White Flags
Chapter 10 – White Flags
The mid morning air was cold and bitter, yet the sun was warm and inviting as it always was. It wasn't interfered by clouds or strong winds, but the standing air alone was cold enough to provide discomfort to Barin’s skin.
He sat alone by the river. His clothes were removed, and a bar of soap sat beside him on the moist grass. Despite the cold air and the need to wash himself, Barin just sat there. Staring at the flowing river. Its water swished and swirled in a never ending dance that seemed to represent everything tranquil and quenching.
To Barin, it was anything but. “I don't want to get in there.” His voice was a whisper.
The voice in his head agreed. “It is cold, and full of dark memories. Like my ex-girlfriend.”
Barin’s own sense of humor was not helping him. “I don't remember drowning before coming here, then again that might be a good thing.” the thought of uncovering what was best left forgotten made him shiver.
“Perhaps you have some form of amnesia, caused by the accident itself.” he reasoned to himself.
He sighed and brought up his hand to knead his forehead. “... I know what I have to do.”
Naturally his conscience spoke with the same anxiety, “Yes, it will not be fun, but it may give us answers. That’s one thing we haven't had lately.”
He lowered his hand. “Honest to god answers.” Despite this resolution, Barin made no move to get into the water. “I could just step in,” he said to himself even though his body remained motionless as a discomforting feeling swept throughout his body like a poison.
The other half of him was getting anxious. “Hey, think of it like you’re stepping into the pool, just dunk your head in and get it over with.” Hesitantly, Barin leaned forward and grabbed the edge of the bank with both hands. Using the strength of his muscles along with an intake of air, he launched himself into the water.
For a second the icy water tore at Barin’s skin, but as time passed the freezing chill began to subside and the panicked man began to feel weightless as buoyancy began to override gravity. Twisting himself around into a standing position, Barin dug his toes into the river bed and closed his eyes when he felt the soft dirt slip between his toes.
For a moment, Barin felt like his fears were misplaced. “See?” His inner conscious smiled. “Just like a pool, now hurry up, I don’t got all day–” The voice was interrupted when Barin realized his feet had suddenly grown numb and that the rest of his body was freezing.
Barin’s eyes flew open and he looked down at his body to see that he was wearing the clothes he had left onshore. His thoughts were immediately overwhelmed with confusion and panic. His head snapped in the direction he thought was up, yet everywhere he looked he couldn’t see the morning sunlight. However, for the briefest of moments, something caught his eyes. Barin whirled around and saw lights flashing across the surface in random intervals, followed by what seemed like muffled gunshots that bombarded his ears. It was now that Barin realized something that scared him dearly, he was deep under water, and the current was much rougher than before.
Instinct being his primary drive, like a madman, Barin began to wildly swim towards the flashing lights. The currents seemed to aid in his ascent, and not before long his head broke the surface of the water, his lungs screaming for air. Gasping for air Barin drifted down the black river, above him light streaked across the sky in the form of lightening, and thunder boomed like iron cannons during battle. A torrent of rain hampered his vision and Barin’s ability to breathe in his state of confusion and panic. He could barely make out his surroundings, everything looked to be a blur in the fast current which propelled him down stream.
Barin tried to catch his breath and fight against the current, his arms thrashing crazy as he tried latching onto any form of support. However, the freezing water stripped away any feeling of hope he had. Already he could no longer feel his legs and he could barely keep his head above the surface. Chilling water forced itself down his throat and into his lungs, burning as it went. Barin threw his head back above the water and quickly saw that the world around him was getting darker as the lightning seemed to be doing less to help illuminate his surroundings. But all that didn’t seem to matter when his head was pulled back underwater.
It was then that Barin realized the situation he was in. “You idiot! It’s a hallucination!” His conscious hollered, “Wake up dammit!” Barin halted all movement and he shook his head in a desperate attempt to wake up. The sounds of the roaring, freezing river and thunderstorm faded away. They were replaced with water that lapped and splashed against his face just as a large breeze came through and jolted his already freezing skin. Barin’s eyes shot open and his heart lurched in his chest as if he had awoken from a nightmare. Gazing about he saw something that both disturbed and relieved him.
His head was above the surface of the water, resting on a rock, and his back was leaning uncomfortably against the river bank. His legs were slowly being dragged along the bottom of the river by the current. The back of his head throbbed like he was suffering from a hangover. Barin sat up groaning, his hand reaching to grab parts of his aching body as he straightened himself out. “Well shit, I’m alive!!” His voice rang out like a sick frog as he suddenly felt his lungs scream for mercy. Barin nearly collapsed back into the river when his stomach lurched and he began to heave water which was tainted with his mornings breakfast into the grass. He laid there for almost a minute, groaning he finally stood back up. He turned and gagged into this elbow, trying to clear out his lungs of any unwarranted moisture. Barin leaned back and clutched his sore throat, breathing heavily he stifled a groan.
Good news, he was alive. Bad news, he nearly drowned in a river that just barely reaches his chest.
Barin scrambled back up stream and pulled himself from the water and onto the bank where his clothes were. His heart pumped with fear, and his eyes were red from the whole experience. “What…” He slowly lifted himself up. “What the holy hell was that!?”
Barin placed a hand on the side of his head, his eyes slowly turning back towards the river. “Yeah... I can go without bathing for a few weeks.” He thought as he watched the current continue its peaceful dance like nothing had happened. Barin’s eye twitched, it was as if the river was mocking the terror he had just gone through. He tore his eyes away and shook his head in disgust.
Barin turned his back on the river and tried to make a move for his clothes, but with legs feeling like jelly, he opted to collapse onto the dirt instead and allow the sun’s warm rays to dry his skin. After thirty seconds Barin had lost track of time and he had no clue on how long he had been laying there in the dirt. Eventually though, he stood back up and trudged over to his pile of clothes. Bending over he snatched his shirt and began to hastily it on along with rest of his apparel. Once finished, Barin swatted out the few wrinkles in his shirt and took a deep breath. Stealing one last glance at the river, he turned and began his trek back to the castle he called home.
To make traveling through the bush easier Barin had carved a canyon in the forest by cutting down trees and trampling the ground beneath the canopy to and from the river. Dirt and occasional patches of green marked the newly created trail back to home, the dirt pummeled into a soft yet firm padding. Barin glanced down and noticed a pair of cockatraces fighting over a small patch of land directly in the middle of the path. He cared not about them as he pretended they weren't there, and didn't stop to look back to see if any blood had stained his road. Having accidentally killed many creatures of the forest to make this path, Barin decided to justify his actions by using it as a message: Stay away from the path, it’s my turf.
Barin passed by a tree that reached his waist. He stared at it while he passed by. “Halfway there,” He muttered, not long after he passed through a natural clearing. Barin swayed his gaze left and right, seeing only small patches of blue flowers coating the field. “I never see anything here…Not even birds.”
Feeling an itch on his back he reached back to scratch it. While doing so, he felt over the bandages that covered the wounds dealt to him by the wooden wolf king a few weeks ago. He had been trusting Twilight to inspect the bandages to make sure he wasn't getting an infection, and Discord to change them. However, he was concerned with how long his wounds were taking to safely heal. There was no way for him to inspect the wounds himself without a setup of large mirrors, and without the proper advice from a real doctor he was simply getting impatient about recovery.
“What I would give for a google search.” Barin grumbled and soldiered on.
Upon returning to the worn castle he eyed the makeshift ladder he had built during his first week living in the castle. It had held up well to the weather and weight it had to endure, yet Barin knew it was only a matter of time before gravity would take his creation by using his own weight as an instrument of its destruction. For now, it would do.
Barin climbed up his ladder that lead to the hole in the castle wall, and into his room where the fire smoldered faintly. The room smelled of sweat and burned wood, but the floor and walls were relatively clean at first glance. Random objects from his pack laid out here and there in organized chaos. Speaking of such evils, the god of chaos stood on his bed looking over a huge book about a man stuck on Mars. The irony was beginning to hurt every time Barin looked at the cover. Nothing was said between the pair as Barin sat down next to Discord.
Discord looked up at him and readjusted his position. He let his feet dangle over the edge of the bed and lightly kicked at the air, and then meshed his claw and paw together. “Look,” Discord began, “I’m not one for apologies. I wouldn't be who I am if I was, but the last time I got full of myself, Fluttershy threw me away out of frustration.” He looked up at Barin, who had not changed his expression of contained annoyance. “Remember that night when I told you how nice it was to have a guy to talk to? Even if you didn't understand a word of it?” He looked down at the ground. “I was being sincere.” He held his palms up and begged at the ceiling. “I–I just couldn't help but have a little fun!” He fell back and rested on the bed. “But what’s fun to me may not be to you. I need to understand that.”
Barin was just staring blankly at him. Proficient as his understanding of Equestrian was, whole chunks of conversations still struggled to understand everything said. “I hear the sincerity in your voice, but you have yet to try and learn my language.” He narrowed his eyebrows and pointed down at Discord. “If this is an apology than you need to put some more effort into it!” He paused and looked away for a moment. Man, I sound like a dick, Barin thought, but then again maybe I shouldn't let him off this easy...
Discord deeply sighed. “I could try to make something out of that, but I can't. I need to give you something you really want, other than food, something much better…” He narrowed his eyebrows and teleported into a standing position. “I’m going to do something that I haven't done in over a thousand years!” He pumped his claw up toward the sky. “Make a promise I intend to keep!” Barin just looked over at Discord and frowned in confusion. “I will ensure that you will be accepted into pony society!” Discord jabbed his finger at him. “In fact I’ll convince Celestia to grant you citizenship if I have to!” Discord declared valiantly. He looked up and saw Barin remain abstinent.
Barin blinked, his jaw dropping when his eyes were suddenly met with Discords’. Releasing a girlish yelp he leaned backwards causing the bed to creak under the weight of two giants, one of them being Discord. Another snap of Discord’s talons transformed the bed from a crude creation, to a camping cot with a plush blue sleeping bag on top of it. Complete with a comfortable air pillow.
While Barin was absorbing all of this, a third snap of Discord’s talons caused the entire room to be consumed by a blinding, white light. It dissipated just as fast as it came. Groaning Barin blinked out the last few splotches of colored light. Rubbing his eyes he looked over and noticed the light from his fire place had changed. Not only in intensity, but how it reflected off the room, which he realized was an entirely different matter altogether. A fresh fire was now contained in a beautiful stone fire pit that rose five feet from the ground. The stones that made up the pit looked to have been chipped straight from the earth and stacked expertly to create a wonderful appearance that even a wealthy man would envy. Over the fire sat a simple iron grill for cooking meals.
Barin stood up from his new bed to get a better look at the fire pit. In doing so, he noticed the windows and walls around the room were patched, the floor was clean and smooth. The stones beneath him looked polished and practically seamless, reflecting what it must’ve been thousands of years ago. The ceiling was just as grand, supported by new marble columns. Directly above the fire pit was a large hole for the smoke to flee. Looking towards the windows, the patterns of intricate glass mosaics cast part of the room in a mix of color. Everything looked brand new, although his ratty tatty cloth and Duct tape door was still the same. Not that it mattered though. Everything else looked beautiful.
Barin dropped to his knees and touched the floor. He let his fingers slide across the surface so smoothly one would think that the floor had just been waxed. And then his bed. Barin did not miss the bed he had put so much work and care into creating. Instead he put his hands over his mouth and tears rolled from his eyes at the sight of something new that looked manmade. A green cot with a blue sleeping bag and pillow. Such a trivial thing to anyone else, but for someone who was resting on a barely functional bed for many weeks, it was a god send.
Discord had gotten up from the bed. He stood beside it waiting patiently for Barin to finish marveling at his gifts. He looked at Discord with watery eyes and for a moment he just stared at him. Standing up, Barin slowly approached his friend who opened both arms wide. Barin slowly wrapped his arms around Discord, feeling his fur and feather against his skin. For once in what seemed like forever, he could hug someone for comfort.
Barin took this rare chance to cry.
Discord quietly muffled a grunt as the man squeezed harder and buried his head in the lion shoulder and wailed. The mighty God of Chaos gently hugged Barin back. Not knowing what to say or do, or if it was appropriate to do anything at all. He simply let his friend cry.
For two minutes the halls of the abandoned castle rang with the wail of a lonely giant. After being thrown from his world in a storm that made no sense, he had been living in poor conditions in an alien environment. Then to see his home look like something proper that was clean and civilized after weeks of anything but that. It was so much to take.
In that time Discord began to truly feel. The emotions Barin was showing were unlike anything he had seen in such a long time: True thankfulness for something he had done. Almost no one gave him that, except Fluttershy, but even she did not express her gratitude in tears. He whispered to himself as Barin began to finally calm down. “...I...I’m sorry, please forgive my selfishness.”
Barin pulled back from the hug. His eyes red and wet, his breath worn and ragged. Still, he had a smile of true happiness on his face. Even if they could speak the same language, nothing could describe the feelings he felt. “You have no idea what it’s like!” He playfully grabbed Discord’s shoulders. “Thank you! Thank you my friend! Please, turn big more often! I love this!”
Discord couldn't help but smile. While he would never admit it, tears almost appeared in his eyes as well. Almost. “I think you just accepted my apology,” He patted Barin on the back and a box of tissues appeared over his shoulder. “But please calm down, I’m not stopping here!”
Barin grabbed the box out of the air and began cleaning his face and nose, chuckling as he did so. “These feel like Kleenexes, the expensive plush ones.”
Discord pointed out at one of the clear windows that shown the forest and sky. “I’m getting you a job!” He snapped his head at Barin and spoke carefully. “I will be back!” And with that the God of Chaos disappeared.
Barin hardly understood that last statement, but he knew enough to know that he left with positive endeavors in mind. Over the next half hour Barin did nothing else but obsess over his restored home. He marveled at the craftsmanship, the humble and civilized comfort it embodied, and the soft new bed he owned.
It was at the mark of one when two ponies caught his attention. He heard a rapid conversation that Barin thought was excitement. After all, who wouldn't be at the sight of his new home. But instead when Barin looked up from his bed at the entryway, he saw Twilight Sparkle and Lyra standing at the entrance looking at each other instead of marveling at the beauty of the room. It was when Barin focused his vision did he see why. The voices were not of excitement, they were of a heated argument between the pair.
He didn't know what they were saying, and it’s not like he even could. Thus he had no idea on what they were upset about, and that bothered him. The unconscious desire to help pulled at his mind, but he knew that without any full understanding of the medium, doing anything might cause more harm than good. Never try to understand an argument between women unless you’re an active part of it. His ever humorous mind reminded him.
Instead he opted to interrupt and try to cheer them both up, hoping that it would help resolve whatever tension there was. With a heave and a leap, Barin was on his feet and bounding happily straight at the pair. “Ponies!” He called in basic Equestrian. The bickering mares turned, froze in fear, and almost bolted for cover had Barin not stopped one giant step away. They did however, back up when he dropped to his knees and wrapped his hands around them in the only non-crushing hug he could give.
The pair of ponies were mildly frightened at first, before the warmth of skin sank through their fur and melted away any concern. The pair of ponies nuzzled the warm hands in response before they retracted back to Barin’s lap. “Look!” He proclaimed pointing at the floor.
Twilight looked down at the floor and noticed that it was no longer a disgraced sight, but instead it was something more akin to what she would find in Canterlot. “Uh...” She hoofed the floor and felt the pure smoothness. “This is new.” Twilight looked over to see Lyra’s reaction was just as skeptical, but chose not to comment on the subject.
Barin presented his cupped hands to the both of them, a gesture Twilight understood immediately, while Lyra was definitely more hesitant about it. “It’s safe, Lyra.” Twilight said rolling her eyes.
Lyra scrunched her muzzle. “Fine, fine.” She stepped tentatively on the soft skin, feeling her hoof sink into the folds like that of a warm pillow. With a teasing glare from Twilight, Lyra did sit down, but immediately regretted it. They rose to great heights in a matter of seconds, eliciting a yelp from the mare that made Twilight giggle. But before the pair could start arguing again, Barin turned around and faced the new and improved room.
Lyra and Twilight froze with their mouths open, and stared out into the room. For a few moments the pair did not say a thing while their minds were simultaneously blown. “What the buck?” Lyra breathed.
Barin only gave them a few seconds to take it all in before he marched them over to the redone table no longer rotting and splintered. Twilight and Lyra swiveled their heads back and forth, absorbing all that they could see.
They were gently lowered next to a dark wood table with brick red covers and a collection of fine silverware. The ponies seated themselves while watching Barin bound away presumably to fetch some food. The seats were not padded but largely more comfy than before hand. The mares’ eyes were wide trying to comprehend everything they saw.
They sat there for less than a minute before an apple larger than both of them was placed on the table. “Appul?” Asked Barin.
Twilight was about to say no, but just then her stomach decided that it would be a good idea to have something. “Sure, thanks.”
Barin plucked the apple from the ground and used his knife to cut a slice for each of his friends. An apple slice was barely able to sit on the silver plate it was placed on. The portion was generous by Equine standards, but both mares knew that it wasn't in this case. “Barin?” Twilight had to ask. “Did Discord do this?”
Lyra rolled her eyes. “See? Discord is the first one you fall back on.”
For now her remark was ignored by all else. Barin nodded vigorously. “Dibcor iz de good friend!” In his excitement Barin’s Equestrian was sloppy. He proceeded to dig into the apple while the mares exchanged worried glances.
Twilight looked at Lyra and shrugged. “Look,” she said, “I want nothing more than his intergration, my problem lies with you!”
Lyra scowled. “Oh so it’s me then is it?” She jabbed a hoof at Barin. “He destroyed my house!”
Twilight paused mid-bite. “That was, your house?” She glanced down at the apple meat. “I’m sorry, but did you really expect me to stop him? If he wants to do something the only thing stopping him is a sense of manners!”
“You haven't tried using magic against him?”
Twilight blanched. “What? He’s my friend, and second of all, yes! He’s so resistant to magic that not even Celestia could lift him! And she moves the sun!” Lyra started smiling. “What’s so funny?”
Lyra held her amusement back long enough to answer. “Just the thought of Barin not giving a hoot if Celestia tried talking to him!”
Twilight leaned forward over her apple. “Have you ever seen him angry?” Lyra looked into Twilight’s eyes and saw the seriousness. “He is nice, gentle, and considerate, but if you do anything to make him angry everything before that goes to Tartarus.” She spat. “I betrayed his trust once, and he made sure I’d never forget it. If you don't treat him like a friend he will do the same to you.”
Lyra was unwillingly intimidated. “Is this a threat?”
Twilight shook her head. “No, this is a warning. I wanted to do this quietly because if something goes wrong nopony would be hurt.”
Lyra’s eyes narrowed and her frown deepened to a scowl. “Did it ever occur to you that trying to control someone who can't be stopped in an emergency will only lead to disaster?”
Twilight’s ears lowered. “Yes…” She fell back into her chair. “But I didn't know what to do, Celestia said that this was my responsibility, and yet I’ve done nothing but prove that I have what it takes to handle big problems by myself…” Saying this a loud, admitting it to herself and Lyra, triggered an unwilling urge to grieve.
Barin returned from tending the fire swatting his hands together to clear the ash on his skin. He looked down at his guests, and the satisfied grin turned to a small frown when he saw Twilight in dismay. He knelt down, and Lyra saw his eyes widen when a hint of tears collected under Twilight’s gaze. The pair of ponies had been bickering since the start of their visit, and now Twilight was crying.
Lyra suddenly regretted all the recent sins she had done that day, relevant or not, when the devil inside Barin seeped from his face and came to stare at her. His eyes were sharp, the eyebrows knotted, and the scowl grew into a toothy scorn. Lyra’s ears went dead flat and her mouth became dry. Her mind was surprised on how quick and fierce his gaze was, and her breath became more shallow. She had not intended to make Twilight cry, but that’s what happened. Lying felt like asking for a death sentence, and she wondered for a moment how Twilight had done under this same stare.
Now Twilight was not crying persay, but was on the verge. She was able to look up from her self pity and see what was about to transpire. She didn't know what he would do, but the thought of Lyra flying like a baseball set alarms off. She lept into the air between the two and shook her head. “No, it’s not her fault! It’s mine!”
Barin’s gaze shifted to Twilight and she immediately saw the demon recede. He lifted a hand to her backside. “Twilight, need hug?” She was about to say no, trying to stay strong, but again she had just admitted to herself that many things that happened recently were her fault. She had not grieved over her stress and struggles, wanting to stay strong like a princess should be. “Y-Yes.” She stuttered.
Barin cupped his hand behind her and Twilight let herself be seated there. He drew her in, bracing with both hands, against his cheek. It was fortunate for her that he was keeping on top of shaving, so she could feel the impressive warmth he made. It was a body to cheek nuzzle that for the observing Lyra, touched her heart.
Lyra was witnessing affection. The appropriate kind, hopefully, between two beings who had more emotional history than Lyra herself could not guess. She knew that Twilight had done everything for the sake of Barin’s safety. She of course did not know of the Infinity Dilemma, but that was a lesson long gone. Another emotion proved a point to her. Jealousy. Lyra felt that writhing inside her mouth wanting to express her desire to be where Twilight was. It was her turn to be guilty, but her sense of pride still put in one final say. “We’ve all done a lot of stupid things lately haven't we?”
Twilight looked at Barin, then back at Lyra. “Yeah, it happens.” She smiled and wriggled her body as a sign to let go. Barin obliged and she flew back to her seat. “Look Lyra, we’re both in this together, and I’d hate to hold a grudge.”
Lyra nodded. “Truce, but do you still hold a grudge against EBA?”
Twilight took another bite of her apple slice. “M-hum, they are still mostly selfish scientists that are more stingy than bureaucrats.” She swallowed and looked up at Barin. “Now you! Barin, best sentence please.”
Barin tapped the stem of his apple to his chin before responding. “I like pie.”
“What flavor?”
“Pie flavor!”
AppleJack pulled her cart full of apples through the farm in her backyard. The late morning sun was uncomfortably warm, but not for the likes of the humble mare, who paid the heat no mind. The tranquility of the morning was broken however, when the earth beneath her hooves vibrated in quick, sharp pulses that faded soon after they begun. Applejack cocked an eyebrow slightly and glanced about, seeing nothing out of the ordinary she shrugged and continued onwards.
It was soon after the quakes began again, coming and going just as they had done before. This time AJ was unfazed by the rumbles, but her ears twitched at the disturbance nonetheless. Silence reigned over the farm once again with the only noise being the cold wind howling through the trees at a brisk pace. Applejack took the advantage and pulled her hat off and set it upside down on the pile of apples she was pulling. The wind cooled her mane and fur while also letting the sweat soaked hat breathe for the first time that morning.
The quakes came back. Applejack scowled and glanced at the earth beneath her. Grumbling under her breath she sighed and looked out over her farm. It was fortunate that the trees around her were already picked clean of fruit. Less the quakes spoil the fallen apples that had peacefully grown from their branches.
The tremor patterns continued until AppleJack reached the barn where a surplus of goods was stored to be used for a later date. Leaning on the red and white painted roof was Barin, dressed as usual. His clothes were lightly soaked with sweat and his glasses were hanging from the iron barn pulley by the bridge. Applejack raised an eyebrow and pursed her lips, it was the first time she had seen him without glasses, clearly now she could see his brown eyes were much more prominent than before as they scanned the horizon for no reason in particular.
AppleJack’s ears twitched at the sound of creaking wood when she stopped at the barn doors. She knitted her brow and frowned at the giant. “Stop leanin, on mah barn!” She shouted at him.
Barin snapped his head down at her in mild surprise. His eyebrow cocked as it took a few seconds for her words to register. “Sorry!” He said honestly as he pushed against the building to rebalance himself. He then leaned back and flopped on the ground beside the barn, thus creating a large tremor that caused the structure to shake even more. Barin chuckled lightly and leaned back on the soft grass.
AppleJack looked at her barn in pity. By her own hooves she would swear by its strength and build quality, but the barn was not built to support giants leaning against it. Inside the barn there was a great pile of apples resting in the middle of the room. It reached to the ceiling and occupied much of the floor space. By contrast, the cart of apples AppleJack dropped off was second to nothing.
AJ looked over the pile of fruit with raised eyebrows. “Gosh,” She stammered. “At this rate I’ll need ta build more barns!” She turned around and headed back outside where Barin was. She came up to his head and prodded his ear with her hoof.
Barin turned his head and opened his eyes lazily. “What?” He asked, “I am sleepy.”
“Ah, think the word yer lookin for is resting.” AJ pointed out. “Not ta say ah blame ya, that barn is full ta the brim!” Her smile was humorous and her voice proud. “Now I need ya ta help transplant some trees away from the fruit bat preserve, and when ah say help, ah mean you’re gonna be doing all the work.” Her smile became innocent and pleading.
Barin of course only understood a fraction of what she said. “Tree?”
She sighed and reiterated while directing vague movements with her hooves. “Move apple trees to red cross.”
Barin understood and nodded. “Yes, leader.” He sat up. “I go fetch shovel.”
AppleJack giggled slightly while Barin stood up and walked away. “Ah like being called a leader, more than’a boss.”
“Your right!” AppleJack jumped an inch when Rainbow Dash suddenly appeared behind her. “My job would be sooo much cooler if ponies called me leader!”
AJ spun around and asked, “What are ya doing here?”
Dash shrugged. “Just checking on things, has he broken anything yet?”
AppleJack eyed Rainbow up and down before answering, “Not really,” A thought crept a smile on her face. “Though Granny almost broke her hip when she heard about our newest worker.” Rainbow knew enough morals not to laugh enthusiastically about the elderly injuring themselves, so with difficulty she compressed her emotions into a giggle by holding her hooves to her lips. This encouraged AppleJack to continue, “AppleBloom couldn't be happier, but Ah think Mac’s pride is a tad bit dented now that he’s secondary muscle around here.” With that remark Dash let her humor from granny spill over.
However, a thought did occur to Rainbow once she recovered. “Wait,” She paused for a couple seconds thinking she could solve her question alone. Alas that didn't work. “Is he working for free?”
AppleJack jerked backward and opened her mouth aghast. “Course not! His honest work nets him an honest pay.” She stated matter of factly. “I just keep the coin down in our safe room. When he wants it he can have it.” She raised one eyebrow and joked, “It ain't like he can manage his coin without a pair a tweezers!”
Rainbow landed softly next to AppleJack. “I was just asking!”
AppleJack leaned closer to Rainbow Dash. “Ah know, but why are you really here?”
Dash’s expression fell and for a few moments she stood there while twiddling her hooves. “Pinkie Pie, wants to throw a party.”
“A party?” Applejack’s eyebrow raised. “That ain't nothin new.”
“For Barin.” Dash said.
AJ sighed and fell onto her haunches. “Ah was afraid she’d try that. How the hay did Pinkie plan this one?”
Rainbow rubbed the back of her head. “I gotta be frank, AJ, it’s been a week since he started working here. It’s about time he starts being a part of the town.”
AppleJack shook her head. “I’m not saying there shouldn't be a hoedown, but ah can't expect the EBA’s gonna be on board.”
Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “Why should we give a feather?”
AppleJack opened her mouth to point out what was surely obvious, but she stopped partway in her breath. At the end of the day, Pinkie would throw a party for him no matter what. And if Barin was just as much a friend as any other, then AppleJack knew that even to her what the EBA thought meant next to nothing. “Well, shoot.” She gave a coy smile. “Ah don't think we do, what do ya need from me?”
Rainbow smiled at AppleJacks attitude. “We need you to lead him into town! How long do you think it’ll take?”
AppleJack tapped her hoof against her chin. “Well, Ah’d put it at an hour and a half before Ah can get him to move into town, and that’s if Ah can convince him.”
“Not to worry!” Discord flew out of a floating pink cloud directly above them. “I’ve made the proper arrangements!” He smiled when both AppleJack and Rainbow jumped a few inches into the air.
AppleJack regained her composure and furrowed her brow at Discord. “Really now?”
Discord pulled off a piece of his cloud and ate it. “H-hum. If you’re not able to convince him, then I’ll be there to help.”
AppleJack eyed Discord up and down like she had done with Rainbow Dash. “So then why don't you do it.”
Discord shrugged in earnest. “It’ll be funny to watch!” He cupped a bear paw to his mouth and spoke more quietly. “Also, I’d be checking up on him right about now.” His lion claw shaded his eyes while he scanned the horizon. “I’d bet he’s at the digging site by now, and I don't think you told him where to put the dirt!”
As if on cue a burly voice sounded through the air. It was distant, but loud. “Diggy Diggy Hole!”
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Oh..... hi..... you're back.
YeS! Finally updated!!!!
Holy shit I've missed this story!
I spotted an asdf-movie reference and a yogscast reference. You're going to have to be sneakier than that!
oh yay! he has a job, but what could bits do him any good if only discord can make giant sized everything?
THERE IS A GOD!!!!
god damn it I nearly got first comment then my laptop crashes, also nice references to asdf and The Yogscast with “I like pie.” “What flavor?” “Pie flavor!” and "Diggy Diggy Hole" it is funny as hell.
Constructive criticism.
Hella.
First off YAY your back! 2nd i like the references you made "Yogscast.ASDFmovies" those gave me quite the laugh.
So im guessing what most users out there want to know is how often will you be updating this story, i for one love this story to bits!
So keep up the good work and, Stay Determined!
getrealphilippines.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Constructive-Criticism.gif
Well not in progress but you asked for it and I couldn't find a better image without taking more then 30 seconds.
... I am a dwarf and I'm digging a hole... Goddamnit, now I won't be able to get that one out of my head until morning.
Nice Chapter.
Glad to see an update after so long also.
That's no Dwarf.
Great as usual I look forward to the next installment!
i.imgur.com/spGS64k.gif
From deadfics to tracking. Huzzah!
.... XDDDD Loved that reference at the end. XD
It's nice to see this back. This story had been quiet for so long, I was starting to think it was abandoned.
This entire chapter has been full of best sentences, seriously.
old
new
and applejack please make the barn out iron or steel next time next.
BRILLIANT as always
WELL worth the wait
Oh wow I forgot about this story till today, I was like I remember this great giant story that hasn't been updated in forever. Than I go on and see it updated!
I am a Giant and I'm digging a hole. Diggy, diggy hole!
I take it with the antimagic thing, Discord cant Portal to an english speaking dimention, Twilight then send through a passive listening spell form that then collects enough language to do a translation on their end?
Missed a bit to put a pioneer non verticle flue in so Barin has a drying rack for things and extra heating?
Discord being more freind, making up a decent camp without going over the top, maybe a month later getting supplies so Barin can add a tub and copper pipe to the firepit for his own bath?
But first. Pinkie Pie Party.
Barin Goes Down The Hooole.
RIP Joe Alaskey.
Oh... It's you.
It's been s long time. How have you been?
I've been really busy. You know, after you MURDERED ME!
Wait no that was someone else.
Okay. Look. We both said a lot of things that I'm going to regret. But I think we can put our differences behind us. For writeing. You amazing person.
I will say, though, that since you went to all the trouble of updateing you must really, really love to write.
I love it too. There's just one small thing we need to take care of first.
Your welcome back party.
Just don't ask him to dance at the party.
Barin is the biggest dwarf ever.
I feel like rainbow needs to be on the receiving end of one of barins snuggles. I know she sorta had one before but she needs to learn to love it! Nay, addicted to snuggles!
This story is fantastic. Need more chapters.
6937538 he is a very tall giant midget
6937319
If he does a Irish folk dance, there'll be gravestones
Applejack runs over only to see this...
lh6.ggpht.com/_kIPBiaRvNAM/SRmYLS6H2pI/AAAAAAAAAPU/rqMmJZ0qKgQ/image%5B26%5D.png
While Barrin is sings the 'dig a hole' song...
Holy crap, I forgot this was a thing. Also, thanks for reminding me that Shadow of Izraphel is a thing. Which ou are updating faster than, so congrats on beating that glacier. Wow that came out more dickish than intended. Any way, improved writing is always good!
All the fabulous and famous YouTube references!
10/10 good Sir.
I've missed you barin! Welcome back.
Two youtube references.
...
Kay.
Good for you Discord, you had some serious bonding in this chapter.
i.imgur.com/go6nVyC.gif
Someone enjoys ASDF movies!
quickmeme.com/img/d9/d9c1aeb8da3f9f3acdcecd5b091c663376664272ebec801d0488c4f9073a67c1.jpg
Bruceman's writing has caused him to evolve! He is now Uberbruceman!
Ok, loved seeing this again. Especially enjoyed Discord's moment where he makes a commitment to helping his new friend.
Though I do have to say... it seems like you skipped some stuff. How the heck did Twilight get Lyra back in the castle? Maybe it's something you'll show or reference later?
6936323
6938984
There is a third Reference in there, it's not YouTube related. FIND IT
Yer a Giant not a Dwarf!
6937319 Oppa Gangnam style.
Meh it was okay, i always hate it when someone just says someone freaked out rather than reading though it. Show vs Tell, you know?
Awesome chapter, great work.
I smell memes... Me Gusta!
Picture this giant Barin vs giant Tirek!
kaiju fight!
I want Moore i love it XD
Just started reading this today--this is amazing! Can't wait to read more!
I'm not sure if your trying to make a giant look cute at that last part, but it's working. A kawaii giant that's working in the Apple Farm. Man... now I wish I could draw people and ponies.