//------------------------------//
// SEEDS FROM THE PAST, BITTER FRUITS OF THE PRESENT 
// Story: SEEDS FROM THE PAST, BITTER FRUITS OF THE PRESENT 
// by ringtail_mane 
//------------------------------//

Part One

Another day of labor came to an end. Once again, the reddish setting sun lend the ground and the trees, the fences and roofs, the happy inhabitants faces and pelts and cutie marks that delightful copperish hue that made Ponyville to shine in a fond farewell to their journey and a happy welcome to the rest filled night. A final glint of orange-scarlet light, an all too brief flash of pure green and the stars began to glint against the silky night sky. Many of Ponyville’s denizens were sleeping, bone-weary after their journey, replenishing forces for next day, trusting their rest to the capable patrols of their appointed protectors.

The Dark Legion was preparing to begin the nocturnal rounds in and around the peaceful town, in fierce fulfilling of their oath: to protect and care for Ponyville and Canterlot and nopony was better or more powerful for the task at hoof. The barracks were a frantic beehive of activity: here, a patrol received the information of their assigned quadrant; there, teams were assigned to guard duty or aerial surveillance; farther away, a few fortunate were leaving to take advantage of their passes to go to the local theater, to have dinner in a restaurant, return a book to the library or “shake the booty” at a local dance hall.

But among this golden and dreamy tableau, a little storm cloud sparkled and thundered: a little storm cloud by the name of General Grey Shadow. Edgy and nervous, the famed commander seemed to be waiting impatiently for something. He had locked himself in his office without further comments; this was a sure signal for his men to leave him alone unless specifically called for… or else. Thus, Captains were at the helm now, managing affairs with efficiency and loyalty. For a long time he remained immobile, reflexive, his chin over his crossed forehooves. Even his beloved cup of coffee, brought by his loyal cook Jean Pierre, was already cold and forgotten over his desk, intact and unsweetened; he just contemplated the sweet skyline of his beloved Equestria, his custom when the ultimate situations knocked at his door, or in this case, when two of his guards requested permission to enter. They were Vectoria, an Earth Pony, his chief strategist, assigned to the Lancers Company and Lexy Libris, a batpony from the Night Wings, his personal secretary, guardian of their secret library and Princess Luna’s personal diary.

Grey Shadow was very fond of them both: decent, professional and loyal… and in Lexy’s case, perhaps the deadliest pony in the entire Legion after the general himself: he had trained the nocturnal pony personally and, as rumors came, had arranged for her to be further trained by the Nightwhispers, a ninja clan that had been one of the Legion’s most important intelligence gatherers in the old days. Lexy Libris, together with a chosen hoof-full of legionaries, was the deadly secret weapon of their corps.

“Report” began him, a bit more dryly than intended.

“Sir, we have verified five times the data we found at Princess Twilight’s library, the Marejor’s records and the files at Canterlot’s library, counterchecking with our own available information. Everything fits perfectly.” nodded Vectoria.

Grey Shadow levitated carefully the documentation presented by his emissaries, reading it carefully time after time, as if eager to find something special; after a last check, he ordered the documents and politely returned them to Vectoria.

“This has been one of the finest investigations I have ever seen, exactly what I expected from you two; my deepest thanks for both. Lexy, do you have the format I asked you to write?” Grey Shadow half-smiled, already knowing the answer. Lexy Libris was the secretary of secretaries; she had been his right hoof in the old times and continued being a splendid manager and confident. A top officer required no less.

“Here it is, my General” replied the batpony, giving her superior officer a scroll tied with a Navy Blue Ribbon crossed by a red stripe and lacquered with the Legion’s own seal, something only used in affairs of the highest priority. 

“Very well, return to your posts, I`ll take care from this point onwards.”

Both warriors bowed and retired from Grey Shadow’s office. He levitated the document to his personal saddlebag, donned his helmet and left at full gallop to the Princesses rebuilt castle, in order to request an audience with Princess Luna. The Lunar Royal Guards assigned to the castle recognized him, even at the distance, giving him free pass with a customary reverence: his countenance was so grim and his gaze so decided that it was better to step aside or be rammed. Lowering his speed (especially after almost ramming a group of astounded ambassadors from half a dozen kingdoms and countries, leaving after the presentation of their diplomatic credentials), Grey Shadow contented with a brisk trot. Soon he was before the Twin Thrones Hall; as he entered, he could see the Mistress of the Night, seated on her throne, being attended by her two new maids, a batpony offering her a cup of tea and an Earth pony that combed her ethereal and flowing mane.

“My Princess, I begging your pardon for this interruption” began the gray unicorn, bowing formally before his superior, “I request some minutes from your valuable time.””

The Princess of the Night nodded to her maids, whom bowed and retired, leaving both princess and warrior alone.

“General, please don’t be so formal” Smiled Luna. “Well you know, old friend, you don’t need to request an audience, you are free to come anytime you like. Come on, tell me what you need.”

“Your Highness, I am afraid this is official business: after a long investigation, I have confirmed my suspicions so I humbly request, nay I dare to ask your permission to enforce the measure of “Actio Legis Restitutio”, as the present scroll explains.”
Luna flinched upon hearing a term that had been used centuries back for the last time, albeit one she knew quite well. Using her magic, she received the scroll: a single glance was enough to certify the seriousness of the affair at hand. Its reading filed her with grimness, as the implications sank deeply in her brain.

“General, is it necessary to apply this measure? It’s quite drastic, especially for this modern times.” Asked Luna, concerned not only by the resurgence of a draconian measure, forgotten for centuries but for the implications it could have across all Equestria and, worst of all, upon the lives of her most beloved friends.

“Princess Luna, this is what the Legion rules, as well as the tradition, dictate for the circumstances; even if you didn’t witness this episode, it’s still an insult for the honor of our battle-tested troops. Besides, as you are our Supreme Commander, your permission must be formally delivered so we can proceed.”

Luna meditated deeply about the matter; this was not going to be exactly neither easy nor pleasant, as it involved the very core of Equestria’s reputation, not to mention one of their best and most beloved lines of defense. After a seemingly endless silence, she finally spoke.

“Very well, General: By the power and authority invested in my person, I authorize you to proceed; even so, I’ll accompany you and your troops, in order to see justice will be impartially and equitably served… and to check the Legion doesn’t exceed its attributions.”

“Thank you, Your Highness; I’ll fulfill the appropriate measures so we can go tomorrow to the place called by local denizens……….. Sweet Apple Acres.”

Part Two

A relaxing evening began in Sweet Apple Acres, a worthy complement for a hard-worked day as it always was for the Apples: as the sweet breezes began to cold the fields, their work was folding the last page. Applejack was pulling a cart full to the brim with the best apples from this harvest, same that would be carried to the regional county fair to be held at Cytrus Bay, flanked by a blond and scarlet enthusiastic tornado pulling a miniature version of her own cart, also overflowing with strawberries. She smiled; Applebloom was the most energetic filly she had ever seen and loved each second she watched her small sister in action. AJ barely suppressed a chuckle, watching Applebloom pulling and cantering, as proudly as if she were at a national contest or something.

Finally, both ponies reached the barn and left there their heavy cargo, returned home as fast as their tired limbs allowed and fell in their seats, ready for a delicious meal and a well earned rest.

“Well, it seems that finally all is ready for tomorrow’s business trip” smiled Applejack, beaming self confidence, pretty sure of herself, “three days selling the best apples ever and being a family.”

“It will be a formi… fermi……furmi… a great experience, sister dear!” Applebloom jumped up and down as a bow-adorned miniature pneumatic hammer “Perhaps I’ll obtain my Cutie Mark as apple seller or even marmalade seller!””

“There will be time enough for that, sweetie” Granny Smith played with her grandfilly’s mane; “and that reminds me: where is your big brother, Applejack?”

“Ah saw him out of the barn, storing the tools; while he finishes we can warm supper? Ah am starving!”

“Sweetie, you eat almost as much as your brother: I always wonder why both are not the same size!” Chuckled Granny Smith, imagining the slim, delicate palomino mare with the physique of a pro Hoofball player; shuddering violently, she dismissed the image “On the other hoof, you are well as you are.”

“I wanna be as strong and big as my brothers when I grow!!!” Chirped Applebloom, hugging the laughing Applejack.

“And you’ll be, sweetie; that’s the Apple’s trademark” Granny Smith added a couple of firewood pieces, fanning the budding flames with her free forehoof; “just don’t devour as those two neighing piranhas!”•

A rolling wave of laughter, chuckles, coughs and happy tears danced across the room: those were the moments they enjoyed the most, when they were more than any other one, more than a family true, almost a single magical, infinitely beautiful creature, a single Apple, a mystical Apple, the essence of togetherness and love. Agreed, there were moments where differences, discussions or work didn’t allow such effusiveness to bloom but they knew, without expressing so, they could count with each other to care and be cared for, love and be loved, support and be supported.

Meanwhile, inside the barn, Big Mac was finishing the chore of storing his tools when a voice coughed politely behind him: “The hoe doesn’t go there, Macki.”

He felt his whole being turning to ice. That voice, that tone! It was impossible! So many years! He turned lightning-like… and remained rooted to the spot, unwilling to believe his own eyes.

And yet…

Before him was standing a big paint stallion, his long and silky tricolor mane dancing with the breeze, striped with black, hazel and white, matching his flowing tail. Strong, muscled body in reddish brown and white, his face crossed by twin wide strips of dark brown, forming a natural facemask; the most striking detail was, though, the long pompons covering his four hooves, giving him a funny but elegant appearance. A wide red scarf surrounded his neck, in strong contrast with brilliant green eyes, beaming sweetness and happiness.

“Va… Vanni!? It’s really you!?” stuttered Big Mac, feeling his jaw trembling and his eyes moistening. There he was, in flesh and blood, before him, once again! Vanni, the Gypsy Vanner paint stallion that had been the brother he never had… Vanni, his best friend!

"I arrived this evening, Macki." Nodded the paint "I came from the train station; my luggage is still in a warehouse."

The big paint gazed the farm and its surroundings, feeling his heart filled with nostalgia: "It is exactly as I remembered it, my dear Macki... I wonder if Jackie still remembers me... all the time I was out of Ponyville, of Canterlot, I had all of you in my heart."

Big Macintosh blinked slowly, almost stupefied, still resisting to apprehend the fact that the colt that had shared so many adventures with him, that had lullabied a frightened Applejack to sleep peacefully despite the fever she had some years ago, was standing before him with that smile so sweet and contagious.

Despite their so different backgrounds (Vanni was the son of one of the richest ponies in Equestria and the Apples were not exactly in that league), paint and red had been the best of friends and only the departure of Vanni's family to Brayzil had separated both chums. For weeks, Big Macintosh was taciturn and introvert, bordering a deep depression; time, though, offered the balsam of forgetfulness and, little by little, the farm routine, the events filling his own life, his peerless sisters gave him more reasons to smile again. Bit by tiny bit, the name "Vanni" began to fell in a limbo of its own... until now.

"I just wanted to pass by and greet my favorite family once again, before going to the room I have rented; I'll be there until I find a home. Nothing ostentatious, just board and feed while I install myself properly.... GLLLLKKKK!!"

Big Macintosh hugged Vanni with all his not exactly inconsiderable strength: "VANNI, VANNI, OLD FRIEND, I AM SO HAPPY, EE-YUUP!!!"

"Macki... you... are suffocating... meee...!" Gasped Vanni, feeling his ribcage was suddenly the size of a marble.

Big Macintosh released his old friend, blushing to the roots. Vanni scarcely could remain standing and felt dizzy: "Buddy, would be possible next time we must shake hooves?"

The scarlet-hued horse helped his paint friend to recover, apologizing profusely and finishing almost every sentence with an "eee-yup!" Finally it was too much for Vanni; despite his tender ribcage, he began to laugh, hugging his poor midsection: "How much... OUCH! ... did I miss... that sound...old friend..."

While both friends were chatting, the Apple ponies were preparing the table to have dinner, until they heard that somepony began to knock at the door with dry and precise raps. The three mares flinched nervously; it was quite unusual to receive visits at that time of day: ponies tended to be at home, resting or dining, not visiting or gossiping. The only potential exception would have been Pinkie Pie, but she was helping Mr. and Mrs. Cake with the twins; besides, the pink pony loved to play with them after dinner and also the Cake's bakery usually had a busy time at dusk. Obviously, Mac wouldn't knock and the other Mane Six had all schedules of their own.

Even so, it well could be the opposite case.... Their Majesties could well require them for some unforeseen emergency... and was common knowledge Pinky was the most unpredictable pony of all times. Moaning for herself, Applejack went to open; better now and not like that time the same rapping was felt at their door... At 3 A.M.! Never before the Main Six almost finished being the Main Five! 

"Ah'm coming ah'm coming! Patience, consarn it! If you continue, you'll owe us a new house!!" Puffed the beautiful palomino, almost galloping to open the door....to find herself face to face with the imposing figure of General Grey Shadow himself! To boot, he was accompanied by Princess Luna... and their countenances couldn't be grimmer! AND a small contingent of legionaries with them!?

"Small indeed!" Chuckled Applejack for herself "Each one of them is Big Macintosh and a half!" ... not to mention their captains and fifteen others, between ponies and batponies: "OK when they declared the war?"

"Noble Applejack, can we speak with you for a moment?" Grey Shadow's voice was soft but that softness was belied by the seriousness of his gaze, the steely glow on his eyes. 

"General Grey Shadow has something to communicate to you and your family" said tersely Princess Luna, scratching the cobblestones with her elegantly booted hoof.

Grey Shadow moved forward, gazing Applejack attentively, as if he were examining the beautiful freckled girl from mane to hooves.

"Please tell me, anyone here knows a pony called Apple Slice?”

"Mmmhhh, ah reckon the name don't ring no bells: Granny Smith, any idea of who can be?"

"No, sweetie, but if it has the "Apple" somewhere, bits against donuts that he is a relative of us. Why do you ask, handsome?"

The tongue in cheek comment, albeit unintentionally hilarious, just confirmed Grey Shadow's suspicions; all doubts cast aside, he dared to speak.

"If indeed that pony is your ancestor, you must answer by an offense he is accused of.”

"Whoa, hold her chargers, partner! Are you telling me...!? What in blazes are you blabbing about!?" Applejack was quite under stocked in the patience department and in a matter of seconds the freckled mare had passed from simple curiosity to full-fledged combat spirit. Grey Shadow would latter acknowledge he was grateful she were an equine instead of a bovine: as she was now, Applejack was tougher than a cage full of wildcats; horned, even Rumble and Ramble would hesitate if ordered to engage this Element of Harmony.

Using his magic, Grey Shadow levitated an ancient scroll from his saddlebag, opened it and read, with a gloomy and serious tone, under Princess Luna`s silent gaze:

"In compliance with the Code of Loyalty and Conduct that rules all those that hail from the Dark Legion, article 54, third paragraph, states that if a Dark Legionary incurs in a serious crime, like treason to the kingdom or to the Legion itself, and in the event the aforementioned legionary flees or, one way or another, evades justice, penalty will be transferred and applied to his or her nearest relatives.”

"Ah still don't get what does that mean." Applejack twisted her head this way and that, trying desperately to assimilate that cascade of legal terms and technicalities.

"I'll be brief: one thousand years ago, when the Nightmare Moon Affair took place, our Dark Legion swore loyalty to her, and our order was to obey her every command... something that, incidentally, sent us to our stony imprisonment; when Princess Celestia faced us, all of us, to the last legionary, remained loyal to the new Sovereign of the Night... all, that is, except three legionaries: Chwal, the zebracorn; Windsurfer, the Pegasus and the Earth Pony Apple Slice. All of them turned their back at their Legion in a moment we desperately needed them: the final point is that we were betrayed! I swore that, as long as I had life, I would make them pay, each and every one of them. But, fate throws his dice capriciously, and they scaped from a well deserved punishment. They are all gone... but YOU are here; as the nearest relatives, you must answer for his crime. You yourself said so, if he was an Apple, he is a relative, a twig in your genealogical tree, so to neigh... such an offense, having passed either five years or five thousand, still has consequences; those consequences transcend time, persist through the ages: therefore, you haven't option."

"Princess Luna, ah beg you to make this fruitcake to attend reasons; can't you intervene nor do something? Call your sister, Princess Celestia?" Begged Applejack, feeling her eyes moistened.

"I truly lament this, Applejack, but the "Actio Legis Restitutio" is a legal figure that has been in use for centuries, still is, and in this kind of acts, the Dark Legion is autonomous in its implementation. My presence here is mere protocol, just to be sure the measure is enforced accordingly to our internal regulations and to assure General Grey Shadow's authority doesn't 'cross the fence.'" Somehow, though, her voice tone failed miserably in pretending to convey serenity; if possible, it was colder and grimmer than never before.

"Consarn it! What kinda punishment would that be?" Puffed Applejack, feeling cornered and betrayed; the last pony she would have expected would turn against her was Princess Luna.

"If the offense was serious enough, the whole family was executed and their properties impounded" continued Grey Shadow, making both mares and the little filly embrace mutually, shaking in panic as they heard such cruel and barbaric way of dispensing justice, "nevertheless, you are not his direct descendants, so the penalty is much more benevolent."

"Why THAT doesn't eases me a bit?" Retorted the pretty palomino sarcastically.

"What kind of proposal do you have in mind, G. I. Colt?" Grinned Granny Smith, secretly enjoying the subsequent blushing and background snickers. Grey Shadow sighed, a bit theatrically perhaps: whoever said that the pen was mightier than the sword never included a scalpel-sharp tongue in the equation!

"Actually, is fairly simple: one of you will have to serve in the Legion for a single year; in fulfilling such period, this debt will be considered cancelled and you and your ancestor's soul will be relieved from this legal burden."

Applejack, Applebloom and the old mint-green coated old mare couldn't utter a single word, looking at each other, thinking in the words the gray unicorn had just said.

"Fair proposal, my bonnet!" Puffed Granny Smith, almost spitting the words.

"I am truly sorry, venerable Granny Smith: it's fairly just; the alternative is prision at our cells, same Princess Luna and myself can state aren't exactly a five horseshoes suite... or could be even worse: we could raze your lands and leave you literally on the street." Replied coldly the general, with the merciless and severity of tone, the cold assurance of one who has done this many times in the past, with cruel and merciless precision.

"You... you can't be serious!" Sobbed a shaking Applebloom.

"I am not kidding, little one, and I am honest when I say that I am really sorry about this, but our Legion doesn't forgive or forget betrayals, and this one must be avenged.”

Perhaps it was a subtle signal, perhaps a prearranged routine, but in a blink three of the “Smashers”, the heavy armored squad of the Demolishers, had surrounded the three ponies, precluding any possibility of escape. Applejack, first-hoof witness of what those hulkish brutes were able to do, decided the best option was to calm her temper and fighting instincts, refrain the anger boiling inside her and don't endanger her beloved family; well she was aware she wasn't an opponent for those muscled-bound veterans: in the second she tried something, they would subdue her... Granny simply wasn't even in her league and Applebloom... her hard-headed, impetuous kid sister would not hesitate to attack them... and she had the hunch they wouldn't be so kind with the filly. Her sigh seemed to break her soul; gulping back a tear she approached Grey Shadow: "You win, General. Ah'll go with you"

"But....... sister!!" Sobbed Applebloom "If you go, we can't maintain our apple farm! WE NEED YOU HERE!! I WANT MY SISTEEEEEERRRRR HEREEEEE!!!" wailed the golden filly, bursting in tears. More than a Legionary felt really awful inside: they had also been colts and fillies.....and more than one thought this kind of punishments was injust.

"It is true, sweetheart" nodded granny Smith, "Sweet Apple Acres will not be the same without you." 

"Ah know" replied Applejack, struggling not to cry, her voice thick and low, "but you heard what will happen if we say 'no'; ah don't want you all suffer; besides, one year passes fast. Big Mac will remain here and will care for you both."

She stepped before the gray unicorn, refraining tears of rage and helplessness.

"You win, ah'll go with you: ah am yours for whatever you have in store for me... but ah'll accept ONLY if you promise to leave my family alone."

Grey Shadow watched carefully amazed by the courage and bravery the young lady was showing, aware of the sacrifice she was going to do... “By the stars” thought he, “if I had known more ponies like this lady, so brave, so determined and fearless in the old days...” 

“As long as you fulfill your penitence, you will have my word of honor, noble Applejack: your family will be safe and cared for. Once the year has passed, you will be freed of any obligation with us. Now, go with your family, you are allowed a few minutes to say goodbye.”

Applejack ran toward her grandmother and little sister and hugged them with all her strength: tears rolled by their faces, well knowing that they would not see each other in a long time.

“Take care of Granny and obey Big Mac, li’l sister… and be strong… now you have the reins…” sobbed the blond pony, removing her beloved Stetson hat from her own head and carefully placed it over Applebloom’s own.

“Take care, sister, be strong too.” Whispered Applebloom. 

“We’ll miss you, sweetheart” Granny Smith`s voice was shakier and more fragile than ever.

“Ah’ll miss you as well… but… never surrender… us Apples are strong…” she struggled not to cry.

As she finished her farewells, eyes sparkling by her ill-contained tears, Applejack approached the gray unicorn.

“Ah am… ready…”

“Correct. We can retire now” nodded a satisfied Gray Shadow “The Legion’s colors will suit you, my noble girl; as we arrive, I’ll inform you of your duties.”

Two Smashers flanked Applejack, as her escorts, to prevent her from escaping or offering resistance: Luna just watched the procedures; she hated all this, didn’t approve any of these actions. Well was she aware that this was a heinous action, even in her ancient and turbulent times… but was also a painful routine by the myriad of betrayals of many subjects, not excluding even members of the Royal Guard; but in this modern times, though, that measure was plainly obsolete. It was a small consolation her officer had managed the thorny scenario rather diplomatically, avoiding a battle that would have turned the place in a pool of blood… but then, where was the honor in a squad of well-trained warriors tackling an old mare and a little filly?

Part Three

Ignoring all this, Big Macintosh and Vanni approached the Apple’s home, chatting, laughing and remembering old times, eager to see the surprise and happiness in the mares’ faces when the tricolor paint appeared in their lives again, full-grown, handsome, now the stallion critics called him “the second Frederick Forsneight” or “the new Robert Trotlum”, to find themselves with a tableau worthy of a nightmare… or, rather, the absence of anything: the house was empty, almost sepulchral in its immobility, pots and pans, dishes and cutlery, pitchers and glasses impeccably set with nopony to use them. The stew bubbled peacefully over the stove, its delicate flavors floating in a mist all over the place… even the glass flower holder, with the fresh wild flowers Granny loved so much was in place… and the absence of their friends and relatives sent a chill through the stallions’ backs. Vanni shook his tricolor mane, shuddering: the shock of his arrival was multiplied tenfold by the eagerness and fear that crept and nestled on his belly.

It was like before, that night in Rio de Janeighro, when his mother… his father… but that was miles and years in the past, THAT had been resolved in a single night of despair, rage, fury… now was now… and Vanni was reaching his former being, a sinister shadow that would have terrified Mac, Ma Smith, Applejack; he struggled to restrain the terror and the anger at its wake…

“Macki” whispered he “Is it possible that they knew of my arrival and are hidden to scream “SURPRISE!” at any second?”

“Eee-nope” His wide hooves crushed a fallen spoon as he gazed all around the dinner room “At this hour the house is full of noise and happiness, Vanni. I don’t like this a bit… there are certain things you don’t know about my sister… I just hope she…”

“Me neither, old chum” nodded Vanni “Let’s proceed, I go first”

“Vanni, you can’t…”

“Trust me, Macki, I know how to deal with these situations… when all is over, I’ll tell you some things about my life… you are a farmer, not a fighter; I myself, am the… huh? Shh! Did you hear that noise? It was a sob, I am sure!”

“It came from the rear door, Vanni. Let’s go!”

Tiptoeing, red and paint crept silently to the back door… to find Granny Smith and Applebloom tightly embraced, sobbing and shaking… as a tender and sad counterpoint to a cadre of Dark Legionaries, led by Princess Luna and a gray armored unicorn, taking the tearful Applejack with them!

Shock and surprise paralyzed both friends for a moment… and fear left through the window as white-hot, undiluted fury filled them from hoof to mane. With an ear-splitting neigh of rage, they charged against the surprised soldiers. It was quite evident they didn’t expect company and much less of such an aggressive nature.

“What…...!?” said Luna.

“INTRUDERS IN THE PERIMETER! DEFENSE POSITIONS! DON’T LET THEM REACH OUR DETAINEE!” shouted Grey Shadow.

“What the hay!? How do they dare to kidnap Jackie!? SIC ‘EM, MACKI!! Go for AJ, those potato sacks are mine!!” And he began a full-fledged charge, his pompons, his flowing, thick mane and long tail giving him an aspect both majestic and terrible.

None cared a horseshoe the fierce and dread Dark Legion was there; even if Vanni had never seen them or heard from them, they now were the enemy and well he knew how to deal with it. Big Macintosh was also oblivious to anything but the safety of his sister; blind with rage, he rammed two Demolishers that tried to block his path: both were cast aside as if they were just rag dolls. Meanwhile, Vanni jumped in a Flying Press, landing between the two stunned Smarshers; in a dazzling movement, the paint encircled the neck of one with his hind legs as he pressed with his forearm against the windpipe of the second one, pulling his jaw up and back with the other foreleg, his neck against a shoulder, arching the hapless pony’s back in an incredibly painful arch, holding them until they faint away.

Everybody was astounded by that show of raw strength, while the red-pelted horse advanced as the embodiment of the irresistible force toward the gray unicorn… followed by a colorful freight train completely out of control. None had seen a stallion, mare, filly, colt or pony with so beautiful patterns… or with such blazing eyes. One or two legionaries actually felt a bit of fear.

“RELEASE… MY SISTER… NOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!” neighed Big Mac, with his voice full of ire.

Luna and Grey Shadow were agape, not less than the other members of the legion, not only by the incredible feat of strength the scarlet horse had just done, or the acrobatic fury deployed by his colorful companion… the one referred as “Big Mac” was Apple Slice’s living image! Notwithstanding his mane and tail were blond, not white… they could have passed by identical twins!! And, to boot, the “twin” had arrived with heavy reinforcements.

“For the Sacred Mantle of Night!” almost screamed Grey Shadow “Who is this scarlet intruder!? He is identical to Apple Slice!!”

“He is mah big brother, Big Mac! Please, leave him alone!!” Begged Applejack, falling on her knees.

General Grey Shadow walked forward till he was face to face with the powerful red stallion, his eyes riveted on his sister; his blazing gaze fulminating the Smashers that surrounded Applejack, fierce enough to make them shudder, the hardest to intimidate subjects in all Equestria… only one creature had achieved something similar a millennium back: his old friend and comrade, the Procyonian man-at-arms, Colonel Tiberius Orlock… But now, between this walking bomb and the juggernaut beside him, it was a modern version of yesteryear…

“Hey you, tin can! Leave my friend and his family alone or it will be showdown between you and me!” Yelled Vanni to the gray unicorn, still eye-locked with Big Mac.

“Step aside, civilian; these are matters exclusively of the Dark Legion.” Replied tersely the armored unicorn, his horn beginning to glow quite subtly; regrettably, Vanni was so angry that he broke one of his own rules: study every inch of your opponent at any moment.

“My name is Vanni, thanks for asking, and cut the ‘Judge Trot’ routine, pal! YOU are the one that’ll finish like a box of thumbtacks if you don’t ret… YEEEEOOOOWWW!!” The rest of Vanni’s threat was cut in short as Grey Shadow’s horn flashed unexpectedly, enveloping the majestic tricolor stallion in a magic bubble that lifted him effortlessly… to throw him bodily against the opposite wall with enough force to knock down, or much worst, an ordinary pony. Vanni fell like a potato sack, stunned, as the legionaries watched gleefully: once again their general had showed his experience with an overconfident foe…but their glee turned to surprise and amazement as the ‘unconscious’ enemy shook his head and began to regain footing, albeit a bit wobbly: “It will be the ‘Trot Vader’ instead, huh? Ok, tin can, as you like… it…”

Vanni was seeing all double, still stunned by the flight and the impact, trying to recalculate his strategy against an enemy that could use magic with such speed and power… this guy wasn’t going to be easy… “But easy or hard, I don’t care!” Thought the Gypsy Vanner “I’ll keep going… and going… and going… sooner or later, you’ll be mine.”

“THAT was a warning shot, in deference to the family of noble Applejack; hold still, or next time I will use lethal force!” Grey Shadow’s eyes sparkled savagely; no subtlety here: now the commander of the dread Dark Legion meant business! He gazed severely the stumbling pony; the grey unicorn didn’t want more violence than strictly necessary –after all, a little filly was here, scared out of her wits, and he always had kids as the most important thing to protect – but if this berserker wanted it the hard way, fine for him.

Vanni began to see everything red, he wasn’t at 100% but he didn’t care; he began to move, ready to rearrange the unicorn’s appearance –as thoroughly and painfully as he knew how to do - … to be intercepted by one of the few creatures that held absolute power over him.

Granny Smith patted his neck, her eyes bright and moist but beaming pride for the pony she regarded almost as her son: “Enough, sweetie, calm down. I know you are strong, noble and good… but this tank is not kidding. Please, don’t let your emotions overwhelm you, Vanni.”

“B… but… Mama Smith… I can’t allow him to fulfill this madness!”

“Honey, let Big Mac do his part, this is his fight now; you’ll have your chance at the right moment… if we come to that. Trust in your friend, don’t you?” Concluded the old mare that the huge paint considered almost a second mom; for her ease of mind, he just nodded.

Vanni decided to follow her tip and remained where he was, contenting himself with throwing mean looks to the armored warrior who, step by tense step, approached Big Mac till they were a couple of hoofsteps one from the other, watching him with unrestrained curiosity, as if he wanted to convince himself this was not a dream. After long and leaden seconds of silence, the maximum commander of the Dark Legion addressed the scarlet pony.

“So, you are noble Applejack’s brother, aren’t you?” Asked Grey Shadow.

“Eee-yuup!” Replied Big Mac, all seriousness.

“I can but admire your strength and determination, lad; not everybody faces my men and wins: are you really determined to face me for your sister and your family?”

“Eeee-yuuup!” Replied once again Big Mac, pride and power mingling in his voice.

“I like your attitude, lad: let me do you a proposal… what if you take the place of your sister? You would be a stupendous legionary and I’d be happy to consider you as a permanent member of the Dark Legion.”

“Eeee-nope!” replied dryly Big Mac. 

“I see you quite confident, my friend; do you deem yourself able to defeat me in a duel?” Grey Shadow smiled, despite himself: each moment the parentage between Apple Slice and Big Macintosh was more evident.

“Eeee-yup!” nodded Big Mac, with unshakable firmness… and under the perplexed gaze of his friend: “Is he nuts!?” thought the Gypsy Vanner “This guy has muscles he hasn’t begun to use yet and Macki must be tired after toiling all day! 

“You are as cold-minded and determined as your ancestor.” Grey Shadow smiled for himself, enjoying the wrinkled muzzle and frowning scold the paint called Vanni was sporting; obviously, he wasn`t accustomed to be treated in a so discourteous manner. “Let’s do this: Would you accept a little contest to solve this once and for all? A hoof duel, as in old times. If I lose, I forget everything about the “Actio Legis Restituto” and the offense your ancestor did, your family is left alone and bygones be bygones; but……..if I win, you and your family, even that painted friend of yours will serve me…….. for life…. Do you accept?”

Big Mac considered the general’s proposal. He knew he could not place his family in risk but also he couldn’t allow his sister to sacrifice for all of them or tolerate his best friend could finish as Grey Shadow’s slave. He turned to see his sister, his friend and family, closed his eyes briefly and fixed his gaze upon the imposing grey unicorn.

“I accept!!” his booming voice overflowed with resolution

Grey Shadow smiled with satisfaction.

“Very well, let’s proceed, then” nodded the unicorn… feeling the gaze of the big paint skewering him through and through “And you can be calm… Vanni. My legionaries will not do anything…if you promise to remain in your place.

“Absolutly…….General” said the painted stallion “If you promise leave this family alone and keep your word of honor.This family practically raised me! If you have half the honor you seem to have, you’ll agree and will leave Macki, Jackie and Mama Smith alone.

“Oh right, it´s a deal. Soldiers!! it’s an order, all of you! Don’t mess with this courageous fighter, until we solve this!” said the grey unicorn.

Part Four

A few minutes later, every pony was surrounding the dry, hard and flat tree trunk where the Apples cut the firewood. Grey Shadow and Big Mac sat facing each other, readying themselves for their – to say the least – unusual method of resolving a millennium-old dispute: the hoof-duel; Vanni scratched his head, unable to apprehend all the implications of such apparently puerile, even childish competition. “And I thought that pink hurricane I met at the station was nuts!” sighed the paint “But nuts or not, childish or not, Macki is my friend and I stay beside my friends to the end… except if I have to use the bathroom, heehee!” laughed silently.

Every member of the Apple family surrounded his silent but strong member: Applejack, Granny Smith and Applebloom all kissed Mac’s cheek, as he hugged each one in turn; he and Vanni made a brohoof.

“Way to go, Macki!” whispered Vanni “Show him these apples are Iron Apples!” 

The Legionaries surrounded their general… and tended their hurt companions. Luna would be between the “warring factions” to decree the winner. From time to time, though, her gaze fixed over the paint stallion, trying to remember, to fix the figure within… where had she heard the name Vanni Kaled before? Hmmm… maybe in her library… she seemed to remember a couple of espionage novels… “Protocol Armaregeddon” and the sequel, “Reignarokk Rhapsody”… both in the bestsellers list of the New Yoke Times, could be the same writer?”

“Positions, gentlemen, NOW!” ordered the Princess of the Night.

Big Mac sat at the left side, as the general did the same on the opposite side; both gazed intently each other, as if studying their respective opponent.

“Please, my lad, don’t think I want to have advantage over you; allow me a moment to be more comfortable” nodded Grey Shadow.

““Eeee-yup!”” replied Big Mac, “I’d like to divest of my collar, if you allow me too.”

Grey Shadow used his magic to remove his helmet, body armor and leg protection, leaving them aside. The metallic pieces fell heavily over the grass, making Vanni and Mac lift their eyebrows: this guy was every inch the fighter and a personal clash would be, as a minimum, interesting, though each one hoped such encounter would be sport-like and in less tense environments as these. 

Both the Apples and Dark Legionaries could appreciate the splendid physique of the gray unicorn, few times seen armor-less in the past: he was svelte, but every muscle seemed to roll and boil under his dark skin. A formidable, elegant body forged in countless battles in ancient times, where a combat wouldn’t be stopped by a time limit or a point marked, where to yield was to die. Here and there, his glossy skin had blemishes, scars, abrasions and cuts, a graphic archive of the fierce combats he had fought in the past… even his horn had chips and indents here and there, same where the nullifier ring stucked so many times, as one of his men fixed the magic-neutralizing device on it.

“I am ready, my lad” Smiled the gray unicorn.

Big Mac, nodded, removing his collar and passing it to Vanni, who stumbled, almost falling backwards, among the ill-dissimulated smirks and chuckles of the legionaries; it was evident the “trademark” of the sweet and noble scarlet pony weighed too much for almost any other equine, even one as strong as the Gypsy Vanner, finishing just with a neckerchief around his thick neck; his own body glowed and glistened, thickly-muscled by the years of daily work at his family’s farm.

“OOOF! How can you carry this thing all day?” Joked Vanni, stumbling under the weight of that (to his eyes, at least) monstrosity.

“Both of you know the rules, whoever bends first his opponent’s leg will win; are you ready?” Luna gazed them both.

Grey Shadow rested his foreleg over the trunk; Big Mac did samewise and they crossed their hooves, their gaze fixed over their opponent.

“I want a fair fight…..… ready… ………set……GOOO!”

Both stallions began their struggle, always gazing each other. The strength, nay, the power that boiled and churned inside each sweaty body was almost visible; Legionaries were amazed seeing the might Big Mac irradiated, and the Apples couldn’t believe somebody as light as Grey Shadow (in Granny Smith’s mind that meant “skinny to the bones”) could face their strong relative in almost absolute parity of terms. Vanni, meanwhile, just watched and observed; he had faced guys with such physique in the past… always a box of surprises… and began to sweat cold: “Don’t lose, Macki! I’ll honor my oath but, will he honor his?”

The longest five minutes of their lives passed with nerve-withering speed while both stallions grunted, sweated and struggled, without anypony gaining the upper hoof. Their forelegs seemed filled with savage rivers out of control, their muscles bulging, rolling and straining; both well knew what was at stake and none could afford the luxury of losing this peculiar match. 

“Come on, you can do it, my beloved brother!” Yelled Applejack, full of pride and smiling as the sun, despite her tear-streaked face.

“Macki… you can’t lose… the twenty coins you loaned me will remain with meee…” Joked Vanni.

“Harder Big Mac, harder!!! Show this lead soldier that we Apples are so strong as the trees we tend!” screamed Granny Smith, with a volume unthinkable in somebody her age… and almost blowing her dental prostheses to the other side of the farm in the process. 

The legionaries just limited to watch, silent and gloomy, their commanding officer sweating as few times before… and crossing bets inwardly: “10 coins to the general!” said one; “20 to the scarlet stallion” said another; “30 to a scoreless draw”, said one more.

Ten minutes rolled by, with nerve-grating slowness: both ponies continued the struggle, not giving or accepting advantage. Big Mac couldn’t believe this unknown unicorn still resisted; Grey Shadow was amazed by the strength and stamina of this descendant of his old comrade-in-arms. He could feel, almost see, the same energy Apple Slice exuded when he was in battle, grabbing a double-edged battleaxe with his teeth, his sword dangling from his waist, ready to be hooked to a special hoofguard of his invention, so he could use the blade as a Procyonian… a noble pony, a good pony, ready to fight for his beliefs… seeing the support of his family, the unicorn tried a new tactic, a one maliciously tactic, trying to prove something…

“Come on, lad, is that all you have got?” Chuckled Grey Shadow, applying some of his reserve strength, leaning the leg of the robust peasant pony against the trunk… for his exasperation not more than three or four inches. 

Big Mac began to desperate, noticing his adversary could well win the contest; nobody had done that before… it would be the first time and that… that would mean doom for all them; either his family or his best friend would be slaves of the Dark Legion! The stakes here were high as Canterlot’s towers; he recovered his briefly lost serenity and began a new to strive for victory.

Grey Shadow saw his tactic biting the dust and decided to explore a new angle, as his scarlet adversary wasn’t budging a single millimeter.

“Aw, come on, my lad… why not stop all this… quit… the legion is a good employment alternative… you’ll like it… I’d consider your promotion from a simple private to a full-fledged Smasher” Joked he, hiding the fact he was at the edge of his forces and trying again to distract his rival. 

“Eee-nope… never…” grunted Big Mac.

“Do you have dental insurance?” It seemed Vanni didn’t take things seriously… the few that noticed the momentary steel-like gleam on his eyes, the subtle change of posture of his eyebrows didn’t gave that sight more than a half-second of their attention. Little they know that, with this newcomer, such lightness of judgment could be a fatal mistake. “Two can play that trick, my dear General!” thought he.

Big Mac began to increase the pressure and his foreleg was beginning to bend Grey Shadow`s own. It seemed the red pony wasn’t as dumb as he appeared at first sight; the gray unicorn began to realize Big Mac had been merely playing with him, pulsing, measuring, calculating… and now was going to smash his opponent`s raw strength with contemptuous ease. He recalled the times when he and Apple Slice played the same game… they both had the same courage and strength; he began to exert more pressure and decided to play his trump card. 

“Let’s do… this!” Whizzed Grey Shadow, struggling to increase his leverage in vain, it seemed the foreleg of the scarlet peasant was made of iron! “Surrender and I leave your family go, even that pretty sister of yours, though I admit she would be a spectacular maiden for our rebuilt castle!”

Just the wrong words in the wrong moment! From its peaceful but determined expression, Big Mac’s face grew to a mask of unadultered fury at light-like speed. 

Grey Shadow had just the time to bit his lip and utter a nervous “uh-oh!”

Puffing a couple of times like a steamroller, Big Mac increased exponentially his strength upon his foreleg and with a titanic movement he slammed the general’s leg over the trunk, sending him to the ground like a paper doll, amidst the gasp of the troops, the neigh of happiness of Vanni and the howl of pain from Grey Shadow himself.

“Way to go, Macki!” roared Vanni, turning to the astonished Demolishers “And you guys, don’t even think in moving… stay where you are, nice and easy…”

“And the winner is…Big Mac!! Such is my decree!” Sentenced Luna, after a dramatic silence, still amazed by the defeat of her champion… and praying silently to every god and/or goddess past, present and future for this outcoming, whose alternatives didn’t appeal her a bit.

“Bye to my beloved twenty!” Chuckled the paint pony.

The Apples ran to hug Big Mac, beaming happiness and joy, celebrating his triumph; Mac grabbed Vanni by the waist and raised him without effort, twirling and laughing. The celebration, though, was cut in short when they noticed Grey Shadow approaching them, flanked by his troops. Thinking they wanted to exert their revenge against his family, Mac confronted them… for heir uneasiness, with the tricolor juggernaut beside him.

“I won the fight, fair and square, leave my family alone… forever!” Snorted Big Mac with all his forces.

But when he turned to face Grey Shadow, he found a smiling and relaxed gray unicorn, something that left everypony, from his men to the Apples wondering what had happened.

“I am word-fulfilling pony, lads” smiled Grey Shadow, removing the nullifier ring and donning magically his armor once again “And I can see, Big Mac, you are identical to your ancestor: strong, wise and with a heart of gold: It has earned you the love of your family and the loyalty of a formidable warrior; I’ll be loyal to, and will honor as well, the agreement we did, and leave the “Actio Legis Restitutio” without effect; no actions would ever be taken against you and your family, just promise me you will care for them as fiercely as today.” 

“Eee-yuup!” Laughed Big Mac, watching with curiosity that living legend so curious, so… so different…

Both equines crossed their forehooves as a sign of their newborn friendship, for the amazement of the Apples, the Legionaries, Princess Luna… and an openmouthed Vanni that constantly shook his head as he blinked like a semaphore, trying to remove all this madness from his brain and insert some common sense instead.

“Macki” whispered Vanni “It’s me or you just “buried the hatchet” with this guy?”

“Eeee-yup!” Laughed Big Mac, already enjoying the expression Vanni was going to use: beside his, Rarity’s dramas were almost laughable!

“It is better we leave you alone, folks, while we return to our patrol routine.” Nodded soberly the general “Troops, return to our base… MAAAARRRRCHHH!”

The legionaries obeyed their commander’s orders and marched out of Sweet Apple Acres without a spoken word, leaving the Apple family celebrating their victory, hailing Big Mac among hugs and laughter and neighs.

While they marched home, Luna paired with Grey Shadow and coughed slightly, indicating her wish to chat with him, more than officer, like a friend.

“General, just curious: why did you challenge Big Mac to a duel instead of enforcing the “Actio Legis Restitutio?”

“Simple indeed, my Princess: I remembered Apple Slice when I saw Big Mac, I really remembered him… not the warrior, not the legionary, but the pony… only then my thick skull acknowledged he did what he did by conviction, not by cowardice… I wanted to see if this Apple was as honorable. In the old times, when traitors were punished, I was able to feel the egoism and cowardy permeated them, how they prefer sacrifice their own families or relatives to save theirselfs, before face their punishments; but now… I only felt an immense love for his family, his grandmare, his sisters, even that fruitcake of his friend: only then I understood he was honorable indeed and that it would be worthy testing him to put my theory to the acid test.

“Curious way of testing your theories, General, even if I know you never commit a mistake of that caliber. But I am sure you remembered Apple Slice was invincible in this game, am I correct?” she said with some irony.

Grey Shadow blushed, remembering he NEVER was able to win against his comrade and underofficer, try as he might.

“True, Your Highness.” Acknowledged the unicorn “Nevertheless, that wasn’t obstacle to have fun by the ton each time we contested.”

“Well, I trust you’ll fulfill your promise of leaving the Apples alone; I’d not be happy to know you did otherwise.” Said Luna gravely, once more the regal figure.

“I’ll do so, my Princess.” Replied Grey Shadow with no small envy for the laughter and love he felt blooming at the Apple’s abode “My word is my bond and I’ll act accordingly.”

“I just remind you that Princess Twilight Sparkle will eventually hear about this, right?”

Grey Shadow hadn’t contemplated THAT angle and began to sweat ice, imagining already what kind of scolding the new but hyperactive princess will givel him as soon as she hear what had happened with Applejack

“As the challenges I faced in the past, this will be dealt upon at the proper time; worst situations we faced in the old days… but I must acknowledge her temper is as fierce as that of the worst enemies I ever faced…

Luna laughed deliciously by the comment as them and their troops returned home, ready for a new nocturnal journey and aching to write a new anecdote to treasure … leaving behind a family that bid a lovingly welcome to their honorary member, fusing in a hug, amidst laughter and tears… tears of happiness…

The End