Crazy About Apples

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Epilogue
Note

Chapter 1

Crazy AboutApples

Chapter 1

Gear Grinder a green earth pony stallion with a brown mane and tail made his way through the busy streets of Ponyville trying to make it back to the library, his temporary home that his friend Shining Armor managed to arrange for him, his little sister being the librarian made it easy enough. He barely knew Twilight, he had moved in with her three days ago. As he continued down the dirt path his deep brown eyes staring off into space, he remembered their argument about him staying with her.

Three days ago

“C’mon Twilight, do it for me, please.” Shining said as he smiled at his younger sister.

“No!”

“Twiley.” he whined.

“Don’t ‘Twiley’ me mister, I'm sticking by my decision!”

“Please Twilight he’s been in the institution for five years without any kind of disciplinary action and we’re the only one’s he trusts.”

“He’s crazy!”

“I seem to recall hearing a similar story about you. Something involving the smarty pants doll I gave you.” he said with a grin.

“That was totally different!” she said with a blush.

“How? You and I both know what he’s been through. I’m not asking you to be best friends with him, just to help him come out of his shell. Introduce him to your friends and it’s only for three weeks. I’d look after him if I could but with Cadence and my job...”

“Alright, he can stay, but ONLY for three weeks got it!”

“Thank you Twilight you’re the best little sis a stallion could ask for.” he said as he hugged the lavender mare. “And don’t worry I’ll check up on him whenever I get some time to myself.” he then glanced at the clock. “I have to go now, please don’t tell any-pony that he was in a psychiatric hospital for five years.”

“I won’t.” she said with a sigh

“Thanks and remember if anything happens send Celestia a message and I’ll be here as fast as I can.” he then motioned for some-pony to come over in stepped Gear with his bags and a nervous look in his eyes. Shinning put a hoof on the stallions shoulder. “Gear, you remember my sister Twilight right?” Gear nodded his head and gave a little wave. “She’s gonna look after you for the next few weeks. If you need anything talk to her. Okay?”

“Alright” he said in a calm tone.

“Okay, I’m gonna go now. Twilight be sure to keep an eye on him.”

“I will. Bye.”

“Bye.” Shinning said as he exited the library. As the white stallion left Twilight then set her gaze upon the green stallion who avoided eye contact with her.

Present

Since then the days haven’t been too different. He got up at the same time, kept to his habit’s of walking and was plagued by the same nightmare. He was so lost in thought that he didn’t notice the orange mare that had collided with him. He and the mare both lost their balance and hit the dirt.

“Ah’m mighty sorry about that, I guess I didn’t see where ah was going.” she said as she looked over to the green stallion and picked up her hat.

“No! I’m sorry I was in deep thought I should’ve looked where I was going.” he said as he helped the mare to her hooves.

“Well thank ya kindly. Hey I’ve never seen you before what’s yer name?”

“Gear Grinder but you can call me Gear. I just got to Ponyville three days ago.”

“Well ah’m Applejack, pleasure to meet you Gear.” she said as she shook his hoof.

“Gear there you are!” Twilight said as she trotted up to the two ponies. “Oh, hello AJ.”

“Howdy Twi, you know him?”

“Yeah, he’s staying with me at the library for a few weeks.” Applejack then cocked an eyebrow.

“Why Twi, I didn’t know you had colt-friend.”

“WHAT!? No, he’s not my colt-friend he’s just a friend of the family.” Twilight said with a cross look on her face.

“Twilight’s correct, I’m just visiting and Twilight is giving me a place to crash.” Gear interjected. Applejacks cheeks turned red in embarrassment.

“Oh, sorry about that Twi. I gotta get going, I’ll see you later tonight. 8:00pm right?”

“Yep, 8:00pm. See you there.” she said as she waved good by to her friend. Twilight then shot a glance at Gear.

“What?”

“Don’t what me! Where did you run off too?” she said as the two trotted back to the library.

“I took a stroll around the town, took in the scenery. I don’t get to do that a lot back in Canterlot, remember?” he said as he eyed the mare.

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”

“It’s fine, and thanks.”

“For what?”

“For not telling Applejack that I’m a psych patient.”

“Don’t mention it, I promised Shining I’d look after you, so that’s what I’m doing.” she said with a smile.

“Hey, can I ask you something?”

“Sure what?”

“Does the fact that me being in a mental institution bother you? And be honest with me.” Twilight bit her lower lip at the statement.

“Well, yes it does a little bit. I’ve known you practically my whole life, you’re my brothers best friend and I even thought of you like a second brother. So when you ‘lost it’ I was very confused and scared, and now that you’re living with me..it just feels really awkward. I’m sorry.” Twilight said as she avoided his gaze.

“It’s okay. I appreciate the honesty. I just wanted to get that out of the way so I knew where I stood with you.” there was a silence in between the two of them that seemed endless. “So, Applejack seems nice.”

“She is. She’s one of the most dependable ponies in Ponyville, although she can be a bit blunt at times.” she said with a chuckle. “In fact my friends and I are going to meet at Sugar Cube Corner tonight you should come and meet them.”

“I don’t see why not.” he said as he shrugged his shoulders.

“Great. I’m sure they’ll like you.” she said with a grin.

“Okay, I’ll just need to take my med’s before I go alright?”

“Yeah that’s fine, we just plan on hanging out and chatting.”

“Okay I’ll be in my room until then.” he said as the two ponies trotted inside the library. As he trotted inside his room, he decided to take an early nap. As he closed his eyes he dreamed.

His home was dark and cold as he made his way inside.

“Mom? Dad? Brass? I’m home. Where are you guys?” he made his way through the house looking for his family. He didn’t expect to see Brass, his little sister always had trumpet lessons after her class got out.

“Help!” he heard the sounds of struggling he raced up stairs, the smell of smoke filled his nostrils, the temperature was rising. He reached his sisters door, when he stretched his hoof out to touch it it burned his hoof, he ignored the pain and opened the door to reveal a wall of flames.

Gear woke up in a cold sweat. He made his way to the bathroom and splashed the cold water onto his face. He breathed heavy trying to calm his pounding heart as he looked in the mirror he saw his reflection, only it was different, he was different the reflection had a sinister grin on his face, his coat was a lot darker too, but the one thing that stuck out in his mind was the eyes, the calm light brown was replaced by a bright red. He cringed back and reached for his medicine, he swallowed the pill and the image began to vanish and be replaced by his usual reflection.

“Phew, that was close.” he said as he continued to breath heavily, eventually calming himself down. As he exited the bathroom he saw Twilight knocking on his door.

“Oh there you are. It’s almost time to go.”

“Alright thanks, I just took my medicine so I’m all set.” he said with a grin. The two trotted down stairs and exited the library into the warm summer night.

The two ponies made their way down the now quiet street, dimly lit by the street light’s on the corners. They entered the bakery, they were greeted by a pink mare with curly hair.

“Hey Twilight! Glad you could come!” her eyes then fell on the green stallion.
“Heyi’veneverseenyoubeforeandIknowever-ponyinPonyvillesoyoumustbenewso-” her barrage of words was silenced by an orange hoof.

“Settle down there Pinkie, this here is Gear Grinder he arrived three day’s ago.” Applejack said.

“THREE DAYS AGO! Twilight did you keep him locked up or something?” Pinkie said in a surprised tone.

Locked up.

He cringed at those words, he then turned his attention to the mares.

“No, I was just getting settled, don’t blame Twilight.” he said as he threw on a smile.

“Oh, that makes sense. Well my name is Pinkie Pie. party thrower expert.”

“Nice to meet you Pinkie, my names Gear Grinder, but you can call me Gear.” he then trotted over to the booth and introduced himself to the rest of her friends. They spent most of the night, gossiping and telling stories.

“So Gear, where do you live?” Rainbow asked. Twilight and Gear's eyes shrank as she asked the question.

“I live in...Canterlot.” he hesitated for a moment.

“Really? What made you come here?” Rarity asked in delight.

“Well...I just wanted to get out of the city, enjoy the fresh air.”

“I can respect that. So how do yah know Twilight?” AJ asked as she tipped her hat back.

“Shining Armor has been my best friend since we were foals.”

“You’re best friends with captain of the guard!” Dash yelled.

“Yup. We went through school together.”

“But, you don’t look as old as him.”

“You’re right he’s a few years older than me. When we were in school I skipped a few grades.”

“So why didn’t we see you at the wedding?” Rarity interjected.

“Rarity!” Twilight exclaimed.

“What? It’s just a question.”

“It’s fine Twi, I was on vacation in Saddle Arabia. I was going to be there but my transport got delayed and couldn’t make it for another three days.” he lied. As he held his poker face, he noticed that Applejack was eyeing him.

“Oh, darling I cannot tell you how many times that has happened to me when I’m visiting my parents in Missourneigh.” she said in an annoyed tone.

“Yeah it was a drag, I really wanted to be there. I heard about the invasion.”

“So what do you do? For work I mean.” Rainbow asked.

“Currently unemployed. But my special talent is fixing machinery.” he said as he pointed to his cutie mark, it was two gears in a turning motion. “I also write stories.”

“Well then you and Twilight must get along great, considering how big an egghead she is.” Rainbow snickered.

“Rainbow!” Twilight said as she eyed the cyan mare.

“Yeah, she’s always been like that. In fact one of the first books she read was one of my originals.” he said with a grin.

“Really! Is it famous?”

“Not really, I prefer to keep a low profile. Writing is more of a hobby, what I really enjoy doing is physical work. It’s part of the reason why I came here there aren’t a lot of jobs like that in Canterlot.”

“Hey I have an idea! Why don’t you work with AJ down at Sweet Apple Acres.” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Wait. You mean to tell me that she owns the same Sweet Apple Acres that makes the world famous Zap-apple Jam?”

“Yes sir, and ah would be glad to have an extra hoof around the farm. Can yah start tomorrow?” Applejack said with a smile.

“Sure, what time do I have to be there by?”

“6:00 am.”

“Not a problem I’m usually up by five anyway.” he said with a smile.

“Really? Why most ponies like their rest.”

“I’ve always been an early riser.” he said as he scratched his mane. “So that being said I think I’ll hit the hay early. See ya tomorrow Applejack.” he said with a grin as he trotted out of the bakery. Twilight then turned to Fluttershy who hadn’t said a single word all night.

“Hey Fluttershy you okay? You’ve been awfully quiet, even for you is something wrong?” Twilight asked.

“No it’s just that.....never mind.” she said in her usual timid voice.

“What is it darling?”

“Well it’s just that, something feels ‘off’ about Gear. I can’t explain it but he just seems unbalanced some how, it’s just my opinion though.”

“Yeah I got that vibe too. Somethings fishy about him.” Pinkie said in a suspicious voice.

“Calm down y’all he’s still settling in, he seemed nice enough.”

“Yeah, he just needs time to adjust to Ponyville. You know coming from a big city to a small town is a big transition.” Twilight said with a nervous grin.

“Yes, I sometimes find it hard to readjust even when I come back from doing business there.” Rarity interjected.

“Whatever, there’s something he’s not telling us and I’m gonna find out what it is.” Rainbow said with a determined look in her eye, she then zoomed out the door.

“When will that pony learn?” AJ said as she shook her head. “Well I’ll see you gals later I gotta hit the hay. Goodnight.” Applejack said as she yawned and trotted out of the bakery. Twilight left soon after, as she trotted back to the library she kept asking herself.

Should I tell them about Gear’s past?

“No I promised Shining that I wouldn’t tell any-pony.” she said in a firm voice. Twilight trotted upstairs and laid down to sleep.

Gear woke up at 4:30 am. He looked out the window, Celestia’s sun hadn’t risen yet, he made his way down stairs as quietly as he could and had a bowl of cereal, after he finished eating he grabbed his medication and left the large library. Gear could see through the darkness easily, darkness was all he saw back in his cell at the hospital. He rarely saw other patients, he was the only pony there who was admitted by choice. He got along well with the orderlies and doctors that worked there, he knew they pitied him and felt bad. Gear didn’t want their pity or condolences, he just want’s to forget what happened to him.

Gear was so deep in thought that he bumped into the Sweet Apple Acres sign. He glanced at the farm house and began trotting up the dirt road to the barn, once he was there he started to look around inside the barn, he eyed an old tractor and started to examine the old piece of machinery. He then trotted to the door of the barn and watched the sun rise, it was his guilty pleasure. Every day for the past five years he would watch the sun rise and set. Gear was so captivated that he didn’t notice the rope being throne over him, as soon as he tried to scream he was dragged inside the barn, hogtied and gagged with what tasted like an apple. He looked up to see a huge red stallion glaring down at him.

“What’re you doing here?” Gear was to terrified to respond, he then heard Applejacks’ voice coming from outside the barn, he remembered her from yesterday. His eyes fell upon the orange mare

“Hey Big Mac have you seen a.....Big Mac what did you do?!” Applejack said as her eyes fell upon the tied up green stallion, she removed the apple from Gears mouth as she did he let out a massive breath.

“Is this some type of sick hazing ritual or something?!” Gear bellowed as Applejack untied him.

“Ah’m might sorry about this Gear.” she said as she helped him to his hooves. She then cast an icy glare at her older brother. “Why in the hay did you go and tie him up?”

“He was in the barn poking around....ah reckoned he was a burglar.” he said in a deep voice.

“He ain’t no thief, he’s the new stallion ah hired yesterday. Ah told ya about it when ah got back from Sugar Cube Corner.” she said as she rolled her eyes

“Oh......Sorry about that.” Big Mac said with a weak smile.

“It’s fine, and I wasn’t poking around I was looking at the old tractor over there.” he said as he pointed a hoof to the old machine.

“That thing? That’s been busted for years, we’ve tried to fix it but it’s never worked.” Applejack said with a sigh.

“Mind if I take a crack at it?”

“Be mah guest, there are tools stashed off to the side of the barn. This is mah brother, Big Mac.” the mares said as she pointed to the red stallion.

“Yeah, we’ve met, names Gear.” he said in a flat tone. “So I’ll get to work then.” he then trotted over to the bucket of tools and retrieved what he needed and began to work on the old tractor. He popped the hood and examined the old engine inside, it had become a breeding ground for rust and spiders. He spent most of the day working on the engine alone. He laid on his back and started to work on the exhaust system. It was getting close to noon when he felt a tapping at his back hoof, Gear crawled out from underneath the tractor to see Applejack with a grin on her face.
“Hey.” he said to the mare.

“Hi, ah mighty appreciate you trying to fix this thing for us.”

“Give me a few more hours and it’ll run again.”

“Ha, I’ll believe that when ah see it, anyway it’s lunch time, food’d being served inside.” she said as she trotted away. Gear washed the grease and oil off of his hooves and made his way inside. He saw Big Mac, Applejack, a little filly and an elderly green mare, Gear took the seat next to Applejack, he was still apprehensive about Big Mac’s stunt this morning. The little filly glared at him, Applejack noticed and frowned at the little filly.

“Applebloom, you know it’s not polite to stare.”

“Sorry sis, but ah was just wondering, who is he?”

“This is Gear Grinder he’s fixing our tractor.”

“Why are yah wasting yer time on that thing?” she said as she looked at the green stallion.

“Well..It’s what I do, I fix things.” he said in a low tone.
“What kind of things?”

“Machinery mostly, but I sometimes fix cabinets, shelves and other things of that sort.”

“How come ah’ve never seen you around Ponyville before?”

“I just got into town a few days ago.”

“Where are you staying?”

“With Twilight at the library, she’s an old friend of mine and she...offered me a place to stay.”

“Oh that’s nice of her...so where are you from?”

“Canterlot.”

“Really? Why’d you come here then?”

“Just liked small towns I guess.” he got to his hooves and brought his dishes over to the sink. “Thanks for the meal, I’ll get back to work now.” Gear made his way back to the tractor and began to examine the pistons. Around 3:00 pm. Gear’s work was interrupted, again. This time by the cyan pegasus mare with a burning look in her eye. “Can I help you?”

“Yeah, what’s your deal?”

“Could you be a bit more specific?”

“I don’t know what your hiding but I will find out.”

“Rainbow Dash right?” the mare nodded. “I have no idea what your talking about, now if you’ll excuse me I need to get back to work.” he picked up a wrench in his hoof, Rainbow smacked it out of his grip and glared at him. “What’s your problem? I’m trying to work here.”

“There’s something-”

“Rainbow! What in tarnation are you doing here?”

“Relax AJ, I was just leaving.” as she in a harsh tone, she made the ‘I’m watching you’ motion with her hoof as she took off into the sky leaving a very confused Applejack standing in the doorway. Gear continued working on the tractor, the orange mare then trotted over to him.

“What was that about?”

“Don’t know, she just came in here and started shooting her mouth off. Can you pass me the socket wrench?” AJ handed him the tool. “Thanks.” she then took a look at the old tractor.

“So...will it work?” Gear finished tightening the last bolt and took a few steps back.

“Try it.” he said with a grin. Applejack mounted herself up onto the seat and pressed the ignition switch, a few small clouds of exhaust left the mufflers and the the engine sprung to life. AJ had a massive grin spread across her face. She turned the switch off and leapt down from the seat.

“Ah can’t believe it! You actually fixed it!”

“I said I would and I meant it.”

“But how?” Gear then trotted over to the tractor and lifted it’s hood, he then began to point out all of the parts that he patched up.

“You’ll need a replacement carburetor by the end of the season though. I managed to get what little life this one had left in it. Until then I wouldn’t run it.”

“Why not?”

“Because there are so many part’s that need replacing that it could possibly blow up.” AJ’s eyes shrank.

“Oh, that’s a good reason.” she said as she scratched her blond mane. “I’m not sure if we have the money for those parts.”

“I could lend you some.” she was taken back by this statement.

“No, ah couldn’t ask that of ya.”

“Consider it a gift. I insist.” AJ bit her bottom lip, she looked over at the tractor she let out a heavy sigh.

“Alright, thank yah kindly.”

“It’ll take some time for me to get it, all my money is back in Canterlot.”

“Take yer time, ah’m in no hurry and thanks again for fixing the tractor.” AJ then looked outside and saw that it was almost dinner time. Gear was putting the tools he used away and was about to leave the barn when Applejack called out to him. “Hey would you like to stay for supper?”

“No thanks, Twilight’s probably worried about me. I should head back, thanks for the offer though.”

“It’s fine, maybe some other time then?”

“Sure.”

“Bye.” she called out,

“See you tomorrow.” he gave her a quick wave and started to trot back towards the library. Once he got there he was surprised to see not only Twilight but Shining armor there as well.

“Gear, there you are!” Shining said as he trotted up to his friend.

“Sorry I’m late. I was finishing up a project for Applejack.”

“What were you doing?”

“Fixing her tractor, it’s actually good that your here I need you to get some of my bit’s from my account Canterlot.”

“How much?”

“Around 900 should do.” Both Twilight and Shining’s jaws dropped at the amount.

“That is a lot of money what are you going to use it for? Twilight asked.

“To buy some parts for Applejacks’ tractor. It needs a new carburetor and a few other parts.”

“Um yeah, I’ll get it by next week.”

“Thanks and take your time I’m in no rush.” he said with a smile.

“So I assume things are going well?” Shining asked.

“Yeah, the ponies here are nice save for a few.” he said as he yawned. “I’m just gonna fix myself a sandwich then go to bed, that alright Twilight?”

“Yeah sure.” she said as the stallion trotted into the kitchen. Shining put a hoof on his sister’s shoulder.

“Wow, Twiley I don’t know what you did but good job!”

“Why? I didn’t do anything.”

“I haven’t seen him act like that in years who did he hang out with today?”

“My friend Applejack.”

“She's the farmer right?” Twilight nodded. “Well I guess she made a good impression.”

“I guess she did.” they saw Gear leave the kitchen and head up stairs he gave a quick wave to the two and made his way upstairs, the two returned the gesture and continued talking.

“Seriously nice work, he’s acting like he did before...the ‘accident’ what ever it is keep it up. I’ll be back soon.” he gave Twilight a quick hug and galloped out the door. Twilight stood there very confused, she followed the stallion up stairs and knocked on the door.

“Come in.” he said.

“Hey it’s me.” Twilight said as she opened the door.

“What’s up?”

“Just wondering what you did today.”

“Like I said I fixed Applejack’s tractor.”

“That’s it?”

“Well I got hogtied by her brother and Rainbow came by and started to interrogate me.” Twilight’s face was struck with confusion

“Wait what?”

“Yeah, that’s about it. I’m due back tomorrow same time so now I have a job.”

“You told Shining to get 900 bit’s how did you get that large amount of money?”

“Inheritance.” he said in a flat tone.

“.......Oh right. Well then, goodnight.”

“Goodnight Twilight.” Gear trotted over to his bed and laid down to sleep. Gear found himself standing outside in the woods he started to wander around until he came to a clearing, as he walked through it he began to talk to himself. “Hm this is different, a bit odd but different.” he continued down through the clearing until he came to alone tree in the center and an odd but familiar smell filled his nostrils. “What is that smell?” Sniff, sniff. “Is that...Apples?” as he continued through the dream the smell started to shift to a bitter and foul stench. The smell of smoke. Suddenly the clearing became a blazing inferno, Gear was frozen on fear as the flames engulfed the area, as the flames reached him his eyes snapped open. He glanced over to his clock it read 4:45 am. Gear shot up realizing that he was going to be late, he charged out of he room and took his medicine and galloped out the door towards Sweet Apple Acres.

Chapter 2

Gear galloped down the road until he reached Sweet Apple Acres. It was 5:05 am. As he made it to the barn he saw the orange mare talking with Big Mac. He stopped in front of the two out of breath. “Sorry...I’m late....overslept.” The mare looked at him with a grin.

“It’s alright partner, yer only five minutes late we haven’t even started yet.” Gear gave a sigh of relief. “Yer gonna be working with me today in the south field.” she said as the two trotted down the dirt path.

“Alright sounds good what are we gonna do?”

“Buck some trees.”

“Okay how exactly do you do that?” Applejack looked back at him with a small giggle.

“Just watch and learn city boy.” Applejack started to gallop towards a tree when she was around five feet away she pulled a 180 degree spin and her back hooves connected with trunk of the tree and the apples fell from the branches, she stood back taking pride in her work. Gear looked in amazement at the now apple-less tree. “Yer turn.” Gear gulped and proceeded to imitate Applejack, he was doing great until he tried to turn. His back hoof slipped and he fell to the ground face first, as he collected himself he saw Applejack laughing to herself, she then trotted over and helped him up. “Don’t sweat it sugar cube, no-pony get’s it the first time, just practice kicking the tree first.” she said as she walked him over to the tree and positioned him in front of the tree. “Okay, now just kick.” Gear did as she said and kicked the tree, he felt his hoof make contact. He looked back to see twelve or so apples on the ground. “See like ah said.”

“Okay so let’s get started then.” he said with a grin. The two worked at clearing the south field, as he was on his fifteenth tree he suddenly felt light headed and collapsed. AJ rushed over to him and pulled him in the shade. Gear drifted off into sleep and began dreaming, he dreamt of a field on fire and he was caught in the middle of it, the flames were roaring around him he began to panic suddenly a voice called out to him.

“Wake up!” as his eyes snapped open he felt cold water being poured on him. He took a deep breath trying to calm his pounding heart. “Hey are yah all right there sugar cube?” he looked up to see the orange mare holding an empty bucket, with a concerned look in her eye.

“Yeah, I’m fine I just..” he stumbled as he got to his hooves, Applejack caught him and put his hoof over her shoulders.

“Oh no you don’t, ah know heatstroke when ah see it, let’s get you back to the farm.” she said as she continued to trot back towards the farm house with the stallion’s arm around her.

“Thanks.”

“Yer welcome.” AJ said as a slight blush rose to her face. “Hey can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Before ah woke you up you were screaming, why?” Gear bit his lip and gave a deep sigh.

“I was having a nightmare, it happens.”

“What was it about?”

“I’d rather not say.”

“Okay then ah won’t pry.” the two continued to trot along the path. “Thanks for fixing our tractor.” she said with a smile.

“I didn’t fix it yet, I still need the right parts. I’ll have the money soon, then I need to go shopping for them.”

“How much do they cost maybe ah could-”

“No, I can take care of it. Finding the parts is going to be more of a chore then paying for them anyway.”

“But still how much do ah owe you?”

“You don’t owe me a thing, I offered to buy the parts. Plus I can tell that you guys aren’t exactly swimming in bits.” Applejack then looked at him with a frown on her face.

“So you think yer helping out the poor and needy is that it?”

“No! I was just trying to be nice. I can tell that you and your family do well for yourselves and I know you’re the proud type and I respect that, but I know the parts you need aren’t in your budget at the moment.”

“Well how much do they cost?”

“500 bits. Could go to 800.” Applejack’s jaw dropped at the price.

“How in the hay can you afford that?”

“Let’s just say I have some bit’s hidden away for a rainy day.”

“But still that’s a lot of money, how did you manage to get that much money?” Gear let out a sigh.

“Inheritance.” Applejack suddenly adverted her eyes from the stallion who was now looking down at the ground.

“Ah’m mighty sorry for asking that, it was out of line.”

“It’s fine.” The two fell silent until they reached the farm house. Once two got inside AJ sat Gear down on the couch and fetched him some water. He drank the water down with haste, Applejack then sat down next to him and put a hoof on his shoulder.

“You okay?”

“I am now, thanks.” he said as his stomach let out a loud growl. “Heh sorry I skipped breakfast this morning.”

“No problem what’s got yer interest?”

“I guess just an apple will due.” the orange mare complied and tossed him the fruit, Gear caught it between his hooves and took a bite out of it Applejack took one herself and sat back down next to the stallion.

“So what did you do in Canterlot?” Gear stopped chewing and thought for a moment.

“I worked on the Canterlot railroad for a while.”

“How long ago was that?”

“A few years ago.”

“What did you do for the railroad?”

“I worked on the tracks and on the trains that arrived and left.” Applejack’s eyes lit up.

“Really? That sounds interesting.”

“Yup. It was fun, ponies were nice and the pay was good, but I only did it for a year.”

“Why?”

“Something came up.”

“What?”

“I’d rather not say.” Applejack rolled her eyes at the response.

“Fine be all mysterious and what not. It’s almost lunch time you want anything?

“Sure, I’ll just make myself a sandwich.” he said as he got to his hooves and trotted into the kitchen, after they both finished lunch they returned to work. The rest of the day wet fairly smooth, by 3:00 pm. the entire south orchard was apple free. The two trotted back to the farm house and put away their tools. Gear was just about to leave the barn when Applejack called to him.

“Hey Gear hang on a second.”

“Yeah what’s up?”

“Listen me and the girls have a poker game tonight, do you wanna come?” she asked as her cheeks began to turn red.

“Um..Sure if it’s not to much of a hassle for you.”

“It’s no problem at all It’ll be nice to have some-pony new at the table.”

“Okay then when is it?”

“7:00 pm in the barn here.”

“Alright then I’ll see you then.” Gear gave a final wave and began the walk back towards the library. He was trotting along when he saw a familiar cyan pegasus fly up next to him. “What do you want now Dash?” he grumbled.

“Hey easy I’m just here to say hi.” Rainbow said as she rolled her eyes.

“Alright then what’s up?”

“Not much, how’s the tractor coming along?”

“I need some parts then I’ll be able to fix it.”

“What part’s do you need?”

“A carburetor, some spark plugs, shocks and a whole mess of others.”

“Sounds like a big job.”

“It is.”

“Well I’ll see you later.” Rainbow said as she started to take off

“Yeah see ya tonight.” Rainbow stopped and landed next to the stallion.

“What do you mean by ‘I’ll see you tonight?’”

“Applejack invited me to play poker with you guys tonight.” Rainbow had an evil smile spread across her face.

“Really now...Okay then see you tonight.” she took off down the road leaving a cloud of dust behind her. Gear continued on his way and reached the library, he opened the door to find Twilight reading a copy of ‘The Winning Hoof: Poker Strategy Guide.’

“Oh hey Gear what’s up?”

“Nothing much, I see your preparing for the poker game tonight.” he said with a chuckle.

“Yeah I....wait how did you know about that.”

“Applejack told me, she also invited me to the game. I hope that’s alright.”

“It’s fine just watch out for Rainbow Dash.”

“Why?”

“Not one of us have been able to beat her. She’s got a killer poker face.

“Well, maybe I can fix that.”

“You know how to play?

“I’ve played a few times. I’m just gonna take a quick nap before we go.” he said as he trotted up to his room and laid down to rest from the tiring day.

Gear woke up to see Twilight standing next to his bed with an anxious look on her face. “C’mon were gonna be late for the game.”

“Alright hang on a second.” he said as he got to his hooves, he stretched and then trotted to the bathroom and popped a pill in his mouth. He returned to his room to grab his coin pouch. “Okay I’m all set.” he said as he descended the stair case. The two made their way to the familiar farm house the two saw a light coming from the barn and made their way inside. Gear was surprised to see a full buffet table with drinks and all sorts of sweets. He said hi to every-pony, soon they broke out the poker table and took their seats. As Gear glanced around the room he saw faces of worry, boredom and confidence.

“Okay every-pony, since we have a rookie with us tonight I’ll try and go easy on you all.” Rainbow said with a devilish smirk, the other ponies rolled their eyes at the mare’s attitude. AJ dealt the cards for the first round, Twilight was the first to loose all of her money, then Fluttershy bowed out, Rarity and Pinkie followed suit. AJ was the last one to go before it was just Rainbow and Gear. Gear had been studying the cyan mare during the entire game, who had kept a very good poker face, but she was slipping. Little by little Gear was putting the pieces together in his head until it finally clicked. a large grin appeared across his face. “What are you smiling at?” Rainbow asked.

“Tell me how many times have you won?”

“I lost track after twenty five.” she said in a cocky voice

“Okay and how many losses?”

“Zero, never lost a game. Why?”

“Just curious.”

“What ever let’s finish this game!”

“I agree. This is something I’ve always wanted to say, I’m all in.” he said as he pushed the pile of bit’s to the center. The other ponies gasped in surprise even Rainbow was shocked by this action. Dash did the same with her bit’s still holding a cocky grin.

“Well you gotta learn sometime kid. Check it Straight flush.” she said as she laid her cards on the table. The mares all looked at the cards in surprise, Rainbow began to move her hoof towards the pile of bits. “I’ll take these now-”

“That’s good but not good enough.” Gear laid his cards on the table. “Royal Flush.” Rainbow’s grin shattered and was dumfounded, she had lost. The room became silent, the ponies couldn’t believe there eyes Rarity went as far as to faint. Gear began to collect the bits and broke them into six stacks, he then went around to the five other mares and gave them back the bit’s they had lost.

“Why are you giving them their bit’s back?” Rainbow asked as she snapped back to reality.

“I have no real need of money, seeing that look on your face was payment enough.” he said with a smile. “But I will keep yours though, think of it as a memento for the occasion.”

“How did you beat me? Beginners luck?”

“Skill always beats luck and the fact that for years I spent every Wednesday afternoon practicing poker.” he said with a grin.

“THAT’S NOT FAIR! YOU CHEATED!”

“I never cheated.” Gear said in a stern tone.

“Yeah you did, you never told us that you were good!” Rainbow yelled

“You never asked, you just assumed I was bad. Know thy enemy Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow was about to protest but couldn’t find a reasonable argument. Gear then trotted over to Applejack to give her back the bit’s, she refused.

“Ah can’t take those bit’s you won em fair and square.”

“Yeah and now I’m giving them back to you.”

“But why?”

“I don’t really need the money, it’s just going to sit in a bank somewhere collecting dust, you might get some use out of them.” Applejack looked at the stallion who had a weak grin on his face.

“All right. Thank yah kindly.” she said as she grabbed the small bag. Soon the party came to a close and the ponies went home. Applejack decided to go to bed, soon after her friends had left. No matter how she tried she couldn’t get the green stallion out of her head. “Ugh, why can’t ah stop thinking about him? I mean he’s nice, helpful, hard working and cu-” she stopped herself at the last one and felt herself blush. After another hour of tossing and turning so she finally felt herself drift off to sleep.

Twilight and Gear were walking back to the library talking about the night’s events.

“Seriously where did you learn how to play like that?”

“Lot’s of practice.” Gear said as he avoided eye contact with the lavender mare.

“Well yeah I know but I mean how could you have spent every Wednesday afternoon playing Poker?” Gear glared at the mare and let out a deep breath.

Ugh! How is she not getting this?

“Wednesday was the only day they let me out of my room while I was at the institution.” Twilight’s eyes shrank at what he had just said. “During that time I learned how to play poker and a whole mess of other games.”

“Who would you play against?”

“Some patients. Well, only the ones that weren’t hopped up on drugs twenty-four seven. But I did join some guards once in a while for a game or two.”

“You were friends with the guards?”

“I guess, most of the time they pitied me and let me win when I was first starting out, then we started playing for real and I still beat them. Most of them were impressed, others reacted like Rainbow did.”

“What did you use for money?”

“We mostly used crackers, snacks a whole assortment of useless items.” Gear said as he looked back at the mare, who was avoiding eye contact.

“Did they treat you okay while you were there?” Gear fell silent trying to find the right words to describe the five years of hell he had gone through in that place.

“It was....adequate.” Neither of them said a word for the rest of the walk back to the library, when they opened the door Spike was waiting for them with a letter in his claw and an annoyed look on his face.

“There you two are, I’ve been waiting for hours!”

“Sorry Spike the game went a little longer than expected, what’s the letter for?”

“It’s from the princess.” he said as he handed the letter to Twilight. The tiny dragon then let out a massive yawn and fell asleep on the couch.

“Uh-oh.” Twilight said as she finished the letter.

“What?” Twilight handed the letter to Gear and began to read the parchment.

Dear Twilight Sparkle

I must see you in Canterlot in two days. I heard that you are looking after Shining Armor’s friend in Ponyville, but that will have to be rescheduled for another time. I’m sorry my faithful student but your presence is mandatory and Gear Grinder will have to go back to the institution as soon as you arrive. I cannot take the risk of him becoming unstable while you are away, unless you can find some-pony els to look after him, he will have to be moved back to the asylum.

~Princess Celestia.

Gear let out a heavy sigh and hung his head. “Well it was fun while it lasted.”

“I’m sorry Gear. Looks like this is the end of your vacation.” Twilight said with a sad look on her face.

“It’s fine Twi, I knew this wouldn’t last forever. When do you need to leave?”

“I have to be in Canterlot in two days so we have to leave by tomorrow afternoon.”

“Okay, I’ll start packing.” he said with a sad look on his face. Twilight tried to offer some words of hope but none came to mind. She re-read the letter over and over until her eyes lit up in a sudden realization.

“Spike!” she yelled.

“What? I’m up?” he said as he fell off the couch in surprise.

“Take a letter.”

“Now?” he said as he yawned.

“Yes now.” Spike grabbed a quill and paper in his claws, ready to write. “Dear Princess Celestia.......”

Chapter 3

Gear woke up feeling miserable, he began to pack his things into his saddle bags and let out a heavy sigh. He trotted to the bathroom and popped another pill into his mouth. Gear walked downstairs into the main room where Twilight was waiting for him with a grin across her face.

“That happy to get rid of me huh.” he said in a dark tone.

“Not exactly, follow me.” she said as she trotted out of the door.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.” Gear reluctantly followed with his bags still on his back. The walk was spent in silence, Gear was still wondering where they were going until he saw the sign in front of Sweet Apple Acres.

“Why are we here?”

“Just wait and see. Don’t you like surprises?”

“No.” he said in a flat tone. They continued down the dirt path that led to the farm house, Applejack was outside working when she noticed her two friends trotting up the road. She trotted over to them with a confused look on her face.

“Hey you two what brings y’all here?”

“Beat’s me.” Gear said as he looked at Twilight.

“Applejack would you mind looking after Gear for a few day’s while I’m away?”

“WHAT?” the two ponies said as they looked at the lavender mare.

“I need to go to Canterlot for a few days and Gear can’t come with me.” AJ scratched her mane as she tried to hide her blush.

“Well....Ah suppose it’s alright, we’ve got a guest room upstairs he can use. If you want to that is Gear.” she said as she looked at the green stallion.

“Yeah...It’s fine by me.” he said as he looked back to the orange mare.

“Thanks AJ I really appreciate this. If there’s a problem just go see Spike and he’ll send me a letter.” Twilight said with a weak grin on her face. Applejack then looked over to the green stallion who was looking at her with a weak smile. “Well I better get going, have fun you two.” she said with a smile. AJ blushed at the statement. Twilight then turned around and started to trot back down the road. Gear and Applejack watched her leave, AJ then turned back to the stallion trying to hide her blush.

“Well...ah guess I’ll show you to yer room then.”

“Sounds good to me.” the two made their way inside the farm house, AJ was trying to hide her excitement as she climbed the stairs. The two entered the room, it was average size, rustic looking and had a welcoming feel to it. It had a normal twin sized bed, a desk, dresser and book shelf, Gear laid his bag down on the bed, AJ then began to close the door.

“I’ll just let you get settled then.”

“Alright I’ll be out in a few minutes.” Applejack closed the door and leaned up against the outside of it trying to figure out her thoughts. She then began to trot back down the stairs thinking to herself.

Okay Applejack calm down, the stallion you have a crush on is sleeping just a few rooms away. No big deal right?

Wrong, get in there and tell him!

No, ah can’t do that ah might scare him off.

Please if he was scared of you he would’ve ran away the first chance he got.

True, he is nice and very generous.

Not to mention cute!

Shut it, ah don’t know any thing about him.

Well then start asking!

Alright ah will! Damn you hormones!

Applejack heard the sound of hoof steps and snapped back to reality. Gear came down the stair case with a smile on his face. “Thanks Applejack I really appreciate you letting me stay here.”

“It’s no problem, least I could do for all you’ve done for me.” she said with a smile on her face.

“So, what are we gonna do today?”

“Well, Big Mac is working the field today so ah have the day off. What do you want to do?”

“Um...I guess just walk around town. That okay with you?”

“Yeah...sure ah’d love to.” Gear looked back at the mare who began to giggle.

What’s with her all of a sudden?

The two trotted into the busy town, Applejack made the first move and started the conversation.

“So any idea what the princess want’s with Twilight?”

“No idea.”

“And why couldn’t you go with her?” Gear froze for a moment.

“It was probably official businesses between the two.”

“True, but ah still don’t see why you couldn’t go with her? You two are close friend’s aren’t ya?”

“Well, I’m better friends with her brother than her, plus we had a small falling out-” he shut his mouth before he said another word.

“Something went on between you two?”

“Kind of.”

“Like you two dated or something?” she said as her heart started to beat fast.

“What? No, of corse not! Shining would beat me to a pulp if I tried anything like that, plus I think of Twilight like a little sister.” AJ let out a sigh of relief.

“Sorry for jumping to conclusions like that.”

“It’s alright. I guess I can kinda see why you might think that.” he said with a grin. “So how about you?”

“About me what?”

“Do you have colt-friend?” AJ’s face turned crimson at the question, she gave a small gulp and answered.

“N-no never had one.”

“Really?”

“Why?”

“I just assumed that you had dated before.”

“Well ah haven’t!” she yelled.

“Easy, I meant nothing by it. I find that respectable.”

“Y-you do?”

“Yeah. The same goes for me.”

“Really? You never dated anyone?” she said in surprise.

“Nope, never found the right mare.”

“Now that ah find hard to believe.” she said with a small giggle.

“Why?” AJ’s face went from pink to bright red.

“It’s just that-” she was cut off by Rarity who trotted up next to them.

“Hello you two.” the white unicorn said with a smile.

Never thought I’d be happy to see Rarity. Applejack thought.

“What brings you two into town?”

“Just walking around, looking at stuff.” Gear said.

“Y-yeah, just giving him the tour of Ponyville.” AJ said with a nervous grin. Rarity then glared at the orange mare for a second.

“Gear would you please excuse us while we go to the mare’s room.”

“Sure.”

“Thank you darling, come along Applejack.” she said as she grabbed the orange mare’s hoof and brought her behind a building. “Alright Applejack what’s really going on?”

“Ah have no idea what yer talking about.” she lied.

“Darling please you’re a terrible liar, since he’s come to town you’ve been acting...Oh My Celestia! You like him don’t you?” Rarity said as her eyes lit up. Applejack’s eyes shrank to the size of pin tips.

“Well....ya see......alright I admit it I like him. Please don’t tell any pony.” she said in a pleading voice.

“My lips are sealed. On one condition.”

“What?”

“You have to go to the spa with me to and tell me everything.” the unicorn said with a grin.

“Forget it.” AJ bellowed.

“If you don’t then I’ll tell Gear right here, right now.” she said with an evil grin. Applejack scowled at the whit mare.

“You wouldn’t dare!”

“Watch me! Oh Gear could y-” she was cut off by an orange hoof covering her mouth.

“Fine ah’ll go!” she said as she removed her hoof.

“Thank you, be there tomorrow at 11:00am. Now let’s get back to Gear before he suspects something.” Applejack nodded and the two rejoined their green friend. “Sorry we took so long, the line was taking forever.”

“It’s no problem, so what do you two want to do?”

“Well, why don’t you tell us about yourself?”

“Really? It’s a pretty boring story.” he lied.

“Well all we know about you is that, you work for Applejack and that you’re amazingly good at poker.” Rarity said.

“Yeah how did you get so good anyway?” AJ asked.

“I spent a lot of time learning it while I was at the institu-” he slammed his mouth shut as the mares both looked at him in confusion.

Oh Faust NO!

“I’m sorry dear did you say institution?” Rarity said. Gears heart started to work overtime.

C’mon stupid think of something!

“Yeah, I volunteered at the local mental institution on Wednesdays, and played poker with the patients.”

Smooth.

“That’s mighty sweet of yah. They didn’t hurt you or anything did they?” AJ asked.

“No, they were mellow for the most part, they’re nice once you get to know them.”

“Well, that explains your skill. So what about work?” Rarity said with a smile.

“I worked on the rail road for awhile.”

“Well that sounds interesting, what about your parents?” Gear’s eyes shrunk.

“They’re......dead.” AJ and Rarity both adverted their eyes from him.

“Oh....I’m sorry dear. I didn’t wish to bring up bad memories.”

“It’s fine Rarity it happened years ago.”

“Is that why you left your job after one year?” AJ asked. Gear glanced at her with fear in his eyes.

“Y-yeah. I needed some time off.”

A LOT of time off.

“Completely understandable darling.” Rarity said as she put a hoof on his shoulder. “So you’re good friends with Shinning Armor?”

“Yeah, we did everything together, when we were colt’s.”

“Like what?”

“Get into fight’s, pull pranks y’know guy stuff.”

“That sounds like a hoot.” AJ commented.

“Yeah we were quite the team.” The three kept talking for the rest of the day, they stopped at Sugar Cube Corner for a quick bite and chatted with Pinkie for a bit. As the three exited the bakery they were confronted by a cyan pegasus with a cross face. Gear let out a sigh. “What is it Rainbow?”

“Look I know I haven’t been that nice to you...so I’m sorry.” she said as she looked down at the ground. Gear put a hoof on her shoulder.

“Apology accepted.” he said with a grin.

“Bout time Rainbow.” Applejack said as she glared at the pegasus.

“Calm down AJ. I just had to get used to him, It was easy for you because you obviously li-”

“RAINBOW!” Applejack bellowed as she blushed.

“Struck a nerve have I? Well I think I’ll push my luck here.” she took flight and grabbed Applejacks’ hat off her head and flew like the devil away from the group. Gear looked over towards Applejack who gave chase after the pegasus.

“What just happened?” Gear asked Rarity.

“Rainbow just stole Applejack’s hat.”

“So? It’s only a hat.”

“Only a hat? Darling that hat.....Oh you don’t know.”

“Know what?”

“Nothing, it’s not my story to tell. Sorry but I must be off, I suggest you go after Applejack before she hurt’s Rainbow Dash.” she said as she trotted away from the stallion. Gear did as he was asked and galloped after the two mares, as he did thought’s started to form in the stallions head.

Why was Applejack acting all weird today? And why did she offer me a guest room so willingly?

She’s just being nice.

No, it’s more than that.

Hang on you’ve read psychology books at the asylum, let’s see. Symptoms?

Redness of the cheeks or face: Check

Stuttering: Check

Easily angered: Double check

Being unusually shy: Check

Always looking away when I look at her: Check

C’mon what’s that all point to? Think!

UGH! The only time I saw this happen was years ago before Cadence and Shining started da-........Oh My Luna! She’s got a crush on me!

She’s my boss and now Roommate!

Well, she’s smart, strong, sweet, and ho-...... Great I have a crush on her! I swear to Faust the guards back at the asylum would be laughing their flanks off if they found this out.

“GET BACK HERE YOU FEATHERED VARMINT!” he heard Applejack yell as she chased the cyan pegasus through the orchard. Gear caught up with them, he saw that Rainbow was putting the farmers hat just out of reach of AJ’s grip. “RAINBOW YOU GIVE ME BACK MAH HAT RIGHT NOW!!”

“Fine here.” the laughing pegasus put it in a nearby tree and sped off towards town.

“Why that little!”

“Need some help?” Gear said as he trotted next to her.

“Yeah. Go get the ladder and-”

“Or you could just stand on my back.” he said in a nervous tone. Applejack blushed at the statement.

“W-well ah s-suppose that could work.”

“Alright then climb up.” The orange mare did as instructed and climbed into the tree.

“Okay, ah see it...Got it! ah’m coming dow-” the branch that she was standing on broke sending the orange mare toppling onto the green stallion. As Gear opened his eyes he felt his and AJ’s nose make contact, he could feel her warm breath escape her lips. A massive blush had appeared on both of their faces, he stared into the beautiful pools of her emerald green eyes. The two stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, Applejack then got off of the green stallion who tried desperately to hide his blush. “So....um...thanks for help there Gear.”

“A-anytime.” he said as the two continued to trot down the dirt path. Neither of them said a word as they mede their way back to the farm house. As supper time came along the two remained silent and didn’t make any eye contact, after the mots awkward dinner of his life Gear returned to his room, he pulled out a journal and began to write, he stopped when he heard a knock at his door. “Come in.” he said. Gear felt his face heat up as Applejack poked her head in.

“Listen ah have to do something with Rarity tomorrow so you can have the day off.” she said with a grin.

“Okay. Thanks, goodnight.” he said as she closed the door. Gear looked back to his journal and groaned in frustration. “Ugh! Great, what am I gonna do? I obviously like her, but if I tell her the truth she’ll think I’m some sort of freak.” he laid his head on his book and looked out the window. He raised his head and flipped through the pages of his journal until something caught his eye, it was a piece of paper with a bunch of random numbers and letters attached to it, It took only a moment for him to recognize the sheet of paper. He started to write down the odd grouping’s of letters and numbers, “Hope he remembers this stuff from our High school days.” he said as he rolled up the paper and left it on the desk.

Two doors over Applejack was trying her hardest to push the stallion out of her mind, but that moment in the orchard always found another way in. “Dang nab it! Why can’t I get that moment out of mah head!? Maybe Rarity will help me tomorrow.” she then started to laugh at the thought. “Yeah right, she’d probably powder me up into some prissy pony.” with that she finally managed to push him out of her mind and fall asleep.

Chapter 4

Gear woke up later than usual, he stretched in the glow of the morning sun that poured through his window. He made his way down stairs and saw that Big Mac was just finishing up breakfast he gave a nod to the red stallion who returned the gesture. Gear went back up stairs to take his pill, grabbed the letter he had written the previous night and made his way through the quiet town. When he arrived at the library he found Spike asleep on the couch, Gear walked over to the sleeping dragon and nudged his elbow.

“Gah!” he said as he awoke from his slumber.

“Morning Spike.”

“Hey Gear what’s up?” he said as he rubbed his eyes.

“I need you to send Shining Armor this letter, if not him then send it to Twilight. It’s important.”

“Yeah sure, hang on a second.” he grabbed the letter and breathed out a green flame, the flames engulfed the parchment and then vanished.

“Thanks Spike. Mind if I wait around for a reply?”

“Go ahead, it’ll probably be a slow day anyway.” Gear made himself comfortable in one of the leather chairs on the main floor and began reading a “Daring Do” book.

Twilight rose from her bed in Canterlot Castle and began doing her morning magic exercises, by levitating a few books and a vase. Suddenly a letter appeared before her, she unrolled the parchment, and began to read.

Shining Armor, if this reaches you, you know what to do.

Twilight, if this reaches you please hand this off to your brother.

23482837-409217582758-61289a597g816-72347d03281703735716-927840983271-803758213-5-258471

-Gear Grinder.

Twilight stared at the odd message for a full ten minuted before she rolled it back up and started to trot down the hall way. She stopped in front of a pair of large blue doors and began to knock. “Come in.” she heard her brother’s voice say. She entered the room to see him reading the morning paper and Cadence was brushing her mane. “Morning Twiley.” he said with a grin on his face.

“Good morning.” she trotted over and gave her brother a hug.

“What’s up sis?”

“I got this letter this morning, it’s from Gear. Looks like some type of code.” she handed the letter to the white stallion, she saw his eyes scanned the letter as Cadence came out of the bedroom.

“Give me a second.” he said as he withdrew a piece of paper and a quill. As he began to write Cadence looked over his shoulder. As he finished writing, he read the translated message and both of them had a sly grin across spread across their faces.

“What?” Twilight asked.

“You’d better see this Twi.” Cadence said as she levitated the letter over to her. Twilight began to read the deciphered letter , as she finished her jaw hit the floor.

Shining Armor, hate to bug you like this. But I’ve got a crush on the pony I’m staying with while Twilight is in Canterlot. Her name is Applejack. Need advise. please send reply ASAP
-Gear Grinder

Twilight looked back at her brother and her aunt who has started to giggle. “Well...didn’t see that coming.” Twilight said with a nervous grin.

“Who’s up for a trip to Ponyville?” Shining bellowed.

“ME!” Cadence said as she raised her hoof.

“Same.” Twilight said in agreement. Twilight wrote a quick reply and sent it off to Spike.

Back in the library, Gear waited patiently for his reply letter, he was a quarter way through his book when he saw Spike com up to him holding a letter. It read.

Relax we’ll help.
P.S. take cover.

“Who’s we? and why should I take-” suddenly a a bright light appeared in the library, Gear and Spike took cover behind the couch, the two looked over to see Shining Armor, Cadence and a very scared Twilight looking at him with a grin on their faces. He then looked over to Shining Armor. “You told them?!”

“They were there when I translated it.” he said with a grin. Cadence came over to the stallion and gave him a hug.

“It’s great to see you again Gear!”

“Yeah It’s been awhile Cadence. So how do I handle my.....situation?”

“Does she know about-”

“No, I told her that my parent’s are gone but that’s about it.”

“Well, where is Applejack now?” Twilight asked.

“She said she had to go do something with Rarity.” Twilight and Cadence looked at each other for a moment.

“Spa.” they both said as they trotted out the door.

“Where are those two going?” he yelled.

“Calm down, Tell me your problems.”

“You’d better sit down for this one, it’s a long story.” Gear said as the two stallions sat on the couch and Gear began to tell Shining what has happened the past few days.

Across Ponyville Applejack reluctantly made her way to the spa. Rarity was waiting for her outside the pleasant smelling building.

“Applejack, glad you could make it.”

“Let’s just get this over with.” she said in a low grumble.

“Calm down Applejack, you might actually enjoy this.”

“Doubt it.” the two ponies went inside and saw the spa sisters at the counter.

“Morning girls two usuals please.”

“Make it four!” the ponies looked towards the door way to see Twilight and Princess Cadence. The ponies then bowed to the pink Alicorn. “Oh come on girls drop the formalities I’m here to unwind.”

“B-but Princess-”

“Cadence is fine.”

“Okay Cadence, but what brings you here?” Applejack asked.

“I’m visiting Twilight, she mentioned this spa to me at the wedding and I wanted to try it out if you two don’t mind having me hang out with you.”

“Of corse not darling we would be honored to have a spa date with you.” Applejack then pulled Rarity to the side.
“Rarity are you nuts!”

“What? This is the opportunity of a life time! Who better to help you with your love troubles than the Princess of love herself?” Applejack was speechless.

“Yah got me there.”

“Right so let’s just go as planned.” the two mares rejoined Twilight and the princess. The four mares then made their way into the mud bath. Cadence, Twilight and Rarity let out a moan of pleasure, while Applejack just sat there.

“Ugh, you have no idea how long I’ve needed one of these.” Cadence said in a very happy tone.

“Oh I know darling.” Rarity said, she then looked over to the farm pony who hadn’t said a word the entire time. Rarity then motioned over to Cadence and pointed at Applejack, Cadence gave her a wink.

“So Applejack rumor has it you have crush on some-pony.” she said with a grin, Applejack’s fece turned crimson at the Alicorn’s comment.

“W-who told you?”

“I’m the princess of love, it’s my job to know these things. So who’s the lucky stallion?”

“His name is Gear Grinder.”

“You have a crush on my BSFF!” the ponies looked at her in confusion. “Best Stallion Friend Forever.”

“Oh.” the three mares said.

“So you’ve known him for a long time right?”

“Yup, since I met Shinning. I swear those two were like two peas in a pod.”

“I really, really like him but I know nothing about him.” Cadence adverted her eyes from the mare.

“There are something’s about a pony you need to figure out on your own. But why don’t you tell us what’s happened between you two.” Applejack then began to tell the three about the time she’s spent with Gear, him fixing the tractor, the poker game and the orchard incident yesterday. Cadence started to giggle in excitement. “Oh Applejack he is so into you!”

“You think?”

“I know how a stallion acts when he likes a mare. When I first met Shining he was so nervous that he could barely say two words to me.”

“So how did you two start going out? Did he ask you?” Rarity asked.

“No, Gear asked for him. Shining’s reaction was priceless.” she let out a laugh at the memory.

“So he’s the reason why-”

“Yup, if it wasn’t for him we would’ve never gotten married.” she said with a grin.

“So what made him become such a shy stallion?” Rarity asked.

“Well...It’s not my place to say. He’s been through a lot.”

“Like what?”

“Well you guys heard about his parent’s right?”

“Yeah...he told us that they died.”

“That hit him pretty hard, it changed him. He became secluded and anti-social.”

“Ah guess ah can understand that.” Applejack said with a sad look. “How exactly did they die?”

“I’m fuzzy on those details as well...you’d have to ask Gear or Shining Armor about that.”

“When we first met him he mentioned that he wrote stories....do you know anything about that?” Rarity asked.

“Oh yeah. He has a really creative mind, he actually helped Shining write his wedding vow’s.”

“Really?” Twilight said in amazement. “I thought what he said sounded a little to smart for him.”

“Back in school, Shining was the muscle and Gear was the brains.” she gave a small chuckle.

“What else has he written? Anything published?” Rarity asked. Cadence then took a moment to look around the room to see if any-pony was watching or listening to them.

“Okay, I’m gonna tell you guys something that will blow your mind’s. But please don’t tell any-pony!”

“What?”

“Have you guys heard of Colt Brown?”

“You mean the author ‘The Da-Filly Code’ and ‘Pegasi and Demons.’ Yeah why?” Rarity answered.

“Colt Brown is just an alias that Gear uses, so he doesn’t draw attention to himself.” the three mare’s jaws dropped at the information. Twilight was hopping up and down with glee.

“So he’s-”

“Yup, an award winning author. What can I say? you know how to pick em Applejack.” Cadence said with a grin.

“But his cutie mark shows two gears turning.”

“It’s a double entendre.”

“A what now?” Applejack said in confusion.

“His cutie mark has a double meaning, the gears represent his mechanic skills and creativity.”

“Oh.” the three mares said in unison.

“Yeah, he’s really, really talented.”

“Sorry, ah’ve never read any his books.” Cadence said with a smile.

“I have a few copies back at the library, you can borrow. They are an amazing read.”

“Thank’s Twi. I appreciated it. What else has he written?”

“Well...he’s written a few horror books and he studied under R.J. Colten.”

“You mean the author of ‘Lord of the Ponies’ trilogy was his mentor?” Twilight said in amazement.

“Yep.”

“What has he written in the horror aspect?” Rarity asked.

“He co-wrote ‘The Shimmer’, ‘The Nightmare Night Horror’ and ‘The Dark Palace Series.’” Twilight’s eyes were boggling.

“Why didn’t he tell us!” Twilight yelled.

“Well considering your occupation and hobbies Twilight...” the lavender unicorn glared at the pink alicorn, while the others started to giggle. “You’d probably be pestering him for an autograph every chance you got.” the group erupted in aloud laughter. Twilight was about to protest but couldn’t find the words. “But he hasn’t written anything in years.”

“Why?”

“I’m guessing writers block. It can happen to any-pony.” Twilight interjected.

“That must be why he came here! To unwind, relax and get his writing flowing again!” Applejack bellowed. Twilight and Cadence glanced at one another with a nervous look in their eyes.

“Yeah..that’s probably why.”

“And I’m sure he’ll be able to write again if he found the right ‘inspiration.’” Rarity said as she winked at Applejack.

“What’re you talking about?” AJ said as she eyed the white mare.

“Maybe he could try a romance story about you. Just imagine it! A prestigious author with writers block, get’s away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and falls in love with a farm pony! Oh it’s such a darling idea he could make a fort-” she was cut off by AJ raising a hoof.

“Ah don’t care about his career or finances. Ah care about him.” Applejack said with a frown on her face.

“Sorry darling I can get carried away sometimes.” Rarity said as she blushed.

“So back on topic, how do ah...y’know tell him how ah feel, ah can’t talk about his books. He’ll probably think that ah’m after his money or something like that.” she said as her ears flopped down in disappointment. Cadence then started to scratch her chin in thought, suddenly she started to giggle.

“Applejack I have the perfect idea.”

“What is it?” she asked as the mare’s stepped out of the bath.

“You’ll see c’mon!” the pink alicorn then trotted out of the spa with the three mares in pursuit.

Back at the library Gear was finishing telling his story to Shining Armor, Spike had joined in on the conversation as well.

“And that’s when I sent you the letter.” Gear finished Shining let out a yawn and stretched.

“Wow..that was a long story. Good thing you called me.”

“So what do I do?”

“Maybe tell her the truth.”

“Yeah great idea, ‘Hey AJ guess what I’ve been a mental patient for five years! Want to grab dinner sometime?’” he said in a sarcastic tone.

“Well I wouldn’t start out with that.....why not tell her about your boo-”

“NO!”

“Why not?”

“Well...no offense but your sister is an egg head and will pester me non stop! Along with every other pony that’s read them.” Shining was about to protest but let the thought go.

“Still, you’ve used that alias for years and no-pony except for Cadence and I know who you really are. Maybe it’s time for you to reveal yourself.”

“NO! I hate drawing attention to myself. I’m sure you know that better than any-pony, with you being captain of the royal guard and all.”

“Either way you need to tell her eventually.”

“I know, but I’m scared that she’ll freak out.”

“Why would she freak out? With what you’ve been through, I’m sure she’d understand.”

“Would you understand some-pony who’s responsible for his own fam-” he was cut off by Shinning smacking him across the face with his hoof.

“How many times have I told you!? That wasn’t your fault!” Shining bellowed.

“Nice statement Shining, but fact’s are facts! My screw up! My fault!” Shining then tackled the green stallion. The two began to fight on the floor, punches and kicks were exchanged, soon Shining was holding the green stallion down by his neck. Gear had managed to get a grip on Shining’s throat as well. They had their hooves around each others throats when the library doors opened to reveal four mares glaring at them. “Hey......ladies...how was the spa?” Gear said still on the floor with Shining’s hooves around his neck.

“What is going on here!?” Twilight yelled. The two stallions then let go of each other and got to their hooves.

“Nothing...just a guy fight.” Shining said with weak smile.

“What he said, just letting off some steam.” Gear said as he got to his hooves. The mares eyed the two stallions, Twilight and Cadence shook their heads. Gear then noticed that Applejack was with them, his face instantly turned red, as did hers.

“So Shining I made arrangements for us to have dinner in Ponyville tonight.” Cadence said as she motioned towards Applejack.

“Which restaurant?”

“Petals and Grass.”

“You’re kidding, I made those reservations too!” he said as he winked at his wife.

“Great, now we have two reservations. Hey..Gear do you want to come along?” Gear’s eyes shrank at the offer.

“Um...sure I guess-”

“Applejack why don’t you join us as well?” Shining interjected. Applejack’s face turned scarlet.

“Well ah don’t want to be a-”

“Nonsense we’d love to have you join us, plus we still need a number four.” Cadence said with a warm smile.

“Um...alright ah guess ah’ll come.”

“Alright then. Be there at 8:00 pm. Formal attire.” Shining said with a smile.

“Hey AJ, here’s that book you wanted.” Twilight trotted over to her friend levitating a book over to the farm pony. Gear’s eyes shrank at the title ‘The Da-Filly Code.’

“Thanks Twi.” AJ said as she took the book.

“Wh-what book is that?” Gear asked.

“The Da-Filly Code’ Twilight said it was a good read, have you read it?” AJ asked as she tried her best to lie.

“Yeah, kind of. Not that really good in my opinion.” he said as he avoided eye contact.

“Well it seems really interesting.” she said with a smile, Applejack suddenly felt herself being pulled by an invisible force. “What the hay?!” she looked around to see the white unicorns horn glowing.

“Come darling I must help you prepare for your date.” Rarity said as she trotted out of the library with the orange mare wrapped in the magical aura. As soon as the two mare’s left Twilight started to grin at the green stallion.

“What?”

“I’m just so happy that you and AJ are going out.” she said as she put on her best poker face.

“Thanks, every dose of confidence helps.” he said with a nervous look.

“Don’t worry man I’ll help you out.” Shining said with a reassuring grin.

“Same here.” Cadence said as she put a hoof on his shoulder.

“I appreciate it.......By the way Shining did you get the bits for-”

“Oh right! I totally forgot.” Shining then withdrew a large coin pouch and handed it to his friend. “There you go 900 bit’s.” Cadence eyes shrank at the number.

“What are you going to do with that much money?”

“I’m fixing AJ’s tractor. These bit’s are so I can buy the parts I need.” Gear set the bag down on the table and looked back up at the three. “So what am I going to do about tonight?” Cadence then grabbed Gear by the hoof and dragged him out the door.

“C’mon lover boy, we’ve got shopping to do!”

“Luna give me strength.” he said as he was pulled out the door by the pink alicorn.

Chapter 5

Applejack was sitting in Carousel Boutique with a less than pleased look on her face. She decided to pass the time by reading the book that Twilight had lent her. She got through the first few pages fairly quickly but soon became bored, until she saw the ensemble that Rarity had planned out. Before the white mare could return with another monstrosity Applejack high tailed it back to the farm, after finding a nice tree to lie under she cracked open the book and gave it a second chance.

“Watch’a doing Applejack?” Applejack quickly closed the book to see her sister and two friends looking at her.

“Oh..Howdy Applebloom, what do you three need?”

“We were just wondering why you’re reading a book.” Sweetie Belle answered.

“Oh...Well Twilight said it was a good read...and she suggested it to me. So here ah am....reading.” she said as she threw on a nervous grin.

“Sis, yah stink at lying.” Applebloom said as she gave the orange mare a blank stare.

“Alright fine ah’m reading it because.....” Applejack stopped herself from breaking her promise to Cadence. “Because Gear likes this book and..ah..kinda like em.” the three filly’s had a massive grin spread across their faces. “But don’t tell no-pony you hear!”

“We promise” the fillies said in unison.

“Pinkie Promise!”

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” the three said while going through the appropriate motions.

“Thanks, now if ya’ll don’t mind. Can you leave me to read in peace?” she said as she cracked open the book.

“What’s it about?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“No idea, so far the story’s main character is some sort of professor.” AJ said as she continued reading.

“So how long have you two been going out?” Scootaloo asked with a sly grin.

“We haven’t yet. Tonight we’re double dating with Twi’s brother and his wife.” The three filly’s jaws hit the ground.

“You’re having dinner with a Princess!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

“Yeah, ah suppose.”

“What’re you going to wear?”

“Um.....nothing as usual.” she said with an odd look.

“What! You can’t go to dinner with them like that! My sister can-” Sweetie Belle was cut off by Applejack slamming the book shut.

“No way, no how am ah letting Rarity dress me up like some posh Canterlot snob!”

“Well you gotta wear something.” Applebloom said as she glared at her sister. Applejack scratched her mane for a second.

“Maybe mah Galla dress will be alright, will that do?” the three fillies nodded in agreement. “Alright ah’l wear the dress. Now if ya’ll could please let me get back to reading?” the three fillies ran off towards the barn, leaving Applejack sitting against a tree with the book in hoof. She opened up to the first page and began to read.

Back across Ponyville Cadence was dragging Gear by his hoof into Carousel Boutique.

“Rarity! We’ve got work to do!” Cadence exclaimed. The white unicorn mare was so startled that she jumped in fright at their entrance.

“You two have perfect timing Applejack just left here ten minutes ago.”

“We need to get this stallion date ready stat!” Cadence said as Gear broke the hold that the pink alicorn had him in.

“I thought I could just go casual.”

“What! This is your first date! You have to get dressed up!” Rarity hollered.

“Fine, just nothing too extreme, okay?”

“Deal.” Rarity and Cadence started to converge on the green stallion with a playful look in their eyes.

“Celestia save me!” the two then dragged him into the nearest fitting room and began trying on all different suits. When the two mares finally let him step out, he was in a full tux and his mane was slicked back by some odd smelling gel product Rarity had stashed away. He trotted over and looked at himself in the mirror and frowned. “What part of ‘nothing too extreme’ don’t you understand?”

“What? You look good in a tux.”

“It’s just dinner plus Shining and Cadence are going to be there. Those two aren’t going to dress up.”

“Actually I’m going in formal attire so is Shining.” she said with a grin. Gear let out a groan.

“Fine I’ll wear a suit, no tux! Okay?”

“Fine. Let me see if I have anything in your size.” she said as she ducked behind a curtain and withdrew a dark brown suit with a black bow tie. Gear tried the suit on and stood in front of the mirror and grinned.

“Now we’re talking! Thanks Rarity, I haven’t been a suit since I was in Canterlot.”

"Can I ask you something?" Rarity said as she beagn measuring him.

"Sure."

“Why did you move here? I mean this small town has it’s charms, but Canterlot is so much better.” she said in a curious tone. “I mean the place is a business gold mine, if you can make it in Canterlot than you can make it anywhere.”

“I don’t want that kind of life. It would drive me crazy for a second-” he stopped talking. Cadence threw a worried look his way as Rarity stopped measuring him she looked up.

“What was that last part, something about going crazy?”

“Nothing....absolutely nothing.” he said as he avoided the mares gaze.

“Gear don’t lie to me.”

“Rarity just drop it.” Cadence interjected.

“What’s the big secret? I wan’t to know!” Gear was catching a death stare from the white mare. he let out a heavy sigh.

“Okay....but Rarity this is TOP SECRET! You tell no-pony! Not Twilight, not Rainbow and especially not Applejack!” he said a he pointed at the mare.

“Of corse dear now what is it?”

“This is serious Rarity. Only Shining Armor, Twilight and myself know this.” Cadence said in a cold tone.

“I understand. I won’t say a word.” Gear took a deep breath.

“You know that my parent’s are dead right?” the white mare nodded remembering what he had told her. “Well when they died....I didn’t take it well." Gear breathed a heavy sigh and continued "I was.......institutionalized.” Rarity put a hoof to her mouth in shock.

“Oh...I see....for how long?”

“Five years.” Rarity looked back in surprise. “I’m here for some down time before my board of review comes up. This whole ‘vacation’ is really a test to see if I’m ready to rejoin society.” Rarity was in utter disbelief.

“Okay...I need to ask this but are you.....dangerous?”

“To you or to your friends? No.”

“Oh good. I’m sorry for asking that, I just wasn’t expecting it I mean I know your an author and every thing but-”

“WHAT! You know!?” he bellowed “Who told.....CADENCE!” he said as he glared at the pink alicorn who had a nervous grin on her face.

“Sorry Gear. It kinda slipped out.”

“Wait, does Applejack know?”

“Yeah, so does Twilight.” Gear face-hoofed and let out a loud groan.

“Great! Now she’s gonna bug me for the rest of my visit!”

“We all Pinkie Promised not to tell any-pony.” Rarity said.

“What in the name of Luna is a Pinkie Promise?” Gear asked with a confused lok on his face.

“Simply put, you can’t break this promise. If you do then Pinkie finds you and makes you wish you never broke it.” she said as the event’s in Appaloosa came rushing back to her mind, as that happened the three ponies perked up hearing some-pony yell a long, drawn out forever.

“Okay fine, I’ll take your word for it. What else did you tell them Cadence?”

“Just about your books. Nothing about the institution.”

“Good.”

“Can I ask something from a readers standpoint?” Rarity asked.

“Depends what it is.”

“How could you go from writing something like ‘Pegasi and Demons’ to something like ‘The Shimmer’? I mean the two are nothing alike.” Gear looked down at the ground.

“Okay one, I didn’t write them I just came up with the ideas and sent them off to Colt Barker and Horror King. Two, when you’re in an institution for a few years you tend to get bored. Three, I’ve always liked horror stories and decided to try out some idea’s I had thought up. Finally I found it therapeutic.”

“And they just accepted help from you?”

“Yes, they needed idea’s, I had them, it was a simple business arrangement.”

“You did this for free?”

“No, I got 50% of the profit and I’m credited in the book.”

“But I still don’t see how some-pony could write something like that and find it therapeutic.” Rarity said as she raised an eye brow. Gear gave an aggravated grumble.

“Look, Rarity I did what I had to do to get over the tragedy, it was a way for me to get my feelings and thought’s out of my head. I needed to do that, I still do. I’m sure every-pony has their own coping mechanisms and I used it to get better.” he said in an aggravated tone.

“I’m sorry Gear. I’m still trying to wrap my head around this whole thing, but how did you write such.....interesting stories there. I’ve read ‘The Shimmer’ and that book gave me nightmares for weeks. How did you think up such a tale and how long did it take you?”

“Well I had time on my hooves, a LOT of time and my first year there was.......unpleasant so I had something to work with.” he said in a nervous tone.

“What do you mean by ‘unpleasant?’” Rarity asked as she raised an eyebrow. Gear’s eyes shrank.

“I think I’ve said enough for today, thanks for the outfit. I’ll return it as soon as I’m able to.”

“Please darling, think of it as a gift.” she said with a weak smile. “I insist you take it, a stallion should always have a nice suit.”

“Okay, thanks Rarity, and not just for the clothes, it feels good to talk about this with some-pony. Please remember not to-”

“I won’t say a word.” she said as she made the zipper locking motion with her hoof. Gear gave a final goodbye and trotted out of the shop, Cadence started to follow but rarity tapped her on the shoulder. “Cadence, what did he mean by ‘unpleasant?’”

“Honestly Rarity I’m as curious as you are. That’s the most he’s told me or any-pony for that matter about it. I’ll see if I can get Shinning to fill in the blanks fro me.”

“Thank you dear, it’s just that......I trust Gear, he’s a wonderful friend but I’m worried about Applejack. If she find’s this out then things could get out of hoof.”

“I know what you mean. But let’s just keep this between us.”

“Of course.” they said their goodbye’s and Cadence took off towards the green stallion. Cadence caught up to Gear as he entered the library he saw Shinning Armor and Twilight having some tea at the kitchen table.

“Wow, Gear that suit is awesome!” Shinning said as he trotted over to his green friend.

“Yeah Rarity picked it out. She may be a a bit materialistic but she has good taste.” he said as he looked at himself in a mirror. Twilight was trying to hold back her giggling. "Okay Twilight let’s hear it.”

“What?”

“I know that Cadence told you about me being Colt Brown.” he said as he rolled his eyes. Twilight then started to hop around the stallion in a circle giggling to her self.

“Oh thank you! I wasn’t sure if I could keep my excitement contained for much longer, I have so many questions.”

“I’ll answer them, after tonight and to keep you quiet about this.”

“Of course! What ever you need.”

“Thanks. Oh and by the way Rarity knows about the whole institution thing.” Shining and Twilight’s jaw dropped.

“You told her!” Shinning yelled.

“Yes...it slipped out.” Shinning had a concerned look on his face. “I didn’t give her any details, I only told her that I was in the institution and wrote for Horror King and Colt Barker.” Shinning breathed a sigh of relief.

“Oh.....good. So she doesn’t know about the-”

“No. She doesn’t.” Gear glanced at the clock. “Hey guys I’d like to stay and chat but we have to go to dinner soon.” Cadence and Shinning looked at the clock and saw that he was correct.

“Gear you go on ahead, Cadence and I still need to get ready. We’ll catch up with you later.” Shinning said with a smile.

“Fine, Twilight can you do me a favor?” he said as he looked over at the lavender mare.

“Sure what is it?”

“I need you to teleport over to Sweet Apple Acre’s and get my medicine. It’s in a small white plastic container.”

“That’s pretty far, I’m not sure if I can teleport-”

“I’ll do it.” Cadence volunteered.

“Okay, that works, just get back here soon and don’t let Applejack see-” he was cut off as the pink alicorn vanished in a cloud of pink smoke.

Cadence teleported just outside the barn house, Cadence made her way to the door and knocked three times. The door opened to reveal three small fillies looking at her in surprise.

“Oh my gosh! P-Princess Cadence!” the three fillies yelled

“Oh, you’re the three fillies that were the flower mares at my wedding.” she said with a warm smile.

“Yeah, what can we do for you your highness.” the orange pegasus asked.

“I’m just here to pick something up for Gear. Where is his room?”

“This way!” the three fillies said in unison as they trotted up the stairs. Cadence entered the rustic room and started to look through Gear’s bags, she came across the item she was searching for and levitated it with her magic.

“What are those?” the white unicorn asked. Cadence took a moment to chose her words wisely.

“Um...These are Gear’s Vitamin’s. He needs to take them once a day and he forgot to this morning.” she said with a grin.

“Oh. But why does he need them?”

“Sorry girls it’s a secret.”

“Can’t yah tell us please?” the three fillies started to use the puppy dog eyes on the princess. Cadence looked at them and shook her head with a smile across her face.

` “Nice try girls, but I invented that look to use on Auntie Celestia.” she said as she trotted pat them. “But you three are very good at it.”

“Applebloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle! Where did you three run of to now?” said a southern accent coming from the stair case. Cadence looked over to see the brim of AJ's hat beginning to surface from the staircase, she looked back at the three fillies.

“Okay girls I have to go, pretend you never saw me!” the three fillies looked in confusion as the pink princess vanished in a cloud of smoke. Applejack got to the top of the stairs and looked at the three fillies with a raised eyebrow.

“What in the hay are you three doing up here?”

“N-nothing. We were just leaving.” Scootaloo said as the three ponies rushed past the orange mare. Applejack was about to protest but let the thought go, she trotted inside her room to get ready for her date.

Back in the library Gear waited patiently for Cadence to return with his pills. His right hoof began to shake violently, Shining and Twilight looked over at him in surprise.

“You okay Gear?”

“Yeah....I just hope Cadence get’s here so-” he was cut off by Princess Cadence appearing along with his bottle of pills, Cadence tossed it over to him. Gear unscrewed the cap and popped one in his mouth. The shaking in his right arm subsided, he breathed a sigh of relief. “That was close, thanks Cadence. Did Applejack see you?”

“No she didn’t, but her sister and her friends did.”

“That’s not an issue.” Twilight then looked at the pill bottle with a raised eyebrow.

“What do those pills do exactly?”

“Let’s just say they keep me from going crazy.” he said as he put the bottle into his pocket. “I’d better get going. See you two down there.” Gear said as he exited the library. Shinning and Cadence started to giggle as he left, Twilight looked at them in confusion.

“What’s so funny?” Cadence put a hoof around her sister in-law and moved towards the door.

“C’mon Twilight you’re gonna wanna see this.” she said as the three ponies walked out of the library.

Chapter 6

Applejack had just arrived in front of the restaurant as she saw a green stallion in a suit trot up to her from the other direction. Gear looked ahead to see Applejack in a stunning dress. His jaw hit the floor at her beauty, Applejack marveled at his attire and proceeded to blush.

“Hey....Applejack, you look great.”

“Thank ya kindly. You’re not so bad yourself.” the two ponies avoided eye contact as they made their way inside. Gear started to look around for Shinning Armor and Cadence but didn’t find them there, soon a pony wearing a waiters’ uniform trotted in front of them.

“Can I help you two?” he said in a happy tone.

“Yeah, we have a reservation for four, under the name Shining Armor.” the pony withdrew a clip board and scanned the list.

“I’m sorry sir there’s no-pony by that name on this list.” Gear thought for a moment.

“How about one for Gear Grinder?”

“Ah yes here we go. Table for two, follow me please.” the waiter then brought them over to a private booth away from the other tables. It was outside quaint, and had a magnificent view of the water lake in the back of the building. “I’ll be back with your menu’s momentarily.” the stallion said as he trotted away. Gear then looked over to Applejack who held the same confused look.

“AJ, do ever get the feeling that you’ve been set up?”

“Eeyup. I guess Cadence and Shinning wanted us to have some privacy.” she said as the waiter returned with their menu’s.

“Good evening sir and madam, can I start you off with some water?”

“Sure.” Gear said as he looked at his menu. Outside Cadence, Shinning and Twilight were waiting in a nearby bush. Cadence was sticking her head out and watching the two earth ponies as they continued to talk.

“Oh they are so cute together!” Cadence cooed.

“Why are we doing this again?” Twilight asked.

“Oh come on Twiley, you have to admit this is fun. You should be taking notes for when you get a date.” Twilight looked back at her brother with an angry look in her eye.

“Shh!” Cadence motioned as she tried to listen in on their conversation.

Applejack was trying to find a conversation starter but couldn’t find the right words, she kept glancing to Gear and at her menu, praying that some-pony would break the silence.

“Okay, let’s shoo the elephant out of the room.” Gear said as he put down his menu.

“Beg yer pardon?”

“I know that Cadence told you about my......writing hobby.” Applejack took a quick gulp and let out a sigh.

“Yeah, that’s why I checked out that book this afternoon. Ah wanted you to think that ah-” she was cut off by Gear raising his hoof.

“AJ, you don’t need to act smart and know about books for me to be impressed with you.” he said with a grin.

“R-really? Why, ah mean your a big fancy and sophisticated author, surely you have been on hundreds of date’s with beautiful-”

“To be honest AJ, this is the first date I’ve been on in a long time and you already have my respect. You’re smart, strong, hard working not to mention beau-” he shut his mouth before he continued. He looked over to see the orange mare blushing vibrantly.

“You....you really think ah’m beautiful?” she said with a weak smile.

“Y-yeah. I was actually surprised that you didn’t have a colt-friend.” he said as he scratched the back of his mane.

“Well, thank yah kindly, ah reckon yer pretty cute too. Ah was just too nervous to say something.” she said as her blush intensified. Gear then heard a noise come from a nearby bush, Gear squinted and saw three horns popping out of a bush. He motioned with his head towards Applejack who saw the obscurity.

“Looks like Shinning and Cadence are here after all and it looks like they brought Twilight along too.” Applejack let out a grumble, Gear’s eyes lit up. “Hey AJ, I have an idea.”

“What?” Gear leaned in close and whispered his plan to the mare who proceeded to giggle. Gear got up and left the table. Back in the bush Cadence, Shinning and Twilight watched in confusion.

“Where is he going?” Cadence asked.

“Maybe the restroom?” Shinning said.

“That’s probably-”

“CAN I HELP YOU THREE!? “ the three ponies jumped in fright and spun around to see Gear glaring at them with a blank look on his face.

“Oh Gear......we were just...um.”

“Save it, my love life is not a subject for your entertainment.” he looked back at the ponies with anger in his eyes, they all adverted his gaze.

“We’re sorry, we just wanted every thing to go smoothly.” Shinning said as he put a hoof on his friends shoulder.

“I appreciate the thought but I’m fine. AJ and I are leaving, we’re going to go have a REAL DATE. So if you all don’t mind I would appreciate it if you would all just let me do this on my own.” he looked over at Cadence who had a sad look in her eyes. Gear rolled his eyes and gave a heavy sigh. “I’ll give Twilight details and she’ll pass them off to you okay?” the mares’s eyes lit up, he then noticed that twilight had a pen and paper behind her back. Gear then returned to Applejack.

“Let’s go. They agreed not to follow us again.”

“Good, now let’s go get some real food.” After that little incident the two earth ponies decided to go to Sugar Cube Corner for a nice casual visit. It was getting late, and they decided to go back to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack kept looking at the stallion as they made their way up the path. “Hey can ah tell you something?”

“Sure.”

“When we all first met you at Sugar Cube Corner, Rainbow and the others seemed to think that there was something wrong with you, to be honest ah got that vibe too. Ah hope you can forgive me.” Gear looked at the mare with a guilty look in his eyes.

“It’s fine, I can understand why they would think that. I haven’t really had a charming life. I’ve seen some things......horrible things.” he said as he looked to the ground.

“You mean your parents?” Gear gave a nod, tears started to form in his eyes. Applejack brought him into a hug. “What happened? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“There was a fire.......They didn’t make it out.” he said as a single tear left his eye. Applejack held him tighter.

“Mah folks are gone too, they died protecting me an Applebloom from a pack of Timber Wolves.”

“I’m so sorry. You didn’t have to-”

“No, ah asked you about your parents first. It only seemed fair that you know about mine.”

“You still didn’t have to.......how about we change the subject?” he said with a nervous look in his eye. “I just got the money for the tractor parts, so it should be up and running soon.”

“Thank you kindly I don’t know how to thank you.”

“It’s no problem...but maybe you’ll think of something.”

“Hey, why do you like working with machines anyway? You obviously don’t need the money, so why do it?” she asked as the two continued to trot down the dirt path.

“I just enjoy helping ponies with mechanical issues. Machinery is the building blocks of civilization and I feel like I’m a part of that.” Applejack was stunned at his response.

“Wow, ah never thought of it like that, so you feel a part of something bigger than yourself?” Gear nodded “That’s very good out look on life.”

“Well how about you? You alway’s worked on the farm?”

“Yeah, all my life. Mah dad was a farmer, his dad was a farmer and so on. It’s in our blood.” she said proudly. The two reached the farm house and made their way up the stairs and stopped outside Applejack’s door, the two started to blush profusely. “Ah had a really great time tonight.”

“Yeah, me too.....do you wan to......I don’t know, hang out after work tomorrow?” he said in a nervous tone, Gear looked over to the mare who drew closer and pressed her lips on his, she tasted like apples. As she broke the kiss Gear’s face was blushing profusely.

“That answer your question?” she said with a grin. Gear nodded and trotted over to his room, once inside he let out a heavy sigh of relief. As he laid in bed his mind began to run and he began to think out loud.

“Today was a good day. AJ is amazing, her friends are welcoming and kind. Even Shinning and Cadence are happy, for once everything is working out.” he said as he began to fall asleep but not before hearing a familiar malicious voice.

We’ll see how long that lasts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in Canterlot Shinning Armor and Princess Cadence teleported back inside their room in Canterlot Castle, they each gave a yawn and started to get ready for bed. As Cadence was brushing her mane a thought crossed her mind.

“Hey Shinning, can I ask you something?” she said as she turned to look at her husband.

“Sure hun, what’s up?”

“Earlier today Gear said that his first year at the institution was unpleasant. What did he mean by that?” Shinning froze in place as the memories came rushing back to that year. Cadence looked at him with an eyebrow raised. “I think I have a right to know, Gear is one of my best friends.” Shinning gave his wife a sigh and trotted over to her.

“It’s not something I can explain, you need to see it to believe it.”

“So you’re not going to tell me?” she said in an aggravated tone.

“No, I'll tell you. I just need some time to find something.”

“What?”

“His file.” Cadence looked back at him with a confused look.

“Why would his file be hard to find? If we just go to the hospital I’m sure they would-” she was cut off Shinning raising a hoof.

“No. Their file is altered and I need some time to get the un-edited version.” Cadence looked a back at him in confusion. Shining came over and put a hoof on her shoulder. “You’ll understand when I find it.” with that Shinning and Cadence crawled into bed and drifted off to sleep.

Author's Note

Sorry for the short chapter :applecry: I've been busy with family for the holidays. I'll try and find time soon to work on the story. :twilightsmile:

Chapter 7

The next few weeks blew by quickly for Gear and Applejack. The two continued to work in the fields by day and spend time with their friends by night, the two managed to keep it a secret from Big Mac for a while but sooner or later they had to face the music. Today was that day, Gear and Applejack entered the barn to where the red stallion was sharpening his plow.

“Um...Big Mac we’ve got a confession to make.” Applejack said as she stepped forward. Big Mac put down his plow and trotted over to the two earth ponies.

“What’s up sis?”

“Um.....I’m..........Gear is......” Gear then took the wheel of the conversation.

“Your sister and I are going out.” he said as he started to back away from the stallion who’s face was a mixture of confusion, rage and surprise.

“Oh...ah see.” he said as his right eye began to twitch. “Ah only have one question, have you been forcing my sis-” he was cut off by an angry Applejack.

“NO! Gear hasn’t tried to pressure me to do anything I didn’t want to do!” she yelled as she advanced on the red stallion with anger in her eyes “Ah can’t believe that you would even think that he would try to force me to do.....THAT!” the large dark stallion had seen his sister angry before, but never like this. Mac began to take steps back as Gear put a hoof on his mare-friends shoulder.

“Easy AJ. He’s just looking out for you like an older brother should.” he said as the mare cast a cold glare at him. Gear could see the rage in the mare’s eyes begin to disappear. He then gave her a quick nose kiss, AJ gave a small giggle and walked out of the barn, Gear took a look over at the frightened red stallion. “Hey Mac do you remember the day I first got here? When you hog tied me?” the red stallion nodded and raised an eyebrow. “Well, let’s just say we’re even.” he said with a smug look on his face, Big Mac then brought him into a head lock and whispered to him.

“Hurt my sister, and I swear to Celestia I will tie your legs to the back of the cart and take a nice long trip to Canterlot and back.” he released his hold on the green stallion, Gear looked back at Mac with a surprised look in his eyes “Got it?”

“Y-yeah.” he said as he ran after Applejack. He eventually caught up with her and helped her with putting the rest of the tools away when Twilight came trotting up the road with a grin on her face. “Hey Twilight, AJ is in the back I can go get her-”

“I’m not here to see Applejack I’m here to see you.” she said in a serious tone.

“Oh, okay what’s up?”

“You’ve forgotten haven’t you.”

“For gotten wha-........It’s tomorrow isn’t it?” Twilight nodded her head reluctantly. “Great, how can I tell Applejack about THAT?” Twilight put a hoof on his shoulder.

“I don’t know but I think she deserves to know.” Gear looked at the mare and gave reluctant sigh. Soon Big Mac came trotting over to them with a cold look in his eyes.

“Can ah talk to you two in private?” he said as he looked in between the two ponies.

“Sure Mac what’s up?” Twilight asked.

“Gear, you write some interesting things.” the green stallion’s eyes shrank at the comment.

“How did....TWILIGHT! Did you tell him!?”

“NO, I told no pony that you wrote those books. I’d never-” she was cu off by a red hoof.

“Ah ain’t talkin about your conspiracy novels.”

“Then what are you talking about?” Gear asked in surprise.

“This.” Mac then withdrew a small black leather bound book and threw it on the ground. Gear’s heart rate sky rocketed as he saw the book, his book. The book that he put all of his feelings and thought’s into, his journal. He looked up at Big Mac in horror as he spoke. “A Five year stay at the Canterlot mental institution, ah did not see that coming.”

“Wh-where did y-you-”

“Ah found it while cleaning last night. My first thought was to bring this to AJ and let her read it.” tears started to form in Gear’s eyes.

“Mac, you can’t be serious! That was a long time ago and Gear is a changed stallion, he’s leaving tomorrow for his review!” Twilight said with fear in her eyes. Big Mac then raised an eyebrow and looked between the two ponies.

“Let me finish, I didn’t tell her seeing as it wasn’t my place to tell.” Gear breathed a sigh of relief. “But if you don’t tell her than I will.” fear coursed through Gear’s mind. “Ah’m sorry but ah have to think about what’s best for my sister, to be honest ah like you. You’re a good stallion, you may have a few screws loose but ah can look past that.”

“How can you just look past that?”

“I haven’t seen my sis smile like that in years, not since our folks died. I trust that you’ll tell her before you leave tomorrow morning because if you don’t-” Mac was cut off by Gear raising a hoof and wiping the tears from his eyes.

“You’re right Mac, I’ll tell her after dinner.” he said as Applejack rang the dinner bell, Twilight gave him a hug for good luck and trotted back to the library. Mac walked him inside and sat down at the table dinner was spent in silence. Gear was catching a few nervous looks from Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle for some reason, as Applejack finished she trotted up stairs. Mac gave him one last nod of encouragement. Gear returned the gesture and trotted upstairs. as he ascended the stairs thousand’s of thought’s raced through his mind. He opened the door to see Applejack brushing her bright golden mane, she looked at him with a smile and waved him in, Gear gave a heavy sigh and joined her closing the door behind him so the other’s couldn’t hear.

“Hey there you, need something?” she said in a happy voice.

“AJ.....we need to talk.” Gear saw that those words alone were enough to hurt the mare.

“S-sure a-about what?”

“About us....It’s just that-”

“Are you breaking up with me?” she said as tears began to form in her eyes.

“NO!, Celestia no! It’s just that.....I have a secret Applejack, a big secret that I’ve been keeping from you.” Applejack had calmed down a little but the worry was now replaced by curiosity.

“What secret?”

“Years ago, when my parent’s died....I didn’t take it well.” he avoided eye contact and started to stare at the floor boards. “I was....put in a mental ward.....and I was there for five years.” tears were now streaming down his face, Applejack was in utter shock. “Tomorrow..I have to go back there for my review.”

“Y-your review?” she said as she got out of her chair.

“Yeah, it’s a meeting to see whether I’m ready to rejoin society or not. If I pass then I can continue living my life here, but if I don’t......then....I’ll have to go back.” he was now sobbing uncontrollably as he sat on the mares bed. “I’m so sorry for not telling you sooner, I was afraid of your reaction, I was afraid that you would see me as nothing more as a crazy stallion. I understand if you feel that way now, I just wanted to let you know so you wouldn’t-” he was cut off by Applejack sitting next to him and wrapping him in a warm hug, Gear was surprised by the mares action.

“Shhh, It’s okay. Ah understand why yah didn’t want to tell me and to be honest ah’m pretty shocked by this. But it’s not enough to scare me away.” Gear’s eyes stopped crying at her words. “You’re kind, generous and honest. So if you have some baggage, ah can accept that.” she looked back at him with a teary eyed smile.

“Y-you’re not angry?” Gear said in shock.

“Well ah am pretty irritated that you lied to me for this long, but it’s understandable. Heck if you told me that you were a screwball when ah first met you ah’d probably be afraid of you.” Gear’s face turned to sadness. “But now that ah know you, ah know that you wouldn’t do anything to hurt me or mah family.”

“AJ, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me and ah don’t want to lose you.”

“Nor I you.” she said as she gave him a kiss. “So what happens during this ‘review’ thing.”

“Well, my doctor, the head of the ward and ponies on the psych commission ask me a bunch of questions and they determine my mental health by the answers I give.” Applejack then took her hat off and looked at the stallion.

“Maybe ah could help you review for this test?” she said as she got of the bed.

“It’s not like a normal test AJ. There is no way to stud-” he was cut off by Applejack standing in front of him with her hair undone and looking at him with lust filled eyes, her muzzle was less than and inch away from his, Gear’s face turned crimson as Applejack forced him down on the bed and looked at him with a seductive smile on her face. As she leaned in to kiss the stallion he felt her hair starting to tickle his ears, as he pushed her mane to the sides he stared into her deep emerald eyes.

“AJ you don’t have to do-”

“Ah know. But ah want to.” the two proceeded to spend the night together.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two room’s over, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were having a sleep over, minus the sleep. Their minds were filled with worry.

“We should tell Big Mac he’d understand.” Sweetie Belle said with false hope.

“I’d doubt it.” Scootaloo said.

“Look girls we can spend all night worrying about what happens or we can just face the music in the morning like mature adult’s.” Applebloom said in a stern voice, her two friends nodded in agreement and turned in to face the coming storm.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in Canterlot Cadence was just outside of Shinning Armor’s office, as she came inside she locked the door behind her. Shinning was sitting at his desk patiently for her. He looked at her with a warm smile.

“We’re you followed?” he asked.

“No. Why would I be? Why did you call me here at this hour, it’s six in the morning.” she said in an annoyed tone. Shining opened a drawer and retrieved a red file with Gears picture attached to it.

“This is Gear’s unaltered and unedited psychological file.” Cadence eyes lit up hearing this. “But I’m warning you Cadence, it’s not pretty.” he set the file in front of the pink alicorn. Cadence opened the file and began to read, as she got to the second page her face looked as though she had just seen Discord be resurrected. She put her hooves to her mouth as tears began to flow from her eyes, she looked at her husband.

“Is this........Did they really.........Gear is..” Shinning nodded and wrapped his wife in a comforting hug. “I...I had no idea...that.....he was the one.....they all talked about.” she said through the sobs.

“Shhh. That’s all in the past now Gear is fine he’s-” they were cut off by a knock at the door. Shinning put the file away and opened the door to see a guard stallion standing at attention. “What is it soldier?”

“Sorry to disturb you sir, but this letter just arrived for you, the princess said it was urgent.” the pony handed him the scroll and trotted away, Shining brought the letter over to his wife and read it. His eyes shrank at the message.

“CADENCE WE NEED TO GET TO PONYVILLE NOW!” he bellowed.

“What’s wrong?” she glanced at the letter to what was wrong, the message read.

Shinning Armor,

BROKEN GLASS!

“What does that mean?” Cadence asked in confusion.

“It means Gear is in serious danger.” Shinning trotted next to his wife with the file in hoof and the two vanished from Canterlot Castle.

Chapter 8

Applejack and her friends were all waiting in the Ponyville hospital lobby waiting for some news. Applejack was sobbing in the corner, Rarity and Twilight were trying their best to comfort their friend but were having no luck. Soon a bright pink light formed in the middle of the room to show Shinning Armor and Princess Cadence. Twilight ran to her brothers side, a doctor soon came out holding a clip board.

“Are you all here to see Gear Grinder?” Shinning stepped forward.

“Yes how is he?”

“Physically, he only has a mild concussion and a small cut. Mentally he’s in a catatonic state and currently un-responsive.” Shinning then trotted back over to the group and told them his condition. Applejack was sobbing harder than ever, even the princess of love was having trouble coping. Shinning went back over to the doctor.

“What’s his room number?”

“It’s B10 but you can’t-” he was cut off as Shinning brushed passed him along with the group of mares. When they entered the room they saw the familiar green pegasus hooked up to a breathing machine and heart monitor, every-pony had tears in their eyes. Even the guard captain couldn’t hold back his emotions, he turned around and looked at the mares with an icy stare.

“What happened!?” he bellowed, the mares all turned to Applejack who was still bawling her eyes out. When she looked up she saw a very cross guard captain looking down at her. She gathered what strength she had and began to tell them what had happened.

Gear woke up later than usual, as he turned on his side he saw a sleeping Applejack beginning to stir. He gave here quick peck on the cheek and trotted over to the window, it was pouring rain outside. Gear looked back to the bed to see Applejack sitting up with a smile on her face.

“Morning.” she said in a satisfied tone.

“Morning, sleep well?” he asked.

“Oh yes. What’r you doing up?”

“Twilight will be here soon to pick me up.”

“For the review?” Gear nodded. “Hey, can ah come with you?.....y’know for moral support.”

“Sure.....you’re my good luck charm after all. Let’s just get some food first.” Applejack nodded in agreement and the two ponies made their way down into the kitchen, as they ate Applejack noticed something odd about Gear.

“Hey hun, why is your hoof shaking like that?” Gear looked at his right hoof to see that it was shaking involuntarily, he raced upstairs to the bathroom with AJ in pursuit. He unscrewed the cap to his medicine and popped a pill in his mouth. Gear breathed a sigh of relief, his hoof had stopped. As he made his way to his room the shaking started again, Gear’s face was in shock, soon he heard a voice calling to him.

Here I come!

Gear backed away from the door, his whole body began to shake, he felt a splitting pain in his head, screams echoed through the house. Applejack rushed to his side but he pushed her away.

“AJ STAY BACK!”

“What’s wrong?” she said as she put a hoof to her mouth.

“Listen.......something really, really bad is a bout to happen.......when it does, do what ever it takes to defend yourself. I’m....sorry.” the shaking increased The voice in his head we stronger now.

I’m Back!

“Ah don’t understand! What’s happening?” AJ was soon joined by the CMC and Big Macintosh. Gear could feel the darkness starting to take him, he was losing, he had to do something. Gear’s shaking stopped and he crumbled to the floor. As Applejack drew nearer, Gear shot up and tried to lunge at Applejack. She looked into her colt friend’s eyes and saw that the white’s of his eyes were now saturated with his own blood. As he swung at her an unknown force seemed to throw him off balance, when he opened his mouth to speak his voice had changed from the strong/nervous voice she knew and loved to a menacing growl

“STILL FIGHTING HUH?”

“I wont let you hurt them!” he argued with himself. “I’ll protect them even if-” he took one last look at the frightened ponies, and for one last instant he he smiled. He turned in the other direction charging towards the window. The dark voice was screaming. “WHAT NO! YOU’LL KILL US ALL!” Gear gave a small smirk. “That’s the idea!” Gear could feel the glass cut into him as he jumped through the window, he heard the screams coming from Applejack and the others and he felt the cold wet ground collide with his head, as he heard hoof steps trotting up the road and breathed out a final sentence as the ponies crowded around him.
“Brass..AJ....I’m sorry.” then everything faded to black.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in the hospital, Applejack had finished her story and began to sob again, Shinning trotted over and put a hoof on the mares back.

“You’re sure his eyes and voice changed?” he asked.

“Y-yeah....Why? You know something don’t you!” Applejack bellowed with anger in her voice. Shinning levitated the file in front of her. “What is this?”

“Gear’s unedited psych profile......It’ll explain everything. It’s time for every-pony to know the truth.” Shinning gave a deep sigh and began explaining. “After Gear’s parent’s died, he was checked into an institution.”

“Yes we know that! But what happened in there?” Twilight asked.

“Have you ever heard of Dr. Red-blood?’ Twilight’s ears shot up at the name.

“Wasn’t he some Psychiatrist that got arrested a few years ago?”

“Yes he was arrested for performing......disgusting procedures on his patients’.” Cadence said with tears in her eyes. “He was Gear’s doctor for his first year in the asylum.” the ponies looked in shock at the pink princess.

“He twisted Gear’s mind to the limit, tortured and manipulated him. Keeping him in complete darkness for days at a time, using electro shock therapy when none was required, water boarding him, you name it. The doctor completely shattered Gear’s mind, when I caught wind of it I put a stop to it but by then......it was too late.” Shinning said as his horn began to glow, a beam shot at the wall and projected a scene of a blood red unicorn stallion with a black mane in a lab coat with a look of fear on his face. “This is when the royal guard arrested him, I was only a Sargent at the time.” The picture started to move, three guards on each side of the hall way.

“Hey what are you doing here this is a private-” the doctor was knocked to the ground and held there by a white hoof, a familiar voice escaped the stallion’s lips.

“You are under arrest for the mistreatment of countless stallions and mare’s alike. Where is patient #19?” Shinning’s hoof began to press on the stallion’s throat. The dark unicorn breathed out the answer.

“End....of the hall......past the others.” Shinning got off of him and handed him off to two stallions who took him away in chains. Shinning and two other guards trotted past the other doors until they came to a massive iron bolted door. One of the guards stepped forward and unlocked the door, the inside was pitch black, the stallion’s ignited their horns and the room became filled with light, Shinning looked in the corner to see a green blob in the fetal position, the mass looked back at the stallions in fear and began to try and back away from them. As shinning drew closer the mass charged at them in a blind rage. Shinning advanced on the stallion and held him tightly, the green stallion was shocked at this motion.

“It’s okay Gear.....I’m here.....no one else is going to hurt you.” he said as he began to cry. The green stallion stopped his resisting and looked back at the armored stallion and slumped down in a fit of tears. As shinning accompanied his friend outside the room and into the light of the hall way, he saw that his friend was starved, had several burn marks and lacerations. As Gear stepped out of the room his eyes squinted in the sun, he took a few moment’s to take in the suns welcoming warmth and collapsed on the ground. The picture started to fade and Shinning’s horn began to dim. He looked back at the other ponies who all had tears in their eyes, Twilight had vomited into a nearby trash can. “The doctor was sentenced to life in prison and I was promoted for my deed.” he looked over at the green unconscious green stallion, tears began to form in his eyes. “But.....I was too late. Gear didn’t even recognize me or even his own reflection! He was lost to us, it took us six months before he said a word to any-pony......for four years he stayed in the asylum for the recovery process. It wasn’t easy but we managed to bring him back from the brink.”

“What was with his eyes?” AJ said through the sobs.

“The redness is a sign that his ‘other self’ has taken over.”

“Other self?” Twilight asked.

“When he was being tortured he split his mind into two personalities, the one we all know and a much darker one filled with all the hate and pain he’s suffered through. Those pills he takes are to repress his other self.” Applejack then shot up hearing this.

“NO! He took those pills this morning! I saw him there’s no way-” she was cut off by Big Macintosh entering the room with the Cutie Mark Crusaders along side of him with lowered heads.

“Ah know that this is a bad time, but these three have something they need to tell y’all.” he said as he shot a cold glance at the three fillies who entered the room.

“We.....It’s.......” Sweetie bell started but couldn’t muster the words through the tears.

“IT’S OUR FAULT!” Applebloom said with tears in her eyes. “Yesterday we were trying to get something out of the medicine cabinet and we accidentally spilled a lot of pills on the floor, we tried to put them all back but...” by then Applebloom had broken down and cried at her sister’s hooves. “We’re sorry!” Applejack didn’t even look at her sister she turned back to Shinning Armor.

“Before he passed out he said a name, Brass ah think it was”

“Who’s Brass?” Rainbow asked.

“His little sister, she died in Gears arms after the fire.” Shinning said in a sad tone. Applejack trotted over to her colt-friend and wrapped her hooves around his.

“Gear.....if you’re there.....you come back to me you here! You can’t leave us!” she said as she began to cry.

Chapter 9

Gear awoke to find himself in a familiar dark room, he got to his hooves he saw a dark green stallion with piercing red eyes glaring at him. He let out a cry of fear and backed away from the stallion, the dark stallion drew closer and began to speak.

Welcome back!

St-stay away!

Calm down, I’m not in the mood for your whining! I just want to talk!

........

Good, look you’ve kept me locked up here for four years! I think I should get a chance to talk!

O-okay..

Thank you, you remember this place don’t you? This was where I was born, right here in this room with HIM!

The doc-

Don’t say his name! He tortured us, betrayed our trust and manipulated us! Just like everyone else out there!

Not-

OH what ‘not every-pony is like that.’ Bullshit! the dark stallion said as he slammed Gear against the wall. Rainbow wanted to use you to increase her winning streak, Twilight wanted you to be an author, even Shinning and Cadence spied on you to get some entertainment out of your life!

What about-

Don’t even mention that little hicks name, she wanted you to fix that damn tractor. Nothing more!

But she said that-

That she cared about you? HA! No pony does who could care about a stallion with a fractured personality and psychological trauma. In here there’s nothing that can hurt us, nothing that can threaten us! We will live happiness.

Happiness for who?

For the both of us! I’ve always looked out for us.....protected us from HIM! That’s all I’ve ever tried to do! While you were sulking and crying in the corner I was on the front lines taking all the abuse he dished out! You know what your problem is? Gear looked in fear at the enraged stallion. You’re weak! You let yourself be used by others! Do you want to stop being weak?

Y-yes.

Then give in.....

Back in the hospital room AJ felt the stallion begin to move in her hooves she shot up in surprise and called the others over to her.

“Gear he just moved! His hoof it moved!” she said as Gear began to stir, his right eye began to open to reveal a blood red eye. His body began to jerk violently in the bed, Shinning began to restrain him while Cadence kept the girls back away from the bed. “What’s going on?”

“His other self is taking over! I think I can repress it” his horn began to glow a beam went from the white stallions horn to the green stallions head, Gear started to wail in pain and shake violently, Applejack broke away from Cadence and rushed to Gear’s side. “NO DON'T-” his warning came on deaf ears, as Applejack came into contact with his hoof she felt a massive pain shoot into her head, she soon collapsed onto the bed next to her colt friend. The other girls rushed to her side with worry in their eyes.

“What just happened!?” Twilight asked.

“The spell was suppressing Gear’s other personality, when Applejack touched him, she entered his mind.” the mares looked in horror. “She’s trapped in there until Gear let’s her out.”

Applejack woke up in a dark hallway, the air felt cold and smelt of blood, pain and fear. She made her way down the dark hallway until she came to a massive iron door. as she reached for it she was blind sided by a dark hoof. The blow sent Applejack crashing through the door and into the room. She looked up to see a darker version of Gear glaring at her with bright red eyes.

“What are YOU Doing here?” he bellowed. Applejack was about to give him a hug when she realized that the stallion standing before her was not the Gear she knew and loved. Applejack then saw a familiar green stallion chained to the far wall. He looked beaten and battered, the orange mare rushed over to him with tears in her eyes.

“Gear! Speak to me!” as he raised his head he had a blank look on his face, his eyes were blank and had a glassy look about them.

“AJ?” he said weakly.

“Yes ah’m here ah-” she was cut off by the dark stallion kicking her into the wall. Gear became enraged and started to struggle in the restraint’s. Applejack got to her hooves and saw the dark stallion starting to converge on her, the stallion grabbed her by her tail and whipped her into the side wall. Applejack started to shake in pain. Gear’s restraints started to give and shake from the walls. Applejack started to get to her hooves she saw the dark stallion coming closer, he raised his hoof to bring it down on the mare’s head. Applejack closed her eyes getting ready for the oncoming pain, she looked up to see the dark stallion’s hoof being stopped by a green arm. Gear grabbed the dark stallion and threw him against the wall away from Applejack.

“Applejack are you okay?!” he said as he helped the mare to her hooves, she backed away instantly in fear. “AJ, it’s me.” he slowly brought the mare into a hug and started to cry. “I’m so sorry, I never wanted any of this to happen.” Applejack returned the gesture and started to cry.

“Shhh, it’s alright now. Ah’m here for you, and ah always will be.” she then looked over to see the dark stallion getting out of the rubble. Applejack got to her hooves ready for a fight, Gear held out a hoof to stop her.

“No, this is my problem and I know just how to fix it.” Gear walked forward towards the dark stallion who started to charge with murder in his eyes. Gear stood in his path and waited for the blow to strike his face.

The dark stallion’s hoof connected with Gear’s chest, as he drew back his hoof Gear had grabbed it and drew him closer into a hug. The dark stallion stood there motionless at the stallion’s action.

“I’m sorry.” Gear said as Applejack looked at him in surprise. “I’m sorry that you had to bare that pain all on you own, I could’ve been there for you more. I abandoned you and tried to lock you away, even after you protected me from all of the horrors we’ve been through.”

“We?” the stallion said said in surprise.

“Yeah. We suffered and survived together........I want to show you something.” he pressed his forehead against the stallion’s head, Applejack was blinded by a shining light for a brief second. Gear stepped back for a moment to see the stallion wide eyed a single tear rolled down his cheek.

“What......was....that?” the stallion stuttered.

“A new reality, different from this one, with others who care about us.”

“LIKE WHO!” he said with tears streaming down his face.

“Like me.” Applejack then trotted up next to Gear with a smile on her face. “You’re a part of Gear and ah....love em’ so ah’l have to accept you too.” she wrapped the dark stallion in a warm hug. The stallion’s body began to shake violently, he stepped away from the mare, the room began to shake and crack, the asylum began to vanish and be replaced by a small town.

“What....what is this place?” he yelled.

“Home.” he said as he put a hoof on the stallion’s shoulder. “Our home.” the dark stallion’s coat began to crack, beams of light began to pour out of him a blinding light started shinned blinding Gear and Applejack. When they looked again the dark stallion’s coat was brighter, his eyes were still red but were less menacing looking. He glanced at the ponies who looked back with amazement.

“What just happened?” Applejack asked in confusion. The green stallion stepped forward towards the orange mare and hung his head in shame.

“I’m........I’m.....ssssssssorrrrryyyyyy.” he said in a stuttering tone.

“Apology accepted.” Applejack said in a happy tone. The landscape began to shake and the town began to fall apart at their feet Applejack looked at the two stallions. “What in the hay is going on now?” the two stallion’s looked at one another and nodded.

“Sorry about this AJ, but...” the two stallions then slugged her in the stomach, Applejack looked at the two stallions and then passed out. She awoke to find Shinning Armor and the others looking down at her with concern in their eyes. Applejack shot up and breathed heavily.

“What happened in there?” Shinning asked.

“I think I can fill in the blanks for you.” Every-pony looked over to see Gear awake and sitting up right. They all galloped over and wrapped him in a hug. Gear then proceeded to tell all of them what went on inside his mind. By the end every-pony was amazed at his story.

“So what happened to the other you?” Twilight asked. Gear closed his eyes for a moment, when he opened them again they were tinted red. Every-pony cringed back in fear

“I’m still here but not for much longer, I just need to do one last thing, and you’re all going to help me.” he said as he got to his hooves.

“What?” Shinning said as he eyed the stallion.

“I need to visit a doctor.” he said as he looked back at the group with a grin.

Chapter 10

Gear Grinder, Shinning Armor and the others waited in a filthy lobby, a police stallion was dragging a hoof cuffed pegasus through the lobby. Gear and Applejack were sitting down at a nearby table. Gear had nervous look in his eye as he sat with her, she took his hoof in hers and looked up at him.

“You don’t have to do this sugar cube, the review board has already granted you an extension-” she was cut off by a green hoof being raised.

“No I have to do this. I need to face him.” he said as he looked back at the mare with a stern face. Shinning trotted up to him.

“He’s in the holding cell. I’ll be in there in case anything goes wrong.” he said with a reassuring grin. Gear and the others followed Shinning down the hall and waited outside a small white room. Shinning stopped him outside the door. “Listen, you haven’t seen him in years, I’ll stand by to make sure he doesn’t try anything.”

“Thanks.”

“But that also goes for you, don’t do anything stupid, plus every-pony else will be able to hear and see you through the speaker and the one way mirror.” Gear gave him a nod, Shinning opened the door to reveal a red unicorn stallion with a dark mane, he was hoof-cuffed to the table and grinned as he looked up.

“Well Sergeant Armor it’s been some time. To what do I owe the pleasure?” he said with sarcasm in his voice.

“Firstly, It’s Captain now. Secondly, you have a visitor.” he said in a flat tone Shinning trotted inside and stepped to the side to reveal an angered green stallion. The unicorn’s eyes shrank and began to laugh.

“Well look who it is. The prototype returns.” he said with a snide grin.

“We’re not here for your games.” Gear said coldly.

“We?” Gear’s eyes became a dull red color. “Well, looks like my work paid off.”

“Can it! Why did you do it?!” Gear yelled in a harsh voice.

“I wanted to experiment with a ponies mind and your’s was perfect. Raw, broken down and fractured. I saw an opportunity and I took it.”

“But what was the end game? The reward?”

“Imagine it the first psychiatrist ever to cure multiple personality syndrome! I would become a legend.” he said as he let out a crazed laugh. “The only problem was that I had to induce the disease in some-pony in order for me to study it’s effects, and you were the best candidate.” Gear looked back to see Shinning starting to shake in anger.

“I’m not gonna lie, you screwed me up beyond repair, you’ve turned my past into a nightmare. But that doesn’t mean I’m gonna let it ruin my future.” the red stallion looked at him with a confused look.

“What are you getting at?”

“This, do it!” he yelled as Shinning stepped forward, his horn began to produce a single beam that latched itself onto Gear’s head, soon a dark green blob started to form next to the stallions. At first it looked like a ball, it soon started to grow hooves and a brown mane, It’s red eyes glared at the red unicorn with a wicked smile across his face.

“Hello doctor.” the dark stallion said.

“What is that thing?” he said in surprise.

“I’m what you wanted, a fractured mind. the result of your work.” the dark stallion then took a step closer to Gear and Shinning still holding the menacing gaze. Red-blood started to laugh.

“Perfect. Simply perfect, I’m glad to see that my work wasn’t a complete waste.”

“I agree it is amazing. At first I was scared of him, but we managed to find a common ground.” Gear said as he stood next to the dark stallion. “Our feeling s towards you and we decided that we won’t give you the satisfaction.” Gear took a look at the dark earth pony with a sad look in his eye. “Are you sure about this?”

“Yes. It’s the only way.”

“What are you talking about?” Red-blood said in surprise.

“You don’t have to go.....we’ve been through so much...we can-”

“No, your life will be better without me, you have Applejack and the others. They’ll watch your back. Plus it’ll be worth it to see the look on his face.” the dark stallion said with a grin.

“Okay then. I guess this is goodbye. Thank you, for everything.” Gear gave him friendly nod and turned back to the confused red stallion with a blank look on his face. “Shinning, you know what to do.” Shinning’s horn went out, the link between the two vanished. Gear shrank back in pain, he looked over to the dark stallion to see his image start to flicker and fade. Red-blood’s face was contorting in rage.

“NO! MY WORK! YOU STUPID FOAL!”

“Why the long face doc?” the dark stallion said still holding the smug grin.

“You wouldn’t dare!” his yell fell on deaf ears as the stallion began to fade the dark green stallion let out a final laugh as he vanished. Gear looked over at Shinning and gave him a nod. The red stallion began to thrash in his restraints, the cuffs came loose and the red stallion lunged at Gear. Still holding hr blank look on his face gear took his right hoof and aimed for Red-blood’s head. His hoof hit it’s target sending the red stallion flying back against the wall, as he recovered from the hit he saw two guard ponies burst into the room and restrained him. Red-blood was resisting to the best of his ability but his efforts were futile. Gear then trotted up to the stallion so that they were at eye level.

“Until your days are numbered, I want you to think about what just happened. How all of your work just slipped away from you in a flash.” Gear stared at the stallion with a calm look in his eyes. “One other thing I want you to know before I leave here.”

“What?” he spat out in disgust.

“I forgive you.” the room became so quiet Shinning could hear their heart’s beating, every-pony was stunned at Gear’s statement, the red unicorn looked at him in confusion. Gear walked passed Shinning and trotted out of the door where the group of mare’s looked at him in amazement. Gear let out a sigh of relief and trotted over to them with a smile on his face, he trotted over and sat down at a nearby table, soon the mares and Shinning Armor soon joined him.

“Gear, you okay?” Applejack asked.

“Better than I’ve felt in a long time.” he said with a smile. “It feels like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”

“Ah still can’t believe you forgave him for everything he’s done to you.” Applejack said in an aggravated tone.

“He wasn’t worth thinking about anymore. I’m letting go and moving on with my life.” he gave a heavy sigh and wrapped a hoof around the orange mare and grinned back at her.

“I still can’t believe you punched him! That was so AWESOME!” Rainbow yelled.

“He deserved much worse on my opinion.” Rarity said.

“Yeah I know, but I’m better than that. I’m better than him for it....But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it.” he let out a small chuckle.

“So what happened to your other self?” Twilight asked.

“I let him go. He was a manifestation of all of the anger, pain and guilt I’ve felt over the years. When Shinning severed the link, he was set free.”

“Why would you feel guilty it wan’t your fault that he was a crazy-meanie pants.” Pinkie said in a confused tone. Gear let out a heavy sigh.

“I was responsible for my parent’s death.” the mares looked at him with worry in their eyes. “My family died in a fire that I involuntarily started. I was fixing a few wires in the house when a rouge spark ignited the stove’s gas burner and exploded.” he looked to the ground with a sad look on his face. Shinning came over and put a hoof on his shoulder.

“Gear that wasn’t your fault, it could’ve happened to any-pony.”

“I know Shinning but it’s still my mistake and I’ll carry it with me for the rest of my life along with everything else.” he said as he looked back to the white stallion, Applejack put her hooves around him. “Besides, I think I’ll manage.” he said as he returned the hug. “Now all I have to worry about is the interview.” he said in a grumble.

“I don’t think that will be a problem Gear.” one of the guard ponies said as she trotted up next to him.

“Um....do I know you?” the mare then removed her armor to reveal her light brown coat and maroon colored mane, Gear’s eyes shrank at the sight. “Dr. Freud. What are you doing here?” Applejack looked at the mare in confusion.

“Who’s this?”

“I’m sorry where are my manners? I am Dr. Hazelnut Freud. I am the warden at Canterlot Mental Institution, you must be Applejack. Shinning and Cadence have told me quite a bit about you and Gear.”

“But why are you here?” Gear asked.

“When Shinning Armor and Princess Cadence told me about what you were planning on doing here I decided to tag along to see how you would handle it. I guess I was worried that you would freak out.” she said in a guilty voice. “But seeing how you handled yourself in there I can happily say that you are completely rehabilitated.” she said with a smile. Gear looked the mare with surprise and a smile across his face.

“Are you saying that-”

“Congratulations Gear Grinder, I Dr. Freud, finding you completely rehabilitated and hear by release you from Canterlot Mental Institution.” she said as she shook his hoof with a grin. Gear couldn’t believe his ears at the news.

“Thank you doctor. For everything!” he said as he shook her hoof with a firm grip. He turned back to the ponies who wrapped him in a massive group hug.

“So you can come home?” Applejack asked with a smile.

“Yeah, let’s go.” he said with a smile.

“This calls for a party!” Pinkie said as she jumped up in the air. The group of ponies trotted out of the building and headed for home. Gear walked along side Applejack and for the first time, in a long time he felt normal.

Chapter 11

Gear woke up and looked over at the sleeping orange mare and smiled, he brushed her blond hair off of her face as she woke up. She looked back at him and grinned, she gave him a quick kiss and crawled out of bed. The two trotted down stairs to see the rest of the family sitting at the breakfast table. Applebloom trotted forward.

“Gear ah just want to tell yah how sorry ah am for-” she was cut off by the green stallion raising a hoof.

“It’s fine Applebloom. It was an honest mistake, in fact if you hadn’t mixed up my med’s then I wouldn’t feel as good as I do right now. So I’ll call it even.” he said with a warm smile. Applebloom gave him a hug and returned to the breakfast table. Applejack and Gear sat down and helped themselves to some apple pancakes and started their usual day of work. Around noon Twilight and Rainbow Dash stopped by to lend a hoof with the apple bucking. The ponies took a lunch break inside the barn, they were joined by Big Mac, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. The ponies began to joke and talk, Sweetie Belle trotted over to Twilight with a curious look in her eye.

“Hey Twilight do you know how to get rid of ghosts’s?”

“Um......no, why?”

“Because we think that Sweet Apple Acres is haunted.” Applebloom said with a worried voice.

“What makes you say that?” Applejack asked.

“Well we heard some weird noises the other night.” Scootaloo said.

“What weird noises?” Rainbow asked.

“Not sure......sounded like loud moaning, it was coming from Applejacks room.” Sweetie Belle answered. Gear and Applejacks face turned crimson, Twilight’s jaw dropped and Rainbow started to roll on the ground in a fit of laughter. Gear looked over to see and enraged Big Mac glaring at him.

“Applejack......I think we’d better.......RUN!” the two ponies got to their hooves and started to gallop away from the group, Applejack looked back to see the large red stallion gaining on them.

“We can’t out run him.” she yelled she looked ahead to see the green stallion pulling a sheet off of a machine.

“We will with this!” the sheet fell to the ground to reveal a bright red tractor. “Get on!” he said as he got behind the wheel, Gear grabbed AJ by the hoof and helped her up, she wrapped her hooves around him as he turned a lever she felt the machine roar to life. They looked back to see the red stallion less than five feet away from them. Gear floored the gas pedal and the two ponies lunged forward, just in time to escape the red stallions pounce. As they sped away from the farm house, Applejack looked back to see that her brother had quickened his pace and was gaining on the two.

“He’s catching up!” she said as she tightened her grip around Gear.

“Not for long...Hang on!” he pressed a bright red button and the tractor doubled it’s speed in ten seconds flat, leaving Big Mac in the dust. The two kept driving until they ducked behind the apple grove. Gear turned the loud machine off and helped his mare friend down. “Told you I’d fix it.” he said with a grin.

“You did more than that! You turned it into a speed demon.” she said as she marveled at the machine.

“I may have added a few perks.” he said with a cocky tone in his voice. The two trotted over to a lone Apple tree in the middle of a lonely hill and started to watch the stars. Applejack rested her head on the green stallions chest, as the sun went down she looked up at the stallion with a smile.

“I love you Gear.” he looked down at the mare’s deep green eyes and gave her a kiss.

“I love you too Applejack.” the two fell asleep under the stars, leaning up against and apple tree.

Author's Note

I plan on writing an epilogue soon.

Epilogue

Gear was sitting at his desk in his study, he had just finished writing his latest novel. He looked back at the last page and smiled. Applejack was standing in the door way with an annoyed look on her face.

“Are yah done yet Mr. Fancy Author?” she said with a grin.

“Almost. Just need one more minute.”

“Well hurry it up, soups on the table and Rusty is waiting.” she said as she trotted out of the room. Gear gave her a smile, he stared back at the final page of his story and-

“DAD! WHERE ARE YOU? I’M STARVING!” a small voice yelled from the bottom of the stairs. Gear got to his hooves and trotted out of the room, he made his way out of the small room and made his way down stairs. He saw Applejack waiting patiently along with a dark orange colt with a dark brown mane. “Finally! Geez dad we’ve been waiting for ever!” he whined.

“Sorry just finishing the book.” he said as he began to eat.

“What’s this one about? Is it another Axel Rider adventure?” the colt asked with anticipation.

“No. This is a romance story, about how a Psych patient falling in love with a farmer.” Applejack’s face lit up.

“Where did you come up with a crazy scenario like that?”

“Your Aunt Rarity thought of it one day at the spa.” Applejack said as she winked at her husband.

“Figures. She always liked the mushy stuff. You should write more action stories!”

“Okay, we may need to cut back the amount of time he spends with Rainbow.” he said with a chuckle.

“NO! Aunt Rainbow is awesome, plus Spectrum and I-” he shut his mouth as he blushed.

“What about Rainbow’s daughter?” Applejack asked as she eyed the colt.

“N-nothing....I gotta go do my homework, bye!” he said as he galloped out of the room. Gear looked over at Applejack with a laugh.

“That’s what I call a plot twist.”

“Don’t use your fancy writing terms on me mister!” she said as she pointed a hoof at him.

“But a twist is one of the best plot’s of all time.”

“Really?”

“Well....there is one plot that’s better.” he said with a grin.

“Oh really? Do ah know it?” she said with a seductive look in her eye.

“Maybe, should we read it again?”

“Read mah mind.” the two ponies wrapped their hooves around each other. “So what’s the title of this new book?”

“Apple Crazy.” he said as AJ started to laugh. “What? It’s a good title.”

“It’s so cheesy.”

“Hey...don’t lie. You like cheesy stories.” he said as he looked at her with a smug grin.

“Ah know, that’s why your with me.” she gave him a kiss.

“Sheesh. Can’t you two get a room?” the two ponies looked up to see Rusty and a blue pegasus mare with a white mane making the gagging face.

“Hey Spectrum, Rusty here was talking about yah at dinner tonight.” Applejack said as Spectrum and Rusty’s faces turned crimson.

“MOM!” Rusty bellowed with the blush still present on his face.

“How did you even get in here Spectrum?” Gear asked.

“Through the window, duh.” she said as she flapped her wings.

“And why did you come over here?” Gear said with a smile. Spectrums face turned crimson.

“Um.......I was just.........um.......” she stuttered. Her eyes fell upon the orange colt who was staring at her with a bright red face. “I gotta go!” as she turned her nose collided with Rusty’s, the two jumped in surprise and hurried back up stairs. Applejack and Gear stood there with a grin on their faces.

“Now that’s a plot twist!” Applejack said with a laugh. Gear hugged the mare and trotted up the stairs of their room.

“Wait, I wanna check something.” he said as the two got to the top of the stairs, he sneaked his way over to his son’s room and opened it just enough to make out the shape of two ponies kissing. Gear backed away from the door and started to snicker.

“What’s so funny?” Applejack asked in confusion.

“Let’s just say I may write another romance book.” he said as the two entered their bed room.

“Well then, ah’ll help you with the first chapter.” she said as she led him over to the bed and brought him into a kiss.

“Alright then, how should I start it out then?”

“Like this.” she said as she kissed him passionately and turned off the light on their night stand. Later that evening Gear got to his hooves and walked into his study, he picked up the last page and grinned at his work of art.

I dedicate this book to the my wife Applejack, my son Rusty and a stallion who’s been like a brother to me.

You know what they say, two mind’s are better than one.

He set the last page on top of the others and rejoined his wife in bed, he snuggled up next to her and held her in his hooves. Sleep took him and like all the night’s since that fateful day he’s slept in peace.

Fin.

Author's Note

I'd like to thank all of you who have given your support for this story.
Keep an eye out for a new story soon.

Note

I watched this over and over while writting the final chapters. I'd also like to give a final thank you to all of you who followed this story to the end. As a reward here are a few pictures of your favorite farm pony.

Now It's time to relax! Miller time!