Chapter 9

The Apple Family Farm

I slowly opened my eyes to an unfamiliar ceiling. It was wood, but it had roots spanning and trailing into the walls. The beeping and scratching noise were faint, but still present.

I tried to slowly get up from the cot, but something was weighing me down. I bring my hand up to my head and feel around. It felt like I had a large metal helmet strapped to my head. I bring both hands up and undid the strap on my chin. I then took the large helmet and placed it on the floor next to my cot.

As I laid the helmet down. I noticed a lot of wires leading from my cot. It looked like they went to a large machine. I slowly moved the blanket away from my body. I immediately noticed I was in my boxers.

"Damn it, Twilight..." I whispered to myself. "You didn't say you're going to do anything like this." I looked down the length of my body. I saw what looked to be hundreds of small electrodes all over myself. "I guess this was bound to happen."

I started to remove the electrodes from my body. They seemed harmless enough, but they were very time consuming to remove.

I swung my legs over the edge of the cot. I leaned down on my knees and took a deep breath. When I was relaxed and awake. I looked around the room to see if I could find Twilight. It wasn't hard to see a purple head resting on a table. She had both her front hooves sprawled out over the table and her head resting peacefully on top.

"You awake, Twilight?" I whispered quietly. Not getting a response; I slowly stood up.

I looked around the room for my clothes. It didn't take long before I noticed they weren't in this room. This was irritating, but it didn't make me as mad as I thought it would.

I slowly got up from the cot and grabbed the blanket. I stumbled over to the table were Twilight was sleeping. It seemed that drink I was given was still effecting me somehow. I held up the blanket and gently covered Twilight. She seemed to enjoy it; because she buried her head in between her hooves.

I walked past Twilight and made my way up stairs. As I made my way into the Library. I could smell toast. It didn't take long before I saw Spike. He was walking over to a table. He had a plate with toast in one hand and a cup of Orange Juice in the other.

"Morning, Spike." I said as Spike placed his breakfast on the table.

"Morning, Jame..." Spike quickly stopped and stared at me for a few seconds. "Rough night sleep?" Spike asked in curiosity.

"Yeah; my sleep wasn't too pleasant." I said as I walked up to Spike. "How was your sleep?" I asked as I walked over to the stairs.

"Could I get you anything, James? Maybe some coffee?" Spike asked as I sat down on the stairs.

"Coffee?" I asked in a questionable tone. "Coffee sounds wonderful, Spike. I would love some." I gave spike a tired smile.

"One cup of coffee coming right up!" Spike said with pride before running off.

I got up and made my way up stairs. I walked over to my bed and sat on the edge. As I glanced over at my gun. I reached out and grabbed it. I slowly pulled it out of the holster.

"Do you want anything in your coffee, James?" Spike asked from down stairs.

"No," I placed the holster back on the shelf, "I like my coffee black." I said as I fumbled around with the gun.

Many thoughts ran through my head in a matter of seconds. They all seemed to revolve around the dream I had. Most thoughts were bad, but not all were. Small rays of hope seemed to shine through, but I didn't know how helpful it would be.

"Where'd you go, James?" Spike asked from down stairs.

"I'm up here, Spike." I held my gun on its side with both hands.

"Why'd you come up here?" Spike asked as he made his way up the stairs.

"Well," I used my thumb to flip the safety off, "I needed to find something out." I pulled the hammer back and looked at the gun for a few seconds.

"What did you need to find out?" Spike asked with a curious look on his face.

"I needed to find out how useful my gun will be." I eject the magazine and pull the action back. As I locked the action back with my thumb. I held up the bulled from the chamber. "I needed to know how many bullets I have."

"So how many do you have?" Spike asked as he held the cup of coffee out to me.

"You tell me." I quickly unloaded the bullets from the magazine and placed them all in one hand. "I'll trade you." I placed the gun on my lap and held the bullets out to Spike.

"Sure," Spike said in a pleased tone as we traded each other, "Let's see here..."

I watched spike as I held the coffee cup with both hands. The warmth of the cup seemed relaxing. It was almost like it warmed my very soul. I brought the cup up to my nose. I took a deep breath and let the aroma of the coffee fill my lungs.

"You look pleased, James. It's almost like you've never had coffee before." Spike started to use a claw to count out each bullet. "Wait... Have you ever had coffee before?"

"Yeah I have, but I never thought you had it here." I took another deep breath of coffee.

"Yeah we have coffee here, but it's a delicacy. It has to get brought in from Canterlot." Spike started to move the bullets around with his claw. "Twilight uses it for her late night reads. I don't understand why, but she tells me it helps her stay awake." Spike held the bullets towards me and smiled. "You have nine left."

"Nine?" I asked as I looked at my coffee. "That sounds about right." I tilted my head back with the coffee. It took a few seconds before I finished the cup. "Is something wrong, Spike?" I asked as I swapped the bullets for my cup.

"Yeah..." Spike started to fidget with the cup. "Isn't it hot?" Spike asked with a worried look on his face.

"Extremely..." I said as I picked up my gun. I quickly flipped the latch on the side and the action slammed forward with a lout clack. "Something wrong again, Spike?" I asked as he jumped from the noise.

"No everything is fine," Spike watched me as I placed my gun and ammo next to the holster, "But it almost seems like your depressed."

"How could you tell, Spike?" I asked as I gave him a small smile.

"Well," Spike put a claw up to his chin, "You haven't called me, Little Man and I can't explain it, but I can somehow feel it."

"Well," I placed my hand on Spikes head and looked him in the eyes, "You couldn't be more right, but don't worry about it. I'll be fine."

"Okay, James." Spike gave me a smile and walked towards the stairs. He stopped and looked back at me. "It might be out of my place to say this, but if you need to talk to someone. Twilight and I are here to listen."

"Thanks, Spike." I got up and walked up to Spike. "I think I'll be fine. No worries."

"Okay, James." Spike said as I followed him down the stairs.

"Hey, Spike." Twilight said as she walked into the library. "I smell coffee. Did you make me a cup?"

"I'm sorry, Twilight..." Spike said as he walked up to his breakfast. "James got the last cup this morning.

"Oh..." Twilight sat down and stared at the ground.

"Sorry, Twilight. I didn't know it was the last cup." I looked at Twilight as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. "I need to talk to you, Twilight. When you have the time."

"Sure," Twilight smiled and walked over to Spike, "What do you need?"

"Why don't we start with my clothes." I stated calmly. "Also an explanation on why I didn't have them on when I woke up."

"Your clothes were dirty. So I thought I might wash them, but seeing how you always wear clothes. I thought it would be a brilliant idea to get you more." Twilight gave me a big smile. " Rarity told me that she would drop by this morning."

"Thank you for that, but why did you take them off in the first place?" I asked again.

"I already told you. They were dirty." Twilight raised an eyebrow. " Is something wrong, James?"

"He's depressed..." Spike quickly cut in.

"Oh my goodness. Is everything alright?" Twilight said with a concerned look on her face. " Do you need to see a doctor?"

"No, but I do need to get my mind off a few things." I was about to continue, but Twilight quickly cut me off.

"I can talk to Pinkie Pie. I know she can cheer you up." Twilight tried to run to the door, but I put my arm in front of her chest.

"I don't need, Pinkie Pie. I need a job." I let out a small sigh. " I have done nothing while I've been here and I'm going mad, so can you help me get a job?"

"Applejack might need a hoof on her farm." Twilight put her hoof to her chin. "We could go talk to her now, but we should probably hurry."

"I don't think I'll be going anywhere without my clothes." I held my arms out to my sides in an irritated manner. " You gata remember that I need my clothes."

"I don't think I'll ever understand that about you, James." Twilight quickly turned her head to a knock on the door. " That'll be Rarity now."

"Yo little man." I walked over to Spike and kneeled down to whisper to him. "Next time could you just keep stuff like that between us?"

"But why?" Spike quickly fired back. "I just know, Twilight can help. You'd be impressed about how many problems she solved."

"I don't like dumping my problems in other people's lap." I stood up and looked down at Spike. "I'll find a way to deal with this." Spike jumped up and cut me off.

"But what if it's more then you can handle on your own?" Spike looked at me with a serious look. "You need to know when to ask for help."

"How would you know if it's something I can't deal with myself?" I asked while raising my eyebrow.

"It was the look in your face." Spike looked down at the floor for a few second, before turning his attention back to me. "Twilight and I are your friends and friends help each other." Spike said sternly while stomping his foot.

"Alright little man. I'll put some thought into what you said." I looked up and saw Twilight. She was walking over with a pile of clothes levitating next to her. "That's a lot of clothed, Twilight. Did you get some for yourself?"

"Don't be silly. I can't wear your kind of clothes." Twilight giggled a little before putting the clothes on the table.

I walked up to the table as Twilight started to mingle with Rarity. I slowly looked over the neatly folded clothes. I could tell Rarity put a lot of time into them. The clothes came in a variety of colors. All of them also seemed to be ironed with great care. With the nice selection; it didn't take long before I picked out my clothed.

"Thanks a lot, Rarity. You have no idea what this means to me; after all I'm going to be here for a few more months." I put on a white shirt and glanced over at Spike. I then looked back over at Twilight. I immediately noticed she had a disappointed look on her face. "is something wrong, Twilight?"

"Did you find out how to get home?" Twilight asked as she forced a smile.

"Well I'm going home one way or another," I pulled up a pair of tan pants and quickly fastened the button, "So I guess its Carpe Diem from here on out." I gave Twilight and Rarity a smile.

"That's just mar valise, James." Rarity gave me a smile back. "I'm happy for you, but we're going to have to get together before you go. I must know more about your worlds fashion."

"I can't make any promises, but I'll do my best to make time." I turned my attention back to Twilight. "Do you know where my socks and boots are, Twilight."

"Socks?" Rarity asked as she quickly stepped in front of Twilight. "What are socks?"

"I guess they're clothed for your feet." I pointed down at my feet.

"Your hooves?" Rarity let out a big gasp. "Idea!~ Thank you, James! You just gave me a wonderful idea for a new line of clothes!" Rarity quickly rushed out the door. A loud slam followed shortly after.

"Okay... So, Twilight; my question still stands." I said as I stacked the clothes back in a neat pile.

" They're over by the door." Twilight turned and levitated both my boots and socks to me.

"Thanks, Twilight." I sat on the ground and started to put them on. "So do you mind if I ask about all that equipment I found on myself this morning?"

"Sure," Twilight smiled in excitement, "I was taking readings on your brain waves and gathering information on your muscles. You'd be surprised on how similar we are."

"Similar is a surprising choice of words. How are we similar?" I asked as I got up.

"Well," Twilight put a hoof to her chin, "we both have the same patterns in our brain waves. Our Alpha, Bata, Delta, Theta and Gamma brain waved are identical." Twilight motioned to the door with a hoof."

"You'll have to forgive me, but brain waves are a weak subject to me." I held the door open for Twilight. "I never paid attention in my biology class." I followed Twilight out the door and closed it behind me.

"Alpha brain waves happen when you're in a deeply relaxed state of mind. This happens when you daydream or on the verge of sleep. Some ponies say it's the gateway into your subconscious." Twilight stopped and clapped her front hooves together. "Humans are so interesting!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Come on, Twilight." I held my hand up in the direction we're walking. "We need to get to Applejack's place."

"Oh, Right." Twilight quickly ran up to my side. "Well Bata brain waves," Twilight continued her explanation, "They are your conscious mine. It's for logic and reasoning. It can also help you through properly understanding your stress, anxiety and restlessness." Twilight let out a small sigh. "That's a part of you I don't understand. You showed a lot of Beta waves in your sleep."

"What does that mean?" I asked in curiosity.

"It shows you were fully aware in your dream. I also picked up some strange magic reading. It's like the magic here is in sync with your dreams." Twilight said in a questionable tone. "Theta waves show your on the verge on deep sleep. It's vital for ponies to enter this state of mine. It helps us go into REM sleep and apparently its just as vital for humans." Twilight gave me a big smile before continuing. "Delta brain waves shows deep sleep. It's the realm of your subconscious mind. It's also vital for healing."

"That's actually kind of interesting, but wouldn't my brain only show one wave at a time?" I asked in curiosity.

"Hey!" Twilight puffed out her cheeks. "I wasn't finished!"

"I'm sorry," I held up my hands, "Please continue."

"Right," Twilight nodded with a smile, "Gamma waves are the most strange. They are the most recently discovered brain wave. It shows extreme activity. Mostly in imagination, creativity and inspiration." Twilight sighed again. "Your brain waves were all over the place. It showed a lot of Alpha and Delta. A couple times; you would jump to Gamma and Bata. That's when I picked up a faint burst of magic." Twilight gave me a serious look. "Can I ask about your dream?"

"I'd rather not. That dream put a lot of stress on me today, so I want to forget about it." I rubbed the back of my neck. "Anything else is fine."

"Well there was something else." Twilight hid her face from me. "I was experimenting on you while you slept. I would whisper random words and phrases in your ear. I wanted to see how you would react to a few things and..." Twilight paused for a few seconds.

"And... What?..." I asked.

"I... Umm..." Twilight quickly turned to face me.

"Why is your face turning red?" I asked while raising an eyebrow.

"Twilight!" Twilight let out a loud squeak as Rainbow Dash yelled. "Where you both going?" Rainbow Dash asked as she flew up to us.

"I need a job, so, Twilight is taking me to Applejack." I said as Rainbow Dash was staring at Twilight.

"Why is, Twilight blushing?" Rainbow Dash asked as she flew around Twilight.

"I have no..." Twilight quickly interrupted me.

"Rainbow! Don't do that! You scared me!" Twilight yelled.

"Settle down Twilight." Rainbow Dash said in a playful tone. "I just wanted to know if I could borrow, James for a day."

"No one can borrow me today." I rubbed my forehead. "I need to make some money."

"What could you possibly need money for?" Rainbow Dash flew up in front of me and raised an eyebrow. "Isn't Twilight taking good care of you? Oh," Rainbow Dash knocked her hooves together, "If she isn't taking good care of you. You could always stay with me."

"I'm fine where I am, but I really need to get going, Rainbow Dash." I looked at Twilight. "Let's get going Twilight. The sooner I get to, Applejacks the better."

"Right." Twilight nodded in approval and we continued on our path with Rainbow Dash following.

"So what do you need the money for, James?" Rainbow Dash asked as she flew up in front of me. "I'm sure if you ask, Twilight for help. She'd be more than happy to help."

"I need the money for explosives." I took a brief second to think. "So do you even have explosives?"

"Explosives?" Rainbow dash put a hoof to her chin as she flew backwards. "We have fireworks, but other than that. I have no idea."

"Fireworks might actually work for the job I need." I looked off in the distance and could see what looked to be a farm house.

"Are you going to have a firework show?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Something like that." I replied in irritation.

"Why don't you tell me when you're having the firework show!" Rainbow Dash gave Twilight and I a big smile. "I should get going. I'm working on a move that I know will blow the minds of the Wonderbolts." Rainbow Dash quickly flew off. "Catch'ya later, James!"

"So," I glanced at Twilight as we walked to the farm, "What kind of work will I be doing?"

"Well," Twilight paused for a few seconds, "Last time I helped Applejack on her farm. I was helping her pick apples during the Applebuck Season."

"So I'll be picking apples?" I asked.

"I don't know, but I think we'll find out." Twilight stopped and pointed her hoof. "Applejack is coming."

"Well howdy, Twi." Applejack quickly ran up to us and gave me a smile. "Howdy, James."

"Hey, Applejack. James is looking for work and I was wondering. Do you have anything you need help on the farm?"

"I can always use an extra hoof on the farm." Applejack turned to look at me. "Have y'all worked on a farm before?"

"No, but I guarantee I'm a fast learner." I put my hands in my pockets. "Anything you need and I'll do it."

"That's what I like to hear. You can go wait by the house and I'll be over in a jiffy." Applejack pointed down the road at a large house.

"You got it boss," I started to make my way to the house, "I'll be waiting for you."

I made my way down the road. As I took in my surroundings. I couldn't help, but to get a little impressed. I might not have worked on a farm before, but I do know a farm when I see one. The large red barn, the hay bales, a pig pen and a field for cows. It was a very heartwarming sight. It almost reminded me of Texas. The size of the farm might seem a little small, but it was relatively the same.

As I stood waiting for Applejack. A large red pony with an orange mane and tail got my attention. He was hauling a large cart filled with baskets of apples. I went over as he entered the barn.

"You need some help with that?" I asked as he quickly turned to look at me. "I'm here to help Applejack on the farm."

"I can handle this on my own." He said in a stern voice.

"No need to be shy." I walked over to the rear of the cart and opened the latch. "Where do you need em?"

"Over by the wall will be fine." The large red pony came over to the rear of the cart. He pulled three large baskets of apples onto his back.

"Wow," I grabbed a basket of apples and followed him, "Your strong..."

"Eeyep." He replied.

"My name is, James." I placed my basket against the wall.

"I'm Big Macintosh." He replied.

"James!?" Applejack yelled from outside. "Where'd you go!?"

"Sorry, Big Macintosh," I looked at the basket by the wall, "But that's my boss, so I need to go." I quickly ran out of the barn. "I'm here, Applejack. I was giving, Big Macintosh a hand with some apples."

"Well that's all right." Applejack put her hoof to her chin and slowly looked me over. "How good are you at bucking for apples?"

"Bucking?" I thought about that for a few seconds. "We don't kick for apples in my world. We pick them by hand or by large machines, so I wouldn't imagine very well."

"Okay," Applejack raised an eyebrow, "I don't want you to get your fancy duds all dirty, so washing the pigs are out of the question. Milking the cows could get messy too, so that's out of the question." Applejack went deep in thought for a few minutes. "I have a job for ya, but it's really hard. Big Mac and I usually put it off till the last minute."

"I'll do whatever you need me to do." I held my arms out and turned around. "You don't need to worry about my clothes. they can be washed."

"That's all right, James. I'll try to keep ya clean." Applejack turned around and started to walk over to a small open field. "Follow me partner."

"You got it boss." I followed close behind applejack.

We came up to a stump in the ground. It had a large red ax stuck in the stump and a very large pile of logs a few feet away.

"I need y'all to cut us some wood. Winter is not far away and we need the wood to last the winter." Applejack turned and gave me a smile. "You think you can handle this?"

"No problem," I grabbed the ax and pulled it out of the stump, "How many times you want me to cut the log?"

"Six times should do it, but take your time. It's a lot of hard work." Applejack watched me retrieve some logs.

"How much fire wood will you need?" I asked as I dropped the logs by the stump.

"As much as you can cut." Applejack pointed to a small clearing behind me. "You can just put the cut wood over there."

"You got it boss." I watched as she walked away. "Almost makes me wonder if they use their mouth with the ax." I said to myself as I laughed.

I started my work for the day. The repetitions were very boring, but it was quick work. I couple hours in. A small yellow pony with a red mane and tail strolled up next to me. She had a ridiculously large bow tied on the back of her mane.

"Hey ,James." The yellow pony gave me a smile. "My name is, Apple Bloom."

"What's up, Apple Bloom? You need something?" I asked as I swung the ax at a log.

"Applejack sent me to see if you needed help." Apple Bloom gave me a big smile.

"But I'm almost done." I pointed at a small pile of logs. "I only have a few left."

"You think I can bring you the logs?" Apple Bloom asked with pleading eyes.

"I don't see why not. Just be careful." I bent down and ruffled her mane. "Last thing I need is for you to get hurt."

"Right!" Apple bloom quickly ran and picked up a log.

I watched her as she slowly walked towards me. She would occasionally sway to the left and back to the right. A couple times; it almost looked like she was going to fall forward.

"A little top heavy, Apple Bloom?" I asked while trying to hide my laughter.

"Yef; juft a widdle bit," Apple Bloom set the log next to my foot, "But I can do this."

"Hold on, Apple Bloom," I grabbed her bow before she got away, "Why don't you take the logs I cut over to that pile?" I pointed to the large pile of cut logs. "It would be a lot safer for you and you'll still be helping."

"Alright, James." Apple Bloom sat next to me as I worked. "So it your Cutie Mark cutting wood?"

"Why would it be wood cutting?" I asked in curiosity.

"It takes Big Mac a few hours to get the wood we need for winter. You cut all of the wood in the same time that Big Mac needs." Apple bloom quickly swooped in and grabbed a couple cut logs.

"No," I watched as she took the logs over to the pile, "I can't get a Cutie Mark." Apple bloom quickly cut me off.

"Why not?!" She asked in amazement.

"Maybe because my kind can have more than one talent." I placed the last log on the stump and took a quick swing.

"So what are your talents?" Apple Bloom asked with wide eyes.

"I guess it would be flying." I said as I scratched my head.

"Where are your wings?" Apple Bloom asked as she walked around to my back. "I don't see anything."

"My wings are broken in the Everfree Forest." I planted the ax back into the stump as I finished my work. "I'm hoping I can get another pair of wings soon. I would like to fly again."

"Your wings come off?" Apple Bloom asked while raising in eyebrow.

"Something like that." I walked up to Apple Bloom and looked down at her. "Why don't you take me to, Applejack. I need some more work." I watched as Apple Bloom nodded.

"Sure thing." Apple Bloom said with a smile.

I followed Apple Bloom past the barn. We continued down into a large apple tree field. I could tell someone was working very hard. A lot of the trees had no apples in them. I also noticed a few rotting apples randomly scattered on the ground.

"Come on," Apple Bloom started to run, "Applejack is just ahead of us."

"Alright." I jogged behind Apple Bloom to keep up with her. "Do you know what I might be doing?"

"Applejack and Big Mac are done with harvesting for today and I finished up all the other chores. All that's left is picking up the bruised apples for the pigs." Apple Bloom said as she ran; not missing a beat.

"Sounds easy enough." I said as Applejack came into view.

"Yep, Applejack and I make a game of it. Its really fun." Apple Bloom said in a pleased tone.

"Well hey you two." Applejack said as we came up to her. "Y'all didn't quit early did ya?"

"I ran out of wood to cut." I replied.

"What?" Applejack gave a surprised look. "Now how in the hay did you do that? It takes Big Mac all day to get enough for winter."

"I'm just a fast worker." I said with a smile. "Now I'm waiting for the next task."

"Well alrighty then." Applejack smiled. "We need to pick up the bad apples for the pigs. Could you lend us a hoof?"

"Sure thing boss." I picked up a small wood basket and started to pick up the bad apples.

"You know, James," Applejack started to toss the apples to Apple Bloom, "I had a little chat with, Twilight when you walked ahead to the farm. She said your depressed over something."

"I don't want to bore you, Applejack." I then remembered what Spike told me. "Besides it would take a while to explain to you."

"We have plenty of time." Applejack said as she hit an apple to Apple Bloom with her tail.

"Well," I let out a sigh, "Why not..."

I spent a couple hours telling Applejack about the dreams I had. I never left out any details. To my surprise; Applejack poured all her attention into my story. She never interrupted or took a break.

"I can see why your depressed, but you seem to handle it well." Applejack said with a gentle smile. "It also seems your life is more than ordinary. The ponies in your dream sounded like they wanted you gone, but here you are. Alive and able to fight against them," Applejack let out a sigh, "But it also sounds like you don't treat us as equals." Applejack walked up and sat in front of me. "This is your life, so I can't tell you what to do. Try treating us as equals. Like somepony you'd tread in your world." Applejack gave me a smile. "I guarantee you'll be surprised at the results."

"Alright, so what should I do about them coming here?" I asked with a shamed look on my face. "I have no idea what to do."

"I once had the same problem as you. I was as stubborn as a mule last Applebuck season." Applejack gave me another smile. "I didn't want to ask my friends for help, but in the end. I let go of my stubborn pride and asked for help and I must say. It was the best Applebucking season I've had in a long time." Applejack turned and started to walk out of the field. She turned back and notions me to follow. "Your friends here can help you. You just need to have faith."

"I fear you still don't understand what I'm up against." I took a deep breath to try and relax. "If you help me when the time comes. I have no doubt we'll all die."

"What about, Princess Luna? I have no doubt she told, Princess Celestia." Applejack said in confidence. "She can have the entire royal guard to assist if you think it's that much trouble."

"You still don't understand." I said in irritation. "They'll be coming here in machines that I flew in on. If the dreams are true. They won't go down like I did. Machines from my world can project earth shattering power; all over the world in a blink of an eye. You might have Pegasi here, but you don't have a chance to keep up with their speeds."

"That's just steankin thinkin, James." Applejack said in confidence. "You need to have more faith in us," Applejack opened the door of her house, "But let's not worry about this now. We'll have plenty of time before your kind comes to this world, but for now. Its time I pay you for your hard work. It's getting dark and I cant keep ya here forever."

"Alright." I said as I followed Applejack into the kitchen.

"You did a lot of work today, so how does twenty bits sound to you?" Applejack asked with a smile.

"It all sounds good to me." I watched applejack open a drawer and pull out a small tan bag. She placed the bag on the counter and smiled. "Can I expect you to come tomorrow?"

"I don't see why not. I can always use extra cash." I picked up the tan bag and put it into my pocket. "Thanks; I'll see you later, Applejack." I said as I made my way out of her house.

"Alright, James. Have a safe trip home." Applejack said as I walked out the door.

The long walk home gave me a good chance to think. No matter how I approached it. Applejack was right, but I was also right on a few subjects. The ponies here had no idea how destructive one of our war machines could be. I knew I needed help, but I couldn't ask the ponies in this world. They would be slaughtered in no time. I knew I needed more man power and more guns. The only question was how. I don't know how to forge a gun and don't get me started on the ammunition. It takes math to get the proper mixture of air and powder. Too much and the gun will explode. Too little and the bullet will get lodged in the barrel.

"No matter how I cut it. I'm screwed without a trump card." I said to myself as Twilights house came into view. "I'll have surprise on my side. I might not know much, but I know more about this world then they do." As I walked up to the door of Twilight's house. I could see a faint flickering light.

I opened the door and immediately saw Twilight. She was sitting by the table looking at something. She had a candle lighting up the area around her.

"What's up, Twilight?" I asked as I walked in and took my boots off.

"Hu," Twilight turned around and gave me a tired look, "Oh; hello, James. How was your first day of work?" Twilight asked as she turned her attention back to what she was doing.

"It wasn't bad," I walked up besides Twilight, "What are you doing?" I looked down at a book that rested in front of her.

"I got a letter from the Princess today." Twilight looked at the ground. "She told me what Princess Luna saw in your dreams." Twilight looked back at the book and magically turned the page in a purple aura. "I'm sorry, James. I didn't know how much stress you were under."

"No worries, Twilight. I'm not stressed out any more." I suddenly remembered what Applejack said. "Treat them as equals..." I mumbled under my breath. "Why don't you get some rest, Twilight. You look tired."

"But I need to find a way to help you." Twilight looked up at me with a sorry look. "You're going to need my help."

"Twilight," I got behind twilight and put my hands on her neck, "I'll take over from here." I started to gently massage up and down her neck. "I haven't done any reading while I have been here and I think it would be a good idea to start."

"Why don't you join me?" Twilight asked in a pleased tone as I continued to massage her. "Well get twice the work done in the same amount of time."

"No," I started to move my massage down to her shoulders, "You're tired. I have no doubt you'll miss something important if you continue."

"Yeah," Twilight got up and I stopped massaging her, "You're right, James. I'll leave the rest in your hooves tonight." Twilight gave me a smile. "It's a good thing..." Twilight paused and let out a big yawn.

"What is?" I asked as she walked towards the stairs.

"Your warming up to us. I was afraid you didn't like us." Twilight started to make her way up the stairs. "Good night, James. I'll see you in the morning."

"Good night, Twilight." I watched her as she slowly vanished up stairs. I turned my attention to the book she was reading. "The Art of Teleportation Spells." I said to myself. "I don't see how teleporting will do me any good." I closed the book and picked it up. I walked around the Library for an open slot. I found an open slot and I placed the book on the shelf. "I guess I should get some sleep too."

I walked over to the table. As I was just about to blow the candle out. A small twinkling light got my attention. I turned in its direction and noticed it was coming from a bottom book shelf.

I walked over to the shelf and got down on my hands and knees. I slowly removed every book from the bottom shelf and stacked them neatly out of my way. I bent down and saw a gold horse shoe covered in dust. I reached in and tried to grab it, but it was fixed to the wall. I placed my hand on it and gently pushed it in.

I quickly moved my hand back as a false wall moved upwards. The false wall revealed a red book with a gold plaque. I reached in and grabbed the dusty old book. I put the old book down and placed the other books back on the shelf. I then picked up the book as I stood up.

"Let's see what this is," I walked over to the table and looked at the gold plaque, "Legends and Myths of Equestria." I placed the book on the table and opened it to the index. "This book doesn't look like it could help me in the slightest."

I was about to close the book, but a small purple and blue mist rocketed past me. I let go of the book as a mild wind blew in front of me. I looked down at the book and noticed it turned a few pages.

"Legend of the Mirror Pond." I said to myself as I started to read the book. "I think I just found my trump card." I let out a big smile as I continued to read.

Author's Note

If you see any errors in my story. I would like to know, so that I can correct them. After I finish the corrections; I will be deleting the post. I would also like to hear your thoughts on the story if you have time. I am doing my best to keep the story flowing smoothly, so I hope you enjoyed reading this. I am having a lot of fun with this story, so I don't know when I will end it. If you have any ideas on how I can improve my writing. I would like to hear it.

P.S. This story is a rewrite of my last HiE. I hope that this version has better structure and depth. I would like to hear your opinion on the rewrite. Both good and bad comments are welcome, so don't be shy!