Guardians of Harmony: Rise of the Knights

by Postwarmonkey50

Chapter 10: A Knight's Trial part 6

At the same time, Bucky was slowly beginning to wake up from a different location, making him groan as he slowly began to sit up. He noticed the sun was a bit sharp in his eyes. He looked up and couldn’t help but shake the feeling that he knew that sunshine before.

But the moment he lowered his head and looked straight, to his surprise, it was Appaloosa, only it wasn’t. Though the sign may say so, the city looked like Carson City in the 1860s if he remembered his history lessons well.

“Whoa,” said Bucky, “Where the heck am I?”

He stood up and dusted himself. But as he did, he noticed that he was wearing what appeared to be cowboy duds.

“Whoa, what the heck am I, some sort of Westerner?” said Bucky as he looked at himself.

He looked ahead at the city and said, “Well, if I’m going to pass my trail, I might as well find out where I need to go and what I need to do.”

He soon walked to the city to find what he was looking for.

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He soon made his way toward the city and was surprised. The city may have the appearance of the 1860s, but it was livelier than New York and Manehattan. But ponies and humans from within the city.

“Wow,” said Bucky, “Western and Modern eras, eat your heart out.”

They saw many humans and ponies going back and forth, trying to live their lives to the fullest, trying to make ends meet, but he could see many living in peace together.

“Maybe one day,” said Bucky to himself with a small smile, “More humans could come, and we can live side by side.”

As he walked, he then heard a loud conversation.

“Please, I’m begging ya.” said the voice. “Ah, really need that medicine.”

Bucky stopped in an instant’ he was shocked to hear what the voice was. He quickly went back to investigate. When he looked around the corner, to his shock, he saw that it was Applejack, only she was wearing a dress that made her fit in well. Which was strange. But to his shock, she was talking to the Flim/Flam brothers, no doubt trying to trick her out of her money.

Not wanting to jump to a conclusion yet, he decided to hide around the corner and listen in close to their conversation.

“We have said it before, and we have said it again,” said the one that looks like Flim.

“The price is 50 bits, nothing more and nothing less.” said the one that looks like Flam.

The one that looked like Applejack groaned, for it looked like she had no other choice. “Alright, fine. I’ll pay for full price.”

“Excellent choice.” said the one that looked like Flim as he handed her the medicine.

The Applejack lookalike was about to hand her money to take medicine. However, Bucky could spot something a mile away. He saw that the two brothers had sly smiles on their faces. And he noticed that one of the bottles was opened, and thankfully, all his time working at the farm, he could smell certain things from a mile away.

He smelled a familiar scent. A scent that he hadn’t caught since…he widened his eyes in shock, for he knew what it was.

“Stop!!” shouted Bucky as he went over.

The Applejack and Flim/Flam brothers lookalike looked at Bucky surprised. But as fate would have it, a sheriff and two of his deputies were walking by, and they saw what was happening.

“Don’t you dare.” said Bucky angrily as he grabbed it.

“Hey now, what’s the big idea?!” said the Flim lookalike.

“We’re trying to sell medicine here!!” said the Flam lookalike.

Bucky dumped the contents into a nearby plant. Within a split second, it died and turned to ash, which shocked the Applejack lookalike, even the Sheriff and Deputies. Bucky showed them the bottle.

“Then how do you explain this?!!” shouted Bucky as he tore off the label.

The label showed a skull on top, which was Hydrochloric acid poison. Which shocked the Applejack lookalike, along with the Sheriff and two Deputies.

“You two have been selling Hydrochloric acid poison!!” shouted Bucky.

One of the deputies whispered to the Sheriff, “That’s what the doctor confirmed about the last four autopsies.”

The Sheriff nodded as he and two deputies went over to the two sellers.

“Uh, we don’t know what you’re talking about!!” said one frantically as they were sweating.

“Oh really?” said the Sheriff as he and two of his deputies made their way to the sellers, shocking them.

“I think you two should come down with me to the station.” said the Sheriff as he and the one deputy put cuffs on the brothers. He looked at the other deputy and said, “Take that with’ we’ll let the doctor check on them and have the courts decide what to do with them.”

One deputy took the contents while the other deputy and Sheriff took the two troublemakers to jail.

After they were gone, the Applejack lookalike was stunned by what happened’ then Bucky turned to her and asked, “What were you thinking, trying to buy medicine from con men.”

“Ah, didn’t know,” she said. “Ah wanted to buy medicine, and most stores didn’t have what they had, and the doctors didn’t help either.”

“Still,” said Bucky, “What you did was reckless and irresponsible. That medicine could’ve been the death of her.”

“And how do ya’ll know that?” she asked.

“You’re not the only one who lost a sister to con men.” said Bucky.

The Applejack lookalike was shocked by what he said, then he turned around while telling her what happened.

“When my sister was six years old,” said Bucky, “I was about fourteen at the time. My sister was sick, and my parents couldn’t afford to buy the medicine to help her. Then one day, they went and bought medicine from a con man. I told my parents they shouldn’t buy medicine off the streets, for they should buy it from a doctor who knows what he is doing. But they didn’t listen, and they bought the medicine.”

He noticed that she was concerned while he continued, “When they gave her the medicine, it did help her, but it turned out the disease in her relapsed, causing her to gain cancer. She fought it for two years and made me and my parents promise to be happy.”

He gripped his hands, thinking about that specific day. “But after she died, my parents went downhill afterward. My father became a drunk, and my mother divorced him. But deep down, they blamed me for what happened to her. I was the one who warned them not to take it, but they didn’t listen. And by the time I finished school, they ended up disowning me. I spent years trying to build a life for myself but no one.”

He turned around and said, “Then I died trying to save a kid and got sent to another world.”

The Applejack lookalike was stunned and shocked over what he went through after what happened, all because of con men. And she was going to make the same mistake his parents did. She couldn’t help but hug the stranger, feeling sorry for him for what he had gone through.

She hugged him a bit and said, “Ah am so sorry. Ah had no idea. Ah can’t believe ah was going to make that mistake.”

He sighed a bit and said, “It’s alright.”

He turned around to face her and said, “My name’s Buck Armstrong. But back home, they call me Bucky.”

“Name’s Apple Jewel.” said the Applejack, Bucky remembered that Applejack called herself Apple Jewel to snap Rarity out of her senses when she wanted to impress Trenderhoof a while back.

“So, what appears to be wrong with her?” asked Bucky.

“Ah, really don’t know.” said Apple Jewel. “She looked sick, only it didn’t look like the flu. Ah, don’t know what’s wrong with her.”

“Could you take me to her?” asked Bucky “I’d like to take a look for myself.”

Obviously, this one didn’t know if she could trust him. But she trusted him because he helped her stop making a big mistake.

“Alright,” said Apple Jewel, “Ah, trust you.”

The two of them soon departed and headed straight for her home.

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Soon as they got there, he was surprised to see that her home looked almost exactly like Sweet Apple Acres’ only the difference is they had workers to help instead of themselves. They continued to walk down the path until they finally reached their destination, the house.

There, to Bucky’s surprise, looked a lot like Granny Smith. He remembered that Granny Smith was the one who founded Ponyville, so it would make sense that she would most likely be the guardian.

“Apple Jewel,” said her grandmother. “Where in tarnation have ya been.”

“Ah was trying to buy some medicine, granny,” said Apple Jewel “Ah wanted to buy some from two sales ponies.”

“Ya’ll should be ashamed of yerself!!” said her grandmother, knowing fully who she was trying to buy medicine from. “Ya’ll know we can’t trust them, folks, very well, not after what they tried to do last time.”

“Ah know granny, but ah was desperate.” said Apple Jewel. “But ah met a feller who stopped me from making a horrible mistake.”

The Grandmother saw Bucky standing next to Apple Jewel, flexing an eyebrow. “And who are you, stranger?”

“My name’s Bucky, ma’am.” said Bucky. “I stopped her from buying that medicine because I lost my sister because of con men. I exposed the ones who tried selling medicine to your granddaughter, so the sheriff arrested them.”

She was slightly surprised but still eyed him as she stood up, walked over, and looked at him closely. “So why are ya’ll here now?”

“Because I’m here to see what’s wrong with your daughter so I can determine what’s wrong with her.” said Bucky. “I lost my sister a long time ago’ I’m not going to let another be lost.”

She looked at him again and could tell he was telling the truth.

“Oh alright, ya’ll can look.” said the grandmother, but still eyed him. “But ah’ll still keep an eye on you.”

Bucky entered the house while the others followed suit. As he entered the house, there was a Big Mac lookalike too, but he looked injured for some reason. But his main focus was on their sister. If he had to guess, she would look like Apple Bloom. When he entered the room, he was surprised, for she looked like Apple Bloom but an eight- year-old.

Just as he was about to enter, Apple Jewel gave him a mask to cover his face, which he accepted. He slowly walked over to the little filly and examined her. He looked at her eyes, then her ears, then her throat. He even felt her temperature, and boy, was she burning up. He even felt her pulse feel something off. The others waited outside, wondering what he was looking her over for. After half an hour of observation, he walked outside and closed the door to ensure she slept soundly. He walked back down the stairs and rejoined the rest of the family. Some noticed and stood up.

“So, what’s wrong with her?” asked the Big Macintosh Lookalike.

After taking his mask off, Bucky took a deep breath and looked at them.

“It doesn’t look good.” said Bucky. “From what I could tell, this is no ordinary sickness.”

Bucky gestured if he could sit down, which they allowed, allowing him to sit down, with the others joining suit.

“From what I could observe, she’s got infections like scarlet fever and infections to her ear, skin, gums, mouth, and throat.”

“Meaning?” asked Apple Jewel.

“She has a respiratory infection,” said Bucky “In other words, bacteria like Pneumonia, with a hint of tuberculosis.”

The family looked at him, shocked, for they hadn’t realized it was that bad. They looked at each other worried, with Apple Jewel asking, “What can we do?”

“The only medicine that can really help her is Penicillin.” said Bucky.

The others were shocked to hear this, with the Big Mac lookalike saying, “But they’re damn expensive.”

“There’s got to be a better way to get the medicine.” said Bucky as he thought about it. “Because she’s got about a month before she succumbs to her sickness, and I don’t need to explain what will happen after that.”

They began to think about it until Apple Jewel realized something. “There is one way.”

Bucky and the other two looked at Apple Jewel, wondering what the plan was.

“There’s a boxing event that happens in two weeks.” Apple Jewel “Mash’s brother was able to get to the semi-finals, so it’ll be a close call. And with the spectators in the tournament, the prize money will be twice as much to help get that medicine.”

“Absolutely not.” said the grandmother.

“But Granny, it’s the only thing that can help get us enough money to buy the medicine Apple Butter needs.”

“Apple Butter?” thought Bucky to himself. “Huh, kind of like Pear Butter. Would make sense, considering that no one could tell the difference, because Pear Butter’s Cutie Mark is a preserve jar, and Pear Butter and Apple Butter look the same.”

“But ya’ll know very well that yer brother Bright Macintosh gone and injured himself during the harvest, so he can’t fight.” said the grandmother.

“Even Big Mac’s named after his father?” thought Bucky. “This keeps getting weirder.”

Normally he wouldn’t be involved in something like this, but seeing the little girl on that bed, too sick to move. He had to help her. Which is why he made up his mind as he looked at them.

“I’ll do it.” said Bucky.

The three family members looked at him, shocked as he said, “I’ll take Bright Mac’s place when I enter the tournament and give the prize money to you so that we can get that medicine.”

“Are ya’ll crazy?!” said Apple Jewel. “Why in tarnation would ya’ll do that.”

He walked over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders, looking straight at her in the eyes while she looked at him.

“What I’m going to tell you is the honest truth.” said Bucky. “I want to help your sister. I want to fight in your brother’s place to help get what she needs. I want to help because I don’t want her to suffer the same fate my sister did when she succumbed to her fate. That’s all I ever want to do. Nothing is more important than family.”

Apple Jewel kept staring into his eyes when he told her. There wasn’t an inch of a lie in his voice and eyes. He was telling her the truth. Apple Jewel, realizing this was too good to pass up, made up her mind too.

“Alright,” said Apple Jewel, “Ah, trust ya, and we’ll help ya too.”

Bucky smiled a bit, then realized something and said, “Although, I’m a little out of practice. I may need to retrain myself to get back into fighting shape.”

Bright Mac stood up with a grin and said, “Ah, think ah can help with that.”

They took Bucky to their barn, which happens to be five times larger than the barn back home. When Apple Jewel and Bright Mac opened the barn doors, Bucky was surprised. For inside was everything, he needed to get himself started with training.

“Now then,” said Apple Jewel, “We have two weeks to get ya prepared. It’ll take a lot of hard work in case ya’ll are unprepared.”

“You kidding,” said Bucky. “I married a country gal and learned to work hard every day to spend some time with her. I can do this with my eyes closed.”

“Now his determination ah like.” said Big Mac.

“Then let’s get to work.” said Apple Jewel.

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(Cue montage moment)

In the early morning, Bucky ran for five miles, trying to go from point A to point B to try and build up his stamina. Next, he did pull-ups. It felt like forever, and he could barely keep up, but he could make it. Then he lifted weights on his back using his knees. It was a struggle, but he was able to keep on going. Next, they let him use a sledgehammer to pound on hard metal. He kept dropping it when his hands started to ache, which they noticed, but he decided to keep going.

Next up, he did some pushups, focusing on his left and right arms to build strength. Then they tried to make him catch a chicken because it helped him build up his leg work to be nimbler. Then he did pull-ups while they held onto his legs to build up dexterity. Next up was jump rope, which was quite the struggle. Then he boxed against hard objects to make his fists stronger.

Bucky dropped to the ground and panted from exhaustion. Apple Jewel and the others wanted him to stop, but he looked back at the house and thought about that little girl, one suffering. He gripped his hands and got back up, not wanting to give up on her.

They tied a few large, heavy objects around him, making him pull as hard as he could. He continued to move forward, even if it was the biggest struggle he had ever endured. They tied a weight to a rope as it was tied around his head, trying to make him lift it with his head while he would also train his neck muscles. Afterward, he punched a few heavy objects again, then ran the distance under the sun’s heat. Apple Jewel then took what appeared to be a tire-like object and bashed it hard against his gut to improve his body resistance whenever they wanted to punch him hard in the gut, which afterward made him throw up as he stood on his legs while holding onto his knees for support.

They placed a circular object at the center while they placed a hard dummy in it, which could punch back. As Bucky stood there, trying to block while the dummy kept trying to fight back in the process, he also got punched in the gut so many times he felt like his ribs were going to break. He then pulled some heavy objects towards him, then afterward, he lifted the object over and over as if it were a tractor tire. Then he kept lifting weights to improve his body strength.

Some nights, he was in a large tub filled with ice and water for his body to recover, while his fists were battered and bruised from all the punching he had to do. But the next day, as he jogged, he collapsed from the exhaustion, causing both Apple Jewel and Bright Mac to look worried. But just before they wanted to do anything, their grandmother stopped them as she saw the determination in his eyes.

Once more, he stared back at that house, thinking about that little girl. He kept thinking about his own sister. Sure, she may have come back from the dead by some miracle, but he blamed himself for not being able to do anything. That he failed her. Watching that little girl, he will not fail her. Bucky then pounded the ground hard, causing a crack to appear, then he stood up and kept on going, much to their surprise, but the grandmother was greatly impressed.

He was slowly beginning to improve. He jogged faster as he got from one point to another and did push up a bit faster. Lifted weights faster using his legs and back. He got better with the sledgehammer as he hit the ground harder with the bandages covering his hands. He performed his pushups much better too. He quickly caught up with the chickens, but they still avoided him. He performed his pull-ups faster. He jumped rope by moving his legs at half the speed they’d never seen before. Even punching the hard objects got better.

And from every step he did, he remembered as he said, “One step at a time, one punch at a time, one round at a time.” over and over as if he was starting to remember his training.

And pretty soon, he was now at his best.

Bucky performed pushups perfectly, even with only one arm to the other. He succeeded in catching chickens as his legwork was greatly improved. He pulled up flawlessly as they held onto his legs. He jumped rope effortlessly and was so good that he jumped in the air while still skipping. The objects he punched were starting to get dents all over.

Bucky then ran with great speed with the heavy objects tied around him. He easily lifted the weights using his neck, and the objects began to grow with more dents as he was able to make them deeper’ he ran with great speed under the blazing sun’ Apple Jewel bashed the tire-like object against his gut as he had now endured that kind of pain.

Bucky punched the dummy hard, which shattered while standing at the center. He resisted the next dummy as he did his best to block it and was able to gain much endurance. He pulled and lifted every heavy object effortlessly as he had gained much strength.

He soon completed his training and cheered for himself as he raised his fists. Apple Jewel and her brother were amused with smiles as they could see how well his training went. The Grandmother watched the whole thing and chuckled.

“He is ready.” said the grandmother as she watched with pride how well their training had succeeded.

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After two weeks of hard work, the fight night had come, and the entire city’s crowd had gathered to watch the fight. Bucky was waiting for the match to come up in the waiting room. He began to move in motion, trying to make sure he was in the fight. Apple Jewel and her grandmother watched to ensure he was okay, while Bright Mac had to stay behind to ensure that Apple Butter was okay.

Apple Jewel asked, “Ya’ll sure you want to do this.”

Bucky stopped for a moment, turned to her slowly, then walked up to her. She was surprised that he had now faced her, but he looked her dead in the eyes and told her what was on his mind.

“Listen here and listen well,” said Bucky. “I made a promise to you and was also one hundred percent honest with you. I’m doing this for your sister. She’s in bed, sick to the bone, clinging for her life, waiting for that medicine. I refuse to watch her suffer any further. I’m doing this for her. I couldn’t help my own when she was diagnosed with cancer, I refused to let another one suffers further. That…is my honest truth.”

Bucky returned to resume his quick movement while Apple Jewel watched him, stunned as he could answer her truthfully. She felt touched that he was really doing this for her sister. She decided to look outside to see how things were going. Bucky took a quick break and looked at the poster. To his surprise, he was fighting a minotaur. But not just any minotaur’ it was a minotaur who looked a lot like Iron Will.

“Who am I fighting tonight?” asked Bucky when he looked at the grandmother.

“That feller right there,” said the grandmother as she showed the poster while explaining, “That’s Iron Fist. One of the toughest boxers in the entire city. Champion for about five years. Bright Macintosh would fight him because he was reaching the top.”

“How did he get injured anyway?” asked Bucky.

The Grandmother growled and said, “That no good lying snake in the grass, Piling Rich.”

Bucky flexed an eyebrow, wondering if it was Filthy Rich.

“When ah was little, mah family were the ones who founded this town,” said the grandmother. “Piling Rich’s grandfather helped sell our products and made the town what it is today. But Piling destroyed everything his grandfather worked for when he took over. He nearly wanted to ruin our business, but the entire town sided with me because of the good mah family did when we were helping the townsfolk. In their time of need.”

Bucky then realized there was more to this fight than easy prize money and medicine.

“There’s more to it, isn’t there?” asked Bucky while the grandmother looked at him. “That not only do you win the medicine and prize money….”

Bucky then realized in shock and looked at her. “They become sole owners of the town. Your family would run this city with no one to question you, and everyone would be willing to help you because of what you did for them.”

The Grandmother didn’t respond, meaning what Bucky said was true. She looked out of the window and said, “Ya don’t understand. Mah family was the one who helped build this city. Ah, want to make things right and help them regain some of their lives. If ah can’t, then this city will continue to suffer. Ah, can’t let that happen.”

Bucky lowered his head, realizing what was at stake. He knows it’ll be risky. In truth, it always is. But he cannot back down now. Not when there is too much at stake. Not only for the people he needed to help in his trial but also to stop Dainn if Equestria were safe. Bucky stood up and walked over to the grandmother. He held her shoulder, gaining her attention.

“I promise you.” said Bucky. “I will do whatever it takes to ensure this city has a chance. And if I am to help my friends defeat a tyrant, I need to do this.”

One of the assistants came out of the door and said, “It’s time.”

Bucky nodded, looked at the grandmother, and said, “Wish me luck.”

He soon left and made his way towards the ring, with the grandmother watching, stunned by the promise he made. She couldn’t help but smirk, saying, “His hard work and devotion is one to be admired.”

She suddenly held a special box, which no one but her could hold, while saying, “Maybe he holds much promise after all.”

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And from the largest room, a massive crowd had gathered in the arena, ready to watch a match between Iron Fist and a newcomer. As they await their match, Apple Jewel and her grandmother come and attempt to watch the match, while Bright Mac is suddenly missing, to where no one knows. From the center, the announcer announced the big fight approaching.

The announcer then said, “Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the main event of this special occasion. We promise that this will be a match to remember. So, let’s get ready to rumble!!!”

Everyone cheered as the fight was about to get underway.

“In this corner,” said the announcer as he pointed at Bucky “The challenger, weighing in at one hundred and twenty pounds, taking Bright “Lights out” Macintosh’s place, the people’s choice, Bucky “The Jawbreaker”!!”

The crowd ended up booing and heckling Bucky. He rolled his eyes and said, “You can’t please anybody anymore.”

He then gave the grandmother an incredulous look, even Apple Jewel, as he said, “And seriously? “Jawbreaker”? Who the heck came up with an idea like that?”

“Sorry about that,” said Apple Jewel sheepishly. “We had to give ya a title’ otherwise, the judges wouldn’t take ya.”

“And in that corner!!” said the announcer “The champion, weighing in at over two hundred pounds!! Iron “Blackout” Fist!!!”

Everyone cheered at the champ as he raised his gloves, loving the crowd cheering for him.

‘He’s got an ego.’ said Bucky from within his own thoughts. ‘Which is good, that oaf of an ox’s overconfident. I learned long ago that overconfidence can be ones undoing.’

“Fighters, to the center.” said the referee. Both Bucky and Iron Fist walked to the center, staring down at one another. The moment they were close and kept staring, the referee said, “I want a good clean fight. If any form of roughhousing, then both of you will be off of the ring. Touch gloves.”

Both touched gloves with one another and walked back to their corners. They kept staring at one another, both of them eager to fight. Both of them stared down at one another. Bucky knew he had an advantage. The guy may be strong, which would mean he is also slow. Which could work in his favor.

“Ready!!” shouted the referee. He signaled to the crowd and shouted, “Fight!!”

The bell then rang, and the crowd began to cheer, for the moment it rang, both Bucky and Iron Fist immediately went to the center of the ring and tried to find an opening for either of them to box.

Iron Fist threw his punches, left and right, with Bucky able to block one and dodge the other. Seeing it was a perfect opportunity, Bucky punched the minotaur in the gut and gave an uppercut, making the ox move backward like nothing had ever phased him. Bucky moved forward and got a good punch to the face, but Iron Fist smirked at it and landed a blow to the rib, which made Bucky flinch, but he kept on going.

Iron Fist punched Bucky in the gut, then to the face, making the human stagger, while at the same time, Iron Fist boasted, thinking that he had an advantage, which was a mistake. The moment he turned around, Bucky gave Iron Fist a left hook, which caught the minotaur off guard, allowing Bucky to give a right hook, which made Iron Fist move backward.

“Come on, Sugarcube, ya’ll can do it!!” shouted Apple Jewel from the side.

“Kick his ass!!” shouted the grandmother, while at the same time, Piling Rich was watching from the stands, smirking as he thought he was a fighter is going to win. The bell then sounded like the end of the first round, allowing the fighters to return to their corners. The folks tried to ensure the fighters were hydrated and spat out water to wash the potential blood out of their mouths.

“Alright then, Sugarcube,” said Apple Jewel, “Ya’ll are doing well, but don’t let yer guard down just yet. The moment yer guard is down, he won’t hesitate to put you down.”

“Got it.” said Bucky as he focused on the Iron Will lookalike.

The bell then went off for the second round. Bucky delivered a few punching blows to the gut, then to the face, but Iron Fist shrugged it off and punched him back a few times. As Bucky was able to block it, Iron Fist jumped from the corner to give a strong punch, which Bucky was able to block before it got serious. Iron Fist kept punching while Bucky did his best to block and punch back simultaneously. But just as he was at the corner, Bucky delivered a strong right hook, causing Iron Fist’s left cheek to bleed the moment it got cut, causing the crowd to cheer.

“Ah, don’t believe it!!” said Apple Jewel. “He actually hurt that iron bull!!”

Both continued to block and punch each other while Bucky was cornered against the ring. He felt he had nowhere to go, but he had to keep going for the town’s sake. He had to do it…for her.

The bell then rang, and it was the end of the second round, causing both Bucky and Iron Fist to curse one another to rile them up. The referee separated them, so they were back at their respective corners.

Once they rested, the next round began, and Bucky was determined to finish this. But as they punched and blocked, Iron Fist had the upper hand and punched Bucky hard, making him stagger backward, for he felt that one. Bucky felt that pain in his gut. Even though he had gone through vigorous training to ensure he would be tough enough, he still felt that sting.

Bucky and Iron Fist continued to duke it out with one another, one trying to oust the next. But Iron Fist had the advantage and punched Bucky so hard he felt like he was knocked over by a freight train. The crowd seemed to cheer for that as Iron Fist boasted his victory. The referee began to count down, and everything felt like it was going in slow motion. But as he looked at the crowd, in his daze, he saw Bright Mac, holding little Apple Butter with him. She looked a bit weak, but she really wanted to see him. Because when she heard that he was doing this for her, she wanted to meet him.

Bucky slowly widened his eyes as he saw her.

“Please,” she muttered, but from Bucky, he could suddenly hear her, “Don’t give up. Ah, believe in you.”

The next thing he knew, he saw his little sister, Daisy, who said, “You can do it, big brother. I believe in you, just like you believe in me. Have faith…and win. I love you, big brother.”

Hearing those words from his sister when she was that young somehow jumped started him in ways no one could have ever predicted. He can’t give up, not while he was so close. He stood on his knees and pounded his fist on the ground hard. What no one seemed to realize, his strength had just been doubled. He stood up with anger and fury in his eyes. He slowly turned to Iron Fist, who continued to boast.

The referee wanted to ask Bucky if he wanted to continue. Still, Bucky walked towards Iron Fist and tapped the minotaur’s shoulder several times, allowing the minotaur to turn around. But the moment he did, Bucky delivered a strong right hook, knocking at least six teeth out of the minotaur’s mouth. That answered the ref’s question, allowing the fight to continue. Bucky continued to punch him repeatedly at different parts of the body, and even Iron Fist began to feel nervous simultaneously.

But Iron Fist is more determined to make sure he doesn’t lose, making him punch Bucky backward. Bucky was against the ropes while Iron Fist kept pounding him away, from left to right, up or down, side to side. Some of them, even Apple Jewel, we’re getting more nervous by watching.

Then all of a sudden, Iron Fist looked like he was getting tired and moved a bit backward to get a breather. Bright Mac suddenly realized what Bucky was doing when he saw Bucky taunting Iron Fist with his own, which caused Bright Mac to smile as he knew what Bucky was planning. Having enough and decided to finish him, Iron Fist again engaged in fist fighting. Iron Fist ended up pounding Bucky to the gut constantly like pistons.

“Come on ya’ll!!” shouted Apple Jewel “Yer not gonna last much longer, fight back!!”

“Not yet!!” shouted Bucky when he heard Apple Jewel talking.

“No, not yet!!” shouted Bright Mac as he knew what Bucky’s plan was, while at the same time, the crowd continued to cheer for Bucky as his fighting spirit got through to them.

Iron Fist continued to pound him, sweating like crazy, and Bucky noticed that he was getting a bit dizzy. Which was Bucky’s plan as he slowly smirked.

“Bucky, please!!” shouted Apple Jewel.

That’s when he saw his opening, as Iron Fist could no longer keep up.

“Yo Apple!!” shouted Bucky, gaining her and the grandmother’s attention, causing them to see Bucky smirk while he said, “Now.”

“Now!!” shouted Bright Mac.

And with one strong uppercut, Bucky punched Iron Fist below the jaw, taking Apple Jewel and the grandmother by surprise’ Bright Mac cheered, even Apple Butter, who used what strength she had to cheer him on, with Piling Rich standing up and looking in shock as he saw his fighter being pushed back, with the entire crowd cheering as Iron Fist moved back to the center, with Bucky following suit. Bright Mac, realizing that Apple Butter needed to rest, quickly went back with her to make sure she would recover.

On the other hand, Bucky continued to punch Iron Fist in the face repeatedly, then to the gut twice and to the head again, making the entire crowd cheer for him. Iron Fist did a counter by grabbing him and ended up trying to pound him in the face, but Bucky blocked it. And with an opening, he quickly ducked, jumped in the air, and punched Iron Fist right in the face, which made the crowd cheer even louder. Bucky stood in front of the pinned Iron Fist and punched him multiple times over and over to ensure that he didn’t escape.

Iron Fist grabbed Bucky, but the human continued to punch Iron Fist in the gut repeatedly. He gave Iron Fist an uppercut and two punches to the face. Apple Jewel continued to stare at him in awe as she saw how amazing Bucky was in the ring, as if he was dancing around Iron Fist.

Very soon, Iron Fist was getting dazed, with his face being battered and bruised, no longer being able to see from the beating he had just received from the human. Bucky noticed that Iron Fist was barely standing. Bucky pulled his right fist back. And with great strength, he moved his fist forward for an uppercut so hard he punched Iron Fist’s lights out under his jaw, causing the minotaur to fly in the air and land on the ground hard.

Bucky stood there, panting, but still used his strength to make his stand while the referee went to check on Iron Fist and saw that he was knocked out. The referee then shouted, “Knockout!!”, allowing the bell to ring.

At that moment, Bucky won the match, causing the crowd to cheer for the new champion. Bucky was so happy he landed on his knees and raised his fist in the air, with the Apples running to the stage and hugging him while the rest came up to celebrate the new champion. Piling Rich was now terrified, for his fighter had lost, and he was in deep trouble. He was about to run but then ran into the sheriff and his deputies, shocking the rich pony.

“You know the rule of the bet Piling.” said the sheriff. “You lost, you go to jail. And we have more than enough evidence to point your illegal scams.”

The deputies and sheriff arrested Piling Rich, taking him away in the process’ while at the ground, Bucky had won, not just the medicine to save the little girl, but now the family got to run the city in their own way.

*********************************************************************

**************

After the fight, they immediately bought the medicine for little Apple Butter. They went back home and gave her the medicine. Meanwhile, at the same time, the grandmother immediately took the mayor’s office and began to run the city the way her family had wanted. The entire city soon changed for the better. Apple Butter also got better and was as healthy as ever, with the family overjoyed about her recovery.

Soon enough, the family wanted to speak with Bucky as they were in the mayor’s office.

“Sonny, we can’t thank ya enough for what ye did.” said the grandmother. “Ya’ll helped us change things for the better.”

“Ah, no sweat,” said Bucky “Anyone could’ve done the same thing.”

“But no one had yer drive.” said Bright Macintosh.

“He’s right,” said Apple Jewel. “Ya’ll kept me from making a big mistake when ah wanted to help mah sister, and ya made sure them varmints are locked up behind bars.”

“I was trying to help and do the right thing. And I hope all of you have learned the true meaning of honesty.” said Bucky.

“And ya’ll heart is in the right place, and ya sure did help us. From now on, this will be a town that will always be truthful and not filled with lies.” Apple Jewel said as she walked over and hugged Bucky. Normally Bucky would want to hug back, but he had to remember this wasn’t his wife and that he hoped he would return home soon.

They broke the hug while the grandmother said, “Alright now, time for us to get things under control. Bright Mac, mind if ya’ll go check on the farm to see how it’s doing.”

“Sure, thing Granny.” said Bright Mac as he left. He stopped near Bucky and presented his hand while saying, “It’s been an honor.”

“Likewise.” said Bucky as he shook his hand before Bright Macintosh left.

Granny then spoke to Apple Jewel and said, “Apple Jewel. Take Apple Butter to a doctor. She may be healthy, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a checkup again.”

“Sure, thing, granny.” said Apple Jewel as she held onto her little sister’s hand.

But just as they stood near Bucky, he was taken aback by Apple Butter’s hug. She looked at him with puppy eyes and said, “Thank ya for saving me.”

Bucky couldn’t help but smile and hug the little girl, saying, “No problem.”

But he then thought, “I am spending time with Daisy and Apple Bloom when all of this is over.”

After Apple Butter broke the hug, Apple Jewel pecked him on the cheek and said, “Safe travels, partner.”

The two of them soon left, with Bucky smiling when he saw them leave.

“Ya’ll kept yer promise after all.” said the grandmother as she stood up and walked over to him.

“What can I say? I always honor and keep my promises.” said Bucky. “I’m not a liar, unlike many folks who kept false promises and didn’t give a damn about who is suffering and who is not. That’s not who I am. My wife taught me the true value of honesty, and I attempt to keep it.”

The Grandmother couldn’t help but smile and say, “Ya’ll truly are an honest and kind young man. Which is why ah have a gift fer ya.”

She slowly walked over to a chest and opened it. She gestured for Bucky to stand next to her. He walked over to her, and when he looked at the contents of the chest, he was surprised to see what was in it. For in it was a strange-looking object at the center, but right between were two gauntlets with an image of a bronze boar on it.

“This here device at the center is called a Driver,” said the grandmother as she showed him. “It once belonged to one of them protectors are known as Knights from long ago. One of them was more honest than the sweetness of apples. They always give their all when facing dangers. They’re always honest with themselves and those around them, signifying that a knight never lies but always tells the truth no matter what. And given the promise ya made to help, ya’ll are worthy to wield this.”

The Driver in the chest glowed dark blue, causing it to float up and land right into Bucky’s right hand, taking him by surprise and feeling the power generated through it. He took a good look at the weapon and picked them up while placing them onto his wrists. The moment he pressed them, his fists turned into large heads of silver boars, but he could also feel his strength increase.

“Wow, these feel great.” said Bucky as he turned them back to normal.

“Ya’ll now have the tools to do what needs to be done,” said the grandmother as she looked at him. “The rest is up to you now.”

“Thank you.” said Bucky as he bowed. “I won’t let you down. I promise.”

Within moments, a vortex appeared from beneath Bucky’s feet, signaling his trial was over. Before he vanished, the grandmother said, “Continue to be honest, Bucky. Yer an Apple to yer core.”

“I will.” said Bucky with a smile before he disappeared.

“There goes a truly honest man,” said the grandmother with a smile, then she walked over to the desk and began to write things while saying, “It’s time to let folks know that the Knights have returned.”