//------------------------------//
// 2: The Nightmare Reigns... 
// Story: An Equestrian Witcher 
// by OblivionShadow 
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Oblivion's eyes snapped open and his head lifted to its full height. His ears flicked in all directions listening for what had awoken him. He soon figured out that it was Apple Bloom waking up to Applejack hitting something. Sounded like a pot or something. His wings were covered and he put his hoof around his blades and pulled them under the blanket before he opened the door a crack so as to dissuade Applejack from hitting a pot in the room. She opened the door and found him looking at her from his place on the floor. She stared at him before she said anything.

“What in tarnation are ya doing on the floor?” She yelped as she walked into the room and closed the door.

“The bed is too short. I have slept on beds like that before and I ended up sore for my trouble. Sleeping on the rug made more sense. Kindly make sure a certain small pony does not come in the door while I get up.” Applejack moved to stand in front of the door and held it in place. “Thank you.” 

Oblivion’s magic held the blankets and folded them onto the bed along while laying the pillow back in place. He pitched to his hooves and shook himself free of any stiffness, which he was pleased to discover was minimal at best. He pulled his baldric back on and waited as his swords settled into their place on his back. His wings were tight at his sides and his magic pulled his cloak over his head and settled onto his back. Effectively hiding his wings and the swords on his back. He pulled one side of the cloak up to ensure that the enchant on it was still there and was pleased to find that it was still working. He turned to Applejack and she opened the door, motioning for him to go in front of her. He obliged and walked out toward the stairs. He stopped and stepped to the left as Apple Bloom came running around the corner. She screeched to a halt when she saw them and trotted down the stairs. She looked back and smiled at Oblivion and her big sister. “Least she learned her lesson. For the most part.”

Applejack laughed and nodded as she looked at him. “Well, least she learned sumthin’. Ah’ll have breakfast ready in two shakes, so let's get down there and ah’ll get to makin’ pancakes.” She urged him down the stairs ahead of her. He stopped after a couple of steps and looked back at her.

“Pancakes? Are those similar to a flapjack?” He looked at her with a serious expression. Applejack blinked and after a few beats, she nodded. “I see. And while I'm asking, what in the name of all that is unholy were those little balls that we had last night?”

Applejack smiled and had to bite back a bout of laughter. “That was spaghetti and wheat balls.”

Oblivion looked thoughtful for a second before he responded. “Alright I don’t mean this to be critical and I am certainly appreciative of the meal but if I am here for that meal again please do not put them on my plate.”

Applejack looked at him with barely hidden curiosity. “Why?”

Oblivion looked at her in response. “No offense intended, but they were awful.” He blanched at the memory and went down the rest of the stairs. He expected Applejack to say more but was surprised by her sudden laughter.

“Is that why ya gave them all to Apple Bloom?” She asked and waited as he nodded. She laughed as she came down the rest of the stairs and stopped next to him. “All righ’. I’ll remember that ya don’t care for them next time.” She chuckled as she went to start cooking.

Oblivion was glad she had taken his critique so well and went toward the table. He would have offered to help but he knew nothing about the kitchen items that she was using. He could smell that she was using a wood fire to cook but he wasn’t sure how so he left her to it. He would help with the clean up as he had done last night. He looked at Apple Bloom who was staring at a piece of paper with a pencil held in her mouth. She appeared to be concentrating. He looked over to see what she was looking at and was put off to see that he could not read what was on the paper. All he could see was strange symbols scrawled across the page. Apple Bloom looked at him and found he had a curious look on his face. She looked away and he saw a mischievous look cross her face. He had seen that look before on young Witcher's. The filly looked back to him slyly.

“Ya seem interested in what I’m doing, would ya like ta try it?” She asked and pushed it toward him.

Oblivion looked at the paper, put his hoof on it, and pushed it back till it was under her muzzle. “Nice try little one. I am immune to those big puppy eyes of yours. I have no interest in doing your work for you. You will get nowhere if you expect your work to be done by others. Others will push you away if you try to use them to your own ends.” Oblivion looked away as he finished speaking.

Apple Bloom blinked at him and looked back down to her work. What he had said was true and she suddenly felt bad for what she had tried to do. He stood up and walked away to look outside since the upper part of the door was open to see outside. Apple Bloom jumped down from her chair and walked slowly to him. She tapped the tall stallions' lower leg and waited for him to focus on her. He looked down and she looked up at him. There were small tears in her eyes as she lunged forward and hugged his leg. “Ah’m sorry. Ah didn’t think about how ya would feel. Ah, I'm so very sorry Oblivion.” The filly cried into his leg.

Oblivion’s eyes widened and he looked at the filly in shock. He hadn’t meant to make the foal cry. He simply pointed out a mistake. He looked up to the others and found them all giving him varying smiles. Applejack nodded to him that he should comfort the upset filly. ‘How in the Hells do I handle a crying foal?’ He sat down and patted her back. That was the only thing he could think of to do. Open affection or tears unnerved him and he was unsure of how to act. He tried to think of what to say as Apple Blooms crying turned into soft whimpers and her hold on his leg loosened. She looked up at him and he tried to look softly at her and not upset her further. “As I said yesterday to try to learn from your mistakes and you will be a better pony for them when you grow up. Try to remember how others might feel when you act and by doing that you will make your family quite proud of you in the process.”

Apple Bloom looked at him and nodded her understanding. She released his leg and sat down on the floor. Oblivion watched her and tried to think of a way to ease her sniffling and comfort her, despite not truly knowing how to do that. He thought back to how he had seen his mare, Sasa, react to an upset foal and remember that she had nuzzled the foal and licked the foals fur. Oblivion immediately threw out the second idea as it disgusted him. He leaned down and gave her a gentle, but very brief nuzzle to her mane. She perked up and looked at him as he withdrew back to his height. Applejack and Granny Smith awwed’ at the site and Oblivion looked back out the window. Big Mac nodded in approval and went back to setting the table for breakfast. Apple Bloom looked at the black Unicorn and smiled widely.

“Go finish your work little one.” Oblivion finally spoke and used his hoof to turn her around back toward the table. She trotted back to her chair and scrambled back up to the table to work on it.

“Breakfast everypony!” Applejack shouted as she set the platter of pancakes on the table. Oblivion pinned his ears at the volume, but stood up and pivoted to walk back to the table. Applejack and the rest of the family sat down, Oblivion joined them and waited till the others had taken their portion. He took two in his magic and put them on his plate. He looked up at the others to see what they were doing. Apple Bloom had drowned them in something that smelled sweet to him. Applejack and her brother put butter and the sweet-smelling liquid on their food and started to eat. Oblivion had never been a fan of sweets so he left his plain and ate them quietly. When he had finished he moved his plate to the sink and stood up to walk outside. As he walked to the door Applejack swallowed her food and looked to him.

“Did ya get enough to eat? Ya only had two.” She asked him before he reached the door. His eyes connected with hers and he nodded that he was fine. She frowned. “Ah’ll be done in a minute, wait outside the door for me?” She asked him. She somehow knew that if she tried to order him he would refuse to comply with her so she gave him a choice instead.

Oblivion nodded, walked outside and walked over to one of the apple trees to stand underneath it. He leaned up against the tree and waited for the orange mare to finish her breakfast. Around 5 minutes later Applejack walked out of the house and looked around. Oblivion whistled, Applejack spotted him and trotted over to him. She stopped in front of him and smiled.

“The way ah figure it ah should show ya around Ponyville. Ah have some shopping to do so ah can show ya around and get some work done. Give me a sec while ah get my saddlebags and I’ll walk ya into town and show ya around.” She mentioned to him and waited for his response.

“Very well. Should I get mine as well?” He asked of her. More out of courtesy due to the fact that he hadn’t even looked into his saddlebags. So he was unaware if they would even have any space to hold anything that she bought.

Applejack shook her head at him in response as she turned back to the house and trotted inside. Apple Bloom came out with her a few minutes later. Oblivion looked at her and waited for an explanation from the orange mare.

Applejack looked at him and explained. “Need to drop Apple Bloom off at school then we can go into town.”

Oblivion nodded in silence and joined them in walking forward toward the gate to the farm. He kept an easy pace with the mare as Apple Bloom led them down the dirt road. He spent the walk looking around him till they got up a small hill that had a very gentle incline that he was able to simply walk up instead of lunging. When he reached the top he saw a small building that was a gentle red and had a mix of white and had a little horseshoe on the front awning. Oblivion didn’t bother to hide his interest in the small building. His eyes traveled to the many foals running around in front and to the side of it were, what he assumed, were toys for the foals to play on. Schooling for him had been in Kaer Morhen and had been rigorous. This on the other hand...hoof looked like a pleasant place. He looked at Applejack who in turn was looking at him with a smile. He looked away and back to the schoolhouse. His head was up as he looked closely at the building. His cat eyes narrowed and his heightened vision analyzed every part that he could easily see. He stopped when Applejack did and watched as Apple Bloom joined her fellow foals.

“Ya look interested. Y'all Witchers..learned in a place like this?” She asked him as they waited for school to begin.

Oblivion barked out a laugh as he looked to the mare beside him. “Hardly. I learned in a fortress of stone and mortar. The opposite of this place. But I wouldn't have traded it for the world either. For all it’s faults it was the right place for Witchers. We gather there every winter even now. It's really the only time we see one another due to our profession. There aren’t very many of us left now though. Soon the keep will be too big for just a few of us.” He responded, his voice dropped as he thought of the few Witchers of the Wolf that remained. Applejack regarded him and then looked away.

“Ah’m sorry ah brought it up. But ah’m glad to hear you liked it.” She stopped when he laughed.

“It was a living hell. But it made us ready for the trials that came and ensured we could survive alone. But again, it was just different.” He went back to looking at the school when he became aware of many pairs of eyes staring at him. He looked in front of him and found around 8-12 foals looking up at him. He blinked at them and stepped back a step or so. Applejack giggled as they all stared. One of them, a darker pink filly stepped forward and looked up at him. He saw Apple Bloom looking at him from the front of the group as she pointed up at him with one hoof.

“This is Oblivion Shadow. He’s new ta Ponyville and he’s a super powerful Unicorn.” She said to the other foals.

“That can’t be his real name.” The darker pink one said her voice was rather snobbish and reminded Oblivion of many nobles that he had the displeasure of meeting. The mark on her flank appeared to be a thin silver crown with gems on the tips. “It makes no sense. If he’s so powerful then why is he in Ponyville and not Canterlot?” She shrilled.

Oblivion stood on the other side of the fence and regarded the little filly with ill-concealed contempt. He was not a fan of the nobility who acted all high and mighty until they needed the dirty work taken care of. Oblivion had put many a noble in their place with his usual commentary and promises of leaving them with their own problems until they caved in and gave him what he asked for. Apple Bloom deflated and seemed more upset than earlier when she had tried to use him for her own gains. Oblivion’s horn lit up and suddenly the filly that had spoken up with hovering several feet in the air. She squeaked and the azure flame turned her till she was muzzle to muzzle with Oblivion himself.

“I can promise you my name is real and I do not tolerate insults. Neither to myself or those who have been kind to me. I expect to hear an apology directed to Apple Bloom little filly or you will discover just how powerful I truly am. Now, I believe you have something to say?” His cat eyes narrowed to slits and he could see that the filly was listening. He set her down in front of Apple Bloom and when she didn’t speak up Oblivion put his head above hers and released a loud snort.

She yelped and looked up to find him staring down at her. “I’m sorry for what I said Apple Bloom.” She shrilled and Oblivion brought his head back up and looked to Apple Bloom. 

She smiled and looked up at him. His actions earned him a look from Applejack but he regretted nothing. Much to his surprise, the foals began cheering and laughing. Apple Bloom got patted on the back by many foals for how cool her families guest was. Oblivion looked at her and was about to say more when the front door of the school building opened and a dark pink mare with a pink and white mane and tail called them all inside. She waved to Applejack and blinked repeatedly at the stallion next to the orange mare, but said nothing. Many of the foals began heading to the schoolhouse and many turned and waved, calling his name. The foals all filed into the building and soon it was quiet. He shrugged and turned to Applejack.

“Ya didn’t have to scare her.” Applejack commented.

“Hmm. Maybe, but it was effective so I regret nothing.” He responded and waited for her to lead the way to town.

Applejack shook her head and sighed as she walked forward to lead him. It was early morning and the streets of the town were fairly clear. Many ponies were decorating and most were busy preparing for what looked like a celebration or festival of some kind. Oblivion looked around as he kept pace with Applejack. As she mentioned the names of several buildings and showed him the inside of a few of them. Several ponies stopped to stare at him as he passed by. At first, he reacted with a glare and a low growl. After being reprimanded by Applejack he was informed that they saw him as a stranger and because he was so tall he stood out. With that cleared up, he nodded to Applejack who continued leading him through town as she did her shopping. As she bought the few things she needed it became obvious that her saddlebags were full and could not hold anything more. She looked at her list and then to Oblivion.

“Ah’m regretting saying I didn’t need you to bring yer saddlebags. This is more than ah thought ah would need.” The orange mare commented with regret heavy in her voice.

Oblivion looked at her for a moment before he looked around and saw many ponies carrying things on their backs with no trouble. “Well, I can try to carry something on my back. Though make sure it’s not fragile… I’m an idiot.” Suddenly his horn lit up and he lifted some of the larger items from her saddlebags and they hovered around him and he looked at Applejack who began laughing.

“Well, we are both idiots. Ah forgot as well.” Applejack said through her laughter.

Oblivion shook his head and gave a small smile. He was learning that it required almost no effort for him to hold many items in his azure flame. He said nothing as he followed the orange mare as she told him more places and soon he had no doubt that he would be able to navigate the town on his own after a few tries. He had the basic outline figured out and knew the major buildings. Applejack led him toward a pink building that looked like a cake of some kind.

“I’ll treat ya to a snack as thanks fer helping with mah shopping.” She said as she held open a door that was like the one at her own house and half open.

He nodded politely to her and walked inside. The floor gave off a shine and there were glass cabinets on the walls. He stopped just inside and waited for Applejack to walk in as well. He walked slowly behind her. The floor reminded him of some noble houses that he had been in during a few contracts. It was a bit disorienting for him and he forced himself to look away and focus on following the mare. She looked back at him once as he followed, her items still floating around him. She stopped in front of the counter and waited as he joined her. A sky blue mare with a pink mane and 3 cakes on her flank greeted them at the counter.

“Howdy Mrs. Cake. Hows business doin?” Applejack greeted the other mare cheerfully.

“Oh it’s doing well there Applejack, thank you for asking. And who is this handsome stallion?”

She asked and cast a look at the black Unicorn that had tools hovering around him. Obviously, he was helping Applejack. Oblivion started as he had not been fully paying attention. Applejack flushed as she gaped at Mrs. Cake.

“Well ah..He’s…” Applejack fumbled for words.

“My name is Oblivion Shadow. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Cake. Applejack took me into her home after she found me in the forest yesterday. I am repaying her by helping her out with her shopping this morning.” Oblivion spoke up to save Applejack from embarrassing herself more. He bowed his head to the older mare who flushed as well. Oblivion's cat eyes shone and he looked at the mare with a blank expression. Showing that her words would not get to him.

She stared at him for a moment before she recovered. “Well, he certainly is a gentle colt. And it is good of you to help Applejack out. Her whole family is such good ponies.” She said before looking back to Applejack. “So what can I get you this morning dear?”

Applejack cast a side look to Oblivion before responding. “Ah’ll take an apple cupcake and what would you like Oblivion?” She waited for him to decide.

Oblivion looked at much to his dismay any labels the items had could not be read by him. he was having trouble discerning any of the smells apart from each other due to how prevalent they were. He shook his head to clear it and looked back to Applejack. “I’m not sure. I’m not a fan of sweets. So something that isn’t very sweet if possible.”

Mrs. Cake started and blinked at him as he finished speaking. There was a loud bang that sounded off from behind her. A yellow stallion came out of the room behind her and he stared at Oblivion as well. The black Unicorn looked unflinching back at them. “You do not like sweets?” She asked him and he nodded once in response.

Oblivion waited as they processed what he had said. He looked over and even Applejack was staring at him. He suddenly felt the ground shake for a moment as a bright pink mare came running into view. Her face was contorted into one of horror as smoke came from her hooves. Oblivion stared at her for a moment before he shook his head and looked back to them. The mare ran forward and pushed Applejack back so she could gape at him. Her mane was messy and puffed up in several directions. She had 3 balloons on her flank and she reached out and pulled Oblivion's mane down till she had hold of his muzzle. She held him in place as he snorted in displeasure.

“How can you not like sweets?” She shrieked at him. Oblivion pinned his ears at her and snorted. “Sweets make ponies happy and make everypony smile! Do you not like smiling?” She said and kept pulling on his head and mane.

Applejack recovered and moved to stand by the pink mare's side to try to pry her off Oblivion's head. She looked to him and saw that his eyes were beginning to glow signaling that he was growing more and more annoyed. She reached forward and tried to pry the mare off of him. “Pinkie let go of him.” She pulled on the mare and then looked at Oblivion. His eyes were starting to glow brighter and Applejack knew that he was losing his patience. She watched as Oblivion began squaring his hooves as if prepping to fight with the mare. “Pinkie let go righ’ now! He can’t answer you if your holding his muzzle closed.” She shouted as she began pulling on the mare.

Oblivion was about to throw her magically when the mare perked up and let go which sent Applejack flying behind her from the sudden release. Oblivion shook his head, lifted his head up to full height and glared down at the pink mare, who was looking at him expectantly. His eyes glowed brightly and he refused to dignify the mare with a response. She looked at Applejack who staggered back to them and patted Oblivion's shoulder.

“Please say somethin’ or she might do it again.” Applejack pleaded with the stallion and gave a forced smile.

“I am not required to explain my taste in food to her. Not after her display. I will not explain myself since there is nothing to explain. My choice of food is just that...My choice.” Oblivion stated his eyes still glowed and he refused to even look at the pink mare who was blinking rapidly at him as he spoke.

Mrs. Cake looked at them and gave a small smile. “I don’t have anything that isn’t sweet out here. But if you are okay with waiting for a couple of minutes I know just the thing for you.” Oblivion looked back to the mare as her words caught his ears. Her voice was gentle and Oblivion gave her a slight nod before pivoting on his heel and sitting down at a booth close by. Applejack picked up the cupcake that was handed to her and sat down with him, leaving Pinkie standing in place. Oblivion’s eyes faded and he sat in silence.

“Ah’m sorry about that. Ah forgot to mention that Pinkie Pie can be a little extreme sometimes.” She said to him. Oblivion’s head turned swiftly to look at her. He gave her a look that said ‘really’. “Okay, she can be a might extreme.” Oblivion snorted and Applejack looked back to Pinkie. The mare suddenly jolted and trotted over to them. As she neared Oblivion visibly bristled. “Easy pardner.” Applejack put a hoof on his shoulder, hoping to quiet him.

Pinkie stopped by the table and her ears folded back. “I’m super duper sorry. I got over excited...again. Anyway, my name is Pinkie Pie and I’m Ponyville’s resident party pony! You're new here aren’t you?”

Oblivion paused before responding. He simply looked at her and then looked away. Applejack could see that he was still angry about Pinkie’s behavior. She leaned forward. “Ah found him in the forest yesterday evenin. He is new but he doesn’t like loud noises or sweets Pinkie. So ah think ah can speak for him when I say… no party.” She told the mare. Pinkies' eyes widened and she seemed to be struggling to keep quiet. Her head actually expanded and Oblivion stared in surprise. Applejack looked at him to see a look that bordered on concern in his face. She shook her head and smiled motioning for him to wait with her hoof. He watched with her as she suddenly deflated and then recovered.

“Okay, I’m over it.” Pinkie commented and bounced back to the counter.

“What the hell was that?” Applejack's head turned to Oblivion as he stared after the mare.

Applejack laughed. “It's Pinkie. Y'all get used to it after a while.” She said as she bit into her food.

Oblivion looked at her and shook his head. His magic continued to keep the items hovering and he decided to test it out while he was waiting. He started moving the tools around him with varying speeds and angles. He focused on a small hammer and tried to make it move up and down faster. He felt a sudden jolt go through him, he snorted with surprise and the hammer went through the ceiling above him. Oblivion looked up at the hole in the ceiling and looked around before his eyes went to Applejack who was glaring at him. He looked back up and maneuvered the hammer back through the hole in the ceiling. He put the hammer on the table and looked up at the ceiling, he looked up as his magic covered the hole in the ceiling and after a moment the hole has vanished in a flash of blue flame. He gave a low snort and smiled at his handy work. He looked back down and put the hammer back in its place with the other tools hovering at his side.

Applejack stared at him with a dumbfounded expression. “How in Equestria.. how did ya do that?” She asked him.

He turned to her and gave a small shrug. “I am of the opinion that if I break something, even if by accident, then it is my responsibility to repair the damage. In this case, a small hole in the ceiling.” He replied and looked up as Mrs. Cake came over to the table with a plate balancing on her back. 

She set down a small cake in front of him and he gave it an experimental sniff. His eyes opened and the small cake was enveloped in azure flame as he lifted it to his muzzle. Then gave it another sniff and then, as if suddenly knowing what it has he swallowed it in one bite and looked pleased with himself as he licked his lips. Mrs. Cake looked at him expectantly. 

“Thank you, Mrs. Cake. I appreciate your understanding and that was a delicious coffee cake. I greatly appreciate it.” He said as he gave her a small smile.

Mrs. Cake blinked and then broke into a wide smile. Applejack looked at her, smiled and shook her head. “You like coffee?”

Oblivion nodded. “I told you I am not a fan of sweets. My tastes run more toward coffee if I have to have something with flavor or I prefer spirits if given the choice. “ Applejack looked at him and laughed for a second.

“Well now ah know what kinda food ya like. Are all of the yer kind like that?” She asked as Mrs. Cake left them alone.

Oblivion shook his head. “No. There are a couple I know that prefer very strongly flavored foods. Things that are both very sweet or very spicy. It depends on the individual. I just happen to lean towards bitter or even bland if needed. Due to my heightened sense of taste and smell, some things can be overwhelming. Sweet things are one of them.” He explained and Applejack nodded in understanding.

Pinkie Pie came back out of the back with a small bag on her back and held it up to Oblivion. His nose told him what was in it and he looked at her with suspicion before using his magic to hold the bag in its grasp. Applejack looked at Pinkie who seemed to be awaiting his response. Oblivion looked at her for a moment before he sighed and nodded to her. He got out of the chair and walked toward the door. His magic opened it for Applejack as Pinkie smiled and waved at them. Oblivion looked back and saw the crazed pink pony leaning out the door waving frantically. Oblivion’s ears flicked back and listened around him. He looked back in front of him and watched where he was going. 

It was getting busier as the day went by. Applejack looked back to him and saw that he seemed to have no problem staying with her. She quickened her pace and Oblivion didn’t seem to have any problem with the pace. They made it back to the farm and she began putting the tools where they needed to be. Big Mac thanked them as the tools were delivered. Oblivion noticed that the wheel on the wagon Mac was using had broken and that was the reason for the tools. He looked at it as Applejack took the tools out of his magic and placed them where they belonged. She also picked up the small bag with several coffee cakes in it down on the table as well.

“Is that why we have so many new tools?” Oblivion asked Mac as he looked to the broken wheel.

“Eeyup,” Mac responded and turned away from the wheel and started getting his tools ready.

Applejack looked at Oblivion, smiled and watched as blue flame covered the wheel and it was restored in a flash of light. He looked away as Mac turned to look at the wheel with a hammer in his mouth, he stopped and stared at the wheel for a moment, blinked and then looked to Oblivion. The Unicorn looked blandly at the forest. He turned to Applejack who was trying and failing, to hold in a smirk. She put a hoof over her muzzle but ended up laughing through it anyway. She pointed to Oblivion and laughed at her brother's look of surprise. The black stallion was silent as he looked back to Big Mac, saw the look on his face and gave a small nod to the wheel. Mac smiled and put a large hoof on Oblivion's shoulder in thanks. Oblivion shrugged and looked away again.

“Ah appreciate the help, Oblivion. With this fixed ah can get the other parts of the reunion ready. If ya don’ mind ya think ya could help out a bit?” Mac requested of him.

Oblivion looked back to him and seemed to think it over. “I don’t see why not. Since you let me stay the night I’ll lend a helping ha.. hoof.”

The red stallion nodded and motioned him to follow him. Applejack went over to the orchard and began kicking the trees to release the apples. Oblivion cringed at the impact but looked away to focus on following the red pony. They turned the corner to the other side of the barn and were greeted with easily over a dozen other ponies. Oblivion halted and stood in silence as he looked at the group of various colored ponies. ‘Oh by the Realms this could turn out badly. The last time I was in a large crowd I had to run due to the humans blaming me for their misfortune despite the fact that I got rid of the wraith haunting their farmlands. Though to be fair these equines are incredibly forgiving and even more accepting than I could have imagined so this could go either way.’ Though he still did not move and Big Mac seemed to realize after several strides and looked back to the Unicorn. Big Mac looked back to him and cocked his head.

“Y'all all right’?” The red stallion walked back to him and waited for a response.

Oblivion looked to him and paused before responding. “I am not a fan of crowds. Currently, I am standing at the only escape route. Which is not a comfortable realization.” Oblivion explained to the red farmer and awaited his response.

Big Mac looked at the Unicorn and then looked behind him as well. Noticing that there was a small crowd. He looked at the other stallion and despite his calm demeanor, he showed a slight amount of discomfort. Mac decided to see if the chores he needed help with could be done from a distance. But when he thought of it he realized that it would be more difficult. “Well, ah do need the help to get mah chores done in time but ah don’ want ya to feel like ya have to help. Especially’ if Y'all are uncomfortable. Ya can help Applejack with the apple buckin’ if ya like.” Mac replied.

Oblivion looked from the farmer to the crowd. ‘I’m going to be noticed one way or the other. Either due to the fact that I am a Unicorn among regular ponies or due to my height. Bloody brilliant. I do owe this family my help in exchange for their hospitality. My pride will not allow me to turn tail due to some discomfort.’ Oblivion shook his head and squared his hooves. “Discomfort or not I will do as I said I would and aid you. I am going to be noticed one way or the other due to the fact that I am different in appearance. I will deal with it.” He said and moved past Big Mac to where a bunch of tools and wood sat.

Big Mac watched him and followed closely behind him. He grew up on his left and saw several of his relatives look at the black Unicorn with clear interest. He looked to Oblivion and found the Unicorn to be ignoring them. His ears were flicking to the sides to listen so it was clear he knew that he had been spotted. They reached the woodpile and Mac drew away from him and looked to his project. “Alrigh’. So we need to make a temporary bleacher so that ponies can sit comfortably and enjoy each others company. So ah need ya to put the wood in place and hold it while ah hammer it into place.”

Oblivion looked at him, looked to the woodpile and nodded. His horn lit up and the wood and nails all levitated into place. As he closed his eyes and Mac reached down and picked up the hammer in his hoof. A flash of light brought his attention back to the stands and found them to be already put together. Mac was shocked to see that the stands were grander than what he had designed. They were 6 rows high, had red, orange, and yellow streamers wrapped around the boards and had apples carved into the wood. Mac’s mouth dropped open and the hammer fell to the ground. He looked over to Oblivion and saw the stallion's eyes open and for a second he wavered in place. Mac jumped next to him to stop him from possibly falling over.

Oblivion's head went down as he tried to recover, his vision had blurred for a moment and a headache threatened to hit him. He breathed deeply and waited for it to pass. After several moments it passed and he looked over to find that Mac was supporting his left shoulder with concern written on his face. He waved a hoof at him, but Mac stayed in place. “I’m all right. I’m guessing that I simply overused my own magic. Though that is a rough guess. So in reality it...” A loud growl went through the air and Oblivion blinked. Mac looked at him and gave a loud laugh.

“Sounds like somepony is hungry. After following mah sister around all mornin’ ah’m not surprised. Come on mah friend, ah’ll get ya fed.” Mac moved away from him and started to lead him back to the house.

‘I ate a normal amount of food for me. Strangely enough, I do not feel hungry. Actually, that was more than normal for me. Perhaps this new form I have requires more to function safely. That would make sense considering it is larger than it previously was. This could become problematic until I figure out how much this form requires.' Oblivion walked slowly behind Big Mac with his head level with his own shoulders. His stomach growled once more as he moved past several ponies who had come over to look at the structure that had been created. He could hear the comments from the ponies expressing admiration at the structure. Oblivion gave a small smile and followed Big Mac. Oblivion looked back at himself when Mac stopped next to the tool bench by the barn. Oblivion could see that he was a very thin pony compared to others. He wondered if his high metabolism had something to do with it.

Mac tapped Oblivion's shoulder to encourage him to keep following as Mac put the small bag on his own back and started for the house again. He opened the door and held it as Oblivion walked in giving him a nod of thanks. He looked back and found Applejack taking a few strides toward him but he shook his head and pointed to his own stomach to show that they were getting some food. She nodded and pointed to the time. Big Mac looked thoughtful for a moment before he realized that it was time to pick up Apple Bloom. He nodded and indicated that he would take care of Oblivion while she got their younger sister. He went inside and found Oblivion standing in silence as he breathed heavily. Mac pushed him gently into the front room toward the couch.

Oblivion allowed himself to be moved and stopped when the light nudging ended and Big Mac tried to push his flank to the side to be able to lay down on the couch. Oblivion shook his head and started to move when the room spun at the sudden movement and his knees buckled. “Shit!” He yelped as Mac took that exact moment to push his ribs and he landed on the couch. The red farmer looked pleased with himself but looked down at Oblivion with concern.

“Now we need ta get some food in ya. If ya weren’t black as night ya would be very pale. Ah knew ya didn’t eat enough this mornin’ but ah didn’t want ta pry. Even Apple Bloom ate more than ya did. First off here is the food ya brought home with ya. I’ll make ya a sandwich and bring it out to ya. Nah ya need ta stay here and rest a minute.” He said as Oblivion started to argue. The black Unicorns jaw snapped shut in response. He groaned and sank back down. Big Mac grabbed the top of the bag in his teeth and sat it down by Oblivion's shoulder before he walked into the kitchen.

Oblivion watched him disappear into the kitchen before he looked at the small bag. He set the bag on the floor. Oblivion let his head lay down on the cushion and he closed his eyes. He could hear Big Mac in the kitchen and Granny Smith was out talking with the ponies by the stand he had made with Big Mac. His ears picked up on a small dog wandering around the ponies as well.

He heard Big Mac’s hooves on the carpet and he opened his eyes but did not move from his current position. Mac held out a plate with two sandwiches on it to the Unicorn. Oblivion's magic held the plate and he set it down next to the small bag and looked at the food on it. His head came up at the sight of flowers and hay coming out of the sides of the bread. Big Mac stood by him and waited for him to eat his food. Oblivion was silent as he contemplated what he was going to do with the strange food. His stomach growled again and Mac looked at him, expectantly. His magic held one of the sandwiches and levitated it up to his mouth. He took a small bite and chewed on it. It was fairly tasteless which was fine by him. He swallowed it and waited. He took another bite and the hay crunched between his teeth and he suddenly found himself trying not to vomit. His stomach rolled and he tried to ignore the discomfort, but after a moment he set the sandwich down and growled under his breath. Mac looked surprised but after a few beats, he looked even more concerned for the Black Unicorn. Oblivion tried to give him a dismissive wave of his hoof but found that he couldn’t even move well.

Big Mac looked at the other stallion and saw that he was trying not to be sick. Mac jumped back and went to the kitchen closet, grabbed a bucket, came back and set it down by Oblivion's head. The other stallion pitched forward, wrapped his forelegs around the bucket and vomited into it. Mac sat down and held his long mane back with one hoof and the other rubbed his back, trying to comfort him. When he seemed to have gotten past the worst of it the black Unicorn pushed it away with a grimace and collapsed onto the couch. Big Mac let go of his mane and went back to the kitchen. He brought back a glass of water, which Oblivion's magic held as he washed his mouth out with it then spat it out into the bucket. He ran his tongue over his teeth and was about to close his mouth when Big Mac grabbed a hold of his mouth and held it open. Oblivion gave a warning growl and the red farmer wisely let go of his jaws. Oblivion gave him an annoyed look before settling back against the couch.

“Ya got quite the mouth full a knives. Ah, have ne’er seen anythin’ like it.” He explained at the look Oblivion gave him.

Oblivion quirked an eyebrow at him and ran his tongue over his teeth again. He didn’t feel anything out of the ordinary. His eyes went back to Big Mac and waited for a further explanation. Big Mac looked as though he wanted to say more but appeared unsure. ‘There doesn’t feel like there is anything wrong. But he seems quite nervous about it. Wait. I can conjure a mirror like I did last night.’ Oblivion's horn was alight and a small mirror once again appeared before him. He leveled it with his mouth and opened his mouth to see what Big Mac was talking about. He was greeted with a mouthful of knives as Mac put it. Each tooth was longer than normal size but not intrusive on his other teeth nor did the top row dig into his lower gums. His mouth reminded him of the mouth of a large warg. Long canines with shorter middle teeth for shearing meat from bones. Oblivion gave a low noise and the mirror vanished.

Mac looked at him with something that bordered on apprehension but didn’t back away. “Any ideas about why yer teeth are like that?” Big Mac sounded unsure but his curiosity won over caution.

Oblivion considered it for a moment before he answered. ‘Well, it would appear that they are the teeth of an omnivore. So how do I break that news to a pure herbivore?’ Oblivion looked to him and shifted from his place on the couch and folded one foreleg under him. “Well from what I can tell it would appear that I have the teeth of an omnivore. Granted they appear to lean more toward carnivore but I am sure..that… Oh for the love of... Calm down, Big Macintosh. You're looking at me like I'm going to take a bite out of you. Do I really look like I have so little self-control?”

Mac stopped sweating and considered Oblivion words. “Nah I spose not. But ah have to admit it is a little upsettin'. Though you don’t act like yer dangerous. So I suppose passing judgment on ya ain’t fair.” The red stallion agreed. “Though this might explain why ya are sick. Ya need meat in yer diet. Though I have no idea how we are goin’ ta help ya.” Big Mac looked ready to continue but Oblivion held up a hoof.

“I assure you that you do not need to worry about feeding me if that is your concern. I am more than capable of.. tending to that myself. So don’t worry about any of that. I can hunt for myself, I have been doing it for many years.” Oblivion got off the couch and slowly got to his hooves. Big Mac made to push him back down. “I’m all right. I think I was simply having a bad reaction to the amount of meat I have not eaten. If I am right I simply need to balance it out and I should be fine. I will worry about it later. I do not wish to worry anypony so if you could keep this between us, for now, I would appreciate it, if not then I will understand.” Oblivion said as he stood up and shook himself, his magic placed his cloak back in place and he waited for Big Mac to respond.

“Ah reckon ah can keep it to mahself. But ah want ya to tell them yerself when yer ready. I’m not telling ya what to do but ah hope ya tell them soon. Well, tell Applejack and Granny. Maybe not Apple Bloom. Ah, don’t think she’s ready to know, Ah hope ya can see why.” Oblivion chuckled and nodded in agreement as Mac continued. “Ah can see why ya want it to be kept quiet though. It is a bit shocking for a pony to be eatin’.. meat.” Mac paused on the word but tried not to look upset by the implications of their guest eating meat.

“Don’t worry I will tell them when I am ready to. I appreciate your understanding and I thank you for that. So what else is left that you need help with?” Oblivion asked as he made sure his cloak was sitting right and would not get in the way.

Mac shook his head. “Ya need to stay quiet and rest up. Yer still not feeling well and even though ya are up and about ah still want ya to take it easy. So if..”

Mac was interrupted by Applejack’s yelling “Soups on everypony!” Mac turned and trotted out with Oblivion walking behind him. They got outside and walked toward where Applejack and over a dozen ponies waited. Oblivion paused just outside the group and saw that another Unicorn and a small lizard were now standing among the group. Oblivion's ears flicked forward as he listened to Applejack begin talking to the new mare.

“Now ah’ll introduce ya to the Apple Family.”

Oblivion groaned quietly and watched as the new mare looked a bit panicked as she saw the number of ponies waiting. “Thanks anyway, but I really need to hurry..” She didn’t get a chance to finish speaking before Applejack began.

“This here is Apple Fritter, Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp.” Applejack paused for a breath and Oblivion was amazed that she said all that in one breath, then continued. “Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith. Up’ n’ attem, Granny Smith, we got more guests.”

Granny Smith snorted as she got up from her rocking chair and started to amble over to everypony. “What? Soups on? I’m up, here ah come, here ah come.” The aged mare spoke up as she came over to stand by them all.

Applejack saw Oblivion standing silently by the group and smiled and pointed to him with a hoof. “Oh, an afore ah forget that is Oblivion Shadow. He’s been our guest since yesterday evening.”

The purple mare turned to look at the tall Unicorn and blinked in surprise at him. The lizard by her hooves crawled up on her back to see more of him and his jaw fell open. “Wow, he is tall and that is a wicked horn.” The lizard spoke with earned him a look from Oblivion. The look faded when the mare gave a small buck which sent the little lizard toppling to the ground.

“Spike! Be polite.” The mare admonished him and then looked apologetic. “My apologies, sir. He is usually more polite.” She spoke to him with courtesy and her apology was genuine so far as Oblivion could tell. The lizard, or Spike, glared at her for a moment. “I am Twilight Sparkle and it is nice to meet you.”

Oblivion nodded and looked back at her. “Things happen Miss Sparkle. He is not the first, nor will he be the last, to comment on my height. But no offense is taken, but I thank you for your apology.” He replied and waited for them to continue.

Granny Smith finally reached them and gave Twilight Sparkle a smile as Applejack continued. “Well, Granny Ah’d say that both of ‘em are already part of the family.” Twilight looked at Applejack, while Oblivion simply stared at her.

“Well, I can see that the food is in good hooves and we will be on our way.” Twilight shifted as though to leave. She turned and was confronted with Apple Bloom’s large eyes.

Oblivion snorted with a low laugh. ‘Oh, she is being set up.’ Oblivion watched as the mare tried not to cave in.

“Aren’t ya gonna stay for brunch?” Apple Bloom looked up at her and pouted.

“Sorry, but we have an awful lot to do.” The purple mare admitted.

‘Maybe she will escape after all.’ Oblivion thought to himself until he heard the chorus in front of him. The assembled Apple Family all groaned in disappointment. Oblivion looked around and stared at them. ‘Really? That's just cruel to do to the mare.’ He looked at Twilight who was looking more than a little nervous and glancing around almost frantically.

Oblivion was about to speak and give her a way out when she sighed in defeat. “Fine.” The whole family cheered and crowded around her more. Oblivion watched as food was piled up and he felt himself start to gag at the amount of sugar in front of him. ‘Oh, good Gods that's a lot of food. Do they expect her to eat all of that? They expect one pony to eat all of that food in one sitting? I can’t even fathom eating one.’ Oblivion felt a hoof on him as one of the Apple family pushed a plate at him that was loaded with apple treats. He was saved by Big Mac who took the plate instead and stood by him.

“Why doncha go get that bag of treats and eat those? That way they all will stop tryin’ ta getcha to eat so much?” He suggested and Oblivion nodded as he focused on the paper bag. It appeared on his back and he levitated it by his shoulder and pulled one of the cakes out of it. He nibbled on it to make it appear as though he was eating his fill. The family did, much to his and Mac’s relief, leave him alone since he was eating already. Oblivion looked up to find Twilight Sparkle staring at him. He gave her a blank look and she was forced to look back to the food in front of her. Finally Twilight appeared to have enough and start trying to getaway. Oblivion sent the bag to his room and he hoped it landed on the bed.

“Can anypony tell me how to get around town? Or possibly has a map?” She asked as she got away from the crowd.

Applejack looked around and her eyes landed on Oblivion who looked back at her. “Well ah don’t have a map but Oblivion learned the town this mornin’. So if he’s okay wit’ it, he could show ya around.”

Oblivion snorted and gave a short glare to the orange mare before he regarded Twilight. “If Miss Sparkle wishes it then I see no reason why that would not be amicable. But it is her choice.” He replied and turned to look at the purple mare.

Twilight looked at him then to Spike, who appeared to be dancing in place. “That would be fine thank you. I would appreciate the guide. Thank you, Mr. Shadow.” She responded and watched at Oblivion walked toward her as the shorter ponies got out of his way, he stopped in front of the mare and extended one hoof to her, asking her to lead the way out of the farm gates.

“Tha’s good ta hear. Be sure to show ‘er all that Ponyville has to offer ya hear!” Applejack hollered at them as they went through the gate. Oblivion cringed at the shout but kept walking.