Cornucopia
Chapter 3
Cornucopia
Crunch walked along the now empty streets of Ponyville, glancing at the houses he passed. He could see ponies looking out at him through the blinds on some windows, while others were simply shut tight and covered. One pony was boarding up his window from the inside, a look of panic on his face. Crunch sighed.
As he walked, the only things he heard were his hoofsteps, clip-clopping against the flat roads, and the growling of his stomach. He went over to an abandoned apple stand and grabbed an apple with his teeth.
"Oh no, ya don't." a voice said from beneath the stand. Crunch looked up to see an orange mare standing to face him. "You may have the rest of town scared stiff, but you ain't gonna steal from me. I ain't scared a bit."
"Oh, my bad. I'm sorry." Crunch said, placing the apple back in the barrel. "I thought there wasn't anypony here."
"Well, there is. Now I'm gonna have to ask you to leave, thank you very much." the pony said, attitude in her voice.
"Alright, I'll go to somewhere else and get food." Crunch said, his stomach growling. He hadn't had food since the day he was kicked from the hive. It had been at least two days since he'd eaten, and hunger was taking it's toll. The hunger was beginning to pain him, and he clutched his stomach, moaning in pain. He began walking off, but the pain shot through his gut once more, causing him to fall to the ground.
"Are you gonna leave, or do ya need some help?" the pony said. Crunch could hear that she was trying to sound irritated with him, but worry broke through. She walked over to him and put an apple in his mouth, the same one he had picked up earlier. Crunch looked up at her and saw her smiling down at him.
"Go on now, little buddy. Eat up." she said. "Ain't gonna be anypony starving if I can help it. Even if it is a changeling."
Crunch happily munched down of the apple, swallowing it down core and all in three huge bites. The pain in his stomach subsided a little, but was still there. He stood, legs shaking from lack of energy.
"Th-thank you. I don't know why I just got so weak... I was fine a moment ago..." Crunch said, holding out a hoof. "My name is Crunch."
"Mine's Applejack." the pony said, gladly shaking it. "So, uh... what brings you to Ponyville?"
Crunch groaned, hating to have to explain again. He did, however, and it earned him another apple. He could tell that Applejack felt sorry for him.
"Listen, it's been great talking to you and all, but I have to go." Crunch said. "I need to find somewhere to stay until I get my own place."
"Well, shoot. Why don't you just stay at my place?" Applejack said. "You can sleep on the couch, it ain't no trouble at all."
"Are you sure your family will be accepting of me?" he said. "All of the other ponies seem to kinda... hate me."
"The Apple family always takes kindly to strangers, so long as there ain't no funny business goin' on." Applejack reassured him. "There ain't gonna be any funny business, right?"
Crunch sighed and nodded, still not quite used to everypony around him being scared of him changing. It was odd. At the hive, everypony was scared to be around a changeling that couldn't change because they didn't want the Scouts to see them with on. Here, however, everypony feared him for the exact opposite reason. They feared his powers to change, even though he had none. It was an uncomfortable shift in social status.
The Apple family house was a large one, but very comely. It resembled a stereotypical country home, but with some unusual features added in. There was a large hat rack covered in luxurious and stylish looking scarves that looked completely unused. When asked about them, however, Applejack avoided the subject and said something about "Hurtin' nopony's feelin's".
Crunch also met a large and rather quiet red stallion that went by the name of Big Macintosh, or Big Mac for short. Crunch tried to correct him when he saw his cutie mark by explaining that it wasn't a Macintosh on his flank, but Big Mac just got confused and somehow got even quieter while thinking. The last two of the Apple family were the youngest and the oldest. The oldest, Granny Smith, was a frail looking pony, but Crunch was an excellent judge of character when not under pressure or stress. He could tell that, despite her looks, she was resilient and tough. The youngest, Apple Bloom, was currently at school.
"School..." Crunch muttered. "I wish I could've gone to school."
"You didn't go to school?" Applejack asked, curious.
"Well, for about a month." Crunch said, thinking. "Then they took me out because they were afraid I would get them in trouble for harboring a failure. I didn't learn much there, but I did a lot of reading."
"Well, if ya' like readin', you should go see Twilight at her library." Applejack suggested, not knowing of his previous altercations with her and Rainbow Dash. "She's got pretty much every book you can think of in that fancy library of hers."
The pair talked for hours after that, but to them it seemed like mere minutes. For one of the first times in his life, Crunch was feeling the pleasure of talking to a friend. It was a welcome feeling, but he was still apprehensive. He wasn't sure if he could trust these ponies after all he'd heard, and especially after the way they reacted to him in town. Crunch looked out the window and saw that the sun was setting rapidly, nearly covered by the horizon.
"I think it's about time for us to hit the hay." Applejack said.
"Um... I'd rather sleep, but I suppose I can do a little work first." Crunch said, confused.
"No, silly. 'Hit the hay' means go to bed." Applejack said, repressing a laugh. "Just go lay down on that couch right there. There's a blanket and pillow ready for you."
Crunch walked over to the well-worn couch she pointed out and there was indeed a pillow and blanket, along with a note from Apple Bloom warning him that she took a day of karate and to watch out. He laughed as he fixed the bed-set on the couch. He went to sleep with a smile of true content on his face.
Crunch slowly drifted awake in the early morning. His work hours at the hive still hadn't left him. He had been forced to work from five in the morning to nine in the evening. he wasn't alone, though. Big Mac was in the kitchen putting together a hay sandwich in preparation for a long day's work. When asked if he could make an extra, he replied, as expected, with a simple "Eeyup."
The sandwich was surprising delicious to an apprehensive Crunch who had eating only happiness and love before this point. It tasted sweet, but... It was a very indescribable taste, even more so to a pony who had never actually experienced taste before this point. He just sat there in wonder, chewing carefully on every bite, until he noticed Applejack staring at him.
"You've been doin' that for about half an hour. You okay?" she asked. Crunch blushed (unnoticeably through his black coat) and nodded quickly, embarrassed. Applejack just shook her head, bemused. Crunch checked the large grandfather clock near him and saw that it had been much longer than half an hour. It was seven o'clock- he had been savoring that sandwich in a daze for two hours. He quickly gobbled the rest of it down.
"Hey, uh, Applejack?" he began. "Would you mind taking me into to town? I want to go to the library, but..."
"You don't want to go alone?" Applejack said with a small smile. "Sure thing, sugar cube."
"Thanks so much!" Crunch said, beginning to get excited. Excitement... another rare emotion for him. He was beginning to enjoy leaving the hive.
The pair got ready quickly (well, Applejack got ready quickly. Crunch didn't have to do anything) and went into town, following a long and dusty trail through the orchard. Crunch took in all of the scents around him as he walked quietly. He was never a conversationalist. As the entered the town, Crunch subconiously began to cower down slightly, making himself as small as possible. It was unnecessary, though, as the ponies were more confused than scared. Applejack, their most trusted pony, walking willingly with a changeling. What was going on?
If Applejack wondered how he knew which building was the library, she didn't ask. They just entered to the sight of Twilight having her muzzle buried in a book far bigger than her. It was titled Ghost, Goblins and Ghoulish Figures. Crunch snock around the distracted pony and saw her reading about changelings.
"You know, you could just ask about me." He said into her ear. She jumped slamming the book shut. A large cloud of dust rose into the air, sending them into a coughing fit. Crunch was laughing through his, but that only made it worse.
"Glad to see you're enjoying yourself in Ponyville". Twilight said.
"Yeah, I took him in for the night. Poor thing was starvin' and homeless." Applejack said. "But that's besides the point. How do you two know each other?"
"Um, it's kind of..." Twilight began.
"Rainbow Dash knocked me out in the woods and carried me here. They interrogated me and then let me go." Crunch explained. "As soon as I left I got bucked in the nose by Rainbow. I don't think she likes me..."
This was news to Twilight.
"She bucked you in the nose?" she said, angry. "Are you okay?"
"I'm a little sore, but I'm fine, I guess." Crunch said. "I'm sure you already read this, but changeling have a very strong bone structure. She only bloodied my nose for a few minutes."
"I'll have her make it up to you." Twilight promised. "You did call her a spawn of Discord, though. She kinda had a reason."
"Yeah, I know." Crunch sighed. "I thought I was gonna die and I just... I do stupid things when i'm under pressure!"
"I know exactly how you feel, little fella." Applejack said. "I can be pretty dumb ma'self under pressure."
"'Little Fella'? I'm taller than you." Crunch said. "But, whatever. Twilight, do you have any books on social tendencies in large crowds?"
"Um, yeah, I think so." Twilight said, taken aback by his surprising sudden intelligence.
"Get me all of them" Crunch told her.
"Uh, that may not be such a good idea..." Applejack warned. Not a minute later an enormous pile of books landed in a pile around Crunch.
"Is that enough?" Twilight asked. Crunch just nodded, feeling excitement once more. "Why do you want these, anyways?"
"I want to figure out how mob mentality works, and how to take advantage of it." Crunch said. "Maybe then ponies won't be terrified of me."
"Speakin' of ponies..." Applejack said with an irritated tone on her voice. She pointed to the front window, where about a dozen ponies were watching Crunch intently .
"He ain't no circus show!" Applejack called to them. "Go on, y'all scram!"
Crunch was too busy to notice. He was going through each of the books deciding which one to read first.
"I might finally have ponies like me..." he muttered to himself. He picked a book, opened it up, and began reading.
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Two ponies down, over 500 to go.
1779196
You are my first commenter and a loyal fan of sorts. You will be praised in my next author's note.
There were a couple of little mistakes I noticed while reading:
Other than that I'm enjoying it a lot
1779253
Fixed! thanks so much!
Enjoying. Enjoying immensely. This story has
Da Magics!
great chapter glad to see that nobody decided to be a troll and hit the dislike button just to spite... oh and btw 42 is the meaning of life
1779223 Thank you, I feel honored.
Oh... so that's how the new author's note feature works.
I'm still trying to get used to everything.
...
Unrelated comment: Crunch is catching up on reading. Onwards!
1779452
Yeah, same here. I thought there was a problem in the story once I read over the published version. The I saw "author's note" and I realized I put it there.
1779385
I was hoping someone would get that!
1758187
What did you have in mind for cover art? I could take a shot at it.
Give me an idea and I'll sketch it up and see if you like it.
1779686
Hmm... I'm thinking a changeling and Derpy looking at each other curiously. It's confusing now, but you'll get it as the story continues.
1779701
Like mirroring each other? both raising same hoof and tilt heads same maybe?
1779723
You read my mind, you telepathic weirdo.
But all joking aside, that's exactly what I had imagined. If you could do that, it would fan-freakin'-tasic.
1779734
Will do
I'll try to get that sketched asap
BTW, I can read minds cuz I'm a ginger
1779758
I could have lived my whole life with us being friends, but you HAD TO MENTION THAT! Now I have to.... ^^^^^^GINGER ALERT^^^^^^
And thanks. I'll be waiting and reading stuffs. Take your time (hurry up. I'm a busy guy.).
1779786
If you want to see an example of my sketching, look at my profile pic.
I drew Rogue as main character for my first (so far only) fic
is first attempt so not perfect proportions
1779804
I'm awkward...
I saw it. It's pretty good, actually. I may do a little color/quality editing on the final of mine to make it more suitable for a computer, but yours looks great as is kinda.
I also read it. Veeeeery similar to mine. Suspicerous...
1779824
Ok, when RD bucks Crunch's nose, I heard "Taste the Rainbow!"
Great story so far.
As for similarities, just wait, I think I'm taking mine in the opposite direction you are. (location wise at least)
1779969
I suppose we'll see. My story will go on a very... unexpected path.
Also, I was thinking about making her say "Taste the rainbow, you stupid changeling!", but it would've taken away from the mood.
already i love the story
i'll be sure to get my mother to reward you greatly!
1779988
I swear to god, if the fun doesn't get doubled I will kill you.
1779994 do not fret! the fun will be more than doubled! IT WILL BE TRIPLED!
1779985
As will mine
mood was great how you kept it
eeyup
1779999
Meh. I prefer things to be in twos. Doubled is fine.
1780006
It was ever so tempting to say that... I may do a deleted scenes kinda thing for this story once it's done. If it gets popular enough, that is.
1780022
great idea!
Apple Jack is a peach!
Well, you know what I mean! However, i find it odd that Pinkie Pie hasn't shown up to throw a party!
1780589
Jesus Christ, why do all of he comments have to say what's going to happen before it actually happens?!
1780870
Because I'm THAT good!
i guess that means your doing a great job, and i agree
1782674
I'm just as surprised as you are! Normally my stories aren't even noteworthy enough for a dislike!
But this... This changes EVERYTHING!
1782115
Curiouser and curiouser... Mayhaps you chose Trixie as an emoticon to tell me of your evil world-destroying intent using your future-sight powers, hm?!
1780224
Yeah, I'm filled with those great ideas.
I'm just making sure that I get the 100th comment. I deserve this spot.
1783674
cover art idea so far.
My idea is to have them crouching in front but tail end slightly higher, heads tilted away from our point of view, confused look on faces, raising front hoofs closest to our point of view almost touching each others hoof.
Am I go to start the drawing process?
1785259
You are cleared for takeoff. And don't worry, the current art is only a temporary.
1785257
It's an awkward start, yes, but the plot planned for future chapters brings together all of the little details seen here. It's these small things that make a huge significance in the rising actions and the climax of the story. And if it seems unorganized and chaotic, that's because it's supposed to feel like that. I'm trying to convey Crunch's overall emotions to you, and he feels like everything is just total chaos at the moment. It'll change eventually. Rather soon, actually. Just a few more chapters.
1785313
And as for Twilight's trust, it's a confused sympathy towards a pained changeling that she didn't even know had a personality, much less emotional trauma. As I said, all of this will make sense in later chapters.
1783666
Why isn't there a LUNA face?
No, I just thought that it would look the best in that situation. You will never know my TRUE evil face!
Football and wrestling? How bleedingly MASCULIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE <insert horse power here>
15 it is. And on a more related subject, this story makes absolutely no sense.