Big McIntosh faces the Earth Pony trials to harness his newfound powers.
Applejack has returned to Sweet Apple Acres after an unknown quest with her five friends, embracing her family. One pony is missing from the farm. Big McIntosh is nowhere to be seen. Little known to her, but well known to Applebloom, the patriarch of the farm now resides deep within the Everfree forest; honing a power granted by the Elemental Ponies.
"Welcome to the training hall, Earth Kin." Terrac led Big Mac into a large open arena, deep within the compound. It comprised of solid marble floors, and intricate carvings displayed several stories upon the granite walls. "These carvings tell the tale of the forging of the world. We put them here to keep us focused upon our true goal. We are here to keep the world in order." He led his pupil inward, showing more carvings. "This tells of the Water Ponies as they filled the seas." He pointed to another one, "This tells of the creation of Alicorns. We shall show you how to interpret this one when the time comes."
"The trials?" Big Mac asked, craning his neck towards the carvings.
"After you finish them, yes. Then you will understand the tale." They stopped within the center. "Now, Earth Kin, your next trial. We shall see how you can use your gifts under stress."
"What do you-" He was interrupted. Terrac assumed a fluid form, melting into the floor.
"I will erupt to strike you, Earth Kin. Prepare yourself." Terrac echoed within the arena, sounding as if he spoke everywhere at once. Big Mac sharpened his senses, and tapped his hoof onto the marble. A craggy barrier arose from the marble, following his front as he looked around.
Let's hope he attacks where I can see him. He thought, quickly checking any blind spots.
"You are open to attack, Earth Kin." Terrac manifested behind him, bucking his flank. He turned to counter, striking open air as Terrac melted into the marble once more. In frustration, he stomped his hoof. More barriers rose around Big Mac, surrounding himself.
If'n I'm not mistaken, he just literally kicked my ass. Let's see him hit me when there's no open spots. He thought, sporting a small smirk.
"Now you are trapped, open more than you might ever imagine." Terrac fell from the ceiling, falling onto Big Mac. His fortitude meant nothing, Terrac crushed all defenses easily; feeling dense as the earth's core. Before he could get up, his master melted around him and back into the marble.
"Hold still!" Big Mac yelled, and mightily stomped both fore-hooves. A giant stone-wave blasted across the arena. Terrac reformed at the end of this wave, and reared. Using his two front legs, he held wedged himself between the wave and the floor. His body glowed red-hot as the rock-wave slowed and finally halted, locking Terrac within a corner. A battle cry erupted from Big Mac as he charged straight for his teacher. He quickly grew worried as Terrac remained motionless. The rocks retracted, and the two clashed. Instantly Terrac spread his forelegs outward, the bright core within him shot out. A searing light blinded Big Mac, he blindly flailed in the direction he last saw his foe. Just as his vision returned, a sharp pain shot through his neck. The world faded to black as he fell limp upon the marble floor.
"I think talking's for the birds right now, Applejack." Granny said as she regained her footing. "We got a farm to fix." She strolled away towards the scorched barn.
"Granny's right Applejack, we should start to fix up the farm. We can talk about things later." Applebloom scuttled away.
"They're hidin' something. I'm gonna find out what. Maybe Big Mac knows." Applejack muttered, and entered the house. Searching proved a vain effort to find her brother, the large workhorse was nowhere to be found within its walls. Closer inspection of his room highlighted nothing, just his usual neat bed and cluttered closet. She never asked him what he hid in that mess, probably didn't want to know either. She thought of looking through it. Rifling through it wouldn't amount to much good, only a possibly angry and embarrassed Big Mac. "Considerin' that stallion's strength, no one wants him worked up. Specially not those livin' with him." Leaving his room and the house behind her, Applejack looked to the orchard. Despite the great span of the freshly invigorated apple trees, they showed no sign of a caretaker. The fields revealed nothing more than the vibrant vegetables that grew there. Frustrated, she turned towards the final location, the barn. Approaching it, a faint odor of charcoal emanated from the wood.
Granny approached her, "The way I see it, everything'll need a new coat of paint. S'bout it." She tossed a chisel at Applejack who swiftly caught it.
"Wha-abou' Big-"
"Now get scrapin'! Can't paint that scorched mess." Granny disappeared back into the barn. Applejack groaned, but shaved off some char from the barn. She wouldn't be let off till it was finished, and nopony dared to argue with Granny. That's a battle Celestia herself may not win. After a few minutes of work, the revealed wood glowed with strangely renewed vigor. Applejack's work met a few obstacles, mostly consisting of three little fillies. They ran about the barn, often with tools in their mouths, and they always made sure to say something to her. She noticed that one of them only said hello once, Applebloom. Her little sister remained silent after her first trip, often avoiding eye contact.
That filly's got a secret. Though if I step away from this barn, Granny'll have my tail. Hours of monotonous work passed, and she stepped back to admire the clean-shaven building. The barn sat among a ring of scraped ash, but the exterior itself absorbed the evening sun, reflecting off a rich orange hue. Applejack peeked inside the barn, looking for her fellow Apples. Granny ain't in there, and Celestia knows where the Crusaders ran off to.
The arena returned to his vision, Big Mac regained his footing. Terrac sat upon a broken pillar, observing the murals. He watched his pupil move about the space, accounting the damage caused during 'training'. A fine powder dusted the area, a consequence of combating earth against earth. "You performed well enough," The Earth Pony uttered from his perch, "better than most who acquire such abilities." He leapt down to the now-dusty marble floor. "Though you may want to aim next time. As you fell unconscious, you launched several boulders from your position. It may be some last-ditch method of self-defense. I find it a poor display, something that should be honed."
"How can I fix something I can't control?" Big Mac prodded, an annoyed eyebrow raised to his master.
"Let's hope you don't keep that mentality. You have much to learn, Earth Kin," Terrac trotted to the stairs, "Come, the first lesson may now be taught."
Smooth slate coated the walls of Terrac's classroom, cold yet inviting. Large tomes lay strewn in piles upon the floor and stacked on tables, a gold mine of history and knowledge in each. Big Mac examined one with a faded red cover beneath a blanket of thick dust. He opened the dusty book, and read a few lines within,
Oceanus commands the waters, and his creation are the Water Ponies. They serve as his hand in this world, controlling the tides and providing water for rain. A council of water ponies were formed to communicate with Oceanus, they were chosen for their great feats in times of crisis.
"Earthkin." Terrac tapped the side of Big Mac's head. "Perhaps you may read more after our lesson, hmm?" Rolling his eyes at his mentor, Big Mac took a seat on a nearby cushion. He watched Terrac gather study materials. A wave of dust flooded the room with each tome moved. "I don't usually teach anymore, thus all this disrepair. But you are the Sentinel of the Earth Ponies, so I felt you needed my tutelage-" A small clay mare interrupted, calling for Terrac's aid. "I'm busy," He replied coldly, glaring at her.
"But it's important," She pleaded, desperation in her eyes.
"Can't even get my old-" Muttering under his breath, he begrudgingly followed her out of the room.
Big Mac sat in silence only for a few moments. He quickly peered out into the halls, flicking his head to see in all directions. Each hallway met him with only stone. Reopening the red tome, he resumed his study of the Water Ponies,
Admiral Sea Breeze led a water brigade to keep the mortal ponies alive, as she cared deeply for them. She shared not the antagonism that most held for the mortals. For this, Oceanus favored her greatly, especially when crisis struck The Crystal City. A drought in the normally lush land caused many to parish, threatening to destroy the settlement entirely. Sea Breeze pleaded with the Air Ponies to bring rain to their land. They refused, claiming other lands required it more than the small northern settlement. In desperation, she asked Oceanus to provide her with the power of air to help the city. He gifted her such power, and she commanded part of the sea to be light as a breeze. Floating it over to The Crystal City, she saved the settlement by ending the drought. The Air Ponies saw her act and brought vengeance upon the city. They resumed the weather, but instead of rain; snow fell onto the villagers. They blew a great cold wind, freezing their water. Sea Breeze felt obligated to aid The Crystal City once more, so she pleaded with The Magic Ponies. They helped her by providing a magic crystal that would allow the mortals to live within a barrier hidden away in the blizzard. Oceanus was pleased by her loyalty and resourcefulness, and told his prized subject to create a powerful council of water ponies. This council carried the task of informing Oceanus of the world's events outside his domain, and to harness the mortal incarnation of his might to maintain balance.
"Still reading that book, I see." Terrac chuckled as he reentered the classroom. "My apologies about the interruption. Seems we've received an anonymous threat."
"They have any demands?" Asked Big Mac, concern echoed in his voice.
"Not anything we could provide. Besides, no one would dare attack the Temple, the ground below would betray their sure footing." The Earth Pony drew closer to his student, "Now, shall we begin?" The student sat before his mentor, listening intently.
Applejack paced in the barn, kicking aside some hay that lay upon the floor. Her search for Big Mac yielded no results, only forming suspicion for those on the farm. "Granny keeps blowin' me off, and the Crusaders ain't talkin'." She silenced her frustrated rambling when a familiar voice peeped from outside. Hiding in a bale of hay, Applejack silently stared at the barn door. After some time, her patience was rewarded with Granny Smith. The old mare's turtle-esqe gait forced Applejack to time her moment to strike.
Granny approached a workbench and opened a shelf. Rummaging through the sty of tools, she mumbled to herself. SLAM The barn door shut, shrouding the inside in darkness. Only a few cracks in the windows allowed fleeting slivers of evening to shine through. "Who the hay is there?" Granny yelled, panic rocking her core. "I warn ya, I may be old, but I'll still whoop yer tail!"
A sliver caught but a glimpse of a golden figure as it flew across the barn. Granny, caught off guard in the darkness, was shoved to the ground. Snuffed curiosity shifted to anger, and Applejack quickly pinned her matriarch to the hay. "Where's Big McIntosh?" She glared downward, nostrils flared.
"What the hay are you talkin-"
Stiffening her grip, Applejack commenced interrogation, "Where is Big Mac? He promised to watch over Applebloom and the farm while I was away. Now, he's gone and y'all are avoiding me like he's gone and died or something!" Panic shot through her at the thought, "He's alive, right? Right?!"
"Yea, AJ. Big Mac is alive. Now if'n you'll kindly get off me-"
"No! Tell me where he is first."
Applejack collided with the load-bearing beam of the barn, and Granny righted herself. "Told ya I'd whoop ya. Now if you don't mind, I've some errands to run," Her granddaughter flopped into a pile of hay, "And don't be sleepin' on the job!" Smug chuckling insulted Applejack as Granny exited.
Terrac cleared his throat, mossy beard rumbling. "The duty of the Sentinel, earthkin, is to maintain balance. Each element keeps an elite member to keep peace. The water ponies have The Admiral, as you no doubt read about. The air ponies call theirs The Colonel. And the magic ponies, theirs is The Bearded."
"Why 'The Bearded'? That's a strange name for a protector."
"Because there's only been one. He's a mortal, as well. You see, even the elemental ponies eventually die, though our lifespan is ages longer than yours. Somehow he found a method of prolonging himself, laughing in the face of death itself. This is merely one reason of many he heads Olympus." Terrac watched his student's gaze, still fixed to him and his knowledge, "Olympus is the team of our great protectors, called in times of crisis to defend regardless of borders and prejudices. Your duty as The Sentinel will not be just to us, but to-"
Clacking of hooves caught Terrac's attention, and he faced the door frame. An exhausted mossy stallion whispered to him, the message furrowed Terrac's brow. He peered back at Big Mac who grinned and nodded, understanding his mentor's duties. The two hastily left Big Mac alone in the classroom. The water pony book beckoned to him, a call easily answered.
The Water Ponies lacked a voice in the elemental society, not known for communicating with the other elemental tribes. Most of them favored communication with each other or Oceanus. Captain Babbling Brook deviated from the shyness of his brethren, and claimed the self-appointed title of ambassador for the Water Ponies. he spread peace and soothed tensions that would otherwise go unchecked. A major incident happened in the mortal city of Canterlot, Earth Ponies resented the city in the mountain, claiming it an offense against their beautiful creation. The locked away the spring within to force Canterlot to move. Babbling Brook was sent to figure out a compromise, as any other would've cause a war. Though he held wide renown for his charisma, his words could convince the stubborn Earth Ponies. The Captain discovered the power of the Earth Ponies through means still unknown, and harnessed it for himself. He ripped holes in the mountain, releasing the waters within. He forced the Earth Ponies to never 'fix' his work. Babbling Brook created the waterfalls that now adorn the royal city to this day. Oceanus saw his bravado and elegance in saving Canterlot, and called upon him to join The Admiral in The Council.
Dust flew in Big Mac's face as the book slammed shut. "Your first trial dawns. I shall explain on the way." Student followed mentor through the hallowed halls. "The Earth itself does not die, but it goes in cycles of decay and regrowth according to the circumstances. You must implement these in combat, adapt to what your enemy throws at you." A nod of Terrac's head brought down a stone barrier to the outside, the setting sun blinded them.
Their eyes adjusted, before them floated a pony-shaped cloud. It maintained most all the features of any other pony, save for the glow of the sun shone through its translucent body. Gray clouds formed its long mane, the crest of it shoved forward, flopping over its face. Both eyes matched and amplified the setting sun's fiery orange hue, translucent hair doing little to dim the covered eye. Its eyes wandered around closely watching each surrounding pony. Focusing on Big Mac, it smiled, "So, you must be this 'Sentinel' I've been hearin' so much about. Nice to meet ya, good to see they finally got a new one after the old...nevermind. The name's Stratos, I'm from the air ponies." Stratos carried a slight lilt to his speech.
"We know you're an air pony, why have you invaded our territory?" Terrac asked harshly, hostility burned in his eyes.
"Invaded? You must be weathering, Terrac. Not much a force of one could do to invade."
"Earthkin, defeat this invader!"
Big Mac furrowed his brow, "Why?"
"This is part of your trials to become The Sentinel," Terrac and the other Earth Ponies formed a circle around Big Mac and Stratos, "Now fight him!"
Big Mac looked to Stratos for diplomacy, but the Air Pony shrugged, "I suppose a little sparrin' couldn't hurt." Stratos shot under Big Mac in an instant, tripping him. He flew into the air, circling as a vulture circles carrion. Closely watching the speedy cloud pony, Big Mac swiftly righted himself and pulled a large boulder from the earth. He smashed the rock, sending speeding stalagmites towards Stratos. A few chips hit him as he bolted down, landing a haymaker across Mac's face. To absorb the full force, Big Mac sunk leg-deep into the ground. Pulling himself out, he summoned the earth to harden around him. Stratos flew in for another strike, surprised at the armor that coated his opponent. He rolled out of the way, but Big Mac dove towards him. The collision blew Stratos' flight path awry, plunging him to the ground. Momentum dragged his cloudy chin across the ground, a nearby tree halting his flight. Rocks rose around the tree, surrounding him. Stratos took to the air once more, circling overhead. He sucked in all the breath his lungs allowed for, and swooped downward. A rouge wind surged him forth and he unleashed his stored wind. The wind shot through Big Mac, throwing his armor aside. Stratos grappled his foe and lifted him skybound, he struggled against Big Mac's weight as they rose. Big Mac flailed and struck at his foe, managing to free himself. He fell to the earth, the ground opened up and swallowed him. Stratos looked around for his sparring partner. The ground birthed a gigantic column, smashing itself into the flying Air Pony. He crashed to the ground, dazed. Big Mac resurfaced, brushing off some dust from his mane.
"Now, finish him!" Terrac shouted with bloodlust curdling in his throat.
Big Mac turned to face his mentor, "What's your problem? He's done nothing to threaten us!"
A smile crawled across Terrac's mossy face, "Good. You have passed the first trial with flying colors. You wield your gift more proficiently than most," He sauntered to the temple entrance, "I'll be waiting in the classroom for our next lesson."
Stratos regained his faculties, "Ya didn't have to hit so hard, we were just sparrin', right?"
"You blew off my armor, what else could I do?" Big Mac grinned, offering his hoof in aid.
"I came here for a purpose, and getting pulverized wasn't one of them," Stratos gave him a sharp look, "But I need to go rest up. I'll be back at nightfall. You should go check up with your nut of a teacher." He hovered away, weaving through the trees beyond sight.
Why did Terrac order me to fight that pony? Even worse, why did I? Big Mac contemplated stoically in harrowing silence.
Stratos flew over the dark forest, searching for a spot to lick his wounds. He saw a clearing in the distance, a farm carved a chunk out of the forest edge. The wind guided him in the barn, and he fell to the floor. Wiping hay off himself, he noticed a wing crooked awkwardly outward. "Great. Just great. I'm a freakin' air pony, made of clouds! Why do I have to rely on wings to fly? Good thing it's an easy fix."
"Who're you talking to?" A curious voice called from outside. The barn door opened to reveal a short-maned filly. Her eyes grew wide upon seeing the Air Pony. "A-are you a-"
"It just looks like I'm made of clouds kid, don't worry," He stood and approached her, wing flopping beside, "The name's Stratos. This ain't your barn by chance, is it?"
"I think I've seen enough for today."
"Wait, do you know the big red one over at the earth temple?"
"You know Big Mac?"
"I'm going to talk some sense into him tonight. Why don't you come along?" Stratos glanced at his limp wing, "But I might wanna fix this first." Flapping his good wing, a swirling wind flew inside the barn. The wind gained strength, Stratos' eyes glowed and he levitated. His wings merged, morphing and spreading. They split, both emerging fully repaired.
The winds died down, Scootaloo sat mouth agape, "How did you do that...?"
"Ancient Chinese secret." Stratos grinned, flapping his wings, "Now, shall we?"
Scoot frowned, prodding the ground, "I can't fly..."
"We'll have to change that, won't we? After all, you are made after our image."
"Wait what?"
"The Air Ponies, you pegasi are made after us. I'll explain more on the way, let's go," Stratos eyed Scootaloo's wings, "We'll walk and talk."
The two walked out of the barn, heading towards the forest. Distracted by their conversation, they failed to notice a figure stalking them in the shadows. Stratos laughed as they disappeared in the trees. The shadow dawned her hat, "Time for the truth." Applejack dashed into the forest.