There was darkness around him. Along with pain, there was that too. He tried to move a little, but even that seemed to make it worse. His eyes started to adjust to the dark as certain shapes came into focus. There were big shapes, some angular and irregularly, some small ones as well, with faint strands of light peeking through the cracks. After a minute or two, his senses started to pick up on something else rather than pain. There was a smell; he recognized this smell as dirt and rock. He could also taste it in his mouth, along with something metallic; it was liquid and had a bit of an iron taste to it.
My blood, he thought.
Again he tried to move, but it was impossible. It was then that he became aware of a great weight upon him. He tried to remember what it was and how he got here, to this dark place, but his head hurt, not to mention he felt a wet sensation upon his head, something that was trickling from the same area.
Probably more blood… His green eyes looked up and around the best he could, and as far as he could tell, there was no way out. How did it end up like this…? Oh right…the Iron Pony…
(Sweet Apple Acres, 2 Days Ago)
It was fall time in Ponyville and the town was abuzz with excitement. Everypony had gathered together, getting everything ready for the annual event known as the Running of the Leaves. In two days the competing ponies will gather together and race through the woods and cause the leaves to fall from the thundering of their collective hooves. Usually, the Running of the Leaves was a very big to do around Ponyville, an event that brought out the competitive side of almost everypony. But this year was different, this year the infamous and equally famous event, the Iron Pony Competition, was being held once again.
There were dozens of ponies gathered on the Apple Farm, mares, stallions, and foals alike each stretching and warming up, and others just to spectate. A banner was held up by two poles, acting as a sort of makeshift entrance to the rest of the field. There were designated areas, each one set up with obstacles or equipment for a center event. Somepony had thought it would be great idea to start up the competition yet again, to make it a traditional thing to prelude the Running of the Leaves.
Currently Ion was walking the grounds, having helped the Apple family set up the grounds and get everything ready for when everypony arrived. Apparently, from what he heard, many of the mares and stallions were doing this to see who among them would be dubbed the Iron Pony, but of course, the title was held by Rainbow Dash and Applejack, respectively. As he continued to walk around, saying hi to the occasional pony, Ion noticed Apple Bloom walking around as if searching for something. The green stallion trotted over to the young filly in hopes of helping her.
"Hey Apple Bloom, what's up," asked Ion.
"Huh – Oh – Hi Ion," said Apple Bloom, a little startled by his appearance.
"You okay AB; you look like you're looking for someone?"
"Uh, no, no pony in particular, just um, looking for…APPLEJACK!"
"Oh, okay, well let's walk around; I'm sure we'll find her."
Ion and Apple Bloom began searching for Applejack, the whole time they were walking Ion couldn't help but watch as all the ponies were getting ready and excited for when the games would start. The whole time Ion couldn't help but, ask.
"Hey, Apple Bloom."
"Yep?"
"Remind me again, what exactly is happening here?"
"Oh, yeah, Ah forgot you haven't been here that long. This is called the Iron Pony Competition. It started when mah big sister and Rainbow Dash wanted to see who the best and strongest mare was, in the end the whole thing had to be decided at the Running of the Leaves, it was hilarious," said Apple Bloom giggling.
"Hmm, 'Iron Pony,' sounds like fun. Can anypony join," asked Ion.
"Only if yer ready to have yer flank kicked."
Ion and Apple Bloom turned to the right and saw Applejack stretching out her hind legs and forelegs, a smug grin upon her face which was directed towards Ion. Apple Bloom didn't seem to notice the hint to challenge in her voice, the little filly just ran up to her older sister, excited to see her.
"Can ya believe how many ponies showed up, there's more than last time," said Apple Bloom.
"Yeah, and not just to watch neither, but it's gonna be a bit borin' this time around," said Applejack.
"Why's that," asked Ion as he trotted up to the sisters.
"Rainbow Dash's out with the feather flu. Since the both of us hold the title of Iron Pony, Ah'm the one who has to defend it. Which is pretty sad; considerin' that she wanted to be here, oh well, she made me promise to have fun, and Ah don't go back on a promise."
Ion knew that the two mares had a fierce competitive streak between them. It didn't take long for him to find out that the two of them had often butted heads when it came to certain things and that the Iron Pony and Running of the Leaves events were easily the worst of those times. Ion could tell that Applejack was a bit disappointed that Rainbow Dash was unable to compete. During his stay at the Apple family farm, Ion and Applejack were slowly starting to develop a similar relationship, with one or the other trying to outdo other. So, today, Ion had an idea that might lift his friend's spirits.
"So, you saying that there isn't anypony here that can give you a challenge," asked Ion.
"Now Ah'm not sayin' that, Ah just said it would be more fun. But if ya think ya can, go for it."
Ion smirked at that, "Alright, I will."
Once the green stallion had lift Applejack smirked at her little sister, which caused Apple Bloom to give Applejack a curious look.
"What?"
"So, what exactly were ya lookin' for, or should Ah say who?"
"What are ya talkin' about Ah wasn't lookin for anypony! Ah just wanted to see ya before everythin' started is all," said Apple Bloom.
"Fine, fine, whatever ya say." Applejack watched as AB started to leave she decided to say one last thing. "Oh and if yer wonderin' if Spike's still comin' to do the announcin' Twilight said he would be by in an hour or two."
Apple Bloom whipped around, a happy expression upon her face. "Really!?" At that moment the littlest Apple sibling noticed the cat like grin her older sister was wearing, and her cheeks gained a tint of pink. "APPLEJACK!"
(Two Hours Later)
"Mares and Gentlecolts, welcome to this year's Iron Pony competition!" True to her word, Spike did arrive to the farm and was already right at it. Spike was quite excited by the offer to be the announcer for Iron Pony competition again. "We have quite a turnout today, and it looks like everypony wants to prove themselves to be the Iron Pony! So without further ado…Let the Iron Pony Competition BEGIN!" The crowd cheered in excitement, ready to get the events started. "First up we have the Barrel Weave! In this event we have Caramel, Baritone, and Ion!"
Three stallions walked up to the starting line. Big Macintosh and Spike were standing by the line, a stopclock was sitting on a stool with the red stallion's hoof resting on the button to start and stop it. The time to beat was Applejack's; during her run of the Barrel Weave she was able to make it with a time of sixteen seconds, which was better than her last time of seventeen seconds. The first stallion to go at it was Caramel.
The brown maned earth pony stretched out his limps and jogged in place, getting himself warmed up for his run. Caramel got into a running position, Big Mac nodded towards Caramel, who nodded back in response. Big Mac then pressed the button on the clock and Caramel was off. The stallion did well for the first few barrels, but bumped up against at least two or three before making it to the finish line.
"Caramel makes it in fifty seconds, but hitting the barrels equals a five second penalty, and since you hit three, that'll bring your time to one minute, five seconds," said Spike.
"Dang it," swore Caramel under his breath.
"Better luck next time Caramel," said Baritone.
"Next up, Baritone!"
"Alright, let's do this."
The gray stallion got ready and ran through the barrels, his agility and speed was quite surprising for a stallion of his size. He effortlessly weaved in and out the barrels; he was near the finish line when his hind leg nudged the last barrel before crossing. Baritone realized his mistake and stomped the ground in anger after crossing.
"Wow Baritone, twenty seconds, and with the five second penalty, it brings you to twenty-five seconds. Alright Ion, you're up."
Ion stared down the track, before he entered this competition he promised himself that he wasn't going to use his powers, if nothing else, he wanted to see just how strong his earth pony body was, as well as how fast. Ion was able to make a general assumption of how to move between the barrels after seeing Baritone and Caramel run. Ion took a moment to steady himself, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes in concentration.
The green stallion gave a nod and Big Macintosh hit the button starting the clock. With a burst of speed Ion weaved through the barrels, fluidly and with swift ease. The crowd watched astonished at how quickly he was moving. The next thing they knew, Ion was already passed the finish line. He turned around to wait for Spike to announce his time, but it never happened. Apparently the young dragon and even Big Macintosh were staring at the clock as if it were broken.
"Um…uh…fifteen seconds," said Spike.
"E-Eeyup," said Big Mac, apparently agreeing that what they saw was real.
"Seriously!?"
There were two sets of voices saying that word. Ion looked to his left and saw that Applejack was starting to trot to the clock, checking to see if indeed the time was right.
"Well Ah'll be, looks like yer faster than Ah thought," said Applejack. "Ya managed to beat both my time and Rainbow's, not bad."
"W-Well yeah, of course I would." Dang didn’t think that I would be that fast, guess I never really tested the full limits of my body, thought Ion.
"But don't be gettin' overconfident, still plenty more events to get through," she reminded.
The first event was the beginning of a fierce battle between Applejack and Ion. During the strength event, many different ponies lined up. Most notably was the burly white pegasus Snowflake. The overly muscular stallion came up to the mechanism, turned, and bucked the target, sending the weight a good distance up but not enough to ring the bell.
At the behest of her older sister, Cloudchaser, Flitter was nudged into giving it a try; this was, of course, after Cloudchaser had a shot. Flitter turned and bucked the target and made the weight sail to the top, hitting the bell. Cloudchaser gasped, and the crowd cheered. Next up was Applejack; Ion couldn't help but notice that Big Macintosh was standing by with an extra bell. The blonde maned mare strode nonchalantly up to the target, and with one hind leg, kicked the target sending the weight rocketing upwards and sending the bell flying off into the sky. Applejack trotted past Ion who wore a similar expression to that of Rainbow Dash's back during the first Iron Pony competition, to which she gave him the same answer.
"Years of applebuckin'," she said simply.
Last was Ion, after Big Macintosh fixed the bell. The Entity of Willpower was adamant about not using his light to empower in this or any event. He truly wanted to see just how far he could push the limits of this earth pony body and he was determined to do so. Ion brought up his hind legs and took careful aim. He then bucked the target, gaining a ring of the bell for his efforts.
"Shoot," he cursed.
"Looks like Applejack wins –!"
Spike stopped, a loud cracking sound emanated from the tower. The wood began to splinter as a long fissure ran up from the base all the way up to the where the bell was. The entire strength tester split in half making the ponies on either side move out of the way as the two halves fell to the ground with a great thud. Many just stared at the destroyed object, including Ion.
"Um – Uh, Ion wins…"
"Looks like applebuckin' been doin' ya some good, huh," said Applejack dumbfounded.
"Heh, heh, yeah, guess so," replied Ion.
Spike cleared his throat; regaining his composure Spike took a look to see what the next event was.
"Alright then, next up we have…we have…" Spike lost his luster when he noticed the name of the next event. "Oh horsefeathers…" With that said Spike reached behind him and pulled out a helmet with horns and proceeded to the next event with a very dissatisfied look on his face.
It went back and forth from then on; Ion lost the Bronco Buck, along with the Calf Roping, which brought the mare and stallion to two apiece. The next event was Ball Bouncing which Ion seemed to take easily, bringing the score to two-three. It was during the Hay Bale Toss that Applejack was able to tie it back up by hurling her bale farther than Ion. The green stallion made a comeback by kicking a hoofball clear into the distance, and way passed AJ's. What once was a friendly competition was starting to turn into a duel between the stallion and mare.
It was during the Push-Up challenge that the other ponies started to see a resemblance in the two's way of competing, getting to the point where they felt more like watching a rooting for their favorite. Both the stallion and mare were at the ninety count in their push-ups before showing any real strain. The two of them locked eyes with each other, a fierce gaze with sparks igniting in the space between them. Ion couldn't help but notice the gleam in Applejack's eyes that bordered on anger and frustration. There was something else he couldn't get out his mind, Applejack looked kinda cute.
Unfortunately that stray thought messed up his rhythm and he missed the next push-up, his forelegs gave under him and he fell plopped unceremoniously to the ground, allowing Applejack to claim this event.
It continued like that, the two going tic for tat. Ion would win one, and Applejack would comeback with another victory. And endless cycle of wins and loses. Until it came at last, the Tug of War event. By this time the gathered ponies had separated into two factions, one rooting for Applejack and other for Ion. With the current tie of fifteen to fifteen this was the deciding event. Both ponies stepped up to the starting point of the event, the rope laid lose upon the ground. Ion and Applejack took both ends of the rope into their mouths, staring down the ends at their respective opponents; their eyes burned with the fire and drive to win.
Spike stood on Big Macintosh's back, the dragon and stallion looked at each other worriedly. Wondering if this was getting too intense at this point, after about a second of pondering it the two decided to roll the dice and see what would happen.
"Alright, ready…GO!" Spike shouted.
Both Applejack and Ion pulled at the rope, the center becoming taut as they bit down on and struggled to bring the other towards the mud pit. Applejack dug her hooves into the dirt and tugged hard. Ion loss some ground and stumbled slightly but quickly corrected himself and stood his ground. The green stallion retaliated by taking a few steps backwards, slowly, but surely, he began to pull Applejack towards the pit. Inch by inch the orange mare was getting closer till her right foreleg reached the edge of pit, one more powerful tug and she would be sent into its cold depths.
Not happein' again, thought Applejack.
Ion suddenly felt a shift. His head was then jerked forward as the green earth pony was beginning to be pulled forward. Ion took another look at his opponent and saw a great determination in her eyes, somehow she had found even more strength and he was now moving closer to the pit, while Applejack grew further from it. Soon Ion found himself at the edge, his two front hooves hanging mere inches over the edge.
Sorry Boss Mare, but I’m not going to give up that easily, thought Ion.
Narrowing his gaze, Ion jerked his head back and began retreating. The green bandanna tied to the center of the rope began to move closer, almost returning back to where it once was at the middle. Applejack and Ion had amazingly returned to their original positions, both pulling with all their might as the crowd chanted the names of the two competing ponies. Unheard by many and even to Applejack and Ion, there was a strange noise, a straining, tearing sound that groaned in the background of the roaring crowd.
Suddenly the rope snapped at the center, breaking apart and sending both Ion and Applejack flailing backwards onto their backs. Everypony gasped and watched as the two contestants skidded to a halt a couple of feet away from the where they once stood. All the ponies stared in surprise and awe at the sight of the rope breaking apart.
Applejack was the first to rise; her hat had fallen off and was resting to her side. After shaking off the shock of the rope breaking Applejack placed her hat back on and looked at the broken rope that lay limp in the mud pit.
"What in tarnation happened," she asked.
"Looks like the rope broke," responded Ion as he rose up.
"Okay, that was cool," said Spike.
"Eeyup."
Ion rubbed the back of his head as he stared at the broken rope before him, "Soooooo…does this mean it's over?"
"The hay it is! Big Macintosh, find another rope!"
The red earth pony shrugged and sighed. After letting Spike jump off his back the eldest Apple sibling trotted off to find another rope for the contest. A few minutes passed and Big Mac returned with another rope of similar strength and length. He then gave both ends of the rope to Applejack and Ion, letting it fall in the center. Spike waited for conformation from both parties before he gave the go-ahead.
"GO!"
Their gazes sharpened like daggers as the two ponies rooted themselves into the ground beneath their hooves. The muscles tightened in their jaws, along with every sinewy strand within their bodies, turning themselves into makeshift anchors that would not be moved. The rope became straight, snapping like a whip as it was pulled from both ends. Many thought it would be a repeat of one gaining ground over other, a back and forth, but that was not the case this time. No, neither one moved an inch, but the rope seemed to be shaking violently as it struggled to hold itself together against Applejack's and Ion's combined strength.
This proved to be for naught as the rope snapped yet again. Luckily both Ion and AJ were somewhat prepared for this and released the rope so as to not be thrown on their backs again.
"Another one, Big Mac!" Ion called out.
Big Macintosh brought back another rope, this time it seemed slightly thicker than the last two, probably thinking that this one might be less likely to break apart by them. Applejack seemed to figure it out immediately and was happy by her big brother's forethought.
Once again the two, impossibly strong, ponies pulled. This time it seemed to be working, like it would almost hold up against their combined power. "Almost," being the appropriate word. It only took three minutes of tugging before this third rope found itself meeting the same fate as its fallen brethren.
This was unprecedented, probably something that this crowd of ponies would see only once in their lifetimes. Applejack and Ion just looked at the remains of the three ropes they used. All broke and destroyed before their indomitable strength and power. It was quite the quagmire, this sort of thing had never happened before.
"Okay, I'm stumped," said Spike. "Guess it's a tie then?"
Everypony seemed to groan in annoyance, after such a great battle between the two ponies it seemed like such a waste to end it in tie.
"Not necessarily," spoke Applejack.
"Oh no," groaned Big Mac.
"Here it comes," moaned Spike.
"What'cha got in mind," asked Ion.
"The Runnin' of the Leaves!"
Thank you and goodnight, thought the stallion and drake in unison.
(Next Day, Golden Oak Library)
It was a bright sunny day at the library; unfortunately not all were out enjoying the beautiful day that Celestia brought about. And that truly annoyed one pegasus in particular, a certain rainbow maned mare. In the past week Twilight Sparkle had taken in the daredevil mare, aiding in her recovery from the Feather Flu. It hadn't been easy, as Twilight had come to realize, given Rainbow Dash's nature, she was not one for staying in one place for too long, even while sick.
Currently, Applejack had arrived at Twilight's to visit her sick friend, as well as to catch up on what happened at the Iron Pony Competition. Rainbow was lying in bed, listing intently as Applejack regaled her with the tale of how she and Ion competed against each other as the contest went on.
"Thriously, you anth Ion broke the rope – three thimes!? That's aw-aw-aw-AAAAACHOOOOO!"
"Gesundheit," said Applejack.
"Thanks," said Rainbow as she sniffled.
"Sounds like you had fun, Applejack."
The two mares watched as Twilight trotted towards them, carrying in her telekinetic aura a bowl of hot soup. The soup smelled…funny, at least from what AJ could tell, and Rainbow Dash seemed to grimace at the sight of it.
"Ugh, Twi, not more of that stuff," groaned Rainbow Dash.
"We've been over this Rainbow; this soup is full of all the necessary nutrients to help boost your immune system, as well as to un-stuff that nose of yours. You do want to get better don't you," said Twilight raising an eyebrow at the bedridden mare.
Twilight levitated the tray onto Rainbow Dash's lap. Rainbow eyed the bowl and its contents. The green broth simmered as steam rolled up from it, a few carrot bits could be seen floating in it, along with some other undistinguishable things. The aroma certainly didn't make it seem any more appetizing, even AJ took a few steps back from it. Rainbow Dash gave Twilight a defiant look, but the alicorn just shot back with a glare.
"Don't make me get the funnel," she warned.
That seemed to make Rainbow Dash change her tune rather quickly. She then took up the spoon in the crook of her hoof and took a few light sips from it, her muzzle scrunching at the mere taste of the soup touching her tongue. With a happy smile Twilight took up a spot next to Applejack to continue the conversation.
"I'm sorry we didn't go, Spike told us what happened, but it seemed too unreal. I mean, the strength required for two ponies to literally snap a rope apart is incredible! Not to mention the odds of such a thing happening, not once, but three times, it's unbelievable!"
"Yeah, ya shoulda seen our faces after the first one, but after all was said and done, the score was tied at fifteen a piece," said Applejack.
"Really, so nopony won," asked Rainbow, her stuffy nose sounding cleared.
"Well…not exactly."
"What do you mean?"
"Ah sorta challenged Ion to a tie breaker at the Runnin' of the Leaves tomorrow…"
Both Twilight and Rainbow Dash exchanged glances, this was sounding very familiar to a certain pegasus' and earth pony's sore memory of acting foolish at said Running of the Leaves.
"You're going to race Ion," asked Twilight.
"And…that's not all."
"What else," asked Rainbow.
"Ah also made a bet with him."
"Which was," piped in Twilight.
"That the loser has to do whatever the winner wants," said Applejack flatly.
A devilish grin appeared upon Rainbow Dash's face, while Twilight had a noticeable blush on hers. The rainbow maned mare seemed to take some more sips of her soup; apparently forgetting how much she hated the taste of it and just continued to stare at Applejack. Twilight was fidgeting with her hooves and from time to time rubbed the back of her head, the blush she had was still prominent.
"So, AJ, what exactly are you going make Ion do if you win?"
"Rainbow!"
"What, I'm just asking."
"Nothin' bad, if he loses, Ah'm goin' to ask him to leave the farm is all."
The needle on the record player of their minds seemed to skip. Both mares looked at Applejack incredulously; she had said that so flippantly and easily that they were sure that they heard wrong.
"Heh, heh, sorry, I think my ears are probably still stuffed a bit, mind repeating that," asked Rainbow.
"Ya heard me right, sugarcube. If Ah win, Ah'm askin' Ion to leave Sweet Apple Acres or…"
"Or," the mares asked in unison.
"Or he can tell meh what he's hidin'."
"HIDING!?" Rainbow Dash moved the tray and got up from the bed and stood on all fours, her eyes staring directly into Applejack's. "What are you talking about!? Why would you do that, he saved our flanks, including Apple Bloom's, from that giant Timberwolf! Not to mention he helped you guys out when Big Mac was out of commission for Cider Season, and now you want to kick him off your farm! Why?!"
"Ah have meh reason's Rainbow," she said simply.
"C'mon AJ that's so unfair, you can't just…just…whooo…room's spinning right now…"
Rainbow Dash started wobble in place, feeling light headed, and fell forward. Applejack quickly rushed and caught her friend with her left foreleg.
"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight enveloped the pegasus mare in her aura and carefully levitated her back into bed. "Don't do that Rainbow, you still haven't fully recovered to be moving around like that!"
"Sorry Twi…"
"Ya gave meh a scare there Dash," said Applejack.
Rainbow didn't answer; she simply turned around with her back facing both her friends. Twilight and Applejack knew this meant that she wasn't in any mood to talk anymore, at least not to AJ. Twilight used her wing to direct Applejack out of the bedroom and back downstairs. Once in the foyer, Twilight used her telekinesis to bring out two cushions for them to sit on. Once the two were comfortable, Twilight took on a troubled look.
"Now Applejack, I have to say I share Rainbow Dash's concern about this. I may not have met with him as you two had, but from what she told me he sounds like a standup guy. And this sounds so out of character for you, you who always said "actions speak louder than words," you who value hard work, I have to ask, why?"
Applejack sighed heavily, she knew she was going to have to explain herself after saying that, but she did have her reasons.
"Ah don't trust him Twilight, Ah haven't since the first day Ah let him stay on the farm…"
"But then, why would let him stay if you don't trust him?"
"For one thing, he saved our lives at the risk of his own, and that's a debt Ah intended to repay by lettin' him work durin' Cider Season. Then after Cider Season came and went Ah saw just how hard a worker he was, so I decided to keep him on…"
"So…ugh," Twilight put a hoof on the bridge of her nose, shaking her head back and forth. "I'm still having a hard time to understanding."
"It's just, Ah know everypony has things that they don't want discussed, but with him it feels like he's hidin' somethin' big, something that Ah'm not sure if it's dangerous or…or…Twi, what's wrong, ya don't look so good?"
Twilight, for some reason, seemed nervous; she was almost deliberately avoiding eye contact with her friend.
"Oh it's nothing, just worried about Rainbow, that's all," she chuckled nervously.
Applejack smiled at her friend, it was a warm and knowing smile. "Well, glad Rainbow found somepony who cares about her as much as you do. Not gonna lie, it was a bit of shocker to find out about you two bein' marefriends and all."
"We do plan on telling the others, it was just a big coincidence that you found out…or more like Rainbow Dash having bad timing when showing amorous affection," said Twilight.
Twilight shook her head.
"Don't change the subject Applejack!"
"Sorry Twi, but seriously, Ah understand what yer tryin' to do Ah can't trust him…not completely…not yet."
Twilight wanted to say more, but she knew Applejack wouldn't be easily dissuaded. With another heavy sigh Twilight rose up and placed a placating hoof on her friend's shoulder.
"Alright, I'll try and sooth Rainbow's wrath, or at least stop her from doing something stupid. Just promise me you'll think this through; really think this through, promise?"
Applejack nodded, affirming her promise to Twilight. After a few goodbyes were exchanged the farm mare left the library, with the alicorn princess watching her retreating form through the window. It was at this point that she let out another sigh and looked towards the kitchen.
"Come on out Spike, I know you're there," said Twilight.
Just as she suspected, the purple scaled drake appeared from the kitchen looking worried about what he had overheard.
"Twilight, maybe you should tell her the truth," suggested Spike.
"What, that Ion is the living embodiment of all willpower in the universe? That he's one of seven entities that represent one of seven powerful emotional energies, or maybe that his true form is that of a giant, green, space whale?"
"Um…yes?" Twilight wore a deadpan expression. "Okay, okay, you're right. But what are you going to do, you're not seriously going to let her go through with this are you," asked Spike.
"Proselyte is somewhere around Ponyville, and he visits Fluttershy from time to time. The Predator is with Cadance and Shining Armor in the Crystal Empire. Adara is, actually I don't know where she is but let's just assume she's here in Ponyville too. We have three out of four Emotional Entities living here; honestly I'm not that comfortable having that much power concentrated in one small town. But…as much as I don't like it, Applejack has the right, it's her property and family she's looking out for, and we need to respect that," said Twilight.
"Alright, I'll let you know how the Running of the Leaves turns out."
Spike then went back into the kitchen to work on whatever he was doing. Twilight just hated this whole situation.
Oh well, better go see if Rainbow’s alright…and plan for whatever fallout this will inevitably wrought, thought Twilight.
(Night Time, Same Day, Ion’s Room)
Ion was doing some push-ups on the floor of his room, his count up to a hundred. The whole time Proselyte was sitting on the floor across from him, watching his fellow entity prepare for tomorrow when the race would begin.
"So, allow me to clarify what you have just told me. You agreed to a wager with Ms. Applejack, in order to break a tie from an earlier competition, which will make either one of you subject to any request the other makes upon said victory correct," asked Proselyte.
"Right," answered Ion.
"Forgive me, brother, but you have, as the beings from Earth say, 'wrote her a blank check.'"
"How so?"
"Do you know what Ms. Applejack's intentions are? Have you taken into account that she may have ulterior motives?"
Ion stopped doing push-ups, ending at one-hundred and fifty. He then sat on his haunches and stared at his fellow entity skeptically.
"Lyte, I don't know what you're getting at, but Applejack's not like that at all, she's honest and upfront. What 'ulterior motives' could she have," he asked.
"Despite what we may believe, as peaceful and happy as this world is, it is not without its faults." Proselyte sat on his haunches as well. He then concentrated as a symbol made of yellow light appeared over his forehead.
"There is fear, fear that is subtle, fear of the unknown. It is this fear that I sense in Ms. Applejack. She worries for her family, her little sister, her elder, and even her older brother, and it mostly stems from the farm. She has doubts and worries that she may not be fit to –"
"Stop!" Proselyte looked at Ion, his gaze fierce. "Don't go sifting through other's emotions."
"I am simply telling you that there is fear in her, and it stems from you."
Ion looked shocked by what Proselyte had said. How could Applejack be afraid of him! He'd been working hard on their farm for months now, and not once has she shown distrust in him, she even let him walk Apple Bloom to school, why would she trust him to do that if she didn't trust him already! Then again…He couldn't really blame her, not too much anyway. Ion was a stranger in the Apple family household, a live in farmhoof.
"Brother, keep in mind that I do not wish to cause you undue distress. But, the others look up to you, Adara especially, and even Predator, though she'd probably be a little reluctant to fully admit it."
"Funny, I know you guys see me as an 'older brother' sometimes, and even a leader, but, out of all of us, I think you're more wise then me and Adara. Probably because of your power, so, in this case, I differ to you. What do you think I should do?"
Proselyte went silent for a moment, pondering over the situation. After a few long seconds of thinking the purple pegasus colt looked up at the green stallion and smiled.
"I suggest you prepare yourself to tell Ms. Applejack the truth." Ion sighed; he knew that would probably be his answer. "But do your best, and win, brother."
With that said Proselyte teleported away in a puff of purple smoke. Leaving Ion alone and with a bit more confidence than he had before, he then got up and walked to the second floor door and stared out at the Apple family house. His opponent slept peacefully in her bed, and soon, tomorrow would show who would come out victorious. But it left him with a dilemma. If he lost, Ion ran the risk of having to reveal the truth of his origins as well as his fellow entities' existences. Was it really worth putting all that on the outcome a race?
There’s always the power option, he thought. If I use my powers to give me an extra boost I could easily win the race, but what would that prove…
(The Next Day, White Tail Woods)
Many ponies had gathered, all were excited to participate in the famous fall event, known as the Running of the Leaves. The runners were all getting stretched out and limbered up, though the cool fall weather hadn't fully settled in yet, it was still cold enough to make the muscles tense. The word had gotten out, however, that this race was going to prove to be interesting ever since the Iron Pony Competition. Some were afraid this would be a repeat of the fiasco that occurred when Rainbow Dash and Applejack entered the race and nearly killed each other getting to the finish line. However, since both Ion and Applejack tied at the contest two days ago the race should be, more or less, safe. Right?
Ion was stretching out his hind and forelegs, popping his joints into place as he did so. A piece of paper was plastered on both sides of his flank with the number 4 printed on them, which was ironic considering his is the fourth light in the Emotional Spectrum. As he continued to stretch he noticed Applejack trotting up to him, she apparently had received the same number she had the last time she raced, which was number 8.
"Ready fer this Ion," she asked.
"Oh I'm ready, ready to leave you in the dust," he responded.
Applejack chuckled at the stallion's cocky attitude, "Well, before ya forget, there's still the matter of our bet."
"Don't worry I didn't forget, 'loser has to do whatever the winner tells them to do.' Sure you don't want to change that? I mean if I win I could make you do anything, right?" Ion smirked at Applejack, trying to see if he could get a rise out her, he did.
Applejack was starting to blush; her mind had a few stray thoughts that quickly found themselves in the gutter. Not wanting to lose face, she returned his smirk with one of her own.
"Please, what's the worst you could do?"
Ion grinned evilly, "Oh, I don't know, maybe have Rarity dress you in the frilliest, girliest, most embarrassing dress she had or could make, and have you wear it whenever you went into town."
Applejack's ears went flat against her skull; her left eye twitched a little as her confident smirk wavered. Now she was conflicted, Applejack wasn't sure if this was the lesser of another evil she had thought he was going to ask of her. After some contemplating, she decided that this was much worse.
"Yer…yer jokin' right, ya wouldn't dare!?"
"Oh and maybe have her throw some makeup in there as well," said Ion flippantly.
"ION!"
"I'm kidding AJ; I wouldn't put you through that… at least not for any longer than two to three months, maybe four," he added.
Applejack was at a loss for words, she didn't know whether to be embarrassed or angry. Either way, one thing was for sure. No matter what, she was not going to lose this race. Applejack then did an about face and trotted off.
"Don't forget, a bet's a bet," Ion called out.
After that little pre-race stare down, the contestants all started to gather at the starting line. Many ponies had entered the race this year. Derpy was there, waving to her youngest daughter, Dinky, who was cheering her mother and older sister, Derpy's oldest daughter, Amethyst Star, who also joined the race.
Along with the other mares and stallions, such as Cloud Kicker, Caramel, Bon-Bon, Lyra, Lemon Hearts, and Golden Harvest, the flower sisters Rose, Lily, and Daisy, Lucky Clover, Dizzy Twister, and Snowflake (looking at a chance for redemption). Berry Punch had been there as well, wobbling slightly as she stood with the rest of the racers. Berry Pinch, her daughter, was also waving at her mother and cheering for her, with Colgate standing right beside the young filly and watching her longtime friend worriedly.
Up above the contestants and onlookers, was a balloon that floated a few feet in the air. Inside was Pinkie Pie, along with her co-announcer Spike.
"Hello everypony and welcome to the annual Running of the Leaves," said Pinkie Pie. "Today's a beautiful day for a race, am I right Spike?"
"Right you are Pinkie, today's race is going to be an interesting one!"
For more than one reason…
"Yepperooni, Number 8: Applejack and Number 4: Ion, are in it to win it, after an amazing series of contests between the mare and stallion, their bouts ended in a tie! Can you believe it, 'cause I sure can't," said Pinkie.
"Yeah and I was there." Spike added.
"Now everything will be decided this day! So racers, on your mark…!"
All seventeen racers took one step forward to the starting line.
"Get set…!"
They all lowered into a runners stance, Ion and Applejack exchanged intense glares at each other, their hooves itching to leave their respective opponent in the dust.
"GO!!!"
And then they were off!
Applejack and Ion took off like a couple of rockets. Many of the other racers tried to keep up with them, even going so far as to try and beat them. But they soon found out that that was an impossible feat, in the end many of them resigned to just running their own race and those who were competing had just simply decided shoot for third place at this point.
The whole time the leaves upon the trees started to fall from their branches as the thundering hooves of the ponies jostled them loose. The trees with attached spigots dripped out their contents of syrup into the hanging buckets underneath them. The whole time they ran Ion spared a few glances around him, watching as the cascade of orange, yellow, and red leaves floated down to the ground. He didn't realize till now just how much the ponies of Equestria had a hand in helping nature, and he felt honored to participate.
"What's the matter Ion!?" The earth pony stallion turned his head to the left and saw that Applejack had pulled ahead of him; her tail was the only thing that met his gaze. "Ya better concentrate on the race, instead sight seein'!"
Actually, now that Ah remember, that’s how Twi beat meh and Rainbow last time, thought Applejack.
"Oh I can spare the time, catching up with you is easy, and getting ahead of you is as easy as one, two…" Ion planted his hind hooves to the ground and sprinted forward, putting Applejack right behind him. "Three!"
Applejack grunted in frustration, how could she have let him get ahead of her that easily. After a brief mental berating Applejack throttled it. Their hooves stamped against the ground, sweat trailing off in shimmering sparkles as the sun lit their way down the dirt road, and in their wake a whirlwind of falling autumn leaves. The farmpony soon saw something in the distance. A familiar tree that Rainbow used to slow her down, and for just a split second, Applejack contemplated using it in much the same way. As quick as Ion was the most it would do is slow him down a bit.
No, don’t think like that Applejack! Yer goin’ to win this thing fair and square!
Just as quickly as the thought entered her mind it left, passing the tree branch and nearing the buckets of tree sap. Again another thought entered her mind, a flashback to when she kicked one of the buckets and got Rainbow stuck in the sticky substance, only to have her use it as a slingshot to propel her passed Applejack. Yet again, she resisted the urge to do anything underhoofed.
Soon the two of the reached the cliff, Applejack was able to finally pull ahead and it seemed like victory was in sight. Ion was getting slightly winded, even after all those months of hard work on Sweet Apple Acres he still hadn't built up the necessary endurance to keep up his speed.
"What's the matter Ion, gettin' a little winded!?"
"Don't…worry…about…me," said Ion in between pants.
Suddenly Ion felt a shift, something was off. The rumbling of the other contestant's hooves felt like they were getting closer. When Ion looked over his shoulder he saw that they were indeed getting closer, but the vibrations felt like they were coming from a different source. It was then that the green stallion turned his gaze to the left and his eyes went wide as saucers. A rockslide was tumbling down the cliff towards them, giant boulders and dirt were about to descend upon them.
"Applejack move out of the way, quick!" Ion shouted.
"Not happenin' Ion, if ya want to get around meh, ya have to pass meh!" Applejack retorted.
"Applejack you don't understand there's –!"
"Look Ah ain't gonna be distracted by –!"
"APPLEJACK LOOK OUT!!!"
Before the blonde maned mare could ask she felt something push her forward, causing Applejack to tumble about in the dirt and rolled to a stop. Her hat was tossed off her head and the red straps that kept her mane together had snapped off allowing her hair to flow freely in her face. Applejack slowly rose from the ground and pushed her bangs from her eyes and gave a fierce glare.
"Ion, of all the low down dirty moves, why Ah outta…"
Applejack's train of thought came to a grinding halt. Before her was a giant pile of rock and dirt, the trail and most of the trees nearby were toppled over or buried. Her eyes darted all over the area, searching for somepony anypony. But to her dismay, she saw no one, not even the one who saved her life.
"ION!!!"
Oh right…that’s how I got here…Probably should’ve at least kept an aura field on…I know I’m going to get an earful from Proselyte and Adara…
Ion tried to move but the weight of the rocks and dirt kept him pinned. Not mention that he was bruised, bleeding, and possibly had a broken bone or five.
Well, let’s see what the situation is shall we…?
Ion concentrated his energy, closing his eyes and sensing the collective willpower of all the living things around him. From his position he felt the presence of the other racers, they were further behind him, but they seemed to be in the same position he was in. For the time being their willpower was strong, some seemed injured from what he could sense but otherwise alive. Outside the pile he felt as dozens of ponies gathered about to excavate them. Among them he sensed Applejack, working with the others and digging at a fast and furious pace. Unfortunately the situation was worse than he thought. The ridge from where the rockslide had occurred was still unstable, he could feel it, another one was coming, and here he lied with no way to warn them or protect them.
Damn it…there has to be a way to help them…but I can’t even move in this form…and if I change into my true form…
It was days like this that Ion thought back to his hosts, one in particular. A wielder of the emerald light whose imagination was creative, elaborate, and powerful, with a will that could not be beat, even when the odds seemed against him, how he wished he had that kind of ability. It was the downside of having a mortal form, though they could still command their powers, in mortal form they were limited. They lacked the vast imagination that was needed to create more complicated constructs, simple ones like a catapult or shackles, even a shield and sword were easy enough, but that was it. He needed a way to help them, a body to move in that wasn't this physical one and wasn't his true form, something that could help those outside, some sort of construct.
That's when it hit him. The answer was right there, the wielders of his power, his former hosts, or more pacifically, their forms.
This better work…first thing’s first…gotta get out of here. This is going to hurt…!
Ion's eyes shined with green light, soon his entire body shimmered as his physical body transitioned into pure light. It was a bit painful in his injured state, the pain of his injuries melded into one and it almost became too much. But the Entity of Willpower bared through it, once the transformation reached his head he motioned upwards, his entire body condensed into a beam of light and shot straight up, boring a hole through the debris.
"KEEP DIGGIN' WE GOT TA GET'EM OUT OF THERE!" Applejack shouted.
She had quickly rushed to the finish line and informed all those around of the trouble that had occurred. Luckily, Princess Celestia had been in attendance, and ordered that her guard help in the rescue operation. She too joined the horde of ponies who arrived to help the trapped ponies who got caught in the rockslide. One of the things that surprised most of the ponies was that Princess Celestia herself had thrown off her regalia and started getting in the dirt with her fellow subjects. At one point one of the ponies asked why she didn't use her magic to move the dirt and rocks.
To which she replied, "I am sorry, but if moved all of this too quickly I could trigger another rockslide, or accidentally crush somepony underneath without knowing."
Suddenly the rock pile began to rumble and shake. The ponies who were standing on the mound started to get worried that another rockslide was about to occur, but that worry was just as quickly quashed. A green bolt of lightning shot into the sky high above. All the ponies looked up, watching as an emerald star hovered high above them. In the next moment the star descended back down to terra firma, landing just a few feet away from the other ponies.
A crater, fifty feet in diameter, smoldered as a giant green being stood in it. The being was kneeling on one knee, its left fist touching the ground while its left arm rested on the raised knee. After a moment the giant rose up, standing to its full height of one-hundred feet. Its body was muscular, yet lean, flexed its hands, tightening them into fists. Its head was bald and smooth, it had no mouth, no ears, or nose, but it did have eyes. They were burning white, with wisps of green energy pouring from the corners.
"What is that thing," shouted one of the ponies.
"It's some kind of monster," screamed a mare.
The Royal Guard assembled before the giant, entering a fighting stance and preparing to defend the citizenry and their Princess as well. But it was Celestia who stepped forward, against the protests of her subjects and her guard, the snow white alicorn trotted passed the warriors and stared straight at the giant. Celestia watched as a familiar symbol flashed in its eyes, it was then that the Solar Princess knew what needed to be done.
"Let the giant pass, it means us no harm!" Celestia ordered.
"B-B-But Princess!"
"THAT IS AN ORDER," roared Celestia in the Royal Canterlot voice.
With that settled, the Giant started to stomp its way towards the pile. The ground shook with each step it took, taking care to make sure its foot landed precisely where there wasn't anypony nearby. Applejack remained on the mound watching the giant move towards it. Many of the other ponies had fled a, relatively, safe distance away. The orange farmpony mare stared up at the Giant, and the Giant stared down back at her.
The Giant knelt down once again; it then raised its right arm and balled its hand into a fist. Everypony gasped in horror as the Giant thrust its fist forward; Applejack didn't blink as she watched, in wonder actually, as the Giant's fist passed through the pile and ended up on the other side. Its fist had somehow turned into a bubble, but after a second it slowly started to open it revealing, to everypony's shock and awe, the other contestants. Gently they were lowered to the ground, some bruised but otherwise okay.
The Giant retracted its arm, its hand regaining its original form. Suddenly there was another rumble and the ponies watched as the unstable cliff once again let loose a deluge of dirt and rock upon the innocent bystanders down below. The Giant took action, positioning itself between the rockslide and the ponies below. It entered a fighting stance, cocking back its fist and preparation for an attack. Some wanted to run for the hills, others just stood and watched, wondering what the Giant was going to do.
At the moment before the wave hit the Giant punched the rockslide, unleashing a blast of emerald light, creating a shockwave that rippled through the rockslide and completely reduced it to dust. The evaporated rock now washed over everything in the form of a thick dust cloud, obscuring all visible sight.
"What the hay! Ah can't see a darn thing," coughed Applejack. It was then that she remembered, out all the ponies that the Giant saved, she didn't see one pony who saved her life. "ION!"
"Over…here…"
Applejack heard his voice and quickly tried to search for him, but the dust cloud was too thick to see clearly. At that moment the cloud started to twist and turn, a whirlwind had kicked up, Applejack felt as the wind shot upwards, taking the cloud with it. It was then, out of the corner of her eye, that she noticed the familiar gold aura of Princess Celestia. Remembering to thank the Princess later, Applejack set out to find Ion, calling out his name and following the sound of his voice.
Finally she found him, in a bed of dirt. His mane was matted with blood, he was bruised badly enough for it be visible through his coat. His eyes slowly caught sight of Applejack and he gave her a weak smile.
"'Sup Boss Mare…"
"Don't talk; ya need to save yer strength! Look at ya…Yer…" Applejack bit her lip, trying to stave back the tears. "AH NEED SOME HELP OVER HERE; WE'VE GOT AN INJURED PONY, HURRY!!!"
(Ponyville General Hospital, 3 Days Later)
Ion was lying in his hospital bed, his right hind leg in a cast and elevated. His barrel was wrapped in bandages, along with most of his head. He had been lying in hospital for long while, too long for him. Luckily he was able to get wind that the other racers were alright, minor injuries thankfully, which lead him to believe that Applejack and himself took the brunt of the rockslide. The green stallion had been visited by Princess Celestia, in secret of course, both to thank him for his heroism and to chew him out for doing something so reckless.
It didn't take long before Adara came to visit, also secretly, both to visit and give her big brother a hug, and to, as well, chew him out for going through with that bet and almost getting killed. Currently Ion was reading the latest Daring Do book, he found that Equestrian literature was very entertaining, and because he had nothing better to do. It was then that he heard a knocking at the door.
"Come in."
When the door opened he saw Applejack walk through it, this was a surprise for him, since she hadn't come to visit him in three days. She wore an uneasy smile, her eyes downcast. She too was bandaged up, but it was only a Band-Aid on her left cheek, and a bandage wrapped right foreleg.
"Hey, Ion…Are ya…are ya feelin' better," she asked.
"Yeah, the doctors say I'm healing fast, so I should be out of here and back to work soon," said Ion.
"G-Good, 'cause, ya know, the work's pilin' up and we need to harvest the last of the apple orchards before winter full sets in…"
What followed next was an awkward silence; Ion didn't know why that was. There also seemed to be a bit of tension coming from the mare.
"Hey, Applejack, are you alright?"
"…No, no Ah'm not alright…Ion, Ah had a reason fer havin' ya agree to that bet."
Ion raised a curious eyebrow, but remained silent as it appeared that Applejack had something to get off her chest.
"If Ah'd won Ah was going to make ya tell meh whatever it is yer hidin'. Ya see…Ah didn't trust, not fully anyway. It just seemed like yer were guardin' something, Ah was afraid, afraid of what that secret was, afraid for mah family, and afraid for lettin' a stranger live with us. And during the Iron Pony, Ah started to wonder how you got so strong after only beein' here for a few months…"
Applejack let out a heavy sigh and stared directly at Ion.
"Ah always say that actions speak louder than words, and an Apple values honesty. But Ah also know that some ponies have things that they want to keep to themselves, and that it's yer business whether to tell them or not…So, Ah won't bring it up again. Ya saved mah life, twice now, and that means somethin'. If ya want…ya could come back, if yer willin' to put up with a paranoid boss like meh…"
Ion listened to Applejack's words, words that were filled with sincerity and hurt, as well as concern. In truth he bared her no grudge, Ion understood the need to protect ones family, she was afraid, but by trusting him she was trying to overcome it. And that was good enough for him. Besides, how could he say no to a cute face like that…Did I really just think that? …Yes, yes I did.
"It's alright Applejack; I don't hate you or blame you for anything. And you're right; there is something I'm not telling you, but…someday, I hope to be able to tell you. I also look forward to earning your trust."
Ion raised his left hoof, stretching it out towards Applejack. The orange mare smiled happily and extended her right hoof to meet his in a hoof bump to seal their deal.
"Ah guess Ah'll let ya get some rest, Ah need to get back to the farm but Ah'll come back later with some of Granny's food, if the rockslide didn't kill ya, this hospital food will," stated Applejack with a chuckle.
"Thanks." Applejack was about to step out of the room, but before she left Ion remembered something important. "Applejack wait!"
"What?"
"Since I was going to win anyway, I'll have Rarity start on your new dress to wear in town," said Ion sinisterly.
"THE HAY AH WILL! The only way yer goin' to make me do that is if ya race meh again, except this time if you lose you wear the dress," shot back Applejack.
"Deal."
Applejack gave a smirk before closing the door behind her. It wasn't long before she left that a puff of purple smoke appeared in the corner of the room. Ion instantly knew who it was and groaned, he was not in the mood for another chewing out session, especially from Proselyte. Speaking of which, the young colt trotted to Ion's bedside and gave him a knowing look.
"I know what you're going to say, and yes, you were right, but you were also wrong. Now whatever you were going to say, say it."
Proselyte grinned at his older brother, "I was just coming here to offer to heal your wounds, but if you would like to stay here for a few more days then by all means…"
"No one likes a smartass Lyte."
"Only around you, brother," Proselyte looked towards the window, in the direction that Applejack was heading. "It would seem your trust in Applejack was not misplaced, perhaps, there is more to them than what I originally thought."
"You'd figure it out too if you spent a little more time with Fluttershy," said Ion.
"Perhaps…now let's see what I can do about that leg of yours."
It only took four days before Ion was back on his hooves again and back on Sweet Apple Acres. It would be a few weeks later that the stallion and mare would commence a private race between them, and the result was hilarious.