand to Big Mac's shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze, but gets no response. She looks at the side of her brother's face. He is staring off at the far side of the barn unblinking with such an intense gaze. Jaw set in a firm frown. Panic swells up in her breast as Applejack steps in front of Big Mac, gripping both shoulders tightly shaking him. Big Mac barely even budges the brick wall that he is. Applejack steps back waving her hands in Big Macs face. Still no reaction, Applejack sighs, unsure of what to do next. A cool wind blows in and she shivers against it. "Big brother come on speak to me. move! do something!" Applejack pleads stepping forward once again. Wrapping her arms around Big Mac's waist as she presses her head against his broad muscled chest. Nuzzling into his crimson fur as tears prickle at the corners of her eyes. "Surry" Applejack shoots back her arms stretching out as her hands go to Big Macs' hips, "What?" Her eyes searching his face frantically, but there is no sign that anything has changed. Applejack sighs once again her forehead landing against Big Mac's chest along with her hands as she bows her head in defeat. It was hopeless she couldn't get him to snap out of it. Applejack didn't want to hit Big Mac but she was beginning to think that was the only course of action that might actually work. Applejack closes her eyes stepping back from Big Mac. Taking a deep breath Applejack let it out slowly as she opens her eyes. She raises her hand ready to smack him and just as she swings. Big Mac clicks on eyes focusing on Applejack. His body slackens. "AJ?" her name falls from Big Macs' lips like a plea. His eyes tearing up. Applejack manages to stop her hand just short of hitting Big Macs' cheek. Her fingertips slacken as they gently brush through the fur of his cheek. "Big Mac?" Applejack couldn't believe he'd actually snapped out of it. She is glad that she doesn't have to smack Big Mac though. Her hand falling back to her side. "Ahm so sorry AJ," Big Mac says suddenly grabbing Applejack in a crushing bear hug. Applejack gasps as the air is knocked out of her lungs. wrapping her own arms around Big Mac's neck as he lifts her a ways off the ground. She buries her muzzle into the crook of his neck a wave of relief blooming in her chest. She's used to his bear hugs. The crushing warmth of them always makes her feel safe and loved. But something isn't quite right with this one. It's too strong, too desperate, it makes Applejack feel suffocated. "There's nothin ta apologize fer big brother" Applejack spoke as she nuzzles into Big Mac. Trying to ignore the worry gnawing at her gut. "Ahm so sorry" Big Mac repeats into Applejack's mane. His fingers gripping at the fabric of her nightshirt. An echo of what his desperate words are doing to her heart. Applejack pushes back against Big Mac leaning away as she tries to break free of his hold on her. Something definitely isn't right here and she aims to figure out just what it is. His hold however only tightens as he repeats his apologies like a desperate plea. The immense sorrow in Big Mac's voice and on his face breaks Applejacks' heart. She has no idea what to do, or why Big Mac has snapped out of one trance only to fall into another. Panic replaces her relief once again as she begins to struggle harder. She feels her brother's grip loosen for a moment and takes her chance finally escaping his hold. Applejack steps just far enough away from Big Mac so that he has to move to grab her again. She takes a moment to catch her breath. Breasts heaving. Before confronting the problem of her older brother once again. When she looks back up at him, Big Mac looks broken. Tears trail down his face. Carving dark paths into his crimson fur. His green eyes wide and wet with sorrow. It's like he'd done something so terrible. He didn't feel like he could ever be forgiven. However, he hasn't done anything, as far as she knows, besides standing like a statue in the middle of the barn for Celestia knew how long. Perhaps Big Mac had seen something that had caused the trance and the flood of apologies. Applejack isn't sure but she knows she needs to get her brother inside and into bed out of this cold freezing air. Maybe once he's slept things would return to normal. Applejack carefully steps back into Big Macs space, "Come on big brother. let's get ya ta bed" Big Mac makes to grab Applejack again lifting his arms as he stretches them out to her. She gently pushes them back down with a shake of her head. Applejack leans down extinguishing the lantern before turning Big Mac around moving her hands to his back as he follows her direction. Turning to face the door out of the barn. She keeps a slight but constant pressure on his back as she walks next to him keeping him moving forward on shuffling hooves. They enter the main house without further incident beyond Big Mac's constant apologies. Applejack closes the front door behind them as she guides Big Mac up the stairs. They reach the top landing just as Applebloom pokes her head out rubbing her eyes sleepily as she yawns. "Sis?" Applebloom questions opening one eye curiously. "Go back ta bed Applebloom" Applejack orders stepping between Big Mac and Applebloom not ready to deal with the avalanche of questions she is sure their sister has waiting behind those curious yet still tired crimson eyes. "What's up with Big Mac?" Applebloom persists. Finally registering that Big Mac is standing beside Applejack like a very tall shadow in the dark hallway. "Nothin now get ta bed," Applejack says more sternly this time. Trying to push Big Mac further down the hall and closer to his room. "Ah'm so surry AJ" Big Mac mumbles at her side. "What's he Surry fer?" Applebloom questions stepping further into the hallway. Eyes bright with curiosity. "Ah don't know, just get ta bed please ah'll explain in the morning." Applejack pleads turning to fully face her little sister as she tries to ward her off. "Fine but ya better promise ta tell me tomorrow" Applebloom reluctantly let up, scowling at Applejack before turning and heading back into her room. "I will. G'night" Applejack calls after her. "Night" the door shuts behind her. Applejack feels bad leaving Applebloom in the dark but it isn't like Applejack knows much more herself. She frowns at her sister's closed bedroom door moving back to guide Big Mac to his room. Just a couple feet down from where they stand. "Surry" Came his mumbled chant. He'd been mumbling different variations of it all the way into the house. "What on Earth did you see in that barn big brother?" Applejack questions under her breath as she shakes her head. Applejack steps around Big Mac opening the door. Only to have him latch onto her again from behind. She sighs pulling him into the room and over to the bed. She's lucky he moves with her willingly or else they would have been stuck at the door until she broke free. As it was Applejack still had to try to break free of him. She twists and shoves uselessly against his hold. Realizing it's futile, Applejack leverages her bodyweight causing both of them to fall onto the bed. Now she just has to wait for Big Mac to fall asleep. He drifts off hold loosening and Applejack slips free. Leaving Big Mac to sleep still murmuring about being sorry to her. She leaves the room quietly closing the door behind her. Applejack crosses the hall to her own room. Closing the door behind her as well. Slipping off her pants and getting into bed. A shiver runs through her as she pulls her quilt over her body wrapping it tightly around her. She settles into her pillows as the questions in her head float around. She hopes Big Mac will have answers for her in the morning. ****** Elsewhere in Equestria, Twilight Sparkle awakes to the sound of someone banging on her front door. Groaning in irritation she gets out of bed. The knocking persists as she grabs her robe pulling it on and cinching it at the waist. She opens the door and heads down the stairs to answer the door. She yawns as she reaches the landing combing her fingers through her mane to make it somewhat more presentable. She opens the door surprised to see the pony on the other side. "Shining!" Twilight exclaims purple eyes widening in surprise. "Hey Twily, sorry to wake you." Shining Armor says giving an apologetic smile. Shifting uncomfortably from hoof to hoof. "Well come on in, weren't you supposed to be in Canterlot?" Twilight asks as she steps aside letting her brother in. Shining Armor steps in and turns around to face her, "Yeah..." a nervous smile spreads across his face as Twilight stares at him suspiciously. An unasked question in her big purple eyes. "Just thought I'd come for a visit to see how my little sis is doing." Shining Armor says by way of an answer. Twilight knows her brother is hiding something, dodging the real reason for his visiting her at such an odd hour. Twilight would like to drill Shining Armor for answers as she normally would. However, she isn't in the mood for playing twenty dodged questions and is eager to get back to her warm bed upstairs. "We'll talk about the real reason you're here in the morning." Twilight decides giving her brother a pointed stare. "Thank you Twily," Shining Armor says softly. Head bowing apologetically. "Yeah, yeah, I'm going back to bed. Would you like me to show you to the guest room?" Twilight asks as she makes her way back upstairs. "No, I'll be fine you back on to bed twily. Goodnight" "Goodnight shiny" Twilight says with a soft smile and disappears at the top of the stairs. Left alone on the main floor Shining Armor sighs. He isn't looking forward to trying to answer all the questions Twilight will have for him in the morning. He is however determined to keep his baby sister safe. He spends the entire rest of the night searching through the library for any kind of answer to his current problem. There had to be some kind of explanation for what he saw. What he heard and why. Twilight crawls back into bed curling up under her covers. Her robe discarded on a nearby chair. She wonders about the distant concerned look in her brothers' blue eyes. She wishes she wasn't so tired. She hasn't slept in two days and keeping her eyes open any longer is simply impossible. "Twilight" Twilight thinks she hears a voice whisper as she falls back into a deep sleep. Author's Note I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and would love to hear any speculations you all might have. I love feed back of any kind. Kisses ~ ~Mango Syrup
QuestionsShining Armor has searched through every book in Twilight's library. He has found nothing on what he is looking for. Perhaps he needs a bigger library. He thinks as he looks around at the piles of books on the floor and up at the empty shelves. He plops down on the floor in the center of the piles of books a sigh escaping his lips. Shining Armors horn glows books flying up circling around him. He rubs at his eyes reading the titles of the books as they pass by. When the right one floats around he sends it back to the right bookshelf. He isn't a huge fan of book organizing even with the help of his magic but he knew Twily will appreciate not having all her books all over the place. ~*~*~*~ Big Mac awoke bright and early, as usual, his head foggy as the memory of his vision from last night came swimming into view. He remembers the smell of smoke and blood. The feel of grime and sweat mating his fur. As he watches Applejack screaming pulling at her restraints anger a fire in her eyes. Being taken away along with her friends and there was nothing he could do. He shakes the images from his mind. His stomach, knotting up and twisting, making him feel sick. The voice had told him that it was showing him the inevitable future. That unless he did something their fate was sealed. Every bit of him wanted to deny it. He would never, could never let anyone hurt AJ like that. But the truth was, in that future, he wasn't himself. Whatever evil thing had crawled up from the depths of Tartarus was controlling him to punish Applejack and to punish her friends as well. With a grunt, he forces himself out of bed, pulls on some clothes, and heads downstairs. He sits down at the breakfast table. Applejacks worried eyes boring into him from the kitchen. "Sorry about last night AJ. I don't know what came over me" Big Mac apologizes. "It's okay just glad ta see ya back to your normal self" Applejack smiles kindly setting a stack of pancakes down in front of him. Big Mac thanks her before pouring syrup over the pancakes and tucking in. Applejack nods, smile fading a little, as she sits down joining her siblings at the table with her own stack of pancakes. "So ya gonna tell me what happened last night like ya promised?" Applebloom questions looking from Big Mac to AJ in turn. Her eyes widened with curiosity. Applejack sighs before recounting the events from the night before. "And that's ah'll I know" She finishes looking over at Big Mac with hopeful eyes. "Ah don't remember much myself beyond a strange voice calling me down to the barn. sayin it wanted ta show me somethin" Big Mac says shrugging. Trying not to worry them too much "That's like super weird" Applebloom comments her pretty face screwed up in thought. "Eeyup" is all Big Mac said before returning to his pancakes. Applejack looks like she wants to say something more but decides against it. Applebloom, who has inhaled her pancakes hops up and runs out the door. Most likely to go play with Winona before school. After they're done with breakfast Big Mac gets up to put his plate in the sink. Applejack follows after him, placing a hand on his shoulder to get his attention. "Yeah?" Big Mac asks, turning to face Applejack. "Do you remember what the vision was?" Big Mac shakes his head, "I don't, sorry AJ." "It's okay," Applejack says a look of concerned concentration creasing her features. Big Mac smiles softly ruffling her mane as he places his plate in the sink and steps past her. It's time to get to work. Applejack raises her hand to her head-turning to watch her brother leave. She knows he is still hiding something from her but at least he's okay. She never wants to see that look of pure agonizing sorrow on his face ever again. ~*~*~*~ Twilight awoke still feeling groggy and unrested. She slips out of bed blinking the sleep from her eyes squinting at the clock on her nightstand. "Twelve o'clock" she mumbles. Twilight walks across the hall to the bathroom where she brushes her mane and teeth. Then returns to her room and dresses for the day. Heading downstairs she finds Shining Armor asleep on the floor. Twilight places a hand on Shining Armors' shoulder, "Shining get up. You shouldn't be sleeping on the floor" "Good morning Twily" Shining Armor mumbles rolling over, looking up at his little sister with a tired smile. "Good afternoon Shiny" Twilight laughs patting Shining Armor on the shoulder. "Did you stay up all night?" Twilight asks making her way into the kitchen. Shining Armor stands up following her. "Yeah" Shining comes up behind Twilight as she opens the cupboard to grab the oatmeal. Her fingers are only able to graze the bottom of the container. She sighs, stretching up on the tips of her hooves to reach it. "Spike you jerk" Twilight grumbles under her breath. Shining Armor chuckles as he reaches forward grabbing the oatmeal. His chest presses against Twilights back. "Here ya go Twily" Shining Armor says handing it to Twilight. "Could've just used your magic though" he says through a yawn. Twilight grins up at Shining as she takes the oats from him. "I know and thank you" "Anytime" Shining ruffles her mane stepping away back into the main library section of the house just as Spike comes downstairs. His large purple tail thumping down the stairs, alerting everyone to his presence. It drags across the floor as he is too tired to bother holding it up. Spike greets Shining with a tired nod as they pass each other and slips into the kitchen. "Gems" Spike mumbles scratching at the white scales on his chest. His pajama pants hanging low on his hips. "No gems, but there's bacon in the fridge" Twilight responds from the stove where she is making her oatmeal. Shining makes his way up to the guest room flopping down on the bed. Falling immediately back to sleep. His dreams are filled with images of the vision. The voice had given him. The sky blackened by smoke. Lit up by flames that come from the husks of broken, burning buildings. The ground is barren of life. Each step he takes kicks up clouds of dust. A cacophony of screams and crying fill his ears. The scene shifts to a dungeon. The walls already coated in all sorts of bodily fluids. The majority of which is blood. Twilight hangs from shackles around her wrists. The tips of her hooves just barely touching the floor. Cuts from whip lashes marr her flesh most crusted with dried blood. A few still freely wept. Her head lolls to her bare chest. Her friends are strung up in similar positions on either side of her. All naked all wounded in a similar fashion. Shining holds the whip in his hand. His body is no longer his own. The scene shifts once more to a calm hill overlooking ponyville. Shining stands with Big Mac, and another hidden in shadow. Their form seems to constantly shift. The voice, however, is the one that gave him the visions in the first place. Smooth and masculine with a sort of wispy air. The image of another floats before them conjured up by the formless being. It's somepony he'd never met before but who also seems so familiar. This is the one that will cause the calamity and send Equestria spiraling into chaos. He wishes to remember something significant when he awakes.
TheoriesShining Armor failed to remember anything significant about the culprit from his dream other than that the culprit might be closer to home than he initially thought. He also remembers that Big Mac was there. He had recognized the stallion thanks to his sisters' long letters and even longer conversations about what she and her friends had been up to. Including detailed descriptions of family and friends significant to whatever story she was telling. The next day, Shining arrived at the Apple's farm shortly after the sun had risen good and high in the sky. Finding the stallion in question plowing the fields. He stopped just on the edge and called out to Big Mac. "Hey! Big Mac!" Big Mac stopped and turned at the voice. Noticing Shining Armor standing just a few feet away. He gives a one-moment signal as he sets down the plow. Wiping the sweat from his face with his shirt which was wrapped around his waist. Big Mac walks across the neatly plowed rows to greet Shining Armor. "Shining Armor right? Twilight's brother?" Big Mac held out his hand in greeting reaching where Shining stood. "It's good to finally meet you. Twilight's told me much about you" Shining shook the offered hand. "Likewise AJ said you're a royal guard in Canterlot right?" "Yeah, it's a rewarding job much like your farming" Shining smiles kindly looking up at the taller stallion. "Everybody has their place" Big Mac agrees with a grunt "so what brings you all the way out here?" "A vision, I'm pretty sure you had as well" Shining hedges hoping he isn't mistaken. "Mysterious voice" Big Mac confirms. "Yep," Shining nods. That confirms Shinings' suspicions that Big Mac has also been shown that horrible future he was. He has to know if the crimson stallion has seen the same things he has and if not what the differences are. They move over to a shady part of the farm. Sitting down in the grass beneath a tree. "We should check our facts," Shining says draping his arms over his knees. "Yeah, I'll tell ya what ah can remember" Big Mac nods. These are the theories that Shining and Big Mac compiled from the telling of their separate visions to each other. One: It was someone they both knew or know but physical appearance may have been changed by the creature. Due to shinings thought that he sort of recognized the figure shown in his dream by who they will be calling " the vision giver" until an actual name is found. Two: Whoever summoned or set free the monster from the depths of Tartarus gained both immense power and lost all control of themselves essentially becoming a meat suit for the creature. Shining came to this theory thanks to the repeated theme in both their visions of being unable to control their own bodies but still aware of everything going on around them. He assumed this was a power of the creature, but only a taste compared to what the host was probably experiencing. Three: It had a vendetta against any and everything pony. Big Mac mentioned this one. He figured it was only attacking places with ponies. No other creatures seemed to be in serious danger in either of their visions. This could also be because the images shown were limited in scope. Pertaining to just them individually. Four: The one that gave them the vision believed for whatever reason that they not the mane six could prevent it all from happening. They were not the ones shown the visions after all. "So who or what do ya think gave us the warnin'in?" Big Mac asks. "I don't know, there's a lot of different creatures with varying degrees of power, that could conjure up visions, throw their voice, become invisible, or even see the future. However, none can do a combination of most if not all of them at the same time. Well, none that are free to actually use their powers anyways." Shining explains recalling his earlier research. "So we just wait for it ta show itself. Are we even trusting these visions?" Big Mac asks skeptically. "I don't know about you but, I can't shake the feeling that it's not trying to trick us," Shining says eyes boring into Big Mac. "Yeah" Big Mac nods. Then a thought dawns on Big Mac, "what if it was also freed with the evil thing?" "Time travel would be needed or at least some form of it" Shining muses aloud "It does feel ancient but familiar like I've known it my whole life" Big Mac continues "But if it's always been around how could it have been trapped" Shining continues "Right, this is confusing" Big Mac sighs "Yeah, let's just wait and see for now" Shining concludes standing up. Big Mac follows suit with a nod. "I'll see ya later," Shining says with a wave. "Eeeyup" Big Mac responds waving goodbye. Shining and Big Mac were not the only creatures beneath the tree that afternoon. A snake sat curled up amongst its roots its shiny gold speckled black scales blending in with the dark bark keeping it perfectly concealed. Once the Stallions had left the snake slithered off.
ShaiShining ran into Pinkie Pie on his way back to Twilights. She was prancing down the lane singing to herself. She spotted Shining and bounded over to him stopping mid-song. "Hiya there Shining!" She greeted jovially. "Hello Pinkie" "What brings ya all the way out here huh?" She asked with a twirl. Leaning backward to stare up at him mid-twirl. "Just visiting Twilight" Shining stifled a laugh at the young mares antics. "That super sweet of you!" She bounced back to a proper standing position. Her hands clasped together grinning wildly. "Heh yeah, I guess" Shining scratched the back of his head shyly. Pinkies' eyes suddenly dart behind shining. "Snake!" She screams jumping first into the air then Shinings' arms. Shining catches her and swiftly turns around to see the snake in question harmlessly curled up behind him. "Calm down Pinkie" Shining soothes setting her back on her hooves. "It's gonna bite me!" Pinkie whines squeezing his arm as she hides behind him. "I don't think so. It looks rather harmless at the moment," Shining says trying to get her to calm down. The snake slithers its way toward Shining causing Pinkie to run away screaming. Shining holds still pure curiosity keeping him entranced as the snake rears up wiggling its head almost tauntingly at the retreating Pinkie Pie. Flicking its tongue out in what Shining assumed was a taunting laugh. "You're a strange thing," Shining says grinning down at the snake. "No stranger than most of the creatures in this world" the snake replies stilling its movement. Shining practically jumps out of his skin. All the hairs on his body standing on end. He didn't expect it to speak. "How the!" The snake begins to glow bright blinding white. The sound of a deep amused laugh emanating from within the glow. The light fades revealing a black-furred pony with the lower half of a snake. the scales the same gold-dusted black as the snake from before. Its golden wings splayed out behind it. A golden horn upon its head. An odd golden makeup lining its pale gold snake eyes that are crinkled with enjoyment. "You may call me Shai (Shay)," The regal-looking being says. "What? who are you?" Shining stammers still shocked. "I am 'the vision giver' " Shai replies amused his golden eyes filled with mirth. "What?" Shining says not entirely comprehending what's going on. "Do not worry, we have plenty of time for you to wrap your head around this" Shai says "of course Equestria may be in ruins by then" he finishes playfully. Shining doesn't know what to say. He never expected that the "vision giver" would turn out to be such a beautifully strange androgynous creature. "Just tell me what you are at least," Shining says taking a deep breath to calm himself. "I am Shai God of fate and destiny. I am born with you and I will speak for you at the end," Shai says all profoundly raising up on his tail towering over Shining. "God of fate and destiny? Aren't they kind of the same thing?" Shining asks skeptically brow furrowing up at Shai. "Yes but people love to separate them so I'm just covering my bases" Shai answers looking bored as he lowers back down to eye level. "So a god? like in the stories Twily likes to read?" "Precisely" Shai nods. "This is a bit much to wrap my head around" Shining states with a shake of his head. Arms folded across his chest. "Your future depends on what you and Big Mac do next Shining don't forget that," Shai says ominously. Shining watches as Shai disappears in another glow of blinding white light before he can ask any further questions. Now more confused and none the wiser for their conversation. ******** Applejack came down into the fields to check up on Big Mac. He'd been mostly the same as he'd always been beyond the occasional zoning out. She just wanted to be there for him in case anything weird happened again. "How ya doin out here Big Mac," Applejack asks. Big Mac stabbed his shovel into the ground "I'm good" He rolled his shoulders getting a few good pops out with a roll of his neck. He looked down at Applejack and found himself staring at her shapely breasts and soft curves. It's an unusually hot day and she's wearing a tight white tank top and cut off jean shorts. The tank top is just tight enough that it rides up revealing a bit of her stomach just above the waistband of her shorts. He pinches at the little bit of pudge there earning an indignant yelp from her as she swats his hand away. He grins chuckling at her reaction. Applejack doesn't take offense to the action she knows he means it in an affectionate way. He's been poking and pinching her since they were little. Never aiming to hurt her though that did happen on occasion. Big Mac wasn't always aware of his own strength. "It's hot out here you keeping hydrated?" She asks pulling down her tank top and folding her arms beneath her breasts. "Yep," Big Mac nods focusing properly on her face. Holding up his thermos shaking it so she can hear how full it is. Applejack nods in appreciation. Her breasts bouncing slightly with the motion shifting into her arms. Big Mac's eyes are once again drawn to her breasts straining against the thin fabric of her tank top. Her matching white bra peeking out so that he can see the lace accents on the tops of the cups. His Mind-wandering to places it shouldn't. He was tempted to grab her and pull her to him but they could be caught out here and he wasn't interested in getting his ear chewed off by AJ for getting them caught either. Applejack noticed him staring and purposefully lifted up her breasts higher squeezing them in with her arms. "Wanna take a break?" Applejack asks with a suggestive gleam to her green eyes. Big Mac's eyes green eyes shoot up at the suggestion "ya sure AJ?" he asks warily it's unlike her to be so suggestive in the middle of the day. "Yeah, we've had a long enough dry spell" Applejack steps into Big Mac's personal space grabbing the waistband of his jeans tugging him towards her "you were so handsy the other night it was hard to hold back" she teases. Big Mac knows she's talking about the night he got the visions. He doesn't remember much about that night, especially being overly handsy with AJ. He isn't the type to get handsy outside of the bedroom. He was also taught better than to just grab or feel up a mare let alone his sister without proper consent. Granny Smith would tan his hide if she found out. "I'm sorry AJ" Big Mac said bowing his head in shame. "It's okay you didn't do anything wrong," Applejack says giving his jeans another good tug. "Ya sure?" Big Mac looks back up at her hopefully. "Yes Big brother, I'm sure" Applejack laughs softly placing her brothers' hands on her hips. Big Mac took the invitation nuzzling into AJs mane "didn't mean ta worry you the other night" "I know" Applejack lifted up on the tips of her hooves wrapping her arms around his neck " now make it up to me," she says seductively. Big Mac couldn't keep the grin from his lips. He gripped her ass pulling her into a coaxing kiss. Tongues tangling with one another as the kiss deepens. ********* Shining couldn't believe what he was seeing Big Mac and Applejack making out in the middle of the field. He felt rather bad to intrude on such an intimate moment between the siblings but there was no time. He needed to talk to Big Mac now. "Big Mac!" Shining called stepping onto the field. The siblings pulled apart like something had burned them. Applejack looked accusingly in Shining's direction while Big Mac waved him over. "Sorry to interrupt but could I borrow Big Mac for a moment it's urgent" Shining bowed apologetically at Applejack before placing a hand on Big Mac's shoulder and steering him away and out of earshot of his little sister. "What's up?" Big Mac asks folding his arms as he looked down his muzzle at Shining. "Shai" Shining says simply and Big Mac's posture softens. "Whos Shai?" "The one that's been warning us apparently" Shining explains. "Ya met im?" Big Mac asks with a raised eyebrow. "Well I met it" Shining clarifies "It?" "Well it was a snake than an alicorn snake but yeah it" "That don't make much sense" "I know that" Shining sighs " If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I wouldn't believe it myself" Big Mac nods taking in the information. He can tell that Shining isn't the type to lie or tell tall tales but what he was saying was just too strange to be real. "I'll take yur word fer it" Big Mac finally says with a nod. Shining visibly relaxes a smile forming on his lips. "Thank goodness" "So what is this Shai?" Big Mac asks "He said he was the god of destiny and fate" "A god?" "Yeah and I mean with enough power anyone could be called a god" "True a little pompous ta claim to be one though" "Right?" They stood there taking in the information. Until Applejack interrupted. "You guys look serious is somethin up?" Applejack asks from a few feet away. They both turn to face her reassuring smiles in place "yeah all good here" they say in unison. Applejack doesn't believe them for a second but she trusts Big Mac to tell her when the time comes so she lets it drop. " well stop jabberin over there by yerselves I'm startin ta feel left out" "Sorry about that Applejack it was good to see you but I've gotta go now bye," Shining says waving to Applejack and giving Big Mac a meaningful look. "We don't got nothin ta worry about, do we?" Applejack asks Big Mac pointedly. "Yep" "Alright then" Applejack turns to leave. "So that break off the table now?" Big Mac calls after her. "Sorry just not in the mood no more" Applejack apologizes and walks away. Big Mac sighs a little upset he lost his chance but at least it went better than he expected and they got some answers on the mystery of the "vision giver" or well Shai now. Author's Note Shai is based off of the Egyptian God Shai of yep Fate/Destiny. He's the only non-canon character I plan to have in this story and even then he isn't planned to show up in many scenes.
