Heart of the Orchard

Chapters

The Second Day, In Town, Midday
The Second Day: In Town, Afternoon
The Second Day: At the Farm

The Second Day, In Town, Midday

The Second Day: In Town, Midday

I look around at the town as I arrive, the three young ponies - I understand the term for them is fillies - walk around me. There are many buildings of various configurations, which I am sure I will recognize the meaning of at some point. However, I am looking for one in particular, although I am unsure of what the description means. After all, while I am supposed to take them to school, I have never seen a gingerbread house before, so I don't know what one would look like.

I point towards a large, important looking building. "Is that the school?" I ask the fillies.

They giggle. "No," Apple Bloom replies. "That's Town Hall."

"Ah," I reply. I point towards a large, white building. "Is that the school?"

"No," Sweetie Belle replied, smiling. "That's Carousel Boutique, my big sister's place. She makes clothes."

"Ah." I add that to my heartwood, as someone connected to Applejack. "What is her name?"

"Rarity," Sweetie Belle replies.

I nod. Thinking, I turn to Scootaloo. "Do you have a big sister as well?"

She starts to frown, but then suddenly smiles, bouncing up and down and waving her arms. "RAINBOW DASH!" she shouts excitedly.

I feel a strong rush of wind, and turn as a pegasus comes in to land in front of us. I recognize her; this is Rainbow, who was with Applejack yesterday when she found my dead shell. Her cloth leaves fit her body like a second skin, and the air slides off them easily as she moves. Seeing her eye to eye, I recognize that her face is the one pictured on Scootaloo's cloth leaves - clothes, I should think of them this way.

As I process this, Rainbow lands, turning to glare up at me, as on the ground I am taller than her by a good margin. "And where do you think you're going with these three, huh?" she demands, her tone hostile.

I smile. "Applejack asked me to walk them to school, since she had to talk with Granny Smith."

She blinks at me. She does not seem to believe me. "How do you know Applejack?"

I smile. "I am here for her." This seems to be the right answer from my heartwood, although I'm not sure why.

She glowers. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

Apple Bloom speaks up. "Rainbow, this is Applejack's new coltfriend!"

Rainbow blinks. "What? I didn't know she had a-" She stops. She turns to glare at me again. "How do I know I can trust you?"

"He fought a chimera to protect us this morning!" Scootaloo speaks up. "It's okay, Rainbow, he's cool!"

Rainbow seems to calm down, for the moment. "If you say so, Scoot." She turns back to me. "So you're walking them to school?"

I nod. "Yes. However, I do not know where this 'school' is."

Rainbow smirks. "I'll show you the way, follow me." She takes to the air again, pointing the way.

I follow her to a long building with only one floor, surrounded by various other structures and several young ponies of both genders running around. Rainbow comes back down to float lazily in front of me. "Here's the school!" she says happily.

I smile. "Ah, so this is what a gingerbread house looks like." The three fillies with me wince.

Rainbow frowns. "No it isn't. Why would you think that?"

"Because they told me that the school looked like a gingerbread house-"

"ThanksforhelpingustoschoolRainbowDashseeyoulaterbye!" Scootaloo says quickly as the three fillies race towards the building.

Rainbow blinks after them, then rolls her eyes. "Those girls...would have been a good prank if you actually knew what a gingerbread house was." She smirks at me. "So who are you, anyway?"

I smile. "I am Giant George." Remembering what I am supposed to do, I seize her hand and shake it, although this shakes her around in the air as well. "I am not a tree."

When I release her hand, she puts both hands to her head, seeming to steady herself. Once she is finished and her eyes are no longer rolling in her sockets, she blinks at me. "Not a tree?"

I nod. "I am not a tree."

She blinks. "Why do you say that?"

"Applejack says I must not tell others I am a tree, because they would think I was crazy." I tilt my head. "She has yet to tell me whether or not that would be a bad thing."

Rainbow flops onto her back, laughing hysterically. I wait for her to calm down. She then looks up at me. "Say, you sure you're alright in the head?"

Remembering how Applejack responded to that question from Big Macintosh, I reply, "I did not grow up around other ponies."

Rainbow grins. "Just trees, huh?" When I nod, she blinks. "Say, wasn't Giant George the name of that big tree Applejack really cared about that died yesterday?" I nod. "Is it a coincidence you have the same name?"

"It is not a coincidence," I reply calmly. After all, it is not.

Rainbow suddenly grins. "That sly devil!" she says happily. "I am so going to let her have it later." She blinks, then chuckles. "Wish I could have seen Fluttershy's face if she heard you say you weren't a tree."

I blink. "Why?"

"Because she wants to be a tree."

"Really?" I tilt my head in confusion. "Why?"

"Dunno." She shrugs and points off towards the edge of town. "You could ask her."

"I think I will." I turn and head off in the direction she indicated. It takes me sometime, but I reach the edge of town and catch a brief glimpse of a familiar yellow pegasus entering a cottage. Walking up to the door, I knock.

The door opens. The yellow pegasus opens the door slowly, peeking out, her pink crown hanging over one eye. "Y-yes?" she asks quietly.

"Are you Fluttershy?" I ask calmly.

"I-I am," she replies. "W-who wants to know?"

"I am Giant George," I reply. "Why do you want to be a tree?"

She blinks. "H-how d-do you k-k-know about that?"

I notice the smell of fear from her, and realize I am making her afraid. I smile. "Rainbow told me."

"O-oh," she says, seeming to calm down. She looks up at me, her cheeks coloring. "Nopony's ever asked me that before."

I smile, waiting patiently.

She coughs nervously. "I...I have a bit of a problem meeting new ponies. I'm...really very shy, because I feel so very...weak and helpless so often. But...trees are strong. They always stand tall, unafraid."

I nod. I remember that feeling. Thinking about what she has said, however, I reply, "But they stand alone."

She looks up at me again, meeting my eyes. "What do you mean?"

"A tree stands alone. He will never touch another of his kind, and his only concern is his own growth. Even his children are alone once they have left his branches, seeking their own soil far from their parent so as to not be overshadowed by him. A tree can hear the voice of other trees...but he will never know them. He has only himself."

"O-oh..." She frowns, her eyes shadowed briefly. "I don't think I want to be a tree after all. I...I wouldn't want to be alone." She looks up at me again. "How do you know so much?"

"Because I am not a tree," I reply, once more remembering Applejack's instructions.

Fluttershy blinks at me, then giggles. "What are you, then?" she asks me.

"Applejack's," I say, the word somehow seeming to echo my feelings in ways I don't quite grasp.

Fluttershy's wings snap open fully. "Oh, my," she says, her face bright red.

I blink. "Fluttershy, why did your wings do that?" I point to her extended wings.

Fluttershy's eyes go wide, she makes a sound that sounds like "Meep!", and then slams the door.

Blinking, I am unsure what I should do at this point. However, the conversation is obviously over. Turning, I head back to town.

Seeing that the town is still quite bustling, I walk by the school. I see that the three fillies are still in the building called school. I am unsure what I should do.

"School's not out until later," a voice behind me says. Turning, I see a purple female with horn and wings, wearing a top that is somewhat form fitting and a lower garb that flows around her legs.

I blink. "You are an...alicorn?"

She chuckles. "Yes," she says, "I am. Still getting used to it myself." She holds out her hand. "I'm Twilight Sparkle. Waiting for somepony in particular?"

I take her hand, shaking vigorously. "I am Giant George." I release her hand. "I walked Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo here this morning. Applejack asked me to take care of them."

She rubs her hand, smiling. "Well, you don't have to worry about them. They'll be fine until 3:30, when school lets out."

I blink. "When is 3:30?"

She looks at something on her wrist. "Another three hours."

I nod. "And how long is that?"

She looks at me, then smiles. She points up at the sun. "When the sun is about..." She points halfway between the sun's current location and the horizon. "...there."

I nod. "I guess I will wait here for them, then." I stand there, facing the school.

She suddenly giggles. "Don't you have anything else to do for three hours?" she asks me.

I shake my head. "No."

She smiles. "Well, you don't have to wait here. I was just heading to Rarity's." She gestures to her wings. "Since these are still kinda new, I had to get all my clothes reworked to make room for them. My everyday clothes handled that fine, but she insisted on completely redesigning my formal wear. I was going to pick them up today. You could come with me."

I blink at her. "Alright," I say, not seeing a reason why I should not.

We walk through town towards the building I remember is called Carousel Boutique. As we walk, Twilight asks me questions. "So, where are you from?"

I blink, unsure how to answer. "Nearby," I reply finally.

She blinks. "Can you be more specific?"

I frown. "I do not know the names of places." While I could tell her I was from Applejack's farm, I am not supposed to mention that I am a tree. However, I can tell Twilight is one used to getting answers.

"Okay...how old are you?"

I think for a bit. I don't know how to answer this question. "I am unsure what you mean."

She smiles. "When were you born?"

This one I can answer. "I was born yesterday."

She blinks at me. "Was that a joke?"

"I don't know. Was it?"

I am quite confused by the face she makes now. I do not recognize the emotion it is supposed to represent, nor the scent she is giving off. Also, the twitch of her eye is worrisome.

We arrive at Carousel Boutique. Twilight knocks, and a white unicorn wearing an outfit I find I can only describe as 'sparkly' answers. "Twilight!" she replies happily, reaching out to grasp her hand. "You're right on time-" She gasps. "Oh Twilight, you never told me you were bringing your coltfriend!"

"He's not!" Twilight snaps, then calms herself. "He's not my coltfriend, I just met him by the school. He's a friend of Applejack's, apparently, even if he thinks he's funny."

"I am funny?" I ask, confused.

Rarity smiles. "Well, come in, both of you." She gestures us inside. I notice several pony shaped objects constructed of a substance that resembles but is not wood. "Twilight, your clothes are all ready to go, I do so hope you like the new designs. And you..." As Twilight goes to collect her clothes, Rarity turns to me. "You are?"

"Giant George," I reply. As she does not extend her hand, I do not attempt to grab it.

She looks me over. "Well, George, is that really all the clothes you have?" Her fingers curl and uncurl. "Surely you have something...more?"

I shake my head. "These are Big Macintosh's. He loaned them to me."

Rarity looks confused. "Why did he have to loan you clothes? Didn't you have any of your own?" When I shake my head, she covers her mouth. "Why?"

Remembering what others have said, I put together a response. "I did not grow up around ponies. Only trees."

Rarity gasps. "You mean...you grew up in the Everfree Forest?"

I remember that that is what the others called the trees the chimera fled into. That is quite close to where my shell stands, and before the ponies came those trees covered a good portion of the grove. "In that area, yes," I reply, as it is indeed accurate.

Rarity smiles. "My goodness, Applejack's snagged herself a jungle stallion!" she says, her voice excited.

Twilight's wings snap open. She blushes. "Explains more than it doesn't," she mumbles.

I look towards Twilight. "Why did your wings do that?" I ask, confused.

Her blush brightens. She runs out of the building, clutching her clothes to her.

Rarity lets out a sound from deep in her throat that is similar to laughter. "That's really not something you should talk about with a mare," she says calmly.

"Ah," I say calmly. "That is why Fluttershy slammed her door when I asked why her wings did that?"

Rarity gasps. "Oh goodness!" She makes the noise from her throat again.

"What is that noise called?" I ask her.

She smiles. "It is called a chuckle."

I nod. "Alright."

She gestures towards the overalls I am wearing. "Since you're new to civilization, would you like me to make you some clothes? I could have a set done relatively quick once I have your measurements."

I blink. "I must be back at the school by 3:30."

She glances at something on her wrist. "Plenty of time to make up one set, and you can come back tomorrow for the rest."

I smile. "Alright." The overalls are starting to rub my bark uncomfortably, as they are somewhat tight.

Rarity smiles. "In that case, you can lay the overalls over there-" she gestures to a chair "-and I'll get some measurements."

I remove the overalls, reversing the steps I used to put them on. I am pleased this worked as I had hoped. Setting them aside, I turn back to Rarity, who is staring at my waist. "Is something wrong?" I ask.

"Where is your stallionhood?" she asks, confused.

I glance down at my waist. "My what?"

"Your sheath. Your phallus." Seeing my continued confusion, she tries again. "Your...dick?" She blushes at saying this.

I tilt my head. "I do not know those terms."

She thinks for a time. "Your...stamen?" she offers hesitantly.

I realize she must be talking about the part of my heartwood that extended beyond my bark last night when I was with Applejack. Now that I think back, it did resemble the part of my flowers involved in reproduction somewhat, so the term stamen is an accurate descriptor. The other terms must be pony words for the equivalent pony anatomy. "I keep it inside," I reply.

She blinks, looking shocked. "You can do that?"

I nod. "Is that unusual?"

She nods. "Quite." Unrolling something in her hands, she holds it against my body as she levitates a quill and flattened wood pulp on a flat piece of wood. "A mite disappointing as well," she mumbles under her breath.

"Why is that?" I ask her, confused.

She gulps. "Never mind," she says quickly. "You have very good hearing." She chuckles. "Of course, that probably served you well growing up...Jungle George."

I blink. "But my name is Giant George."

Having apparently finished measuring me, she stands up with another throaty chuckle. "I'll need to see a bit more evidence before I use that moniker for you." She heads into another room. "I'll have a suit ready for you momentarily. Feel free to pass the time."

I glance around. I see a small white creature licking herself. She is of no interest to me. I notice other objects made of the flattened wood pulp, bound together. Picking one up, I open it. I see pictures and writings, what must be words. I am unsure what they mean. However, I notice an older one nearby. It is much simpler when I open it up. The first page has a picture of an apple. Below it is a single design, followed by a longer set of writing.

Listening to the other elementals, I realize this is the ponies written language. It would take a long time for me to learn to read this. However, the object has its own memory and - being made from wood - I can learn from its memory.

The memory is of Rarity sitting next to Sweetie Belle, although she is much smaller. This first sheet is visible. Rarity is speaking. "A is for Apple," she says slowly. "Can you read that Sweetie?"

"A...is for...Apple..." Sweetie replies slowly and carefully.

"Wonderful!" Rarity replies happily. She hands Sweetie a quill. "Can you write it?"

Sweetie carefully draws a shape, her tongue sticking out of her mouth.

"Wonderful!" Rarity says happily, clapping. "Such a wonderful job, Sweetie Belle!"

Stepping out of the memory, I find myself smiling, although I am not sure why. Flipping through this object, I dive into the memories, allowing the book - that is what it is called - to teach me, as Rarity did Sweetie Belle, to read.

Having finished, I set the book back down. I see that, though old, it is well cared for. It is obviously precious to Rarity, for some reason. Turning, I pick up the magazine - the book like object I did not recognize - and open it.

Now that I can read, I recognize that this is a 'fashion' magazine, whatever fashion is. It seems to be about many different types of clothes. I read through, learning about each item of clothing and what it is called.

Having finished the magazine, I turn as Rarity enters the room. "Your outfit's all finished!" she called happily.

I follow her into the room, and see a white button down shirt and black pants on one of the not-wood ponies that is shaped like me. She helps me put them on, and then pulls me in front of something that looks like a vertical lake.

I stare at my reflection. I do not know how to judge my appearance.

Rarity smiles. "I must say, you look quite dashing."

I smile. "These are quite comfortable. Thank you."

"They're also stain resistant, so you shouldn't need to worry about getting them dirty. If they get torn or damaged, I'll happily repair them."

I nod. "That is kind of you, Rarity."

Rarity smiles. "I think of it as my investment in Applejack's happiness."

I smile. "I want her to be joy, as I am when she is near."

Rarity makes a small squeaking noise. "Very poetic of you, George."

I remember reading a word similar to what she said, poetry. I am still unsure of its meaning. However, I notice the position of the sun. "I must go. Applejack asked me to look after Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo."

Rarity smiles. "You can bring Sweetie Belle here to drop her off. She's staying with me this week."

I can smell mixed emotions from her, a mixture of joy and something else I do not recognize. I nod. "We will see you then."

Rarity hands me some metal yellow circles. "Buy them something sweet at Sugarcube Corner on the way back," she says with a smile. "You can't miss it. It looks like a gingerbread house."

I blink. "But...they said that the school looked like a gingerbread house. What does a gingerbread house look like?"

She laughs. "Those three..." She shakes her head. "Well, you'd better go before you're late."

I nod, smiling. "I will." Turning, I head out the door.

The Second Day: In Town, Afternoon

I make my way from Carousel Boutique back to the school building. The sun has almost reached the point where Twilight said would be 3:30, but I believe I will make it there in time. Seeing several fillies and male young ponies - logic and the magazine tell me the term for them is colts - rushing by me, I fear I may be a little late, so I speed up as much as I can without stepping on anyone. I fear Applejack would be unhappy if I hurt someone, especially as she told me to try to avoid trouble.

As I approach the school, I see the three fillies standing around a purple mare with a pink mane, wearing a plain jumper and skirt. Her green eyes stare down hard at the fillies, who are hanging their heads. She looks up as I approach. "Oh, hello," she says in a friendly voice. "I don't believe I've seen you around before. I'm Cheerilee, the school teacher. Is there something I can help you with?"

I smile back. "I am Giant George," I say happily. As she offers her hand, I take it and shake it around. "Applejack asked me to look after these three today."

Cheerilee blinks at me. "Giant George? Are you the one these three were talking about? The new stallion on the farm?"

I nod. "Yes. I am new on the farm."

Cheerilee frowns. "I hate to tell you this, but they're in a bit of trouble for telling tales about you. It caused problems in class, and started a fight."

I tilt my head. "What sort of tales?" I ask.

"They said you fought and killed a chimera with your bare hands, if you can believe that," she explained. She sounded quite amused.

I shake my head. "You are right. They should not be telling such falsehoods and causing trouble. I am sorry about that."

She nods. "Yes, such tales cause trouble in class-"

"They know very well that the chimera fled back to the Everfree," I explain. "I would have torn it in half, but pulling its jaws apart like that was scaring Applejack, so I told it to go away and it listened."

She stares at me in shock for a time. "You...you really fought a chimera...bare handed?" she gasps out.

I shrug. "The toxin of its scaled head could not harm me, and I knocked out the head with the hungry spit with my first blow before it knew what hit it. Without the hungry spit, it could do me no real harm."

Her stare begins to become infused with an emotion other than shock, and I smell flowering in her. "M-my goodness," she says in surprise.

"Are the fillies free to go?" I ask her. "Rarity asked me to get them something from Sugar Cube Corner before dropping them off. She gave me some bits to buy them."

"So that's where you got the new threads," Apple Bloom says in understanding. "I was wondering, since you had to borrow some of Big Mac's overalls after fighting the chimera, since you didn't have any."

I notice Cheerilee's scent of flowering growing stronger. "Yes, you three are free to go," she says quickly. "If you'll excuse me, Giant George." With that, she rushes off somewhere.

"What got into her?" Scootaloo asks in confusion.

"You're really going to take us to Sugar Cube Corner?" Sweetie asks.

I nod. "Yes. Rarity said I was to take you to the building that looks like a ginger bread house." All three hang their heads.

"George...sorry about trying to trick you earlier," Apple Bloom speaks up. "We didn't mean nothing by it."

"What is a ginger bread house?" I ask, still at a loss as to their meaning.

All three blink up at me. Then they smile, a very different expression from when we left the farm. "We'll show you," Apple Bloom says, taking my hand. Sweetie Belle takes the other. Scootaloo gets out some form of wheeled conveyance I don't recognize.

"What is that?" I ask her.

She smiles. "It's my Scooter," she says happily. "I can get around on it a lot faster than on hoof, since I can't fly yet."

I tilt my head. "Why can't you fly yet?" I ask. Seeing her pained expression, I fear I have said the wrong thing.

She shakes her head, then looks up at me. "My body just isn't ready to fly," she says before buzzing her wings rapidly. As both her hooves are on the scooter and she holds the bar with both hands, this causes her to speed off.

"We'd better hurry if we want to keep up with her!" Apple Bloom points out.

Nodding, I wrap my arms around Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Lifting them up, I begin loping after Scootaloo, my long stride easily eating up the distance and keeping up with her rapid acceleration. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom shriek in delight. Other ponies quickly step aside to avoid our rapid progress through town.

Before long, we have reached a rather colorful building that does not appear to be made of the same materials as other houses I've seen. "Is this Sugar Cube Corner?" I ask.

"Yup," Apple Bloom affirms as I set her and Sweetie Belle down.

"See how it looks like a gingerbread house?" Sweetie points out.

I blink for a bit. "...what is a gingerbread house?"

The three girls giggle, then pull me inside. They point to a miniature house-like creation behind glass. "That's a gingerbread house," Sweetie explains. "It's called that because it looks like a house and is made of gingerbread."

I nod. "What is gingerbread?" I ask.

"A bread like pastry made with ginger," a hyper sounding voice says from behind me.

I turn, and see a very bouncy pink mare with a bouncy pink mane grinning widely at me. Everything but her bright blue eyes seems to be pink and bouncy, and everything including her eyes are open, friendly, and welcoming. "I am Giant George," I say happily. "I am not a tree."

She giggles loudly. "Pleased to meetcha, George! I'm Pinkie Pie!"

Staring into her smiling eyes, I see something I didn't expect to see. With a grin, I say, "And you are not a rock-"

Her hands fly forward to cover my mouth. "Shh!" she hisses out. "That's a secret!" She then giggles as she pulls back. "Besides, that was my daddy!" She bounces behind the counter. "So what can I get you four?"

"I'd like a cupcake!" Sweetie Belle says.

"Smoothie for me," Scootaloo adds.

"I'll take two chocolate chip cookies," Apple Bloom speaks up.

I think for a bit. "Can I have a gingerbread house?" I ask.

Pinkie giggles. "Got it all coming right up!" She bounces away behind the counter for a few moments before bouncing back in front with everything mentioned. "That'll be 15 bits total," Pinkie says happily. "Your gingerbread house would be free as your first purchase, but I'm not allowed to give freebies that cost more than ten bits, so it's half off instead."

Smiling, I open the bag of bits Rarity gave me. "How much is 15 bits?" I ask.

Pinkie glances into the pouch and pulls out the coins. "Looks like exactly this much," she says happily. "Enjoy your treat!"

"I think we will," I say as I follow the fillies to a table. Setting my gingerbread house down, I look over it. "What do I do with this?" I ask Apple Bloom.

"You eat it!" she says from around a mouthful of cookie.

Nodding, I attempt to open my mouth wide enough to fit the gingerbread house inside. My jaw starts to hurt well before I open it wide enough.

Scootaloo laughs as she sets down her smoothie. "Not all at once!" she says. "Not unless you're Pinkie. Just break a piece off in your hand and take bites out of it."

Nodding, I break a piece off the gingerbread house and take a bite. It has a spicy flavor I wasn't expecting, but it is pleasant. I continue to eat the whole thing, feeling the magic inside me break it all down into magic my body can absorb. Before long, we are finished with our sweets. "That was enjoyable," I say.

"Glad you liked it," Pinkie says from over my shoulder. "Listen, I have a bit of a problem. See, I really want to throw you a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party, but you've been in Ponyville for a while, so it isn't exactly welcome since you aren't exactly new, but you are new, so..." She shrugs her shoulders. "So what do I do?"

I think for a bit. "Always before, I was amongst trees," I say. "Today is my first day walking amongst ponies and buildings and all these new things."

Pinkie gasped happily. "I can throw you a 'Welcome to Being a Pony in Ponyville Party'!" she says happily. "Thanks, George! I was really worried about keeping up my party record. I didn't want to leave you out. And if anyone asks about the 'Being a Pony' part, I'll say it's because you aren't a tree!" With that, she flounced happily back towards the kitchen.

I glance at the fillies under my care. "What is a party?" I ask them.

They giggle. "You'll see," Scootaloo says with a wide grin.

I nod. "I suppose I will." I stand up. "I am to walk you to Rarity's," I tell Sweetie Belle.

She sighs and smiles. "Yeah, I'm staying with her for a week."

I tilt my head, confused. "Why do you seem both happy and not-happy?" I ask.

Sweetie shakes her head. "I love spending time with my sister...but we don't always have time to spend together when I am staying with her. She's often rather busy with her work."

I nod. I don't really understand, but I am certain it will make sense eventually. As the fillies stand up, I turn to walk them to their homes.

The Second Day: At the Farm

I return to my awareness as the first touch of the sun's warmth touches my roots. I stare down at Applejack, curled up in my branches. I idly stroke her crown with the tips of my leaves. As awareness fully returns, I experience a strange sense of vertigo as I remember the events of the previous day. It is strange, to experience time so segmented, instead of the endless flow I have always known before. Perhaps I will learn to enjoy this, as well.

I watch as Applejack begins to stir. I am torn. She is so warm against me, part of me desires that she remain asleep, that we may remain like this longer. Another part of me wishes for her to wake, so I may know her more. I know not which impulse to act upon, so I wait, and see what will happen.

Her eyes slowly open, close, then open again. She tilts her head up, and I am staring into her eyes. "Hey," she says quietly, baring her teeth in the expression I now know to be a pleasant smile.

I don't know what I should say, so I smile in return.

After a moment, her smile fades as her eyes shadow. Having just experienced it for myself, I interpret that she has just remembered yesterday's events as well. "Oh my goodness!" she says, sitting up, putting one hand to her face. "Did we...am I...but I was..." She turns to me, seeming afraid. "Please tell me I ain't pregnant!"

I tilt my head. I can tell she needs reassurance of some sort, but I don't fully understand. "What is 'pregnant'?" I ask her.

She looks at me for a time, then she begins to chuckle. "Yeah, I guess that is a silly thing to worry about, all things considered..." Her face goes pale. "Oh my goodness, how am I gonna explain this to Apple Bloom? To Granny? To Big Mac?" She puts her face in her hands. "How am I gonna explain you? What am I supposed to say?"

Explain. I do not understand what she means by this, but perhaps I can reassure her somewhat, as I know what I would say. "I am Giant George. I am a tree."

She looks at me, the lids of her eyes lowered half way. "George, you can't say you're a tree. Ponies will think yer crazy."

I nod, recording this warning in my heartwood. "And being thought crazy is a bad thing?" I ask.

She opens her mouth to say something, but stops. She opens and closes her mouth a few times. "Pinkie Pie..." she mutters under her breath. "I'll get back to you on that," she says louder. "Just...don't go telling ponies you're a tree in the meantime, okay?"

"Alright," I reply calmly. "What are ponies?"

Applejack stares at me for some time before putting her face in her hands again. "This is gonna be tough," she mumbles. She then turns back to me. "I'm a pony. Granny Smith is a pony. Apple Bloom is a pony. Big Macintosh is a pony. We're all ponies. You..." She pauses. "Well, you certainly look like a pony."

She has named several Walkers. Ponies must be what they call themselves. "What of the ones who can fly, or project energy?" I ask. "What are they called?"

"Also ponies," she replies. It seems answering my questions is helping her to calm down. I resolve to ask more until she is more at ease. "Although the ones with wings are called pegasi - pegasus if it's just one - and the ones who use magic are called unicorns. Ones like me who have neither wings nor horn are earth ponies."

I nod. "I see." A sudden loud roar echoes from somewhere nearby. "And what is that?"

Her face pales. "Trouble!" She hops to her hooves. "Come on, we've got to-" A scream echoes from the same direction as the roar. "Apple Bloom!" Applejack turns to run towards the sound.

I slowly get to my roots - I should probably think of them as my hooves, now - as I attempt to process what has happened. Applejack said the roar represented trouble. Then she ran towards it, exhibiting fear.

Applejack is running towards danger.

I immediately run after her, returning my bark to its formerly rough state. If there is danger, my rough bark will give me better strength should I need to fight. My pace rapidly covers the distance and I catch up to her.

She stands, gripping a construction of wood and metal in both hands, waving it threateningly. Behind her are three small Walkers - ponies - who I do not recognize. One is an earth pony, yellow with a crimson crown, wearing cloth leaves similar to those Applejack wore yesterday, blue overalls. The second has wings - a pegasus - and is orange with a purple crown. Her cloth leaves are blue and form fitting, with a face on the front. The third has a horn - presumably, a unicorn - and is white with a pink crown. She is wearing a yellow cloth leaf that flows downward over her.

In front of Applejack is a chimera. I recognize its three headed form, though I have never seen one. I also know its capabilities. The cold head with scales has a deadly toxin inside its mouth. The furry head in the middle has crushing jaws. The third head spits a caustic substance that eats through anything.

It is trying to hurt Applejack.

I rush forward, putting a good chunk of strength into a blow to the third head. The toxin will not affect me, and the power of this creatures body I can handle. The hungry spit, however, could do me real harm as it would before I was reborn. The chimera falls back, shocked and confused. It's third head has lost consciousness, reducing its ability to think and plan. As it rears up, I rush forward, slamming my shoulder into its trunk.

It flies backward, crashing to the ground some distance away. It is down, but not out. It will get back up. It will continue to threaten Applejack. I pursue.

It is back on its paws. It roars angry defiance at me. The scaled head snaps forward, burying fangs in my arm. I ignore them. The creature's claws lash at me, attempting to cut me to pieces. Bits of my bark break off, but they are of no moment. As the creature lunges forward to bite me with its furry head, I catch the two halves of its jaw - one in each hand - and apply pressure. The creature is shocked that it cannot bite down. I apply more pressure, forcing the jaws apart.

My grip is sure, my power more than enough. I will tear the chimera in half, and it will no longer be a threat to Applejack. As the creature recognizes my intent, it begins to writhe madly. The scaled head bites me repeatedly, and the main body continues to claw with more ferocity.

I smell Applejack's fear. I do not understand. I am dealing with the threat. I turn towards her.

She is cowering, covering the eyes of the small ponies, staring at me. Her face is full of fear.

She fears me. The power I am wielding...it must be frightening to her. I don't want her to fear me.

I turn back to the chimera. "You will leave here," I say into its face, where only it will hear me. "You will not return. If you do, I will not hesitate to finish what I have started. You will not harm my Friend."

The chimera understands me. It goes limp. I release it, and it flees for the forest beyond the grove, where it came from. I turn back to Applejack, walking towards her. Her fear is gone. I am relieved. I kneel down before her. "Are you alright?"

Applejack nods. "I am now." She gasps. "You're hurt!"

I glance down. There are several holes from where the scaled head bit me, as well as a few gashes in my bark where sap is beginning to leak. These are distressing Applejack, so I close them.

She gasps. "How did you..." Her voice trails off.

The small earth pony sticks her head around Applejack. "You fought the chimera! That was so cool!"

"So amazing!" the small unicorn adds.

"Totally awesome!" the pegasus adds, fluttering her small wings. She looks around. "Where is it?"

"It has fled to where it came from. It will not return."

The three young ones smile. Then the small yellow one frowns. "Say...who are ya? And what are ya doing on our farm?"

She said 'our'. She refers to the grove. She must be family to Applejack. I conclude this is Apple Bloom. I smile. "I am Giant George." I think about what Applejack told me. "I am not a tree."

Applejack covers her face with her hand, groaning quietly.

Apple Bloom tilts her head, frowning. "I can tell you aren't a tree. I'm a filly, not an idiot."

I tilt my head, confused by her statement. "What should I have said?"

The unicorn speaks up. "Well, instead of telling us what you aren't, you could tell us what you are."

"Yeah!" the pegasus speaks up. "Taking on a chimera bare-handed, you've gotta be something awesome! So what are you?"

I think for a time. I know that Applejack and Apple Bloom are earth ponies. I know what each of these small ones is. I know I am an elemental...but that connects to me being a tree, which I am not supposed to say. However, their question seems to call for a one word answer, which I am unsure of.

Searching my heartwood, a face arises, and I know exactly how to answer. Smiling, I reply, "Applejack's."

Applejack's face turns bright red.

Apple Bloom and the unicorn smile and say simultaneously, "Aww!"

The pegasus makes a gagging sound. She then blinks. "Where are your clothes?" she asks.

Apple Bloom blinks. "Hey sis, where are YOUR clothes?"

Applejack pales. "Uh..."

I smile. "Your clothes are under the tree where we left them last night," I reply helpfully.

Applejack's face goes paler, as an expression somewhat reminiscent of fear but not exactly crosses her face. The three young ones gasp in unison. I hear the sound of heavy hooves against the ground, and turn towards them.

An earth pony, approximately the same size as me and red, is charging towards me. His face shows rage. The feel of his hooffalls tells me it is the largest of those who live here, the one called Big Macintosh. He pulls one hand back, his fingers curled tight.

"Big Mac! Stop! Don't hurt him!" Applejack steps forward, grabbing hold of his arm.

"But...the fillies were screamin," Big Mac points out.

Applejack glowers at him. "They were screaming because of the chimera, the one he chased back into the Everfree Forest."

"Oh." Big Macintosh lowers his arm. "Sorry about tryin to hit ya," he says, extending his arm out towards me. "I'm Big Macintosh. Thanks for looking out for my sisters."

I look at his hand unsure of what I am supposed to do.

Apple Bloom giggles. "You're supposed to shake his hand and introduce yourself."

"I see." I grab his wrist and shake his hand around. "I am Giant George. I am not a tree." Applejack once more puts the palm of her hand against her face. "Applejack, why do you keep doing that?"

"Nothin, George," she says with a sigh.

Big Macintosh looks at me carefully, leaning towards Applejack. "Is he alright in the head?" he asks in a whisper. The young ones do not hear, but I do.

"He didn't grow up around other ponies," Applejack replies.

Big Macintosh nods. "Ah." He puts his arm over my shoulders. "Come on, Giant George, let's get you inside, get some food in ya and clothes on ya." He blinks. "AJ, where are yer clothes?"

"Uh..."

Applejack looks nervous. Perhaps I should respond differently than I did to the young ones. I point towards my old shell. "That way."

"Thanks fer reminding me, George," she says, running towards my old body.

Big Mac looks at me strangely for a moment, then shakes his head. "We'll talk about that later. Let's get you inside." As he moves his arm, he winces. "Ya could also use some conditioner, your coat's as rough as tree bark."

I had forgotten to smooth my bark again. I do so.

"Whoa!" Big Macintosh jumps, his face now showing the emotion I recognize as 'shock'. "How'd ya do that?"

I think on how to explain this best. "You said my bark was to rough. I smoothed it."

"...ya mean yer coat, right?"

"I suppose." He shakes his head, smiling, then continues to lead me inside.

Inside the large deadwood, he leads me up to a higher altitude. I am unsure if I like being so far from the ground. He opens a panel of the wood and leads me into an enclosed space. "This is my room," he says calmly. He goes into a smaller space and pulls out a set of overalls that matches what he is wearing. "I don't suppose you know how to put these on?"

I take them from him, staring at them as I try to figure out what he means.

He smiles. "Hold it by the waistband," he touches the part he is referring to, "and hold it below your waist." He taps the part of my trunk just above where my roots - my legs - connect at a joint.

I do as he instructs. "Now what?"

"Lift up your right leg." He pats the leg he indicates. "Then slip it into here," he signifies the tube on the same side in the overalls, "until your hoof hits the floor, making sure not to step on any fabric."

I do as he instructs. Having done so, I pause, looking at what I have done. Following logic, I repeat the process with my other root.

Big Mac smiles, nodding. "Nothin wrong with yer noggin as far as logic goes. Now slid the shoulder straps," he signifies the designated part of the overalls, "over your shoulders." He taps the joint where my branches connect to my trunk.

I do so, pulling the overalls up so the straps reach.

"There," he says happily. "Now yer dressed for polite company. So let's go eat."

He leads me back downstairs, into a room made of a hard surface with tame fire. I am not sure I like fire, even if it is tame. From a large metal box, he pulls out two items I don't recognize. "Apple turnovers," he says calmly. "Premade, but you missed breakfast time, so it'll have to do." He hands me one. "Go ahead." He takes a bite of the one he still holds.

Watching, I mimic his actions. It appears that ponies make items out of the fruit my brothers and sisters bare that they then eat. There are several unfamiliar tastes. I shall learn of them eventually. It is, however, enjoyable.

As I consume it, I can feel my body working on it, as the magic contained in my body breaks down the food into its most basic mystical components and absorbs them into my mystic reserves.

I hear a noise from outside. Turning, I go to investigate. I see a smaller earth pony, colored green and leaning on an wooden staff, talking to Applejack. The green one appears to be quite ancient.

"Applejack!" the old one says angrily. "What in tarnation do ya think yer doin leavin yer clothes out in the middle of the orchard and running around starkers? What kinda example do ya think that sets for Apple Bloom?"

"Sorry Granny," Applejack replies, hanging her head. "Won't happen again."

"You bet yer britches it won't happen again!" the older pony - I believe her to be Granny Smith, based on Applejack's address of her - proclaims. She then turns and sees me. "And who are you? I don't recognize you."

I smile. "I am Giant George."

She looks at me strangely. "I thought Giant George was a tree. You don't look like a tree."

"I am not a tree."

"That's alright then." She smiles at me. "Applejack's supposed to walk the fillies to school, but she and I still need to have a talk." She turns to Applejack and jerks her head towards me. "You trust him?"

Applejack smiles, nodding. "Absolutely."

"Good enough for me." Granny turns to me. "You'll walk them to school, won'tcha? Fer Applejack?"

I nod, smiling. "I would be happy to."

As I turn to leave, Applejack catches my arm. "You'll keep an eye on them, right?"

I rest my hand on hers. "I will see them safely to school."

Applejack nods. "Just...you be careful, too, okay? Pretty sure nothin in Ponyville could really hurt ya after what I saw this morning, but...try to avoid trouble, okay?"

I smile. "I will." Giving her hand a reassuring squeeze, I turn to where the three young ones have come out of the orchard carrying bags full of various items. I smile down at them. "I am supposed to walk you to school."

"But I thought Applejack was gonna do that," Apple Bloom says sadly.

"She has to talk with Granny Smith, so I am doing it for her." For some reason, this causes all three to giggle uncontrollably. I turn to the unicorn and pegasus. "I did not catch your names."

The small unicorn smiles. "I'm Sweetie Belle!" she says happily.

"I'm Scootaloo!" The pegasus' voice is full of bravado.

"WE'RE THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!" they shout together.

I will ask them what that means exactly somewhat later...although for some reason, I remember several instances of large objects crashing into my trunk in recent years while I was still a tree, usually followed by Applejack apologizing to me for her sisters antics. Smiling at them, I walk with them out of the orchard, in the direction Applejack and Granny Smith indicated, where my brothers and sisters inform me most of the Walkers - the ponies - live.

As we leave the gates, I glance down at the three young ones. "So where is this school I am to take you to?" I ask calmly.

Their slowly spreading grins confuse me.