I Forgot to Remeber to Forget by TheNewOneChaptersPrologueChapter OneChapter TwoPrologueA hobo. Maybe the hobo, you had never seen another one on equestrian roads. Equestria is a big place, maybe, but then again no one else has a bindle stick for a cutie mark, those things are unique after all. You sighed, you met a lot of ponies and had made friends, but ultimately you were truly alone. You wished that others could live like you somepony to share a set of rules with, your most treasured piece of writing. Long ago when ponies with your lifestyle were common, they had written a code. A code you took to heart, it was your policy if you ever met another hobo, you would share the code; it works wonders. That code had gotten you respected, you take it to heart and you follow it, because of that ponies respect you and what you do. On the roads back in the north west you were known, ponies wanted to hear your stories. Unfortunately by now you had exhausted all the towns in that region at least once, you started to feel as if the northwest, the whole area, was your home, that wasn't right because you don't have a home. It's not that you wouldn't want one, but you could never settle down, your cutie mark is a bindle stick after all. So now you were moving on, where to ? You didn't know, such is the life of a hobo, a rider of the rails, a knight of the road. You knew one thing though, you had to stay away from Manehatten, you block the thought that follows after, you made yourself forget. Manehatten was off limits, you don't know why, because you forget. The last time you forgot to remember to forget you were- you don't know, you forget. You made your way to the train yard, the ponies there knew you, and knew you never caused problems (Article 12 of the code), as such they greeted you like another worker, saying hello and making idle chit chat. You saw a train that was about to leave for the south, it was just starting to pick up speed, you jogged alongside it and hopped onto the back of the caboose. You figure you'll learn where you're going soon enough, you sit back and relax. The door to the inside of the train opens, you sit up and give the visitor your full attention. You don't take personal chances or get in the way of any of the crew, you just act like an extra crew member (Article 11 of the code). Turns out that this stallion was on break. When he walked out with his cigarette he looked mildly surprised. More amused than anything. "Hello, Sir. I'm not causing trouble are I." You ask respectfully. Giving respect earns respect. "No, no, you can sit back down son. So you're the famous Equestrian hobo?" He seemed genuinely curious, a quality you like in people. "Right you are sir, been all over the northern half of Equestria, I'm hoping to get a little farther south this time." Your tone has gone more from one addressing a superior to talking with a friend. "Well you picked the right train this one's going all the down to appleloosa, they need coal from the mines up north." Appleloosa you muse, perhaps, you will visit there someday you know, but maybe you could get off a little earlier, you weren't really in the mood for a desert. You reply asking him if it stops at any smaller towns before Appleloosa, he tells you it will make a stop in Ponyville. You are aware of the famous Sweet Apple Acres, and you have been a farmhand before. You've made your decision Ponyville it is. You talk for a bit with the stallion when he mentions where he's from. "All the way up in Manehattan, wanted to see all of Equestria so I decided to work on trains, kinda like you I suppose, although at the end of the week I need a wife and home and I can go back to." It wasn't a feeling you knew, but you could empathize all the same "Well home is never really a feeling I've had, but I can see where you a coming from. Needing a place that you know will always be there, gives you a sense of certainty." The stallion gave a longing nod, clearly thinking of that home he had. You wonder if he's near the end of his rotation and will get to see it soon. "Manehatten's a pretty place, you ever been there sunny?" Your mind blanks for a minute or two, of course you had, you knew you had. You knew that they're tall sky scrapers and sophisticated ponies, but the whole experience is a blur. You must've forgotten most of it, it was after all, so long ago. The stallion notes your silence and gives you a concerned look, taking notice you quickly reply. "I was there, a long time ago, but I was there." He doesn't press you further, instead he bids you a farewell, his break is over. He says if you wanted to go to sleep he would be sure to wake you when they stop in Ponyville. You thank him and let him know you will in fact go to sleep, he offers you a bunk inside the train, but you decline, wouldn't want to get in the way. After giving you a curt nod, he walks back into the train. The stars are out tonight, you think they're pretty. While your eyes stare at the sky your mind begins to wander into forbidden territory. What the stallion said about Manehatten has had a bit of an effect on you. You try to remember why you can't remember. Your start to cross a very fine line in your mind and the alarm bells go off. Once again you came close to forgetting to remember to forget. A force that feels like a wall flies through your mind shoving back any intrusive thoughts that have made their way to the forbidden zone. Now relaxed you begin to slowly fall asleep, when you reach a lucid state where you're not thinking clearly you mutter a name, you forget it instantly and shrug it off. You finally arrive at the dark reaches of sleep. You are gently shaken awake, you look over and see the stallion you had shared a few words with earlier. He seems to have taken a liking to you. "If your ever in Manehatten here's my address, stop by and we can share a dinner if I'm home. If I'm not tell my wife you know me, she'll make you a lovely dinner," He says as he hands you a slip of paper. You give him your thanks, and let him know you should be off now. You never said anything about the address, Manehattan if off limits, you know you won't ever take him up on his offer. Ponyville. It looked like a nice town, small not too big. While you don't mind big towns you prefer small ones better, it gives it a more personal feel. With a bindle stick exactly like the one of your flank you march onward towards to distant smell of apples. It's early in the morning, the first rays of light are just seeping through the light cloud co- scratch that, no cloud cover. You swear a Rainbow just cleared the skies, you were an earth pony but you were pretty sure rainbows can't clear skies. You think you might ask somepony about it later, but until then you would just wonder about what it could of been. Still following the smell of apples you make your way onto a road, on the horizon you see green balls with red dots on them, the apple orchard was close by. Perfect you thought, by the time you got the farm they would just be starting work for the day, you could even get paid for today; assuming you got the job. Making your way past the orchard gate. You see a little yellow filly with a backpack being scolded by what looked like brother and sister, at first you mistook them for husband and wife, but upon further inspection they were clearly not. One red stallion and one orange mare. As you got near you picked up the last bit of their conversation. "But what if ma Cutie mark is for faking sick! Ever think of that!" The filly might get a cutie mark in drama you silently joked. "No buts lil' lady, time for school now get going." The big red stallion was... Really big. He also had a deep soothing voice. You could tell the filly had no reply to that, the battle was lost. She stormed of muttering something about cutie marks and you never know. With the filly gone the other two siblings turn their attention the you, before they can ask, you tell them who you are. "Hello miss, and mister. Your farm is rather renowned for their apples, even up north by vanhoover. I come as the traveller who has no home, and I seek work." You might of made a mistake, you always make everything proper and official for first time meetings, not knowing the kind of ponies you were dealing with. Of course these two didn't look like they cared much for being proper and polite. "That's all great mister, the name's Applejack. Here on the farm though we don't care much for fancy words, it's more for hard work. We could take you on board for the harvesting season, but are you sure you're up for it." You heard the orange mare talk for the first time, like her other two siblings she had a southern accent. Your drop the proper and polite act and talk freely. "I've worked some farms before, I've travelled all over Equestria as well, It does tend to keep me in shape." "That's all fine and dandy then, but if ah think you can't handle it after the first day then you're done and gone. That clear?" "Yes ma'am. Now what shall my pay be?" You work out what your wages will be with the mare. She tries to pay you a generous sum of bits per hour, but you refuse. Instead you counter offer with a meager amount of bits, but three meals a day and if possible, lodging. "I don't know if ah can agree to that, it seems like I'm not paying you enough." Applejack was actually trying to lose money, or so it seemed. " You generosity is appreciated, but I don't work for luxuries, I work for food and emergency cash." You reply sincerely. "Hmm, well ah s'pose I can, but you'll have to give me a little while to find you lodging. A tornado known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders has literally removed our guest room." She said this while pointing at what looked like a giant hole in the house. You didn't press the subject, Applejack looked cross. "No problem, can I sleep in the barn?" Applejack now looked insulted. "You will not sleep in the barn. Ah am not paying you enough as is, by the end of the day Ah will have you a proper room to sleep in. No. Arguing. " You decided that was fine. "One last question. Can I start Today?" Chapter OneApplebucking. You've worked on a cherry farm, a celery farm, a carrot farm and a flower farm. Nothing, nothing could compare to the strenuous work of applebucking. Applejack, or AJ as you've taken to calling her -with permission of course- showed you the ropes and accompanied you for the first few trees you did. She was impressed with how quick you picked up on it. Spend your whole life doing odd jobs and you become a quick learner. After she was satisfied with the quality and strength of your buck she gave you a portion of the orchard to try and clear by the end of the day. She freely admitted that you probably won't have this much to buck on a normal day. She was really just testing you, if you couldn't handle it, you would be hard pressed to work on the farm through the season. So you bucked on, it was mind numbing work, just one more buck, every time you make one, you tell yourself just one more. You thought back to the lunch you had with the apple family. You didn't know that there was so many different types of apple dishes. Earlier AJ thought you were working for too little, but with the amount they were feeding you, you thought it evened out. You misplaced a buck in your reminiscing and didn't drop all the apples on the tree. Frustrated you focus more on the task at hand. Dinner with the Apple family was a lot like lunch with the Apple family. Apples, lots and lots of apples. One would think you could get sick of apples after awhile, but here at Sweet Apple Acres getting sick of apples is crazy talk. At dinner you were polite with granny smith, and she took a liking to you. You got an opportunity to explain to AJ and Big Mac (The red stallion from earlier) how you lived. They never really understood what you meant before when you mentioned you didn't have a home. These were the kind of ponies that treasured and valued a home, it was the most important thing for them. You were bombarded with questions about the places you've been, you gave them a list, avoiding manehatten. Granny smith smiled. She told you of a time when hobo's were more common, she had hired a few herself on the farm, she was also incredibly pleased when she found out you lived by the code. Upon hearing about the code you found the Apple family was just a little more friendly. As AJ put it "Ah can respect a stallion who sticks to his principles 'specially if Ah approve of those principles." Eventually you noted that the young filly that was here this morning was not at the table. When you inquired you were told she was having a cutie mark crusader sleepover. AJ muttered something about removing a guest room under her breath. You smiled and laughed. You wanted to spend all night talking with them, but the work had been exhausting and you felt an early trip to bed was in order. "Well it's been a lovely evening, but I think I'll be calling it a night, that bucking was some of the hardest work I've ever done." As if to get the point across you yawned. "Eeyup." Came the deep and rich voice of Big Mac. He didn't really have much to say, but when he did, people listened. You began to walk towards the orchard, it was another nice night, you figured you could sleep under the stars. AJ looked positively alarmed as you walked away. "Hold it right there Mister. Where do you think you're going. Ah promised you a room by the end of the day, do you think Ah'm not a pony of my word. I got you a room to sleep in don't you worry none." You tried to explain yourself. "Right, don't get me wrong, I really appreciate it, but tonight is a nice night, no reason I can't sleep outside. I'm accustomed to it anyways, wouldn't want to trouble you." "Ah've already gone through the gosh darn trouble while you were bucking Apples, so follow me." Not having much of an option you do as she says. She took you down the road, after walking for a minute, you wondered if she got you a room at a hotel. If she did you would have to decline, there was no stopping you from that, she shouldn't have to pay for a room and feed you as much as she is. With your trusty bindle stick you walk beside her. You decide that she hadn't paid for a hotel as she was taking you away from town. You crossed a bridge over a small creek and noticed the place was crawling with animals, you didn't mind animals, but in large numbers such as this it was just weird. Then you saw the small cottage, you wondered who lived there. Before you got to the door AJ put a hoof out to stop you. "Now you listen here, and you listen good. Fluttershy is one of ma closest friends. She has agreed to take you in, and Ah only resorted to this because you seemed like a gentlecolt and Ah was out of options. She is the sweetest lil' thing, but is very sensitive and shy, so ah swear on my hat that if you hurt her or scare her in any way, you will be leaving the farm, and going to a hospital. Ah am a pony of ma word, you'd do well to remember that." The sudden hostility initially took you aback, but you recovered quickly. You swore on your code that you would treat her right. AJ seemed to approve, and promptly knocked on the door. What greeted you was unexpected. AJ had said shy, but this pony was cowering in your presence, legs shaking, and wings locked, the worst part of it was that AJ had never mentioned she would be so darn cute. You briefly wondered how in the hay AJ got Fluttershy to agree to this, you decided you didn't want to know, AJ was a pony of her word, and she said she would get you a room. AJ gave you an expecting look and you stumbled over your words in the rush to get them out. "H-hi, I mean hello, yes hello," you did your best to recover the situation, "Right, well I'm AJ's new farmhand, and I don't live around here, or anywhere actually. So thank you, for taking me in." After a brief glance at you, then back to AJ, she stood up a little straighter, and mumbled something inaudible. Softly you said, "I'm sorry miss, I didn't quite catch that." "Hi I'm Fluttershy, nice to meet you. Really it's no trouble at all." "Hun your gonna have to speak up." AJ deadpanned. You starred at her big blue eyes and gave her a reassuring nod. "Hi I'm Fluttershy, nice to meet you. Really it's no trouble at all." You froze up for a moment, her voice was soft like an angels. A quick hoof to your rear and you jerked to attention. "Right, well thank you AJ, and thank you again Fluttershy. May I come in?" AJ bid you a quick goodnight and went to back to the farm. You started to enter the house, or cottage, or den, or whatever it was. It had so many nooks, crannies and holes in it for all the animals living in it. Fluttershy seemed to have grown more bold with you, now that initial introductions were completed. When she noticed you staring she smiled sweetly, "Animals are my special talent." You look around the room again, and ask where you will be sleeping. Fluttershy points you the direction of a room, "Oh and don't mind the flamingoes, they're really sweet when you get to know them, but if you want I can make them move." Not wanting to cause her any trouble you assure her. "Flamingoes, birds right? I'm sure we will get along just fine." You were in the doorway to your room when Fluttershy called after you. "Wait, where's your stuff?" This elicited a short burst of laughter from you. Fluttershy looked confuse so you pointed to your bindle. "Everything I own. Everything I need." There was a quick gasp and a look of realization. "When you said you didn't have a home.. you really meant you didn't have one, I thought you just meant it was far away." You smiled. "Fluttershy, let me tell you about the life of one of, possibly the only one of Equestria's knights of the road." Sure you were suppose to go to bed, but you loved to talk, and tell stories. So you sat there on the couch and talked, told her about all the adventures you could think of. When a light blue unicorn almost got you and the city of Hoofington destroyed by assuring everyone she could in fact banish the Ursa that was attacking and not to call the princess. The story about the derailed train, how you jumped off at last minute, attaining minor injuries, and alerting the closest town of the disaster. Fluttershy was a perfect listener, gasping at the right moments, knowing when to nod, when to look sad and even surprisingly, when too input her opinion. When you finished the story about singing in the Vanhoover Opera Hall, the talk turned to your bindle. "I just don't understand," She said, "How can you carry your entire life around on a stick. Oh that sounded mean, I didn't want to sound so mean I'm sorry." You wave it off "It's no offense, and even if it was, there is no need to apologize, don't worry. As to how I can carry my life around on a stick, well I can show you." You retrieve your Bindle and open it up on the table. It contains a multitude of Items from your past, your emergency bits, your passport and a mouth operated army knife. Fluttershy looks through the items, making sure to ask you before touching anything. Among the sentimental items are a small piece of metal, you explain it was from the derailed train. A dragon tooth, you make sure she knows that tooth was given to you by a dragon, you didn't slay one and take it. There was even a lock of Celestia's rainbow hair, that was giving to you after helping her banish the ursa in Hoofington. "She said she could give me almost anything I wanted, I told her that all I wanted from such a fair and beautiful monarch was a lock of hair from her mane." Fluttershy made a little "aww" noise. Fluttershy notices a small lump in the cloth. She finds it has been sewed shut and there is something inside. She looks at you, curiosity in her eyes. You don't remember at first, but then you launch another attack on the hidden reaches of your mind. You don't get very far, but you remember that pouch now. "I made that for something important, I haven't opened it up, well since it's been made." "Do you, um, do you want to tell me what it is?" "No.. No, It's not that I wouldn't, I couldn't'. I forget what it is." Your eyes are distant your mind is a battlefield. Fluttershy looks concerned, you ignore it for now you are trying to focus. Focus on what? You don't know, don't know what side you should support, because you don't know what your mind is fighting over because you have forgotten it. You do know that certain things should stay forgotten, and you should remember that. Keeping that in mind you support the secret side, and once again any chance of delving deeper into the forbidden zone of your mind is foiled. "If it's important to you than maybe we should... well open it up, if you don't mind." "No," you say softly, "It's for the best that I forget, some things need not be remembered." "Are you... Are you okay?" With a warm smile, you nod. You don't think she's convinced, but she has decided not to investigate further. You excuse yourself, pack up your bindle and collapse on a bed. Your dreams are horrible, but you don't remember them by the time you wake up. You just feel like you should cry. So you do. Chapter TwoThe next few days at Sweet Apple Acres were less strenuous then the first. AJ was now satisfied you could handle the day in day out applebucking. You didn't mind the work, in order to pass the time while you bucked, you started to sing. Neighborough fair was a personal favorite of yours, you sang it softly, even using the consistent thunk of your hooves connecting to the trees to add to the song. Eventually the song finished, and you started another one. You were a well oiled machine, you didn't need to pay attention, it was all routine and rhythm, it left your mind free to focus on the blissful music. As the day wore on and lunch approached, you started to sing Neighborough fair again. Shortly into the song you noticed you had an audience. The yellow filly, her name was Apple Bloom, and she was one of the proud Cutie Mark Crusaders. You pretended not to notice her presence, but paid careful attention to her expression as she watched you. She looked impressed, but also saddened, the song seemed to really touch her. Before you were about to turn to her and acknowledge her presence with a nod, you saw a tear form in the corner of her eye. She turned and ran, and you knew the type of run. She was running away, not from you, but from her troubles, and her grief. She connected with the earth, and the earth gave her the strength she needed. You knew she would run, and never grow tired until she had finally outran her pain. The incident with Apple Bloom had troubled you a little, you wondered if you should talk to AJ about it. You decided that it would be best just to wait and see, if the filly seemed fine later in the day, you would respect her privacy and not tell, but if she was withdrawn and sad, you would talk to AJ. To your relief, Apple Bloom was back to her normal self for dinner, normal meaning extremely talkative and hyper. When you finished eating, you excused yourself and started the walk to Fluttershy's. Thirty seconds after you left, before you were even off Sweet Apple Acres, you heard a shout behind you, "Wait!" Surprised, you turn to see Apple Bloom chasing after you. When she catches up you give her a second for her to get her breath back. You were expecting her to say something, but instead she looked at you, leaped up and gave you a hug. You hugged back, after a second you let go. It was a brief exchange, but a meaningful one. She looks at you again with her big eyes, nods and runs back to the house. "- and then she ran back to the house." You finished telling your story to Fluttershy. Apple Bloom didn't worry you, but you were curious as to why she did what she did. So when you arrived at the cottage you told Fluttershy. You and the pegasus had grown closer over the past while, she liked to listen and you liked to talk. "Hmmm, well, I'm not really sure, sorry," Fluttershy said,now being able to speak comfortably around you. "It could have something to do with her parents?" She sounded unsure. "Parents?" You knew Applejack and Big Mac ran the farm and were old enough to be living on their own, but it never crossed your mind that Apple Bloom didn't live with her parents. Fluttershy gave a sad little nod. "Parents, they died a few years ago. I'm not sure how, no one but the Apple family really knows how they, well, passed on," she shuddered and continued, "but the whole thing was just terrible. AJ was trying to be strong for Apple Bloom, so whenever she was around me, she just broke down." You froze up, lost in thought. Baltimare, you were about the same age as Apple Bloom. On your walk home from school you saw fireponies. You liked to chase them, but they were so much bigger that they always got away and you could never find the fire they were going fight. When they finally rounded a corner and disappeared you noticed you hadn't actually taken a detour on your way home. Pleased you continue onward. You actually see smoke rising from a building, you realize the fireponies were going somewhere near your house. The usual the foalish fear of "What if they're going to my house!" popped into your head. You shook it off, saying it was stupid, probably not your house, probably. The nagging sensation of something being wrong was hammering away at the back of your skull, hidden behind thoughts of homework. Eventually you can't take it, you need to know now, so you run, when you turn onto your street your worst nightmare is confirmed... "Umm, are you okay?" You had been so lost in your flashback that you just sat in your seat, staring into space. A tear forms on the corner of your eye, but you blink it away. Sure you were fine, you've had years to get over the loss, but it's not a loss people get over easily, and you still harbor grief for the parents that were robbed from you. You sigh, "Yes, yeah, I'm fine." The words are empty, and your eyes betray you. Fluttershy leans forward and wraps her hooves around you in an embrace. You felt heat rise in your cheeks and mentally berate yourself. Here you are remembering and mourning your parents and you're embarrassed by a comforting hug. Still in the embrace Fluttershy asks, "How?" Her voice was soft, and barely above a whisper. At a similar volume you reply, "Fire, they died, they died in a fire." "I'm sorry." "You don't have to be." Silence took over, you could of stayed in that hug for eternity, nothing else. No work, no money, no worries, no troubles, just warmth and comfort. While it was ever so tempting, you couldn't sit like this for much longer. Breaking away from the embrace you see that Fluttershy's cheeks were slightly pink. "I, hope you don't mind, I just, you just, and you looked like you needed it." Not wanting to screw up your words you give her a nod, another very brief hug and walk to bed. You were confused to say the least. Over what? You didn't know, you had this feeling, this notion, that you couldn't let it happen again. Couldn't let what? You had no idea, and every time you tried to find out, every time you tried to think about it you were pushed back by a hidden force in your mind. You had hidden something, it had something to do with Manehatten, and why you couldn't go there. You don't know if you want to remember, or if you want to forget. You finally nodded off to sleep. You woke up, sweaty and feeling terrified, feeling sad. Slowly you looked around the room, Fluttershy's flamingoes were sleeping peacefully, you were alone and safe. You must of had a nightmare. You try to go back to sleep, but it's difficult. Eventually you feel yourself nodding off, although you're not sure how much time you have left before you have to go and work the farm. You felt something large and pointy gently rubbing your stomach. When you opened your eyes and looked up, you saw a flamingo franticly trying to wake you up. Before you could understand why, you began to laugh at the sheer absurdity of the situation; never in all of your life did you expect a pink flamingo to wake you up in the morning. You sat up, and the bright light rays that crept through the blinds on your window struck you in the face. Immediately you knew something was off, then it hit you, you were late. You'd been late before, but you were normally proud of your punctuality. Rushing to get your stuff together you took a second pause and stared at the flamingo. "You're smarter then you look, thanks buddy." With a curt nod you were running out the door. "STOP!" You looked up, now aware that somebody other than Fluttershy was here. What you saw, left you dumbstruck. Fluttershy was standing there, alone, and looking a little guilty. "I'm sorry, you were in such a rush, and you don't have to go to the farm today, Appplejack gave you the day off." "..." "I was going to let you sleep in while I made breakfast, after all you had worked hard all week. I guess the Flamingoes woke you up?" You nod slowly and tease a little, "Since when can you shout." "Well when I was growing up with Rainbow- Have I told you about Rainbow? I'll introduce you sometime- anyways, the only way to-" She took note of your amused expression "- oh wait, was that a joke?" Slightly embarrassed she tried to hide behind her mane. "A little bit, don't worry about it. You caught me by surprise that was all." "I made breakfast if you'd like to eat. Then I'm going into town, but you can come, until I meet with Rarity to go to the spa. " You hadn't actually been to Ponyville, besides when you got here of the train. Interested in the town you decide to take her up on her offer. "Sounds good." Ponyville you discovered, was a very normal small town. It had a bakery, with an eccentric pink pony who knew Fluttershy, well she knew everyone, but she was good friends with Fluttershy. A library, with a bookworm unicorn librarian, also very good friends with Fluttershy. It had a fashion boutique, although you opted out of that one. Turns out that the rainbow you saw when you came into town was actually a pony. Rainbow Dash, future Wonderbolt and fastest pegasus in all of Equestria, or so she says. You and Fluttershy part ways at the spa, she tried to give you some bits to by your lunch by quoting Applejack. "Fluttershy, Ah promised Ah'd feed 'im. Give this too 'im so ah uphold my end of the bargain." You thought this was ridiculous, you weren't working today, you didn't deserve the money. You could always do some quick work for a meal as well if you needed too. Eventually you accepted the cash, only because AJ might shove it down your throat later if you don't take it now, but you plan on secretly giving it to Big Mach later. Wandering around town you saw a seafoam green unicorn, gently playing a lyre. You recognize the song as one of the ones you sang during the Vanhoover opera. You chuckle thinking of that fiasco, the lead had fallen down a flight of stairs, and the director in his haste noticed you were humming one of the songs to be played. You had been listening to the rehearsals, so you knew all the songs by heart, when you told him, the director pulled you into the theater gave you some bits and told you your part. Not the lead, they gave that one to a supporting actor, and you took his part. In this entire debacle the director forgot to check if you could sing, luckily you could, but it could of been a humiliating mistake. Now thoroughly focused on that opera you begin to sing along with lyre. Softly and quietly at first, but then the unicorn noticed you, she beckoned for you to come closer. When you were standing beside her you raised your voice for the whole street to hear. You belted out the notes, a tenor voice, that made ponies stop and look at you. One might wonder if in a different past, one were you never ran away from the orphanage, you would have a musical cutie mark. Bits, bits and more bits were thrown into the lyre's case as you sang. When you finished you bowed to the accumulated crowd, as their hooves beat on the ground you smiled, pulled the unicorn up beside you and told her to bow, which she did. When the crowd had dissipated you and the unicorn exchanged some pleasantries, her name was Lyra. "Well, this is more bits than I make in a day! Just for one song!" "The ponies like something new, that's all," You said modestly. "Well go on, you could take as much as 75 percent of those bits and I wouldn't complain, you earned them." "75? No way, it's your money. Your lyre case." " You brought all of it in though, come on take something, I'd feel bad if you didn't," Lyra said. There was something about ponies in this town and giving away money, not that it was a bad thing, but it was just weird. "How about you treat me to lunch, and we call it even?" "Deal." Lunch was fine, just a daisy sandwich, but you didn't complain, or whine, because according to Fluttershy there is a very big difference between the two. Lyra made you promise to sing for again before you left town, and again if you ever came back. You had suspicions that you brought in her biggest pay day ever. You wondered around a bit more, bought a cupcake from the bakery, even read a book at the library. Twilight sparkle was, odd; not in a bad way, she was just different, reminded you of yourself in a sense. As you started to walk back to the cottage you ran into Apple Bloom walking back to the farm. Her saddle bags were filled, and you could see textbooks poking out the top. It looked like she was having trouble walking with all the weight. You caught up to her, "Hey Apple Bloom." "Hiya mister! How's it going!" She spoke with energy in her voice, you liked that. "Good, good. Ate lunch, met a bunch of ponies, just spent a day in the town. How about you?" "Well, you see, Scootaloo might 'ave tricked me into, carrying all her textbooks home, it's on the way to Sweet Apple Acres." "They look a little heavy." You had some concern in your voice, that couldn't be good for the fillies back." She hesitated for a minute then asked "Hey mister, could you maybe, carry some of them, for me. It's just they are reallllllyyy heavy." Smiling you replied, "I can do better than that!" You lowered yourself down to her height, "hop on." "Ya really mean it mister!" "Of course." So she hoped onto your back, giving her legs a rest. She was heavier than you thought she would be, but it was nothing you couldn't handle. "So mister, you haven't told me yet, Howd'ya get your cutie mark?" (A/N. If you're reading this I'm going to try and update one chapter a week, maybe two if I'm feeling productive.)
PrologueA hobo. Maybe the hobo, you had never seen another one on equestrian roads. Equestria is a big place, maybe, but then again no one else has a bindle stick for a cutie mark, those things are unique after all. You sighed, you met a lot of ponies and had made friends, but ultimately you were truly alone. You wished that others could live like you somepony to share a set of rules with, your most treasured piece of writing. Long ago when ponies with your lifestyle were common, they had written a code. A code you took to heart, it was your policy if you ever met another hobo, you would share the code; it works wonders. That code had gotten you respected, you take it to heart and you follow it, because of that ponies respect you and what you do. On the roads back in the north west you were known, ponies wanted to hear your stories. Unfortunately by now you had exhausted all the towns in that region at least once, you started to feel as if the northwest, the whole area, was your home, that wasn't right because you don't have a home. It's not that you wouldn't want one, but you could never settle down, your cutie mark is a bindle stick after all. So now you were moving on, where to ? You didn't know, such is the life of a hobo, a rider of the rails, a knight of the road. You knew one thing though, you had to stay away from Manehatten, you block the thought that follows after, you made yourself forget. Manehatten was off limits, you don't know why, because you forget. The last time you forgot to remember to forget you were- you don't know, you forget. You made your way to the train yard, the ponies there knew you, and knew you never caused problems (Article 12 of the code), as such they greeted you like another worker, saying hello and making idle chit chat. You saw a train that was about to leave for the south, it was just starting to pick up speed, you jogged alongside it and hopped onto the back of the caboose. You figure you'll learn where you're going soon enough, you sit back and relax. The door to the inside of the train opens, you sit up and give the visitor your full attention. You don't take personal chances or get in the way of any of the crew, you just act like an extra crew member (Article 11 of the code). Turns out that this stallion was on break. When he walked out with his cigarette he looked mildly surprised. More amused than anything. "Hello, Sir. I'm not causing trouble are I." You ask respectfully. Giving respect earns respect. "No, no, you can sit back down son. So you're the famous Equestrian hobo?" He seemed genuinely curious, a quality you like in people. "Right you are sir, been all over the northern half of Equestria, I'm hoping to get a little farther south this time." Your tone has gone more from one addressing a superior to talking with a friend. "Well you picked the right train this one's going all the down to appleloosa, they need coal from the mines up north." Appleloosa you muse, perhaps, you will visit there someday you know, but maybe you could get off a little earlier, you weren't really in the mood for a desert. You reply asking him if it stops at any smaller towns before Appleloosa, he tells you it will make a stop in Ponyville. You are aware of the famous Sweet Apple Acres, and you have been a farmhand before. You've made your decision Ponyville it is. You talk for a bit with the stallion when he mentions where he's from. "All the way up in Manehattan, wanted to see all of Equestria so I decided to work on trains, kinda like you I suppose, although at the end of the week I need a wife and home and I can go back to." It wasn't a feeling you knew, but you could empathize all the same "Well home is never really a feeling I've had, but I can see where you a coming from. Needing a place that you know will always be there, gives you a sense of certainty." The stallion gave a longing nod, clearly thinking of that home he had. You wonder if he's near the end of his rotation and will get to see it soon. "Manehatten's a pretty place, you ever been there sunny?" Your mind blanks for a minute or two, of course you had, you knew you had. You knew that they're tall sky scrapers and sophisticated ponies, but the whole experience is a blur. You must've forgotten most of it, it was after all, so long ago. The stallion notes your silence and gives you a concerned look, taking notice you quickly reply. "I was there, a long time ago, but I was there." He doesn't press you further, instead he bids you a farewell, his break is over. He says if you wanted to go to sleep he would be sure to wake you when they stop in Ponyville. You thank him and let him know you will in fact go to sleep, he offers you a bunk inside the train, but you decline, wouldn't want to get in the way. After giving you a curt nod, he walks back into the train. The stars are out tonight, you think they're pretty. While your eyes stare at the sky your mind begins to wander into forbidden territory. What the stallion said about Manehatten has had a bit of an effect on you. You try to remember why you can't remember. Your start to cross a very fine line in your mind and the alarm bells go off. Once again you came close to forgetting to remember to forget. A force that feels like a wall flies through your mind shoving back any intrusive thoughts that have made their way to the forbidden zone. Now relaxed you begin to slowly fall asleep, when you reach a lucid state where you're not thinking clearly you mutter a name, you forget it instantly and shrug it off. You finally arrive at the dark reaches of sleep. You are gently shaken awake, you look over and see the stallion you had shared a few words with earlier. He seems to have taken a liking to you. "If your ever in Manehatten here's my address, stop by and we can share a dinner if I'm home. If I'm not tell my wife you know me, she'll make you a lovely dinner," He says as he hands you a slip of paper. You give him your thanks, and let him know you should be off now. You never said anything about the address, Manehattan if off limits, you know you won't ever take him up on his offer. Ponyville. It looked like a nice town, small not too big. While you don't mind big towns you prefer small ones better, it gives it a more personal feel. With a bindle stick exactly like the one of your flank you march onward towards to distant smell of apples. It's early in the morning, the first rays of light are just seeping through the light cloud co- scratch that, no cloud cover. You swear a Rainbow just cleared the skies, you were an earth pony but you were pretty sure rainbows can't clear skies. You think you might ask somepony about it later, but until then you would just wonder about what it could of been. Still following the smell of apples you make your way onto a road, on the horizon you see green balls with red dots on them, the apple orchard was close by. Perfect you thought, by the time you got the farm they would just be starting work for the day, you could even get paid for today; assuming you got the job. Making your way past the orchard gate. You see a little yellow filly with a backpack being scolded by what looked like brother and sister, at first you mistook them for husband and wife, but upon further inspection they were clearly not. One red stallion and one orange mare. As you got near you picked up the last bit of their conversation. "But what if ma Cutie mark is for faking sick! Ever think of that!" The filly might get a cutie mark in drama you silently joked. "No buts lil' lady, time for school now get going." The big red stallion was... Really big. He also had a deep soothing voice. You could tell the filly had no reply to that, the battle was lost. She stormed of muttering something about cutie marks and you never know. With the filly gone the other two siblings turn their attention the you, before they can ask, you tell them who you are. "Hello miss, and mister. Your farm is rather renowned for their apples, even up north by vanhoover. I come as the traveller who has no home, and I seek work." You might of made a mistake, you always make everything proper and official for first time meetings, not knowing the kind of ponies you were dealing with. Of course these two didn't look like they cared much for being proper and polite. "That's all great mister, the name's Applejack. Here on the farm though we don't care much for fancy words, it's more for hard work. We could take you on board for the harvesting season, but are you sure you're up for it." You heard the orange mare talk for the first time, like her other two siblings she had a southern accent. Your drop the proper and polite act and talk freely. "I've worked some farms before, I've travelled all over Equestria as well, It does tend to keep me in shape." "That's all fine and dandy then, but if ah think you can't handle it after the first day then you're done and gone. That clear?" "Yes ma'am. Now what shall my pay be?" You work out what your wages will be with the mare. She tries to pay you a generous sum of bits per hour, but you refuse. Instead you counter offer with a meager amount of bits, but three meals a day and if possible, lodging. "I don't know if ah can agree to that, it seems like I'm not paying you enough." Applejack was actually trying to lose money, or so it seemed. " You generosity is appreciated, but I don't work for luxuries, I work for food and emergency cash." You reply sincerely. "Hmm, well ah s'pose I can, but you'll have to give me a little while to find you lodging. A tornado known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders has literally removed our guest room." She said this while pointing at what looked like a giant hole in the house. You didn't press the subject, Applejack looked cross. "No problem, can I sleep in the barn?" Applejack now looked insulted. "You will not sleep in the barn. Ah am not paying you enough as is, by the end of the day Ah will have you a proper room to sleep in. No. Arguing. " You decided that was fine. "One last question. Can I start Today?"
Chapter OneApplebucking. You've worked on a cherry farm, a celery farm, a carrot farm and a flower farm. Nothing, nothing could compare to the strenuous work of applebucking. Applejack, or AJ as you've taken to calling her -with permission of course- showed you the ropes and accompanied you for the first few trees you did. She was impressed with how quick you picked up on it. Spend your whole life doing odd jobs and you become a quick learner. After she was satisfied with the quality and strength of your buck she gave you a portion of the orchard to try and clear by the end of the day. She freely admitted that you probably won't have this much to buck on a normal day. She was really just testing you, if you couldn't handle it, you would be hard pressed to work on the farm through the season. So you bucked on, it was mind numbing work, just one more buck, every time you make one, you tell yourself just one more. You thought back to the lunch you had with the apple family. You didn't know that there was so many different types of apple dishes. Earlier AJ thought you were working for too little, but with the amount they were feeding you, you thought it evened out. You misplaced a buck in your reminiscing and didn't drop all the apples on the tree. Frustrated you focus more on the task at hand. Dinner with the Apple family was a lot like lunch with the Apple family. Apples, lots and lots of apples. One would think you could get sick of apples after awhile, but here at Sweet Apple Acres getting sick of apples is crazy talk. At dinner you were polite with granny smith, and she took a liking to you. You got an opportunity to explain to AJ and Big Mac (The red stallion from earlier) how you lived. They never really understood what you meant before when you mentioned you didn't have a home. These were the kind of ponies that treasured and valued a home, it was the most important thing for them. You were bombarded with questions about the places you've been, you gave them a list, avoiding manehatten. Granny smith smiled. She told you of a time when hobo's were more common, she had hired a few herself on the farm, she was also incredibly pleased when she found out you lived by the code. Upon hearing about the code you found the Apple family was just a little more friendly. As AJ put it "Ah can respect a stallion who sticks to his principles 'specially if Ah approve of those principles." Eventually you noted that the young filly that was here this morning was not at the table. When you inquired you were told she was having a cutie mark crusader sleepover. AJ muttered something about removing a guest room under her breath. You smiled and laughed. You wanted to spend all night talking with them, but the work had been exhausting and you felt an early trip to bed was in order. "Well it's been a lovely evening, but I think I'll be calling it a night, that bucking was some of the hardest work I've ever done." As if to get the point across you yawned. "Eeyup." Came the deep and rich voice of Big Mac. He didn't really have much to say, but when he did, people listened. You began to walk towards the orchard, it was another nice night, you figured you could sleep under the stars. AJ looked positively alarmed as you walked away. "Hold it right there Mister. Where do you think you're going. Ah promised you a room by the end of the day, do you think Ah'm not a pony of my word. I got you a room to sleep in don't you worry none." You tried to explain yourself. "Right, don't get me wrong, I really appreciate it, but tonight is a nice night, no reason I can't sleep outside. I'm accustomed to it anyways, wouldn't want to trouble you." "Ah've already gone through the gosh darn trouble while you were bucking Apples, so follow me." Not having much of an option you do as she says. She took you down the road, after walking for a minute, you wondered if she got you a room at a hotel. If she did you would have to decline, there was no stopping you from that, she shouldn't have to pay for a room and feed you as much as she is. With your trusty bindle stick you walk beside her. You decide that she hadn't paid for a hotel as she was taking you away from town. You crossed a bridge over a small creek and noticed the place was crawling with animals, you didn't mind animals, but in large numbers such as this it was just weird. Then you saw the small cottage, you wondered who lived there. Before you got to the door AJ put a hoof out to stop you. "Now you listen here, and you listen good. Fluttershy is one of ma closest friends. She has agreed to take you in, and Ah only resorted to this because you seemed like a gentlecolt and Ah was out of options. She is the sweetest lil' thing, but is very sensitive and shy, so ah swear on my hat that if you hurt her or scare her in any way, you will be leaving the farm, and going to a hospital. Ah am a pony of ma word, you'd do well to remember that." The sudden hostility initially took you aback, but you recovered quickly. You swore on your code that you would treat her right. AJ seemed to approve, and promptly knocked on the door. What greeted you was unexpected. AJ had said shy, but this pony was cowering in your presence, legs shaking, and wings locked, the worst part of it was that AJ had never mentioned she would be so darn cute. You briefly wondered how in the hay AJ got Fluttershy to agree to this, you decided you didn't want to know, AJ was a pony of her word, and she said she would get you a room. AJ gave you an expecting look and you stumbled over your words in the rush to get them out. "H-hi, I mean hello, yes hello," you did your best to recover the situation, "Right, well I'm AJ's new farmhand, and I don't live around here, or anywhere actually. So thank you, for taking me in." After a brief glance at you, then back to AJ, she stood up a little straighter, and mumbled something inaudible. Softly you said, "I'm sorry miss, I didn't quite catch that." "Hi I'm Fluttershy, nice to meet you. Really it's no trouble at all." "Hun your gonna have to speak up." AJ deadpanned. You starred at her big blue eyes and gave her a reassuring nod. "Hi I'm Fluttershy, nice to meet you. Really it's no trouble at all." You froze up for a moment, her voice was soft like an angels. A quick hoof to your rear and you jerked to attention. "Right, well thank you AJ, and thank you again Fluttershy. May I come in?" AJ bid you a quick goodnight and went to back to the farm. You started to enter the house, or cottage, or den, or whatever it was. It had so many nooks, crannies and holes in it for all the animals living in it. Fluttershy seemed to have grown more bold with you, now that initial introductions were completed. When she noticed you staring she smiled sweetly, "Animals are my special talent." You look around the room again, and ask where you will be sleeping. Fluttershy points you the direction of a room, "Oh and don't mind the flamingoes, they're really sweet when you get to know them, but if you want I can make them move." Not wanting to cause her any trouble you assure her. "Flamingoes, birds right? I'm sure we will get along just fine." You were in the doorway to your room when Fluttershy called after you. "Wait, where's your stuff?" This elicited a short burst of laughter from you. Fluttershy looked confuse so you pointed to your bindle. "Everything I own. Everything I need." There was a quick gasp and a look of realization. "When you said you didn't have a home.. you really meant you didn't have one, I thought you just meant it was far away." You smiled. "Fluttershy, let me tell you about the life of one of, possibly the only one of Equestria's knights of the road." Sure you were suppose to go to bed, but you loved to talk, and tell stories. So you sat there on the couch and talked, told her about all the adventures you could think of. When a light blue unicorn almost got you and the city of Hoofington destroyed by assuring everyone she could in fact banish the Ursa that was attacking and not to call the princess. The story about the derailed train, how you jumped off at last minute, attaining minor injuries, and alerting the closest town of the disaster. Fluttershy was a perfect listener, gasping at the right moments, knowing when to nod, when to look sad and even surprisingly, when too input her opinion. When you finished the story about singing in the Vanhoover Opera Hall, the talk turned to your bindle. "I just don't understand," She said, "How can you carry your entire life around on a stick. Oh that sounded mean, I didn't want to sound so mean I'm sorry." You wave it off "It's no offense, and even if it was, there is no need to apologize, don't worry. As to how I can carry my life around on a stick, well I can show you." You retrieve your Bindle and open it up on the table. It contains a multitude of Items from your past, your emergency bits, your passport and a mouth operated army knife. Fluttershy looks through the items, making sure to ask you before touching anything. Among the sentimental items are a small piece of metal, you explain it was from the derailed train. A dragon tooth, you make sure she knows that tooth was given to you by a dragon, you didn't slay one and take it. There was even a lock of Celestia's rainbow hair, that was giving to you after helping her banish the ursa in Hoofington. "She said she could give me almost anything I wanted, I told her that all I wanted from such a fair and beautiful monarch was a lock of hair from her mane." Fluttershy made a little "aww" noise. Fluttershy notices a small lump in the cloth. She finds it has been sewed shut and there is something inside. She looks at you, curiosity in her eyes. You don't remember at first, but then you launch another attack on the hidden reaches of your mind. You don't get very far, but you remember that pouch now. "I made that for something important, I haven't opened it up, well since it's been made." "Do you, um, do you want to tell me what it is?" "No.. No, It's not that I wouldn't, I couldn't'. I forget what it is." Your eyes are distant your mind is a battlefield. Fluttershy looks concerned, you ignore it for now you are trying to focus. Focus on what? You don't know, don't know what side you should support, because you don't know what your mind is fighting over because you have forgotten it. You do know that certain things should stay forgotten, and you should remember that. Keeping that in mind you support the secret side, and once again any chance of delving deeper into the forbidden zone of your mind is foiled. "If it's important to you than maybe we should... well open it up, if you don't mind." "No," you say softly, "It's for the best that I forget, some things need not be remembered." "Are you... Are you okay?" With a warm smile, you nod. You don't think she's convinced, but she has decided not to investigate further. You excuse yourself, pack up your bindle and collapse on a bed. Your dreams are horrible, but you don't remember them by the time you wake up. You just feel like you should cry. So you do.
Chapter TwoThe next few days at Sweet Apple Acres were less strenuous then the first. AJ was now satisfied you could handle the day in day out applebucking. You didn't mind the work, in order to pass the time while you bucked, you started to sing. Neighborough fair was a personal favorite of yours, you sang it softly, even using the consistent thunk of your hooves connecting to the trees to add to the song. Eventually the song finished, and you started another one. You were a well oiled machine, you didn't need to pay attention, it was all routine and rhythm, it left your mind free to focus on the blissful music. As the day wore on and lunch approached, you started to sing Neighborough fair again. Shortly into the song you noticed you had an audience. The yellow filly, her name was Apple Bloom, and she was one of the proud Cutie Mark Crusaders. You pretended not to notice her presence, but paid careful attention to her expression as she watched you. She looked impressed, but also saddened, the song seemed to really touch her. Before you were about to turn to her and acknowledge her presence with a nod, you saw a tear form in the corner of her eye. She turned and ran, and you knew the type of run. She was running away, not from you, but from her troubles, and her grief. She connected with the earth, and the earth gave her the strength she needed. You knew she would run, and never grow tired until she had finally outran her pain. The incident with Apple Bloom had troubled you a little, you wondered if you should talk to AJ about it. You decided that it would be best just to wait and see, if the filly seemed fine later in the day, you would respect her privacy and not tell, but if she was withdrawn and sad, you would talk to AJ. To your relief, Apple Bloom was back to her normal self for dinner, normal meaning extremely talkative and hyper. When you finished eating, you excused yourself and started the walk to Fluttershy's. Thirty seconds after you left, before you were even off Sweet Apple Acres, you heard a shout behind you, "Wait!" Surprised, you turn to see Apple Bloom chasing after you. When she catches up you give her a second for her to get her breath back. You were expecting her to say something, but instead she looked at you, leaped up and gave you a hug. You hugged back, after a second you let go. It was a brief exchange, but a meaningful one. She looks at you again with her big eyes, nods and runs back to the house. "- and then she ran back to the house." You finished telling your story to Fluttershy. Apple Bloom didn't worry you, but you were curious as to why she did what she did. So when you arrived at the cottage you told Fluttershy. You and the pegasus had grown closer over the past while, she liked to listen and you liked to talk. "Hmmm, well, I'm not really sure, sorry," Fluttershy said,now being able to speak comfortably around you. "It could have something to do with her parents?" She sounded unsure. "Parents?" You knew Applejack and Big Mac ran the farm and were old enough to be living on their own, but it never crossed your mind that Apple Bloom didn't live with her parents. Fluttershy gave a sad little nod. "Parents, they died a few years ago. I'm not sure how, no one but the Apple family really knows how they, well, passed on," she shuddered and continued, "but the whole thing was just terrible. AJ was trying to be strong for Apple Bloom, so whenever she was around me, she just broke down." You froze up, lost in thought. Baltimare, you were about the same age as Apple Bloom. On your walk home from school you saw fireponies. You liked to chase them, but they were so much bigger that they always got away and you could never find the fire they were going fight. When they finally rounded a corner and disappeared you noticed you hadn't actually taken a detour on your way home. Pleased you continue onward. You actually see smoke rising from a building, you realize the fireponies were going somewhere near your house. The usual the foalish fear of "What if they're going to my house!" popped into your head. You shook it off, saying it was stupid, probably not your house, probably. The nagging sensation of something being wrong was hammering away at the back of your skull, hidden behind thoughts of homework. Eventually you can't take it, you need to know now, so you run, when you turn onto your street your worst nightmare is confirmed... "Umm, are you okay?" You had been so lost in your flashback that you just sat in your seat, staring into space. A tear forms on the corner of your eye, but you blink it away. Sure you were fine, you've had years to get over the loss, but it's not a loss people get over easily, and you still harbor grief for the parents that were robbed from you. You sigh, "Yes, yeah, I'm fine." The words are empty, and your eyes betray you. Fluttershy leans forward and wraps her hooves around you in an embrace. You felt heat rise in your cheeks and mentally berate yourself. Here you are remembering and mourning your parents and you're embarrassed by a comforting hug. Still in the embrace Fluttershy asks, "How?" Her voice was soft, and barely above a whisper. At a similar volume you reply, "Fire, they died, they died in a fire." "I'm sorry." "You don't have to be." Silence took over, you could of stayed in that hug for eternity, nothing else. No work, no money, no worries, no troubles, just warmth and comfort. While it was ever so tempting, you couldn't sit like this for much longer. Breaking away from the embrace you see that Fluttershy's cheeks were slightly pink. "I, hope you don't mind, I just, you just, and you looked like you needed it." Not wanting to screw up your words you give her a nod, another very brief hug and walk to bed. You were confused to say the least. Over what? You didn't know, you had this feeling, this notion, that you couldn't let it happen again. Couldn't let what? You had no idea, and every time you tried to find out, every time you tried to think about it you were pushed back by a hidden force in your mind. You had hidden something, it had something to do with Manehatten, and why you couldn't go there. You don't know if you want to remember, or if you want to forget. You finally nodded off to sleep. You woke up, sweaty and feeling terrified, feeling sad. Slowly you looked around the room, Fluttershy's flamingoes were sleeping peacefully, you were alone and safe. You must of had a nightmare. You try to go back to sleep, but it's difficult. Eventually you feel yourself nodding off, although you're not sure how much time you have left before you have to go and work the farm. You felt something large and pointy gently rubbing your stomach. When you opened your eyes and looked up, you saw a flamingo franticly trying to wake you up. Before you could understand why, you began to laugh at the sheer absurdity of the situation; never in all of your life did you expect a pink flamingo to wake you up in the morning. You sat up, and the bright light rays that crept through the blinds on your window struck you in the face. Immediately you knew something was off, then it hit you, you were late. You'd been late before, but you were normally proud of your punctuality. Rushing to get your stuff together you took a second pause and stared at the flamingo. "You're smarter then you look, thanks buddy." With a curt nod you were running out the door. "STOP!" You looked up, now aware that somebody other than Fluttershy was here. What you saw, left you dumbstruck. Fluttershy was standing there, alone, and looking a little guilty. "I'm sorry, you were in such a rush, and you don't have to go to the farm today, Appplejack gave you the day off." "..." "I was going to let you sleep in while I made breakfast, after all you had worked hard all week. I guess the Flamingoes woke you up?" You nod slowly and tease a little, "Since when can you shout." "Well when I was growing up with Rainbow- Have I told you about Rainbow? I'll introduce you sometime- anyways, the only way to-" She took note of your amused expression "- oh wait, was that a joke?" Slightly embarrassed she tried to hide behind her mane. "A little bit, don't worry about it. You caught me by surprise that was all." "I made breakfast if you'd like to eat. Then I'm going into town, but you can come, until I meet with Rarity to go to the spa. " You hadn't actually been to Ponyville, besides when you got here of the train. Interested in the town you decide to take her up on her offer. "Sounds good." Ponyville you discovered, was a very normal small town. It had a bakery, with an eccentric pink pony who knew Fluttershy, well she knew everyone, but she was good friends with Fluttershy. A library, with a bookworm unicorn librarian, also very good friends with Fluttershy. It had a fashion boutique, although you opted out of that one. Turns out that the rainbow you saw when you came into town was actually a pony. Rainbow Dash, future Wonderbolt and fastest pegasus in all of Equestria, or so she says. You and Fluttershy part ways at the spa, she tried to give you some bits to by your lunch by quoting Applejack. "Fluttershy, Ah promised Ah'd feed 'im. Give this too 'im so ah uphold my end of the bargain." You thought this was ridiculous, you weren't working today, you didn't deserve the money. You could always do some quick work for a meal as well if you needed too. Eventually you accepted the cash, only because AJ might shove it down your throat later if you don't take it now, but you plan on secretly giving it to Big Mach later. Wandering around town you saw a seafoam green unicorn, gently playing a lyre. You recognize the song as one of the ones you sang during the Vanhoover opera. You chuckle thinking of that fiasco, the lead had fallen down a flight of stairs, and the director in his haste noticed you were humming one of the songs to be played. You had been listening to the rehearsals, so you knew all the songs by heart, when you told him, the director pulled you into the theater gave you some bits and told you your part. Not the lead, they gave that one to a supporting actor, and you took his part. In this entire debacle the director forgot to check if you could sing, luckily you could, but it could of been a humiliating mistake. Now thoroughly focused on that opera you begin to sing along with lyre. Softly and quietly at first, but then the unicorn noticed you, she beckoned for you to come closer. When you were standing beside her you raised your voice for the whole street to hear. You belted out the notes, a tenor voice, that made ponies stop and look at you. One might wonder if in a different past, one were you never ran away from the orphanage, you would have a musical cutie mark. Bits, bits and more bits were thrown into the lyre's case as you sang. When you finished you bowed to the accumulated crowd, as their hooves beat on the ground you smiled, pulled the unicorn up beside you and told her to bow, which she did. When the crowd had dissipated you and the unicorn exchanged some pleasantries, her name was Lyra. "Well, this is more bits than I make in a day! Just for one song!" "The ponies like something new, that's all," You said modestly. "Well go on, you could take as much as 75 percent of those bits and I wouldn't complain, you earned them." "75? No way, it's your money. Your lyre case." " You brought all of it in though, come on take something, I'd feel bad if you didn't," Lyra said. There was something about ponies in this town and giving away money, not that it was a bad thing, but it was just weird. "How about you treat me to lunch, and we call it even?" "Deal." Lunch was fine, just a daisy sandwich, but you didn't complain, or whine, because according to Fluttershy there is a very big difference between the two. Lyra made you promise to sing for again before you left town, and again if you ever came back. You had suspicions that you brought in her biggest pay day ever. You wondered around a bit more, bought a cupcake from the bakery, even read a book at the library. Twilight sparkle was, odd; not in a bad way, she was just different, reminded you of yourself in a sense. As you started to walk back to the cottage you ran into Apple Bloom walking back to the farm. Her saddle bags were filled, and you could see textbooks poking out the top. It looked like she was having trouble walking with all the weight. You caught up to her, "Hey Apple Bloom." "Hiya mister! How's it going!" She spoke with energy in her voice, you liked that. "Good, good. Ate lunch, met a bunch of ponies, just spent a day in the town. How about you?" "Well, you see, Scootaloo might 'ave tricked me into, carrying all her textbooks home, it's on the way to Sweet Apple Acres." "They look a little heavy." You had some concern in your voice, that couldn't be good for the fillies back." She hesitated for a minute then asked "Hey mister, could you maybe, carry some of them, for me. It's just they are reallllllyyy heavy." Smiling you replied, "I can do better than that!" You lowered yourself down to her height, "hop on." "Ya really mean it mister!" "Of course." So she hoped onto your back, giving her legs a rest. She was heavier than you thought she would be, but it was nothing you couldn't handle. "So mister, you haven't told me yet, Howd'ya get your cutie mark?" (A/N. If you're reading this I'm going to try and update one chapter a week, maybe two if I'm feeling productive.)
