Crystals Returnby Branded_SteelChaptersChapter 1: The Days Before TimeChapter 2:The Strings AttachedChapter 3: Cutting the NooseChapter 4: Burning ConsciousnessChapter 5: Cutting TiesChapter 6: All that and a Slice of PieChapter 1: The Days Before TimeThe sun stood, glistening over the Empire as Branded walked down the lane, but it wasn't the sun he was raised to know, it was the "Meta Sun". A sun completely made up from the energy of the Crystal Heart. The king of the Crystal Empire, Sombra, had declared it necessary as he didn't want to rely on his enemies for light. Sombra was, without a doubt, the most powerful unicorn at that time. Highly skilled in dark arts and curses, nopony wanted to catch his alluring, radioactive gaze. As evil as he may have been, Branded had looked up to him for years. In the war time a decade earlier, he lead the Crystal Empire to a victory over the Changelings attack, with minimal casualties as well. As awful and off-putting as the world made him look, Branded knew he only does what he does for the greater good of the Empire, besides, what's it matter if he enslaved the not so lucky of previous wars he thought? Four years had passed, Four years that Branded spent moving up through the ranks, proving his strength and with to become the king's on personnel protege. When he finally got the the rank of General at the young age of 22, it was obvious the king would have difficulty teaching Branded any form of magic, he was simply an Earth pony with no direct link to the mana pool that all unicorn's have.But he knew with practice, they could get around this fault. Lots of practice. Fast forward another 2 years, and nothing has changed much. Branded is more known by this time, they had another blunder with a rogue group of Changelings, and Branded conquered them all. His magical ability has yet to take off, but he does know some basic levitation magic, and has taken keenly to enchanting and cursing. But this won't last long, as the ever creeping Solar Empire is on there way, and it will take more than a time lock and a curse to stop them. It is the dawn of a new day, the Empire is awoken with a loud cracking noise, it had sounded almost like thunder, but a lot closer then it naturally comes to the Empire. Opposite of the saying, the lightening had had poured in after the thunder, as hundreds upon thousands of Royal Army soldiers flooded the streets. The Crystal Guard lined up there most powerful wizards and mages, and scorned the land of Royal troops, trying to erase their presence, but there were to many of them, and not enough Crystal ponies. It wasn't long before they stormed the castle to meet the King on the top level. To their surprise, the Princess of the Sun had come to personally put an end to the reign of terror. She declared Sombra banished from that point on, but not long before turning to atoms, he had released the largest curse to date; he took the entire empire from existence. This managed to surprise even Celestia, but what shocked her more is that it took all the ponies native to the lands with it. Everything was gone, simply....non-existent. The next move wouldn't come for a thousand years. Branded had closed his eyes when Celestia banished Sombra, afraid to to what had come of his role model. When he opened his eyes, he thought he had been killed, all he saw was white. He was none-the-less floating in white stuff. What had come of the Empire? Did they win? Was he alive? He, and many others, asked the same question, but had to stand the test of time for the answer. Years had passed floating in Limbo. Branded had forgotten his mother face by now, he was slowly losing everything, proving that time can kill anything, even the strongest of bonds. He tried to remember being in power, the rush of joy it gave him to be looked up to, but the vanity in it had depleted, knowing those he led were either dead or suffering the same fate as he, it burned him to think of it. He remembered the last thing he ate; fish fingers and custard. Eating meats wasn't to accepted in other kingdoms, but in the Crystal Empire, they had the saying "if it don't talk, it don't have say" so fish was somewhat of a custom there. It made him happy remembering life before all this, when the smallest smile from a mare, or a wave from an elder would make him happy. Where did the simpler things in life go? In fact, what classified what he was living as "life" he lived for the moment, never for what was to come. He went through school just like everypony else, had friends, dreams even, where did those go? In the midst of his thought, he felt a rush of heat on his flank. He flailed around trying to see what was happening, and was greeted with a flash of light,and a sudden relief from the burning sensation. He let out a sigh of relief, but felt another wave of shock when he saw his bare, grey thigh. "Where has my cutie mark gone?!" He thought. He frantically screamed and wailed around, and did so for centuries, trying to remember his lost destiny as time ate his thoughts. He felt a thud. He opened his eyes for the first time in what seemed like months. He was lying in grass, and could make out the skyline of a small town across the hills. By this time, all he knew was that his name is Branded Steel, he's 25, and he was raised in the Crystal Empire. Not much to go by. He continued to lay there, and just think, when the thought had gotten to him "I've been thinking for years!". He jetted up, and begin jumping,running, and rolling all over the grass. In one of his chaotic rolls, he felt something hit his head. He stood still for a second, before turning around and seeing what he could figure to be a tree. Wide eyed and happy to see such a simple aspect of life, he hugged the tree with all his might. In all his joy, he heard a curious "You alright sugarcube?" He turned and was met with the stare of a confused orange mare. Then was comically hit in the head with an apple. That's when he remembered something; He loved apples! "Uhh I'm a little...lost I guess." He replied. "Ohh well, where y'all headin'?" She asked with a smile. "I need to find the Crystal Empire." He said eyes full of glee. "The what now?" She asked with a head tilt. "The Crystal Empire, you know, big tall crystal skyscrapers, crystal berries, Eu's, and King Som-" His eyes widened with what he was going to say. His eyes closed, and he passed out with the morbid thoughts of his once loved leader. Chapter 2:The Strings AttachedDrums. So many drums. Going through his head like buffalo on a plain. What was he trying to remember? Why can't he see what's so clearly in front of him? His thought was interrupted by a wet sensation on his forehead. He opened his eyes to see a filly with red hair and....a bow in her hair. "What's going on?" Branded groaned, obviously confused. "You're runnin' a fever, I was puttin' on a new rag for ya."The filly said with a smile. "Oh, well, where am I?" Branded questioned. "Oh, yer' in the barn." She replied, still adjusting the rag. "Well, where is the barn?" He asked, trying not to be annoying. "You're more curious than a horsefly buggin' a horse. We're at Sweet Apple Acres, the best apple farm in all-" As she rambled, Branded tried to catch his thoughts. The orange mare she had talked to earlier seemed very confused when he mentioned the Empire. He need to go to...the library. "Well thankyou for you're time uhhh..." "Applebloom." She said nonchalantly. "Applebloom. Well,yes, thankyou for helping me, but I must go. If you could point me in the direction of the epicenter of learning?" He said. "Tha what now?" She questioned, with a face resembling that of her sisters when confused. "The library." "Ohhhh you mean Twi's place? Yeah it should be in-between Sugar Cube Corner and Vanilla plaza." She replied, with a helpful gaze on her face. "Oh....urrhhm...okay. Well, thankyou again, I must be going now. Goodbye!" He said in a hushed voice, realizing it was late at night. "Bye!" She waved. So it was obvious he had no clue where any of that was. But he could see the haze of lights looming over distant hills, that's his best chance to get to the town, and it also gives him some time to think over who or...what he is. "Let's see; I've got hooves, so I'm a pony, I was taller than the orange mare, so I may be tall, I'm a guy...I think." He suddenly came to a halt to check his status. "Okay, good. Male it is." He mummered to himself as he followed the broken trail to the town. Roughly an hour has passed, and he is still trotting along the path. He gets a sudden eerie feeling when he comes by a dark part of woods. He doesn't enter, he just stares into the emptiness. What is haunting him so much about those woods he asked as he forced himself to continue walking. The sun angled over the horizon, shining brightly into his eyes, when a few buildings came into view. He had made it! Now all he has to do is find the library. He spent a while trotting around the town, looking around at his new found place of solace, or so he'd hoped, when he saw a large tree nearly in the midst of it all. He can vaguely make out the word "Library" on the sign dangling over the door. He starts towards it when he is tackled by what seemed to be a pink ball of fuzz. "Ahhh! What's happening?!" He screamed erratically. "Nothing silly! Just a friendly hug for the new pony in town!" The mysterious pink pony said with an unusually large smile. "Oh, well...alright?" He said as he roach up to return the hug. As his arms made contact with her sides, her grip became insurmountably strong, to the point of winding him, then she let go, and zipped off to another part of town. "Wha....what just happened?" He asked himself, visibly confused. "Pinkie Pie happened." a voice from behind had said. He turned around and was met with the sight of a purple unicorn, no more than 21 years of age. "Oh, well this 'Pinkie Pie' nearly made me cough up a lung!" He said jokingly. "Yeah, she normally does that to the new ponies in town, luckily you accepted the hug or she'd be hunting you down right now. Also, expect a party within the next couple days." She said matter-o-factually. A party? He wasn't even going to ask. "So you wouldn't happen to know where a library is, would you?" "A fellow book worm I see, I actually live in the library over there, feel free to come and give us a visit for a reading session!" She said, oddly excited by his mention of reading. So this must be Twilight, like that young filly said in the barn. "Alright, well I have some studying to do, and I could use some help..." "I'd be more than happy to help! It is my job, after all." She said with prestige. "Well alright, let's get to it." He said with a smile as the trotted towards the library. When the entered the library, a sudden flow of dust went right up Branded's nose as he let out a rather rautious sneeze. "He-heh, I'm umm...sorry for the mess. I'm not really used to company."-She said awkwardly with a forced smile. "It's okay, no worries, let's just find that book." Branded responded reassuringly. Twi let out a genuine smile when she asked "So what book are we looking for exactly?" "Anything on the Empires and Kingdoms of Equestria would be helpful." He said while rummaging through the books. "Oh! Well we have a lot of those, just give me a moment." Twilight responded. She then levitated all the books in the room and with precision, picked out the one they needed. Branded' was none the less very impressed with this feat. Some of the more skilled unicorns in his time couldn't do that, not that it's impossible, just that it normally takes years of practice. His thoughts were interpreted by the crash of a book at his hooves. "There ya' go, a book on every empire, kingdom, tribe, even group, recorded through Equestria." She said with a smile. Branded nodded, and opened the book with magic. Twilight was visibly shocked at what he just did. As he was wandering the pages, she began to feel around on his forehead. "Uhh Twilight, what are you doing?" He questioned. "There's no horn, no stump, nothing!" She said erratically. "Now why would I have a horn? I'm an earth pony, that'd be silly." He stated. "Last time I checked, earth ponies couldn't use magic. How did you open that book?" She questioned. "What do you mean earthies can't use magic? Of course we can. Albeit in different ways than unicorns, we do have a link to the mana pool." He responded. He was met with a gaze. "Princess Celestia said that there's a natural hierarchy, and that Earth Ponies have absolutely no remarkable talent other than sturdy and strong bodies and green hooves." She said cautiously." "That's absurd! Sure my race is good at planting, but what do you think is behind it? The only way we can grow that well is with magic. It's not as direct as unicorns, but it is magic." He said, slightly aggravated by the racial segregation. "So how'd you turn the page if the magic you use is for gardening? She asked more gently. "With practice, we can do many of the same feats as unicorns, just with less power. This Princess Celestia must not like ear-" He stopped with remembrance of the name. He then proceeded to feverishly pass out again. Chapter 3: Cutting the NooseSome say when you've suffered something so horrible, your mind will try to ignore the event all together, not wanting to re-live the event even if it was just a distant memory. Branded's mind was plagued with the image of a black maned unicorn, with the fangs of a wolf. Who was this stallion? Why does he see him every-time he closes his eyes? Better yet, why does he not only feel fearful, but angry towards this unicorn? The questions keep piling up with no answers in sight, he just wants to lay in bed forever. Wait a second...when did he go to bed? He darts up and opens his eyes only to be greeted with darkness. But in the darkness, he can see the light of a familiar moon shining through a small window. That's when he hears it, the steady breathing of another equine. Is he in danger? The thought runs through his mind, but if they wanted to hurt or kill him they had a large window of opportunity when he was sleeping. Speaking of that, how long has he been asleep? He can now feel a small migraine coming on from all the thoughts. He begins to stumble around the dark, looking for a light switch so he can assess the situation at hand. He locates the switch and flips it to the on setting. To much of his surprise, he doesn't see the fanged beast he was expecting, but a purple mare, lightly breathing in her slumber. The light reflecting from the moon really brings out the shine of her mane. Branded stands a-gaze, when he remembers; he needs to find out who he is. He decides to, instead of interrupting her sleep, leave a note thanking her for her help and promising to return the favor. By now he's out the door, book in saddlebag. Where is he going to go he keeps asking himself. He quite literally has nowhere to go. He's not tired, so sleep won't be an issue for a little while, but he is starved. He would kill for a fish taco. In fact, the thought of murder doesn't really bring remorse to his mind as much as it should. That's when it hits him: he's a murderer. He doesn't know who, nor how, but he feels it in his gut. He has taken the life of another being. The vulgar thought brings him to tears and causes him to vomit. That's when he feels the gentle tap of another's hoof on his back. "You feeling okay sugarcube?" A familiar voice said to him. "Ohh, yeah, I'm okay. I'm just hungry is all." He replies sternly, squinting to see who it could be. "It wouldn't be any trouble to feed ya, we got a whole farm!" The mare says. That's when it hits him. It's the mare with the hat. That's the only remarkable thing he can remember about her. That and her kindness to a stranger. "No,no,no, I don't want to cause anymore trouble than I have to." He responds. "I insist you come with me. I can see yer' bones! You'll look like Granny if we don't get some food in you!" She says earnestly while tugging on his shoulder. "Well, if you insist-" He says with glee as he begins to trot along side the mare. They arrive at Sweet Apple Acres within an hour, exchanging small talk, telling jokes, the usual on goings between two friends in Ponyville. Friends. The thought never occurred on his radar. He's....social! He's figured something out at least, he knows how to talk to others. Well, he can check that off his mental check-list. She opens the door for him, and sets a table. Branded is honestly shaken by the kindness she is showing him. He's also very jittery as to what she'll be serving him. Judging by the name of the farm, it will probably be apple relate. Luckily for him, he loves apples, not a big fan of pears though. "So in the midst of our conversations, I never caught your name?" Branded asks nicely. "Names' Applejack. You can call me Aj if ya like~" She replies, focusing on the fritters at hand. "Oh, well I must thankyou for the excellent service you are showing. I only wish everypony I encounter will be as kind as you" Branded states honestly. This causes Applejack to blush. She tosses branded a smile, tips her hat, and continues with the food. Branded perks up, and prepares to over-stuff his body with apples. And over-stuff he does. On top of 4 apple pies, he piles in apple fritters, applesauce, and just plain old apples. He finally decides he's had enough when he can no longer feel his mouth from chewing. "Whoo-eee, you weren't kiddin' when you said you were hungry, huh?" Aj says teasingly. "Nope, but you took care of that pretty quickly. If there is anything you need help with, I will be honored to help." Branded states. "Well, I reckon Big Mac could use some help sowing the dirt." She ponders. "Like I said, anything you need. Well, I'd better start for the road-" "Now hold on fer' just a minute, last time we met you passed out over something you mumbled on about, now I don't want you passing out on the road, and getting kidnapped, robbed, or worse. Do you think you could wait for the morning before you leave? Just to be safe?" She interrupts. "Well...I suppose I could stay for the night, get a little rest before I head to town. But I don't want to be a bother." Branded states. "You won't be a worry t'all sugarcube! You can stay in the barn. I'll send Applebloom to wake you up bright an early so you can head for town or wherever it is ya need to be." She replies, with one eye closed with a devious smile. "Thankyou Applejack. That is the only thing worth saying at this point, I promise after tonight I will be out of your mane." Branded replies with much gratitude. "Don't stress it hon', but I plan on making use of your offer at help. The farm work can be pretty overwhelming at times." "It's the least I can do to soften your workload fair Applejack. I'd best head to the barn and rest up then, goodnight!" He says before trotting towards the barn. Applejack is blushing up a firestorm. Something about the stallion sets her off. In a good way. Hopefully he won't disappear in the night again she thinks. As Branded lay on the pile of hay he now calls a bed, he ponders over the events of the past few hours. He has not only made a friend, but he's found a friend who's willing to give up a piece of herself to feed him and offer a place to sleep. He may be coming her in the future. He might even get a semi-permanent job on the farm to earn some currency. Speaking over currency, what do they use? He heard some fillies complaining about not having enough bits for a field trip on his way to the library a day earlier, maybe bits are the answer. Anyways, it's time for him to drift away into the bliss that is sleeps embrace. Chapter 4: Burning ConsciousnessDrifting into sleeps embrace was an over-statement. The whole night was filled with constant shivers, aches, and sweating. The thought of his entire situation had been eating away at him from the beginning. All he remembers is ...white. Nothing but a big, white, open space. Was he crazy? has his mind tricked him yet again? These constant internal flames were just being fed the more questioned he pondered. In fact, an inquisition he feels should be more prominent is who is the black unicorn that's been haunting his memory? Maybe he has something to do with this whole situation. The questions went on until he heard the trotting of hooves clopping away from the barn in which he lay. He darts up, in hope of catching the suspected brigand. He started into a sprint, a sprint that he didn't think he was capable of. Where did he learn to run with such perfection? Ohh this isn't the time for pondering, the only question he should be focused on his catching the assailant. He finally managed to catch up with the pony, only to end the chase in an unexpected tackle. The moonlight had revealed the pony to be none other than the blonde-headed Applejack. Yo much of Branded's surprise, she didn't seem angry with his tackle, but fearful. He didn't hit her that hard, just enough to be over-top of the mare. Was he really a frightening individual? This is not the place nor time for questions he thought, visibly announcing his internal distress via facial expressions. Time to figure out what she was doing he thought. "What were you doing Applejack? I didn't mean to hu-" Branded was cut off with the abrupt caress of her lips. She had embraced him wholly at this time. Had Branded been more prepared for the encounter, he would have reacted much more quickly, and not let it escalate into a full-scale tongue strangling. She finally let loose to breath and prepare for round two when Branded gasped for air. "What are you doing?!" Branded exclaimed, shaken by the encounter. "Well you wer' just so nice and *hiccup*...." She managed to spurt out. Now he understood. She had been drinking cider. Nothing more than a mistake. Good. He didn't want her to be the cherry on the pie. He already has enough problems to deal with without having to worry about her, she was his friend and that's all he asked for. "Applejack, I think you've had to much cider, you should probably go to bed..." He trailed off. "I ain't had that much! And I was goin' to go sleep with you, you sount' scared, all I could hear was whimpering and thrashing around...you needed a friend." She responded, less affected by the cider than Branded had thought. "Well...thankyou for your concern, but I'm okay. Now, can we *uhm* can we please put this behind us? You're one of my only friends here and I don't want that to change." He barely managed to spurt out, all the while tears sneaking up from behind. What drew these tears here? Possibly his sincerity over the problem, possibly his fear to admit that he had admired the mare since he first lay eyes on her. He knew he was right on this, though. If wanted any chance at figuring out who he is, he needed friends, not lovers. "Well, alright, if you say so. If you want though, you can sleep in the house, we have a guest bedroom, it's just a little dirty is all..." She trailed off. "I'll just stay in the barn, I think some of the chickens have made friends with me, can't disappoint, right?" Branded said, trying to lighten the conversation. "Well I'm a little disappointed." She replied, maybe more intoxicated than previously believed. "OH, well, look I'm really sorry, I just don't feel like this should happen. At least yet-" "Ah'm not disappointed in you sugarcube, ah'm disappointed in myself. I knew I shoulda' stayed in my room, It's not just the cider, sure it helped give me a push to do this, but I really just....I feel bad for you! You seem so undeserving of this punishment, what could you have done to be left alone in the cold with nothing? I was just going to come in the barn, and sleep next to you. I didn't mean for it to get to this level, and for that ah'm sorry." She said teary eyed at the whole situation. Luckily she didn't know just what he has done before to deserve this. He moved in a little closer, as to comfort her in her tears. He began rubbing her back and neck in a pitiful attempt to cheer up a friend. "Well look, if you want you can come lay with me in the barn." Branded said with ease of mind. "Really? that'd be fantastic.." She whispered softly whilst leaning against his chest in an upright position. "Let's just not let it escalate into anything else, okay?" Branded replied a bit more harshly then intended. "Ah promise." Applejack responded. She followed him until they arrived at the barn, where Branded had set aside some hay to sleep on earlier. It was hardly big enough for him, let alone two ponies. She didn't seem to care, the closer she was to him the better. For her at least. Branded being the awkward stallion he is doesn't know what to make of the entire situation, so he just lied down, and was soon followed by Applejack who then presumed to wrap her fore-arms around his diaphragm. It was rather cosey, and welcomed through Branded's eyes. He didn't feel as alone as previously thought. The body heat from the mare was well welcomed into Branded's cold existence. He finally managed to break free of thought long enough to fall asleep to the constant pattering of Applejack's soft breath. Chapter 5: Cutting TiesYou wouldn't imagine the positive affect the simple hold of a mare can bring to a sad spirit like Branded. Not only did he get more than enough sleep, but he wasn't haunted by the hollow dreams of what he suspects to be his past. This is the most comfortable he's been since he woke up on the farm. The only question now is what does she see in him? His thoughts were interrupted by the screech of a rooster, but the more he focused on the irritation the more the sound modified into what eventually became the scratching of a pencil on paper. He opens his eyes to see none other than the purple librarian he had met the previous night seemingly taking notes on the subjects in question. "Uhh...good morning?" Branded managed to muffle out. "Huh?!" Twilight quickly spurted out before squealing and falling out of her seat. Branded rushed to help her up, and to ask what she was doing. "Whoa there, you alright?" He asked with a half smile. "Uhh...yeah I'm okay. You just startled me is all." She responded, desperately dusting off her back. "So can I ask why you're watching me and Applejack sleep?" He questioned. "Well, I..uhmm...just..." She pinched out before handing him the notepad. What Branded expected and what he saw where two different things. What she had been writing seemed to just be simple observations. They ranged from his eye color, his bare forehead, to his mane and the absence of a cutie mark. "So you were taking notes?" He said holding up the pad with his limited magic ability. "Mhm" She gulped. "You were looking at every inch of my body?" He continued. "Mhm" She let out another gulp. "Well you know you could have just asked me." He said, releasing the book. "Wait...really? You're okay with just answering questions? I never thought of that!" She awkwardly said. "Huh well..okay...so what were you trying to figure out, exactly?" He asked whilst moving away from the barn as to not wake Applejack. "When you left the library, you had left me with a handful of questions. Not only have you displayed that Earth Ponies can harness basic magic, but you also left a huge aura imprint in the library." She replied sternly. "What's an aura imprint, exactly?" Branded replied, visibly puzzled. "Okay, well, everypony has an aura, some stronger than others. The older you are, or your magical ability can change that. You left an imprint rivaling that of the princesses. That isn't supposed to be possible. Not only do you not look young, biologically you ARE young." She responded with a rather curious look on her face. "How could you know that?" He asked. "I took a tissue sample." She replied. "A what?!" He loudly questioned. "I didn't actually take tissue, but from where you were sleeping on the bed, some of your coat hairs were left on the bed. I just used the skin cells left on those to measure your age." Twilight responded matter-o-factly. "Pretty smart, I will admit. And truth is I am just as curious as you are. I've not a clue how I came to be this way, that's been my question through my entirety of being here." Branded responded more desperate than he had intended. "Well could you at least explain that mana pool, and earth ponies doing magic more clearly?" She asked with a tilt of her head. "Sure, no problem. Just be ready to take notes." He said as they stopped in their tracks. Twilight had plopped down, and taken up a pencil and her note pad in anticipation. "Go ahead" She responded cheerfully. "Alright, well the mana pool I had talked about last time, picture it as a pool of energy at the base of your horn. Your horn acts as a direct conduit of energy flow from it. Unicorns, naturally, have the best link to it, but Pegasi and Earth ponies both have it, just in lesser quantities. Pegasi can use theirs to help them steer clear of obstacles mid flight, and walk amongst clouds. Earthies mainly transfer theirs into the harvest or demanding labor. With a lot of practice, anypony can harness at least a little magic. I for instance can only levitate objects and enchant items. Does that clear it up at all?" He concluded. "Actually it does clear up quite a bit. Of course I'll have to do some tests to prove without a doubt that the common folk have basic ability." She continued writing. "I'm surprised that you didn't do any tests earlier, I mean didn't you ever ask how Pegasi can walk on clouds, or how Earthies can meet surprise physical demands?" He questioned. "Well, in truth, no. The way I and most other ponies were brought up, things were always one way. Pegasi can fly, Unicorns have magic, and Earth ponies can...work?" She responded, trying not to come off as prejudice. "Well that is a very linear way of seeing things. Where I was from I was raised to question everything." He said. Wait...how'd he recall something from his past? OH great, he feels a headache coming on. "It's just the way the Princess had us raised.." She trailed off. "I don't mean to sound crude, but this Princess you keep referring to seems to keep you all blind of the world around you. Have you ever been to any other country aside from Equestria?" He asked. "Uhmm...no...but the Princess is as honest as they come, except for maybe Applejack, but you know what I mean." She responded defensibly. "Whatever you say Twilight, just...be careful with the knowledge you now possess okay?" He said with concern. "I will, I promise." She replied with a smile. "Well, I'm going to go wake Applejack up, make sure she's alright. I know what it's like to wake up cold and alone, it's not pretty ha." Branded said while scratching his head. "Seeya later!" Twilight said while walking off, "You too!" Branded said, walking towards the barn. What an odd encounter Branded thought. He never thought he'd be welcomed so warmly into the lives of other ponies. He feels like he's done horrible things in his past, he can feel it. But what? What could be so bad as to make him start over? Things are seemingly looking up for him though, he's been welcomed with open hooves by two, rather dashing may I add, ponies. And they're smart to boot. He has a lot to think about, so he might as well do it over some apple pie. Chapter 6: All that and a Slice of PieAfter his morning with Twilight, and some delightful breakfast with Applejack, Branded decided he should probably find some sort of part-time employment. He has no idea what he's good at though, nothing seems to "spark" in his mind. It doesn't hep that he doesn't have a cutie mark. In fact, it has just dawned on him how unbecoming it is to not have one at his age. He gets an unusual feeling as though his flank wasn't always so blank and bare, he has had a cutie mark before he thought. Whatever it was, and for whatever reason, it's gone now and there's nothing he can do about it. But what sane buissness owner would hire a pony without a cutie mark? Well whoever it would be, he hopes he can find them. He starts his quest in the market area where he meets a cream colored pony with a rose cutie mark selling flowers. Branded anxiously approaches the counter. "Uhhh...excuse me ma'am." He lets out with a quick gust of air. "Yes?" The mare responds nonchalantly. "I was wondering if you were looking for new employee's, you see I am new in town an-" "We're not hiring at the moment sweetie, I'm sorry." She interrupts with her back turned, tending flowers. "Oh well that's fine, thankyou for your time." Branded replies with low breath. The mare turns around to pick up some seeds, that's when she notices Branded. She analyzes him up and down and soon goes into a gaze. This is only broken by the sight of his baffled eyes returning a stare. But not a stare of attraction, a stare of confusion. "Excuse me ma'am, are you alright?" He breaks the silence. "Ohh yeah..I-I'm fine, just stood up to quickly I guess heh-heh" She stutters out. "Well okay, I'll be seeying ya." Branded says as he begins to walk off. "Wait! If you're looking for work, there's a mare looking for animal care takers on the outskirts of town, I doubt she has any requirements, and I hear she pays generously." She informs. "Well thanks, I'll be sure to check it out." Branded responds with a smile. "No problem at all dear, do come back though!" She waves him off. What an interesting mare Branded thought. Anyways, his first priority is to get to that lodge on the edge of town. The rose mare pointed him toward the west, near that forest he saw earlier in his trek. That forest, he thought, had a lot of weird aura going about it. Whenever he had passed it days before, it was as though it were calling, no, pulling him in. Maybe this could give him a means to investigate it. It could help him figure out who he is, or it could get him killed. At this point, which one is worth is debated. As he nears the center of town, he fails to see any lodge, nor anything pony made at all. Well let's take that back, he does see the end of the east field of Sweet Apple Acres in the distant hills, but that's beside the point. What he does see however, is a small cottage. He can hear a very serine voice coming from it, it almost sounds like somepony singing a lullaby to a filly. The closer he gets, the more distinct it becomes. It's definitely a mare singing, but to whom? She sounds rather young to have a foal of her own, the answer lies behind the door that he is about to knock on. *knock knock knock* A sudden bang is heard from the inside, almost as though something had been dropped. He then hears the fast,light, trotting of a pony coming to greet him. The door nudges just enough for him to see the light blue eyes of a mare greet him. "Yes?" She lets out in a hushed voice. "I heard you were looking for a work horse?" Branded let out. "Oh uhm...yes, I need somepony to help me during the weekdays, just give me a moment to get the little ones in bed." She shyly responded. Trotting and a quick lullaby are heard before she comes back to the door. "Okay...you can come in if you like, it's a little chilly outside..." She said still in a hushed voice. "Well okay, we can get my affairs in order and get hours set up I suppose." Branded replies as he trots in. What he's greeted with catches him off guard a bit. There is a fully grown manticore sleeping in an over-sized dog bed in her living room. He has a face of fear when he hears a distinguished "shhh" from his left side. "Don't wake him please, he is resting from an injury." She says whilst petting the beast. "Ohh uhh..alright...so...uhh....you're an animal care taker I take it?" He replies trying to ignore the 2 ton monster beside him. "Yes, but it's not a burden or anything, I love taking care of little critters. So you're looking for a job?" She responds a little more comfortably than earlier. "Yes ma'am, I'm able bodied, and have all the time in the world to work." He replies. "Well I won't need to much help, just on Friday's and Saturdays when I go shopping or visit my friends, and even then you will just have to feed the chickens." She says before sipping some tea. "Well I can do that just fine, as long as I don't have to tend to the manticore's and what not." He begins to trail. "Oh don't worry, I wouldn't let anypony try to mend them, without the right coordination that pony could be seriously injured." She let's out with a terrified look on her face. "Well, looks like you have found a new employee. Thankyou for your time." He lets out with a smile. "The pleasure was all mine, also, may I ask what your name is?" She questions. "Branded. Branded Steel." He answers. "Hmm, what an interesting name. You can address me as Fluttershy if you like." She says just before sipping some more tea. "Well alright Ms.Fluttershy, I'll be seeing you tomorrow when I come in to help." He says. "Okay, bye, and do be careful, it's getting dark and we're close enough to the Everfree forest for danger." She infers. "Okay, I'll be safe, seeya later." He responds happily whilst walking out the door. It really is getting dark, and the forest is a quick sprint away. The lure to it is radiating brightly. What is calling him? What lies ahead? Fluttershy says she got the manticore from the forest, so that must be where the beasts live. Better to not go there until he knows he can be safe about it. It's best to just head back to the barn for rest. Maybe if he's lucky, Applejack will be waiting for him on the haystack. The nights with her are the only ones he really gets any rest. What wonders await for him in the future? Only time will tell.
Chapter 1: The Days Before TimeThe sun stood, glistening over the Empire as Branded walked down the lane, but it wasn't the sun he was raised to know, it was the "Meta Sun". A sun completely made up from the energy of the Crystal Heart. The king of the Crystal Empire, Sombra, had declared it necessary as he didn't want to rely on his enemies for light. Sombra was, without a doubt, the most powerful unicorn at that time. Highly skilled in dark arts and curses, nopony wanted to catch his alluring, radioactive gaze. As evil as he may have been, Branded had looked up to him for years. In the war time a decade earlier, he lead the Crystal Empire to a victory over the Changelings attack, with minimal casualties as well. As awful and off-putting as the world made him look, Branded knew he only does what he does for the greater good of the Empire, besides, what's it matter if he enslaved the not so lucky of previous wars he thought? Four years had passed, Four years that Branded spent moving up through the ranks, proving his strength and with to become the king's on personnel protege. When he finally got the the rank of General at the young age of 22, it was obvious the king would have difficulty teaching Branded any form of magic, he was simply an Earth pony with no direct link to the mana pool that all unicorn's have.But he knew with practice, they could get around this fault. Lots of practice. Fast forward another 2 years, and nothing has changed much. Branded is more known by this time, they had another blunder with a rogue group of Changelings, and Branded conquered them all. His magical ability has yet to take off, but he does know some basic levitation magic, and has taken keenly to enchanting and cursing. But this won't last long, as the ever creeping Solar Empire is on there way, and it will take more than a time lock and a curse to stop them. It is the dawn of a new day, the Empire is awoken with a loud cracking noise, it had sounded almost like thunder, but a lot closer then it naturally comes to the Empire. Opposite of the saying, the lightening had had poured in after the thunder, as hundreds upon thousands of Royal Army soldiers flooded the streets. The Crystal Guard lined up there most powerful wizards and mages, and scorned the land of Royal troops, trying to erase their presence, but there were to many of them, and not enough Crystal ponies. It wasn't long before they stormed the castle to meet the King on the top level. To their surprise, the Princess of the Sun had come to personally put an end to the reign of terror. She declared Sombra banished from that point on, but not long before turning to atoms, he had released the largest curse to date; he took the entire empire from existence. This managed to surprise even Celestia, but what shocked her more is that it took all the ponies native to the lands with it. Everything was gone, simply....non-existent. The next move wouldn't come for a thousand years. Branded had closed his eyes when Celestia banished Sombra, afraid to to what had come of his role model. When he opened his eyes, he thought he had been killed, all he saw was white. He was none-the-less floating in white stuff. What had come of the Empire? Did they win? Was he alive? He, and many others, asked the same question, but had to stand the test of time for the answer. Years had passed floating in Limbo. Branded had forgotten his mother face by now, he was slowly losing everything, proving that time can kill anything, even the strongest of bonds. He tried to remember being in power, the rush of joy it gave him to be looked up to, but the vanity in it had depleted, knowing those he led were either dead or suffering the same fate as he, it burned him to think of it. He remembered the last thing he ate; fish fingers and custard. Eating meats wasn't to accepted in other kingdoms, but in the Crystal Empire, they had the saying "if it don't talk, it don't have say" so fish was somewhat of a custom there. It made him happy remembering life before all this, when the smallest smile from a mare, or a wave from an elder would make him happy. Where did the simpler things in life go? In fact, what classified what he was living as "life" he lived for the moment, never for what was to come. He went through school just like everypony else, had friends, dreams even, where did those go? In the midst of his thought, he felt a rush of heat on his flank. He flailed around trying to see what was happening, and was greeted with a flash of light,and a sudden relief from the burning sensation. He let out a sigh of relief, but felt another wave of shock when he saw his bare, grey thigh. "Where has my cutie mark gone?!" He thought. He frantically screamed and wailed around, and did so for centuries, trying to remember his lost destiny as time ate his thoughts. He felt a thud. He opened his eyes for the first time in what seemed like months. He was lying in grass, and could make out the skyline of a small town across the hills. By this time, all he knew was that his name is Branded Steel, he's 25, and he was raised in the Crystal Empire. Not much to go by. He continued to lay there, and just think, when the thought had gotten to him "I've been thinking for years!". He jetted up, and begin jumping,running, and rolling all over the grass. In one of his chaotic rolls, he felt something hit his head. He stood still for a second, before turning around and seeing what he could figure to be a tree. Wide eyed and happy to see such a simple aspect of life, he hugged the tree with all his might. In all his joy, he heard a curious "You alright sugarcube?" He turned and was met with the stare of a confused orange mare. Then was comically hit in the head with an apple. That's when he remembered something; He loved apples! "Uhh I'm a little...lost I guess." He replied. "Ohh well, where y'all headin'?" She asked with a smile. "I need to find the Crystal Empire." He said eyes full of glee. "The what now?" She asked with a head tilt. "The Crystal Empire, you know, big tall crystal skyscrapers, crystal berries, Eu's, and King Som-" His eyes widened with what he was going to say. His eyes closed, and he passed out with the morbid thoughts of his once loved leader.
Chapter 2:The Strings AttachedDrums. So many drums. Going through his head like buffalo on a plain. What was he trying to remember? Why can't he see what's so clearly in front of him? His thought was interrupted by a wet sensation on his forehead. He opened his eyes to see a filly with red hair and....a bow in her hair. "What's going on?" Branded groaned, obviously confused. "You're runnin' a fever, I was puttin' on a new rag for ya."The filly said with a smile. "Oh, well, where am I?" Branded questioned. "Oh, yer' in the barn." She replied, still adjusting the rag. "Well, where is the barn?" He asked, trying not to be annoying. "You're more curious than a horsefly buggin' a horse. We're at Sweet Apple Acres, the best apple farm in all-" As she rambled, Branded tried to catch his thoughts. The orange mare she had talked to earlier seemed very confused when he mentioned the Empire. He need to go to...the library. "Well thankyou for you're time uhhh..." "Applebloom." She said nonchalantly. "Applebloom. Well,yes, thankyou for helping me, but I must go. If you could point me in the direction of the epicenter of learning?" He said. "Tha what now?" She questioned, with a face resembling that of her sisters when confused. "The library." "Ohhhh you mean Twi's place? Yeah it should be in-between Sugar Cube Corner and Vanilla plaza." She replied, with a helpful gaze on her face. "Oh....urrhhm...okay. Well, thankyou again, I must be going now. Goodbye!" He said in a hushed voice, realizing it was late at night. "Bye!" She waved. So it was obvious he had no clue where any of that was. But he could see the haze of lights looming over distant hills, that's his best chance to get to the town, and it also gives him some time to think over who or...what he is. "Let's see; I've got hooves, so I'm a pony, I was taller than the orange mare, so I may be tall, I'm a guy...I think." He suddenly came to a halt to check his status. "Okay, good. Male it is." He mummered to himself as he followed the broken trail to the town. Roughly an hour has passed, and he is still trotting along the path. He gets a sudden eerie feeling when he comes by a dark part of woods. He doesn't enter, he just stares into the emptiness. What is haunting him so much about those woods he asked as he forced himself to continue walking. The sun angled over the horizon, shining brightly into his eyes, when a few buildings came into view. He had made it! Now all he has to do is find the library. He spent a while trotting around the town, looking around at his new found place of solace, or so he'd hoped, when he saw a large tree nearly in the midst of it all. He can vaguely make out the word "Library" on the sign dangling over the door. He starts towards it when he is tackled by what seemed to be a pink ball of fuzz. "Ahhh! What's happening?!" He screamed erratically. "Nothing silly! Just a friendly hug for the new pony in town!" The mysterious pink pony said with an unusually large smile. "Oh, well...alright?" He said as he roach up to return the hug. As his arms made contact with her sides, her grip became insurmountably strong, to the point of winding him, then she let go, and zipped off to another part of town. "Wha....what just happened?" He asked himself, visibly confused. "Pinkie Pie happened." a voice from behind had said. He turned around and was met with the sight of a purple unicorn, no more than 21 years of age. "Oh, well this 'Pinkie Pie' nearly made me cough up a lung!" He said jokingly. "Yeah, she normally does that to the new ponies in town, luckily you accepted the hug or she'd be hunting you down right now. Also, expect a party within the next couple days." She said matter-o-factually. A party? He wasn't even going to ask. "So you wouldn't happen to know where a library is, would you?" "A fellow book worm I see, I actually live in the library over there, feel free to come and give us a visit for a reading session!" She said, oddly excited by his mention of reading. So this must be Twilight, like that young filly said in the barn. "Alright, well I have some studying to do, and I could use some help..." "I'd be more than happy to help! It is my job, after all." She said with prestige. "Well alright, let's get to it." He said with a smile as the trotted towards the library. When the entered the library, a sudden flow of dust went right up Branded's nose as he let out a rather rautious sneeze. "He-heh, I'm umm...sorry for the mess. I'm not really used to company."-She said awkwardly with a forced smile. "It's okay, no worries, let's just find that book." Branded responded reassuringly. Twi let out a genuine smile when she asked "So what book are we looking for exactly?" "Anything on the Empires and Kingdoms of Equestria would be helpful." He said while rummaging through the books. "Oh! Well we have a lot of those, just give me a moment." Twilight responded. She then levitated all the books in the room and with precision, picked out the one they needed. Branded' was none the less very impressed with this feat. Some of the more skilled unicorns in his time couldn't do that, not that it's impossible, just that it normally takes years of practice. His thoughts were interpreted by the crash of a book at his hooves. "There ya' go, a book on every empire, kingdom, tribe, even group, recorded through Equestria." She said with a smile. Branded nodded, and opened the book with magic. Twilight was visibly shocked at what he just did. As he was wandering the pages, she began to feel around on his forehead. "Uhh Twilight, what are you doing?" He questioned. "There's no horn, no stump, nothing!" She said erratically. "Now why would I have a horn? I'm an earth pony, that'd be silly." He stated. "Last time I checked, earth ponies couldn't use magic. How did you open that book?" She questioned. "What do you mean earthies can't use magic? Of course we can. Albeit in different ways than unicorns, we do have a link to the mana pool." He responded. He was met with a gaze. "Princess Celestia said that there's a natural hierarchy, and that Earth Ponies have absolutely no remarkable talent other than sturdy and strong bodies and green hooves." She said cautiously." "That's absurd! Sure my race is good at planting, but what do you think is behind it? The only way we can grow that well is with magic. It's not as direct as unicorns, but it is magic." He said, slightly aggravated by the racial segregation. "So how'd you turn the page if the magic you use is for gardening? She asked more gently. "With practice, we can do many of the same feats as unicorns, just with less power. This Princess Celestia must not like ear-" He stopped with remembrance of the name. He then proceeded to feverishly pass out again.
Chapter 3: Cutting the NooseSome say when you've suffered something so horrible, your mind will try to ignore the event all together, not wanting to re-live the event even if it was just a distant memory. Branded's mind was plagued with the image of a black maned unicorn, with the fangs of a wolf. Who was this stallion? Why does he see him every-time he closes his eyes? Better yet, why does he not only feel fearful, but angry towards this unicorn? The questions keep piling up with no answers in sight, he just wants to lay in bed forever. Wait a second...when did he go to bed? He darts up and opens his eyes only to be greeted with darkness. But in the darkness, he can see the light of a familiar moon shining through a small window. That's when he hears it, the steady breathing of another equine. Is he in danger? The thought runs through his mind, but if they wanted to hurt or kill him they had a large window of opportunity when he was sleeping. Speaking of that, how long has he been asleep? He can now feel a small migraine coming on from all the thoughts. He begins to stumble around the dark, looking for a light switch so he can assess the situation at hand. He locates the switch and flips it to the on setting. To much of his surprise, he doesn't see the fanged beast he was expecting, but a purple mare, lightly breathing in her slumber. The light reflecting from the moon really brings out the shine of her mane. Branded stands a-gaze, when he remembers; he needs to find out who he is. He decides to, instead of interrupting her sleep, leave a note thanking her for her help and promising to return the favor. By now he's out the door, book in saddlebag. Where is he going to go he keeps asking himself. He quite literally has nowhere to go. He's not tired, so sleep won't be an issue for a little while, but he is starved. He would kill for a fish taco. In fact, the thought of murder doesn't really bring remorse to his mind as much as it should. That's when it hits him: he's a murderer. He doesn't know who, nor how, but he feels it in his gut. He has taken the life of another being. The vulgar thought brings him to tears and causes him to vomit. That's when he feels the gentle tap of another's hoof on his back. "You feeling okay sugarcube?" A familiar voice said to him. "Ohh, yeah, I'm okay. I'm just hungry is all." He replies sternly, squinting to see who it could be. "It wouldn't be any trouble to feed ya, we got a whole farm!" The mare says. That's when it hits him. It's the mare with the hat. That's the only remarkable thing he can remember about her. That and her kindness to a stranger. "No,no,no, I don't want to cause anymore trouble than I have to." He responds. "I insist you come with me. I can see yer' bones! You'll look like Granny if we don't get some food in you!" She says earnestly while tugging on his shoulder. "Well, if you insist-" He says with glee as he begins to trot along side the mare. They arrive at Sweet Apple Acres within an hour, exchanging small talk, telling jokes, the usual on goings between two friends in Ponyville. Friends. The thought never occurred on his radar. He's....social! He's figured something out at least, he knows how to talk to others. Well, he can check that off his mental check-list. She opens the door for him, and sets a table. Branded is honestly shaken by the kindness she is showing him. He's also very jittery as to what she'll be serving him. Judging by the name of the farm, it will probably be apple relate. Luckily for him, he loves apples, not a big fan of pears though. "So in the midst of our conversations, I never caught your name?" Branded asks nicely. "Names' Applejack. You can call me Aj if ya like~" She replies, focusing on the fritters at hand. "Oh, well I must thankyou for the excellent service you are showing. I only wish everypony I encounter will be as kind as you" Branded states honestly. This causes Applejack to blush. She tosses branded a smile, tips her hat, and continues with the food. Branded perks up, and prepares to over-stuff his body with apples. And over-stuff he does. On top of 4 apple pies, he piles in apple fritters, applesauce, and just plain old apples. He finally decides he's had enough when he can no longer feel his mouth from chewing. "Whoo-eee, you weren't kiddin' when you said you were hungry, huh?" Aj says teasingly. "Nope, but you took care of that pretty quickly. If there is anything you need help with, I will be honored to help." Branded states. "Well, I reckon Big Mac could use some help sowing the dirt." She ponders. "Like I said, anything you need. Well, I'd better start for the road-" "Now hold on fer' just a minute, last time we met you passed out over something you mumbled on about, now I don't want you passing out on the road, and getting kidnapped, robbed, or worse. Do you think you could wait for the morning before you leave? Just to be safe?" She interrupts. "Well...I suppose I could stay for the night, get a little rest before I head to town. But I don't want to be a bother." Branded states. "You won't be a worry t'all sugarcube! You can stay in the barn. I'll send Applebloom to wake you up bright an early so you can head for town or wherever it is ya need to be." She replies, with one eye closed with a devious smile. "Thankyou Applejack. That is the only thing worth saying at this point, I promise after tonight I will be out of your mane." Branded replies with much gratitude. "Don't stress it hon', but I plan on making use of your offer at help. The farm work can be pretty overwhelming at times." "It's the least I can do to soften your workload fair Applejack. I'd best head to the barn and rest up then, goodnight!" He says before trotting towards the barn. Applejack is blushing up a firestorm. Something about the stallion sets her off. In a good way. Hopefully he won't disappear in the night again she thinks. As Branded lay on the pile of hay he now calls a bed, he ponders over the events of the past few hours. He has not only made a friend, but he's found a friend who's willing to give up a piece of herself to feed him and offer a place to sleep. He may be coming her in the future. He might even get a semi-permanent job on the farm to earn some currency. Speaking over currency, what do they use? He heard some fillies complaining about not having enough bits for a field trip on his way to the library a day earlier, maybe bits are the answer. Anyways, it's time for him to drift away into the bliss that is sleeps embrace.
Chapter 4: Burning ConsciousnessDrifting into sleeps embrace was an over-statement. The whole night was filled with constant shivers, aches, and sweating. The thought of his entire situation had been eating away at him from the beginning. All he remembers is ...white. Nothing but a big, white, open space. Was he crazy? has his mind tricked him yet again? These constant internal flames were just being fed the more questioned he pondered. In fact, an inquisition he feels should be more prominent is who is the black unicorn that's been haunting his memory? Maybe he has something to do with this whole situation. The questions went on until he heard the trotting of hooves clopping away from the barn in which he lay. He darts up, in hope of catching the suspected brigand. He started into a sprint, a sprint that he didn't think he was capable of. Where did he learn to run with such perfection? Ohh this isn't the time for pondering, the only question he should be focused on his catching the assailant. He finally managed to catch up with the pony, only to end the chase in an unexpected tackle. The moonlight had revealed the pony to be none other than the blonde-headed Applejack. Yo much of Branded's surprise, she didn't seem angry with his tackle, but fearful. He didn't hit her that hard, just enough to be over-top of the mare. Was he really a frightening individual? This is not the place nor time for questions he thought, visibly announcing his internal distress via facial expressions. Time to figure out what she was doing he thought. "What were you doing Applejack? I didn't mean to hu-" Branded was cut off with the abrupt caress of her lips. She had embraced him wholly at this time. Had Branded been more prepared for the encounter, he would have reacted much more quickly, and not let it escalate into a full-scale tongue strangling. She finally let loose to breath and prepare for round two when Branded gasped for air. "What are you doing?!" Branded exclaimed, shaken by the encounter. "Well you wer' just so nice and *hiccup*...." She managed to spurt out. Now he understood. She had been drinking cider. Nothing more than a mistake. Good. He didn't want her to be the cherry on the pie. He already has enough problems to deal with without having to worry about her, she was his friend and that's all he asked for. "Applejack, I think you've had to much cider, you should probably go to bed..." He trailed off. "I ain't had that much! And I was goin' to go sleep with you, you sount' scared, all I could hear was whimpering and thrashing around...you needed a friend." She responded, less affected by the cider than Branded had thought. "Well...thankyou for your concern, but I'm okay. Now, can we *uhm* can we please put this behind us? You're one of my only friends here and I don't want that to change." He barely managed to spurt out, all the while tears sneaking up from behind. What drew these tears here? Possibly his sincerity over the problem, possibly his fear to admit that he had admired the mare since he first lay eyes on her. He knew he was right on this, though. If wanted any chance at figuring out who he is, he needed friends, not lovers. "Well, alright, if you say so. If you want though, you can sleep in the house, we have a guest bedroom, it's just a little dirty is all..." She trailed off. "I'll just stay in the barn, I think some of the chickens have made friends with me, can't disappoint, right?" Branded said, trying to lighten the conversation. "Well I'm a little disappointed." She replied, maybe more intoxicated than previously believed. "OH, well, look I'm really sorry, I just don't feel like this should happen. At least yet-" "Ah'm not disappointed in you sugarcube, ah'm disappointed in myself. I knew I shoulda' stayed in my room, It's not just the cider, sure it helped give me a push to do this, but I really just....I feel bad for you! You seem so undeserving of this punishment, what could you have done to be left alone in the cold with nothing? I was just going to come in the barn, and sleep next to you. I didn't mean for it to get to this level, and for that ah'm sorry." She said teary eyed at the whole situation. Luckily she didn't know just what he has done before to deserve this. He moved in a little closer, as to comfort her in her tears. He began rubbing her back and neck in a pitiful attempt to cheer up a friend. "Well look, if you want you can come lay with me in the barn." Branded said with ease of mind. "Really? that'd be fantastic.." She whispered softly whilst leaning against his chest in an upright position. "Let's just not let it escalate into anything else, okay?" Branded replied a bit more harshly then intended. "Ah promise." Applejack responded. She followed him until they arrived at the barn, where Branded had set aside some hay to sleep on earlier. It was hardly big enough for him, let alone two ponies. She didn't seem to care, the closer she was to him the better. For her at least. Branded being the awkward stallion he is doesn't know what to make of the entire situation, so he just lied down, and was soon followed by Applejack who then presumed to wrap her fore-arms around his diaphragm. It was rather cosey, and welcomed through Branded's eyes. He didn't feel as alone as previously thought. The body heat from the mare was well welcomed into Branded's cold existence. He finally managed to break free of thought long enough to fall asleep to the constant pattering of Applejack's soft breath.
Chapter 5: Cutting TiesYou wouldn't imagine the positive affect the simple hold of a mare can bring to a sad spirit like Branded. Not only did he get more than enough sleep, but he wasn't haunted by the hollow dreams of what he suspects to be his past. This is the most comfortable he's been since he woke up on the farm. The only question now is what does she see in him? His thoughts were interrupted by the screech of a rooster, but the more he focused on the irritation the more the sound modified into what eventually became the scratching of a pencil on paper. He opens his eyes to see none other than the purple librarian he had met the previous night seemingly taking notes on the subjects in question. "Uhh...good morning?" Branded managed to muffle out. "Huh?!" Twilight quickly spurted out before squealing and falling out of her seat. Branded rushed to help her up, and to ask what she was doing. "Whoa there, you alright?" He asked with a half smile. "Uhh...yeah I'm okay. You just startled me is all." She responded, desperately dusting off her back. "So can I ask why you're watching me and Applejack sleep?" He questioned. "Well, I..uhmm...just..." She pinched out before handing him the notepad. What Branded expected and what he saw where two different things. What she had been writing seemed to just be simple observations. They ranged from his eye color, his bare forehead, to his mane and the absence of a cutie mark. "So you were taking notes?" He said holding up the pad with his limited magic ability. "Mhm" She gulped. "You were looking at every inch of my body?" He continued. "Mhm" She let out another gulp. "Well you know you could have just asked me." He said, releasing the book. "Wait...really? You're okay with just answering questions? I never thought of that!" She awkwardly said. "Huh well..okay...so what were you trying to figure out, exactly?" He asked whilst moving away from the barn as to not wake Applejack. "When you left the library, you had left me with a handful of questions. Not only have you displayed that Earth Ponies can harness basic magic, but you also left a huge aura imprint in the library." She replied sternly. "What's an aura imprint, exactly?" Branded replied, visibly puzzled. "Okay, well, everypony has an aura, some stronger than others. The older you are, or your magical ability can change that. You left an imprint rivaling that of the princesses. That isn't supposed to be possible. Not only do you not look young, biologically you ARE young." She responded with a rather curious look on her face. "How could you know that?" He asked. "I took a tissue sample." She replied. "A what?!" He loudly questioned. "I didn't actually take tissue, but from where you were sleeping on the bed, some of your coat hairs were left on the bed. I just used the skin cells left on those to measure your age." Twilight responded matter-o-factly. "Pretty smart, I will admit. And truth is I am just as curious as you are. I've not a clue how I came to be this way, that's been my question through my entirety of being here." Branded responded more desperate than he had intended. "Well could you at least explain that mana pool, and earth ponies doing magic more clearly?" She asked with a tilt of her head. "Sure, no problem. Just be ready to take notes." He said as they stopped in their tracks. Twilight had plopped down, and taken up a pencil and her note pad in anticipation. "Go ahead" She responded cheerfully. "Alright, well the mana pool I had talked about last time, picture it as a pool of energy at the base of your horn. Your horn acts as a direct conduit of energy flow from it. Unicorns, naturally, have the best link to it, but Pegasi and Earth ponies both have it, just in lesser quantities. Pegasi can use theirs to help them steer clear of obstacles mid flight, and walk amongst clouds. Earthies mainly transfer theirs into the harvest or demanding labor. With a lot of practice, anypony can harness at least a little magic. I for instance can only levitate objects and enchant items. Does that clear it up at all?" He concluded. "Actually it does clear up quite a bit. Of course I'll have to do some tests to prove without a doubt that the common folk have basic ability." She continued writing. "I'm surprised that you didn't do any tests earlier, I mean didn't you ever ask how Pegasi can walk on clouds, or how Earthies can meet surprise physical demands?" He questioned. "Well, in truth, no. The way I and most other ponies were brought up, things were always one way. Pegasi can fly, Unicorns have magic, and Earth ponies can...work?" She responded, trying not to come off as prejudice. "Well that is a very linear way of seeing things. Where I was from I was raised to question everything." He said. Wait...how'd he recall something from his past? OH great, he feels a headache coming on. "It's just the way the Princess had us raised.." She trailed off. "I don't mean to sound crude, but this Princess you keep referring to seems to keep you all blind of the world around you. Have you ever been to any other country aside from Equestria?" He asked. "Uhmm...no...but the Princess is as honest as they come, except for maybe Applejack, but you know what I mean." She responded defensibly. "Whatever you say Twilight, just...be careful with the knowledge you now possess okay?" He said with concern. "I will, I promise." She replied with a smile. "Well, I'm going to go wake Applejack up, make sure she's alright. I know what it's like to wake up cold and alone, it's not pretty ha." Branded said while scratching his head. "Seeya later!" Twilight said while walking off, "You too!" Branded said, walking towards the barn. What an odd encounter Branded thought. He never thought he'd be welcomed so warmly into the lives of other ponies. He feels like he's done horrible things in his past, he can feel it. But what? What could be so bad as to make him start over? Things are seemingly looking up for him though, he's been welcomed with open hooves by two, rather dashing may I add, ponies. And they're smart to boot. He has a lot to think about, so he might as well do it over some apple pie.
Chapter 6: All that and a Slice of PieAfter his morning with Twilight, and some delightful breakfast with Applejack, Branded decided he should probably find some sort of part-time employment. He has no idea what he's good at though, nothing seems to "spark" in his mind. It doesn't hep that he doesn't have a cutie mark. In fact, it has just dawned on him how unbecoming it is to not have one at his age. He gets an unusual feeling as though his flank wasn't always so blank and bare, he has had a cutie mark before he thought. Whatever it was, and for whatever reason, it's gone now and there's nothing he can do about it. But what sane buissness owner would hire a pony without a cutie mark? Well whoever it would be, he hopes he can find them. He starts his quest in the market area where he meets a cream colored pony with a rose cutie mark selling flowers. Branded anxiously approaches the counter. "Uhhh...excuse me ma'am." He lets out with a quick gust of air. "Yes?" The mare responds nonchalantly. "I was wondering if you were looking for new employee's, you see I am new in town an-" "We're not hiring at the moment sweetie, I'm sorry." She interrupts with her back turned, tending flowers. "Oh well that's fine, thankyou for your time." Branded replies with low breath. The mare turns around to pick up some seeds, that's when she notices Branded. She analyzes him up and down and soon goes into a gaze. This is only broken by the sight of his baffled eyes returning a stare. But not a stare of attraction, a stare of confusion. "Excuse me ma'am, are you alright?" He breaks the silence. "Ohh yeah..I-I'm fine, just stood up to quickly I guess heh-heh" She stutters out. "Well okay, I'll be seeying ya." Branded says as he begins to walk off. "Wait! If you're looking for work, there's a mare looking for animal care takers on the outskirts of town, I doubt she has any requirements, and I hear she pays generously." She informs. "Well thanks, I'll be sure to check it out." Branded responds with a smile. "No problem at all dear, do come back though!" She waves him off. What an interesting mare Branded thought. Anyways, his first priority is to get to that lodge on the edge of town. The rose mare pointed him toward the west, near that forest he saw earlier in his trek. That forest, he thought, had a lot of weird aura going about it. Whenever he had passed it days before, it was as though it were calling, no, pulling him in. Maybe this could give him a means to investigate it. It could help him figure out who he is, or it could get him killed. At this point, which one is worth is debated. As he nears the center of town, he fails to see any lodge, nor anything pony made at all. Well let's take that back, he does see the end of the east field of Sweet Apple Acres in the distant hills, but that's beside the point. What he does see however, is a small cottage. He can hear a very serine voice coming from it, it almost sounds like somepony singing a lullaby to a filly. The closer he gets, the more distinct it becomes. It's definitely a mare singing, but to whom? She sounds rather young to have a foal of her own, the answer lies behind the door that he is about to knock on. *knock knock knock* A sudden bang is heard from the inside, almost as though something had been dropped. He then hears the fast,light, trotting of a pony coming to greet him. The door nudges just enough for him to see the light blue eyes of a mare greet him. "Yes?" She lets out in a hushed voice. "I heard you were looking for a work horse?" Branded let out. "Oh uhm...yes, I need somepony to help me during the weekdays, just give me a moment to get the little ones in bed." She shyly responded. Trotting and a quick lullaby are heard before she comes back to the door. "Okay...you can come in if you like, it's a little chilly outside..." She said still in a hushed voice. "Well okay, we can get my affairs in order and get hours set up I suppose." Branded replies as he trots in. What he's greeted with catches him off guard a bit. There is a fully grown manticore sleeping in an over-sized dog bed in her living room. He has a face of fear when he hears a distinguished "shhh" from his left side. "Don't wake him please, he is resting from an injury." She says whilst petting the beast. "Ohh uhh..alright...so...uhh....you're an animal care taker I take it?" He replies trying to ignore the 2 ton monster beside him. "Yes, but it's not a burden or anything, I love taking care of little critters. So you're looking for a job?" She responds a little more comfortably than earlier. "Yes ma'am, I'm able bodied, and have all the time in the world to work." He replies. "Well I won't need to much help, just on Friday's and Saturdays when I go shopping or visit my friends, and even then you will just have to feed the chickens." She says before sipping some tea. "Well I can do that just fine, as long as I don't have to tend to the manticore's and what not." He begins to trail. "Oh don't worry, I wouldn't let anypony try to mend them, without the right coordination that pony could be seriously injured." She let's out with a terrified look on her face. "Well, looks like you have found a new employee. Thankyou for your time." He lets out with a smile. "The pleasure was all mine, also, may I ask what your name is?" She questions. "Branded. Branded Steel." He answers. "Hmm, what an interesting name. You can address me as Fluttershy if you like." She says just before sipping some more tea. "Well alright Ms.Fluttershy, I'll be seeing you tomorrow when I come in to help." He says. "Okay, bye, and do be careful, it's getting dark and we're close enough to the Everfree forest for danger." She infers. "Okay, I'll be safe, seeya later." He responds happily whilst walking out the door. It really is getting dark, and the forest is a quick sprint away. The lure to it is radiating brightly. What is calling him? What lies ahead? Fluttershy says she got the manticore from the forest, so that must be where the beasts live. Better to not go there until he knows he can be safe about it. It's best to just head back to the barn for rest. Maybe if he's lucky, Applejack will be waiting for him on the haystack. The nights with her are the only ones he really gets any rest. What wonders await for him in the future? Only time will tell.
