Apple of Twi's Eyeby Willow ArqueiroChaptersChapter 1How To BuckConfrontationsTwo Days to Remember Two Days to Remember part TwoChapter 7Chapter 8Chapter 9There's Always TomorrowChapter 1Chapter 1- Meeting by Moonlight A massive, heavily built red stallion plodded up a set of well worn stairs in the farm house. He reached the top and silently walked a course to his shut door. He padded by a door slight ajar, various voices sounded slightly shrill from little filly forms. "It's mah house, so Ah get more bed then yous two!" shouted a easily recognizable Applebloom "Oh, come on Bloomie, you know I flutter my wings in my sleep. And that takes room," stated a brown Pegasus filly. "Oh, please. I'm a proper lady and therefore need the most," the red stallion winced slightly at the high and somewhat whiny tone of one Sweetie Belle. "Sheesh, ya sound more like Rarity with every passin' day!" exclaimed the yellow filly. The solid stallion carefully walked into his room, trying his best to not cause the Cutie Mark Crusaders to descend on him. He poked his way through the wooden door and immediately lifted the heavy yoke from his shoulders, holding the collar of wood in his teeth and gingerly setting the somewhat prized possession on a stand he had made from scratch. A strong voice called from the hallway, "Ya going tah sleep now, Big Mac?" said a tired Applejack as she poked her head through his door. He responded with a dip of his head and a simple, "Eeyup." "Ah well, night big brother," with that she closed his door and walked down to her room. "Good Night, Big Mac!" yelled out the energetic yellow filly, Applebloom "Sleep well!" shrilly sang out Sweetie Belle. "Night," was all the brown Scootaloo said. "Now girls, remember to actually sleep this time and no midnight crusading!" sternly yelled the orange farm mare through her door. The three filly Cutie Mark Crusaders immediately quieted down. Big Mac listened intently as he tried to gauge when it'd be safe to go. Annoyed grumbling came from the direction of Applejack's room about how come Rarity couldn't host the sleepover. His ears caught the slight squeaking of Applejack's bed as she climbed in while quite a bit of sheet rustling and twisting sounded from Applebloom's room. Macintosh rolled his emerald eyes and he decided he'd better find a way to entertain himself while he waited. He casted his eyes around the room, and didn't see much. His large bed was tucked into the corner opposite of the door, the one window in his room near the foot of it. The spartan like dresser had a few drawers but was adorned with a stack of books, due to be returned. His eyes landed on the novel he was working on that laid in his night stand. His hooves avoiding squeaky boards without conscious thought, Big Macintosh made his way to the larger sized bed. Flopping rather carelessly onto the sturdy frame, he reached over to his night stand and grabbed the most recent novel Ponyville's librarian had hooked him on. Flipping open the cover, which read in flowing script, Romeo and Juliet. He leafed through the pages for his book mark. Big Macintosh generally wasn't one read a love story or a tragedy, let alone a love tragedy but it seemed to him that reading tragic stories kept him grounded. Which had proven difficult for the red stallion because life seemed to be a little hard to believe at times. 'Even with Applejack getting the barn and farm house demolished every other month,' he thought in an annoyed tone. Macintosh settled down to read. (:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:) Clear across the Apple Orchards and past the heart of Ponyville, shifted a lavender mare impatiently between her sheets. A baby dragon shifted and circled in his woven basket for what seemed to be its hundredth time as it again settled down to supposedly sleep. 'Oh, come on already!' frantically thought the unicorn mare. As the baby dragon shifted to begin circling again, the mare decided she had enough, her horn lighting up with transparent magic as she settled a sleeping charm over the little tyke. The baby dragon then started an outrageously loud snore that reverberated throughout the library. "Okay," she quietly whispered to herself with a little satisfaction. Slipping silently through the sheets, she made her way down the wooden stairs. Levitating a largish picnic basket from behind her desk, Twilight Sparkle made her way out of the library to her secret rendezvous. (:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:) Macintosh laid the book down and cocked his ears towards to the door. Gentle snoring sounded from the direction of the orange mare's room while hushed whispering still came from the fillies. He hoofed around for his book mark and stuck it into the tight space that held the book together. Macintosh laid the book in his lap, being a little thoughtful for a moment. While Applejack did seem intent on destroying the property every other month or so, Macintosh's life was sailing high for him. He was at peak physical performance, Applebucking was a breeze for him, and anything else was easy. The cider press seemed to run itself almost and his plow cut like a razor through the fields. His yoke tried to run away from him when attached to the cart and his charm just made apples fly from the Apple Stand. But life wasn't always a certain constant in his life. He had finally achieved what nearly every stallion or mare tried to do. He had gotten himself a special somepony. But, while others may get a special somepony, and that pony becomes a constant, dependable place in their life. One that they can relatively predict and generally know. Maybe regretfully, his special somepony was just as likely to cause a massive frenzy over the world ending as she would over just an overdue letter. Macintosh ruefully shook his head as he though of her, truth be told, he did love her, and her panic attacks had subsided greatly over the past year. Most likely in no small part from him. He looked out his window that faced the East, which allowed the sun to wake him up relatively easily. He smiled again as he remembered his date tonight. Macintosh carefully listened for any tell tale signs of his siblings or the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Not so gentle snoring came form Applejack's room and hushed whispers still sounded form Applebloom's room. Ah hail, if Ah wait for those foals to sleep, I'll miss mah date. Climbing out of bed quietly, Macintosh deftly killed his lantern and he stealthily crept to his window. By the window was his large tactical back pack. Macintosh didn't really know why he was so fond of standard issue style bags, but he always had one. Although it's size and ability to carry massive quantities of most anything really appealed to the larger built stallion. His hoofs opened the window with ease, and prep before-hoof allowed the window to be opened in complete silence. A warm night breeze struck his chest as he checked the ground for anypony, even though it was highly unlikely that anypony would be around Sweet Apple Acres at this hour. Macintosh carefully lifted up his pack and dangled it out his window. He steeled himself and dropped the bag. Fifteen feet below, the bag landed with a muted thud and he heard the tough fabric rustle as it shifted around. His fore hooves grappled with the side of the house and found purchase, his upper body slid out and be then doubled over. Bringing his hind legs onto the ledge where he sat crouched. Macintosh took a deep breath before stepping off the ledge. Snapping himself around, Macintosh reached for the ledge. After countless times of doing this, he instinctively caught the ledge and hung there. Complete silence reigned. Giving himself a brief nod of self accomplishment, he let go of the ledge. Belaying his massive size and weight, he gracefully hit the ground, rolled to his hooves with yet more silence. Macintosh crouched in the shadows of the farm house. Luna's moon shone brightly in the night as he waited to make sure nopony had noticed his exit. After his cloak and dagger exit, he stayed crouched and stealthily made his way to the dropped bag. Macintosh swung the large 'Tac bag' onto his back and buckled the waist and chest strap typical to Military Back Packs. Satisfied in the way the weight sat on his back, and sure it wouldn't go anywhere, Macintosh set away from the farm house. Not even ten yards away from here he dropped down, when suddenly... *CRACK* Macintosh lifted his fore hoof in horror to see the old, dry pile of branches he had just crushed. He fearfully looked back over his shoulder as his fears were confirmed. "Shhhhh," he heard Applebloom hiss. "What was that?" asked Scootaloo. "Let's go find out!" Applebloom again. "We should go get Applejack!" suggested Sweetie Belle. "Nah, she'll just put is back to bed and Big Mac will say it's nothing," said Applebloom. "Let's go hunting!" said Scootaloo. "Cutie Mark Crusaders Monster Hunters!" they all but yelled in unison. As he heard them clamber out of bed and start to head outside, he galloped full speed down the trail to Ponyville. (:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:) Atop a grass knoll with a stereotypical lone tree, nervously paced a lavender mare. She stopped her movement and lit her horn up in her translucent magic. A large picnic basket was levitated, the mare triple checked inside it, making sure all her ingredients were in there for a great night. Her special picnic blanket was thrown out. It a hard, coarse material on the bottom to allow it continuous contact with the ground while the top was meticulously padded with various fluff and goose feathers. The picnic basket was settled back down onto the blanket, not in the center, but quite a bit closer to a corner to allow more room for two ponies to lay on. A telescope was propped up near the middle of the blanket, on the edge though. "What if he forgot?" The stallion in question was running a tad late, and he made a point to not be late. The fretting mare flitted over to the telescope to peer through it. Satisfied that it was in the correct position, she nervously trotted back over to the picnic basket. "What if he doesn't like idea of a romantic date?" she asked the night sky. The mare knew that was preposterous as soon as she said it. She was certain she knew her special somepony, and he wouldn't care what they were doing as long as she was enjoying herself. "What if he thinks I'm a super Egghead and won't want to be with me anymore," the moon seemed to rotate as if it wanted to smack her for speaking such blasphemous words, there was no way that he would let go of her just because of that. The lavender mare plagued herself with 'what ifs' when a massive red stallion cleared his throat right behind her. The sudden noise startled the pacing mare out of her train of though and she whirled around. Twilight took up a slightly defensive pose, "Macintosh! You're here!" she leapt at him and threw her forearms around his neck. "I'm so glad you came!" she nuzzled into his neck. "Sorry Ah'm late, and why wouldn't Ah come? Ah'd do anything for my Special Somepony," he said while nuzzling the the base of her neck. She blushed as she remembered her nervous pacing. "Well, I didn't know if you liked this sorta thing," she blushed and looked down at their hooves. He lifted her head with his hoof, "Ah'll do whatever you do and go wherever you go," he smiled before adding, "and it isn't as if we haven't done something like this before." Twilight blushed again and Twilight took advantage of how close their muzzles were to each other. Their muzzles barely inch apart. Twilight edged upwards and her top lip met his bottom lip. Both their mouths opened and she lightly bit his lower lip before leading into a more elevated position to get to him. Macintosh carefully kept himself in check, know that he sometimes had to stay level headed for both of them. He kissed her slowly before breaking off, "Now please tell me that basket is full of food, 'cause Ah had a light dinner when you said the words 'Midnight Picnic'." She giggled and walked over to the blanket with him, their sides grazing each other. "Of course I did, I've gotten used to your massive appetite, Dear Sir." And you wouldn't believe how much I've been eating myself lately." Twilight then twisted her body and gazed at her rump, "It doesn't show, does it?" Macintosh tactfully took the chance and stared at her plot for a bit before saying, "Eenope, you must be workin' more." She reached in the basket and pulled out two hay sandwiches, one bigger then the other. Even with her late eating habits, there was no way Twilight could eat as much as Macintosh. He smiled appreciatively before taking a huge bite. He chewed through it with quick efficiency, swallowed, and asked, "So how was your getaway?" He took another bite as she talked. She laughed and sat down on the blanket, "You wouldn't believe how long it took Spike to fall asleep! And then he was snoring in the most obnoxious manner possible!" He chuckled as she imitated her Number One Assistant. He sat down beside her with their flanks touching. "Well?" she asked, "Your's couldn't have been any worse than mine." An undercurrent of challenge ran through her words. He briefly recounted his near disaster run in with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. She snorted before redundantly adding, "That would have been awkward if they found you." "Ah know, and then Applejack would've come out and things would've gotten way worse," he glanced at her meaningly. "I know you don't want to hide it anymore, but I don't want any word of any sort getting back to my family," she leaned against his shoulder. "Plus, I doubt AJ would be happy that you are with anypony that's not Fluttershy." The shared a little laugh over Applejack's strange overprotectiveness for her big brother. "I'm pretty sure Shining Armor would be way worse than anything Applejack could dish out on me," she said. "And if he tries to get between us Ah will buck him straight back tah Cantorlot," he said, right on the heels of her previous comment. "You wouldn't, you're far to gentle and kind," she looked up at him, "a few of the exact reasons why you are my Special Somepony." "You've never seen me when somepony gets between me and family? By the by, what are those other reasons?" he asked innocently. She kissed him sweetly, "That, ya Big Softie, is for me to know and you to never find out." "Darn," he muttered and kissed passionately back to Twilight. They explored each other’s mouths, their muzzles' melding together perfectly for a little bit before Twilight drew her head back in amazement. At first Macintosh thought it was from kissing and then he turned his eyes skyward. The entire night sky seemed to be covered in meteors. Large clunky ones were accompanied by a fleet small ones. Many move slowly, taking their time to be admired as they glided across. Many more flew past in small rapid slashes in the fabric of the night sky. Twilight's full attention was on the night sky, her eyes stretched wide and a look of pure awe at the spectacle in front of them. Macintosh could've cared less for the meteor shower. He gazed intently at Twilight, completely entrapped by her innocent beauty. His gaze slid further down her body and rested on her lavender flank. A thought sprang into his mind. He shifted nervously, wondering if he should go through with this. He took out a pillow from his 'Tac Bag' and placed it up against the tree close by him. He leaned back against the tree and gently coaxed Twilight over to him. He leaned her back against him, her back to his chest. Twilight fidgeted around a little bit, not used to being completely vulnerable in another Pony's hold, except for the few time they had found themselves in the same bed and she spooned herself against him. She nervously shifted around, after a brief period she sighed and relaxed, deciding to trust Macintosh entirely. Not like she didn't already. He settled her in his lap and she rested against his chest, head held comfortably on his shoulder. "You are by far one of the most comfortable chairs I've ever been on," she smiled up at him. He put his arms around her and hugged her close, pressing the two warm bodies closer together. Twilight's eyes soon lost focus in the meteor shower as sleep laden eyelids slowly closed on her. Her body content with Macintosh's strong arms around her, protecting her, his heart beating strongly under his barrel of a chest. She let out a long breath, relaxing entirely in his grip. Macintosh treasured the moment and feelings of his favorite are in his arms, a sense of satisfaction in his ability to protect her wholly came onto him. He remembered back when he first met her, when she first came to Ponyville... ~~~ He had been walking by when the royal chariot landed along Ponyville's main street and dropped her off. Now, Macintosh is no shy stallion, but seeing her with the royal guards and her looking like a she was on an important mission, Macintosh hesitated to greet her, and quickly regretted it. He remembered watching Pinkie Pie meet her before defying gravity and taking off. Determined not to mess up his next chance to meet her, Macintosh hurried back to Apple Acres where Applejack was preparing the food for the Summer Sun Celebration, quickly able to deduce she'd find her way there eventually. Twilight Sparkle remembered the cupcakes that Macintosh had made her when she first came to Ponyville. As well as she should, it was one of the main things she enjoyed the most when sampling all that apple food. Since then, she would occasionally ask him to make her a few for her to take home. If she remembered correctly, there should be a few underneath a glass bowl in the kitchen back a the library. Reminiscing happily, Twilight soon had no problem drifting off to the steady beat of his heart and the surrounding warmth and sense of protection his massive body provided. Careful not to wake her, Big Mac shifted briefly on the pillow and rested his head on Twilight's, who's was on his shoulder, carefully minding the relatively sharp horn. drifting off after her before he knew it. (:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:) The sun smacked Twilight square in the face, causing her to close her eyes tighter and snuggle deeper into her bed. The bed rose slowly and gently before lowering again with a rustling of wind. Twilight's eyes snapped open as she felt the strong beat of a massive stallion beneath her. She quickly looked around and panicked slightly as she didn't immediately remembers where she was. She squirmed a little and tried to free herself as the surroundings didn't register as normal setting for when she woke up. "Well shoot," she heard Macintosh mumble in a deep voice, "Ah was hoping tah hold you a little longer." he released his protective and enveloping hold on her. She stood up slowly, not wanting to leave his warm embrace. She glared angrily at the rising sun, "You know what that means right?" He shook his head. "That means that out respective households are more than likely awake and wondering where we are." He grimaced and quickly folded up the picnic blanket, he set the folded cloth in the basket. Twilight broke down her telescope and slung in onto her side. She levitated the basket from Macintosh's feet. He started to protest that he should carry it, "Now see here Mac, we need to proceed with all haste back home and AJ will find it a little suspicious if you come home with a fully loaded basket." He sighed as he realized she was right, he stuffed the pillow back into his bag, forcing it in there next to his jacket which had gone unused. She walked over to the red stallion and gave him a gentle peck, "When can we do this again?" she asked him. He shook his head sadly, "Apple Harvest season is startin' soon and Ah'll be workin' full tilt around the farm. Ah won't have any energy for these midnight meetings." She nodded sadly, understanding. She pondered their dilemma for all of two seconds before smiling broadly. "Don't worry about it!" she said cheerily, "I'll surprise you!" The lavender mare set off and Macintosh gazed after Twilight with confusion and fondness. Before she crested the hill and vanished from view, Twilight looked back and swayed her flank from side to side suggestively. Macintosh's cheeks turned a shade darker as she caught him staring. With a smile Twilight proceeded onwards from sight. (:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:) As Twilight began her walk home she began regretting her mistake of not telling anypony about her and Macintosh. With each passing day the lie, or simple not telling grew bigger and closer to discovery. She quietly wondered how each of her friends and family would react to it. Rainbow Dash would probably call it 'Awesome' and carry on like nothing happened, which Twilight didn't mind. Although Dash may be a little let down that her loyalty wasn't returned. Pinkie Pie would throw a party, and then another, and maybe another... Rarity would probably faint, and then be begging her for details... Probably ones of more personal nature. Fluttershy would most likely be happy about it for it would mean a stop to Applejack's constant attempts to hook Macintosh and Flutters together. And Applejack... Macintosh kept saying that he worried for Twilight's health if she found out but Twilight doubted she'd do anything to serious, but she wasn't worried. She had grown up with a big brother always training and sparring. Some of what he learned he taught her. Celestia was a mystery. Her parents would be happy, hopefully, then demand who he is and call for a meeting to take place instantly as they would feel compelled to meet their possible future son-in-law. Then there's her brother, Twilight involuntarily shuddered as she remembered what happened to the last stallion she dated. The more Twilight thought about it, the more she grew certain of her decision to keep it secret, and it would stay that way until she was sure that the following blowback from Shining and/or Applejack was in the presence of her parents of Celestia. That actually wasn't a bad idea, she'd have to send a letter to Celestia asking for her to visit Ponyville soon. But no matter what any other pony said or did, she knew she loved Big Macintosh. She smiled as she remembered the fateful day they started dating. A year and a half ago, in the middle of Winter... ~~~ Macintosh trudged through the chest deep snow, heading back to the farm after helping out Fluttershy. He chuckled again at Applejack's non too subtle attempt to push them together. The wind began to pick up and blew snow into Macintosh's eyes. He narrowed his eyes and plowed on through the snow vigorously, he silently wished that he remembered to grab his goggles. They would have been invaluable right about now. He unconsciously checked to make sure his saddle bags had remained attached to him. He crossed a bridge that now spanned a frozen river, and came to the edge of town, his vision reduced to only a few feet in front of him. He plodded along, the snow now reaching upwards past his knees. His head snapped his and his body tensed as a terrified nare's scream rent the blizzard sky couple with a might *crack*. Forgetting about the snow and anything heeding safety, Macintosh exploded from where he was into a full fledged gallop, blundering towards the source of the scream with all haste. He sprinted on, barley seeing where he was going and therefore he failed to notice the fallen tree. At full gallop, Macintosh's legs slammed into the trunk. His body pitched forward. Pine needles and small branches repeated whipped and smacked him as he barreled trough, several branches that didn't bend before his juggernautic barrage sharply cracked before the actually impeded his process. He flew into a massive snow drift where he floundered a little before regaining his standing. He spat snow out of his mouth as his lungs heaved for oxygen. He wished for the dozenth time for his goggles as he rubbed snow and water form his eyes. Macintosh carefully made his way over and inspected the fallen tree, it was an old pine that had been weakened near the base by the ice and wind. He walked down it's length, looking for any sign of the pony that had screamed out so terrified. He walked down towards the base. 'Hmm,' he nearly said aloud, 'Nopony here,' but he remembered to keep his mouth closed from all the freezing snow. Macintosh turned to leave and as he did so his hoof pressed against something that was not of tree or snow. The massive stallion snapped around as a small groan barely made itself known it the howling winds. The stallion shoved through any and all braches, big or small, and began digging. Macintosh's hard hooves furiously dug in the snow to reveal part of a lavender flank. He dug further along her back towards her head and was stopped by the tree. Fueled by adrenaline and a strange feeling of responsibility to the trapped mare, Macintosh threw snow from Twilight's side. The red stud cleared snow out from next to her and below the area next to her and squeezed in next to her and cleared the snow around her head. He made sure he was on the side where the trunk was thinner, meaning he was further from the base of the tree and it should be higher off the ground, theoretically. Macintosh pitched snow away and started inspecting the silent mare for signs of life. He started panicking as he couldn't find any trace of life. He ran his hoofs down her body before digging under her chest. He held his hoof there before he felt a weak heartbeat. He nearly shouted in relief, instead he settled of a gentle nudge and spoke loud enough to be heard above the wind, thankful the pine needles and branches provided some protection against the howling wind. "Twilight, please wake up, you can't stay here for much longer," he said gently beside her ear. Her eyes fluttered open and quickly widened in shock as she saw him not three inches away. She wiggled and tried to back up before whimpering as the fallen tree settled and bit harder into back. Her hooves were pined beneath we her and prevented any struggling or productive wiggling to free herself. She stared desperately into Macintosh's eyes. "Help me, please," her voice barely reaching Macintosh's ears. "Don't leave me here," her eyes blurred with terrified tears at the thought. Macintosh brought his face closer to her's, "Ah would never." He scooted back a little and placed the tree onto his shoulders. "On three, Twi," he said, she nodded. He settled the tree behind his yoke to keep it from sliding forward onto his head. "One," he brought his hooves underneath him and braced them against the frozen ground. His hooves easily broke or crushed the snow into a condensed, stable footing as he pressed against it "Two," he tensed his muscle and pushed slightly against then tree. The old pine creaked slightly as he tested it's weight, the aged tree shifted slightly but he locked his legs to prevent it from dropping further onto Twilight. "Three!" with a shout, he started raising his massive frame up, taking the tree with him. His muscles bulged as he lifted the massive tree slowly, Macintosh strained against the tree and lifted it higher. "Ahhrrgg!" he yelled mightily as the tree lifted barely off Twilight's back. Eyes strained shut, Macintosh's mind was clear except for one thought; to free the trapped mare. His progress ground to a halt as he lifted more off the snow. He locked his frame and stood stock still. But Twilight was still trapped. The spot he had chosen to pick the tree up was a little too far away the he was just bending the massive trunk instead of lifting it. Macintosh cracked an eye open and looked at Twilight. Tears leaked out of her eyes and fell to the frozen ground. Pain was etched in her face as she moved herself ever so slightly. It was Macintosh's upbringing to not tolerate preventable pain on any mare, no matter the situation. Seeing the pain on Twilight's face broke something deep and primal inside Macintosh. He managed to keep the log form dropping back onto Twilight but he had to rest it on her again. She cried out as the log was brought back down but Macintosh did not like this. He shot out from underneath the tree and ran around to the other side of Twilight, the side of the tree where the log was thicker. He dove head first underneath the log, wishing again for his goggles. His pure rage and unrelenting barrage shot him underneath the log and nearly into position. The log nailed his shoulders as he slid underneath is. That'll be a rather nasty bruise he though but immediately ignored it as more important matters were at hand. The log was once again settle behind his yoke, and onto his shoulders. Red hot pain flared from where his shoulders clipped the log but he ignored it and pressed against the log. Macintosh then did what he had been wanting to do since he had discover Twilight's predicament. He gave into his primal urges and let his instincts and adrenaline take over. Red colored his vision. "Errrrrrraahhhhhhh!!!" Macintosh let out a yell fueled by pure protective instinct, any pain he might have been feeling was washed away by pure adrenaline as the toxin flooded his nervous system. He threw all his bodily might against the tree with renewed might. The massive trunk creaked and groaned as Macintosh lifted it higher and higher. He would have cried out himself but the intense inferno that engulfed his shoulders but the pure rage all portions of his brain save for those need for saving the mare. The massive tree trunk was lifted clear of the snow. He lurched skyward in one last effort and locked his knees as he felt them extend fully to hold the tree up. "Uhh, Twi?" he ground out, his eyes flickered open before being screwed tight again. Twilight gazed amazed at him before her brain kicked in and she realized he wasn't going to be able to hold it much longer and quickly sliding out if the way. Macintosh bent his fore legs slightly and launched them up again, throwing the the massive weight off and forward with a roar, "Raaahhggg!" steam blew out of his mouth and nose as his heart slowed to a steady beat. The red Earth Pony turned around and was wrapped up by a sobbing mare. She held onto his neck tightly and tears slowly rolled down her face. The frightened lavender mare clung to her savior until he kindly cleared his throat. The stunned stallion sat there as his body and brain failed to compute going from blood rage to being hugged by a beautiful mare. "Uh, Twilight?" he asked, "Do you want me to help you back to your library?" Twilight let go of his neck while blushing in the blizzard before nodding mutely. With Macintosh supporting her, the pair made their way to Twilight's library. Macintosh picked up the pace as Twilight started shivering violently. She nearly collapsed but he caught her on his neck and used his fore leg to boost her onto his back. She sleepily mounted him, a hind leg thrown onto either side of him and her fore legs locked around his throat. He spotted the massive tree and trotted a path through the piling snow. With a yell, he barged through the door, he swiftly trotted into the library and laid down by the fireplace, allowing a shaking Twilight to slid off his back and onto the floor. Her horn light up and a translucent bolt fired into the fireplace as he stood back up and forced the door back closed. He stopped and listened to the wind and snow whip around the tree house. "You can stay here if you'd like to," she said as a fire was soon lit. He looked at her for a moment, she met his gaze confused. She blushed deeply as she realized what she had suggested. Macintosh started thinking of something to say to excuse himself so he could begin his journey home. He had been attracted to Twilight for some time now but he was not a stallion that took advantage of mares. Twilight beat him to it and started talking first. "Please, Big Mac?" she asked quietly, "I don't want you walking alone it that blizzard." There was more to it than that; she didn't want to be alone on this night either. Plus, she felt obliged to given the circumstance. He though to a moment, he really didn't want to go back out there, but his natural gentle stallion edict wouldn't let him stay in the same house as a mare, alone. "Is Spike here?" he asked, hoping they weren't the only people here. She shook her head, "He's at Sugar Cube Corner helping Pinkie watch the twins." He grabbed at one final hope that would allow him to politely turn down her hospitality, "AJ and the rest of the family are goin' tah be wondering where Ah am." "I'll send a letter by magical means, no problem." She levitated a quill and paper before writing a quick message. Dear Apple Family, Big Macintosh has been forestalled by the storm and is staying at the library for the night. ~Twilight Sparkle With a burst of purple magic, Twilight teleported it there to appear on their kitchen countertop. He sighed, alright then. "What do you want me tah do?" She smiled, "Lay with me by this fire and stay warm." He flopped down as she levitated some blankets from the closet to throw over them. He took the offered blanket and covered himself in it, surprised by the chill in the library, even with the fire. He placed his head on his put stretched hooves and gazed into the flames. He saw, out of the corner of his eye, Twilight look over at him occasionally and open her mouth to say something before closing it and looking away. Twilight laid down completely and avoided looking at Macintosh, "Big Mac?" she asked. He lifted his head slightly and turned his head to look at her. "I just want to say thank you, for what you did out there," she scooted closer and her voice dropped. "I don't know what would have happened if you weren't there." He thought about it a little, he scooted a little closer to Twilight, As she still shivered violently, he tried to convince himself. "You know the fastest way tah warm up is with another pony," he wrapped his front leg over her shoulders, honestly concerned for her wellbeing, plus it felt really good to be with the mare that had stolen his dreams. She flinched away with a small cry of pain and he immediately felt horrible that he had caused her pain. 'What's wrong?" he asked gently with a hint of fear that he had hurt her. "I don't know what happened when the tree fell on me," she said quietly. Macintosh mentally smacked himself in the forehead as he felt guilty relief go through him when he realized that he didn't injury her but grazed a sore spot. He carefully peeled back the blanket. He wasn't a Doctor but growing up on a farm had told him a thing or two about injuries. He inspected the black and blue bruises that adorned her back where the tree struck. He also took the moment to appreciate the mare lying beside him. "Well you have some horrific bruising, but Ah'm gonna have tah physically touch you tah know more," he looked at her and she nodded silently. "Alright, tell me if it hurts." he placed his hooves on the base of her neck. When she didn't flinch, he worked his way down her back and along her sides, careful of the obvious bruising. He couldn't stop his gaze work its way down the rest of her back and settle on her flank. He ripped his eyes back as a deeper red colored his cheeks and felt along her sides. He quickly pulled his hooves away when she cried out when he was inspecting her ribs. Macintosh then started becoming very aware of who he was sitting so close together with. He laid down next to her again, knowing enough. "You have a few cracked ribs and some serious bruising, come tomorrow, you should see a doctor soon. Luckily, the snow compacted allowing you tah remain uncrushed by the log." Macintosh knew that come tomorrow, he would help her there, even if he had to carry her. She sighed and closed her eyes. Her eyes flashed open again, "Hold on, what about you?" He cocked his head to the side in confusion, "What about me?" "You didn't hurt yourself at all when trying to help?" Twilight now carefully studied her savior. She lightly gasped as small welts and minor bloody scratches adorned his face and chest from where he crashed through the branches. She gasped again, quite loudly this time as she saw the black bruises on the shins of his forelegs. The shins were swelling after their hard contact with the tree truck and throbbed in time with his heart as blood moved through the veins in the swelling muscles. "Doesn't that hurt?!" She asked, genuinely shocked by him. "Eenope," he casually lied. "Oh dear Celestia, what about your back?" She asked with a hoof raised to her muzzle. "Nothing, it's fine," this didn't deter Twilight at all and the blanket was folded back over his yoke and shoulders. "By Celestia, you did this, for me?" she was quite as her eyes took in the battered and scraped shoulders. This time he only nodded. "Oh..." Twilight got really quite as she realized the extent Macintosh went to rescue her. "Here, let me help you with that." Before Macintosh could get a word in edgewise, Twilight levitated the wooden yoke off and away from the slightly peeved stallion. Twilight sheepishly turned back to the fire as more bruises became apparent from underneath his yoke. The pair grew quiet. Twilight pondering on why he had gone such lengths to help her. Macintosh was desperately thinking what to do with the beautiful mare beside him. He gingerly placed his foreleg around her and drew himself closer, placing their sides together. She drew back slightly in a wince of pain, her confusion on why he would help her to such lengths suddenly became clear, and she contently settled against him. His flank tingled pleasantly as it was pressed against the mare's. "Thanks Big Ma-," she started. "Please just Macintosh, Big Mac is a pet name Ah've never really cared for," he interjected. She smiled before carrying on, "Thanks Macintosh, I really owe you one," she blushed before continuing, He seems to be showing all the signs, but could I just easily be reading them wrong? "What could I do to you repay you?" she turned her head to him. His cheeks turned a shade redder as a couple ideas ran through his mind, he quickly banished them from his mind. He wouldn't take advantage of any mare, especially like that. His eyes flicked around nervously, going from fire, to hooves, to Twilight's face. Anywhere but her eyes. Well, I hope he doesn't mind a mare who make the first move. She edged closer, "You know Macintosh, I've always had a crush on you since I first saw your big red pelt." Twilight look down as she said that. Macintosh gazed at her incredulously; did she just say what he though she did? "I've just been too frightened that you'd turn out to be some big jerk and hurt me," she shook her head ashamedly. "Just like all the other big stallions, I should've known better since you were related to Applejack." Macintosh stared dumbly, here was the mare of his dreams while she was declaring her love to him and he did nothing! Twilight's feelings came crashing down as he sat there dumbly and mutely, she quickly dropped her head, "Forget that, forget I said anything." Gathering all his courage, he placed a hoof under her chin and lifted her face back up. "What if Ah told you that Ah've felt the same?" he said quietly. Twilight's brain stopped functioning for a brief moment and before it started working again, a gentle set of lips pressed against her's. She quickly warmed up and kissed back the stallion that was expressing his love for her. Her mouth opened and her tongue ran across his lips, asking for entrance and trying to entice his out for a duel. All thoughts of injury fled Twilight's mind as she pressed into the kiss and started forcing Macintosh back. Macintosh receded from her attack still very aware of her bodily status, he leaned back but she didn't relent and kept pushing. He deftly fell onto his back and guided Twilight onto his chest and she flowed with him, not breaking the lip lock. She broke away for a quick breath as she lay on top of him. She squeezed his waist with the inside of her thighs and her fore legs kept her from crashing down onto him as she resumed the kiss. Macintosh's hooves worked furiously alongside her back, stimulating sensitive areas, cause her to press closer against him. The newfound couple continued to maintain lip lock inform of the rising flames. (:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:) Macintosh slowly made his way up the path leading to the farm house, he glared briefly at the offending pile of branches from last night. He rolled his shoulders in a check to make sure his bag was still there. He winced internally when he saw an angry Applejack leaning against the doorway. She glared daggers at him and he defiantly held her gaze. He trotted up the few steps and made a move to head inside, she blocked him without effort. "Where were you last night, Big Mac?" she asked angrily, her angry eyes took in the large bag on his back and her anger intensified. He looked at her, "Ah was up early this morning and decided tah work a little in the barn." "We both know that's a load of horsefeathers, Big Macintosh," she said, she then asked the obvious question that came with the bag. "Were you with a mare?" Macintosh didn't answer and that was enough answer for Applejack. "Was it Fluttershy?" asked AJ hopefully. He shook his big head slowly, "Nnope." She sighed in defeat and tried to extract a tad but more information, "Do Ah know this mysterious mare?" He pondered it for a moment, thinking about his answer, "Eeyup." "Well? Are ya going to tell me who it is?" she asked exasperated. "Nnope," he said smiling. "Why now Mac? Right before Apple Harvest? Really?" she asked shaking her head. She looked at him again, "Ah just hope that this mare can handle you." She stepped inside, shaking her head, and made her way to the kitchen, where the CMC were already waiting. "More like if Ah can handle her," he muttered. Macintosh strutted into the kitchen and scooped up a few apples before heading back outside. He threw his Tac Bag to rest by the root of the stairs where it shouldn't be disturbed until he came back to it. He walked outside and parked himself under a rather large tree to contemplate his relationship. He really was in love with to Twilight, enough to promise to hide their relationship from everypony. He shook his head, What could her brother could do to him that he couldn't handle? I'm was more worried about what will happen when Applejack finds out. Not if, when. Twilight's initial reason for keeping it secret was if they didn't work out, so they could carry on normally with nopony the wiser. They had been dating for over a year and a half now, and he felt sure of it between them. No if, ands, or buts. He thought about it a little longer, Could it be she isn't sure about me? Or if she wasn't sure that I truly loved her? Of course, Macintosh's hoof found his face as he realized the extent of his folly, how could I have been so stupid to not see that? All she wanted him to do was prove he really was committed to them. Why had he not realized this before. Satisfied that he know knew what was holding back Twilight, and he had a nearly foolproof plan to prove it to her, he headed to the barn to start readying the equipment needed for the Apple Harvest. (:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:) Twilight stood in front of the door to her treehouse. 'Well, now or never,' she thought. She pushed the door open with a hoof and walked in. "Hiya, Twi!" said a happy Spike. "Where ya been?" She blushed and looked away, Applejack might be the element of Honesty but Twilight was just as bad at lying. "Oh you know, I was out watching the meteor shower last night and ended up staying outside," she said, sticking to the truth as much as possible. She lightly gestured to the telescope that was suspended by the strap on her side. "Oh," said Spike as he looked a down, crestfallen. She sighed on the inside, "Spike, I only went alone because I forgot about it until after you were asleep." She blushed deeper as she said the flat out lie. "Alright Twi, if you say so," the baby dragon left the desk he was at to go organize the book shelves, again. A sign he was actually hurt be her forefront about him. Twilight sighed again and trudged up the stairs to her room, heading for the paper and quill on her night stand. Dropping her telescope by the door, she picked up the quill magically with practiced ease. Dear Princess Celestia, I have a secret that could ruin my friendship with one of my favorite friends, and maybe ruin my chances of finding a Special Somepony. Requesting your wisdom and advice, Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle How To BuckChapter 2 All was relatively peaceful in Ponyville. Ponies went about their daily business, birds flew, rabbits scampered with the squirrels and a unicorn mare was seemingly peeved at the book she was reading. Seated at the circular main table in the center of the library, a lavender mare was intently studying a giant tome. The mare grumbled, rather annoyed, into her open book. "How long can it take the Princess to read and reply to a single letter! She's faster when it comes to my Friendship reports," she mumbled grumpily. Twilight flipped a few pages and absent mindedly added, "It doesn't take three days to reply to a personal letter." Just then, the main door opened and what appeared to be two brown grocery bags with pudgy purple feet walked through. "Twilight! I'm home!" Spike called out unnecessarily. He saw her glaring at her book and waddled over to try and entice the mare away from the book; "Are you feeling better now, Twi?" "Oh, yes Spike," she said as she looked up up from her large tome. "Whatever caused my stomach to heave is long gone now," she looked back to the large bound thing of paper. "Alrighty then, I'm going to make some lunch, you want anything?" Spike asked as he headed for the kitchen. The purple dragon stopped at the door and looked back at her. She looked at him, and then gazed off, pondering his question, "Say, Spike, do you remember the really spicy food you made the other week?" Spike nodded his head in mild shock there was no way she wanted that stuff again, "Are you sure you want that? Last time I made it you hated it." The mental image of Twilight shooting food out of her mouth, followed with a stream of fire leapt unbidden into the baby dragon's head. She shrugged, "Eh, I feel a craving for it. Oh, and Spike?" she asked and he turned around. "Yes?" "Make mine quickly; I'm supposed to head out to Apple Acres here shortly." The little dragon huffed and walked into the kitchen, quickly getting to work, the dragon hastily donned his little apron and opened the dark oaken doors that led to the pantry. His purple claw hovered over the labels of different spices. The claw tracked down the immaculately sorted rows and hesitated on one container for a little, Should I? he asked himself. The baby dragon shrugged, She asked for it. He pulled the container of peppers off the shelf and set to work. The studious mare had, near the literal sense, stuck her head back in her book, seeking intent in reading every word. Her brain casually ignored her nose's signals that spicy food was being presented to keep other mental processing space free. So she completely missed a newly returned Spike with plates of food. "Uh hmmm," Spike cleared his throat politely. Twilight jumped and tore her head out of the book to looked at him. He gestured, using the plate of hot food as a prop. "Oh, thank you Spike! I thought I smelled something spicy," she said happily. Her fork was levitated in her translucent magic and was dug into what appeared to be simple home made Raviolis. Square bits of pasta encasing various vegetables, a red sauce covered them. Spike looked over a Twilight incredulously, "Pony please, I used the Sneaker Peppers." The unicorn cocked her head sideways quizzically and looked at him. The baby dragon sighed, "You know, that new exotic breed of peppers we got from Saddle Arabia? The ones that don't smell spicy when you cook them and then turn out to be some of the hottest peppers in the whole of Equestria?" "Ooooohhh, that makes sense. Are you sure though? I can smell a definite spice on this plate, and I want It," the hunger driven mare turned away from the dragon and nearly literally dug into the plate of food. Twilight lowered her head and began scooping the food into her mouth as fast as possible, while Spike settled down with his own plate. "Mmmm, Spike, are you sure this is the same stuff you made a few weeks ago?" she questioned her assistant. The aforementioned dragon looked dumbly in shock at her as she literally, fork nothing but a blur, shoveled the food into her mouth. This can't be the same Twi, she swore up and down she would never touch that food again. "The exact same stuff Twilight," he said through a mouthful of food. Spike wasn't even halfway done while Twilight was pushing her plate away and standing up. "Alrighty then, I'm heading over to Apple Acres to go help them with this season's harvest, you're in charge." She trotted out the door and was soon galloping off. What's gotten into her? Random stomach heavings A sudden crave for spicy food Then surprisingly chipper as she trotted out the door? the baby dragon silently mused on this before sliding over to see what ever it was that Twilight was reading, hoping it would give him a better understanding. Spike reached a small clawed hand over and flipped the book closed and read the title aloud, "Star Swirl's guide to a Unicorn's ...." he trailed off as the book faded out of existence completely. He yanked his hand back in shock and hastily inspected both sides of it, relived to see it was just fine, "Weird, I never remember seeing a book do that before." The little dragon thought about it and couldn't think of any reasonable thing to make Twilight act this way. "I'd better get another mare if I want to understand a strange mare." he got out his quill and ink and began writing. He was about to send the letter when he paused, Isn't this like going behind Twilight's back? he thought. The purple dragon shook his head and mentally added, Nah, I'm just worried she's alright and this is the best way to find out. With a puff of green fire, Spike sent the letter to his other favorite mare, The Fashionista. ()()()()()() Arriving at the Apple Orchard of Ponyville, Twilight trotted through the gate to the apple farm and calmly walked up to the house. Given that the librarian had seemed to gain a little weight and size, her special red stallion denied anything when questioned about it, saying she was just as beautiful as ever, the brisk trot the unicorn mare had set slightly tired her by the time she made it to Sweet Apple Acres. After a swift knock on the door, Applebloom opened it up, her face brightened up as she recognized one of her favorites of Applejack's friends,"Oh, howdy, Twi! Why are ya here?" "Oh, I'm just here to um...," the distant thud of hooves on tree trunks sparked her imagination, "I'm here to help with the Applebucking! I heard that the Harvest was coming and I thought it'd be fun to help out Applejack and Macintsoh," she hastily thought up. "Don't ya mean Big Macintosh?" asked the little filly. The mare blushed and tried to stammer out an explanation. "Don't cha worry about it, no need to be formal, miss Twilight, we're all family on the farm!" said the clueless filly. Maybe more than you think, thought Twilight. She quickly regained her composure and asked, "So where are they?" "They're out Apple Bucking somewhere in that direction, just follow the sounds of the kicks!" with that Applebloom closed the door and Twilight headed off in the direction she pointed in. Trotting casually beneath the shade of the apple trees, Twilight sighed happily at the blissful weather. It wasn't long before she heard the sound of hooves connecting powerfully with the trunks of trees and she honed in on the repeating thuds. "Ah'm beating ya Big Mac!" yelled out a female voice. Twilight crested hill and saw the eldest siblings of the Apple family Apple Buck racing. The orange mare was indeed ahead of Macintosh, by about two or three tress. Her gaze drifted over to the red stallion as he reared up on his hind hooves. . "That's what you think, little sis," Macintosh began bringing his fore hooves crashing down with a bellow, "Shuh-Zaamm!" The crimson stud slammed his front hooves bodily on the ground. His massive body worked as a power house to transfer gargantuan amounts of kinetic energy from nearly all the muscles in his body, to his fore hooves as he slammed them on the ground. The ground rippled and waved away from his hooves as the ground voraciously shook. Trees shook and groaned in protest as the very ground they were anchored in rolled underneath them. The shock waves then reached the astounded mare on the hill. Twilight let out a small squeal as her whole body shook as the ground bucked beneath her and she lifted off the ground fully. Her terrified eyes bulged as she saw the ground continue to roll beneath her. The lavender mare let out a squeak as she landed solidly on the ground, all legs splayed out in each direction, Twilight looked up from the ground with an annoyed look on her face. Macintosh's impressive efforts had the desired result; the next five heavily burdened apple trees in his row absorbed massive amounts of kinetic energy and it channeled to the apples, dropping them into the waiting baskets. Macintosh looked over at his little sister, who was near rolling on the ground in laughter. The red stallion then looked around and his eyes easily picked out the lavender body splayed out on the hill. His cheeks turned a shade darker as he realized she just saw and felt his display of stallionness. The studious unicorn picked herself up and magically dusted herself off as she came up to the siblings, "Most impressive, Macintosh, care to explain the physical possibility behind that little stunt?" Macintosh's cheeks turned shades deeper and he even had a problem trying to stammer out a few jumbled up words, "Oh....Twi, I mean, Miss Sparkle..... I...... Uhhhh," he finished intelligently. Truth was, he was irked she caught him showing off. If he had known, he would have done something easily twenty percent cooler, Ah well, there's other days for that. "Sorry Twilight, that's a Apple family secret kept to the stallion side, I don't even know how to do it," said an Applejack with a glance at her big brother. Inside, the orange mare, thoughts raced,Why's he actin' so strange around Twi? He hardly ever talks to anypony, even me and Bloom, thought the orange mare as she shook her head mentally. "Hmm, I may have to study you Big Macintosh," Twilight teased as she sidled up to him. "Oh, uhh... What are you doing here Miss Sparkle?" he got finally managed to get past his bumbling tongue. "Just thought that Princess Celestia would be interested in how you guys harvest the apples!" she said excitedly, trying to seem eager for a report to her personal teacher. Chances were, Celestia already knew how one harvested apples but Twilight didn't know, firsthand. "Sure thing, Twi!" said the farmer mare, Applejack stuck a fore good out and pointed to the closest tree that still had apples on it, "Go and give whack at it!" "So, just like this?" Twilight trotted over to the pointed out tree, turned and then kicked the tree. There wasn't much power in her kick, that much she knew off the bat but still... Nothing happened. "Nah Twi, like this!" the orange mare swiveled in front of another tree and kicked it like Twilight did. The actions mirrored each other except for two differences, the earth pony had hit with what seemed like more force and... Applejack's tree dropped all of its apples. Twilight lifted her hooves back up and tried bucking with more force, still nothing happened. "Not really helpful, Applejack, I did what you did exactly," said the lavender mare. "Well, you just have tah but more power in it," Applejack said, relatively confused why it didn't work for her. Twilight gazed upwards at the tree doubtfully. Macintosh, who had since then remained a silent red monolith, strutted over to her, "Here, Applejack was never a good teacher." Applejack stuck her tongue at him and trotted off to continue working as Macintosh delivered his private lesson. Twilight was pointed head first away from the tree, he stood next to her, having her mirror him, and adopted the pose for about to buck the tree. "Alrighty, stand here like this," he ran his fore hooves over her, correcting little bits and pieces of her form to tune. "Good, now aim for the heart of the tree," he instructed. "Heart of the tree?" asked the skeptic mare. "Eeyup, should be right about here," he lifted a hind leg and and placed the hoof more or less dead center about three and a half feet off the ground. "Alright then, here go's," the mare stood on her front legs and bucked the tree. Now her efforts had a visible effect and the tree just barely shook, but only just. Instead of being transferred into the dangling apples, the energy went back into Twilight and violently shook her body, lifting her off the ground for the second time that day. "That was interesting," she said. Macintosh coughed behind his hoof to hide his laugh, this was exactly his and Applejack's problem when they first started apple bucking. The only difference was she had someone to hopefully teach her the right way. He placed his front hoof on her shoulders and said, "Let the energy flow from you to the tree but not back." "And how do I do that?" "Ah've found the best and simplest way is with shouting," the stallion rumbled. The mare shrugged and positioned herself to kick again. "Hiiiyyaaaaa!" shouted Twilight, her body pitched forward to balance on her front hooves and her hind legs shot outwards to connect ineffectively with the tree. A few apples dropped from the tree as it shook slightly. "Good!" encouraged the red stud, "Now, a little closer to center and a little harder." Twilight kicked with another yell, "Ye-Haww!!" This time, mimicking her past self exactly except with more power, apples rained around the pair and into the waiting baskets. "Good, now let's go catch up with Applejack and finish today's work," he said after a brief congratulatory hug. "Awww, do we have to?" she teased in a whining tone. Her smile stayed strong as she turned away from him to start walking, her purple tail flicked him across the nose as she set away from the stallion. ()()()()()() Twilight stayed with the Apple siblings for the rest of the day and worked side by side with them, sweated with them, and ached with them. The slightly out of shape librarian felt the satisfying feeling of muscle burn as lactic acid build up in her abused muscles. The Apple Bucking duo, plus one, approached the last little grove of trees that was on the schedule to be harvested today. "Ugh," exclaimed Twilight trying to release some muscle ache with verbal outlet, "I think I'd rather be bucked by an Apple then buck them." This innuendo was directed towards the red stud and was pleased when Macintosh's cheeks turned darker, although Applejack cocked her head back in thought at the comment. "I don't know Twi," said the orange mare, completely oblivious to the double meaning, "An apple can catch you just right on the noggin and hurt something awful." The lavender unicorn had to stop walking with the Apple Siblings as she fought to keep her mirth silent, How can a mare be so oblivious?, but Twilight didn't look too much into it, something along the lines of a Gift Horse. "Alright, last grove," said Macintosh as he put a fore leg on his special some pony's shaking shoulders to keep her moving. The Apple harvesting trio split up to theoretically make quick work of the few trees left. The red powerhouse of a stallion made quick and easy work of his sector, bucking the last tree with only one hoof in practiced skill. Grabbing the apple laden basket in his teeth, he dragged his over to the pile the Apple Pickers had established for this grove. In the distance he heard two different bucking sounds, one still strong and steady and the other one of a tired mare who was now having a hard time focusing on the task at hand. The stud headed off and away towards the weakening sound of bucking. He arrived in time to see the lavender mare swivel about, present her flank for the world to admire, and buck her last tree. The crimson stallion stood still and let the mare's beauty entrap him, standing mesmerized at the librarian's curvaceous frame bent to concentrate all the kinetic energy into the tree. His eyes feasted on the purple pelt dampened with hard earned sweat, the concentration etched on her face as she made sure to hit the tree perfectly, and her body. Oh, her body, the perfect flank (perfect in his mind at least) luscious and somewhat firm, as he knew from previous experiences. Her slender shoulders and upper body, with her sweeping purple mane. His gaze was drawn back to her flank, adorned by the simple cutie mark, his eyes tracked back in time to she her rump shudder as her hooves connected with the tree. "See something you like Macintosh?" asked Applejack behind him. The red stud beat down the instinct to jump and wheel about and nervously made sure she wasn't looking at his face as he blushed deeply and feared she found their secret them and there. His analytical mind quickly thought up a believable lie that didn't stray too far from the truth, "Ah'm just watching her form for bucking," he said as nonchalantly as he could. His eyes flicked to Twilight's and saw the mare blushing profusely. "Don't worry about it Twilight, Big Mac here wouldn't take advantage of you like that, Ah'm pretty sure he ain't into books anyways," Macintosh rolled his eyes at his sister's assumption of his tastes. "Plus, Ah've seen him looking at Fluttershy, there's only one mare for that there stallion," as Applejack said this comment, Twilight shot a glare over at Macintosh who shrugged in confusion at the two mares' antics. "Anyways, Ah'm gonna take these few baskets to be stored. Grab a few and follow, would ya?" the farmer mare threw a few baskets on her back and was soon walking away from the two secret lovers. "In a little Applejack, Ah think Twilight needs a break," this was said as Macintosh looked the librarian over. The mare in question looked ready to collapse where she stood, "Alrighty, see you in a bit." Applejack began walking away again but soon wheeled around, eyes growing bigger in a sudden remembrance. Her fore hoof shot up and clamped onto her Stetson, her eye were set skyward. "By the way," she started as her eyes searched the skys, "Watch out for Rainbow Dash for me will ya? This is about the time she usually pranks me," with that Applejack crested a hill and left the two alone. "Sure thing, Applejack!" called out Twilight after the orange farm mare. The mare plodded over to a nearby tree before stumbling around, decided to follow gravity, and let the stumble turn into falling down in a heap "Whew, I'm exhausted!" exclaimed the lavender librarian from where she had collapsed on the shady ground. The red stallion laid down next to her under the pleasant shade from the surrounding trees. They sat in silence for a little bit before he decided to break it, "You didn't do too bad." "Uh huh, then why did you and Applejack do almost twice as much work as me?" the statistical part of her refused to not question him. "We have years of practice, Twilight," he said gently, "Very few have managed to learn and master what you did today, it took me almost a week before I could even hope to buck a tree effectively." A small grin appeared on his face as he remembered trying She looked over at him and searched his eyes, "You really mean that, don't you?" He nodded happily, "An apple doesn't lie, except to hide family." The comment was only slightly pointed at Twilight and then suddenly became very aware of how close this hunk of stallion was to her. The mare tried to crush the rising rebellion against all sense but this was a futile attempt as it only fueled her desire even more. Twilight quickly closed the distance between them, fast enough to make the stallion jerk his head slightly back in surprise and locked her lips on his. Her head tilted to the right and she angled her lips to form closer around his. The red stud's instinct took over and his head also tilted and their heads melded closer. She worked her mouth against her and as the heat still built up, her tongue lanced out, not asking or teasing. She lashed her tongue past his lips, surprising the stallion again. Her tongue found his and challenged it to a duel for space. As she worked her mouth on his, Twilight pressed the rest of her body closer to his and he rolled away from her and onto his back by force of habit. She slid with him, not breaking the lip lock and the mare for against his chest with practiced ease. Their sweaty bodies grinded and ground against each other causing the heat now present in both members to raise. The librarian's hind legs stopped supporting her rump and she rested the rest of her body fully on the stud. Her fore hooves ground slightly in their placement near both sides of his head. The lavender thighs squeezed the red rump, enticing the stallion. Said stallion ran his fore hooves up and down the mare's back, digging in at certain points, eliciting sudden pressing if her body on his. He constantly applied pressure and pulled her close, on top of his, crushing their chests together. A nagging little voice then began speaking up in the back of Macintosh's head, an annoying little voice much like his little sister's. The random reminder of his younger sister caused Macintosh to start and his lips disengaged form his mare's. The red stud suppressed his urge to take her right then and there, Twilight sure seemed to want it though, way more then she usually was. He pulled her closer and he felt her chest press hotly against his, much to the disappointment of both parties, the stallion turned his head away from the seeking lips belonging to the mare. . Macintosh tried to use logic and words seeing as his hints were going unneeded. "Ah know you want to go further, but not now, and especially not here. What would happen if Applejack came back?" he tried saying. "I don't care, I just want you now," she ground out as she clung and grated onto him harder. "Twilight, stop it, this ain't like you," the hungry mare tried to keep in going with her lips moving along on his neck, trying to elicit similar behavior from the stallion. "Alright," he made a move to get out from under her but she dropped herself on him. "But only on one condition," the mare had a sly smile on her face. "Um, shoot?" The red stallion looked a the librarian with a slight bit of trepidation. She lowered her head next to his and whispered huskily into his ear, "I'll stop only if you promise we'll finish it later," she finished with a light nibble on his ear. Macintosh nodded mutely and she casually slid off him, and headed towards the heavily laden Apple baskets. The red mound rolled sideways and up onto his hooves, also heading for the baskets. The stallion swung three baskets onto his back and Twilight levitated a few in her translucent telekinetic grasp. With a lover's smile at each other, the two tired ponies made their way back to the farm house. If either of the two oblivious lovers had even glanced skywards, they would have seen a small cloud speeding away near Mach speeds towards Ponyville... Confrontations A/N If you would care to have a hand in the development of future chapters, please read the rather lengthy author's note at the end of the story. Until then, enjoy. Rainbow Dash cut through the air faster and faster, having ditched the cloud she had been napping on. Who to go to? she questioned herself. She'd been shocked, to say the least, when she woke up to the sounds of two ponies face sucking. She nearly fell through the cloud when she saw one of the percipients was the one and only, Twilight Sparkle. Dash almost Sonic Rainboomed straight to Applejack when she saw who Twilight was with. Rainbow had stealthy sneaked away from Apple Acres with all haste and now needed someone to spill it out to, but whom? Dash blurred through Ponyville, looking for anypony to talk to, no wait, anypony's a bad idea she corrected herself. I need somepony with experience in secret relationships. Now, who fits the bill? In her mind’s eye, ponies flashed through it. Applejack was out of the question. Fluttershy? No, that mare would have the least experience in a relationship. Pinkie? No, she couldn't keep a secret this serious to save her life. That left only one mare... __________________________________________ A certain Marshmallow colored mare hurried around her shop, various cloths and sharp instruments floating around her in a clear glow. "Oh, that'll never work. Rubies, I need rubies!" she ran around the room and checked various draws for her rubies. She ran back to the mannequin, holding up a small box of gems. Her magic shifted the gems in the box this way and that, letting her look for any of the red gems. "Damn, where could I get a ruby?" as the white mare asked this question aloud, a cyan blur crashed through her window and into the group of mannequins. Sapphire eyes connected with ruby eyes, and narrowed into a glare. "Is there a reason you've ruined my work today, Rainbow Dash?" spat out Rarity. "Depends, are you good with secret relationships?" asked the rainbow mare under a pile of mannequins. "Well, that also depends on a few things, dear. Why ever do you ask?" Rarity had stopped glaring and was now interested in what Dashie had to say. "As it turns out, our Twilight isn't the innocent little school filly we thought her to be," said Dash and smiled at Rarity's shocked face. "Really? Our Twilight?" she got out. "Yep, and you won't believe who's she has as a coltfriend!" Rainbow Dash finally dug her way out of the pile of mannequins. "Who!?!? Tell me!!" said Rarity nearly screaming. "Big," Rainbow Dash paused, "Mac," she nearly whispered. "Big FREAKIN' Macintosh!!??" she screamed. "Keep it down, will ya?" said Dash, trying to calm her down. Rarity completely ignored her. "Twilight, our dear Twilight, dating Big Macintosh? That's preposterous! I mean, Appleja--" Rarity gasped massively, "Applejack! Does she know? How could she not?! Big Mac's not the one to hide something like this! What about us! How could they not have told us?" Rarity's rant would have gone longer if not for the cyan hoof shoved in her mouth. "That last one, 'How could they not have told us', yeah, that one. That's what I'm gonna find out today, I just need a little support," said Dash. "Well, what are we waiting for?" said Rarity as Dash rolled her eyes. "Let's go!" Dash flew out the window she crashed through and Rarity cantered out her front door, both immediately headed for Golden Oaks Library. Both mares failed to notice on their way out, a small scroll on Rarity's dresser. No surprise sense Rarity had missed it all day. __________________________________________ Spike finished shelving the newly checked in books as multiple mighty thunks landed on the front door, "Coming!" he called out. The little dragon jumped down from the ladder he was perched on and ran over to the door. Spike dragged the door open to reveal a flushed Rarity, "Hiya Rarity, did you get my letter?" "What no, we're here to talk to Twilight," Rarity figured it best if they just kept Spike out of this growing mess. "That's what my letter was about, and what do you mean we?" as Spike said it a cyan blur, again, crashed through, this time Twilight's, window. "Jigs up, Twilight! We know your secret!" said Dash to the empty room, "and she's not here, is she". She zoomed in low and hovered over Spike, "Hey Spike, where's Twilight?" "She went to Apple Acres quite a bit ago, I don't know when she'll be back," he said. Dash face-hoofed as she realized she already knew the answer to her question, and when Twilight should get back. "Well, that was easy," said the white mare. "Do you know when Twilight will be back?" "She left a little while after I did, and I took off at full speed. But then I flew around Ponyville looking for somepony to talk to," she said. "So, anytime now?" Rarity asked. "Yep, any moment," a slightly awkward silence descended on the trio. "So..." Dash tried to break the silence, "any ideas why Twilight would keep this secret?" "What secret?" asked Spike innocently. Both mares ignored him. "Oh, I wouldn't know, let's have Twilight explain herself," silence descended again. Twilight can't be that slow, can she? She should be here any.... The door was pushed open and the lavender mare in question stepped through, "Spike! I'm back!" Oblivious to the two mares’ presence, Twilight carried on like normal. "Spike, where are you? I need some stuff done before tomorrow." Twilight turned and finally noticed the two mares standing there, "Oh, hi girls! What can I do for you?" asked librarian. "Oh nothing really," Rarity started out calmly, and then went straight to the point, "We just have a few questions for you," she directed pointedly at the librarian. Twilight froze, but only for a second, "Sure girls, what do you need to know?" Rainbow Dash stalked over to her, "How about why you've kept secrets from us!" Twilight backed up, getting closer to the wall behind her. Twilight started backing up faster, "What do you mean Dash?" A sweat broke out on her forehead. "She means, your secret little friend," said Rarity, coming up from behind Rainbow, her face one of accusation. "Little freaky, girls," Twilight back pressed against the wall behind her. She cowered slightly at the murderous gleam in her two friends eyes. "Well, not as mean as holding out on your friends!" said Rarity, almost in Twilight's face, shouting with enough force to ruffle Twilight's hair. "What d-do you me-ean?" Twilight stuttered. "You and your coltfriend, Big Macintosh!" shouted Dash, an inch from her face. Both confronting mares stepped back as Twilight's shoulders slumped, her head hung low. "How'd you guys find out?" she asked quietly. A tear silently fell from her eye to crash on the floor. Dash was instantly by her side, "No reason to cry, Twilight. We just wished you know you could tell us." "Twilight, dear, all we want to know is how long you've been with him," asked Rarity gently. Twilight sobbed slightly, "A little over a year and a half," fresh tears coursed down Twilight's face. "Does AJ know?" asked Dash. Twilight shook her head silently, more tears falling to the floor. "There, there," Rarity comforted the depressed mare. "No need to get all worked up over it," Rarity may have been calm on the outside but inside was anything but. A year and a half!??! How did she keep it a secret! How serious are they... "You girls haven't answered my question," said Twilight quietly. "Uh, what question, Twi?" asked Rainbow from the other side of her. "How did you two find out?" asked Twilight more forcibly. "Well, I was cloud napping and you two kind've woke me up with your, Expresses of love." said Dash guiltily. "Spike also sent me a letter saying you were acting strangely lately too," Rarity wished she hadn't said that. Twilight's head snapped up and her glare locked onto the little dragon still in the room, "Spike," she snapped. She stormed over to the little dragon. "How dare you invade my privacy!" a magical aura surrounded Spike and threw him against a wall, holding him there. "Twilight! I only did it cause I thought you were in trouble!" said Spike as he struggled against the magical bonds. "I can decide if I need help or not Spike," she ground out, an inch from his face. "As it is, I was planning to tell everypony on our two year anniversary!" She screamed in his face. Spike's face started contorting strangely but Twilight didn't notice, "I had everything under control! Now I have to work doubly hard to keep Armor from finding out! Do you remember what happened to my last coltfriend when Armor found out I had one?!? Well, do y--," Her rant was cut off as the little dragon opened his mouth, allowing a rolled up parchment to escape and smack Twilight in the face. Spike fell down with a crash as Twilight released him to grab the letter. __________________________________________ Dear Twilight Sparkle, I regret to inform you that the realm of secrecy and ah, shall we say, 'Nightly activities' is not my area of expertise. That wisdom and knowledge belongs to my sister, Luna. P.S. Luna left almost immediately when I told her a pony needed her help, she rarely gets asked for her help given her past. With love, Princess Celestia. __________________________________________ Twilight read the letter three times over, not believing what she was reading. My mentor can't help me! Ok, Twilight, no need to panic. Like she said, this is Luna's area of expertise. Wait, what did that line say!? 'Nightly activities', surly she won't ask about me and Macintosh Bucking, would she? Twilight scanned down the letter again and her gaze froze on one line, 'Luna left almost immediately......' What? Rarity cleared her throat rather loudly, "What's the letter say Twilight, dear?" The letter was levitated in front of the white mare. "What's so bad about this letter?" asked Rainbow Dash, having reading over Rarity's shoulder. "Read the last little bit, darling," said the fashionista. The letter moved from in front Rarity to hover in front of Dash, the magic holding it having switched when Twilight started having a internal panic attack. "Big deal, Luna won't be here for another few days. What do you have to worry abo--" Rainbow cut off as a rather quiet knock came through the door Spike quietly and slowly walked over to it. All the mares held her breath, wondering who awaited on the other side. Pleas not Applejack, fervently wished Twilight. Spike crept slowly to the door. He carefully opened it and.... Was greeted by Fluttershy. "Oh, hello Spike, sorry to bother you. Is Twilight here?" she asked quietly, hiding behind her mane. "Uh, yeah, what do you need?" asked the little dragon, Twilight walked up and stood by him. "Hey, Flutters, how's it going?" asked the lavender mare. "Oh good. Well, she uh... Someone has come to.... She--" she stuttered before slinking away quietly. Swooping in from above Fluttershy and landing with a metal clank from her horse shoes, landed a midnight blue alicorn. "Merry meet, Twilight Sparkle," said the Midnight Princess. "Uh, hi?" stuttered the librarian. "We understand that thou hast a problem?" she asked. "Uh, ah, um. Yes, would you like to come in?" asked Twilight. "We would be most grateful," Luna said as Twilight backed up to allow the Princess in. "So, Twilight Sparkle," stated Luna. "Yes?" asked Twilight timidly. "We would care to possess the knowledge why thou hast kept thy secr---" continued the Night Princess but was cut off by Rainbow Dash. "For the love of, cut it with the whole third person speaking and ye olde speech!" blurted the athlete. The Princess glared at the offending Pegasus before smiling, "Sorry, I always love to see how far I can annoy ponies before they say anything," she smiled at her little practical joke. "Anyways down to business," she turned back to Twilight, "You have a secret." Twilight nodded, "And you don't want ponies to find out?" "Well, specifically one pony, actually," Twilight said to the floor. "Then this is easily solved!" said Luna enthusiastically, "There is a simple spell I can use to make sure this pony unable to find out about it, unless you are physically present when they find out. This spell only works once per pony and can only affect one pony, are you sure you want to use it?" Twilight nodded eagerly. “Now, all you need to do is think of the secret." Twilight closed her eyes and thought desperately on her secret relationship. Luna's horn began to glow a dark color like that off the darkened moon. She pulled the secret out of Twilight's thoughts, unable to actually know what the secret was. "Now, think of the pony who that can't find out," this Luna was able to see and a image of Shining Armor drifted across her mind's eye. Luna's magic linked these two thought together, Luna gathered her magic and focused it on the linked thoughts. Luna concentrated for about ten seconds before her horn flashed a dark small explosion. "There, Armor can't find out now," said Luna with smile. "Oh, Thank you so much Princess Luna!" said Twilight as she flung her hooves around her neck. Luna returned the hug and set her head on Twilight's shoulder, next to her head. "No problem, Twilight, you've done so much for me in the past. You know, being heavy with foal is nothing to be ashamed about." "What did you just say?!?" asked Twilight as she took a step back in shock. "Oh damn, I might have said a little too much," Luna said with a little blush in the cheeks as Rarity fell over in the background. A/N Ok, if you read the above author's note, you know why you're here. Here's a not so hypothetical question. If Twilight and Macintosh were to have a foal; Would they have twins or just one? Would it/they be a Unicorn, Pegasus, or Earth Pony? Gender(s)? Color of pelt(s)? Color of mane(s)? And name(s)? You don't have to answer all of them for me to take importance in your opinion. If you do have a idea, leave a comment or PM me. If I missed a point, leave a comment and I'll try to fix And if someone has already posted what you were going to say, reply to that post and say you like it, makes it easier on me. Do the same with names if you find a name you like that someone posted. P.S. Sorry this story took a little bit to be updated, I'm gonna try and post part five this weekend. P.P.S. If you can guess what 'Merry Meet', Luna's greeting, is from leave a comment. Two Days to Remember Two Days to Remember Day one, Macintosh awoke before the predawn light and yawned rather loudly. He settled down again trying to go back to sleep before his eyes snapped open. Oh, right. I have quite a few things to do today. He walked the short distance and wrote the quick letter he had planned last night. He placed the letter in a small bag along with massive red apple he had grabbed earlier. He made sure to grab the best apple possible; perfectly crisp, perfect ripeness, juicy, and a deep red color that matched his pelt. A sharp rap rang out from his window, walking quietly over to it; Macintosh heaved it open to allow Owlicious in. With not much for the Owl to do, he mostly hung around apple acres for the abundance in small game to hunt. He would also stop by Macintosh's window in the morning to deliver the occasional letter to his mare. He fed the owl a few seeds from the stash he kept for just that reason. Soon after handing the bag to the bird, which soon took off, he opened his small closet. He threw his saddlebags over his back and loaded his items, a hefty bag of bits and a decent size box. He purposely ignored his heavy yoke and headed out of his room. He walked down the stairs and headed into the kitchen to grab a bite to eat. Macintosh opened the fridge and shifted his gaze through it. He nearly jumped through the ceiling when a voice spoke behind him. "Ya headed out, Big Mac?" asked Applejack. "Eeyup," he said. "Whatcha going tah do today?" "Ah was gonna stop by Celtic Slew first and then hang out with some other ponies," he said, grabbing some apple cider from the fridge. "Is this 'some other ponies' a mare?" she asked sharply. He froze on his way to the counter. No point in lying. "Eeyup," he said. Applejack heaved a massive sigh, "Go ahead an take tomorrow off as well." "Thanks AJ," he poured some apple cider in a canteen before throwing it in his saddlebags. He grabbed a few more apples to put in them before setting out the door. Macintosh began the walk to Ponyville to talk and hopefully pick up his special order from the Scottish blacksmith, Celtic Slew. __________________________________________ On the other side of Ponyville, Twilight awoke late in the morning after a late night of pouring over pregnancy books. Luna had left last night to deal with some 'Official Business' last night, and hadn't gotten back yet. After several failed attempts to wake Rarity, from her fainting incident, Rainbow Dash carried her back to her house before going home. She walked down the stairs to the main floor and was surprised to see Owlicious there. He silently stood on her desk next to a small bag. She levitated it toward and peered inside, she smiled to herself as her gaze landed on the hoof written letter and big apple. Twilight took the letter out and smelled it, catching the slight musk of Macintosh. She opened it and silently read it. To the Mare of my Dreams I have a few surprises for you today, one rather big. So, please take the rest of the day off and I will pick you up after your lunch date with Applejack. With my everlasting love, Your Stallion P.S. I already gave Owlicious some treats. Twilight snapped her head in time to see the Owl plunge his head into her stash off seeds for him. With a wry smile, she picked up the hefty apple. Gazing into the beautiful red apple, she really didn't want to eat it. She bit into it and nearly fell over with glee. It tasted perfect. Her teeth made a satisfying *crisp* sound. Her nose was flooded with the fresh scent of apple. Juice dribbled down her chin and she rubbed her hoof across it to catch it. Ah, nothing like a Sweet Apple Acres apple. She placed the apple down, What time was Applejack supposed to come over? she questioned herself. A mighty knock sounded from her door. I guess now then. ___________________________________________ Macintosh finally found his way to Ponyville's sole smithery. Stepping inside into the continuously warm building, Macintosh immediately felt himself relax in the surrounding warmth. 'Clang!' a sharp retort of metal on metal rang out. 'Clang! Clang! Clang!'. Macintosh made his way to the back of the shop to the metal working area. A massive oven of red-hot embers sat at one side of the room, huge bellows ready to provide air to it. Various tools and projects hung on the walls and littered the work desk against another wall. In the center of the room stood the stallion in question. Celtic Slew stood bipedal, standing by an anvil. One hoof held a tool of some sort as the other hoof brought a heavy hammer down repeatedly. The blacksmith turned around with the tool in hand, eyes obscured by work goggles to protect them from flying debris. Celtic paused slightly upon seeing Macintosh, but continued moving and placed the tool back in the embers to warm up again. "Ach, ma wee Aiple. Are ye here for yer special ordah?" asked the blacksmith as he pulled the goggles off his eyes. Celtic Slew was the biggest stallion in Equestria; Macintosh’s shoulder came to the smith's armpit. The smith was Scottish in blood and practice and was also a talented smith. Celtic Slew wore a thick leather apron over his chest to protect his dark brown body. "So, Ah take it you're here for 'em?" Celtic said in his very Scottish accent. Macintosh nodded, "Eeyup." "Ah must say Ah'm honored ya came tah mah for somethin' so delicate. A lot of ponies only come for tools an' such," Celtic said as he turned to his work desk. Rummaging through the mess, he soon turned back with a small box. "You're very welcome, are they ready?" Macintosh asked. "Yes, who's the lucky bonnie?" asked Celtic. Macintosh looked at him in fear of being found out, "Whit? Did ye really think I'm that much of a dunderheid to not notice?" "Not, really," he admitted, "Ah just hoped you'd skip over that fact." "She better not be a Bide-in," he threatened. Macintosh shook his head vigorously. "Is it the quiet lassie?" "Nope, my mare is strong, independent, smart, kind, funny, cute..." He blushed as he realized he was trailing on. "Gloamin? Ah won't tell any pony," he said quickly. "Aboot time ye found a serious mare for ye." Macintosh nodded his thanks, "How much?" he asked. "Ye asked for Platnium, right?" Macintosh nodded. "58 bits." Macintosh pulled out his bag 'o bits and dealt out the required amount. He added a healthy 'tip' for Celtic's favor. Celtic handed him the small package and he gingerly placed it in his saddlebags. "Thank you," Macintosh said. Macintosh turned to leave as Celtic called out, "Anyt’ing for a fellow Scotsman!" "I'll keep that in mind!" he called back. Next stop, he thought,Train Station. ___________________________________________ Applejack led the way to the simple café where both mares planned on eating for lunch. She had arrived about three minutes after Twilight got Big Mac’s note; Applejack had found the mare sitting at her desk reading a piece of parchment over and over again, smiling all the while. Applejack had pretended not to notice and went back outside to knock on the door. Now, she decided would be a good time to inquire as to what twilight was doing. "It's a great day out, what were you doing indoors?" asked the farm mare. Twilight blushed and said, "Oh, you know. Just some studying." "On a day like this?" asked Applejack. "You're crazy tah waste a day that is, as would Rarity put it,” Applejack started animating her arms and put on her proper accent, “as wonderful and extravagant as one could hope for!” Twilight giggled and nodded her agreement, gazing skyward. It was a beautiful summer day, comfortably warm but no harsh glares from the sun. Her eyes caught the cyan speck that had been circling her for the past hour. After a little bit of walking, they arrived at the small café called Mare-Do-Well’s, a popular tourist food stop in Ponyville. Twilight and Applejack entered the café and were greeted by Salad Hooves, the owner/cook/waiter of the establishment. “Hello my favorite phillies, what’ll it be today?” He already knew the answer, but he grinned like he expected a surprise. “We’ll have the usual tulip and rose bud sandwiches, Salad,” Twilight grinned. The cook was about to head off when Applejack spoke up. “Hold on there, Ah’m feelin’ like a roasted mare burger and a juniper shake ‘ll do me good.” As Hooves went to fix their orders, Twilight looked uneasily at her friend. ‘Applejack almost never orders fast food,’ Twilight thought. ‘When she does, that means something’s on her mind. I guess I’d better wait on her to open up before I say anything.’ The two friends found a table, and Applejack initiated the conversation. “Twilight, Ah’m worried somethin’ awful for Big Mac,” the farm mare looked at her friend with a fittingly worried expression. She fidgeted as she continued. “He’s been acting all strange, like comin’ home late every other night and leavin’ early in tha mornin’ before tha family wakes up. And,” Applejack’s tone turned into a mix between grave and disgusted, “Ah’ve heard strange cloppin’ and gruntin’ noises comin’ from his bedroom after dinner.” Both ponies shuddered at what that could mean, though Twilight wasn’t disgusted as much as intrigued by the news. Her mind started to wander off, recreating the sounds coming from the room, the only difference being that it was two different voices making the pleasurable vocalizations echoing off the walls. The memory made her blush, which she tried to hide from Applejack. The farm mare didn’t notice and continued voicing her inner concerns. “Ah don’t know what ta do Twilight. It’s hard to speak ta him when he’s gone most of the day, and ya know how quiet he gets when he wants ta hide somethin’ from somepony.” Applejack sighed and looked down at the table. “Sorry if Ah’m ruinin’ our lunch date, Twi. Ah just don’t know what ta do and Ah really needed somepony ta talk to that would listen.” Twilight smiled nervously and reached across the table to grasp her friend’s hoof. “Applejack, I’m sure whatever Big Mac is doing isn’t anything to worry about. You just have to be patient with some colts.” Applejack nodded in agreement as Twilight shivered in excitement. Applejack was about to ask if she was all right when said mare interrupted her as she continued speaking. “Big, strong, healthy, handsome colts whose sweat smells of apples and hard work and makes their bodies shine in the afternoon sun, whose eyes make you want to give yourself in to his glory and swim in the green ocean surrounding his irises, wishing he would mount you and make you his queen for eternity…” Applejack was taken aback by her friend’s words. She also noticed how her friend’s eyes, seemingly gazing into her own, were actually focusing on nothing in particular. ‘Well buck,’ thought Applejack. ‘Ah’ve seen mare’s in heat, but this takes the bushel,’ She waved a hoof in front of Twilight’s face, the mare still caught in her dream-like trance. “Hey, Twilight, ya in there?” Applejack started giggling. “Hellooooo, Equestria to Twi!” Twilight broke out of her trance, remembering where she was. At the café with Applejack. Waiting on their food to arrive. Talking about Big Mac and Applejack’s concern about his activities outside (and inside) of the house. Feeling guilty as she thought about his muscular body, his sweaty neck, the passion and fire playing along his eyes and lips as they came in to close proximity of her own… Twilight’s brain made a snapping noise, making her hair messy and dirty looking, her eyes twitching and her smile lopsided. “Applejack, I’m not feeling very well so I’m going to go home and rest and you shouldn’t worry about me so you can go home and not have to worry and don’t worry about paying because it’s all on me and we should do this again in about fifty-years or so and that’ll be so much fun and I’ll see you around Ponyville so you don’t have to come to the library to visit anytime soon and I’ll see you around BYE!” Twilight practically ran over Applejack as she dashed out of the restaurant towards her tree house, screaming friendly greetings to anypony that was in her way. Applejack stared in obvious shock as she tried to think of what could have made Twilight so distraught and insane, and she nearly jumped out of her seat when Salad Hooves came to the table with a tray full of food. She didn’t seem to notice since she was staring after the crazed pony. He looked at Applejack after a few minutes, not saying a word. Both ponies knew what the other was thinking; there was just no need to say it aloud. “What the buck?” A/N Special Thanks to Lunar-tic for this chapter, this chapter would quite literally not be here without him. Ten points if you can guess what song this is from; For freedom we rise Learn to fly, reach the sky Legend will carry you thousands of miles Take a stand, hold the land Make sure that everyone’s ready to win Find the speed, all you need Team up for battle we fly Fly Two Days to Remember part TwoDay One, Continued Macintosh sat under a tree on a hill that allowed him to keep an eye on Twilight and Applejack. He munched on an apple as he waited for them to finish lunch so he could go surprise Twilight. "Thou art a creeper," said a voice behind him. Macintosh jumped to his feet as a voice behind him spooked him for the second time that day. He whirled around to look into the eyes of Princess Luna. "Uh, hello, your highness," he stammered out. "And a hello to you Big Macintosh. Now what is a handsome stallion like you doing alone on a day like this?" she asked suggestively. "Ah, I see. Spying are we? Now who are you watching? She let out a 'dramatic' gasp. "Your sister and Twilight?" Macintosh opened his mouth to explain but Luna beat him to it. "Not to worry, Big Mac. I'm here to help and I already know all there is about you and Twilight Sparkle," she said while he turned a couple shades redder. "I'm just here to see if you are worthy of her affections," she said. "Since Princess Cadence is out on royal business, fortunately for you Shining Armor is with her, I cannot have her just peer in your feelings," she studied his face. He looked back stubbornly, daring her to question his loyalty. "Well?" he asked. She gazed for a few more seconds, "Give me your saddle bags." He wordlessly handed them to her and belatedly remembered what was in one of the bags. Luna levitated a few of his apples out and placed them aside. She pulled out his canteen and opened it, giving it a whiff. "Mm, apple cider," she placed it aside and opened the other bag. The goddess pulled out Twilight present and peeped inside. "Awwww!" the Princess cried, "Sooo Cute!!!" Macintosh's pelt turned several shades darker. She turned serious and pulled out the box he feared. "Oh, well, well, well. You certainly are a adventures stallion," she said while waggling your eyebrows. Turning crimson, he snatched all his possessions away from her and stuffed them back in his bags. "Well, I guess you are what Twilight deserves and more," she started to walk away. She looked back, "I hope you just stay that way for your sake." He involuntarily shuddered from being threatened, even if subtly, by a goddess. Shit, he thought, anything she does will be backed up by Celestia. A burst of activity at the café attracted him back and his gaze came across just in time to see his mare streak off as a lavender blur back to her treehouse. Well, Twilight's obviously done with her lunch date, time to initiate my surprise. He began making his way to Twilight's library. __________________________________________ Twilight burst through her front door, That could have gone better. One side of her splitting mind said. Yeah, like not appearing like a mare in heat? her other said retorted. At least we didn't blow it. Good point, a knock on the door broke off her inner ramblings. She slowly made her way to her door, wondering who sat on the other side this time. Applejack? Twilight sure hoped not, she doubted she could even attempt to hold it together a second time. Well, here goes, and opened the door and stuck her head out... And jammed her head into Macintosh's massive chest. He took a startled step back as he took in her appearance. Twilight's hair just settled down, her brain settled back into one piece, and her smile grew wider and not lopsided. Just because she saw him. Seeing her visibly calm down he spoke, "Ah take it the lunch date didn't go as hoped?" Twilight's cheek reddened, "Let's just say that we're lucky Applejack isn't tanning your hide as we speak. What are the saddle bags for?" she gestured to his laden saddle bags. "Oh, nothin'. Just your surprise. Did you get the rest of the day off?" he asked. "Yes!" she shouted excitedly. "Well, Ah have a little somethin' for you," he handed her the larger box. "You shouldn't have," she grabbed the offered present. "Eeyup, I should've a while ago," he said. "Ohh! What is it!" she asked excitedly. "You gotta open it, Smartypants." "Oh, right," she said sheepishly. Twilight placed the present in front of her on the table. He held his breath as she carefully raised the lid. She drew in a breath of air rapidly, Ah snap he thought. Twilight stared at the box quietly; with a sudden burst of movement she tackled him. "Thatnkyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!!!!!!!" she yelled in his face. "Ah take it you like it?" he asked as she kept yelling. "Are you kidding me!? I love it! Where did you get her?" she held up her Smarty Pants doll in her magic as she nuzzled it affectionately. "Ah've, uh, had her for a while now," he blushed as he went on. "Ah just figured you'd want it back." "And you fixed her up! Her mane is brand new, her pelt has been repatched and you changed her stuffing!!" she gently placed Smarty Pants on the table. Twilight managed to calmly walk over to Macintosh and hugged him tightly. "I love you, Macintosh," she said against his chest. "And Ah love you too," he said. He held her tight before releasing her and he asked, "Now, do you want to get the rest of your first surprise?" Twilight cocked her head at just the right angle that made her look so damn cute! "There's more?" she asked. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes," Yes," he said exasperatedly; "If you'd actually check the rest of the box..." he left the rest of the sentence unsaid. Twilight levitated the box back over to her and sat down on the ground. Macintosh sat across from her. She carefully peered inside the box again. "Huh? Train tickets?" she asked as she levitated two slips of paper out of the box. "Yes, should say, 'departing at 1:30, today'" he said. "Where are we going?" she asked, eager for information. "Your home town, or should I say city? Of Canterlot," Twilight grabbed him in another bone crushing hug. "What are we waiting for then, let's get going!" she said excitedly. __________________________________________ The rather colorful train pulled into the Canterlot station to unload the eager passengers. "Come on, Macky! There's so much I have to show you!" she bounced out of the train car. "Well, sorry, but there's only one place I want to go," said the workpony. "Where's that?" said the unicorn, pouting. "The royal Canterlot library," he said, much to the unicorn’s shock which nearly instantly turned into excitement. "Really? You'd go there?" he nodded his confirmation. "Alright then, this way," she said and headed off into the busy streets of Canterlot. __________________________________________ The loving pair walked side by side through the crowd to arrive in front of a massive building, the doors alone seemed to be bigger than his barn, Macintosh pondered wonderfully. Twilight walked confidently forward and gently pushed one of the doors open with her magic. Macintosh hurried after her as to not get stuck outside. The doors led onto a massive circular room, bookshelves lined the walls but only the highlights and 'latest reads' were there. In between each set on bookcases, led into another room. Each one presumably for different genres. In the center sat a circular desk that the librarian sat inside of. At the sound of the door closing, the librarian looked up and her face alighted with joy as her eyes fell on Twilight. Ah, good ole Twilight, long time no see," she said friendly. "Sorry, been out of town. Say, have any of the new volume to Apple Care Supreme?" asked Twilight. The librarian caught sight of Macintosh's cutie mark and didn't bother to ask about who it was for. "Yes there is, it's in the 'All things Green' section, although you probably already knew that seeing you were the number one person to check those out, constantly," she said teasingly. Twilight blushed and said her thanks to the librarian before heading of to the presumable 'All things Green' section. Butterflies started gnawing on the inside of his stomach. Twilight grabbed a table in the empty room and soon levitated massive books over to it. Macintosh deliberately ran his hoof down her horn, causing her to lose her focus and old tomes hit the floor. "Macintosh! What do you think you're doing?" she whispered. "Remember how Ah said you had multiple surprises coming today?" she nodded in confirmation. "Well, here's the second one, and brace yourself. It's a doozy," his stomach churned at what she might say. His throat closed of its own accord, making it hard to speak. "Sure, I doubt it can be that bad. I mean, come on, I've saved Ponyville how many times?" she brushed off his warning. Macintosh grabbed her shoulders and gently lowered her into a chair. "Trust me," he said. She sighed in resignation and sat still. Macintosh dug through his thinning saddle bags and produced to small box. The massive farm stallion had never felt fear or trepidation before today, and he never wanted to experience them again. He stood in front of Twilight. In one smooth movement, he lowered his rump down to rest on the stone floor and opened the box slowly. Inside was a beautiful silver ring designed with spectacular flows and designs around a six pointed star burst. And it was intended to fit around onepony's wrist. "Twilight Sparkle, love of my life and mare of my dreams..." he paused and gathered his quickly fading courage. "Will you marry me?" A/N Hey guys, sorry it took me so long to update, and also sorry for the relitively short chapter. This was the first ime i was able to get some alone with my computer (My parents don't know i write, let alone know I'm a Brony). Kinda serious when i say this but my muse is starting to sing a different tune. Four different tunes to be exact. So, if you have any ideas, please leave a comment to help jumpstart my brain. Also, to TheWanderingPikaPony, i have a job offer for you. For now, i bid you goodbye until the net installment or me and Luar-tic have another write off, which may happen tomorrow. ~Knight Wing out. Chapter 7Chapter 7- Back to Reality Tension mounting yet? "Oh Macintosh, of course I will..." "Oi! Nurse! She's ah coming to!" bellowed a deep bass with worry, a pair of strong red fore hoofs gripped a smaller, lavender, hoof. The worry in the red stallion's voice was way too obvious, not that he cared although the orange mare back in the waiting room would beg to differ. "Don't worry, Big Macintosh. This is expected and encouraged, she should be up and about in a few days," a soft mare's voice quietly reassured the work stallion. The lavender mare that had been laying quietly on the bed was now stirring and trying to force her eyes open. And her eyelids felt glued shut. It hurt to even move, pain rocketed through her temples like lightning as the unicorn mare shifted her eyelids. She forced her eyelids to crack open and groaned in pain as blades of white light stabbed through her eyes and straight through her skull leaving a dull throbbing headache behind. But at least she could see now. And hear. All she could see was a giant white blur, at the moment, although a crimson smudge was right beside her. It came to her attention that she was laying down on crisp white sheets and delicate medical machines beeps softly on the opposite of the red blob. "Here, this should help with the drowsiness," said the gentle mare again. Twilight didn't even feel the small prick in her free fore leg as the Nurse administered the drug before the Nurse walked out to give them some privacy. Whatever it was, it acted fast. The lavender mare's visions sharpened suddenly, enough to make the mare shake her head as she took in her surroundings again. Small room. Sterile white. Medical machines. I'm in a hospital, this hit Twilight like a freight train as her brain thought up, verified, threw away, and created more possibilities on why she was here. Her shifting eyes landed on what used to be the red blob, having her vision sharpened immediately made Big Macintosh recognizable. Balloons floated to the ceiling and the small shelves were over flowing with flowers and cards to the point that they had started accumulating on the ground. The sight of the strong work stallion comforted her slightly but not by much, "Where am I?" she asked first off. The stallion's slight smile wavered a tad but came back, just as comforting as before, "Ya're in Ponyville's Top Hospital. Just stay calm and relax, ya need tah heal." Twilight closed her eyes with a content grin on her face at his answer, she laid her bed back down on the pillow. Before her head even settled on the fluffy pillow, the eyes snapped right back open. "Macintosh, what am I doing here." she ground the words out as she realized nopony had yet to offer a reason. "Ya're not well, get some rest and we'll talk again soon," his smile grew a little more confident as he nodded comfortingly. She cocked her head to the side in confusion, "Than what happened?" "Uh... Ya had an accident, yeah, that's it," Macintosh wouldn't meet her eyes. "What. Happened." Short choppy words. Macintosh's smile faltered, "Ya don't remember?" Now he was worried again. "No, all I remember is us going to Canterlot, checking into the Library, barely exploring before you distracted me and then blew me away by proposing," Twilight looked down at the fore hoof Macintosh was holding, seeing the silver band, "And I believe I said yes," she said with a nod to the wedding band. The red stallion's face paled, "Twi, that's not what happened at all..." he took a hoof away and started waving to get the Nurse's attention. "Then what in good. Hell. Did. Happen?" Big Macintosh wouldn't look at her as he tried to call the Nurse, he caught the glare out of the corner of his eye and looked back at her. Bluntly put, she was pissed. "Like I said, you had an accident..." Twilight narrowed her eyes at the skirting stallion, "What day is it?" "..." "Well?" she tried prompting. "You've been out for a few days..." he said in a small voice. "Out, out how?" now she was panicking a bit. "Um, Twi, you.... Uh... Were in a Coma." Silence reigned in the small room as Twilight's brain failed to compute this knowledge. "Start. Talking." ()()()()()() ~~~ Obviously before comatose Twilight ~~~ "Sssire, we've collected ssome, interesting, reportss from the Ssscouts." "Hmm, what is it?" "We have located the Archmage, the anti detection ssshield is faltering around her." "Just the Archmage?" "Yesss, but we assssume the other Elemental Demonsss are with her." "Perfect, initiate a Phassse One, ssomething sssubtle. Hmm, make it damaging as well though." "Yesss ssire, right away." Deep within the Everfree Forest, something primal stirred Multiple primal things. ()()()()()() Chapter 8Chapter 8 - The Pacifistic Warrior "Shuh bangity bangity bang!" sang Applebloom as she bashed two hammers together, heads first. A disgruntled red stallion held his little sister aloft atop his back as she nailed the ramp back to the Cutie Mark Crusader's tree house. "Ya done yet?" asked the annoyed big brother. "Uh, just about," said Applebloom as she stopped banging the hammers together and back onto the nails. Three nails later and a quick save to catch a falling filly, brother and sister headed back to the farm house trying to finish their last few chores before the sun set, and the skies were already orange. They reached the barn and set about they're different duties, Applebloom went to take care of the chickens while Macintosh sat down to sharpen the horrible dull plow. The red work stallion was left alone with the stone on metal rasping sound as he drew the whet stone down the length of the blade, working out dents and chinks out of the big metal plow from where rough runs into rocks had left them. The work helped to try eradicating the mental image stuck in his head, but the sight of Twilight sashaying her hips back and forth while leaving over the hill earlier had been near-imprinted onto his mind. Finally coming to the point of satisfaction for him, he set the now sharper plow was set down. He inspected the harness and wood frame, glad to see both holding up. Big Macintosh threw the whet stone so it landed right back on the work shelf where he had grabbed it. The red farm stallion was excited to say the least for his bed, because that meant he could sleep and as soon as he slept time would seem to go faster through the night and then it'd be his day off. And he was looking forward to it. It wasn't often he'd get a full day, well half-ish day because of Applejack's lunch date with Twilight, but still. He usually had to settle for moonlight meeting. Which were romantic as can be, but did wear down on the participants. The sun head set and night was falling rapidly so Macintosh left the barn for the night. As the red stallion headed up from the barn and towards the house, a weird sound, a sound that was way out of season. "Is that a howlin' Timberwolves, I hear?" asked the creaky old Granny Smith from the rocking chair on the front porch. Applejack poked a confused head out the front door, "Sure sounds like it, but Zap Apple season is ways away..." "HOOOOOOOOOWWWWUUUUUU!!" "Okay, that one was way closer," now Applejack sounded worried. "Uh, Mac, keep headed this way would ya?" Big Macintosh continued moving toward the house, now at a brisk trot. He was almost at the porch when all the blood drained from his sister's face and she jabbed a hoof towards him, actually at something behind him, "MACINTOSH, RUN!" Not even questioning his sister or her actions, Macintosh broke out into a flat out gallop. The racing stallion dared a quick flash of sight over his shoulder. At least eight Timberwolves had exploded out of the tree line that bordered Sweet Apple Acres, and were charging straight for the farm house. Granny Smith had already gone inside and was thankfully standing to the side of the door as Big Macintosh barreled through. Applejack slammed the door closed and rammed the dead bolt home. The red work pony reached for the wood chopping axe behind the door. He picked it up in his mouth and tested the weight by swinging a few graceful figure eights in the air. He braced himself, ready to swing. Thundering paws grew louder. The wolves bayed as they grew closer to their prey. You want dinner? silently asked Macintosh as he swung the axe again, Good Luck. The noises of the hunting Pack grew closer and louder, bearing down on the farm house. Louder. Closer. Louder. Closer. Louder until the point that Macintosh thought they had already started trampling about inside the house. The thundering grew even louder and the stallion braced himself for the unheard but definitely felt climax. And then nothing. The thundering paws passed the house. Yes, passed around the farm house and began fading into the distance. The red stallion looked at his sister in the Stetson, they traded confused looks. Gears whirred and turned inside their head at the recent events. Both looked at each other with shock as they reached the same conclusion. Big Macintosh sprinted out the door, axe still in mouth as his eyes confirmed what he feared. The eight, now seeming to be plus eight Timberwolves had completely by passed the farm house and farm in general. And we're heading straight for Ponyville. Twi..., Macintosh sprinted into another flat out gallop as fear for his lover set in. "Mac, look out!" Applejack's voice barely registered in his mind, but the giant blue, be speckled with stars paw slamming in front of him did. His jaw dropped and the axe dropped out of his mouth in absurdity at the giant looming over him. Night sky blue fur. Studded with stars. The Ursa Minor probably hadn't even noticed Macintosh as it stepped over him, or the white picket fence it crushed in multiple places. It was following directly in the path of the Timberwolves... Toward Ponyville as well. Big Macintosh picked up the axe in his mouth and sprinted for the village again. ()()()()()() Ponyville was for all intents and purposes, a War Zone. Or at least the bit that Big Macintosh saw. But strangely enough, as far as he could tell, nopony had been harmed. Ponies were either running screaming and hollering or just seemed dazed. Macintosh didn't bother too much brain power on this question of uninjured ponies. The red powerhouse soon caught up with the Timberwolves and Ursa Minor on there path of destruction. The night sky blue Ursa Minor carved a swath of destruction like a small tornado was passing through Ponyville, mostly avoiding full on crushing buildings but taking down walls and windows. The Timberwolves however were absolutely swarming over buildings. Shoving themselves threw windows and doors before emerging shortly after. Often, ponies would flee terrified from their homes screaming. TheWolves maybe gave them a passing snarl or bared teeth but no pursuit. What are they doing...? now Big Macintosh questioned the Timberwolves strange behavior. Something's stirrin' up these creatures mighty fierce, Macintosh suddenly had to leap sideways as the Ursa Minor unknowingly swung a heavy paw that was on a trajectory to occupy the same space as him. Whatever he landed on violently started bucking and writhing before Macintosh realized he was on another pony. Leaping off him, Big Macintosh then ran at full gallop to catch up with the pack. He then targeted the first Timberwolf he saw, a smaller one that had just entered through somepony's doorway. The red stallion charged through the door after it. As it ended up as, the Timberwolf had turned around and was about to exit the house when Big Macintosh blew through the door and into the Wolf. The large stallion straight up broke or dislocated the Wolf's left shoulder as Big Macintosh had lowered his right shoulder, his much stronger and tougher shoulder. The Timberwolf went sprawling down the foyer, it quickly regained composure on its three legs and charged the ready stallion. As it limped a charge at him, Macintosh side stepped with ease and swung the axe up and then viciously down on the Wolf's neck. The Wolf's body went slack and hit the floor, but not as a whole. When it hit the floor, the Wolf's body parts went flying everywhere Big Macintosh turned away to start walking away, to find his next target, the sound of wood clattering around and hitting the tougher floor boards cause the stallion to pause. Turning about and looking at the wood pieces that once was a Timberwolf, he couldn't believe his eyes as a sickly green magic surrounded the wood. The scattered pieces then reformed into the snarling, vicious form of the recently deceased Timberwolf. It was within striking distance, and it raised it's right paw to slash at him with it's wooden claws. The red work pony didn't even give it a chance, the axe was swung around in a haymaker movement, shattering the Timberwolf's foreleg. It glared fiercely at him before resuming it's approach. Big Macintosh brought the axe down square on it's forehead. Splitting the wood there and plunging into empty space. He yanked out the axe with a cold tug as the Timberwolf collapsed for a second time. This time, Big Macintosh didn't walk away, he watched the pile of scrapes. After a good moment of them not moving, Macintosh began to walk away again, only to hear wood clattering yet again. Fed up with retarded regenerating wolves, Big Macintosh went on a chopping frenzy. Slamming the axe up and down until all that was left was tinder mince meat. Breathing heavily, Macintosh snorted at the pile of finely chopped wolf, daring it to regenerate. Grunting in acknowledgement, he shifted the axe shaft in his mouth. And for a third freaking redundant time, the pile shifted in its sickly green glow again. His back still turned, Big Macintosh looked back over his shoulder. Wide, intense eyes that appeared ready to kill. Pursed lips that conveyed an annoyed attitude. All in all, Big Macintosh looked about 500 percent done with this Timberwolf's regenerating bovine excrement. Swinging the blade flat to the pile, not blade first but to provide the most surface area. He swung it like a cricket bat, sending tiny bits of wood flying everywhere. Out the door, into the kitchen, and into the adjacent room. Then, to his utter horror, the pieces still tried to pull themselves together. This is Ridiculous. I can't kill this one Timberwolf, how do I kill the others?, the red stallion kicked a larger piece savagely out the door. A sudden though accrued to him, one of a slightly reclusive stallion. There's only one pony here that probably knows how to fill these things, and he's a pacifist... ()()()()()() Chapter 9Chapter 9 . . "Oi! Stay awa' frea me!", this, accompanied by short choppy barks and the thud of something large falling over, resonated from the smithery. . "Sonuvafuck! Doon dumb dug!" Big Macintosh hefted the wood chopping axe before poking his snout inside. . The big brown Scotstallion was practically prancing about his work area, mainly circling the big pile of embers in the middle that was his smithery oven. As a Timberwolf of the smaller variant chased after him. Both lumbering four legged creatures knocked over projects off the shelves to further clutter the path. The blacksmith was taking no offensive measures whatsoever, keeping his (or at least trying to) distance away from the gnashing jaw and slicing claws. . Big Macintosh stood there in the doorway, mouth agape and axe on the floor as he watched in shock, the stallion bigger than him run away from the smallish Timberwolf. . The red farm stallion watched for a moment before shaking his head and yelling out, "Just hit the damn dog!" He raised a hoof as he prepared to march in and take over from Celtic Slew, before his next comment made him stop walking in general. . "Can't! No innocents have been harmed at all!" Celtic threw this over his shoulder at Macintosh. . Macintosh cocked his head to the side in confusion, "So? Shouldn't be stopping ya from hittin' it." . The black smith flashed him a sheepish looking smile, "Curse, vow, dumb promise, call it what ya will. But be reminded I'm only pacifist for a limit." . Suddenly, he stopped running and came to a full stop, letting the wolf slam into him. Celtic's ears pricked at attention and angled out the window, picking up a wounded cry from somepony. . The Timberwolf, still stumbling from running into the rock hard Earth Pony, was picked up by it's throat and then was locked in the eyesight of a now great angry Scotstallion. . "Somepony's been hurt, all bets are off now," said the blacksmith with a malicious grin. Fore hoof kept outstretched, holding the Timberwolf aloft, Celtic turned and slammed the Wolf's face into the glowing hot embers of the forge. The wolf howled in agony as the wood that made up it's face charred and burned. . Smoke curled above the howling beast as the scent of burning pine wafted through the air. . After what felt like an eternity to the Wolf, Celtic picked it back up and threw it bodily into his spare arms locker. The brown heavily built pony shrugged his shoulders after the debacle while the farm pony was appalled at that he just witnessed. . Celtic turned to face Big Macintosh, "What? Even Pacifistic Highlanders have their limits, mine just happens to be innocents." . The black smith reached under a counter and retracted a spade headed shovel, walking out the front door, "Come on laddie, bitches await." . Working quickly as the sound of baying Timberwolves and the roaring of the Ursa Minor acting as great incentive, Celtic slammed the spade repeatedly into the ground with his hooves and mouth. Voraciously digging down a foot before striking something solid. . Slew reached in and grasped a wooden box with his mouth, yanking it out, "Oh yea, baby. Ah'm back." . He opened the wooden chest revealing many things but he only pulled out four things. A bundle of cloth that looked as if plates of metal was sewn into it, a black watch saddle bag, and two octagonal hammers set on short handles. Short being a foot and a half. The hammer heads themselves were over a foot long in length and the 'diameter' of the octagonal faces of the prism hammer was roughly six to eight inches. . The Scotstallion unraveled the cloth and adeptly wrapped it around his waist and hind legs, revealing it to indeed be an armored kilt. He cinched the belt on and then threw the saddle bags over his barrel of a body and tightened it as objects inside it clattered around. Celtic looked at Big Macintosh, then the axe held loosely in his mouth, and then back to Macintosh. . "Ah am not going in town while you have a weapon as unclassy as that, wait one," the big brown pony trotted back into the shop and soon trotted back out, hoping a generic double bladed battle axe swinging loosely in his mouth. . "Here, now we can kill bitches," he said as he tossed it to Macintosh. . The red stallion finally his voice, "Just like that? Ah walk in, and not a moment later you're set and ready to kill things." . Now the big brown Scotstallion was confused, "What d'you mean laddie? Hot mares are in danger, and you know what hot mares like more than being saved by a sexy, albeit sweaty, Scotstallion swinging great lumps of metal around?" He hefted his dual hammers. "Really though, I have no idea what they like more than that, if you know, do share," With that, Celtic Slew began to wander off. . "Hold on, there's a violent horde of Timberwoles, a freaking Ursa Minor and you're gonna march in there because of hot mares?" Macintosh grabbed Celtic's saddle bag to slow him down. . Celtic Slew huffed, "Nope, that was just a joke. Ah'm a Highlander, Ah gotta save bitches." . He said this with such serious conviction that both stallions burst out laughing after a short period of tense eye contact, "Sheesh Mac, of course it's for the hot mares!" . "Now hold on, there IS a small army of them! What makes you so confident about just marching in!" exclaimed Big Macintosh. . "Looooong damn back story, and we ain't got time. All you need to know is that Ah'm a badass Ah've trained badasses. And that Ah was so badass Ah had to leave my home land for fear of my loved ones as nopony could touch me but could harm them." . He turned away from the farm pony and glared at a random point in the air, saying to nothing in particular, "And Ah'm not OP, go bug the writer for the rest of the story." . Acting as though nothing strange had just happened, he turned back to Macintosh who had an inquisitive look on his face. "Just a trick Ah learned by watching Pinkie, don't think to hard about it or you'll get a headache," said Celtic as he began to trot off. . The red stallion shook his head and began to trot after him. "Game plan?" mumbled Macintosh around the axe handle. . "Ah dunno, Ah'm just wingin' it, bitches like that," with that, Celtic Slew loped off towards Ponyville. . . ()()()()()() . . Both stallions arrived in the center of Ponyville after their brisk trot. The red stallion had insisted to charge immediately for Twilight Sparkle's treehouse but the Scotstallion said this was more tactically savvy. Amid all the chaos and confusion however, both armed stallions went by unnoticed. Ponies ran pill mill and so did the Timberwolves. A few fires seemed to have started in various parts of the village for smoke started to spread around. Ponies yelled and screamed while Wolves growled and howled, adding together to create a cacophony of noise with the loud roar of the Ursa Minor as the bass back up. . They exchanged worried glances as the Ursa Minor continue to rampage around, and the Timberwolves studiously ignored them to run amuck and terrorize ponies. . "Don't hate me," was all the warning Big Macintosh got before Celtic Slew unfolded a large plaid thing out of his right saddle bag. He snapped some pipes from his left bag before holding the sagging lump of pipes and cloth up and placing a thin reed between his lips. . [youtube=http://youtu.be/PSH0eRKq1lE] . The noise that spewed forth from the strange lump frankly hurt the red stud's ears. It started relatively high before dropping down an octave or so and bouncing around between notes very rapidly before stabilizing out into a swift heroic sounding tune. . The strange noise made Big Macintosh want to do two things. Either to destroy the infuriating noise, or, the more liable of the two, to destroy every evil being currently in this village with extreme prejudice. Macintosh was pumped. . Unfortunately, all movement around them stopped. The Timberwolves had highly tuned ears that now almost bled from the horrendous noise. A herd's worth of eyes narrowed into glares, teeth were bared and low growls emitted from the horde surrounding the two stallions. . Macintosh was twitchy, he kept moving. Understandable as he was surrounded by Timberwolves who are all pissed at the stallion next to him. Thanks to the level of adrenaline being pumped through him, he almost launched himself into low orbit when Celtic quietly whispered in his ear, "Granted, not mah best plan..." "But at least we got their attention." . The farm stallion steadied himself, "What now?" . "Hmm, you know, it's kinda a good thing we're surrounded," the Scotstallion said this as if he was a third party looking in on this from above, not as if he was about to have his throat ripped out. . Macintosh whipped his axe near a Timberwolf that tried to edge closer and it slunk off with a growl, "And what good is that?" . Smiling with a cheeky grin, "We're surrounded, that simplifies things!" . "How can you be so damn cheerful! We're surrounded by more than a score of bloodthirsty wolves!" . "Yeah, those poor bastards," Celtic Slew reached to his waist and tightened his belt. With absolutely no warning or sign, the brown power house was leaping full up into the air and pouncing for the Timberwolf closet to him with the blood curdling war cry tearing from his throat. . "FAUGH A BALLAGH" . Ah hail was all Big Macintosh thought before he launched himself at the mass of Timberwolves with the raging Scotstallion. . Celtic held his dual hammers somehow in his hooves, and as he came down, his right hammer struck with all his muscular strength and the momentum of the jump, right on a Timberwolf. A direct hit where the base of the neck met the torso. Shattering the entire wolf on the spot. . Right hammer slammed into the ground, grinding bits of wood beneath it, another Timberwolf jumped at him. His right hammer still connected to the ground, he swung a vicious back hand swing with his left, catching its jaw and blowing its head apart into small bits. . He paused and locked his stance, now separated from Big Macintosh and muttered to himself, "Surrounded by assholes, all alone... Oh yea, Ah'm back. If only Steel Head and Shadowflash were here." He then launched himself back into the fray. . Macintosh at first tried to keep up with Celtic Slew, but a sea of Timberwolves quickly swallowed the space between the veteran and the greener than grass farm pony. . Acting solely on instinct, he barreled into one before slamming the heavy axe into its crown and through the head, into the soft ground underneath. . Low growls behind him made him jump around, he bucked in midair with his hind legs. Pain spiked up his legs and the Timberwolf attempting to pounce on him was nailed in the chest. The wood shattered and Macintosh's legs shot through into the Wolf's body cavity, getting stuck. . With his legs stuck in the body, the Farmpony decided to try and emulate Celtic, he spat the hammer into his hooves. . Huh, I didn't drop it, that's weird..., sure enough, the Axe was being easily held on his right hoof, as though it was magnetic. . His eyes caught a flash out of the corner of his eye as another Timberwolf made a move, he almost acted without thinking when the axe spoke. . Yes, the axe spoke. . Kick and thrash legs, roll under leaping Wolf's trajectory and violent uppercut, sounding relatively reasonable, so not hesitating, Big Macintosh scissored his legs apart, cracking and destroyingr the body entrapping his legs. . He leapt into a roll as the Timberwolf pounced, it sailed over him. . Cutting his role short, he sprang to his feet swinging the axe from the ground up with all his might. Slamming it into its chest. . The Timberwolf simply collapsed all around him in pieces. . Macintosh stood and regarded the axe with a confused expression, wondering what the actual hail was going on. . Backwards roll, suddenly sounded in his head. . Not hesitating again, Macintosh rolled backwards in time to see a Wolf leap through the air he was occupying earlier. . Now the red monolith was startled, making the mistake of taking his mind off the fight and looking at the strange axe. . From across the square came the distance Scottish accent, "Just trust the axe!" . Big Macintosh looked up in confusion, Snap axe up to block. . Once again acting before thinking, he snapped it up and presented the face of the axe with himself to provide the most cover area to block. . Wooden claws raked over the steel in a ear splitting screech, startling him. . Backswing, now, Macintosh twirled around, Axe swinging in a blurry haymaker. The sharp axe blade cleanly decapitated the rearing Timberwolf behind him. . The axe talks, thought Macintosh, Alrighty then. . Spotting a Timberwolf, the red stallion didn't wait for the axe to tell him what to do, he charged it. Barreling towards it, Macintosh went tunnel vision and locked onto it with an intense gaze, almost willing it to explode before he got to it. . Simple Diversion ya dumb nut, swing right. . The farm pony stumbled slightly as the axe's orders conflicted, his hooves caught traction again and he took off. . To the right! . This time, the orders rang more clearly in Macintosh's head and he tried to slow down and swing his massive frame to the right. . Too late, don't say I didn't warn you. . The charging Timberwolf slammed into Macintosh's side, raking its claws threw his skin and slicing down his side, creating three long slashes. . Pain acted as a great incentive for action, more adrenaline flooded his system and blocked the majority of the pain. Warmth spread from the wound and down his side to seep down to his stomach. . The new source of adrenaline also found his vocal cords, "AAARRRRGGGGGHH!" . Macintosh snapped his around and used the momentum from the spin to slam the axe blade deep into the Timberwolf's chest. The axe blade buried itself deep in the chest, to the point that the entire head was inside the Wolf. . Macintosh gave it a vicious twist and rotated the axe ninety degrees, before yanking it out to cause a gaping hole to form in the Wolf's chest. . The Wolf stood there stunned, clawing weakly at the huge hole, before collapsing into a pile of tinder. . Macintosh lowered into a crouch,l and darted his eyes around. Seeing nothing, he spun around to check the other side of the clearing, hot liquid ran down his side and flung off of him as he snapped about. . The clearing was empty except for two things. . A Timberwolf trying desperately to flee from an enraged Scotstalling. . And an enraged Scotstallion hurtling his right hammer like a Tomahawk. . The heavy, flying, chunk of metal slammed into the Wolf's skull with a tremendous *CRACK* splitting it and knocking it clean off. . The rest of the Wolf's body continued running before crashing into a building's wall and turning into a heap of kindling. . Despite himself, and the serious situation, the Farmpony let out a short snort of laughter. . The Scotstallion seemed to calm back down from his rage and went to retrieve the thrown hammer, he then sighed in exasperation. . Trotting over, "So talking axes?" . Exasperation fading, Celtc smiled, "Yeah, Ah make 'em and an ol' buddy of mine enchants them for the newbies being thrown straight into combat." . "Remind me to not piss off you or any other Highlanders." . "Trust me, you won't need a reminder for that." . Celtic looked around the clearing before narrowing his eyes in anger. "Sonuvafock," he threw that with a short bark of annoyance. . Macintosh looked at him in confusion, "What's the problem?" . The big brown blacksmith smiled thinly at the smaller stallion, "First off, save for that pile of new kindling, we're alone in this square now." . "No we're not, there's all the Timberwolves around here..." Macintosh trailed off as he looked around. Celtic was right, all the wolves had reformed and fled. Save a few small piles that seemed to have been hit too hard to reconstruct, "Luna damnit." . "Exactly mah sentiments, should have spread this stuff as Ah fought. Ah probably could of but mayhap wouldn't come out completely unscathed," Celtic Slew withdrew a small canister from his saddle bags. . Trotting over to the pile of fresh wood, hammers swinging from straps attached to the bases of the handles and looped up to Celtic's elbows(?). Gently squeezing the canister with his teeth, it let out a dark and viscous fluid, covering the Wolf. . "Uh, Celtic? What is that?" nervously asked the Farmpony. . Not answering him directly, "Ah, Ah love the smell of Napalm," he pulled a match out side of his bags and struck it across his hammer. Before flicking it at the pile of Wolf. . "That oughta kill it, no reforming for that bastorwd," Celtic Slew smiled maliciously into the rising flames, "Now, to find the others." . He walked off, while Big Macintosh stared dumbly at the flames, "B-b-but, that was a living creature!" . Not stopping, Celtic shrugged, "Not anymore!" he said in a cheerful voice. . "You killed it!" Macintosh yelled accusingly as he turned away from the flames and trotted to catch up to the deadly Scotstallion. . "Yeah, and now we got one less to worry about," he didn't even glance over at Macintosh as the red stallion caught up to him. . The Farmpony tried to stop Celtic with a hoof on his shoulder, "That's just wrong, it was a innocent Timberwolf!" . "HA! Innocent," now Celtic stopped and locked eyes with Macintosh, "If ya had given it a chance, it would have ripped out your throat with nary a second thought." He began to walk off again. . Macintosh held his ground, "That's what makes us different from animals. We care." . The Scotstallion spun around, now with anger in his eyes, "Well too Lunadamned bad! It's kill or be killed, or kill or they kill others. No more of this peaceful bovine excrement." . "Just do it, Ah nary care about their little feelings. A dead enemy is better than a your self conscience staying clean! Kill an enemy when you get the chance, or pay the price for 'innocence'." He sneered the last word out. . "But it--" . "No buts, welcome to the way of the Warrior. It sucks, but if we do it, others are spared the suffering of it," Celtic seemed to soften a tad, "You've already been whacking away at them with an axe, Mac. With the intent to kill." . Macintosh almost wanted to throw the 'evil' axe away in disgust, but something stopped him, "Fine, let's go get the rest of those sorry sons of female doggies." . "There we go! Not exactly mah choice of words but that's the idea!" Celtic clapped him on the shoulder and began trotting off again. . Shaking his head to clear it, Macintosh quickly followed him. . Following the conspicuous track of clawed feet away from the square, the battle duo reached the mark where the mass of paw prints separated into two tracks. Ponies sprinted past them, some carrying items or foals, all sprinting somewhere, anywhere, who knows where. A pony almost collided with Celtic, who looked after it as she bounded away. His face read, Really mare? Working stallions here. Or at least that was the expression on his face. He looked back at the path, now two separate paths. . "Well jobby, well, one set goes towards close to Town Hall and the other goes..." Celtic trailed off as he looked up from the path. . Which led straight to the library on the edge of town. . Glancing at Macintosh, "Ah know which path we're taking then." . A sharp scream of a mare air cut through the rest of the chaotic noise of ponies clambering about. . From the direction the other path led to. . "Um, uh, oh, hmm, huh. Shit," the Scotstallion looked at Macintosh, "Sorry, just ran through a half dozen plans and there's only one logically for maximum effectiveness. We gotta split." . "Ah got this set," said the red stallion as he pointed on the direction of the Library. . Celtic smiled at the stallion, "Of course you do, Ah got dibs on that Ursa though, Ah could use a nice fur blanket or rug. Now, may you see the sunrise. Or die trying." . With those cheery words, Celitc galloped off away from Macintosh, who spun the axe in a quick, readying, circle before taking off towards the library. . . . There's Always TomorrowThe loving pair eventually made their way back to the barn carrying apple laden baskets, Macintosh was carrying nearly twice as much as Twilight. "Ah was wonderin' what happened to y'all," said Applejack as she came out of the barn, "Ah was about tah go lookin' for you." Twilight turned her face away slightly as she began blushing profusely, remembering what she had wanted to do out there. "How's thah schedule lookin' AJ?" asked Macintosh. "Mighty fine, thanks tah Twilight here," said the farm mare. "Oh, it was nothing," said Twilight. "Ha! By nothin' you must mean a giant head start!" said Applejack enthusiastically. "Just you helping has pushed our schedule about three days forward." Twilight's blush returned with a vengeance at Applejack's praising. "Really though, I just wanted to help," said the librarian. "Anyways, I'll be sellin' apples in Ponyville tomorrow, when Ah finish doyou want tah get lunch with me?" Twilight completely ignored the question and asked, "Doesn't Macintosh worked the apple stand?" "Eeyup, I was gonna give him a day off," Applejack explained. Inside, Twilight was about to explode with excitement but outside, "Sounds good, Applejack. Just stop by the library whenever you're done!" Twilight struggled to keep calm with the prospect of Macintosh having a day off. "Ok then, come on Big Mac, the barn needs a little fixin'," Applejack started walking away. Macintosh started to follow but Twilight stepped in front of him, "As for you, you should come over after my lunch date with Applejack and we'll do something fun." Twilight caught his blush and smiled, "Maybe that kind've fun if you're lucky." She walked down the path and towards Ponyville and Macintosh just stood there thinking, What did Ah do to get a mare like her, and find myself in Ponyville's biggest scandal that'll have Applejack in a rage when she finds finds out.
Chapter 1Chapter 1- Meeting by Moonlight A massive, heavily built red stallion plodded up a set of well worn stairs in the farm house. He reached the top and silently walked a course to his shut door. He padded by a door slight ajar, various voices sounded slightly shrill from little filly forms. "It's mah house, so Ah get more bed then yous two!" shouted a easily recognizable Applebloom "Oh, come on Bloomie, you know I flutter my wings in my sleep. And that takes room," stated a brown Pegasus filly. "Oh, please. I'm a proper lady and therefore need the most," the red stallion winced slightly at the high and somewhat whiny tone of one Sweetie Belle. "Sheesh, ya sound more like Rarity with every passin' day!" exclaimed the yellow filly. The solid stallion carefully walked into his room, trying his best to not cause the Cutie Mark Crusaders to descend on him. He poked his way through the wooden door and immediately lifted the heavy yoke from his shoulders, holding the collar of wood in his teeth and gingerly setting the somewhat prized possession on a stand he had made from scratch. A strong voice called from the hallway, "Ya going tah sleep now, Big Mac?" said a tired Applejack as she poked her head through his door. He responded with a dip of his head and a simple, "Eeyup." "Ah well, night big brother," with that she closed his door and walked down to her room. "Good Night, Big Mac!" yelled out the energetic yellow filly, Applebloom "Sleep well!" shrilly sang out Sweetie Belle. "Night," was all the brown Scootaloo said. "Now girls, remember to actually sleep this time and no midnight crusading!" sternly yelled the orange farm mare through her door. The three filly Cutie Mark Crusaders immediately quieted down. Big Mac listened intently as he tried to gauge when it'd be safe to go. Annoyed grumbling came from the direction of Applejack's room about how come Rarity couldn't host the sleepover. His ears caught the slight squeaking of Applejack's bed as she climbed in while quite a bit of sheet rustling and twisting sounded from Applebloom's room. Macintosh rolled his emerald eyes and he decided he'd better find a way to entertain himself while he waited. He casted his eyes around the room, and didn't see much. His large bed was tucked into the corner opposite of the door, the one window in his room near the foot of it. The spartan like dresser had a few drawers but was adorned with a stack of books, due to be returned. His eyes landed on the novel he was working on that laid in his night stand. His hooves avoiding squeaky boards without conscious thought, Big Macintosh made his way to the larger sized bed. Flopping rather carelessly onto the sturdy frame, he reached over to his night stand and grabbed the most recent novel Ponyville's librarian had hooked him on. Flipping open the cover, which read in flowing script, Romeo and Juliet. He leafed through the pages for his book mark. Big Macintosh generally wasn't one read a love story or a tragedy, let alone a love tragedy but it seemed to him that reading tragic stories kept him grounded. Which had proven difficult for the red stallion because life seemed to be a little hard to believe at times. 'Even with Applejack getting the barn and farm house demolished every other month,' he thought in an annoyed tone. Macintosh settled down to read. (:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:) Clear across the Apple Orchards and past the heart of Ponyville, shifted a lavender mare impatiently between her sheets. A baby dragon shifted and circled in his woven basket for what seemed to be its hundredth time as it again settled down to supposedly sleep. 'Oh, come on already!' frantically thought the unicorn mare. As the baby dragon shifted to begin circling again, the mare decided she had enough, her horn lighting up with transparent magic as she settled a sleeping charm over the little tyke. The baby dragon then started an outrageously loud snore that reverberated throughout the library. "Okay," she quietly whispered to herself with a little satisfaction. Slipping silently through the sheets, she made her way down the wooden stairs. Levitating a largish picnic basket from behind her desk, Twilight Sparkle made her way out of the library to her secret rendezvous. (:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:) Macintosh laid the book down and cocked his ears towards to the door. Gentle snoring sounded from the direction of the orange mare's room while hushed whispering still came from the fillies. He hoofed around for his book mark and stuck it into the tight space that held the book together. Macintosh laid the book in his lap, being a little thoughtful for a moment. While Applejack did seem intent on destroying the property every other month or so, Macintosh's life was sailing high for him. He was at peak physical performance, Applebucking was a breeze for him, and anything else was easy. The cider press seemed to run itself almost and his plow cut like a razor through the fields. His yoke tried to run away from him when attached to the cart and his charm just made apples fly from the Apple Stand. But life wasn't always a certain constant in his life. He had finally achieved what nearly every stallion or mare tried to do. He had gotten himself a special somepony. But, while others may get a special somepony, and that pony becomes a constant, dependable place in their life. One that they can relatively predict and generally know. Maybe regretfully, his special somepony was just as likely to cause a massive frenzy over the world ending as she would over just an overdue letter. Macintosh ruefully shook his head as he though of her, truth be told, he did love her, and her panic attacks had subsided greatly over the past year. Most likely in no small part from him. He looked out his window that faced the East, which allowed the sun to wake him up relatively easily. He smiled again as he remembered his date tonight. Macintosh carefully listened for any tell tale signs of his siblings or the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Not so gentle snoring came form Applejack's room and hushed whispers still sounded form Applebloom's room. Ah hail, if Ah wait for those foals to sleep, I'll miss mah date. Climbing out of bed quietly, Macintosh deftly killed his lantern and he stealthily crept to his window. By the window was his large tactical back pack. Macintosh didn't really know why he was so fond of standard issue style bags, but he always had one. Although it's size and ability to carry massive quantities of most anything really appealed to the larger built stallion. His hoofs opened the window with ease, and prep before-hoof allowed the window to be opened in complete silence. A warm night breeze struck his chest as he checked the ground for anypony, even though it was highly unlikely that anypony would be around Sweet Apple Acres at this hour. Macintosh carefully lifted up his pack and dangled it out his window. He steeled himself and dropped the bag. Fifteen feet below, the bag landed with a muted thud and he heard the tough fabric rustle as it shifted around. His fore hooves grappled with the side of the house and found purchase, his upper body slid out and be then doubled over. Bringing his hind legs onto the ledge where he sat crouched. Macintosh took a deep breath before stepping off the ledge. Snapping himself around, Macintosh reached for the ledge. After countless times of doing this, he instinctively caught the ledge and hung there. Complete silence reigned. Giving himself a brief nod of self accomplishment, he let go of the ledge. Belaying his massive size and weight, he gracefully hit the ground, rolled to his hooves with yet more silence. Macintosh crouched in the shadows of the farm house. Luna's moon shone brightly in the night as he waited to make sure nopony had noticed his exit. After his cloak and dagger exit, he stayed crouched and stealthily made his way to the dropped bag. Macintosh swung the large 'Tac bag' onto his back and buckled the waist and chest strap typical to Military Back Packs. Satisfied in the way the weight sat on his back, and sure it wouldn't go anywhere, Macintosh set away from the farm house. Not even ten yards away from here he dropped down, when suddenly... *CRACK* Macintosh lifted his fore hoof in horror to see the old, dry pile of branches he had just crushed. He fearfully looked back over his shoulder as his fears were confirmed. "Shhhhh," he heard Applebloom hiss. "What was that?" asked Scootaloo. "Let's go find out!" Applebloom again. "We should go get Applejack!" suggested Sweetie Belle. "Nah, she'll just put is back to bed and Big Mac will say it's nothing," said Applebloom. "Let's go hunting!" said Scootaloo. "Cutie Mark Crusaders Monster Hunters!" they all but yelled in unison. As he heard them clamber out of bed and start to head outside, he galloped full speed down the trail to Ponyville. (:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:) Atop a grass knoll with a stereotypical lone tree, nervously paced a lavender mare. She stopped her movement and lit her horn up in her translucent magic. A large picnic basket was levitated, the mare triple checked inside it, making sure all her ingredients were in there for a great night. Her special picnic blanket was thrown out. It a hard, coarse material on the bottom to allow it continuous contact with the ground while the top was meticulously padded with various fluff and goose feathers. The picnic basket was settled back down onto the blanket, not in the center, but quite a bit closer to a corner to allow more room for two ponies to lay on. A telescope was propped up near the middle of the blanket, on the edge though. "What if he forgot?" The stallion in question was running a tad late, and he made a point to not be late. The fretting mare flitted over to the telescope to peer through it. Satisfied that it was in the correct position, she nervously trotted back over to the picnic basket. "What if he doesn't like idea of a romantic date?" she asked the night sky. The mare knew that was preposterous as soon as she said it. She was certain she knew her special somepony, and he wouldn't care what they were doing as long as she was enjoying herself. "What if he thinks I'm a super Egghead and won't want to be with me anymore," the moon seemed to rotate as if it wanted to smack her for speaking such blasphemous words, there was no way that he would let go of her just because of that. The lavender mare plagued herself with 'what ifs' when a massive red stallion cleared his throat right behind her. The sudden noise startled the pacing mare out of her train of though and she whirled around. Twilight took up a slightly defensive pose, "Macintosh! You're here!" she leapt at him and threw her forearms around his neck. "I'm so glad you came!" she nuzzled into his neck. "Sorry Ah'm late, and why wouldn't Ah come? Ah'd do anything for my Special Somepony," he said while nuzzling the the base of her neck. She blushed as she remembered her nervous pacing. "Well, I didn't know if you liked this sorta thing," she blushed and looked down at their hooves. He lifted her head with his hoof, "Ah'll do whatever you do and go wherever you go," he smiled before adding, "and it isn't as if we haven't done something like this before." Twilight blushed again and Twilight took advantage of how close their muzzles were to each other. Their muzzles barely inch apart. Twilight edged upwards and her top lip met his bottom lip. Both their mouths opened and she lightly bit his lower lip before leading into a more elevated position to get to him. Macintosh carefully kept himself in check, know that he sometimes had to stay level headed for both of them. He kissed her slowly before breaking off, "Now please tell me that basket is full of food, 'cause Ah had a light dinner when you said the words 'Midnight Picnic'." She giggled and walked over to the blanket with him, their sides grazing each other. "Of course I did, I've gotten used to your massive appetite, Dear Sir." And you wouldn't believe how much I've been eating myself lately." Twilight then twisted her body and gazed at her rump, "It doesn't show, does it?" Macintosh tactfully took the chance and stared at her plot for a bit before saying, "Eenope, you must be workin' more." She reached in the basket and pulled out two hay sandwiches, one bigger then the other. Even with her late eating habits, there was no way Twilight could eat as much as Macintosh. He smiled appreciatively before taking a huge bite. He chewed through it with quick efficiency, swallowed, and asked, "So how was your getaway?" He took another bite as she talked. She laughed and sat down on the blanket, "You wouldn't believe how long it took Spike to fall asleep! And then he was snoring in the most obnoxious manner possible!" He chuckled as she imitated her Number One Assistant. He sat down beside her with their flanks touching. "Well?" she asked, "Your's couldn't have been any worse than mine." An undercurrent of challenge ran through her words. He briefly recounted his near disaster run in with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. She snorted before redundantly adding, "That would have been awkward if they found you." "Ah know, and then Applejack would've come out and things would've gotten way worse," he glanced at her meaningly. "I know you don't want to hide it anymore, but I don't want any word of any sort getting back to my family," she leaned against his shoulder. "Plus, I doubt AJ would be happy that you are with anypony that's not Fluttershy." The shared a little laugh over Applejack's strange overprotectiveness for her big brother. "I'm pretty sure Shining Armor would be way worse than anything Applejack could dish out on me," she said. "And if he tries to get between us Ah will buck him straight back tah Cantorlot," he said, right on the heels of her previous comment. "You wouldn't, you're far to gentle and kind," she looked up at him, "a few of the exact reasons why you are my Special Somepony." "You've never seen me when somepony gets between me and family? By the by, what are those other reasons?" he asked innocently. She kissed him sweetly, "That, ya Big Softie, is for me to know and you to never find out." "Darn," he muttered and kissed passionately back to Twilight. They explored each other’s mouths, their muzzles' melding together perfectly for a little bit before Twilight drew her head back in amazement. At first Macintosh thought it was from kissing and then he turned his eyes skyward. The entire night sky seemed to be covered in meteors. Large clunky ones were accompanied by a fleet small ones. Many move slowly, taking their time to be admired as they glided across. Many more flew past in small rapid slashes in the fabric of the night sky. Twilight's full attention was on the night sky, her eyes stretched wide and a look of pure awe at the spectacle in front of them. Macintosh could've cared less for the meteor shower. He gazed intently at Twilight, completely entrapped by her innocent beauty. His gaze slid further down her body and rested on her lavender flank. A thought sprang into his mind. He shifted nervously, wondering if he should go through with this. He took out a pillow from his 'Tac Bag' and placed it up against the tree close by him. He leaned back against the tree and gently coaxed Twilight over to him. He leaned her back against him, her back to his chest. Twilight fidgeted around a little bit, not used to being completely vulnerable in another Pony's hold, except for the few time they had found themselves in the same bed and she spooned herself against him. She nervously shifted around, after a brief period she sighed and relaxed, deciding to trust Macintosh entirely. Not like she didn't already. He settled her in his lap and she rested against his chest, head held comfortably on his shoulder. "You are by far one of the most comfortable chairs I've ever been on," she smiled up at him. He put his arms around her and hugged her close, pressing the two warm bodies closer together. Twilight's eyes soon lost focus in the meteor shower as sleep laden eyelids slowly closed on her. Her body content with Macintosh's strong arms around her, protecting her, his heart beating strongly under his barrel of a chest. She let out a long breath, relaxing entirely in his grip. Macintosh treasured the moment and feelings of his favorite are in his arms, a sense of satisfaction in his ability to protect her wholly came onto him. He remembered back when he first met her, when she first came to Ponyville... ~~~ He had been walking by when the royal chariot landed along Ponyville's main street and dropped her off. Now, Macintosh is no shy stallion, but seeing her with the royal guards and her looking like a she was on an important mission, Macintosh hesitated to greet her, and quickly regretted it. He remembered watching Pinkie Pie meet her before defying gravity and taking off. Determined not to mess up his next chance to meet her, Macintosh hurried back to Apple Acres where Applejack was preparing the food for the Summer Sun Celebration, quickly able to deduce she'd find her way there eventually. Twilight Sparkle remembered the cupcakes that Macintosh had made her when she first came to Ponyville. As well as she should, it was one of the main things she enjoyed the most when sampling all that apple food. Since then, she would occasionally ask him to make her a few for her to take home. If she remembered correctly, there should be a few underneath a glass bowl in the kitchen back a the library. Reminiscing happily, Twilight soon had no problem drifting off to the steady beat of his heart and the surrounding warmth and sense of protection his massive body provided. Careful not to wake her, Big Mac shifted briefly on the pillow and rested his head on Twilight's, who's was on his shoulder, carefully minding the relatively sharp horn. drifting off after her before he knew it. (:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:) The sun smacked Twilight square in the face, causing her to close her eyes tighter and snuggle deeper into her bed. The bed rose slowly and gently before lowering again with a rustling of wind. Twilight's eyes snapped open as she felt the strong beat of a massive stallion beneath her. She quickly looked around and panicked slightly as she didn't immediately remembers where she was. She squirmed a little and tried to free herself as the surroundings didn't register as normal setting for when she woke up. "Well shoot," she heard Macintosh mumble in a deep voice, "Ah was hoping tah hold you a little longer." he released his protective and enveloping hold on her. She stood up slowly, not wanting to leave his warm embrace. She glared angrily at the rising sun, "You know what that means right?" He shook his head. "That means that out respective households are more than likely awake and wondering where we are." He grimaced and quickly folded up the picnic blanket, he set the folded cloth in the basket. Twilight broke down her telescope and slung in onto her side. She levitated the basket from Macintosh's feet. He started to protest that he should carry it, "Now see here Mac, we need to proceed with all haste back home and AJ will find it a little suspicious if you come home with a fully loaded basket." He sighed as he realized she was right, he stuffed the pillow back into his bag, forcing it in there next to his jacket which had gone unused. She walked over to the red stallion and gave him a gentle peck, "When can we do this again?" she asked him. He shook his head sadly, "Apple Harvest season is startin' soon and Ah'll be workin' full tilt around the farm. Ah won't have any energy for these midnight meetings." She nodded sadly, understanding. She pondered their dilemma for all of two seconds before smiling broadly. "Don't worry about it!" she said cheerily, "I'll surprise you!" The lavender mare set off and Macintosh gazed after Twilight with confusion and fondness. Before she crested the hill and vanished from view, Twilight looked back and swayed her flank from side to side suggestively. Macintosh's cheeks turned a shade darker as she caught him staring. With a smile Twilight proceeded onwards from sight. (:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:) As Twilight began her walk home she began regretting her mistake of not telling anypony about her and Macintosh. With each passing day the lie, or simple not telling grew bigger and closer to discovery. She quietly wondered how each of her friends and family would react to it. Rainbow Dash would probably call it 'Awesome' and carry on like nothing happened, which Twilight didn't mind. Although Dash may be a little let down that her loyalty wasn't returned. Pinkie Pie would throw a party, and then another, and maybe another... Rarity would probably faint, and then be begging her for details... Probably ones of more personal nature. Fluttershy would most likely be happy about it for it would mean a stop to Applejack's constant attempts to hook Macintosh and Flutters together. And Applejack... Macintosh kept saying that he worried for Twilight's health if she found out but Twilight doubted she'd do anything to serious, but she wasn't worried. She had grown up with a big brother always training and sparring. Some of what he learned he taught her. Celestia was a mystery. Her parents would be happy, hopefully, then demand who he is and call for a meeting to take place instantly as they would feel compelled to meet their possible future son-in-law. Then there's her brother, Twilight involuntarily shuddered as she remembered what happened to the last stallion she dated. The more Twilight thought about it, the more she grew certain of her decision to keep it secret, and it would stay that way until she was sure that the following blowback from Shining and/or Applejack was in the presence of her parents of Celestia. That actually wasn't a bad idea, she'd have to send a letter to Celestia asking for her to visit Ponyville soon. But no matter what any other pony said or did, she knew she loved Big Macintosh. She smiled as she remembered the fateful day they started dating. A year and a half ago, in the middle of Winter... ~~~ Macintosh trudged through the chest deep snow, heading back to the farm after helping out Fluttershy. He chuckled again at Applejack's non too subtle attempt to push them together. The wind began to pick up and blew snow into Macintosh's eyes. He narrowed his eyes and plowed on through the snow vigorously, he silently wished that he remembered to grab his goggles. They would have been invaluable right about now. He unconsciously checked to make sure his saddle bags had remained attached to him. He crossed a bridge that now spanned a frozen river, and came to the edge of town, his vision reduced to only a few feet in front of him. He plodded along, the snow now reaching upwards past his knees. His head snapped his and his body tensed as a terrified nare's scream rent the blizzard sky couple with a might *crack*. Forgetting about the snow and anything heeding safety, Macintosh exploded from where he was into a full fledged gallop, blundering towards the source of the scream with all haste. He sprinted on, barley seeing where he was going and therefore he failed to notice the fallen tree. At full gallop, Macintosh's legs slammed into the trunk. His body pitched forward. Pine needles and small branches repeated whipped and smacked him as he barreled trough, several branches that didn't bend before his juggernautic barrage sharply cracked before the actually impeded his process. He flew into a massive snow drift where he floundered a little before regaining his standing. He spat snow out of his mouth as his lungs heaved for oxygen. He wished for the dozenth time for his goggles as he rubbed snow and water form his eyes. Macintosh carefully made his way over and inspected the fallen tree, it was an old pine that had been weakened near the base by the ice and wind. He walked down it's length, looking for any sign of the pony that had screamed out so terrified. He walked down towards the base. 'Hmm,' he nearly said aloud, 'Nopony here,' but he remembered to keep his mouth closed from all the freezing snow. Macintosh turned to leave and as he did so his hoof pressed against something that was not of tree or snow. The massive stallion snapped around as a small groan barely made itself known it the howling winds. The stallion shoved through any and all braches, big or small, and began digging. Macintosh's hard hooves furiously dug in the snow to reveal part of a lavender flank. He dug further along her back towards her head and was stopped by the tree. Fueled by adrenaline and a strange feeling of responsibility to the trapped mare, Macintosh threw snow from Twilight's side. The red stud cleared snow out from next to her and below the area next to her and squeezed in next to her and cleared the snow around her head. He made sure he was on the side where the trunk was thinner, meaning he was further from the base of the tree and it should be higher off the ground, theoretically. Macintosh pitched snow away and started inspecting the silent mare for signs of life. He started panicking as he couldn't find any trace of life. He ran his hoofs down her body before digging under her chest. He held his hoof there before he felt a weak heartbeat. He nearly shouted in relief, instead he settled of a gentle nudge and spoke loud enough to be heard above the wind, thankful the pine needles and branches provided some protection against the howling wind. "Twilight, please wake up, you can't stay here for much longer," he said gently beside her ear. Her eyes fluttered open and quickly widened in shock as she saw him not three inches away. She wiggled and tried to back up before whimpering as the fallen tree settled and bit harder into back. Her hooves were pined beneath we her and prevented any struggling or productive wiggling to free herself. She stared desperately into Macintosh's eyes. "Help me, please," her voice barely reaching Macintosh's ears. "Don't leave me here," her eyes blurred with terrified tears at the thought. Macintosh brought his face closer to her's, "Ah would never." He scooted back a little and placed the tree onto his shoulders. "On three, Twi," he said, she nodded. He settled the tree behind his yoke to keep it from sliding forward onto his head. "One," he brought his hooves underneath him and braced them against the frozen ground. His hooves easily broke or crushed the snow into a condensed, stable footing as he pressed against it "Two," he tensed his muscle and pushed slightly against then tree. The old pine creaked slightly as he tested it's weight, the aged tree shifted slightly but he locked his legs to prevent it from dropping further onto Twilight. "Three!" with a shout, he started raising his massive frame up, taking the tree with him. His muscles bulged as he lifted the massive tree slowly, Macintosh strained against the tree and lifted it higher. "Ahhrrgg!" he yelled mightily as the tree lifted barely off Twilight's back. Eyes strained shut, Macintosh's mind was clear except for one thought; to free the trapped mare. His progress ground to a halt as he lifted more off the snow. He locked his frame and stood stock still. But Twilight was still trapped. The spot he had chosen to pick the tree up was a little too far away the he was just bending the massive trunk instead of lifting it. Macintosh cracked an eye open and looked at Twilight. Tears leaked out of her eyes and fell to the frozen ground. Pain was etched in her face as she moved herself ever so slightly. It was Macintosh's upbringing to not tolerate preventable pain on any mare, no matter the situation. Seeing the pain on Twilight's face broke something deep and primal inside Macintosh. He managed to keep the log form dropping back onto Twilight but he had to rest it on her again. She cried out as the log was brought back down but Macintosh did not like this. He shot out from underneath the tree and ran around to the other side of Twilight, the side of the tree where the log was thicker. He dove head first underneath the log, wishing again for his goggles. His pure rage and unrelenting barrage shot him underneath the log and nearly into position. The log nailed his shoulders as he slid underneath is. That'll be a rather nasty bruise he though but immediately ignored it as more important matters were at hand. The log was once again settle behind his yoke, and onto his shoulders. Red hot pain flared from where his shoulders clipped the log but he ignored it and pressed against the log. Macintosh then did what he had been wanting to do since he had discover Twilight's predicament. He gave into his primal urges and let his instincts and adrenaline take over. Red colored his vision. "Errrrrrraahhhhhhh!!!" Macintosh let out a yell fueled by pure protective instinct, any pain he might have been feeling was washed away by pure adrenaline as the toxin flooded his nervous system. He threw all his bodily might against the tree with renewed might. The massive trunk creaked and groaned as Macintosh lifted it higher and higher. He would have cried out himself but the intense inferno that engulfed his shoulders but the pure rage all portions of his brain save for those need for saving the mare. The massive tree trunk was lifted clear of the snow. He lurched skyward in one last effort and locked his knees as he felt them extend fully to hold the tree up. "Uhh, Twi?" he ground out, his eyes flickered open before being screwed tight again. Twilight gazed amazed at him before her brain kicked in and she realized he wasn't going to be able to hold it much longer and quickly sliding out if the way. Macintosh bent his fore legs slightly and launched them up again, throwing the the massive weight off and forward with a roar, "Raaahhggg!" steam blew out of his mouth and nose as his heart slowed to a steady beat. The red Earth Pony turned around and was wrapped up by a sobbing mare. She held onto his neck tightly and tears slowly rolled down her face. The frightened lavender mare clung to her savior until he kindly cleared his throat. The stunned stallion sat there as his body and brain failed to compute going from blood rage to being hugged by a beautiful mare. "Uh, Twilight?" he asked, "Do you want me to help you back to your library?" Twilight let go of his neck while blushing in the blizzard before nodding mutely. With Macintosh supporting her, the pair made their way to Twilight's library. Macintosh picked up the pace as Twilight started shivering violently. She nearly collapsed but he caught her on his neck and used his fore leg to boost her onto his back. She sleepily mounted him, a hind leg thrown onto either side of him and her fore legs locked around his throat. He spotted the massive tree and trotted a path through the piling snow. With a yell, he barged through the door, he swiftly trotted into the library and laid down by the fireplace, allowing a shaking Twilight to slid off his back and onto the floor. Her horn light up and a translucent bolt fired into the fireplace as he stood back up and forced the door back closed. He stopped and listened to the wind and snow whip around the tree house. "You can stay here if you'd like to," she said as a fire was soon lit. He looked at her for a moment, she met his gaze confused. She blushed deeply as she realized what she had suggested. Macintosh started thinking of something to say to excuse himself so he could begin his journey home. He had been attracted to Twilight for some time now but he was not a stallion that took advantage of mares. Twilight beat him to it and started talking first. "Please, Big Mac?" she asked quietly, "I don't want you walking alone it that blizzard." There was more to it than that; she didn't want to be alone on this night either. Plus, she felt obliged to given the circumstance. He though to a moment, he really didn't want to go back out there, but his natural gentle stallion edict wouldn't let him stay in the same house as a mare, alone. "Is Spike here?" he asked, hoping they weren't the only people here. She shook her head, "He's at Sugar Cube Corner helping Pinkie watch the twins." He grabbed at one final hope that would allow him to politely turn down her hospitality, "AJ and the rest of the family are goin' tah be wondering where Ah am." "I'll send a letter by magical means, no problem." She levitated a quill and paper before writing a quick message. Dear Apple Family, Big Macintosh has been forestalled by the storm and is staying at the library for the night. ~Twilight Sparkle With a burst of purple magic, Twilight teleported it there to appear on their kitchen countertop. He sighed, alright then. "What do you want me tah do?" She smiled, "Lay with me by this fire and stay warm." He flopped down as she levitated some blankets from the closet to throw over them. He took the offered blanket and covered himself in it, surprised by the chill in the library, even with the fire. He placed his head on his put stretched hooves and gazed into the flames. He saw, out of the corner of his eye, Twilight look over at him occasionally and open her mouth to say something before closing it and looking away. Twilight laid down completely and avoided looking at Macintosh, "Big Mac?" she asked. He lifted his head slightly and turned his head to look at her. "I just want to say thank you, for what you did out there," she scooted closer and her voice dropped. "I don't know what would have happened if you weren't there." He thought about it a little, he scooted a little closer to Twilight, As she still shivered violently, he tried to convince himself. "You know the fastest way tah warm up is with another pony," he wrapped his front leg over her shoulders, honestly concerned for her wellbeing, plus it felt really good to be with the mare that had stolen his dreams. She flinched away with a small cry of pain and he immediately felt horrible that he had caused her pain. 'What's wrong?" he asked gently with a hint of fear that he had hurt her. "I don't know what happened when the tree fell on me," she said quietly. Macintosh mentally smacked himself in the forehead as he felt guilty relief go through him when he realized that he didn't injury her but grazed a sore spot. He carefully peeled back the blanket. He wasn't a Doctor but growing up on a farm had told him a thing or two about injuries. He inspected the black and blue bruises that adorned her back where the tree struck. He also took the moment to appreciate the mare lying beside him. "Well you have some horrific bruising, but Ah'm gonna have tah physically touch you tah know more," he looked at her and she nodded silently. "Alright, tell me if it hurts." he placed his hooves on the base of her neck. When she didn't flinch, he worked his way down her back and along her sides, careful of the obvious bruising. He couldn't stop his gaze work its way down the rest of her back and settle on her flank. He ripped his eyes back as a deeper red colored his cheeks and felt along her sides. He quickly pulled his hooves away when she cried out when he was inspecting her ribs. Macintosh then started becoming very aware of who he was sitting so close together with. He laid down next to her again, knowing enough. "You have a few cracked ribs and some serious bruising, come tomorrow, you should see a doctor soon. Luckily, the snow compacted allowing you tah remain uncrushed by the log." Macintosh knew that come tomorrow, he would help her there, even if he had to carry her. She sighed and closed her eyes. Her eyes flashed open again, "Hold on, what about you?" He cocked his head to the side in confusion, "What about me?" "You didn't hurt yourself at all when trying to help?" Twilight now carefully studied her savior. She lightly gasped as small welts and minor bloody scratches adorned his face and chest from where he crashed through the branches. She gasped again, quite loudly this time as she saw the black bruises on the shins of his forelegs. The shins were swelling after their hard contact with the tree truck and throbbed in time with his heart as blood moved through the veins in the swelling muscles. "Doesn't that hurt?!" She asked, genuinely shocked by him. "Eenope," he casually lied. "Oh dear Celestia, what about your back?" She asked with a hoof raised to her muzzle. "Nothing, it's fine," this didn't deter Twilight at all and the blanket was folded back over his yoke and shoulders. "By Celestia, you did this, for me?" she was quite as her eyes took in the battered and scraped shoulders. This time he only nodded. "Oh..." Twilight got really quite as she realized the extent Macintosh went to rescue her. "Here, let me help you with that." Before Macintosh could get a word in edgewise, Twilight levitated the wooden yoke off and away from the slightly peeved stallion. Twilight sheepishly turned back to the fire as more bruises became apparent from underneath his yoke. The pair grew quiet. Twilight pondering on why he had gone such lengths to help her. Macintosh was desperately thinking what to do with the beautiful mare beside him. He gingerly placed his foreleg around her and drew himself closer, placing their sides together. She drew back slightly in a wince of pain, her confusion on why he would help her to such lengths suddenly became clear, and she contently settled against him. His flank tingled pleasantly as it was pressed against the mare's. "Thanks Big Ma-," she started. "Please just Macintosh, Big Mac is a pet name Ah've never really cared for," he interjected. She smiled before carrying on, "Thanks Macintosh, I really owe you one," she blushed before continuing, He seems to be showing all the signs, but could I just easily be reading them wrong? "What could I do to you repay you?" she turned her head to him. His cheeks turned a shade redder as a couple ideas ran through his mind, he quickly banished them from his mind. He wouldn't take advantage of any mare, especially like that. His eyes flicked around nervously, going from fire, to hooves, to Twilight's face. Anywhere but her eyes. Well, I hope he doesn't mind a mare who make the first move. She edged closer, "You know Macintosh, I've always had a crush on you since I first saw your big red pelt." Twilight look down as she said that. Macintosh gazed at her incredulously; did she just say what he though she did? "I've just been too frightened that you'd turn out to be some big jerk and hurt me," she shook her head ashamedly. "Just like all the other big stallions, I should've known better since you were related to Applejack." Macintosh stared dumbly, here was the mare of his dreams while she was declaring her love to him and he did nothing! Twilight's feelings came crashing down as he sat there dumbly and mutely, she quickly dropped her head, "Forget that, forget I said anything." Gathering all his courage, he placed a hoof under her chin and lifted her face back up. "What if Ah told you that Ah've felt the same?" he said quietly. Twilight's brain stopped functioning for a brief moment and before it started working again, a gentle set of lips pressed against her's. She quickly warmed up and kissed back the stallion that was expressing his love for her. Her mouth opened and her tongue ran across his lips, asking for entrance and trying to entice his out for a duel. All thoughts of injury fled Twilight's mind as she pressed into the kiss and started forcing Macintosh back. Macintosh receded from her attack still very aware of her bodily status, he leaned back but she didn't relent and kept pushing. He deftly fell onto his back and guided Twilight onto his chest and she flowed with him, not breaking the lip lock. She broke away for a quick breath as she lay on top of him. She squeezed his waist with the inside of her thighs and her fore legs kept her from crashing down onto him as she resumed the kiss. Macintosh's hooves worked furiously alongside her back, stimulating sensitive areas, cause her to press closer against him. The newfound couple continued to maintain lip lock inform of the rising flames. (:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:) Macintosh slowly made his way up the path leading to the farm house, he glared briefly at the offending pile of branches from last night. He rolled his shoulders in a check to make sure his bag was still there. He winced internally when he saw an angry Applejack leaning against the doorway. She glared daggers at him and he defiantly held her gaze. He trotted up the few steps and made a move to head inside, she blocked him without effort. "Where were you last night, Big Mac?" she asked angrily, her angry eyes took in the large bag on his back and her anger intensified. He looked at her, "Ah was up early this morning and decided tah work a little in the barn." "We both know that's a load of horsefeathers, Big Macintosh," she said, she then asked the obvious question that came with the bag. "Were you with a mare?" Macintosh didn't answer and that was enough answer for Applejack. "Was it Fluttershy?" asked AJ hopefully. He shook his big head slowly, "Nnope." She sighed in defeat and tried to extract a tad but more information, "Do Ah know this mysterious mare?" He pondered it for a moment, thinking about his answer, "Eeyup." "Well? Are ya going to tell me who it is?" she asked exasperated. "Nnope," he said smiling. "Why now Mac? Right before Apple Harvest? Really?" she asked shaking her head. She looked at him again, "Ah just hope that this mare can handle you." She stepped inside, shaking her head, and made her way to the kitchen, where the CMC were already waiting. "More like if Ah can handle her," he muttered. Macintosh strutted into the kitchen and scooped up a few apples before heading back outside. He threw his Tac Bag to rest by the root of the stairs where it shouldn't be disturbed until he came back to it. He walked outside and parked himself under a rather large tree to contemplate his relationship. He really was in love with to Twilight, enough to promise to hide their relationship from everypony. He shook his head, What could her brother could do to him that he couldn't handle? I'm was more worried about what will happen when Applejack finds out. Not if, when. Twilight's initial reason for keeping it secret was if they didn't work out, so they could carry on normally with nopony the wiser. They had been dating for over a year and a half now, and he felt sure of it between them. No if, ands, or buts. He thought about it a little longer, Could it be she isn't sure about me? Or if she wasn't sure that I truly loved her? Of course, Macintosh's hoof found his face as he realized the extent of his folly, how could I have been so stupid to not see that? All she wanted him to do was prove he really was committed to them. Why had he not realized this before. Satisfied that he know knew what was holding back Twilight, and he had a nearly foolproof plan to prove it to her, he headed to the barn to start readying the equipment needed for the Apple Harvest. (:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:) Twilight stood in front of the door to her treehouse. 'Well, now or never,' she thought. She pushed the door open with a hoof and walked in. "Hiya, Twi!" said a happy Spike. "Where ya been?" She blushed and looked away, Applejack might be the element of Honesty but Twilight was just as bad at lying. "Oh you know, I was out watching the meteor shower last night and ended up staying outside," she said, sticking to the truth as much as possible. She lightly gestured to the telescope that was suspended by the strap on her side. "Oh," said Spike as he looked a down, crestfallen. She sighed on the inside, "Spike, I only went alone because I forgot about it until after you were asleep." She blushed deeper as she said the flat out lie. "Alright Twi, if you say so," the baby dragon left the desk he was at to go organize the book shelves, again. A sign he was actually hurt be her forefront about him. Twilight sighed again and trudged up the stairs to her room, heading for the paper and quill on her night stand. Dropping her telescope by the door, she picked up the quill magically with practiced ease. Dear Princess Celestia, I have a secret that could ruin my friendship with one of my favorite friends, and maybe ruin my chances of finding a Special Somepony. Requesting your wisdom and advice, Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle
How To BuckChapter 2 All was relatively peaceful in Ponyville. Ponies went about their daily business, birds flew, rabbits scampered with the squirrels and a unicorn mare was seemingly peeved at the book she was reading. Seated at the circular main table in the center of the library, a lavender mare was intently studying a giant tome. The mare grumbled, rather annoyed, into her open book. "How long can it take the Princess to read and reply to a single letter! She's faster when it comes to my Friendship reports," she mumbled grumpily. Twilight flipped a few pages and absent mindedly added, "It doesn't take three days to reply to a personal letter." Just then, the main door opened and what appeared to be two brown grocery bags with pudgy purple feet walked through. "Twilight! I'm home!" Spike called out unnecessarily. He saw her glaring at her book and waddled over to try and entice the mare away from the book; "Are you feeling better now, Twi?" "Oh, yes Spike," she said as she looked up up from her large tome. "Whatever caused my stomach to heave is long gone now," she looked back to the large bound thing of paper. "Alrighty then, I'm going to make some lunch, you want anything?" Spike asked as he headed for the kitchen. The purple dragon stopped at the door and looked back at her. She looked at him, and then gazed off, pondering his question, "Say, Spike, do you remember the really spicy food you made the other week?" Spike nodded his head in mild shock there was no way she wanted that stuff again, "Are you sure you want that? Last time I made it you hated it." The mental image of Twilight shooting food out of her mouth, followed with a stream of fire leapt unbidden into the baby dragon's head. She shrugged, "Eh, I feel a craving for it. Oh, and Spike?" she asked and he turned around. "Yes?" "Make mine quickly; I'm supposed to head out to Apple Acres here shortly." The little dragon huffed and walked into the kitchen, quickly getting to work, the dragon hastily donned his little apron and opened the dark oaken doors that led to the pantry. His purple claw hovered over the labels of different spices. The claw tracked down the immaculately sorted rows and hesitated on one container for a little, Should I? he asked himself. The baby dragon shrugged, She asked for it. He pulled the container of peppers off the shelf and set to work. The studious mare had, near the literal sense, stuck her head back in her book, seeking intent in reading every word. Her brain casually ignored her nose's signals that spicy food was being presented to keep other mental processing space free. So she completely missed a newly returned Spike with plates of food. "Uh hmmm," Spike cleared his throat politely. Twilight jumped and tore her head out of the book to looked at him. He gestured, using the plate of hot food as a prop. "Oh, thank you Spike! I thought I smelled something spicy," she said happily. Her fork was levitated in her translucent magic and was dug into what appeared to be simple home made Raviolis. Square bits of pasta encasing various vegetables, a red sauce covered them. Spike looked over a Twilight incredulously, "Pony please, I used the Sneaker Peppers." The unicorn cocked her head sideways quizzically and looked at him. The baby dragon sighed, "You know, that new exotic breed of peppers we got from Saddle Arabia? The ones that don't smell spicy when you cook them and then turn out to be some of the hottest peppers in the whole of Equestria?" "Ooooohhh, that makes sense. Are you sure though? I can smell a definite spice on this plate, and I want It," the hunger driven mare turned away from the dragon and nearly literally dug into the plate of food. Twilight lowered her head and began scooping the food into her mouth as fast as possible, while Spike settled down with his own plate. "Mmmm, Spike, are you sure this is the same stuff you made a few weeks ago?" she questioned her assistant. The aforementioned dragon looked dumbly in shock at her as she literally, fork nothing but a blur, shoveled the food into her mouth. This can't be the same Twi, she swore up and down she would never touch that food again. "The exact same stuff Twilight," he said through a mouthful of food. Spike wasn't even halfway done while Twilight was pushing her plate away and standing up. "Alrighty then, I'm heading over to Apple Acres to go help them with this season's harvest, you're in charge." She trotted out the door and was soon galloping off. What's gotten into her? Random stomach heavings A sudden crave for spicy food Then surprisingly chipper as she trotted out the door? the baby dragon silently mused on this before sliding over to see what ever it was that Twilight was reading, hoping it would give him a better understanding. Spike reached a small clawed hand over and flipped the book closed and read the title aloud, "Star Swirl's guide to a Unicorn's ...." he trailed off as the book faded out of existence completely. He yanked his hand back in shock and hastily inspected both sides of it, relived to see it was just fine, "Weird, I never remember seeing a book do that before." The little dragon thought about it and couldn't think of any reasonable thing to make Twilight act this way. "I'd better get another mare if I want to understand a strange mare." he got out his quill and ink and began writing. He was about to send the letter when he paused, Isn't this like going behind Twilight's back? he thought. The purple dragon shook his head and mentally added, Nah, I'm just worried she's alright and this is the best way to find out. With a puff of green fire, Spike sent the letter to his other favorite mare, The Fashionista. ()()()()()() Arriving at the Apple Orchard of Ponyville, Twilight trotted through the gate to the apple farm and calmly walked up to the house. Given that the librarian had seemed to gain a little weight and size, her special red stallion denied anything when questioned about it, saying she was just as beautiful as ever, the brisk trot the unicorn mare had set slightly tired her by the time she made it to Sweet Apple Acres. After a swift knock on the door, Applebloom opened it up, her face brightened up as she recognized one of her favorites of Applejack's friends,"Oh, howdy, Twi! Why are ya here?" "Oh, I'm just here to um...," the distant thud of hooves on tree trunks sparked her imagination, "I'm here to help with the Applebucking! I heard that the Harvest was coming and I thought it'd be fun to help out Applejack and Macintsoh," she hastily thought up. "Don't ya mean Big Macintosh?" asked the little filly. The mare blushed and tried to stammer out an explanation. "Don't cha worry about it, no need to be formal, miss Twilight, we're all family on the farm!" said the clueless filly. Maybe more than you think, thought Twilight. She quickly regained her composure and asked, "So where are they?" "They're out Apple Bucking somewhere in that direction, just follow the sounds of the kicks!" with that Applebloom closed the door and Twilight headed off in the direction she pointed in. Trotting casually beneath the shade of the apple trees, Twilight sighed happily at the blissful weather. It wasn't long before she heard the sound of hooves connecting powerfully with the trunks of trees and she honed in on the repeating thuds. "Ah'm beating ya Big Mac!" yelled out a female voice. Twilight crested hill and saw the eldest siblings of the Apple family Apple Buck racing. The orange mare was indeed ahead of Macintosh, by about two or three tress. Her gaze drifted over to the red stallion as he reared up on his hind hooves. . "That's what you think, little sis," Macintosh began bringing his fore hooves crashing down with a bellow, "Shuh-Zaamm!" The crimson stud slammed his front hooves bodily on the ground. His massive body worked as a power house to transfer gargantuan amounts of kinetic energy from nearly all the muscles in his body, to his fore hooves as he slammed them on the ground. The ground rippled and waved away from his hooves as the ground voraciously shook. Trees shook and groaned in protest as the very ground they were anchored in rolled underneath them. The shock waves then reached the astounded mare on the hill. Twilight let out a small squeal as her whole body shook as the ground bucked beneath her and she lifted off the ground fully. Her terrified eyes bulged as she saw the ground continue to roll beneath her. The lavender mare let out a squeak as she landed solidly on the ground, all legs splayed out in each direction, Twilight looked up from the ground with an annoyed look on her face. Macintosh's impressive efforts had the desired result; the next five heavily burdened apple trees in his row absorbed massive amounts of kinetic energy and it channeled to the apples, dropping them into the waiting baskets. Macintosh looked over at his little sister, who was near rolling on the ground in laughter. The red stallion then looked around and his eyes easily picked out the lavender body splayed out on the hill. His cheeks turned a shade darker as he realized she just saw and felt his display of stallionness. The studious unicorn picked herself up and magically dusted herself off as she came up to the siblings, "Most impressive, Macintosh, care to explain the physical possibility behind that little stunt?" Macintosh's cheeks turned shades deeper and he even had a problem trying to stammer out a few jumbled up words, "Oh....Twi, I mean, Miss Sparkle..... I...... Uhhhh," he finished intelligently. Truth was, he was irked she caught him showing off. If he had known, he would have done something easily twenty percent cooler, Ah well, there's other days for that. "Sorry Twilight, that's a Apple family secret kept to the stallion side, I don't even know how to do it," said an Applejack with a glance at her big brother. Inside, the orange mare, thoughts raced,Why's he actin' so strange around Twi? He hardly ever talks to anypony, even me and Bloom, thought the orange mare as she shook her head mentally. "Hmm, I may have to study you Big Macintosh," Twilight teased as she sidled up to him. "Oh, uhh... What are you doing here Miss Sparkle?" he got finally managed to get past his bumbling tongue. "Just thought that Princess Celestia would be interested in how you guys harvest the apples!" she said excitedly, trying to seem eager for a report to her personal teacher. Chances were, Celestia already knew how one harvested apples but Twilight didn't know, firsthand. "Sure thing, Twi!" said the farmer mare, Applejack stuck a fore good out and pointed to the closest tree that still had apples on it, "Go and give whack at it!" "So, just like this?" Twilight trotted over to the pointed out tree, turned and then kicked the tree. There wasn't much power in her kick, that much she knew off the bat but still... Nothing happened. "Nah Twi, like this!" the orange mare swiveled in front of another tree and kicked it like Twilight did. The actions mirrored each other except for two differences, the earth pony had hit with what seemed like more force and... Applejack's tree dropped all of its apples. Twilight lifted her hooves back up and tried bucking with more force, still nothing happened. "Not really helpful, Applejack, I did what you did exactly," said the lavender mare. "Well, you just have tah but more power in it," Applejack said, relatively confused why it didn't work for her. Twilight gazed upwards at the tree doubtfully. Macintosh, who had since then remained a silent red monolith, strutted over to her, "Here, Applejack was never a good teacher." Applejack stuck her tongue at him and trotted off to continue working as Macintosh delivered his private lesson. Twilight was pointed head first away from the tree, he stood next to her, having her mirror him, and adopted the pose for about to buck the tree. "Alrighty, stand here like this," he ran his fore hooves over her, correcting little bits and pieces of her form to tune. "Good, now aim for the heart of the tree," he instructed. "Heart of the tree?" asked the skeptic mare. "Eeyup, should be right about here," he lifted a hind leg and and placed the hoof more or less dead center about three and a half feet off the ground. "Alright then, here go's," the mare stood on her front legs and bucked the tree. Now her efforts had a visible effect and the tree just barely shook, but only just. Instead of being transferred into the dangling apples, the energy went back into Twilight and violently shook her body, lifting her off the ground for the second time that day. "That was interesting," she said. Macintosh coughed behind his hoof to hide his laugh, this was exactly his and Applejack's problem when they first started apple bucking. The only difference was she had someone to hopefully teach her the right way. He placed his front hoof on her shoulders and said, "Let the energy flow from you to the tree but not back." "And how do I do that?" "Ah've found the best and simplest way is with shouting," the stallion rumbled. The mare shrugged and positioned herself to kick again. "Hiiiyyaaaaa!" shouted Twilight, her body pitched forward to balance on her front hooves and her hind legs shot outwards to connect ineffectively with the tree. A few apples dropped from the tree as it shook slightly. "Good!" encouraged the red stud, "Now, a little closer to center and a little harder." Twilight kicked with another yell, "Ye-Haww!!" This time, mimicking her past self exactly except with more power, apples rained around the pair and into the waiting baskets. "Good, now let's go catch up with Applejack and finish today's work," he said after a brief congratulatory hug. "Awww, do we have to?" she teased in a whining tone. Her smile stayed strong as she turned away from him to start walking, her purple tail flicked him across the nose as she set away from the stallion. ()()()()()() Twilight stayed with the Apple siblings for the rest of the day and worked side by side with them, sweated with them, and ached with them. The slightly out of shape librarian felt the satisfying feeling of muscle burn as lactic acid build up in her abused muscles. The Apple Bucking duo, plus one, approached the last little grove of trees that was on the schedule to be harvested today. "Ugh," exclaimed Twilight trying to release some muscle ache with verbal outlet, "I think I'd rather be bucked by an Apple then buck them." This innuendo was directed towards the red stud and was pleased when Macintosh's cheeks turned darker, although Applejack cocked her head back in thought at the comment. "I don't know Twi," said the orange mare, completely oblivious to the double meaning, "An apple can catch you just right on the noggin and hurt something awful." The lavender unicorn had to stop walking with the Apple Siblings as she fought to keep her mirth silent, How can a mare be so oblivious?, but Twilight didn't look too much into it, something along the lines of a Gift Horse. "Alright, last grove," said Macintosh as he put a fore leg on his special some pony's shaking shoulders to keep her moving. The Apple harvesting trio split up to theoretically make quick work of the few trees left. The red powerhouse of a stallion made quick and easy work of his sector, bucking the last tree with only one hoof in practiced skill. Grabbing the apple laden basket in his teeth, he dragged his over to the pile the Apple Pickers had established for this grove. In the distance he heard two different bucking sounds, one still strong and steady and the other one of a tired mare who was now having a hard time focusing on the task at hand. The stud headed off and away towards the weakening sound of bucking. He arrived in time to see the lavender mare swivel about, present her flank for the world to admire, and buck her last tree. The crimson stallion stood still and let the mare's beauty entrap him, standing mesmerized at the librarian's curvaceous frame bent to concentrate all the kinetic energy into the tree. His eyes feasted on the purple pelt dampened with hard earned sweat, the concentration etched on her face as she made sure to hit the tree perfectly, and her body. Oh, her body, the perfect flank (perfect in his mind at least) luscious and somewhat firm, as he knew from previous experiences. Her slender shoulders and upper body, with her sweeping purple mane. His gaze was drawn back to her flank, adorned by the simple cutie mark, his eyes tracked back in time to she her rump shudder as her hooves connected with the tree. "See something you like Macintosh?" asked Applejack behind him. The red stud beat down the instinct to jump and wheel about and nervously made sure she wasn't looking at his face as he blushed deeply and feared she found their secret them and there. His analytical mind quickly thought up a believable lie that didn't stray too far from the truth, "Ah'm just watching her form for bucking," he said as nonchalantly as he could. His eyes flicked to Twilight's and saw the mare blushing profusely. "Don't worry about it Twilight, Big Mac here wouldn't take advantage of you like that, Ah'm pretty sure he ain't into books anyways," Macintosh rolled his eyes at his sister's assumption of his tastes. "Plus, Ah've seen him looking at Fluttershy, there's only one mare for that there stallion," as Applejack said this comment, Twilight shot a glare over at Macintosh who shrugged in confusion at the two mares' antics. "Anyways, Ah'm gonna take these few baskets to be stored. Grab a few and follow, would ya?" the farmer mare threw a few baskets on her back and was soon walking away from the two secret lovers. "In a little Applejack, Ah think Twilight needs a break," this was said as Macintosh looked the librarian over. The mare in question looked ready to collapse where she stood, "Alrighty, see you in a bit." Applejack began walking away again but soon wheeled around, eyes growing bigger in a sudden remembrance. Her fore hoof shot up and clamped onto her Stetson, her eye were set skyward. "By the way," she started as her eyes searched the skys, "Watch out for Rainbow Dash for me will ya? This is about the time she usually pranks me," with that Applejack crested a hill and left the two alone. "Sure thing, Applejack!" called out Twilight after the orange farm mare. The mare plodded over to a nearby tree before stumbling around, decided to follow gravity, and let the stumble turn into falling down in a heap "Whew, I'm exhausted!" exclaimed the lavender librarian from where she had collapsed on the shady ground. The red stallion laid down next to her under the pleasant shade from the surrounding trees. They sat in silence for a little bit before he decided to break it, "You didn't do too bad." "Uh huh, then why did you and Applejack do almost twice as much work as me?" the statistical part of her refused to not question him. "We have years of practice, Twilight," he said gently, "Very few have managed to learn and master what you did today, it took me almost a week before I could even hope to buck a tree effectively." A small grin appeared on his face as he remembered trying She looked over at him and searched his eyes, "You really mean that, don't you?" He nodded happily, "An apple doesn't lie, except to hide family." The comment was only slightly pointed at Twilight and then suddenly became very aware of how close this hunk of stallion was to her. The mare tried to crush the rising rebellion against all sense but this was a futile attempt as it only fueled her desire even more. Twilight quickly closed the distance between them, fast enough to make the stallion jerk his head slightly back in surprise and locked her lips on his. Her head tilted to the right and she angled her lips to form closer around his. The red stud's instinct took over and his head also tilted and their heads melded closer. She worked her mouth against her and as the heat still built up, her tongue lanced out, not asking or teasing. She lashed her tongue past his lips, surprising the stallion again. Her tongue found his and challenged it to a duel for space. As she worked her mouth on his, Twilight pressed the rest of her body closer to his and he rolled away from her and onto his back by force of habit. She slid with him, not breaking the lip lock and the mare for against his chest with practiced ease. Their sweaty bodies grinded and ground against each other causing the heat now present in both members to raise. The librarian's hind legs stopped supporting her rump and she rested the rest of her body fully on the stud. Her fore hooves ground slightly in their placement near both sides of his head. The lavender thighs squeezed the red rump, enticing the stallion. Said stallion ran his fore hooves up and down the mare's back, digging in at certain points, eliciting sudden pressing if her body on his. He constantly applied pressure and pulled her close, on top of his, crushing their chests together. A nagging little voice then began speaking up in the back of Macintosh's head, an annoying little voice much like his little sister's. The random reminder of his younger sister caused Macintosh to start and his lips disengaged form his mare's. The red stud suppressed his urge to take her right then and there, Twilight sure seemed to want it though, way more then she usually was. He pulled her closer and he felt her chest press hotly against his, much to the disappointment of both parties, the stallion turned his head away from the seeking lips belonging to the mare. . Macintosh tried to use logic and words seeing as his hints were going unneeded. "Ah know you want to go further, but not now, and especially not here. What would happen if Applejack came back?" he tried saying. "I don't care, I just want you now," she ground out as she clung and grated onto him harder. "Twilight, stop it, this ain't like you," the hungry mare tried to keep in going with her lips moving along on his neck, trying to elicit similar behavior from the stallion. "Alright," he made a move to get out from under her but she dropped herself on him. "But only on one condition," the mare had a sly smile on her face. "Um, shoot?" The red stallion looked a the librarian with a slight bit of trepidation. She lowered her head next to his and whispered huskily into his ear, "I'll stop only if you promise we'll finish it later," she finished with a light nibble on his ear. Macintosh nodded mutely and she casually slid off him, and headed towards the heavily laden Apple baskets. The red mound rolled sideways and up onto his hooves, also heading for the baskets. The stallion swung three baskets onto his back and Twilight levitated a few in her translucent telekinetic grasp. With a lover's smile at each other, the two tired ponies made their way back to the farm house. If either of the two oblivious lovers had even glanced skywards, they would have seen a small cloud speeding away near Mach speeds towards Ponyville...
Confrontations A/N If you would care to have a hand in the development of future chapters, please read the rather lengthy author's note at the end of the story. Until then, enjoy. Rainbow Dash cut through the air faster and faster, having ditched the cloud she had been napping on. Who to go to? she questioned herself. She'd been shocked, to say the least, when she woke up to the sounds of two ponies face sucking. She nearly fell through the cloud when she saw one of the percipients was the one and only, Twilight Sparkle. Dash almost Sonic Rainboomed straight to Applejack when she saw who Twilight was with. Rainbow had stealthy sneaked away from Apple Acres with all haste and now needed someone to spill it out to, but whom? Dash blurred through Ponyville, looking for anypony to talk to, no wait, anypony's a bad idea she corrected herself. I need somepony with experience in secret relationships. Now, who fits the bill? In her mind’s eye, ponies flashed through it. Applejack was out of the question. Fluttershy? No, that mare would have the least experience in a relationship. Pinkie? No, she couldn't keep a secret this serious to save her life. That left only one mare... __________________________________________ A certain Marshmallow colored mare hurried around her shop, various cloths and sharp instruments floating around her in a clear glow. "Oh, that'll never work. Rubies, I need rubies!" she ran around the room and checked various draws for her rubies. She ran back to the mannequin, holding up a small box of gems. Her magic shifted the gems in the box this way and that, letting her look for any of the red gems. "Damn, where could I get a ruby?" as the white mare asked this question aloud, a cyan blur crashed through her window and into the group of mannequins. Sapphire eyes connected with ruby eyes, and narrowed into a glare. "Is there a reason you've ruined my work today, Rainbow Dash?" spat out Rarity. "Depends, are you good with secret relationships?" asked the rainbow mare under a pile of mannequins. "Well, that also depends on a few things, dear. Why ever do you ask?" Rarity had stopped glaring and was now interested in what Dashie had to say. "As it turns out, our Twilight isn't the innocent little school filly we thought her to be," said Dash and smiled at Rarity's shocked face. "Really? Our Twilight?" she got out. "Yep, and you won't believe who's she has as a coltfriend!" Rainbow Dash finally dug her way out of the pile of mannequins. "Who!?!? Tell me!!" said Rarity nearly screaming. "Big," Rainbow Dash paused, "Mac," she nearly whispered. "Big FREAKIN' Macintosh!!??" she screamed. "Keep it down, will ya?" said Dash, trying to calm her down. Rarity completely ignored her. "Twilight, our dear Twilight, dating Big Macintosh? That's preposterous! I mean, Appleja--" Rarity gasped massively, "Applejack! Does she know? How could she not?! Big Mac's not the one to hide something like this! What about us! How could they not have told us?" Rarity's rant would have gone longer if not for the cyan hoof shoved in her mouth. "That last one, 'How could they not have told us', yeah, that one. That's what I'm gonna find out today, I just need a little support," said Dash. "Well, what are we waiting for?" said Rarity as Dash rolled her eyes. "Let's go!" Dash flew out the window she crashed through and Rarity cantered out her front door, both immediately headed for Golden Oaks Library. Both mares failed to notice on their way out, a small scroll on Rarity's dresser. No surprise sense Rarity had missed it all day. __________________________________________ Spike finished shelving the newly checked in books as multiple mighty thunks landed on the front door, "Coming!" he called out. The little dragon jumped down from the ladder he was perched on and ran over to the door. Spike dragged the door open to reveal a flushed Rarity, "Hiya Rarity, did you get my letter?" "What no, we're here to talk to Twilight," Rarity figured it best if they just kept Spike out of this growing mess. "That's what my letter was about, and what do you mean we?" as Spike said it a cyan blur, again, crashed through, this time Twilight's, window. "Jigs up, Twilight! We know your secret!" said Dash to the empty room, "and she's not here, is she". She zoomed in low and hovered over Spike, "Hey Spike, where's Twilight?" "She went to Apple Acres quite a bit ago, I don't know when she'll be back," he said. Dash face-hoofed as she realized she already knew the answer to her question, and when Twilight should get back. "Well, that was easy," said the white mare. "Do you know when Twilight will be back?" "She left a little while after I did, and I took off at full speed. But then I flew around Ponyville looking for somepony to talk to," she said. "So, anytime now?" Rarity asked. "Yep, any moment," a slightly awkward silence descended on the trio. "So..." Dash tried to break the silence, "any ideas why Twilight would keep this secret?" "What secret?" asked Spike innocently. Both mares ignored him. "Oh, I wouldn't know, let's have Twilight explain herself," silence descended again. Twilight can't be that slow, can she? She should be here any.... The door was pushed open and the lavender mare in question stepped through, "Spike! I'm back!" Oblivious to the two mares’ presence, Twilight carried on like normal. "Spike, where are you? I need some stuff done before tomorrow." Twilight turned and finally noticed the two mares standing there, "Oh, hi girls! What can I do for you?" asked librarian. "Oh nothing really," Rarity started out calmly, and then went straight to the point, "We just have a few questions for you," she directed pointedly at the librarian. Twilight froze, but only for a second, "Sure girls, what do you need to know?" Rainbow Dash stalked over to her, "How about why you've kept secrets from us!" Twilight backed up, getting closer to the wall behind her. Twilight started backing up faster, "What do you mean Dash?" A sweat broke out on her forehead. "She means, your secret little friend," said Rarity, coming up from behind Rainbow, her face one of accusation. "Little freaky, girls," Twilight back pressed against the wall behind her. She cowered slightly at the murderous gleam in her two friends eyes. "Well, not as mean as holding out on your friends!" said Rarity, almost in Twilight's face, shouting with enough force to ruffle Twilight's hair. "What d-do you me-ean?" Twilight stuttered. "You and your coltfriend, Big Macintosh!" shouted Dash, an inch from her face. Both confronting mares stepped back as Twilight's shoulders slumped, her head hung low. "How'd you guys find out?" she asked quietly. A tear silently fell from her eye to crash on the floor. Dash was instantly by her side, "No reason to cry, Twilight. We just wished you know you could tell us." "Twilight, dear, all we want to know is how long you've been with him," asked Rarity gently. Twilight sobbed slightly, "A little over a year and a half," fresh tears coursed down Twilight's face. "Does AJ know?" asked Dash. Twilight shook her head silently, more tears falling to the floor. "There, there," Rarity comforted the depressed mare. "No need to get all worked up over it," Rarity may have been calm on the outside but inside was anything but. A year and a half!??! How did she keep it a secret! How serious are they... "You girls haven't answered my question," said Twilight quietly. "Uh, what question, Twi?" asked Rainbow from the other side of her. "How did you two find out?" asked Twilight more forcibly. "Well, I was cloud napping and you two kind've woke me up with your, Expresses of love." said Dash guiltily. "Spike also sent me a letter saying you were acting strangely lately too," Rarity wished she hadn't said that. Twilight's head snapped up and her glare locked onto the little dragon still in the room, "Spike," she snapped. She stormed over to the little dragon. "How dare you invade my privacy!" a magical aura surrounded Spike and threw him against a wall, holding him there. "Twilight! I only did it cause I thought you were in trouble!" said Spike as he struggled against the magical bonds. "I can decide if I need help or not Spike," she ground out, an inch from his face. "As it is, I was planning to tell everypony on our two year anniversary!" She screamed in his face. Spike's face started contorting strangely but Twilight didn't notice, "I had everything under control! Now I have to work doubly hard to keep Armor from finding out! Do you remember what happened to my last coltfriend when Armor found out I had one?!? Well, do y--," Her rant was cut off as the little dragon opened his mouth, allowing a rolled up parchment to escape and smack Twilight in the face. Spike fell down with a crash as Twilight released him to grab the letter. __________________________________________ Dear Twilight Sparkle, I regret to inform you that the realm of secrecy and ah, shall we say, 'Nightly activities' is not my area of expertise. That wisdom and knowledge belongs to my sister, Luna. P.S. Luna left almost immediately when I told her a pony needed her help, she rarely gets asked for her help given her past. With love, Princess Celestia. __________________________________________ Twilight read the letter three times over, not believing what she was reading. My mentor can't help me! Ok, Twilight, no need to panic. Like she said, this is Luna's area of expertise. Wait, what did that line say!? 'Nightly activities', surly she won't ask about me and Macintosh Bucking, would she? Twilight scanned down the letter again and her gaze froze on one line, 'Luna left almost immediately......' What? Rarity cleared her throat rather loudly, "What's the letter say Twilight, dear?" The letter was levitated in front of the white mare. "What's so bad about this letter?" asked Rainbow Dash, having reading over Rarity's shoulder. "Read the last little bit, darling," said the fashionista. The letter moved from in front Rarity to hover in front of Dash, the magic holding it having switched when Twilight started having a internal panic attack. "Big deal, Luna won't be here for another few days. What do you have to worry abo--" Rainbow cut off as a rather quiet knock came through the door Spike quietly and slowly walked over to it. All the mares held her breath, wondering who awaited on the other side. Pleas not Applejack, fervently wished Twilight. Spike crept slowly to the door. He carefully opened it and.... Was greeted by Fluttershy. "Oh, hello Spike, sorry to bother you. Is Twilight here?" she asked quietly, hiding behind her mane. "Uh, yeah, what do you need?" asked the little dragon, Twilight walked up and stood by him. "Hey, Flutters, how's it going?" asked the lavender mare. "Oh good. Well, she uh... Someone has come to.... She--" she stuttered before slinking away quietly. Swooping in from above Fluttershy and landing with a metal clank from her horse shoes, landed a midnight blue alicorn. "Merry meet, Twilight Sparkle," said the Midnight Princess. "Uh, hi?" stuttered the librarian. "We understand that thou hast a problem?" she asked. "Uh, ah, um. Yes, would you like to come in?" asked Twilight. "We would be most grateful," Luna said as Twilight backed up to allow the Princess in. "So, Twilight Sparkle," stated Luna. "Yes?" asked Twilight timidly. "We would care to possess the knowledge why thou hast kept thy secr---" continued the Night Princess but was cut off by Rainbow Dash. "For the love of, cut it with the whole third person speaking and ye olde speech!" blurted the athlete. The Princess glared at the offending Pegasus before smiling, "Sorry, I always love to see how far I can annoy ponies before they say anything," she smiled at her little practical joke. "Anyways down to business," she turned back to Twilight, "You have a secret." Twilight nodded, "And you don't want ponies to find out?" "Well, specifically one pony, actually," Twilight said to the floor. "Then this is easily solved!" said Luna enthusiastically, "There is a simple spell I can use to make sure this pony unable to find out about it, unless you are physically present when they find out. This spell only works once per pony and can only affect one pony, are you sure you want to use it?" Twilight nodded eagerly. “Now, all you need to do is think of the secret." Twilight closed her eyes and thought desperately on her secret relationship. Luna's horn began to glow a dark color like that off the darkened moon. She pulled the secret out of Twilight's thoughts, unable to actually know what the secret was. "Now, think of the pony who that can't find out," this Luna was able to see and a image of Shining Armor drifted across her mind's eye. Luna's magic linked these two thought together, Luna gathered her magic and focused it on the linked thoughts. Luna concentrated for about ten seconds before her horn flashed a dark small explosion. "There, Armor can't find out now," said Luna with smile. "Oh, Thank you so much Princess Luna!" said Twilight as she flung her hooves around her neck. Luna returned the hug and set her head on Twilight's shoulder, next to her head. "No problem, Twilight, you've done so much for me in the past. You know, being heavy with foal is nothing to be ashamed about." "What did you just say?!?" asked Twilight as she took a step back in shock. "Oh damn, I might have said a little too much," Luna said with a little blush in the cheeks as Rarity fell over in the background. A/N Ok, if you read the above author's note, you know why you're here. Here's a not so hypothetical question. If Twilight and Macintosh were to have a foal; Would they have twins or just one? Would it/they be a Unicorn, Pegasus, or Earth Pony? Gender(s)? Color of pelt(s)? Color of mane(s)? And name(s)? You don't have to answer all of them for me to take importance in your opinion. If you do have a idea, leave a comment or PM me. If I missed a point, leave a comment and I'll try to fix And if someone has already posted what you were going to say, reply to that post and say you like it, makes it easier on me. Do the same with names if you find a name you like that someone posted. P.S. Sorry this story took a little bit to be updated, I'm gonna try and post part five this weekend. P.P.S. If you can guess what 'Merry Meet', Luna's greeting, is from leave a comment.
Two Days to Remember Two Days to Remember Day one, Macintosh awoke before the predawn light and yawned rather loudly. He settled down again trying to go back to sleep before his eyes snapped open. Oh, right. I have quite a few things to do today. He walked the short distance and wrote the quick letter he had planned last night. He placed the letter in a small bag along with massive red apple he had grabbed earlier. He made sure to grab the best apple possible; perfectly crisp, perfect ripeness, juicy, and a deep red color that matched his pelt. A sharp rap rang out from his window, walking quietly over to it; Macintosh heaved it open to allow Owlicious in. With not much for the Owl to do, he mostly hung around apple acres for the abundance in small game to hunt. He would also stop by Macintosh's window in the morning to deliver the occasional letter to his mare. He fed the owl a few seeds from the stash he kept for just that reason. Soon after handing the bag to the bird, which soon took off, he opened his small closet. He threw his saddlebags over his back and loaded his items, a hefty bag of bits and a decent size box. He purposely ignored his heavy yoke and headed out of his room. He walked down the stairs and headed into the kitchen to grab a bite to eat. Macintosh opened the fridge and shifted his gaze through it. He nearly jumped through the ceiling when a voice spoke behind him. "Ya headed out, Big Mac?" asked Applejack. "Eeyup," he said. "Whatcha going tah do today?" "Ah was gonna stop by Celtic Slew first and then hang out with some other ponies," he said, grabbing some apple cider from the fridge. "Is this 'some other ponies' a mare?" she asked sharply. He froze on his way to the counter. No point in lying. "Eeyup," he said. Applejack heaved a massive sigh, "Go ahead an take tomorrow off as well." "Thanks AJ," he poured some apple cider in a canteen before throwing it in his saddlebags. He grabbed a few more apples to put in them before setting out the door. Macintosh began the walk to Ponyville to talk and hopefully pick up his special order from the Scottish blacksmith, Celtic Slew. __________________________________________ On the other side of Ponyville, Twilight awoke late in the morning after a late night of pouring over pregnancy books. Luna had left last night to deal with some 'Official Business' last night, and hadn't gotten back yet. After several failed attempts to wake Rarity, from her fainting incident, Rainbow Dash carried her back to her house before going home. She walked down the stairs to the main floor and was surprised to see Owlicious there. He silently stood on her desk next to a small bag. She levitated it toward and peered inside, she smiled to herself as her gaze landed on the hoof written letter and big apple. Twilight took the letter out and smelled it, catching the slight musk of Macintosh. She opened it and silently read it. To the Mare of my Dreams I have a few surprises for you today, one rather big. So, please take the rest of the day off and I will pick you up after your lunch date with Applejack. With my everlasting love, Your Stallion P.S. I already gave Owlicious some treats. Twilight snapped her head in time to see the Owl plunge his head into her stash off seeds for him. With a wry smile, she picked up the hefty apple. Gazing into the beautiful red apple, she really didn't want to eat it. She bit into it and nearly fell over with glee. It tasted perfect. Her teeth made a satisfying *crisp* sound. Her nose was flooded with the fresh scent of apple. Juice dribbled down her chin and she rubbed her hoof across it to catch it. Ah, nothing like a Sweet Apple Acres apple. She placed the apple down, What time was Applejack supposed to come over? she questioned herself. A mighty knock sounded from her door. I guess now then. ___________________________________________ Macintosh finally found his way to Ponyville's sole smithery. Stepping inside into the continuously warm building, Macintosh immediately felt himself relax in the surrounding warmth. 'Clang!' a sharp retort of metal on metal rang out. 'Clang! Clang! Clang!'. Macintosh made his way to the back of the shop to the metal working area. A massive oven of red-hot embers sat at one side of the room, huge bellows ready to provide air to it. Various tools and projects hung on the walls and littered the work desk against another wall. In the center of the room stood the stallion in question. Celtic Slew stood bipedal, standing by an anvil. One hoof held a tool of some sort as the other hoof brought a heavy hammer down repeatedly. The blacksmith turned around with the tool in hand, eyes obscured by work goggles to protect them from flying debris. Celtic paused slightly upon seeing Macintosh, but continued moving and placed the tool back in the embers to warm up again. "Ach, ma wee Aiple. Are ye here for yer special ordah?" asked the blacksmith as he pulled the goggles off his eyes. Celtic Slew was the biggest stallion in Equestria; Macintosh’s shoulder came to the smith's armpit. The smith was Scottish in blood and practice and was also a talented smith. Celtic Slew wore a thick leather apron over his chest to protect his dark brown body. "So, Ah take it you're here for 'em?" Celtic said in his very Scottish accent. Macintosh nodded, "Eeyup." "Ah must say Ah'm honored ya came tah mah for somethin' so delicate. A lot of ponies only come for tools an' such," Celtic said as he turned to his work desk. Rummaging through the mess, he soon turned back with a small box. "You're very welcome, are they ready?" Macintosh asked. "Yes, who's the lucky bonnie?" asked Celtic. Macintosh looked at him in fear of being found out, "Whit? Did ye really think I'm that much of a dunderheid to not notice?" "Not, really," he admitted, "Ah just hoped you'd skip over that fact." "She better not be a Bide-in," he threatened. Macintosh shook his head vigorously. "Is it the quiet lassie?" "Nope, my mare is strong, independent, smart, kind, funny, cute..." He blushed as he realized he was trailing on. "Gloamin? Ah won't tell any pony," he said quickly. "Aboot time ye found a serious mare for ye." Macintosh nodded his thanks, "How much?" he asked. "Ye asked for Platnium, right?" Macintosh nodded. "58 bits." Macintosh pulled out his bag 'o bits and dealt out the required amount. He added a healthy 'tip' for Celtic's favor. Celtic handed him the small package and he gingerly placed it in his saddlebags. "Thank you," Macintosh said. Macintosh turned to leave as Celtic called out, "Anyt’ing for a fellow Scotsman!" "I'll keep that in mind!" he called back. Next stop, he thought,Train Station. ___________________________________________ Applejack led the way to the simple café where both mares planned on eating for lunch. She had arrived about three minutes after Twilight got Big Mac’s note; Applejack had found the mare sitting at her desk reading a piece of parchment over and over again, smiling all the while. Applejack had pretended not to notice and went back outside to knock on the door. Now, she decided would be a good time to inquire as to what twilight was doing. "It's a great day out, what were you doing indoors?" asked the farm mare. Twilight blushed and said, "Oh, you know. Just some studying." "On a day like this?" asked Applejack. "You're crazy tah waste a day that is, as would Rarity put it,” Applejack started animating her arms and put on her proper accent, “as wonderful and extravagant as one could hope for!” Twilight giggled and nodded her agreement, gazing skyward. It was a beautiful summer day, comfortably warm but no harsh glares from the sun. Her eyes caught the cyan speck that had been circling her for the past hour. After a little bit of walking, they arrived at the small café called Mare-Do-Well’s, a popular tourist food stop in Ponyville. Twilight and Applejack entered the café and were greeted by Salad Hooves, the owner/cook/waiter of the establishment. “Hello my favorite phillies, what’ll it be today?” He already knew the answer, but he grinned like he expected a surprise. “We’ll have the usual tulip and rose bud sandwiches, Salad,” Twilight grinned. The cook was about to head off when Applejack spoke up. “Hold on there, Ah’m feelin’ like a roasted mare burger and a juniper shake ‘ll do me good.” As Hooves went to fix their orders, Twilight looked uneasily at her friend. ‘Applejack almost never orders fast food,’ Twilight thought. ‘When she does, that means something’s on her mind. I guess I’d better wait on her to open up before I say anything.’ The two friends found a table, and Applejack initiated the conversation. “Twilight, Ah’m worried somethin’ awful for Big Mac,” the farm mare looked at her friend with a fittingly worried expression. She fidgeted as she continued. “He’s been acting all strange, like comin’ home late every other night and leavin’ early in tha mornin’ before tha family wakes up. And,” Applejack’s tone turned into a mix between grave and disgusted, “Ah’ve heard strange cloppin’ and gruntin’ noises comin’ from his bedroom after dinner.” Both ponies shuddered at what that could mean, though Twilight wasn’t disgusted as much as intrigued by the news. Her mind started to wander off, recreating the sounds coming from the room, the only difference being that it was two different voices making the pleasurable vocalizations echoing off the walls. The memory made her blush, which she tried to hide from Applejack. The farm mare didn’t notice and continued voicing her inner concerns. “Ah don’t know what ta do Twilight. It’s hard to speak ta him when he’s gone most of the day, and ya know how quiet he gets when he wants ta hide somethin’ from somepony.” Applejack sighed and looked down at the table. “Sorry if Ah’m ruinin’ our lunch date, Twi. Ah just don’t know what ta do and Ah really needed somepony ta talk to that would listen.” Twilight smiled nervously and reached across the table to grasp her friend’s hoof. “Applejack, I’m sure whatever Big Mac is doing isn’t anything to worry about. You just have to be patient with some colts.” Applejack nodded in agreement as Twilight shivered in excitement. Applejack was about to ask if she was all right when said mare interrupted her as she continued speaking. “Big, strong, healthy, handsome colts whose sweat smells of apples and hard work and makes their bodies shine in the afternoon sun, whose eyes make you want to give yourself in to his glory and swim in the green ocean surrounding his irises, wishing he would mount you and make you his queen for eternity…” Applejack was taken aback by her friend’s words. She also noticed how her friend’s eyes, seemingly gazing into her own, were actually focusing on nothing in particular. ‘Well buck,’ thought Applejack. ‘Ah’ve seen mare’s in heat, but this takes the bushel,’ She waved a hoof in front of Twilight’s face, the mare still caught in her dream-like trance. “Hey, Twilight, ya in there?” Applejack started giggling. “Hellooooo, Equestria to Twi!” Twilight broke out of her trance, remembering where she was. At the café with Applejack. Waiting on their food to arrive. Talking about Big Mac and Applejack’s concern about his activities outside (and inside) of the house. Feeling guilty as she thought about his muscular body, his sweaty neck, the passion and fire playing along his eyes and lips as they came in to close proximity of her own… Twilight’s brain made a snapping noise, making her hair messy and dirty looking, her eyes twitching and her smile lopsided. “Applejack, I’m not feeling very well so I’m going to go home and rest and you shouldn’t worry about me so you can go home and not have to worry and don’t worry about paying because it’s all on me and we should do this again in about fifty-years or so and that’ll be so much fun and I’ll see you around Ponyville so you don’t have to come to the library to visit anytime soon and I’ll see you around BYE!” Twilight practically ran over Applejack as she dashed out of the restaurant towards her tree house, screaming friendly greetings to anypony that was in her way. Applejack stared in obvious shock as she tried to think of what could have made Twilight so distraught and insane, and she nearly jumped out of her seat when Salad Hooves came to the table with a tray full of food. She didn’t seem to notice since she was staring after the crazed pony. He looked at Applejack after a few minutes, not saying a word. Both ponies knew what the other was thinking; there was just no need to say it aloud. “What the buck?” A/N Special Thanks to Lunar-tic for this chapter, this chapter would quite literally not be here without him. Ten points if you can guess what song this is from; For freedom we rise Learn to fly, reach the sky Legend will carry you thousands of miles Take a stand, hold the land Make sure that everyone’s ready to win Find the speed, all you need Team up for battle we fly Fly
Two Days to Remember part TwoDay One, Continued Macintosh sat under a tree on a hill that allowed him to keep an eye on Twilight and Applejack. He munched on an apple as he waited for them to finish lunch so he could go surprise Twilight. "Thou art a creeper," said a voice behind him. Macintosh jumped to his feet as a voice behind him spooked him for the second time that day. He whirled around to look into the eyes of Princess Luna. "Uh, hello, your highness," he stammered out. "And a hello to you Big Macintosh. Now what is a handsome stallion like you doing alone on a day like this?" she asked suggestively. "Ah, I see. Spying are we? Now who are you watching? She let out a 'dramatic' gasp. "Your sister and Twilight?" Macintosh opened his mouth to explain but Luna beat him to it. "Not to worry, Big Mac. I'm here to help and I already know all there is about you and Twilight Sparkle," she said while he turned a couple shades redder. "I'm just here to see if you are worthy of her affections," she said. "Since Princess Cadence is out on royal business, fortunately for you Shining Armor is with her, I cannot have her just peer in your feelings," she studied his face. He looked back stubbornly, daring her to question his loyalty. "Well?" he asked. She gazed for a few more seconds, "Give me your saddle bags." He wordlessly handed them to her and belatedly remembered what was in one of the bags. Luna levitated a few of his apples out and placed them aside. She pulled out his canteen and opened it, giving it a whiff. "Mm, apple cider," she placed it aside and opened the other bag. The goddess pulled out Twilight present and peeped inside. "Awwww!" the Princess cried, "Sooo Cute!!!" Macintosh's pelt turned several shades darker. She turned serious and pulled out the box he feared. "Oh, well, well, well. You certainly are a adventures stallion," she said while waggling your eyebrows. Turning crimson, he snatched all his possessions away from her and stuffed them back in his bags. "Well, I guess you are what Twilight deserves and more," she started to walk away. She looked back, "I hope you just stay that way for your sake." He involuntarily shuddered from being threatened, even if subtly, by a goddess. Shit, he thought, anything she does will be backed up by Celestia. A burst of activity at the café attracted him back and his gaze came across just in time to see his mare streak off as a lavender blur back to her treehouse. Well, Twilight's obviously done with her lunch date, time to initiate my surprise. He began making his way to Twilight's library. __________________________________________ Twilight burst through her front door, That could have gone better. One side of her splitting mind said. Yeah, like not appearing like a mare in heat? her other said retorted. At least we didn't blow it. Good point, a knock on the door broke off her inner ramblings. She slowly made her way to her door, wondering who sat on the other side this time. Applejack? Twilight sure hoped not, she doubted she could even attempt to hold it together a second time. Well, here goes, and opened the door and stuck her head out... And jammed her head into Macintosh's massive chest. He took a startled step back as he took in her appearance. Twilight's hair just settled down, her brain settled back into one piece, and her smile grew wider and not lopsided. Just because she saw him. Seeing her visibly calm down he spoke, "Ah take it the lunch date didn't go as hoped?" Twilight's cheek reddened, "Let's just say that we're lucky Applejack isn't tanning your hide as we speak. What are the saddle bags for?" she gestured to his laden saddle bags. "Oh, nothin'. Just your surprise. Did you get the rest of the day off?" he asked. "Yes!" she shouted excitedly. "Well, Ah have a little somethin' for you," he handed her the larger box. "You shouldn't have," she grabbed the offered present. "Eeyup, I should've a while ago," he said. "Ohh! What is it!" she asked excitedly. "You gotta open it, Smartypants." "Oh, right," she said sheepishly. Twilight placed the present in front of her on the table. He held his breath as she carefully raised the lid. She drew in a breath of air rapidly, Ah snap he thought. Twilight stared at the box quietly; with a sudden burst of movement she tackled him. "Thatnkyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!!!!!!!" she yelled in his face. "Ah take it you like it?" he asked as she kept yelling. "Are you kidding me!? I love it! Where did you get her?" she held up her Smarty Pants doll in her magic as she nuzzled it affectionately. "Ah've, uh, had her for a while now," he blushed as he went on. "Ah just figured you'd want it back." "And you fixed her up! Her mane is brand new, her pelt has been repatched and you changed her stuffing!!" she gently placed Smarty Pants on the table. Twilight managed to calmly walk over to Macintosh and hugged him tightly. "I love you, Macintosh," she said against his chest. "And Ah love you too," he said. He held her tight before releasing her and he asked, "Now, do you want to get the rest of your first surprise?" Twilight cocked her head at just the right angle that made her look so damn cute! "There's more?" she asked. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes," Yes," he said exasperatedly; "If you'd actually check the rest of the box..." he left the rest of the sentence unsaid. Twilight levitated the box back over to her and sat down on the ground. Macintosh sat across from her. She carefully peered inside the box again. "Huh? Train tickets?" she asked as she levitated two slips of paper out of the box. "Yes, should say, 'departing at 1:30, today'" he said. "Where are we going?" she asked, eager for information. "Your home town, or should I say city? Of Canterlot," Twilight grabbed him in another bone crushing hug. "What are we waiting for then, let's get going!" she said excitedly. __________________________________________ The rather colorful train pulled into the Canterlot station to unload the eager passengers. "Come on, Macky! There's so much I have to show you!" she bounced out of the train car. "Well, sorry, but there's only one place I want to go," said the workpony. "Where's that?" said the unicorn, pouting. "The royal Canterlot library," he said, much to the unicorn’s shock which nearly instantly turned into excitement. "Really? You'd go there?" he nodded his confirmation. "Alright then, this way," she said and headed off into the busy streets of Canterlot. __________________________________________ The loving pair walked side by side through the crowd to arrive in front of a massive building, the doors alone seemed to be bigger than his barn, Macintosh pondered wonderfully. Twilight walked confidently forward and gently pushed one of the doors open with her magic. Macintosh hurried after her as to not get stuck outside. The doors led onto a massive circular room, bookshelves lined the walls but only the highlights and 'latest reads' were there. In between each set on bookcases, led into another room. Each one presumably for different genres. In the center sat a circular desk that the librarian sat inside of. At the sound of the door closing, the librarian looked up and her face alighted with joy as her eyes fell on Twilight. Ah, good ole Twilight, long time no see," she said friendly. "Sorry, been out of town. Say, have any of the new volume to Apple Care Supreme?" asked Twilight. The librarian caught sight of Macintosh's cutie mark and didn't bother to ask about who it was for. "Yes there is, it's in the 'All things Green' section, although you probably already knew that seeing you were the number one person to check those out, constantly," she said teasingly. Twilight blushed and said her thanks to the librarian before heading of to the presumable 'All things Green' section. Butterflies started gnawing on the inside of his stomach. Twilight grabbed a table in the empty room and soon levitated massive books over to it. Macintosh deliberately ran his hoof down her horn, causing her to lose her focus and old tomes hit the floor. "Macintosh! What do you think you're doing?" she whispered. "Remember how Ah said you had multiple surprises coming today?" she nodded in confirmation. "Well, here's the second one, and brace yourself. It's a doozy," his stomach churned at what she might say. His throat closed of its own accord, making it hard to speak. "Sure, I doubt it can be that bad. I mean, come on, I've saved Ponyville how many times?" she brushed off his warning. Macintosh grabbed her shoulders and gently lowered her into a chair. "Trust me," he said. She sighed in resignation and sat still. Macintosh dug through his thinning saddle bags and produced to small box. The massive farm stallion had never felt fear or trepidation before today, and he never wanted to experience them again. He stood in front of Twilight. In one smooth movement, he lowered his rump down to rest on the stone floor and opened the box slowly. Inside was a beautiful silver ring designed with spectacular flows and designs around a six pointed star burst. And it was intended to fit around onepony's wrist. "Twilight Sparkle, love of my life and mare of my dreams..." he paused and gathered his quickly fading courage. "Will you marry me?" A/N Hey guys, sorry it took me so long to update, and also sorry for the relitively short chapter. This was the first ime i was able to get some alone with my computer (My parents don't know i write, let alone know I'm a Brony). Kinda serious when i say this but my muse is starting to sing a different tune. Four different tunes to be exact. So, if you have any ideas, please leave a comment to help jumpstart my brain. Also, to TheWanderingPikaPony, i have a job offer for you. For now, i bid you goodbye until the net installment or me and Luar-tic have another write off, which may happen tomorrow. ~Knight Wing out.
Chapter 7Chapter 7- Back to Reality Tension mounting yet? "Oh Macintosh, of course I will..." "Oi! Nurse! She's ah coming to!" bellowed a deep bass with worry, a pair of strong red fore hoofs gripped a smaller, lavender, hoof. The worry in the red stallion's voice was way too obvious, not that he cared although the orange mare back in the waiting room would beg to differ. "Don't worry, Big Macintosh. This is expected and encouraged, she should be up and about in a few days," a soft mare's voice quietly reassured the work stallion. The lavender mare that had been laying quietly on the bed was now stirring and trying to force her eyes open. And her eyelids felt glued shut. It hurt to even move, pain rocketed through her temples like lightning as the unicorn mare shifted her eyelids. She forced her eyelids to crack open and groaned in pain as blades of white light stabbed through her eyes and straight through her skull leaving a dull throbbing headache behind. But at least she could see now. And hear. All she could see was a giant white blur, at the moment, although a crimson smudge was right beside her. It came to her attention that she was laying down on crisp white sheets and delicate medical machines beeps softly on the opposite of the red blob. "Here, this should help with the drowsiness," said the gentle mare again. Twilight didn't even feel the small prick in her free fore leg as the Nurse administered the drug before the Nurse walked out to give them some privacy. Whatever it was, it acted fast. The lavender mare's visions sharpened suddenly, enough to make the mare shake her head as she took in her surroundings again. Small room. Sterile white. Medical machines. I'm in a hospital, this hit Twilight like a freight train as her brain thought up, verified, threw away, and created more possibilities on why she was here. Her shifting eyes landed on what used to be the red blob, having her vision sharpened immediately made Big Macintosh recognizable. Balloons floated to the ceiling and the small shelves were over flowing with flowers and cards to the point that they had started accumulating on the ground. The sight of the strong work stallion comforted her slightly but not by much, "Where am I?" she asked first off. The stallion's slight smile wavered a tad but came back, just as comforting as before, "Ya're in Ponyville's Top Hospital. Just stay calm and relax, ya need tah heal." Twilight closed her eyes with a content grin on her face at his answer, she laid her bed back down on the pillow. Before her head even settled on the fluffy pillow, the eyes snapped right back open. "Macintosh, what am I doing here." she ground the words out as she realized nopony had yet to offer a reason. "Ya're not well, get some rest and we'll talk again soon," his smile grew a little more confident as he nodded comfortingly. She cocked her head to the side in confusion, "Than what happened?" "Uh... Ya had an accident, yeah, that's it," Macintosh wouldn't meet her eyes. "What. Happened." Short choppy words. Macintosh's smile faltered, "Ya don't remember?" Now he was worried again. "No, all I remember is us going to Canterlot, checking into the Library, barely exploring before you distracted me and then blew me away by proposing," Twilight looked down at the fore hoof Macintosh was holding, seeing the silver band, "And I believe I said yes," she said with a nod to the wedding band. The red stallion's face paled, "Twi, that's not what happened at all..." he took a hoof away and started waving to get the Nurse's attention. "Then what in good. Hell. Did. Happen?" Big Macintosh wouldn't look at her as he tried to call the Nurse, he caught the glare out of the corner of his eye and looked back at her. Bluntly put, she was pissed. "Like I said, you had an accident..." Twilight narrowed her eyes at the skirting stallion, "What day is it?" "..." "Well?" she tried prompting. "You've been out for a few days..." he said in a small voice. "Out, out how?" now she was panicking a bit. "Um, Twi, you.... Uh... Were in a Coma." Silence reigned in the small room as Twilight's brain failed to compute this knowledge. "Start. Talking." ()()()()()() ~~~ Obviously before comatose Twilight ~~~ "Sssire, we've collected ssome, interesting, reportss from the Ssscouts." "Hmm, what is it?" "We have located the Archmage, the anti detection ssshield is faltering around her." "Just the Archmage?" "Yesss, but we assssume the other Elemental Demonsss are with her." "Perfect, initiate a Phassse One, ssomething sssubtle. Hmm, make it damaging as well though." "Yesss ssire, right away." Deep within the Everfree Forest, something primal stirred Multiple primal things. ()()()()()()
Chapter 8Chapter 8 - The Pacifistic Warrior "Shuh bangity bangity bang!" sang Applebloom as she bashed two hammers together, heads first. A disgruntled red stallion held his little sister aloft atop his back as she nailed the ramp back to the Cutie Mark Crusader's tree house. "Ya done yet?" asked the annoyed big brother. "Uh, just about," said Applebloom as she stopped banging the hammers together and back onto the nails. Three nails later and a quick save to catch a falling filly, brother and sister headed back to the farm house trying to finish their last few chores before the sun set, and the skies were already orange. They reached the barn and set about they're different duties, Applebloom went to take care of the chickens while Macintosh sat down to sharpen the horrible dull plow. The red work stallion was left alone with the stone on metal rasping sound as he drew the whet stone down the length of the blade, working out dents and chinks out of the big metal plow from where rough runs into rocks had left them. The work helped to try eradicating the mental image stuck in his head, but the sight of Twilight sashaying her hips back and forth while leaving over the hill earlier had been near-imprinted onto his mind. Finally coming to the point of satisfaction for him, he set the now sharper plow was set down. He inspected the harness and wood frame, glad to see both holding up. Big Macintosh threw the whet stone so it landed right back on the work shelf where he had grabbed it. The red farm stallion was excited to say the least for his bed, because that meant he could sleep and as soon as he slept time would seem to go faster through the night and then it'd be his day off. And he was looking forward to it. It wasn't often he'd get a full day, well half-ish day because of Applejack's lunch date with Twilight, but still. He usually had to settle for moonlight meeting. Which were romantic as can be, but did wear down on the participants. The sun head set and night was falling rapidly so Macintosh left the barn for the night. As the red stallion headed up from the barn and towards the house, a weird sound, a sound that was way out of season. "Is that a howlin' Timberwolves, I hear?" asked the creaky old Granny Smith from the rocking chair on the front porch. Applejack poked a confused head out the front door, "Sure sounds like it, but Zap Apple season is ways away..." "HOOOOOOOOOWWWWUUUUUU!!" "Okay, that one was way closer," now Applejack sounded worried. "Uh, Mac, keep headed this way would ya?" Big Macintosh continued moving toward the house, now at a brisk trot. He was almost at the porch when all the blood drained from his sister's face and she jabbed a hoof towards him, actually at something behind him, "MACINTOSH, RUN!" Not even questioning his sister or her actions, Macintosh broke out into a flat out gallop. The racing stallion dared a quick flash of sight over his shoulder. At least eight Timberwolves had exploded out of the tree line that bordered Sweet Apple Acres, and were charging straight for the farm house. Granny Smith had already gone inside and was thankfully standing to the side of the door as Big Macintosh barreled through. Applejack slammed the door closed and rammed the dead bolt home. The red work pony reached for the wood chopping axe behind the door. He picked it up in his mouth and tested the weight by swinging a few graceful figure eights in the air. He braced himself, ready to swing. Thundering paws grew louder. The wolves bayed as they grew closer to their prey. You want dinner? silently asked Macintosh as he swung the axe again, Good Luck. The noises of the hunting Pack grew closer and louder, bearing down on the farm house. Louder. Closer. Louder. Closer. Louder until the point that Macintosh thought they had already started trampling about inside the house. The thundering grew even louder and the stallion braced himself for the unheard but definitely felt climax. And then nothing. The thundering paws passed the house. Yes, passed around the farm house and began fading into the distance. The red stallion looked at his sister in the Stetson, they traded confused looks. Gears whirred and turned inside their head at the recent events. Both looked at each other with shock as they reached the same conclusion. Big Macintosh sprinted out the door, axe still in mouth as his eyes confirmed what he feared. The eight, now seeming to be plus eight Timberwolves had completely by passed the farm house and farm in general. And we're heading straight for Ponyville. Twi..., Macintosh sprinted into another flat out gallop as fear for his lover set in. "Mac, look out!" Applejack's voice barely registered in his mind, but the giant blue, be speckled with stars paw slamming in front of him did. His jaw dropped and the axe dropped out of his mouth in absurdity at the giant looming over him. Night sky blue fur. Studded with stars. The Ursa Minor probably hadn't even noticed Macintosh as it stepped over him, or the white picket fence it crushed in multiple places. It was following directly in the path of the Timberwolves... Toward Ponyville as well. Big Macintosh picked up the axe in his mouth and sprinted for the village again. ()()()()()() Ponyville was for all intents and purposes, a War Zone. Or at least the bit that Big Macintosh saw. But strangely enough, as far as he could tell, nopony had been harmed. Ponies were either running screaming and hollering or just seemed dazed. Macintosh didn't bother too much brain power on this question of uninjured ponies. The red powerhouse soon caught up with the Timberwolves and Ursa Minor on there path of destruction. The night sky blue Ursa Minor carved a swath of destruction like a small tornado was passing through Ponyville, mostly avoiding full on crushing buildings but taking down walls and windows. The Timberwolves however were absolutely swarming over buildings. Shoving themselves threw windows and doors before emerging shortly after. Often, ponies would flee terrified from their homes screaming. TheWolves maybe gave them a passing snarl or bared teeth but no pursuit. What are they doing...? now Big Macintosh questioned the Timberwolves strange behavior. Something's stirrin' up these creatures mighty fierce, Macintosh suddenly had to leap sideways as the Ursa Minor unknowingly swung a heavy paw that was on a trajectory to occupy the same space as him. Whatever he landed on violently started bucking and writhing before Macintosh realized he was on another pony. Leaping off him, Big Macintosh then ran at full gallop to catch up with the pack. He then targeted the first Timberwolf he saw, a smaller one that had just entered through somepony's doorway. The red stallion charged through the door after it. As it ended up as, the Timberwolf had turned around and was about to exit the house when Big Macintosh blew through the door and into the Wolf. The large stallion straight up broke or dislocated the Wolf's left shoulder as Big Macintosh had lowered his right shoulder, his much stronger and tougher shoulder. The Timberwolf went sprawling down the foyer, it quickly regained composure on its three legs and charged the ready stallion. As it limped a charge at him, Macintosh side stepped with ease and swung the axe up and then viciously down on the Wolf's neck. The Wolf's body went slack and hit the floor, but not as a whole. When it hit the floor, the Wolf's body parts went flying everywhere Big Macintosh turned away to start walking away, to find his next target, the sound of wood clattering around and hitting the tougher floor boards cause the stallion to pause. Turning about and looking at the wood pieces that once was a Timberwolf, he couldn't believe his eyes as a sickly green magic surrounded the wood. The scattered pieces then reformed into the snarling, vicious form of the recently deceased Timberwolf. It was within striking distance, and it raised it's right paw to slash at him with it's wooden claws. The red work pony didn't even give it a chance, the axe was swung around in a haymaker movement, shattering the Timberwolf's foreleg. It glared fiercely at him before resuming it's approach. Big Macintosh brought the axe down square on it's forehead. Splitting the wood there and plunging into empty space. He yanked out the axe with a cold tug as the Timberwolf collapsed for a second time. This time, Big Macintosh didn't walk away, he watched the pile of scrapes. After a good moment of them not moving, Macintosh began to walk away again, only to hear wood clattering yet again. Fed up with retarded regenerating wolves, Big Macintosh went on a chopping frenzy. Slamming the axe up and down until all that was left was tinder mince meat. Breathing heavily, Macintosh snorted at the pile of finely chopped wolf, daring it to regenerate. Grunting in acknowledgement, he shifted the axe shaft in his mouth. And for a third freaking redundant time, the pile shifted in its sickly green glow again. His back still turned, Big Macintosh looked back over his shoulder. Wide, intense eyes that appeared ready to kill. Pursed lips that conveyed an annoyed attitude. All in all, Big Macintosh looked about 500 percent done with this Timberwolf's regenerating bovine excrement. Swinging the blade flat to the pile, not blade first but to provide the most surface area. He swung it like a cricket bat, sending tiny bits of wood flying everywhere. Out the door, into the kitchen, and into the adjacent room. Then, to his utter horror, the pieces still tried to pull themselves together. This is Ridiculous. I can't kill this one Timberwolf, how do I kill the others?, the red stallion kicked a larger piece savagely out the door. A sudden though accrued to him, one of a slightly reclusive stallion. There's only one pony here that probably knows how to fill these things, and he's a pacifist... ()()()()()()
Chapter 9Chapter 9 . . "Oi! Stay awa' frea me!", this, accompanied by short choppy barks and the thud of something large falling over, resonated from the smithery. . "Sonuvafuck! Doon dumb dug!" Big Macintosh hefted the wood chopping axe before poking his snout inside. . The big brown Scotstallion was practically prancing about his work area, mainly circling the big pile of embers in the middle that was his smithery oven. As a Timberwolf of the smaller variant chased after him. Both lumbering four legged creatures knocked over projects off the shelves to further clutter the path. The blacksmith was taking no offensive measures whatsoever, keeping his (or at least trying to) distance away from the gnashing jaw and slicing claws. . Big Macintosh stood there in the doorway, mouth agape and axe on the floor as he watched in shock, the stallion bigger than him run away from the smallish Timberwolf. . The red farm stallion watched for a moment before shaking his head and yelling out, "Just hit the damn dog!" He raised a hoof as he prepared to march in and take over from Celtic Slew, before his next comment made him stop walking in general. . "Can't! No innocents have been harmed at all!" Celtic threw this over his shoulder at Macintosh. . Macintosh cocked his head to the side in confusion, "So? Shouldn't be stopping ya from hittin' it." . The black smith flashed him a sheepish looking smile, "Curse, vow, dumb promise, call it what ya will. But be reminded I'm only pacifist for a limit." . Suddenly, he stopped running and came to a full stop, letting the wolf slam into him. Celtic's ears pricked at attention and angled out the window, picking up a wounded cry from somepony. . The Timberwolf, still stumbling from running into the rock hard Earth Pony, was picked up by it's throat and then was locked in the eyesight of a now great angry Scotstallion. . "Somepony's been hurt, all bets are off now," said the blacksmith with a malicious grin. Fore hoof kept outstretched, holding the Timberwolf aloft, Celtic turned and slammed the Wolf's face into the glowing hot embers of the forge. The wolf howled in agony as the wood that made up it's face charred and burned. . Smoke curled above the howling beast as the scent of burning pine wafted through the air. . After what felt like an eternity to the Wolf, Celtic picked it back up and threw it bodily into his spare arms locker. The brown heavily built pony shrugged his shoulders after the debacle while the farm pony was appalled at that he just witnessed. . Celtic turned to face Big Macintosh, "What? Even Pacifistic Highlanders have their limits, mine just happens to be innocents." . The black smith reached under a counter and retracted a spade headed shovel, walking out the front door, "Come on laddie, bitches await." . Working quickly as the sound of baying Timberwolves and the roaring of the Ursa Minor acting as great incentive, Celtic slammed the spade repeatedly into the ground with his hooves and mouth. Voraciously digging down a foot before striking something solid. . Slew reached in and grasped a wooden box with his mouth, yanking it out, "Oh yea, baby. Ah'm back." . He opened the wooden chest revealing many things but he only pulled out four things. A bundle of cloth that looked as if plates of metal was sewn into it, a black watch saddle bag, and two octagonal hammers set on short handles. Short being a foot and a half. The hammer heads themselves were over a foot long in length and the 'diameter' of the octagonal faces of the prism hammer was roughly six to eight inches. . The Scotstallion unraveled the cloth and adeptly wrapped it around his waist and hind legs, revealing it to indeed be an armored kilt. He cinched the belt on and then threw the saddle bags over his barrel of a body and tightened it as objects inside it clattered around. Celtic looked at Big Macintosh, then the axe held loosely in his mouth, and then back to Macintosh. . "Ah am not going in town while you have a weapon as unclassy as that, wait one," the big brown pony trotted back into the shop and soon trotted back out, hoping a generic double bladed battle axe swinging loosely in his mouth. . "Here, now we can kill bitches," he said as he tossed it to Macintosh. . The red stallion finally his voice, "Just like that? Ah walk in, and not a moment later you're set and ready to kill things." . Now the big brown Scotstallion was confused, "What d'you mean laddie? Hot mares are in danger, and you know what hot mares like more than being saved by a sexy, albeit sweaty, Scotstallion swinging great lumps of metal around?" He hefted his dual hammers. "Really though, I have no idea what they like more than that, if you know, do share," With that, Celtic Slew began to wander off. . "Hold on, there's a violent horde of Timberwoles, a freaking Ursa Minor and you're gonna march in there because of hot mares?" Macintosh grabbed Celtic's saddle bag to slow him down. . Celtic Slew huffed, "Nope, that was just a joke. Ah'm a Highlander, Ah gotta save bitches." . He said this with such serious conviction that both stallions burst out laughing after a short period of tense eye contact, "Sheesh Mac, of course it's for the hot mares!" . "Now hold on, there IS a small army of them! What makes you so confident about just marching in!" exclaimed Big Macintosh. . "Looooong damn back story, and we ain't got time. All you need to know is that Ah'm a badass Ah've trained badasses. And that Ah was so badass Ah had to leave my home land for fear of my loved ones as nopony could touch me but could harm them." . He turned away from the farm pony and glared at a random point in the air, saying to nothing in particular, "And Ah'm not OP, go bug the writer for the rest of the story." . Acting as though nothing strange had just happened, he turned back to Macintosh who had an inquisitive look on his face. "Just a trick Ah learned by watching Pinkie, don't think to hard about it or you'll get a headache," said Celtic as he began to trot off. . The red stallion shook his head and began to trot after him. "Game plan?" mumbled Macintosh around the axe handle. . "Ah dunno, Ah'm just wingin' it, bitches like that," with that, Celtic Slew loped off towards Ponyville. . . ()()()()()() . . Both stallions arrived in the center of Ponyville after their brisk trot. The red stallion had insisted to charge immediately for Twilight Sparkle's treehouse but the Scotstallion said this was more tactically savvy. Amid all the chaos and confusion however, both armed stallions went by unnoticed. Ponies ran pill mill and so did the Timberwolves. A few fires seemed to have started in various parts of the village for smoke started to spread around. Ponies yelled and screamed while Wolves growled and howled, adding together to create a cacophony of noise with the loud roar of the Ursa Minor as the bass back up. . They exchanged worried glances as the Ursa Minor continue to rampage around, and the Timberwolves studiously ignored them to run amuck and terrorize ponies. . "Don't hate me," was all the warning Big Macintosh got before Celtic Slew unfolded a large plaid thing out of his right saddle bag. He snapped some pipes from his left bag before holding the sagging lump of pipes and cloth up and placing a thin reed between his lips. . [youtube=http://youtu.be/PSH0eRKq1lE] . The noise that spewed forth from the strange lump frankly hurt the red stud's ears. It started relatively high before dropping down an octave or so and bouncing around between notes very rapidly before stabilizing out into a swift heroic sounding tune. . The strange noise made Big Macintosh want to do two things. Either to destroy the infuriating noise, or, the more liable of the two, to destroy every evil being currently in this village with extreme prejudice. Macintosh was pumped. . Unfortunately, all movement around them stopped. The Timberwolves had highly tuned ears that now almost bled from the horrendous noise. A herd's worth of eyes narrowed into glares, teeth were bared and low growls emitted from the horde surrounding the two stallions. . Macintosh was twitchy, he kept moving. Understandable as he was surrounded by Timberwolves who are all pissed at the stallion next to him. Thanks to the level of adrenaline being pumped through him, he almost launched himself into low orbit when Celtic quietly whispered in his ear, "Granted, not mah best plan..." "But at least we got their attention." . The farm stallion steadied himself, "What now?" . "Hmm, you know, it's kinda a good thing we're surrounded," the Scotstallion said this as if he was a third party looking in on this from above, not as if he was about to have his throat ripped out. . Macintosh whipped his axe near a Timberwolf that tried to edge closer and it slunk off with a growl, "And what good is that?" . Smiling with a cheeky grin, "We're surrounded, that simplifies things!" . "How can you be so damn cheerful! We're surrounded by more than a score of bloodthirsty wolves!" . "Yeah, those poor bastards," Celtic Slew reached to his waist and tightened his belt. With absolutely no warning or sign, the brown power house was leaping full up into the air and pouncing for the Timberwolf closet to him with the blood curdling war cry tearing from his throat. . "FAUGH A BALLAGH" . Ah hail was all Big Macintosh thought before he launched himself at the mass of Timberwolves with the raging Scotstallion. . Celtic held his dual hammers somehow in his hooves, and as he came down, his right hammer struck with all his muscular strength and the momentum of the jump, right on a Timberwolf. A direct hit where the base of the neck met the torso. Shattering the entire wolf on the spot. . Right hammer slammed into the ground, grinding bits of wood beneath it, another Timberwolf jumped at him. His right hammer still connected to the ground, he swung a vicious back hand swing with his left, catching its jaw and blowing its head apart into small bits. . He paused and locked his stance, now separated from Big Macintosh and muttered to himself, "Surrounded by assholes, all alone... Oh yea, Ah'm back. If only Steel Head and Shadowflash were here." He then launched himself back into the fray. . Macintosh at first tried to keep up with Celtic Slew, but a sea of Timberwolves quickly swallowed the space between the veteran and the greener than grass farm pony. . Acting solely on instinct, he barreled into one before slamming the heavy axe into its crown and through the head, into the soft ground underneath. . Low growls behind him made him jump around, he bucked in midair with his hind legs. Pain spiked up his legs and the Timberwolf attempting to pounce on him was nailed in the chest. The wood shattered and Macintosh's legs shot through into the Wolf's body cavity, getting stuck. . With his legs stuck in the body, the Farmpony decided to try and emulate Celtic, he spat the hammer into his hooves. . Huh, I didn't drop it, that's weird..., sure enough, the Axe was being easily held on his right hoof, as though it was magnetic. . His eyes caught a flash out of the corner of his eye as another Timberwolf made a move, he almost acted without thinking when the axe spoke. . Yes, the axe spoke. . Kick and thrash legs, roll under leaping Wolf's trajectory and violent uppercut, sounding relatively reasonable, so not hesitating, Big Macintosh scissored his legs apart, cracking and destroyingr the body entrapping his legs. . He leapt into a roll as the Timberwolf pounced, it sailed over him. . Cutting his role short, he sprang to his feet swinging the axe from the ground up with all his might. Slamming it into its chest. . The Timberwolf simply collapsed all around him in pieces. . Macintosh stood and regarded the axe with a confused expression, wondering what the actual hail was going on. . Backwards roll, suddenly sounded in his head. . Not hesitating again, Macintosh rolled backwards in time to see a Wolf leap through the air he was occupying earlier. . Now the red monolith was startled, making the mistake of taking his mind off the fight and looking at the strange axe. . From across the square came the distance Scottish accent, "Just trust the axe!" . Big Macintosh looked up in confusion, Snap axe up to block. . Once again acting before thinking, he snapped it up and presented the face of the axe with himself to provide the most cover area to block. . Wooden claws raked over the steel in a ear splitting screech, startling him. . Backswing, now, Macintosh twirled around, Axe swinging in a blurry haymaker. The sharp axe blade cleanly decapitated the rearing Timberwolf behind him. . The axe talks, thought Macintosh, Alrighty then. . Spotting a Timberwolf, the red stallion didn't wait for the axe to tell him what to do, he charged it. Barreling towards it, Macintosh went tunnel vision and locked onto it with an intense gaze, almost willing it to explode before he got to it. . Simple Diversion ya dumb nut, swing right. . The farm pony stumbled slightly as the axe's orders conflicted, his hooves caught traction again and he took off. . To the right! . This time, the orders rang more clearly in Macintosh's head and he tried to slow down and swing his massive frame to the right. . Too late, don't say I didn't warn you. . The charging Timberwolf slammed into Macintosh's side, raking its claws threw his skin and slicing down his side, creating three long slashes. . Pain acted as a great incentive for action, more adrenaline flooded his system and blocked the majority of the pain. Warmth spread from the wound and down his side to seep down to his stomach. . The new source of adrenaline also found his vocal cords, "AAARRRRGGGGGHH!" . Macintosh snapped his around and used the momentum from the spin to slam the axe blade deep into the Timberwolf's chest. The axe blade buried itself deep in the chest, to the point that the entire head was inside the Wolf. . Macintosh gave it a vicious twist and rotated the axe ninety degrees, before yanking it out to cause a gaping hole to form in the Wolf's chest. . The Wolf stood there stunned, clawing weakly at the huge hole, before collapsing into a pile of tinder. . Macintosh lowered into a crouch,l and darted his eyes around. Seeing nothing, he spun around to check the other side of the clearing, hot liquid ran down his side and flung off of him as he snapped about. . The clearing was empty except for two things. . A Timberwolf trying desperately to flee from an enraged Scotstalling. . And an enraged Scotstallion hurtling his right hammer like a Tomahawk. . The heavy, flying, chunk of metal slammed into the Wolf's skull with a tremendous *CRACK* splitting it and knocking it clean off. . The rest of the Wolf's body continued running before crashing into a building's wall and turning into a heap of kindling. . Despite himself, and the serious situation, the Farmpony let out a short snort of laughter. . The Scotstallion seemed to calm back down from his rage and went to retrieve the thrown hammer, he then sighed in exasperation. . Trotting over, "So talking axes?" . Exasperation fading, Celtc smiled, "Yeah, Ah make 'em and an ol' buddy of mine enchants them for the newbies being thrown straight into combat." . "Remind me to not piss off you or any other Highlanders." . "Trust me, you won't need a reminder for that." . Celtic looked around the clearing before narrowing his eyes in anger. "Sonuvafock," he threw that with a short bark of annoyance. . Macintosh looked at him in confusion, "What's the problem?" . The big brown blacksmith smiled thinly at the smaller stallion, "First off, save for that pile of new kindling, we're alone in this square now." . "No we're not, there's all the Timberwolves around here..." Macintosh trailed off as he looked around. Celtic was right, all the wolves had reformed and fled. Save a few small piles that seemed to have been hit too hard to reconstruct, "Luna damnit." . "Exactly mah sentiments, should have spread this stuff as Ah fought. Ah probably could of but mayhap wouldn't come out completely unscathed," Celtic Slew withdrew a small canister from his saddle bags. . Trotting over to the pile of fresh wood, hammers swinging from straps attached to the bases of the handles and looped up to Celtic's elbows(?). Gently squeezing the canister with his teeth, it let out a dark and viscous fluid, covering the Wolf. . "Uh, Celtic? What is that?" nervously asked the Farmpony. . Not answering him directly, "Ah, Ah love the smell of Napalm," he pulled a match out side of his bags and struck it across his hammer. Before flicking it at the pile of Wolf. . "That oughta kill it, no reforming for that bastorwd," Celtic Slew smiled maliciously into the rising flames, "Now, to find the others." . He walked off, while Big Macintosh stared dumbly at the flames, "B-b-but, that was a living creature!" . Not stopping, Celtic shrugged, "Not anymore!" he said in a cheerful voice. . "You killed it!" Macintosh yelled accusingly as he turned away from the flames and trotted to catch up to the deadly Scotstallion. . "Yeah, and now we got one less to worry about," he didn't even glance over at Macintosh as the red stallion caught up to him. . The Farmpony tried to stop Celtic with a hoof on his shoulder, "That's just wrong, it was a innocent Timberwolf!" . "HA! Innocent," now Celtic stopped and locked eyes with Macintosh, "If ya had given it a chance, it would have ripped out your throat with nary a second thought." He began to walk off again. . Macintosh held his ground, "That's what makes us different from animals. We care." . The Scotstallion spun around, now with anger in his eyes, "Well too Lunadamned bad! It's kill or be killed, or kill or they kill others. No more of this peaceful bovine excrement." . "Just do it, Ah nary care about their little feelings. A dead enemy is better than a your self conscience staying clean! Kill an enemy when you get the chance, or pay the price for 'innocence'." He sneered the last word out. . "But it--" . "No buts, welcome to the way of the Warrior. It sucks, but if we do it, others are spared the suffering of it," Celtic seemed to soften a tad, "You've already been whacking away at them with an axe, Mac. With the intent to kill." . Macintosh almost wanted to throw the 'evil' axe away in disgust, but something stopped him, "Fine, let's go get the rest of those sorry sons of female doggies." . "There we go! Not exactly mah choice of words but that's the idea!" Celtic clapped him on the shoulder and began trotting off again. . Shaking his head to clear it, Macintosh quickly followed him. . Following the conspicuous track of clawed feet away from the square, the battle duo reached the mark where the mass of paw prints separated into two tracks. Ponies sprinted past them, some carrying items or foals, all sprinting somewhere, anywhere, who knows where. A pony almost collided with Celtic, who looked after it as she bounded away. His face read, Really mare? Working stallions here. Or at least that was the expression on his face. He looked back at the path, now two separate paths. . "Well jobby, well, one set goes towards close to Town Hall and the other goes..." Celtic trailed off as he looked up from the path. . Which led straight to the library on the edge of town. . Glancing at Macintosh, "Ah know which path we're taking then." . A sharp scream of a mare air cut through the rest of the chaotic noise of ponies clambering about. . From the direction the other path led to. . "Um, uh, oh, hmm, huh. Shit," the Scotstallion looked at Macintosh, "Sorry, just ran through a half dozen plans and there's only one logically for maximum effectiveness. We gotta split." . "Ah got this set," said the red stallion as he pointed on the direction of the Library. . Celtic smiled at the stallion, "Of course you do, Ah got dibs on that Ursa though, Ah could use a nice fur blanket or rug. Now, may you see the sunrise. Or die trying." . With those cheery words, Celitc galloped off away from Macintosh, who spun the axe in a quick, readying, circle before taking off towards the library. . . .
There's Always TomorrowThe loving pair eventually made their way back to the barn carrying apple laden baskets, Macintosh was carrying nearly twice as much as Twilight. "Ah was wonderin' what happened to y'all," said Applejack as she came out of the barn, "Ah was about tah go lookin' for you." Twilight turned her face away slightly as she began blushing profusely, remembering what she had wanted to do out there. "How's thah schedule lookin' AJ?" asked Macintosh. "Mighty fine, thanks tah Twilight here," said the farm mare. "Oh, it was nothing," said Twilight. "Ha! By nothin' you must mean a giant head start!" said Applejack enthusiastically. "Just you helping has pushed our schedule about three days forward." Twilight's blush returned with a vengeance at Applejack's praising. "Really though, I just wanted to help," said the librarian. "Anyways, I'll be sellin' apples in Ponyville tomorrow, when Ah finish doyou want tah get lunch with me?" Twilight completely ignored the question and asked, "Doesn't Macintosh worked the apple stand?" "Eeyup, I was gonna give him a day off," Applejack explained. Inside, Twilight was about to explode with excitement but outside, "Sounds good, Applejack. Just stop by the library whenever you're done!" Twilight struggled to keep calm with the prospect of Macintosh having a day off. "Ok then, come on Big Mac, the barn needs a little fixin'," Applejack started walking away. Macintosh started to follow but Twilight stepped in front of him, "As for you, you should come over after my lunch date with Applejack and we'll do something fun." Twilight caught his blush and smiled, "Maybe that kind've fun if you're lucky." She walked down the path and towards Ponyville and Macintosh just stood there thinking, What did Ah do to get a mare like her, and find myself in Ponyville's biggest scandal that'll have Applejack in a rage when she finds finds out.
