> Green Fields
>  by Jakomi of the Rose
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Entering with a flash
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prologue

Doesn’t it seem like every time you do something horrible, the cost is right up your nose? A few words, only a few words can make you charge a whole lifetime of arguments and misery?


“Stop saying that you are pathetic, you prick!”


Only in circumstances you yourself feel the need to stop your brain from forming those simple words that without trouble slip past your mouth. In anger and frustration, everything bottled up surfaces in front of the one you love.


“Continue your self-ranting, and eventually it comes as truth!”


It only takes a few seconds for your brain to process them. But it takes a lifetime to forget them, even longer to forgive.


“Because in my eyes, you are pathetic!”


But in the end, the person you say these words to, he or she needs to be able to forgive you. An action, words of forgiveness, anything. But the results are the same. And you pay for them.


“Dad, run!”


And I wish I could forgive myself for these words. Problem was, I was in no place to forgive, nor anywhere near him. It all took a few seconds after the flash… and my problems escalated. Where I was? How I ended up here? Even today, I do not know.

My body, felt like it was on fire. Pain surged through my body in any attempt to move. Voices, near me.
“What is that thing?” an adult male asked, concerned.
I heard the sounds of hooves trotting. Shadows over me. Pain crippled me. Felt like every bone in my body had been crushed. The smell of horses mixed with burned meat filled the air. I moved my hand slightly to try figuring out what I laid on. Hard. Not concrete nor asphalt.
“Get the princess! You two, keep close eyes on that thing.” Another male spoke up.
Did they speak about me? Was I a thing? Hooves once again sounded before muffled in what I could guess was grass. But soon switched to flapping of wings. I opened my eyes only to be blinded by clouded vision. I saw a horse… correction; I saw a pony near me. I tried to adjust my eyes to find the pony adorned in… armor?
I grunted and the pony recoiled in surprised.
“Sir? It spoke!” another voice, only younger.
I heard the voices but where were the humans speaking? I couldn’t lift my head to look around as if I was paralyzed.

The sound of flapping wings was heard as a new voice was nearing. This one female.
“What is going on?” she asked, surprised.
The male spoke up, not afraid.
“Princess Celestia. We found this thing lying on the ground after the thunder storm. It appears to still being alive.” He said, apparently talking about me.
She didn’t reply. Instead the sound of hooves came closer as my blurred vision formed a pearl-white muzzle. The horse looked at me, curious. I lifted my arm, winced in pain as I tried to pet her muzzle. My hand was bloody and left a trail on her as it fell down and my vision shortly blacking out. The only thing I heard was her speaking.
“He’s severely wounded. Get him to the infirmary at once!” she sounded worried.
“But princess-“ the male started only to be interrupted by something.
“He’s going to die. Get him treated!” she said, this time louder.

I blacked out… but my question was: Where did the voices come from?

> Chapter 1: Birthday Blues
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	No matter where you are, getting up every morning is a chore. Especially when you’re getting up to work early. And this is no exception. I, for one, like the scent of hay when waking up, just like on my farm back home. Here, well…

A nudge on my side made me groan tiredly. I took my blanket but another nudge forced me awake. I squinted my eyes to see a red muzzle. Again, I groaned.
“Now, now. Don’t ya fall asleep again. Ah had mighty trouble waking ya.” A male voice whispered, southern by accent but nonetheless friendly.
I sighed as I blinked awake… okay, as awake I could be in a dim room. I looked up to see night outside. Then looked half awake at him. A red coated stallion with blonde mane. His green eyes, almost as tired as mine.
“What time is it?” I asked, my British merging terribly with his southern one.
“Four o’clock. Now get up. Time for work.” He responded.
I yawned and was about to slam my knuckle on the floor as a habit but quickly remembered that I shared a room with his little sister whom I now heard snoring lightly in her bed, slightly within eyesight.
“Tell AJ I’ll be down in a few minutes, Mac.” I said as I slowly got up.
“Eeyup.” He responded and walked out.
I yawned again and got up to a full stand. I grabbed my workers clothes, a blue T, brown-grey workers pants and a buttoned short-sleeved shirt in the color beige. I sneaked out but took a smiling look at the little filly sleeping in her bed, with a bed-head. Her lemon-color coat and the red mane made her adorable. Her pink ribbon folded on her bed table.
I walked down the stairs, wobbly and groggy. The kitchen was dim-lit and an orange mare with blonde hair and three red apples on her flank was sitting by the table, tiredly nibbling a slice of bread. I walked in and her attention moved to me. She smiled.
“G’morning, Ben.” She greeted and my response was a single wave of my hand.
I was falling down tired if the coffee didn’t wake me up. I sniffed the smell of that very coffee being on a boil on the stove that was lit, probably by Mac. I sniffed again and took some paper and snouted. Autumn was always bad. Dark mornings, cold days and early nights. I walked to the coffee-pot, seeing Mac sitting down as I put fourth three mugs.
“Coffee?” I asked, getting nods from them both.
I poured up some coffee in the mugs, sitting down to eat a slice of Granny Smith’s sour-dough bread. I chewed slow and drank my coffee, almost choking on its strength. This was without a doubt Applejack’s brew.
“So we’re working the eastern field, Big Mac?” Applejack asked after a long tired silence.
I swallowed and drank down a glass of apple juice. Mac swallowed as well, responding with a: “Eeyup.”
“Ben, ya’ll take the buckets. The usual. Got it?” he said, never much for talking, that one. “Oh, and mind yer heart, got it?”
I nodded and placed a sugar cube in my mug for extra waking power. True, I have an injury in my heart so trying to match up to their working standards would be like a tortoise racing a cheetah. So, it was minimal amount with going over the limits. I noticed Applejack’s smug when looking at me. I held the mug close to my mouth to take a sip.
“Also, Ben. Twi and Pinkie was talking to me about something important. And thank Fluttershy for remindin’ me.” She said.
Already I began to sense something fishy.
“Yeah? That’d be…?” I asked sipping the coffee again.
Applejack smiled more, even Mac.
“Your birthday party.” She smiled making me choke on the coffee, the strength of it not being the case… for once.
I looked at her, my tiredness now gone, even without the coffee. I was quiet for a while before responding.
“Are you mad? I always keep it in family. I never invite friends to them!” I said, raising my voice but stopping when thinking about the sleeping filly.
Applejack, not worried, continued smiling. Mac got up and walked out. I drank down the rest of the coffee and got dressed. Applejack put on her hat, a slightly torn brown Stetson, and followed with me behind. We got out as the early morning darkness greeted us. It was chilly but I took the lantern and helped placing the buckets on the cart Mac was pulling.
Having been here a year now I was sent here by Celestia. A princess who raised the sun every morning. Seeing her the first time was harsh since my wounds were almost lethal. She fixed a deed for me to work on Sweet Apple Acres where I lived with Big Macintosh, Applejack, their little sister Apple Bloom who I shared a room with (although my bed consisted of three hay bales placed on the floor with a blanket and a pillow) and their Grandma Granny Smith.
I got my first assignment to take the buckets of apples they kicked, or rightly said “bucking”, and placed them on the cart. Some of them were already put beneath the trees and upon arriving I took the buckets from the trees Applejack bucked and took them to the cart.
“AJ, why did you talk with Twilight and Pinkamena about my birthday?” I asked, too tired to scowl.
She bucked a tree then faced me.
“It was Fluttershy’s idea, actually. Seeing as how ya do a fine work helpin’ us out Ah imagined we wanted to compensate.” She answered as she bucked another tree.
I nodded but needed another answer.
“Okay. Why did Fluttershy take interest in my birthday?” I asked again.
Applejack looked at me as if thinking ‘He isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, is he?’ She sighed defeated, apparently keeping it a secret. I took another bucket to the cart.
“She wanted to be kind to ya, Ben. You know she likes ya. Didn’t ya know that she has a crush on ya?” the last with a raised eyebrow.
I sighed, this time. About a few months after arriving before knowing Twilight Sparkle, the librarian and the student of Celestia, I was on a repairmen job when I saw her on the square, asking ponies for help with transporting sacks of animal food from the train to her cottage near the woods. Ever since then I helped her out once every week. Making her blush every time we meet. Don’t know when she fell for me but even I found it odd.
“It was only once and I helped her to be nice. I never let someone down, AJ. You know that.” I said, making her chuckle.
I chuckled back as we finished work at nine o’clock. We walked back and I checked mail. This was pretty much how the schedule was set: 04:00: Waking up and breakfast. 04:30-09:00: Work. 09:00-09:30: Second breakfast. 09:30: Contract repair jobs that lasted the rest of the day.

I sat down by the table, getting a hug from Apple Bloom who smiled widely, her amber eyes beaming at me. I chuckled, picked her up and hugged her back, getting a few smiles from Mac, Applejack and Granny Smith.
“Good morning, Ben!” Apple Bloom chirped, smiling brightly.
I pecked her forehead, making her giggle.
“Good morning, Apple Bloom. I didn’t snore tonight, did I?” I asked getting quick headshakes from her.
I chuckled, letting her down on her chair as I sat down, sorting through the mail.
“One to Applejack, one for Mac… a letter from Cherilee.” I said causing Mac to choke on his sandwich.
“Five contract work for me and finally a letter from Scootaloo to you Apple Bloom.” I continued as I gave the letters to each of the ponies round the table.
I opened the contracts and read them. Giving a few hums on three of them. My hums caught Applejack’s attention.
“Anythin’ good?” she asked.
“A few. Another bookcase request from Twilight, Mayor wishing to get the roof to the Town Hall that Ditzy accidentally ruined fixed and a repair of the stands on the square.” I explained as I let the letters on the table, getting started with my breakfast.
“Didn’t somepony fix that roof?” Mac asked, crumbs falling from his mouth.
I shook my head and Applejack nervously looked the other way.
“No, they hired me since I’m cheaper than your local carpenter. Have to since no one’s employing me.” I said with a frown.

I got my tools ready as I placed them on my cart. My writing block and pencil, measurement stick, hammer and nails as well as a screwdriver with screws. I placed my list of contracts in my back pocket and waited for Apple Bloom to get up as I got her to her school.
Apple Bloom and I always got along… well, not at first. The first time we met she shied away when I worked the barn. However, after some time we became close and I treated her as my little sister. She even reminded me of my little sister back on Earth. Even more so than Applejack, who I saw more as a friend than family. I dropped her off, getting a cheerful goodbye as we parted.

By the way, I never told you how it works, have I? Here is how contracting works in short:

Locals sometimes have their hands, or hooves, busy to take care of certain errands. It pays minimal and you yourself deal with expenses for the requirements. Some set up these notice-boards to help as a resume to hire better staffs. See it as a practice. I wasn’t the only one but I had better knowledge with carpentry, hence my work circles around it. If you’re lucky, you get employed. If not, well, better luck next time.





My first job was at Twilight’s library. Knocking three times, always three times. The door opened and a purple unicorn with darker purple mane with a strand of pink and same purple eyes looked at me, smiling.
“Good morning, Ben. Feeling well?” she greeted.
Giving her a smile of my own I entered with my block, pencil and measurement stick.
“Always good, Twilight. You needed another bookcase?” at this she smiled bright and trotted to the corner of her library. The only part that didn’t have a bookcase.
A small purple-green lizard was on the stairs reading a scroll as he looked at me.
“Twilight dragged you here again, Ben?” he quipped with a smile.
I chuckled while Twilight scowled at him. Spike was Twilight’s assistant/brother and not really a lizard, a dragon but he looked more like a lizard to me. I took measure, not responding but trying to focus on my task at hand. I hummed as I measured to near the roof of the room.
“Twilight, how would a slightly wider bookcase sound?” I asked as I continued measuring the width.
“Think you can do it? I mean, it would be more appropriate.” She responded, getting a hum from me in return.
She hummed thoughtfully until asking:
“Applejack talked to you about your birthday?”
I stiffened at the question. Slowly getting my block and pencil to write down my measures.
“Yeah, this morning. 260 centimeters in height.” I said, writing at the same time, causing me to say the measure out high.
Twilight walked behind me to come to a stop.
“And?” she wanted an answer.
“She said it was Flutters’ idea. 445 centimeters in width should do. And I’m not sure. I always kept my birthday within family. Didn’t even spend it with my girlfriend.” I answered back, starting with my drawing albeit a little sloppy, lacking my ruler.
Twilight nodded from the corner of my eyes. I turned to her and crossed my arms with the pen and block still in my hands. She tapped her chin with her hoof, thinking deeply. If I wasn’t working, being Saturdays and occasionally Sundays, I was at Twilight’s reading and learning etiquette from her and a purple-maned unicorn named Rarity who also made some of my clothes in return for repairing and making several of her furnishing.
“But Pinkie suggested making something big for your birthday. Fluttershy only wanted to make it up to you for everything. Some ponies even suggested helping preparing.” She explained but stared at my cocked eyebrow.
I massaged my forehead letting out a sigh.
“Bloody hell, Twilight. I’m only turning twenty, not being crowned king. A simple party with cake does nicely. Nothing too fancy.” I said looking at my measurements to double-check.
I walked to the door but glancing towards Twilight with a smile.
“Besides, Pinkamena is too busy to prepare a party for me. How’s she gonna get the time to…”
I opened the door to get a high-voiced, high-pitched, pink, up close and personal: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BEN!!!”
“OH SHIT!!” I yelped in surprise as I fell down on the floor with a heavy thud.
Twilight looked down at me worryingly as I almost hyperventilated, trying to make my aching heart to slow down as it almost jumped out my throat. The pink pony skipped to stand at Twilight’s side, beaming down at me. Her mane was darker pink and puffy with blue eyes. I breathed carefully as I scowled.
“Hiya, Ben! Where you surprised? Where you? Huh, huh, huh?” she asked in a fast motion.
I sighed as my heart started to calm down.
“God damn it, Pinkamena! Think about my heart.” I growled.
She took this as a joke and laughed heartily. Until she saw me massage my chest. Her laugh died down slightly. Pinkamena Diane Pie or shortly Pinkie Pie was the party-maker in Ponyville. However, I called her Pinkamena. I got up as I looked at them both.
“So, Twilight and I figured we make this humongous party for your birthday, but since Fluttershy came up with the idea we figured ‘Hey, why not make Applejack part of it since we both take care of the baking!’ but Applejack thought it was bad to let two ponies make cakes so she suggested that I care for decorations with Rares but she said ‘I have something planned for Ben, surprise him.’ So that’s what I did! So: Surprise!” she said in a rapid motion, throwing confetti at me.
I took a deep breath to compensate for her not breathing during a whole sentence. It was a deep silence while I brushed of some confetti of my shoulder. Pinkamena breathed and I prepared for another barrage of verbal bullets.
“So I came here after looking like EVERYWHERE for you but seeing your cart outside of Twilight’s library I figured I come to ask you a very super-duper important question: What color?” she asked with a sudden halt, still smiling that almost split her face.
I blinked rapidly trying to understand what she’d just said and asked very appropriately:
“What?”
She jumped up and down, very anxious.
“The color. To the decorations. What’s your favorite color?” she asked, not halting her speed as she kept jumping.
Her poofy mane and tail moving as she jumped caught my eyes as it looked like a sugar-hyped kid jumping with her cotton candy in front of her parents.
“Um, marine.” I said after some time.
She stopped jumping as she pulled out a block and pencil out of her mane and started scribbling.
“Special things? Table cloths, drinks?” she asked again only to be hushed by Twilight.
I sighed as a tension left my body and a headache creeping up. I massaged my temples before answering.
“Pinkamena, I can talk to you after today. I have a lot of work to do. How about after five at Sweet Apple Acres?” I suggested but she already wrote it down.
“Okey-dokey-lokey! See you then!” she exclaimed as she skipped out, humming on a tune.
I left the library but turned to Twilight. She was just as surprised as I was.
“I’ll get on your bookcase after today. You’ll get it by the evening.” I said as I moved to my next job: The city hall.





I climbed up and started the measurements with the help of some pegasi from the lumber shop gathered around. Having been called by the mayor to help me out gave me some comfort.
Up above some more pegasi cleared some of the clouds for the promise of clear skies. How funny that sounded when I first found out that the weather was led by another pegasi named Rainbow Dash… and she was hovering just in front of me.
“So, Benny. How’s it looking?” she asked with a smirk.
Rainbow Dash was, according to her, the fastest flier in Equestria. Like her name told, her mane and tail was colored like a rainbow and together with her sky-blue coat she was a living prism. Her attitude on the other hand could be refined.
I folded the measurement stick as I wrote down the required items and measure. I looked at her and three other pegasi; a mare with messy red mane and cinnamon coat, a grey stallion with black and silver mane and tail and a black stallion with white mane… think they are brothers. I cleared my throat and spoke out:
“I need three logs with the length 205 centimeters and 30 centimeters in width. Two beams with the measure: 60 centimeters at all sides and length 160 centimeters. Tiles. Timbur, I’ll need you to get on that while Monochrome Bros. get on the wood. I’ll come back later today with nails. Are we clear?”
Getting an enthusiastic: “Yes, sir!” from them all as they got to their assignments. There was something satisfying about being a leader for once. I climbed down to get to my third job: The stands. It was more of a check-up since a mare complained while buying a cherry noticed the stand wobbled the cherry of the stand. I shook it gently then hammered the nails that stood out till it stopped. Doing the same with the other stands till they were safe.

I went to the local bakery/restaurant in Ponyville named Sugarcube Corner for lunch before continuing on with the repairs on the city hall. Having one of the brothers guide the beam for me to secure it before nailing it with the other planks proved tiring. But when done I talked with Rainbow Dash who asked me the one question I’ve heard all morning:
“Looking forward to your birthday, Benny?”
I nailed the next plank to the beam before answering.
“I talked to Pinkamena about it, Dash. We talk later today after I’ve finished Twilight’s bookcase. She was okay with it and now I want to return to get this roof finished.” I said waving my hand to the brothers to lower the other plank.
Dash chuckled as she saw me work but later flew away. Timbur returned with the note about the tiles. I hummed as I read. The most appropriate would be to use regulars made from mud instead of wood. I gave her the note signing under the requisition for brick tiles and she darted off. Tomorrow I’d once again find myself here to place the tiles.
However, we pulled a cover over the unfinished project for the time being until the tiles arrived. For now I was going to be busy building a bookcase… and talking with a pink vocal machinegun.

I took the cart home to Sweet Apple Acres and began measuring the wood for building. I placed the notes and sketches on the workbench and took the pen with the measuring stick to mark the exact lengths. Carving the sides to avoid splinters I began sawing the wooden pieces that was going to act as shelves, even them as well as carving.
What would have been about an hour I heard Applejack’s and Apple Bloom’s voices as Apple Bloom galloped towards me. I instantly scooped her up and gave her a big hug, welcoming her home. She put her hooves around my neck and nuzzled my chin in affection. I touched my forehead against hers as she giggled.
“School’s good?” I asked getting a happy ‘uh-huh’ from her.
I let her down as we saw Applejack smiling broadly at what she saw. She ushered Apple Bloom inside to talk to me in private. I continued with the shelves, waiting for her to walk over.
“Ya an’ Apple Bloom are gettin’ along nicely, Ah see.” She said, crossing her hooves with a smile.
I nodded, not looking. I took a nail to the shelf to make it stay in place. She cleared her throat to continue.
“Ah could swear that ya like her more than us.” She said, jokingly sounding hurt.
I chuckled and started on the next shelf.
“I have a sister like her on my world. I noticed how much their personalities matched and I started to treat her the same way. It’s out of family joy I treat her like that. She’s a kid, AJ. You’re an adult so can you blame me for treating her like one? With respect?” I asked as the next shelf was nailed in.
Applejack shook her head with a smile. I placed the final shelf to be nailed and with Applejacks help placing it on the cart. I was about to walk when she spoke up again.
“I know ya love her as a family, just like we love ya back. Ah’m just curious about yer behavior against her. She really loves ya as a brother, ya know.” She said, to which I nodded.
Checking the clock I decided to get to Twilight before five.





I placed the cart outside and was about to knock when I heard two voices. One was Twilight. The other was a sweet and soft voice I knew all too well. I opened and immediately recognized a pegasi mare with a coat colored butter-yellow and a mane and tail of light tint of pink that was as smooth as silk. She looked at me, eyes wide and a pink hue forming under her coat on her face.
“B-B-Ben! Y-you’re h-h-here?” she stammered, worse than usually.
I nodded noticing the three butterflies on her saddlebags. Her cutie-mark as they called it meant their special talent, placed on their flanks. In her case it was understand animals and communicating with them. I walked to Twilight to ask her for help with the bookcase.
She walked beside me to the cart. Her horn lit up with a magenta colored aura that surrounded the bookcase. I only hoped that it fit through the door. Unless she used magic which would’ve been a hell of a lot easier. And she did just that. Placing it on the selected spot at the corner of the room. I sighed, noticing Fluttershy gently scraping her hooves against the floor, still blushing.
“Perfect, Ben! Thank you. And, Spike!” Twilight hollered to the upper floor.
Spike came down with a bag of coins and a tired look. I took the coins and was about to leave when Fluttershy stammered.
“Uumm, B-Ben?” She said, hiding behind her mane.
I turned to her, making her blush redder and almost completely hiding her face behind her mane. Her ears dropped slightly. She searched for words before speaking.
“D-did, um, Pinkie Pie a-ask about y-your, um, p-p-party?” she asked, barely hearable.
I nodded, looking at Twilight who made a movement with her head that I think meant ‘Well? Speak to her.’ I sighed, knelt down to the same height as Fluttershy which made her crouch timidly.
“I spoke with Pinkamena earlier. She‘s coming to Applejack’s farm to speak to me. So I should get going.” I said, trying to sound as soft as possible.
She merely nodded in response. I walked towards the door and bid my farewell.





And as appointed she sat on her haunches when I saw her as a dog waiting for its master to come home. She smiled widely and eyes wide like she just had five cups of coffee that was bombed with sugar. I placed the cart in the shed alongside Mac’s cart and sat down with Pinkamena to plan… I wish I prepared for painkillers for an incoming headache.
“So…” she began holding her pen and notebook prepared. “Drinks?”
I thought for a while. I didn’t like any exaggerated parties. Something simple.
“A punch with strawberry and cherry should do.” I finally decided on.
She quickly wrote it down, ready for the next question.
“Muffins with berries was always something I liked back home. A cake with blueberry jam. Design it however you feel.” I continued.
She scribbled it down before asking:
“Decorations?”
I shrugged.
“Blue and white. The table-covers should have marine and white in colors.” I answered, making me sound like a decorations enthusiast.
“How would you like it placed?” She asked quickly, smiling widely.
Once again, I shrugged.
“Dunno. Surprise me.” I said and she nodded quickly before she skipped away.
I sighed in relief as I got in the house in time for supper. I sat down with my notes from the City Hall project. I smelled Granny’s apple-pie that was placed in a slice on a plate in front of me. I ate while looking at my scribbled blue-prints. Among those was a scribble on a bed that after a whole year didn’t get to be finished.
Apple Bloom spoke of their teachings as well as something Rarity’s little sister Sweetie Belle did during the lesson that made the whole class laugh at her. Something about singing aloud. I was probably the only one that was concentrated on my notes on work I’m supposed to finish by the end of the week. I had about five jobs I hadn’t completed.

Night came along and Apple Bloom fell asleep reading her homework. Applejack was outside with Mac looking over the pigs and Granny slept, gently rocking her chair. I yawned slightly, placed my notes on the table and picked Apple Bloom up to get her to bed.
I heard her snore on my arm as I gently let her down on the bed. I pulled over her blanket. I was going out when I heard her say in a very sleepy breath.
“Good night, Ben.”
I smiled and leaned in to kiss her forehead. Her mane flashing black for a second as her sleeping face turned human. My smile faded when I saw her sleep. I stroked her head with a sad sigh.
“Good night, Bettie.” I said as I left her to sleep.
		
> Chapter 2: Through the roof
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I woke up as usual, by the nudging of Macintosh. However, when I opened my eyes it wasn’t Mac but Applejack. I lifted a tired eyebrow at her, noticing that she was just as tired.
“AJ? What is it?” I asked, my voice croaky after just waking up.
She snickered at my voice but looked at me a little more serious.
“Time to get up, Ben. Mac an’ Ah are waiting down stairs.” She said then turned to walk out.
I sighed out loud and woke up. Not tired as I was yesterday but not close from it. I got up and walked down for breakfast.

I sat down with next to a fully awake Applejack and a half-awake Mac. I got some of Applejack’s coffee and sat down. I looked through my notes from yesterday about the City Hall. I only hoped that I’d get the roof done today. And with the contract-work coming in I was never going to be finished until tomorrow. Tomorrow. September 21th. My birthday. I only hoped that Pinkamena decided to put the party during late time, like 6 or 7 o’clock. Not that I planned on being there.
“So, ya busy today, Ben?” Applejack asked through her chews.
I nodded, placing my notes on the table to get some breakfast of my own. If I was going to make the roof in time, better start early. I only hoped that the pegasi were early-birds… (That pun was terrible). If I did manage to clear the roof I hoped to get some more contracts done.
“By the way, AJ…” I began getting a hum as she ate her slice of bread. “… You and Mac need help with the apple cider this year?”
Mac swallowed and answered: “Eenope. We got it this year, Ben. Don’ ya fret.”
I nodded, looked through the notes and then closed them to get dressed. Better get working with the roof despite the early hour.

I took the cart with my tools and went to the City Hall where three very tired pegasi waited for me… well, Timbur was a little hard to determine if she was awake since her mane was always a mess.
There were no other ponies around. Being 5 o’clock I wasn’t surprised. The tiles stood aside and a small smile crept to my face.
“You ready to begin?” I asked, getting a few tired nods from them all.
I climbed up to the roof with my tools, removed the cover to finish the work we started yesterday. Nailing a few planks to support the tiles and asked Timbur and Mono to bring me them a few at a times. Looking around a few times to see if I could see Rainbow Dash. Hoping that she would help.

The sun was rising in the distance and just as I finished the last tile I heard the sounds of wings behind me. Expecting to see Dash I was instead greeted by a couple of crossed yellow eyes. We stared at each other for a few silent seconds before the gray pegasi gave me a letter.
“A letter for Benjamin Emmanuel Fields.” She said with a smile.
I took the letter from her mouth and opened it. It was from Rarity. A request to see her at her boutique. I looked over to the gray pegasi who was still smiling.
“Umm, thanks, Miss Doo.” I replied and leaned back only a little since she was a little close for comfort.
“You’re welcome.” She chirped. “Gotta go, have a lot of letters to deliver.”
I looked at her with a thoughtful expression when she flew off… judging from her eyes I couldn’t tell if she actually saw or just concentrated. Ditzy Doo or Derpy was Ponyville’s mailmare… but I even more curious how they would employ her as a mailmare in the first place. ‘Maybe it’s her positive attitude.’ I thought to myself, chuckling at the thought. She was next to Pinkamena regarding the positive outlook. The number of wrong deliveries was staggering. Maybe she got lucky today. She flew off with her mail singing and almost bumped into Timbur. I stared at her for some time when Chrome knocked on my shoulder. He held the “crown” to the roof on a rope and I climbed up to get it screwed on.
I sighed tiredly but at the same time smiled at my job now finished. Now I could get that scratched out. Looking at Rarity’s letter I better get to it. Knowing Rarity for about a year I know how much she hates late appointments.

Her shop was called Carousel Boutique and made its name for being round like a… well, a carousel. Her mannequins looked like figurines you ride on a merry-go-round. I knocked three times. Waited a few minutes before knocking again. From inside I could hear a muffled.
“Coming, coming.”
The door opened and a white unicorn with a purple mane and tail that ended in elegant curls looked at me with a smile. She looked tired. Too tired for being 10 o’clock in the morning. I greeted her with a smile. Rarity. Ponyville’s very own tailor and expert on all things fashionable. She was also my tailor since she was the only one who could. Her work on making shoes for me could use some work, though.
“Ah, Ben. Welcome, darling. Come in.” She said, leading me inside.
I followed and glanced at her pony mannequins with elegant suits and dresses, both finished and unfinished. She took some measuring tape from her cupboard and walked towards me.
“Okay, Ben. Please, stay still.” She said, using her magic to take measure on my arms, legs and my torso.
I stood as still as I could only lift my arms or legs if she wished it. For being her she was very silent. Her frown changed from time to time otherwise no talk. What could have been about an hour she finally talked.
“Sorry about that, Ben. But I needed to take your size for a project.” She apologized and sewing kits flew from the shelves to the table in front of her.
I said nothing; however the growling of my stomach reminded me that I wasn’t getting breakfast anytime soon.
After what could’ve been a few minutes I had to ask.
“Rarity, I hate to be curious but what are you making?” my question did not take away her concentration.
She continued her work for a few more silent minutes before answering with a snicker:
“Ben, dear. It’s a surprise for you. You just have to wait till tomorrow.”
I sighed, doing my best to hide my curiosity, mainly because of hunger. Pinkamena’s surprise yesterday made me hate surprises. Hopefully something that didn’t include a heart-attack on my part. I looked around for a while, deciding whether or not I should leave her alone to work in peace.
“Oh, by the way, Ben. Could you talk to Fluttershy? She needed some help and she doesn’t like to write contract-work. She doesn’t want to give you more to do.” She added when my hand touched the door-knob.
Not to give me more to do? I needed something to do. I nodded and got out. My stomach decided to remind me of something more important. Okay. Brunch at Sugarcube Corner, then I visit Fluttershy. Hoping that she could keep her composure to speak without stuttering. Which was the thing about her that kind of made her hard to understand.



Her cottage was in sight when I closed in. Like the Apple family she lived aside from everypony. Near a forest called Everfree Forest. Never been there myself but hearing about it made me shiver.
Her animals surrounded me when I knocked on her door. I heard light hooves on the wooden floor. Her door opened slightly and she peeked out.
“Yes? Who is it? AH! BEN?!” she suddenly gasped when looking at me, eyes wide.
I greeted her like the others. With a smile that caused her to turn slightly red.
“Rarity said you needed my help with something?” I asked gently.
She stepped out, hiding behind her mane the best she could. She led me to her chicken coop and with her hoof pointed to the inside.
“I-I-I n-noticed t-that their r-roof was l-leaking. C-c-could y-you t-take a l-look?” She asked, stuttering like crazy.
I looked over to her and noticed that she dug at the ground with her hoof as she became more nervous. If she kept digging she’ll have enough space to plant another tree.
I looked inside the coop, touching the wood slowly. No corrosion. I, despite the uncomforted position, checked the roof. There was a slight denting. Only a few centimeters. But replacing the plank would be better.
I took measure just as she was about to speak.
“Umm, B-Ben? H-h-have you t-thought about y-your b-birthday t-tomorrow?” she stuttered a question.
I hummed as I wrote.
“Yeah, I have, 137 centimeters, and I’m still unsure I want to attend. I’ve never been big on birthdays anyway.” I said placing my notebook in the pockets on my thigh.
Fluttershy nodded, going silent again. I looked at her again. She avoided eye-contact, unsure what to respond. That was the case. I disliked birthdays. Even more… since last year.
“D-do y-you m-mind explaining why?” She asked with curiosity and care in the same tone.
I sighed. That tone reminded me about something she asked me a year and a half ago. I almost laughed at how alike Fluttershy was to Madeleine. My heart sank as she crept into my thoughts. Of all people I missed her the most. Why did I think about her now? She was, in some aspects, the opposite of Addie. I looked at her for a few seconds.
“I just don’t. One year older. So what? Nothing to celebrate.” I answered.
She looked… hurt? There was nothing to make her feel bad. If I said that to Pinkamena, however.
I once again took out my notebook to see what more needed to be done. I turned to her with pencil in hand.
“Okay. “ I started waiting for her to react. “Something else you needed help with?”
She nodded and walked to her cottage. She guided me to her couch. I checked it for something particular only noticing a slight wobble. One of the legs was… bitten? By a mouse or perhaps by a white rabbit that thumped its foot on the floor, paws crossed and a frown. To boot, it looked at me. And now I know who I could blame.
The rabbit was Fluttershy’s pet. And despite its name being Angel, it was far from one. I had to replace the leg. Carving it to the same frame as the rest. I drew the same shape and its measure. It is work like these that never let me finish other jobs.
“I get it done by tomorrow. Try to make the rodents to stop biting your furniture and I’d be grateful.” I said giving her a smile.
She nodded with a light sigh. I went for the door when she started stuttering.
“B-Ben? If you want t-to I can ask Twilight if you need to talk. Or you could talk to me if something’s bothering you.” She said in the same kind tone as before.
I gave her a nod.
“Thanks, but no thanks.” I replied, smiling and getting out before she asked more.
That didn’t change. I hated people who wanted to get under my skin. I wanted to solve my problems, on my own. AND I remember my girlfriend saying that I was like Cloud. Something I hated. I’m not a brooder, okay?



I got home to Sweet Apple just in time to see Applejack and Mac crushing apples for the Apple Cider Season that started in two days.
I got my saw, my plane and my hand drill to start working. First with the plank to her coop. Then the saw to plane out the wood for her couch. I sometimes wonder why the local carpentry didn’t do anything. I mean, I’m a human who can do more detail with wood and gardening. But wood could be more detailed with unicorns magic.
As I planed the wood I remembered why I came here in the first place; when I first arrived here I was in many discussions with Celestia about what I could do. Farming was my occupation with my father and my siblings. My big brother was sadly; too lazy for helping out with the chores I did around.
My sister’s homework, same there. She was better than my brother. She helped out with the things he didn’t. I wonder how they were. If my father’s alright. I miss them.

“Ben?”
I snapped awake at the voice of Applejack near me. I looked at my half-finished couch-leg. Must have been lost in thoughts. I looked at her and sighed.
“Yes?” I asked simply.
She and Mac looked at me with slight concern. That was until I slipped with my hand and cut myself on the planer. I yelped and dropped my tools. Cursing silently, I grabbed my hand and put pressure on the cut. It was minor, considering and I grabbed a bandage from a kit I always had close. Pays to be prepared. Applejack sighed and walked in front of me.
“Ya gazed out to Celestia knows where and Ah kept asking if ya were okay. Well, are ya?” she asked this time with determination to get her answer.
I clenched my teeth in frustration. Not towards AJ but towards my own mind. I was always thinking about home. Now more than usual. Damn it.
“Yes, AJ. I’m okay. Just, remembered my family.” I answered.
She made no movement or showed any signs of speaking back. I continued.
“I see reflections of people in my world in almost everypony here. Homesickness, I believe.” I said, not hiding my unhappiness.
Applejack straightened her hat for some reason before humming.
“Ya sure we don’ need to talk to Twilight? Ya could let her help ya out.” She suggested after some silent seconds.
First Fluttershy, now Applejack. Next thing you know Rarity or Pinkamena could ask me the same thing. Well, Rarity would. Pinkamena look like she needed psychiatric help more than me.

“I already went through this talk with Fluttershy and no I don’t need help. I just need to get some work done to stop thinking about it.” I explained as I continued the planning of the wood.
Applejack snorted. She stomped her hoof on the ground before angrily responding:
“Why are ya so reluctant to talk about it? Ya just need to get it of ya’re chest! Is that so bad?”
I sighed frustratingly. It wasn’t the first time I hid it from her. My first nights here left me sleepless and regardless of Applejacks pushes I stood tall, not telling her.
I took some sandpaper to even the edges of the leg to focus my frustration away from Applejack. After some time I got to her.
“Okay. Tell Twilight I need to talk. But only between her and me. Psychiatrists do have a code of silence.” I said while I did my best to hide my annoyance.
Applejack smiled victoriously at my defeat. I knew she would do this act. Siblings tend to be a little teasing to get what they want. And this could help me get rid of my homesickness.
“Good. Ah speak to Twi tomorrow but until then, ya better get ya’re mind straight, ya hear?” Applejack smirked on her request.
“I need her to give a letter to Celestia about something.” I continued.
Applejack’s smirk dropped, as did one of her ears. I kept planning the couch-leg in hopes to get it done.
“And why would ya do that?” Applejack asked rather worried.
I sighed. As I placed the plane on the workbench I looked up to the sinking sun. The orange radiating the blue to leave room for the night. I can be poetic if I want to, okay?
“When I came here I asked Celestia if I could return home. Though aloof she said she could but asked me to give Equestria a chance. I have. But I miss home. I don’t belong here.” I explained.
Applejack looked at me wide-eyed and just as quick she flared up in anger.
“WHAT?! Why would ya do that?!” she angrily asked, almost stomping her hooves on the ground.
I took a step back but needed to stay tough.
“I miss my home, AJ. Besides, I only need to find out if I can return home. If I do then I might.” I said, realizing that I made this a lot worse.
Applejack growled like an angry dog then turned towards the house. Apparently too angry to talk to me. I sighed in frustration but needed to make this right.
“AJ! I’m sorry, alright? But I need to do this!” I yelled after her, seeing her tail swishing from side to side in anger.
She stopped to look at me. Her eyes were angry to the point of furious but I could see hint of tears.
“Don’t apologize to me.” She said in anger. “Look Apple Bloom in the eyes and tell her ya’re sorry.”
I clenched my jaw in anger but felt my heart drop at the sound of Apple Bloom. I placed my hands on my workbench to keep myself up in anger. At the sound of the door closing I stomped my foot on the ground at the lack of anything to kick. I muttered a curse under my breath as I remembered something my father always used to quote:

The best planned ideas are the ones you keep to yourself.

And now I know what he meant by that.

	
> Chapter 3: A little heart to heart
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I spent most of my time in the barn after my argument with Applejack. Lifting hay-bales proved a suitable anger management. But I didn’t have it in me to speak to AJ after what I just said to her. I wanted to go home. I really did. Sure, it would lead to a lot of sad ponies but how Apple Bloom would react hurt me more.
I placed some hay on the ground to act as a bed for the night. Hoping that she could forgive me tomorrow. My birthday, my talk with Twilight. Tomorrow it all was going to be alright. Tomorrow… I was going to get the information to come home.





Darkness. My sleep was once again in darkness.
“Stop saying that you are pathetic, you prick!”

Those words. I remembered them.

“Continue your self-ranting, and eventually it comes as truth!” my voice echoed in the darkness.

No. No, not this! Don’t open! Eyes, don’t open! I don’t want to see his face. Not that sad face.

Against my will my eyes opened to see a man in his mid-40. His black, neck-short hair. His green eyes. Those sad eyes looking at me. His beard was stubby, unshaven.

My body moved on its own as it stood up and slammed its fists on the table. NO! Don’t say it! DON’T LET ME SAY THOSE WORDS TO HIM!!!

“Because in my eyes, you are pathetic!” my mouth uttered, against my will.

My father’s face. That sad, distraught face I long since wanted to avoid. I didn’t want to remember this.
The sound of thunder growled in the distance as the rain started to pour. The next thing I saw was me running towards the house. My right hand gripping something. Someone. My father ran behind me.
He slipped but I felt my body grabbing him and throwing him in front of me. He was now under the roof in front of my uncle’s cellar. The thunder sounded closer.

“Dad, run!” my mouth shouted as the thunder struck and a bright flash of white blinded me next to a burning pain.





I woke with a sounding of a combination of a gasp and an inhale as I got up from my hay-bed. In front of me stood a very startled Applejack, looking at me. I panted, feeling the sweat sticking some hay to my face and arms. I swallowed continuing to pant, my heart beating like crazy.

“Ya okay, Ben?” Applejack finally spoke up, worried.
I nodded. I was still shook up. That dream was a flashback to before I came here. The same thing that led me to come to this planet. I looked at her for some time before noticing Mac outside.

“Sorry I scared you, AJ. Just a nightmare.” I said, my heart finally beating slower.
She shook her head, giving me a light nuzzle. Glad she wasn’t mad at me. At least for now. I got up from my impromptu hay-bed and wiped the sweat from my forehead, a few strays of hay following. Applejack backed off to give me room but she still looked concerned. Not that I blamed her. If someone woke up screaming I’d probably be concerned too.
The slight shill from the wind made me shiver by the sweat on my shirt. I gasped quietly so that Applejack didn’t notice.

“Breakfast’s in the kitchen if ya wanna eat before work.” She said but I shook my head, very tiredly.
“No. I just want to get to work as soon as possible.” I responded, voice hoarse after the rough waking.
She shrugged, frowning a little and walked out. I followed, feeling the hay falling off as I kept walking. I helped Mac and Applejack with putting the buckets on the cart and we began our walked towards the east field.

*		*		*

I did the same job as always; taking the buckets and placing them on the cart. It must have been several minutes, perhaps maybe a half hour before I heard Applejack speaking to me.

“Ben, about yesterday. Ah’m sorry for my outburst.” She had her ears down in shame.
I shook my head, smiling.
“No, no. You had all rights to be mad. I guess I should’ve mentioned it earlier.” I answered back, hoping that I made her feel better.
One of her ears perked up in a more curious manner.
“Well, why didn’t ya?” she asked.
Placing the bucket on the cart, I thought. The answer may lead me to a buck in the face.
“I didn’t want to be a burden. Besides, why is it a big deal?” I finally responded.
She cocked both her eyebrows in un-amusement. ‘Nice, Benny. How about saying you don’t want to be in her family anymore, while you’re at it?’ I thought to myself and mentally face-palmed.

Applejack shook her head in sadness.
“The “big deal” is that we care a lot about ya, Ben. Yer family to us an’ we love ya. Ya know we would be mighty sad if you left an’ not to mention how yer friends would react. Ever thought of that?” she explained looking at me with sad eyes.

I sighed in a somewhat minor defeat. She had a point. But I missed the friends I had in my world. I don’t even know how they reacted at my sudden disappearance. Was Addie worried? Did she miss me or did she move on to find someone to fill my gap in her life? Or Victor? Did someone help him? But more importantly, Addie… My little Addie.
Once again I sighed when I placed the bucket on the cart. I glanced over at Applejack who bucked another tree.
“You’re right.” I said, finally.
She stopped mid-buck to look at me. I walked over to pick up one of the buckets, exchanging looks with her in the still dark morning.
“But I have people who miss me in my world, too.” I said as I picked up the bucket. “I have a girlfriend I love and miss more than anything in the world. A friend who need help from time to time. A father who, although I became mad at, need some help to get on his feet and siblings who I love. Especially a lazy-ass brother who doesn’t help out on our farm.”
As I continued I took the next bucket to the cart.
“Ever since my mother’s death I spent days after her funeral trying to console my family. My father took it more emotionally and started talking down himself out of pity.”
Next bucket was placed, now more violently.
“You have no idea how irritating it finally became to hear him pitying himself day after day.”
Next bucket almost tipped over.
“And I alone had to console my family and left me no time to be sad myself until I finally had time with my girlfriend. And I broke down! Right in front of her, in her own home!”
The last bucket was slammed onto the cart and apples fell on the ground. I panted in frustration and looked over at Applejack who sat on her haunches listening with a frown.
“Wow, Ben. Ya really needed this out, didn’t ya?” she said and my shoulders slumped as a strange stress left my chest.
I sat on the cart to collect myself. My heart pounded like crazy, I felt dizzy and felt some sweat on my forehead. I now realized that my heart-trauma made itself reminded. A few years ago I got a scarring on my heart. When I became stressed, exhausted or emotionally pushed I became sweaty and my heart pounded at a very fast rate followed by dizziness and pain. And if worsened I would faint or die. So I had to relax and calm down. What caused it was overworking to compensate for my brother, but I never bothered to do a check-up.
Applejack walked up to me and nuzzled my leg. I looked at her with heavy breathing. I relaxed with a somewhat controlled breathing. I nodded in a way of saying “I’m okay. I’m good.” I walked over to the next bucket and picked it up although shaky.
It was a very quiet moment we shared. My outburst must’ve fueled her determination to get me help. I only had to wait.

Mac came to take the cart back to the farm. We followed but oddly enough Applejack stayed a bit behind, ushering me to stay in the same pace as her. I looked at Mac who walked in front and then glanced to Applejack.

“Ya should really get yer heart checked up, Ben. Ah’m surprised you haven’t gon’ dyin’ on the job.” She said quietly to not let Mac hear.
I sighed and massaged my chest, pain still lingering. I did something about it; I got herbs from Zecora once in a while to soothe the pain. A zebra living in Everfree Forrest whom I considered a close friend. She had herbs for calming and numbing any incoming attack. She just warned me that I could get addicted since they were strong.
“I take medicine made by Zecora.” I retorted in a way of saying that it was a “matter on non-importance”.
Applejack shook her head.
“Ah meant by a doctor. Ah don’ know what she puts in those things. Ah do trust her an’ all but Ah don’t know if those weeds are good for ya.” She said in a not too trusting tone.
Sighing, I just shrugged. I looked at her without saying something. Repeating what I told myself last night: The best planned ideas are the ones you keep to yourself. So whatever else I had planned was best left unsaid. Wouldn’t want to get everyone to force to stay. And besides, how come Applejack didn’t trust the medicine Zecora made for me? I’ve been alive this long thanks to them.

The herbs in question was rubbed on the chest, drunk down as a remedy or drunk down in tea. I usually preferred the tea since it smelled less. And I could keep it around in my thermos should I do something too excessive or too exhausting. It was either as tea or in a remedy.

*		*		*

We came back to the house right before breakfast. I took the mail as usual and found that it was a surprising lack of letters addressed to me. Only two; one of them was from Rarity. The other I didn’t recognize. 

As I walked in Apple Bloom was the first to greet me. She jumped down from her chair but stopped when I picked her up. We looked at each other for a few seconds before she asked:
“How come ya didn’t sleep in yer bed, Ben?”

Glancing at Applejack I tried to think of an excuse. I bumped her forehead in affection and put on a false smile.
“Sorry, Bloomy. AJ wanted me to take care of a few hay-bales in the barn and it became late so I decided to sleep there.” I said and I could swear that I heard Applejack let out a breath of relief.

I let Apple Bloom down to the floor and sat down with the others and started reading the letters. The letter with the unknown writing interested me. I read it while Mac poured some coffee into my cup and raised an eye-brow. It was from the local carpenters-office. They wanted to see me at 12:30 pm for something private.
The second letter from Rarity was that she wanted me at her shop near eve. I placed the letters on the table and sipped the coffee. Applejack glanced at me again.
“What’s the letter ‘bout?” she asked behind her cup of coffee.
I took a bite of a slice of bread without butter and pondered on what the carpenter wanted. Was it due to me doing repairs? I swallowed and answered.
“From the carpenters. They want to meet me at noon.” That was all I said.
I finished my breakfast and decided to leave early. I had to speak with Twilight, do a repair at Fluttershys and then meet up with the carpenter then Rarity whatever that was about. A trotting on the boards behind me caught my attention. Applejack stood behind me.
“Ya didn’t eat up.” She said.
I blinked and shook my head.
“No. I wanted some chores done before evening.” I answered simply as I went to my workbench to release the leg to Fluttershys couch.
I ran my fingers along its feature and smiled at its smoothness. I placed it on my leather-bag on my hip alongside my hand screwdriver and a few screws. Thinking about the letter I wanted to send to Celestia. There was someone I needed to talk to about this.

I began to walk but Applejack stopped me.
“Ya goin’ to work?” she asked.
“No.” I answered simply. ”I’m going to talk to somepony for advice.”
I gave her a wink and began walking away.

*		*		*

The pony in question was usually found in the park by this time of the day. Before the others of Elements of Harmony became my friends, Applejack I saw more as a sister, I had a close friend who was more than excited to meet me. The pony was a mare who I admit was cute, attractive for a pony mind you, and she performed here to get bits, relaxing or practicing on her music.
And the beautiful sound of strings guided me towards her. She sat on a bench with closed eyes, a smile set on her face and a lyre levitating with a golden aura. She was mint green in coat-color and her mane and tail was green with strands of white. On her flanks was a golden lyre, the same lyre she played with fingers made from her magic.
I walked towards her and stood in front of her to listen before interrupting her. Her nose twitched as she opened her golden eyes and looked at me with a smile.
“Hey, Ben. ‘Sup?” she greeted with a bright grin.
I smiled back.
“Great, Lyra. May I sit?” I asked, pointing to the empty spot beside her.
She nodded and allowed me to take a seat. Although the benches were shorter than the ones in our world I could still sit comfortably. She placed her lyre between us and we sat quietly for a while before I decided to speak up.

“Lyra, I need an advice on something.” I said and she immediately perked up.
“Sure! What’s it about?” She asked in an excited manner.
I smiled at the way she reacted. Her ears high and her smile wide.
“I’ve been thinking about my home more recent and I was thinking of asking Twilight about sending a requesting letter to her teacher to send me home. I only fear that a lot of you’re going to be too sad because of this. Any advice?” I explained.

Lyra tapped a hoof on her mouth and hummed thoughtfully. I looked at the ponies that passed us by while Lyra was in her deep thoughts. Green Hooves poked in a nearby flowerpot.

“How bad are we talking when you say sad and how much do you think of your family?” she asked in return.
I sighed in slight depression at those questions.
“Almost every day for a few weeks now. And I think Apple Bloom would be distraught. She and I have been more than close and I really fear that she would be sadder than the others.” I explained while I supported my head on my hands.

Lyra nodded and looked up into the sky. It was a perfect autumn day. Not too windy, pleasantly warm and an almost cloud-free blue sky. The trees have just started changing colors.
“Well, I’d be sad too if you left but I would not wish you unhappiness. If you could get home I’d be happy. But…” she stopped while thinking. “… If you explained to the others then maybe they’d understand.”
She smiled at the streak of a rainbow when Rainbow Dash cleared a few clouds.
“You taught me a lot about your world and I have been enjoying your company more times than Bon Bon could… no offence to her but she could be boring at times.” She explained while per pupils darted around.
I nodded but still sighed at how I would break it.

“So should I or shouldn’t I? I still love the Apples. I love all of you. It’s just that I miss my real family.” I said glumly.
Lyra raised her eyebrows but smiled after a few seconds.
“I think you should go for it. If it’s what you want.” She said, very simply.
I nodded. But a smile crept across my face and raised my eyebrows this time. When I looked at her I chuckled when I came to realize how her answer could have come to this conclusion.
“Lyra Heartstrings, doesn’t Bon Bon trust you?” I said with a wink.
Lyra jerked her head and blushed.
“S-she so TO trust me!” she defended. “She just doesn’t like me making certain ideas that she doesn’t agrees with.”
Yep, that was definitely the case. I brushed my fingers in her mane and smiled to show that I was kidding. Lyra looked at me while her head remained low. Though her blush remained she closed her eyes and enjoyed my fingers combing.
“I know, Lyra. I was just kidding. I know she loves you enough to trust you.” I said as I continued to stroke her mane. “But, thank you, Lyra. I really needed to talk.”
I got up from the bench, stretched and sighed. She smiled back at me and lifted her lyre with her magic.
“Likewise, Ben. Just don’t tell Bon Bon about our talk.” She said a little nervous. “She likes me but Celestia forbid that she hates back-talk.”
I smiled back at her and walked away. Okay, then. My mind was now set; I need to talk to Twilight.

*		*		*

I knocked on the library door a few times and was greeted by Spike who carried a few books in a pile. He looked at me.
“If you’re looking for Twilight she’s out on an errand. But I expect her to be home soon.” He said and led me in.

I crouched and noticed that the shelf I made already had been put to use. The three first shelves were filled with a section I would put as simply as: Knowledge of scientific purpose and understanding… whatever that meant.
I took a book from a section about household. Surprisingly small, only about a shelf. I took one about beverages and read on about… alcoholic drinks? Huh, even here they had them.
After about five minutes Twilight came through the door with a few scrolls levitating beside her head. She looked at me and she beamed at me.
“Oh hi, Ben. How are you doing?” she beamed, her scrolls levitating to a nearby table.
I placed the book on the shelf and cleared my throat. I was now nervous despite my planned decision.
“I… I was wondering if y-you could send a letter t-to Celestia.” I said with a stuttering that Fluttershy would’ve been glad to hear.

Twilight cocked her head with raised eyebrows. Spike took a scroll and a quill but I looked at him.
“Spike… umm.” I started only to wipe a little sweat of the forehead. “Could you let Twilight do that? I… want to talk to her in private.”
Spike looked at her and then at me. Twilight shrugged at Spike who returned the shrug. He took another scroll and decided to walk out.
“I’m getting some more equipment. See you in an hour.” He said waving the scroll before closing the door.

I waited a minute before “spilling the beans”. I took a deep breath and placed a hand on my chest to gently rub the area around the heart.
“So… Twilight. The letter to Celestia.” I began anew only to stop to think.
She sat on her haunches to await my question.
“A year ago I asked her if she could send me home. She asked me to give Equestria a chance, which I have. But I want you to send her a letter asking her if she could send me home.” I explained and Twilights face turned to disbelief and shock.
“WHAT?!” She exclaimed as she jumped to her hooves.
I took a step back at this reaction and pulled up my hands in defense.
“Twilight, Twilight! Let me explain, alright?” I said and hoped for the best.
She calmed down somewhat and I took a breath of relief. I sat down on a nearby stool and tried to find words. I looked into her magenta eyes for a few seconds before speaking.
“I just wanted her to know how things are. I just want to go home again. Can you help me out? Please?” I said and pleaded to her.
Twilight stared at me for the longest moment before sighing in either frustration or defeat.
“Ben. Give me more. Why do you want to go home so badly?” she asked as if wanting to be my psychiatric, which was the second reason I wanted to come here.
I breathed twice before inhaling deep, which kind of hurt my heart for a second.
“I miss my family a lot more. For a few weeks I’ve gotten more and more urge to see them and it’s to the point where I can’t take no more. I want to see them so badly. Please? Can you do this for me?” I explained, spilling everything.
Twilight looked at me with a sorrowed expression and sighed. She picked up the quill and scroll with her magic but looked at me.
“Okay, Ben. But do tell me more. Maybe I can help you ease your longing. I think I have something about that.” She tried but I stopped her.
“Twilight, I only want to know IF I can return back. I really hope I can, so please.” I asked for the third time.
Twilight stopped mid-trot and sighed. She went to prepare ink and placed the quill in preparation. She waited for me to say whatever she wanted me to write on the letter.
“Princess Celestia. I, Benjamin Emmanuel Fields, would ask of you a very important request. I wish to return to my own world.” I began walking around the library. “When I was in the hospital bed after I first came here I asked you if it was possible for me to return home. You said it was possible but I want to return home. I’ve given Equestria a chance like you said. Can you give me my wish? Sincerely yours, Ben Fields.” I ended and Twilight wrote it down and rolled the scroll through her magic.

I sighed in relief and in slight sadness. The letter was written. No turning back, unless she archives it somewhere. She places the scroll on the table and looked at me with a stern face.
“I’ll send the letter once Spike comes back. But, Ben, I’m still worried about you. You never wanted to return before. What changed your mind?” she asked.
I rubbed the back of my neck.

“I had a bit of homesickness. I disappeared so sudden and I don’t even know if my family even thinks that I’m still alive. I need to get back to them. It’s nothing you’ve done. Trust me; you’re the best friend one can have.” I explained, placing my hand in my pocket.
Twilight nodded and sighed quietly but noticeable. With that I left the library, assuming she was done talking. I was only hoping that she would send that letter. I turned to her just in case.
“Please send that letter to Celestia when Spike gets back, okay?” I reminded.
Twilight nodded sadly and didn’t stop me when I walked out and closed the door.

*		*		*

Lunch had just been past when I reached the carpentry Hammer’N’Nails. One of the ponies, a dark tanned mare with blond mane and hazel eyes named Mjolna, was nailing a notice-board to the front of the shop. Her cutie-mark was the very hammer of Thor, Mjölnir with a bolt of lightning struck behind it. She placed her hammer in her saddle-bag and smiled proudly.
She turned her head slightly and at seeing me she smiled widely. She turned her head to the door.
“Bro, Dad! He’s here!” she hollered into the shop.
She turned to me with a smile. It was an awkward silence before a young unicorn colt with black coat but the same blond mane came through the door. His cutie-mark was of a sledge nailing a rail-spike.
Behind him came an elder stallion with grey coat and short brown mane with a smile at the sight of me. They stood in line as the elder spoke up. He looked at the watch on his left hoof.
“You’re on time. That’s a preference I’ve heard, too. Now to the reason why I wanted to talk to you.” He said with a very likable voice. It was a bit like listening to my grandfather.
“We’ve heard a lot from the ponies in town on your carpentry. 9 out of 10 ponies are actually pleased with your handiwork… forgive the pun. And I’m not the pony that likes competition. So I’m wondering if you could put your carpentry to good use here.” He explained, with a smile that was genuine.
I blinked, not really sure what he wanted until it came as a light inside my head. Was he… employing me?
“You want me as an employee?” I asked to be reassured.
The stallion nodded. He looked at the two ponies on his side.
“I’m retiring soon. Sledge and Mjolna will inherit my carpentry soon and I thought since you are on contract I figured that you could have busy days. You’ll get a good pay and good working condition fitting for you. So…” He shifted and waved a hoof to let me come closer. “…What do you say?”
I stood quiet. I was getting a job. An actual employment? Now that I’ve already asked Twilight to send that letter? I thought for a while, gently combing back my hair that had fallen forward. I needed a haircut. After a while of thinking, I chuckled slightly embarrassed.
“Thank you. Are you really sure?” I was still confused.
They all nodded this time. 
Again I chuckled. I didn’t know how to react. No more contract jobs. I was actually getting an employment. And I didn’t even know when the answer from Celestia was coming. Could be tomorrow, or even next week. Besides, even if I got this employment I wouldn’t be able to start until after Cider Season. And I could get done with my drawings too.
I looked at them and bowed in gratitude. The stallion smiled wide.
“Wonderful! Come on, let’s get that employment signed.” He motioned, ushering me to enter the workshop.
Sledge used his magic to search the archive until he found the paper he was looking for. He placed it in front of me and I read everything.(How many in my age actually sign without reading? Seriously?) I read it over and over until I took the quill and signed it.
He rotated the paper and read the signature. At least, tried to.
“Okay. Welcome to Hammer’N’Nails, Mr Bentamin Fields.” He said in a welcoming tone… did he say “Bentamin”?
“Umm, it’s Benjamin. Not Bentamin.” I corrected. “Benjamin Emmanuel Fields. But call me Ben.”
I shook his hoof and then Sledge’s. I gave Mjolna the same polite shake but thought of something.
“Right. You do know that I can’t get to work until after Cider Season, do you?” I asked but the response was a simultaneous nod from them all. Okay, they knew that.
Now all I needed was to fix Fluttershy’s couch and meet Rarity at her shop. Then hopefully take rest of the day of to relax. I stopped half step as activity nearby caught my attention. Looking around at the ponies going in and out of town hall.
One of the ponies close to me bumped my leg and apologized. But I focused on the ones in town hall. Decorations in a form of streamers that covered the balcony and a banderol that was tied around. Balloons were getting pumped and tied to the railing. Some of the banderols had my favorite color; Green. Sure I said that my favorite was marine but imagine telling Rarity that I wanted green as a color on my clothes. She approved in a more camouflage-pattern but not in a simple coloring.
The way they worked. And with Pinkamena helping with decorations inside. Were they preparing for a party? My party? Sure I told her but in the town hall of all places? With all of this I wondered; should I go? They work hard and when my girlfriend and her friends made a party for my 17th birthday I went. Would be rude to turn this down.
I chuckled when I made my decision. I think I was going for the party after all. Just to spend the time with them. I was going home after all… I hoped, at least.

*		*		*

Fluttershy was out feeding her animals by the time I got to her cottage. Once I walked the bridge to her she perked up at the sight of me. I smiled in a greeting. Her bunny, Angel, thumped his foot and had his forepaws crossed with a frown. I took a breath to not try and kick the bunny.
“I have the leg of your couch. Sorry it took until today.” I said apologetic but she shook her head franticly.
“No, no! You don’t need to apologize.” She said in her normal, kind manner.
I searched my pouch and took the leg out. She opened her door and let me in. I tilted the couch and started working. Taking the wrench and the screwdriver to put the leg in place. I gave it a shake and screwed after feel. It was firmly set and I returned the couch back on all four with a proud smile.
I motioned for Fluttershy to try and sit. She flew to the couch and carefully sat down. It didn’t wobble and looked stable. She nodded approvingly. Snapped my fingers and felt pride.
“Perfect! Does it feel good?” I asked.
She tucked her hooves under her for comfort and gave a more assuring smile.
“Yes. I wouldn’t mind if it was slightly faulty.” She responded a little shyly.
That was all I needed to hear. Another good job and my final job as a contract-worker. I threw my wrench in the air and caught it with a wide smile. Now I only had Rarity left and the rest of the night at the party.
“Umm…” Fluttershy started when I was headed out. Turned around to face her and she prodded her hoof on the floor and hid her face behind her mane.
“H-have you thought about your birthday?” she asked nervously.
I kneeled down and gave her a smile that made her blush. I really needed to stop doing that to her.
“Yeah, I have.” I answered.
Her ears perked up slightly at this. Smiling to her I continued.
“I’ll see you in town hall later tonight. I’m coming to the party.”
Now her ears and wings perked up at full alert. She gained a smile and could’ve sworn that I heard her squeak in happiness. I got and walked out, giving her a wave. Oddly enough, she still stood there, grinning like a school-girl… filly… you know.
As I stepped out I noticed Angel frowning at me. I think I looked at him for a few seconds before giving him a: “What?”
He hopped into the cottage and poked Fluttershy who still didn’t move. I kept walking before that stupid bunny got any ideas. He wasn’t the bunny from Monty Python but he came very close.

*		*		*

I walked to Rarity’s boutique for the final stop of the list. After that I could take the night off. Only the question was what Rarity wanted. I knocked and only on the first knock the door opened and Rarity stood there looking at me, a wide smile but bags under her eyes. She looked as ragged as she did when making Twilight and the others Gala dresses. She immediately used her magic on my shirt to get me inside.
“Ben, darling, come in! Come in!” she excitedly said despite her tiredness.
Not having much of a choice I walked in, almost tripping on the door-step. Once she had me in the middle of her boutique she let go of my arm and focused her magic on something behind the drapes. A clothed sack hung with a clothes hanger. Blue in color but not opened. And from the disappearing magic aura slowly placing it on the table, she’d let me open it. Only when I was touching the zipper did I hear her do a ‘tsk’-noise behind me.
“Not yet, Ben. First.” she sniffed and cringed. ”Could you get upstairs? You need a bath. Or a shower.”
I sniffed my arm in disbelief but frown at my sweat-stench. Must’ve been some time since I showered. Too much to do.
“And second: I have a razor, bought it for you, so you can get that beard off. You look so much better without it along your present.” She trotted and almost bouncing her steps at her own pride.
I touched my beard and looked at her.
“But I like my beard.” I tried but she shook her head, giggling.
“Ben, darling. You don’t get any mares if you keep looking like that.” Her voice almost… Her smirk told me everything. She was joking.
Sighing I walked up to the upper floor and opened the door to her bathroom. Washing my face first to begin my shaving. The razor was a knife that the old barbers used. I had one since my first arrival, a welcome gift from the Apples. Looking into the mirror. My dark brown hair, the green eyes and the dark beard that made me look like my father. I sighed. I took the foam, placing it gently on my face. I took the razor, recently sharpened, and gently brought it down my neck. Washing the razor, shave. After the shave, amazingly without cutting myself, I washed away the foam and checked the mirror. I decided to keep my side-burns. Just for style.
I undressed and stepped into the shower. I pulled the curtain in case Sweetie Belle came in. Taking some shampoo to cover my body and washing it. I gave a sigh as I started to calm down. I had tension after yesterday and today. My body finally started to relax. I washed the shampoo out of my hair and stepped out to dry myself. Rarity came in and placed underwear and socks on a nearby chair. I covered myself but she smiled.
“Don’t worry, Ben.” She snickered but tilted hear head at me. She then gave me a smile. “Now you look handsome. Do come down after dressing.”
She turned and trotted out. I let out a breath. All female gave me this reaction. No matter what world. If I was naked she probably would have screamed. I put my underwear on. Fitted perfectly. The socks fitted as well. Comfortable too. I need to buy more clothes from her.

I walked down to meet her and maybe see what she had prepared for me. Sweetie Belle was galloping out but not at the sight of me. I did hear her giggle after speaking with Rarity. She smiled and walked to the sack she had placed once I got here. Placing my hand on the zipper I opened the sack. Inside was a dark blue tux. I trailed my fingers on the coat and took it out. The whole set; a tail-coat, a pearl-white shirt, perfectly fitting pants, a blue-white striped bowtie and carefully placed before me: A pair of black, faux-leather shoes.
I took the shirt first. Buttoned it all the way down. It felt warm, and fitted perfectly. Next, the pants and a belt. I put on my shoes while Rarity tied the bowtie. Not too loose and not too tight. I took the tail-coat, feeling it and then buttoned it. I looked into the mirror and I could see Rarity squeaking quietly at her work. But besides that; I was colored dark blue. The shoes perfectly in colored sync with the tux.
I shaped up with a smile. Rarity I compared with Ghastly Bespoke from Skulduggery Pleasant. Perfect sewing, fitting just perfect and just as skilled. Although I doubted that her clothes was as durable. It may not stop swords or anything sharp but damn if I didn’t look good.
“Ben, you look stunning. Ready for the party?” She asked while she was getting ready as well.
I nodded and took another look in the mirror. My final party before going home. And she didn’t know. Having about a half hour of patience Rarity walked out in a red dress that flowed over her flanks and gold trims. I admit that she looked good. We left the boutique and began our walk to the town hall. The sun was setting and all the houses were darkened. No light save for the street-lamps. And the beacon, town hall, guided us.

I took a breath and walked in. All the ponies threw confetti in the air, shouting:

“SURPRISE!!!”

In a timed unison the pegasi let loose a banderol that read:

“Happy Birthday, Ben Fields!”


I was neared by everypony from Applejack to the Lyra and her marefriend Bon Bon. Bon Bon was the same pony as Applejack. Her mane and tail colored blue and pink together with a cream colored coat. They guided me to a huge cake in the middle of the building. Not big in decoration, just cream with several layers. The lights counted twenty. I blew them out, getting a few clopping hooves as they applauded. Most of the foals guided me to the present and I started to feel like they treated me like child. There weren’t many gifts, to which I was grateful. Not having a house. A long box caught my attention but three little fillies, two of them was Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, the third was a young pegasus with purple styled mane and tailed and a orange coat. Her equally purple eyes looked excitedly at me, as did the others.
“Hiya, Ben! We bought ya a gift!” Apple Bloom beamed with pride and happiness.
I took the small box in my hands. It had a sloppy cover but it’s the heart that mattered.
“Really?” I asked in mock curiosity but I couldn’t help to smile. ”What could it be?”
I opened it and inside was a few scrapped papers. Removing them, my smile dropped. I took my fingers around a golden chain connected to a circular golden trinket. I placed it carefully in my palm and pressed my thumb on the button. It opened, revealing a small watch with roman letters. A pocket watch. I looked at them in shock before cracking a smile.
“This is… wow.” I began without the ability to think. “Thank you. How could you afford it?”
The three fillies looked at each other.
“Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo an’ Ah placed a few bits each from our allowance.” Apple Bloom answered.
“You don’t know how long Apple Bloom thought of it. Had to ask my parents for a little raise.” Scootaloo said next, pointing her hoof to two pegasi that had part of Scootaloo coat and mane color.
I let go of a breath and kneeled down to hug them. Scootaloo grunted slightly. Maybe from awkwardness. After letting them go I placed my pocket watch in the suits pocket and moved on to the others. A couple of clothes, some bits and a piece of a contract from Applejack. What it was, she didn’t say.
The final gift was apparently from Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. The box I saw earlier. Opening it revealed a guitar. I looked at it for a while and Rainbow flew next to me.
“Well? What’dya think?” She asked in her always stoic attitude.
I placed it in my arms and nodded.
“What gave you the idea?” I asked in curiosity.
I admit that I liked music. But never owned an instrument to play with. Rainbow chuckled proudly.
“Well, Flutters and I heard from Applejack that you enjoy singing while working. She knew you played the banjo and I figured ‘why not’” She explained and gesticulated with her hooves.
I nodded and instead of giving her a hug, something she disliked, I bumped my fist with her hoof. Fluttershy on the other hand was nervously nearing me. I kneeled down to her level.
“Thank you for the gift.” I said and gave her a hug.
I noticed that she blushed but returned the hug. Letting go to have Rainbow land next to me.
“You know how to play?” she asked with a smile.
I took a breath and rubbed my neck.
“Well…” I began, searching for words. “I do know a few songs I can play on guitar.”
She smirked. She didn’t…
“Well? Play something!” She pushed.
Lifting the gutitar she slammed her hooves lightly on the floor to get a rhythm.
“Play, play, play!” She chanted, slowly getting everyponys attention.
Soon enough they all chanted, “Play, play, play!” and I started laughing.
“Alright! Alright!” I yelled, still laughing.
They quieted down. I walked to the stage and a microphone was placed in front of me. I made a tune by letting my thumb fall on the strings. I took a breath.
“First of all; Thank you so much for being here.” I said, just now seeing a zebra on the far wall. “Even you, Zecora.”
She politely nodded.
“You wanted me to play and I thought of one song. Something to remind us that we all lost somepony close to us. Family, friends or a loved one. This is to you.” I said and began playing. I bobbed my head lightly as I felt the song coming.



~So lately, been wondering:
Who will be there to take my place?
When I’m gone, you’ll need love
To light the shadows on your face

If a great wave shall fall
It’d fall upon us all
And between the sand and the stone
Could you make it on your own?

If I could, then I would
I’ll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low
I’ll go wherever you will go

And maybe, I’ll find out
The way to make it back someday
To watch you, to guide you
Through the darkest of your days

If a great wave shall fall
It’d fall upon us all
Well I hope there’s someone out there
Who can bring me back to you

If I could, then I would
I’ll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low
I’ll go wherever you will go

Run away with my heart
Run away with my hope
Run away with my love

I know now, just quite now
My life and love and love might still go on
In your heart, in your mind
I’ll stay with you for all of time

If I could, then I would
I’ll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low
I’ll go wherever you will go~




At the end of the song, they all clopped their hooves on the floor in amazement. I smiled but one pony wasn’t smiling: Twilight. I stepped down to eat some cake. All of the ponies mingled and talked to me, amongst them were Zecora, Mjolna and Sledge. A few complimented either the singing or some the help I’ve given. That was until Pinkamena came to talk. While I ate she talked on and on and I think I lost her around the topic of oatmeal but I didn’t listen.
It was like listening to a metal album on fast-forward squirrel sound for a few minutes. I smiled gently and placed the plate with the muffins on the table. I said I needed some fresh air. I just needed to get alone.

I walked out, looking at the cloudless night-sky. I looked at the moon and the thoughts that I was going home made a string in my heart tear. Everything they did for me tonight. I let out a breath and flinched at the gust of autumn wind.
“Hey, birthday boy!” a female voice said behind me.
I turned around to see Lyra and Bon Bon standing behind me.
“The party’s inside.” She said with a smile.
I returned the smile. I looked to the sky again, leaning on the railing with my arms folded and legs crossed. Bon Bon nudged Lyra on the cheek.
“I’ll be inside if you want to talk.” She said, her voice oddly smooth and kind.
Lyra nuzzled her and saw her trot in. She sat on her haunches next to me, still on the stairs. We were quiet before Lyra broke the silence.
“That song had a meaning didn’t it?” she asked.
I nodded.
“It was more or less about how I never leave those I cared about. The actual song meant something different.” I explained shortly.
She nodded in understanding. More quiet.
“I liked it. To never leave and wishing to return…” She stopped and looked at me. “You talked to Twilight about your letter?” She asked at the thought.
Again, I nodded. I looked at the ground.
“I only hope that she sent it.” I said shortly.
As on demand; Twilight stood in the doorway.
“Lyra, can I speak to Ben for a minute? Alone?” She asked politely.
Lyra nodded and trotted inside. She turned to me.
“We’ll talk later. Alright, Ben?” She asked.
I nodded and she continued inside. Twilight trotted to me and had an unhappy frown on her muzzle. Her eyes looked at the boards on the stairs.
“I sent the letter to Princess Celestia.” She said and I snatched my head to looked at her. I swear I heard a slight crack in my neck.
“She hasn’t sent an answer.” She then added.
I let out a breath.
“I see. Thank you.” I said, relieved but now came the wait.
She closed in on me and her head slightly touched my arm. It was a new silence.
“So…” She began, letting out a shaky breath. ”… you’re going to leave us?” She asked sadly.
I blinked and sighed.
“Appears so.” I responded flatly.
I let my arm drape over her to pet her neck. She sighed.
“But now, all I have is this night.” I said and I smiled.

Now all I can do is wait. And that was hard enough. But for now, I can spend the time with the ones close to me here.
	
> Chapter 4: Super Cider Challenge
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The majority of the day after my birthday I spent helping Big Mac with the cider barrels. Applejack and Apple Bloom were away since lunch, being busy setting up and preparing the stand for tomorrow. Lidding the 13th barrel since this morning I rolled it to the cart and grunted when I lifted it up to place it with the others. I panted in exhaustion and leaned on the cart to take a break. My chest started to ache.
“Ben, min yer heart.” Mac said as he got of the cider-squeezer. Well, for me it looked more like a mill for when you crush wheat.

I unscrewed the thermos and poured a warm green liquid into the cup and drank it slowly, wincing when a bitter aftertaste followed. The pain in the chest faded and I inhaled deeply. Letting out a sigh as the herbal remedy did its work.
Mac trotted towards me but had a very straight face. Drinking down the rest of the remedy I turned around to look at the barrels. We stood quiet for a long time, just staring at the barrels of homemade apple cider that was more sought after than pretty much anything, at least amongst the adult ponies.
“Think we have enough?” I asked simply.
Big Mac looked on the barrels and nodded.
“Eeyup. Ah have no doubt it’ll be enough.” He said after some time.
He turned his gaze to the barn.
“We made sure to make more than last year.” He continued.
I nodded but couldn’t help but thinking that a lot of ponies were without cider last year. Ponyville had a population of 5000 ponies give or take. Last year I noticed ponies who camped near the stand. Something that reminded me of over-dedicated fans back home that camped outside of the game-store just so that they could be the first to get the first copy.
Taking a bit of water to drink down while counting the barrels I got to think of the letter I asked Twilight to send to Celestia. She told me that she sent it but so far only Twilight and Lyra knew. If I got answers I’d break it to the rest of them. Either way, they’d found out. The heartbreak of Fluttershy I could live with. The heartbreak of Apple Bloom would kill me. She was like my sister and I loved her. Applejack was strong enough but that didn’t make me feel better. Leaving the Apples, my friends here. Hopefully they could explain it in the best way possible.

“Ben!” I heard behind me, snapping me out of my thoughts.
Apple Bloom galloped towards me with Applejack following in a fast trot. I scooped her up like usual to give her a hug.
“Yer done helpin’ Big Mac with the cider?” She asked while I let Apple Bloom on the ground.
“All set for tomorrow. Hope it’ll be enough.” I answered and turned to look at the barrels.
Applejack looked at me but sniffed and scrunched her muzzle like something foul had been released near us. Did she smell the herbs I drank earlier? She grimaced and frowned at me.
“Did ya have another attack?” She asked worryingly.
Not letting her worry, I ushered Apple Bloom to help Mac. When she was out of ears reach I whispered in a tone only hearable to Applejack.
“Only a little. Mac and I were just about done and I might have pushed myself a little.” I said in a very sheepish tone.
She raised an eyebrow when looking into my eyes. She later sighed.
“As long as ya don’ overdo yerself. Ah don’ wanna lose a family member.” She gave me a look she always gave Apple Bloom and Mac. The look of a sister.

I knelt down, removed her hat and snuggled my forehead against hers in affection. She smiled and began to nuzzle my face. I got up to walk into the house. Evening came fast but I remained awake outside. I was in the barn and sketched on the drawing board. I sketched on a house for the carpenter’s office since I recently got employed by Hammer’N’Nails’ son Sledge and I finally got my drawing skills to good use.
But I did get time to draw and design my future house and several of furnishing. It was a good way to get my thoughts onto a blue-print. In case I couldn’t get home I’d have a lot of free time to make them. My house, however, was marked on a different page. I always wanted to either build one or renovate an old house to my own liking. Maybe someday.

“Are ya alright?” Applejack said as she came through the barn door.
I turned to her as she came closer. I looked at my drawings to finish up. I hated to leave these un-finished. She trotted to my table to check the papers then looked at me. I strained a smile but she probably didn’t trust it.
“Ah spoke with Mac before an’ he told me about yer work today.” She spoke softly.
I nodded. Was that all? She wanted to speak or criticize my work? She let up a hoof to assure me that it wasn’t like that. She fixed her hat and by her expression she was looking for words. She looked around to see if Apple Bloom or Macintosh was around. Seeing as the only ones around was the two of us, she fell serious.
“Ah meant that ya worked yerself out. Mac told me that ya had three attacks. And that ya almost fainted.” She said concerned and, from what I could see, tired.
Placing the pencil lightly on my drawing table I tried to come up with a good answer. But before I could speak up she motioned me to kneel down. I did so and she looked into my eyes for several seconds.
Her face softened as she gave a tired sigh combined with a light yawn.
“How are ya doin’? Ah’ve seen ya work but Ah can’ help but notice ya wince once in a while.” She asked with more concern than I’ve wanted her to feel.
It was now my turn to sigh. Sure, I drank more of Zecora’s herbs than I’ve wanted but the pain I occasionally felt was sometimes too much to bear. Lack of breath didn’t help.
“I’m fine. Nothing I couldn’t work with.” I said still bearing my false and strained smile.
She raised her eyebrows in suspicion. I hoped that my smile was enough for her to back off. It was a long moment of silence between us with her looking more determined. She shook her head and removed her hat, something she only did when she was serious.
“Ben, ya’ve been in our family for a whole year. Ah know when somethin’s botherin’ ya.” She pressed, her muzzle scrunched up in a frown at my stubbornness.
I sighed in slight defeat. I rubbed my chest with a grimace which she caught on.
“My chest’s been hurting more than usual.” I winced and gritted my teeth when I massaged my chest. “Even when working after taking my medicine.”
Applejacks ears drooped and she had a bit of a sad frown.
“Isn’t there anythin’ the doctors could do? Ah mean, can’ ya get help?” Her voice was worried and I didn’t blame her.
I’ve been here for a year and I’ve come to see her as my sister. My family. But I had to shake my head at her question.
“They don’t have the charts for my anatomy. Performing a surgery could kill me unless they know how I work.” I explained, getting a sadder frown from her.
I kneeled down to her level. She lifted her gaze to me. I gave her a strained smile as I placed my hand on her cheek. We looked into each other’s eyes. Our emerald eyes.
“I’m not in the danger zone yet. As long as I stick to my medicine, keep my diet and doesn’t work myself out I should be safe for a couple of years.” I ensured, stroking her cheek the same way I did with the horse Addie owned.
She closed her eyes and sighed happily at my stroking and from what I could tell; she seemed to be more at peace. She opened her eyes to look at me. But the smile she had once again turned to a sad frown. She nodded and closed in to give me a hug.
“Ah already lost mah parents. Ah don’ wanna lose ya to an illness.” She sighed on my shoulder.
I stroked her back gently at her words. The only hope I did have of surviving was to return home and get the surgery. Like I was supposed to. Before coming here.
________________________________________________________________________

I woke up early to eat breakfast before the Cider Season to an official start. Applejack and I exchanged looks and after what happened last night I didn’t blame her. But we decided for now to take our full attention on the job at hand and hoof. My job was to take away the empty barrel while Mac took the full barrel.
And of course, like last year, Pinkamena was the first in line. She had just finished packing her tent. Her smile wide and teeth white which surprised me due to the amount of sweets she ate on a regular basis.
She dropped several bits on the counter and got just as many mugs of cider in return. And I found out why so many ponies were without cider each and every year.

After a few hours the line was about half gone and only two barrels remained. I saw Rainbow Dash in the distance, filled with anticipation for the chance to get a mug of sweet cider.
When it was her turn Apple Bloom placed a mug and poured… but all that came was foam. Empty. I looked at Rainbow who in the matter of 10 seconds changed her look from anticipation to disappointment to anger. She flew up and flared with anger.
“Oh look! You’re out of cider! Big surprise!” She accused in a more than sarcastic tone.
Applejack trotted in front of her but Rainbow went on with her rant.
“How come you never have enough cider? Always the same thing every year! I get to wait in line and don’t get any cider!” She continued and I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow when she actually meant herself.
The crowd murmured in the same disagreement. Granny and AJ stepped fourth to explain the situation. If it was enough was up to debate. I only waited to be the scapegoat in all of this. How did I know? You tend to fear the worse when you’re the only one of your species on this planet. And judging how long I’ve been here, I found the hints.

Applejack stomped her hooves on the ground to get their attention, sadly without effect.
“We make more cider every year but the amount ya drink is always hard to determine. We will make more but Ah’m askin’ ya’ll to be patient.” AJ explained in hopes that it would be enough to calm them down.
The crowd once again murmured but eventually fell silent at the sound of a… locomotive? I turned around to the source of the noise to see that the sound indeed came from a strange looking locomotive that stopped not far from us but parked right into the fence. I raised my eyebrows at the machine as two unicorn stallions stepped down. Both with a lemon colored coat, green eyes and red and white mane. Only one of them had a mustache.
They donned a blue and white striped 50’s vest and flat hats, looking like 1950’s commercial salesmen. They looked at the crowd and one of them smiled. No. Grinned.
~“Well lookie what we got here, brother of mine. It’s the same in every town.”~ He began singing.
~“Ponies with thirsty throats, dry tongues, and not a drop of cider to be found.”~ He continued his singing, motioning to a purple mare named Berry Punch.
~“Maybe they’re not aware that there’s really no need for this teary despair.”~ He looked at his brother.
~“That the key that they need to solve this sad cider shortage you and I will share.”~ His brother with the moustache sang out, getting a few excited chatter from most of the ponies around us.

I crossed my arms and glanced at Applejack who looked just as surprised. She glanced at me and shook her head. The stallions sang with such confidence as they actually tried to charm all of the ponies that was around us.

~"Well you’ve got opportunity, in this very community.~
"He’s Flim"
"He’s Flam"
~We’re the world famous Flim Flam brothers~
~Traveling salesponies nonpareil!”~


I shook my head but the eyes Pinkamena gave were enough to ask the one question I had in my mind.
“Nonpa-what?” she asked… okay, maybe not.
The stallion without moustache answered through a very good way: Dodging the question.


~“Nonpareil, and that's exactly the reason why, you see
No pony else in this whole place will give you such a chance to be where you need to be
And that's a new world, with tons of cider
Fresh squeezed and ready for drinking”~


Flim gazed up to his brother who seemed to be at the suction (?) How did he end up there?

~“More cider than you could drink in all your days of thinking.”~ He sang as he slid down and landed next to his brother.

Looking at the ponies that seemed to catch on the tune my stare turned to disbelief. It was like they knew how the lyrics went. And they even seemed happy about it. One thing I’ve come to understand is that singing can come whenever and wherever. Where the instruments for the music came from I’ve given up trying to find out. The dance and song went on until I had to drop the long awaited question:
“Who are you kooks?”

The two brothers looked at me still wearing smiles. They grabbed their hats and bowed.
“We’re the world famous Flim Flam Brothers. Salesponies who travel far and wide over Equestria.” Flim explained with enough pride to outdo Rainbow Dash.

I sighed and rubbed my temples. 
“Okay.” I breathed through gritted teeth. “I heard that. But I still think I need to ask that question again: Who are you kooks?”
They looked at each other for a while then smirked at me.
“Well, our little primitive, I’ll tell you.” Flam said and trotted closer. Did he call me a primitive? “Can your little pony friend let me and my brother borrow some of their delicious, and might I add spellbindingly fragrant apples for our little demonstration here?” He asked and looked at Applejack.
Applejack shrugged and that was all they needed. The suction was placed above a tree and took all the apples. He guided me to the locomotive do show me what it did. It took apples, mashed them and extracted the juices to boil then created the cider. Not to different from what they did back home. I’ve been to a cider house during my days at the farm. I looked at the machine then the mug of cider that Flam hovered in front of me.
I took a sip and let the taste sink in. It indeed had the sweetness that cider was known for. It was sweet and all around delicious. It was slightly ruined by the machine. I stared into the mug then at Applejack who showed concern.
“Now, here's where the magic happens. Right here in this heaving, roiling, cider-press-boiling guts of the very machine, those apples plucked fresh are right now as we speak being turned into grade-A, top-notch, five-star, blow-your-horseshoes-off, one-of-a-kind cider~!” Flim explained in a more sing-song voice.

I still looked at the mug and looked at the Apples. They were indeed worried. This machine created cider that was close to perfect in a faster pace than we were able, even with the help I could provide. I’m far from lazy but the fact that this could provide the help to satisfy the ponies and get Rainbow Dash of the rant. As I was about to answer Apple Bloom spoke up.
“You got a deal!”
She reached a hoof and the crowd murmured excitedly. I quickly placed the mug on the vehicle and scooped her up. Facing Flim and Flam I said very politely:
“Excuse us for a moment.”
I dropped her carefully on the ground and Granny Smith motioned us to a family discussion.
“That machine can’t possibly match up to the care we put in our cider!” Granny huffed.
Applejack shook her head. I agreed.
“But if it really does work, we could make everypony in town happy!” Apple Bloom spoke up, giving a good point to the table.
“Ah don’ know, ya’ll. We’ve always made the cider the same way.” Applejack said in concern.
I nodded. The care we put in making cider made it taste better. The machine ruined the taste slightly. They then looked at me.
“Ben, whaddya think?” they asked in unison.
I thought for a while. We made cider on our farm as well. The hand-made way brought forth the taste without ruining the sweetness or flavor. On the other hand: The amount the machine could make in less time could make up for it. What to do? More taste but less cider or more cider with less taste.
“I’m in agreement with Applejack and Granny. The work we put in our cider-making brings out the flavor.” I said, seeing Applejack relax. I later sighed. “But the amount of cider we can make with the locomotive is enough to satisfy all the ponies in Ponyville.”
At this, Applejacks smile fell. At this I continued.
“I’ve been to a cider house. They make a large amount of cider in a minimal amount of time. The taste and consistency is slightly ruined by this. I agree with you Granny but think of the workload that gets lifted off our backs.”

There was some movement from Flim and Flam. Clearly they weren’t impatient. That’s good. We kept our circle tight.
“So, Ben? What’s yer answer?” Granny asked.
I sighed again.
“We don’t need their machine if we could get enough to satisfy the others.” I finally answered.
“Eeyup.” Mac said as we broke our circle.

Flim and Flam apparently closed in without our notice. I and Mac looked at him suspiciously but all Flim did was straightening his bowtie.
“We’ll sweeten the deal.” He said in a business-like fashion. “You supply the apples…”
“… We supply the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000.” Flam said after his brother.
“Then we split those sweet sweet profits. 75/25.” They finished in unison.
Applejack looked at them in suspicious to which I agreed.
“Hold on a minute. Who gets the seventy-five?” She asked, pointing a hoof at Flim who stood unfazed.
“Why, us, naturally.” He replied matter-of-factly.
Flam stood beside his brother.
“And we throw in the magic to power the machine for free.” He said in a just as business-like manner as his brother.

There was a silence in the air, save for the murmuring of the ponies around us. Mac answered in the same thought we all had in our minds.
“No deal.”
I thought for a moment that this would trouble the brothers. Flim simply huffed untouched. I could feel that this was going to go to hell in a hand carriage.
“Very well. If you refuse our generous offer to be partners, then we’ll just have to be competitors.” Flim said, closing the distance between him and us.
Applejack as well as I froze up. The shock apparently reached our friends as well. Applejack snorted.
“Ya wouldn’ dare!” she growled angrily.
Flim smirked and glanced at me. I don’t know when I did it but I growled.
“Oh no?” Flim said completely without worry.
He nodded to his brother who in turn nodded back. They turned to face the crowd of ponies that by now went cemetery quiet once the bargain with the Apples was denied.
“Don’t worry everypony! There’ll be plenty of cider for all of you!” Flim announced but snickered when looking at his brother who in turn looked at us with the same confident smile.
“Once we drive Sweet Apple Acres out of business.” Flam quietly said to us.
As he said this my stomach turned to ice. If they drove Applejack and her family, my family, out of the Acres I was going to be homeless. Not to mention what would happen to the Apples. Flim and Flam jumped back onto their vehicle and waved their hats as they backed away and drove off. Applejack looked at me, nudging me slightly. I clenched my fist in aggression. I curse my heart-trauma for making me unable to do more.
There were murmurs among the crowds but right now all I wanted was to find a way to not lose Sweet Apple Acres. Not to lose my only family.

*	*	*

It was a busy evening. First running out of cider which I spent the majority of the evening helping AJ and Mac with. I found myself in the barn again with my drawings. Not trying and thinking about what the Flim Flam brothers wanted to do. I took my ruler to put a line when I realized that I accidently drew their machine. I sighed and crumpled the paper. As I threw it I saw Applejack entering. Déjà vu?
“Ya didn’ come in for dinner. Everythin’s alright?” She asked worryingly.
I looked at my drawing table. All the blueprints I made these couple of days. In truth I was far from okay. But I gave her the benefit of the doubt.
“Just contemplating. What the Kook Bros said about running us out of business.” I said, taking my pencil to start drawing.
AJ nodded. She looked at me when I sketched for several minutes. Coming closer she looked at the sheets of drawings from furniture to houses. I even took my time to draw a fireplace and a few designs to make a stove. She placed her hoof to gently push one of the sheets of paper aside. She raised her eyebrows from time to time but sadly still not smiling.
“Plans?” She asked but she didn’t have to ask.
I chuckled while I drew the last line that showed a moderate-looking house. She placed the prints in a pile to look at me.
“Granny thinks they were just blowin’ hot air. An’ Ah don’ think they would actually go that far.” She said and took of her Stetson to blow of a bit of hay.
I nodded but I still felt a tinge of worry. If this was anything like in my world the greed and ambitions of human as well as ponies remained the same. When you advertise Equestria as the land of friendship you might as well advertise America as the land of tolerance or Sweden as the land of the workers. My point? Just because something is advertised doesn’t mean it holds up to everyone’s expectations.
She placed her hoof on my thigh and smiled at me.
“Ben, don’ ya fret. Even if it comes to competition we fight to win.” She told me and winked. “Alright?”
I sighed and gave her the same smile.
“I know, Jackie. And I’ll do what I can to help you.”

*	*	*
The line was just as long as yesterday. I lifted the barrel on the stand to begin day two. Apple Bloom started and the like yesterday Pinkamena was in first. I glanced at the barrels, taking a small sip of some herbal tea I brought just in case.

Hours went, as did the cider. Twilight was speaking to Applejack as the dreaded note was sung:
“That’s it! Last cup!” Apple Bloom yelled.
All the ponies sighed in disappointment and one pegasus, a mare with rainbow mane to be precise, sounded her disappointment in the distance with a very loud and angry: “Oh, for Pete’s sake!”
I took the empty barrel from the stand and placed it on the cart with the others. The few that were more disappointed left without a word.
“Come back tomorrow for more cider!” Apple Bloom hollered with a strained smile but the ones that were left didn’t seem to care.
As the barrel I placed on the cart the sound of a locomotive sounded its presence and crashed into the fence Granny repaired yesterday. The Kook Bros stepped down with smiles wide enough to make Pinkamena jealous. I stood next to Mac who stood without any expression. I mimicked him when Flim and Flam addressed the ponies in the crowd.
“What is this? Out of cider again?” Flim asked with mock confusion.
I noticed Applejack standing in a challenged stance at their arrival. They paid no heed to her expression but instead looked at his brother. He nodded and activated the machine with his magic and the suction hovered above the nearest tree to suck up the apples. Mac trotted to Applejack who practically growled.

Flim turned to the crowd and announced with insulting glee.
“So, who wants a cup?”
The crowd gathered around them like bees over a table full of cakes. If there was a time when Applejack was literally pissed, this was the time. After a few of the ponies got their mugs of cider she grabbed a rope to grab one of the barrels from the brother’s machine and through luck I managed to catch it. It seems that her trick had knocked the mug from Rainbow Dash’s grip. She snorted angrily.
“Ya can’t sell that cider!” She accused, pointing a hoof towards the brothers. “That’s made from Apple family apples!”
I saw Rainbow mourning over her spilled cider and said something I couldn’t hear from my position. I stood near Applejack to stand by her decision. Flim just seemed to shrug it off as a meaningless effort. Straightening himself to act as prideful as possible he once again turned towards the crowd.
“Don’t worry, everypony!” he announced to the thirsty crowd. “There are plenty of apples all over Equestria. We’ll find some others and make more cider than all of Ponyville!”
The crowd gasped in glee of what they could manage. And from what I could see, Rainbow was in seventh heaven with this announcement. I growled quietly and stepped fourth and suddenly the crowd grew quiet. The kooks looked at me with grin still proud and wide.
“Let me get this straight;” I began, clearing my throat. “You pricks come to Ponyville and say that you can give these ponies the cider the Apples have made for generations. And then dare say that you can make it better?” I said and couldn’t help but say that I made it into a challenge.
The brothers just snickered.
“We never said that we could make it better.” Flam said proudly.
“We just stated that we could make it faster and better.” Flim continued matter in fact.
I grinded my teeth but had to keep my pulse from rising. I took a sip from the tea I brought to slow my pulse. Having Apple Bloom bellow her opinion did not help.
“Well, we can make more cider than you could imagine!” she exclaimed but stopped as I put my foot in front of her to stop her from doing more.
The crowd already heard this. Too late. They have begun their chatter in enthusiasm over this. I glared at Apple Bloom bit the prideful voice of Flim cut me off. If he was on Earth, pride itself would’ve gained him their right hand in Hell.
“Well then. Let’s put it to the test, shall we?” He challenged.
I stepped in front of Apple Bloom to prevent her from any more mishaps. Okay, this was a habit from my home. Could you blame me?
“There is nothing to test.” I said in an attempt to not escalate this.
Flim snickered as if they already won this.
“Really, now?” Flam questioned, still smiling.
I took more sips from the tea but decided to drink more.
“Really.” Mac said from behind me.
I didn’t turn when I saw Applejack trot near me. She sighed, trying to calm herself. She heightened her gaze to the brothers.
“Ben is right. We have nothing to test. Ponyville is Sweet Apple Cider country. An’ have been for years.” She explained. “We have made the best cider for years. Something your machine could never copy.”
She was proud. And I agreed. But this didn’t face the brothers in the slightest. Instead, they saw this as a challenge.
“How about proving it?” Flim said.
The crowd gasped and I could almost feel my heart stop… and with my already weak heart that wasn’t good. Applejack, Granny and Mac stood by my side when they heard this. Flim continued.
“How about a challenge? If you can measure up to our machine we leave and you’ll never hear from us again.” He explained.
“But if you lose.” Flam continued. “You have to leave and we get the right to produce and sell cider in Ponyville.”
Once again the crowd gasped and I with them. My heart pounded hard and I had to greedily drink down the rest of the tea to calm it down. Granny shook her head.
“Easy now, sonny. We’ve nuthin’ to prove. An’ Ah suggest ya leave. We’ve a lot to do.” Granny reasoned and turned to leave.
I followed suit to pack the mugs on the cart. That was until Flim said:
“What’s the matter, Granny? Chicken?”
Granny stopped and I mouthed a curse. She turned to Flim with a glare that matched Fluttershy’s Stare.
“What did you call me, sonny?” she asked with grit and anger.
Flim smiled and sat down on a couch. Lounging as lazily as he could.
“If you’re so confident in your cider, then what is the problem?” he asked in the same confidence he displayed.
I really wanted to strangle him right now. He looked at me with a smile I hated. Granny walked right up to him with gritted teeth.
“Tomorrow mornin’, right here! Ya’ll get the challenge of yer life, sonny!” she barked.
Flam cleared his throat as he levitated a freshly picked apple in front of him.
“But I’m afraid we haven’t any apples.” Flam stated as he ate the apple he levitated.
I sighed but it sounded more like a huff. Granny bit hard on her false teeth and told them to use the south field. This made them smile. I and Applejack on the other hand didn’t like this at all. The Flim said the rule troubled me more: The one team that produces the most barrels of cider within one hour wins. And judging by the way Applejack and our friends looked at me I knew I was going to be in trouble.
They waved their hats to signal their goodbye but I couldn’t help but hear them laugh over the noise of the locomotive. I sighed irritated, really cursing my weak heart. But this was how it was going to be. A challenge to save the farm.

*	*	*

“We can’ let them do this!” Apple Bloom yelled over the dinner table.
I looked at her while eating supper after this day. The conversation automatically shifting to the one most relevant. Chewing on an apple I pretty much fell silent on this part. Applejack shook her head.
“Ah know, Apple Bloom, but this is how it is. We can’ pass up on it now. If we lose we lose the farm.” Applejack tried but Apple Bloom was still upset with this.
I looked at the table, taking another bite. The machine wasn’t perfect. It had to have some kind of weakness. I blocked out their argument while thinking back to when they “sang” their explanation. The machine checked the apples for quality. The way it checked them it had to run smoothly and carefully to detect and process the fresh from the spoiled. High enough pull from their magic could make the machine go wrong.
“But what about Ben?” Apple Bloom had said in a tone that snapped me back.
My eyes darted between Applejack and Apple Bloom in confusion.
“What about me?” I asked confused.
Applejack placed her hat on the table then looked at me.
“She worries about yer heart, Ben. If yer goin’ to help us tomorrow yer going to not only exhaust yerself but that there heart of yers is gonna stop.” She said with sad concern.
I nodded, getting back into the conversation. She was right. If I exerted myself I would die. And this was a race. I had to make sure we’d win this. I removed myself from the table to gather pencil and paper. I drew something on the paper, a rough sketch of the machine they had. Mac looked at the paper and whistled with raised eyebrows.
They gathered around while I pointed to the paper. While I wasn’t as smart as Twilight or Addie back home I had knowledge of certain construct. Dad taught me whenever our tractor acted up as well as the machines we used.
“The machine they have is driven by their magic.” I began, pointing to the receptors on the top of the machine. ”The amount of magic they need to drive it is on a per second interval. They need to produce the amount of magic to power it enough for the machine to be able to do a precise quality check. For them to screw this up we need to make enough barrels to match their pace.” I finished my explanation.
Their stare could’ve given a cockatrice a challenge. Applejack looked at the machine and then at me.
“Ben, how in the name of Celestia are we gonna do that?” she asked, puzzled.
I looked at the drawing to get myself the idea on how we were going to manage this. Even with my help we weren’t going to be able to put much effort to match that of the machine. I needed something that could help me through this.
“Don’ get me wrong, Ben. Yer are a very good worker but how are ya gonna help us if ya keel over?” She asked cheaply and skeptically.
I thumped my finger on the table, looking vacantly at the floor when I thought. The idea came and I stood up and rummaged in one of the cupboards until I found what I was looking for. I grabbed a brown glass vial with a rough liquid. I held it in front of the others with a smile. I gave it a slight shake.
“This will suffice.” I said with a smirk.

__________________________________________________________________________


We were preparing while the brothers lounged. I stood next to Macintosh making my position. It was clear what we were going to do. Granny gathered us for a routine check.

“Apple Bloom, yer goin’ to be in charge of catchin’ those apples while Applejack bucks the trees. Yer givin’ me the buckets so Ah can check’em for quality. Macintosh will mash’em an’ Ben will be in charge of lidding the barrels. If that there drink of yers is as good as you say we have no margin for losin’.” She explained and glared daggers at the brothers.

I nodded at my assignment and walked to the basket I brought that contained the vial and several of remedies for after. I only wished I wouldn’t die from this. Dying before even coming home. That would’ve been funny enough. I picked up the vial, sighing in nervousness. The mayor of Ponyville, an earth-pony mare with a light-tan coat and grey mane, stood with another earth-pony with brown mane and tan coat. They stood next to a giant hourglass. It was a few minutes until the time.

A few light hooves trotted towards me. I turned around to see Fluttershy closing in. She was concerned and brushed her hoof on the ground.
“Um… Ben? Are you going to be alright?” she asked timidly.
I kneeled down, elevating my eyes with hers. I gave her a falsely confident smile.
“Don’t worry. I have something that will ease the pain… for thirty minutes, at least.” I said as I held the vial in front of her.
She studied it carefully. She then looked at me, not dropping her concerned expression.
“What does it do?” she asked.
I looked at the vial, trying to remember what Zecora told me.
“If working too hard will make you weak, I may have something you seek. A brew that will help you up but be careful not to let your heart stop. Take the brew and drink it down, it will last for half an hour but will cause a frown. If you continue to work after the brews effect passed, the beating of your heart will not last.” I recited as I looked at the liquid.
Fluttershy’s expression was as cute as it could get when she looked confused; one of her ears twitched and she had her head slightly tilted to the side. I took a breath.
“Simply put: It will last for half an hour, after that I will probably pass out or die.” I explained but the concerned face she previously wore was once again plastered on her face.
As I was to ensure her the mayor cleared her throat. Fluttershy motioned me to kneel down. She gave me a hug and whispered a gentle good-luck and joined Twilight and the others. 

The mayor picked up a megaphone to announce the competition. Standing with my family with vial in hand, we awaited the mayor’s word.

“The teams have one hour to produce as much cider as they can, after which the barrels will be counted and the winner will be named the sole cider provider for all of Ponyville!” she announced, looking at the brothers and us equally.

I swallowed nervously and went to the post we were assigned. I opened the vial and drank its contents. A bitter and sharp taste burned my throat until it was empty. I cringed and felt the immediate effects kick in. A warm feeling spread through my chest and flowed throughout my body.

The mayor stood between us, once again looking at both teams.
“Are both teams ready?” She asked.
Clenching my left fist to rid the tingle in my fingers. Signaling our readiness, the brown stallion, Time Turner (or the Doctor from what I heard) turned the hourglass and the race was on!

The procedure was the same as before, only now we were under a timer. Applejack bucked the apples off the tree, Apple Bloom caught them. She in turn placed the buckets with Granny to check quality and roll them to Mac. He squashed them with the treadmill press and I placed the barrel under the crane, lidding and shoved it aside. Next one: fill, lid, and shove.

By the time we had two barrels the blokes already had their fifth done. I noticed Applejack encouraging Apple Bloom to keep going. Motioning Granny to hurry, Mac to speed up and then turning to me when bucking the next tree.
“Ben! Get a move on!” she called to me when I finished the next barrel.
Panting and sweating heavily I yelled back: “Yes, ma’am!” like a soldier given an order to fight on.

The minutes after was more than enough to be harrowing. Even with my herbal remedy we had nowhere enough to match their pace. The remedy was losing its effect due to my exertion with the filled barrels. And I could tell by the tingling in my left arm and chest. I think it was after the half hour when Twilight and the others asked if they could help. I was panting and sweating like crazy. The burning in my lungs as I hungrily gulped as much air as possible. And with Twilight nearing I more than welcomed her.
It was now divided responsibilities: Fluttershy helped Applejack with the trees, Pinkamena helped catching the apples with Apple Bloom, Rarity assisted Granny and Rainbow helped Mac with the cider-mill. Twilight helped me with the barrels.
“I place the barrels under the crane. When full; lid and levitate.” I explained as I placed the next empty barrel for filling.
Twilight nodded and flared her horn and the magenta aura surrounded the barrel. While she did I noticed her looking at me. The tingling in my arm was now like needles just like the pain started to flare in my chest.
“How are you holding up?” she asked and eying the next barrel she levitated.
I panted and took the next barrel. I felt like throwing up.
“The remedy is wearing of and it’s starting to feel. Let’s get this done. And quick.” I answered with a now raspy voice.

It was painful. I mean, really painful. The remedy was now worn off and I felt like dying. The lungs were burning and my chest hurt like it was on fire. It was after Twilight had levitated the next barrel and when I placed the empty one under when my knees gave in and I fell to the ground for a short time.
“Ben!” Twilight gasped but I got up and placed the next barrel.
“I’m fine! Just get going!” I rasped through gritted teeth.
Twilight nodded with great concern and continued. I wanted to vomit or just something to alleviate the pain from my chest and regretted not taking my medicine while under stress.

“Times up!” Mayor announced through her megaphone.
Immediately after that I collapsed on the ground, lying on my back. I panted heavily and started to hyperventilate. The pain in my chest and the numbing feeling in my left arm warned me that I was starting to get a heart-attack. My heart beat so hard in my chest that it threatened to break free from my ribcage. I heard Twilight, Fluttershy and Applejack calling my name as they galloped to my side and I squinted to get a good look at them. The sweat pouring into my eyes and making it hard to see.
“D-d-did we-we w-w-win?” I stammered through my panting and the pain causing me to wince.
Applejack nuzzled my face and Twilight sat on her haunches to my right, also panting. She looked at me and ignited her horn.
“Here. Let me help.” She said and the aura became centered to my chest. The burning of my heart started to fade as it started to calm my heart.
My lungs breathed at a normal speed and the dizziness washed over me like rain. I got up, Applejack snuggled herself under my left arm as Fluttershy did the same for my right to help me get up. I wobbled, trying to find my equilibrium and rid the dizziness. Twilight levitated the medicine from the basket I brought to my face. I took it and drank greedily from it.

Applejack looked at me with deep concern and I now noticed that the rest of her family gathered around me. I sighed when the herbs took their hold and the effect was instant. I needed to get the stronger herbs from Zecora when I had the time. I looked at Twilight with one question in mind:
“Did we win?”
She was unsure but before she could answer Mayor made her announcement.
“Flim and Flam win!”
My heart dropped to my stomach. Once again, I fell to my knees. I looked at the stacked barrels, noticing that they had won by few barrels over ours. The crowd as well as our friends gasped. I saw and heard Apple Bloom trying to form something out of disbelief. I held her close to my side.
Flim and Flam on the other hand was smirking and gloat us in their victory. Flim closed in and with added insult said:
“Aww, too bad, Apples.”
Flam stood by his brother and if I wasn’t currently weakened I would’ve strangled them both right here. Flam upon seeing my frown only smiled.
“Guess you’ll have to find a new line of work that doesn’t fit your names quite so… perfectly.” He said in his most insulting way. Until he looked at me. “And your best attempt to help them primate was for naught.”
I bit down and did my best not to jump at them. Applejack placed her hoof on my shoulder and gently nuzzled my face. I sighed sadly. Despite my best efforts, we lost. I lost my family again. Flim and Flam were in a conversation and deliberately made sure that we were within earshot just to put salt in our wounds.
“Should we tear down these tacky buildings and put up new ones, brother?” Flim asked his brother, his smile still apparent on his muzzle.
Flam, not being any better, wore the same smile.
“I don’t see why not, brother. After all, this isn’t Sweet Apple Acres anymore.” He sneered at us. “How about ‘Flim-Flam Fields’?”
I darted for them only to fall over again. My muscles had given in. I wasn’t recovered yet. Luckily, Rainbow made the draw.
“I ought to press you to jerk cider!” she snarled only to be stopped by Applejack. I turned to her, noticing that she had tears.
“No, Rainbow Dash. A deal’s a deal.” She said, turning from us.
I sighed deeply, my heart twisting with sadness over her. The brothers laughed in triumph and from what I could hear, devilish delight. Gloat. Applejack turned to me again and with tears nuzzled me. I recuperated the nuzzling and stood up weakly to walk with her.
“Congratulations to y'all. The cider business in Ponyville... is yours.” Applejack said shakily before turning to her family. “C'mon, Apples. Let's go pack up our things.”
I sighed again, my lungs aching slightly. Joining the Apples, Apple Bloom trotted towards me. I knelt down to hold her and she buried her face in my lap. Flim and Flam still laughed as they faced the crowd.
“Fear not, everypony. There is enough cider to go around.” Flim announced proudly.
The crowd didn’t seem to take losing the Apples to good as a few of them were shedding tears. Pinkamena was crying and Fluttershy trotted next to me, even she had tears in her eyes. Turning my head to the brothers and the ponies who wanted to drink their cider.
“Ben?”
Applejack’s voice snapped me back to her. Her tears matting her coat but fighting back sobs. She formed words that was incoherent to me.
“Maybe it’s for the best if ya stayed with Fluttershy since ya won’ be stayin’ with us anymore.” She said in a slight whisper.
No. No way. I was going to say different when a sound of several spitting and grunting made us shift our head to the brothers again. The ponies that drank the cider was apparently not satisfied with their cider.
“I can’t get the taste of my tongue!”
“Mine’s got rocks in it!”
“I wouldn’t pay one cent for this dreck!”
Their argument hearable and noticeable… I was stunned. Applejack and the others too. The brother stood flabbergast at this and seemed to figure out a business plan or a deal. Each deal met a denying reply.
Wobbly, I stood up and walked to one of the barrels they placed. I looked into it. Besides cider were branches, gravel and leaves. The machine was stressed by their magic and somehow absorbed the trees whole.
With their final argument failing they galloped to the machine and removed their hats with nervous faces.
“It seems that we’ve encountered a slight… problem here in Ponyville.” Flim said, sweat noticeable even from where I stood.
“Nopony wants our product.” Flam said after, glancing to his brother. “Next town?”
“Next town. Let’s go Flam!” he stressed and with their machine kicked into high gear they took off.

I stood dumbstruck and stumped for a second, trying to process what the hell had just happened. They… left?
“They’re gone.” Applejack said next to me.
A smile and a chuckle escaped me. Tears forming in my eyes as realization hitting me like a rock. They’re gone. We won by default.
“You get to stay!” Twilight exclaimed with joy. “Sweet Apple Acres is still in business!”
I was about to laugh out in happiness when I was tackled by Apple Bloom. She giggled in happiness as she nuzzled my face. I was then knocked down by Applejack and Mac. We wrestled on the ground, laughing in the knowledge that we got to stay here.

It was strange. The moment we shared here made me forget about the letter I wrote to Celestia. I got to stay for another day. Stay with the Apples. Stay with my family.
	
> Chapter 5: The Dream Shack
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The cider-race ended up in a loss but when the taste caused the ponies to scare the kooks out of town we got the farm back. Having nearly died from exertion I could relax knowing that I still had a place to call home. And it was a beautiful day to do just that.
It was Saturday. Sleeping in the morning without worry. No jobs from the carpenters-office. Just the perfect morning to sleep away. Inhaling the good scent of hay from my bed.
“Are you sure he’s asleep?” a young but gruff female voice asked near me.
Oh no. I groaned as I tried to block out the voice, just so that I could get some more sleep.
“Scootaloo. Leave Ben alone. Ya know he worked hard yesterday tryin’ to help us.” Apple Bloom said loud enough ruin my chance to get sleep in.
Maybe if I stayed like this they leave me alone and go away. Something moved closer and I felt a warm breathing on my face. I groaned again and pulled the blankets over my face in annoyance.
“Hah! See? I knew he was awake!” Scootaloo scoffed at a loud enough volume and close to my ear to make me wince.
Huffing, I removed my blankets and squinted my eyes to adjust to the light of the sun. I was welcomed by a small orange muzzle and purple eyes looking at me curiously. We looked at each other for a while, me wearing a scowl and her wearing a smirk. I groaned again.
“Good morning, Scootaloo.” I said croakily and fought back a yawn.
She backed up slowly and looked at her friends. I sat up to look at Apple Bloom and the light gray filly Sweetie Belle, Rarity’s sister. Whereas Scootaloo had a smirk, Sweetie was trotting towards me and hung her head.
“I’m sorry she woke you up. We only wanted to look for something but she insisted on checking if you were awake.” She apologized quickly, her voice squeaked several times when she did. But I found it adorable.
I sighed, trying not to fall back to my pillow. I looked at the three fillies with a tired smile.
“No worries. Had to wake up sooner or later.” I said, dismissing her apology.
As I stretched a pain flared through all my muscles as I did so. Even the gasp caused by the pain made my chest hurt. I knew this would happen after yesterday’s “fun”. I groaned again and this time in pain. Apple Bloom closed in.
“Ben? Are ya alright?” she asked worryingly.
I massaged my left shoulder with my right hand to work off the stiffness. I looked at her with a smile.
“No worries, Bloomy. Just a little sore from yesterday.” I explained while rolling my shoulders.
Looking around for my clothes I noticed them hanging on a chair near a table Apple Bloom read her homework on.
“Bloomy, could you fetch my clothes for me?” I asked sheepishly since I was only in my boxers. Why was it sheepish? When you’re an adult in the morning you should know what I’m talking about.

Apple Bloom nodded and tugged the legs of my pants so that my pants and my shirt fell down altogether. She dragged them over to me and smiled at me. I pulled my shirt over my head and looked at them for a short moment.
“Turn around and don’t peek.” I said, motioning my hand for them to turn around.
They did so but I could hear Scootaloo mumble something like: “I don’t get why he’s embarrassed. My dad doesn’t act like this in the morning.” Sipping the fly I reached for my socks and walked out of the bedroom stiffly, leaving the little fillies to do whatever they saw fit.
The descent down the stairs was stiff but I felt the muscles gradually loosen up by each step but I massaged my chest as my heart and lungs still stung when breathing. Looking into the kitchen I saw Granny making tea and gazed out at the sunny and all around beautiful early autumn day. She turned to me with a smile.
“G’morning, Ben. How do ya feel?” She asked tenderly.
Giving her a smile of my own I walked to her and gave her a hug which she recuperated without a doubt. It felt like hugging my grandma, accept that she was smaller. Letting her go I sighed and massaged my chest again.
“Stiff and slightly achy but I’ll manage.” I answered and she took the sign of my chest-rubbing to get my medicine. I would’ve gotten it myself but she did offer to help.
She rummaged in one of the cupboards and grabbed a vial in her teeth. She placed it on the table and motioned for the fridge.
“Breakfast’s in the fridge. Ya look like ya need it.” She gave me a motherly smile. “And Ah suggest that ya take it easy today.”

I searched the fridge for the bread, butter and an apple. The apple juice was on the door and I took it second. Placing them on the table along with a plate I began cutting two slices of bread and took my medicine. The bitter taste was going to last for a while. Something I never will get used to.
Granny placed a teacup to my left and poured some tea for us both. I gave her a nod as thanks and sipped it before biting down the bread. This was the same tea that I bought from Zecora. The tea that eases the heart and helps if you’re under stress. Granny didn’t have a heart-problem for her age but she seemed to like the tea nonetheless.

As I chewed the bread a thought came to mind.
“Where’s Applejack and Mac?” I asked through chews.
She sipped her tea with a smile then looked through the window.
“Big Macintosh is workin’ the fields since this mornin’. Applejack went to town hall for an errand.” She pondered the latter for a second. “Oh, she also told me to tell ya about that. She has somethin’ special for ya.” She smiled at that.

Swallowing I nodded. I drank the tea and my juice.
“Mac’s out the on fields? Why didn’t he wake me?” I asked as I moved to the apple.
She blew her tea and sipped it.
“Ya almost died helpin’ us yesterday. He an’ Applejack wanted ya to rest up today. Seeing as yer in a sore state Ah guess they’re right.” She smiled as she explained.
I took a big bite out of the apple and chewed it slowly. Sure, I was slightly sore after yesterday but the medicine already did its job on my chest and… Wait. Applejack had something planned for me?
As if sensing our thoughts the door opened.
“Granny? Is Ben awa—Ah, G’morning, Ben!” Appljack said as she looked into the kitchen, flashing me a smile.
I gave her a wave with my left hand since my right had my half eaten apple. I chewed quickly as she neared the table.
“How’re ya holdin’ up?” she asked.
I swallowed and gave her an honest smile.
“I’m just dandy. A little sore.” I answered and took another bite of my apple.
She nodded with a smile of her own. I didn’t notice it until now but she had her saddlebags and she in turn noticed where my eyes were fixed. She glanced at me, giving me a smile.
“Ah have somethin’ for ya. Got time?” She asked, almost looking like she was about to bolt off… like Pinkamena rubbed off on her.
“Just going to finish my apple and do the dishes and I’ll be off.” I replied and got up from my chair.
Granny moved up to me and took my dishes.
“Ah’ll take care of yer dishes, Ben. Ya just go with Applejack an’ see what she has for ya.” She said as she placed the dishes on the counter.
I was about to protest when she chuckled.
“Give this ol’ timer somethin’ to do. Go ahead.” She insisted.
I placed my apple on the table and hugged her again. Taking the apple again I followed AJ out the door. It was warm today. Light breezes, crisp air and the sight of the trees changing color. All around a beautiful day. I finished my apple and threw the core into the pig pen and followed Applejack who almost had a skip in her steps. We were leaving the farm.
“Ben.” She said as we walked the dirt roads leading off the farm. “Couplea nights ago, ya know, when we talked in the barn, Ah saw the sketches of yer house buildin’ projects.”
I nodded. I did make plans for a house. Building one or renovate an old one. But the letter I wrote to Celestia didn’t give me room for a long planned stay.
“I did. Always wanted to make use of my carpentry. I got a job but I wanted to get my hands busy with something. And I can’t live with you longer.” I explained.
Applejack seemed to almost stop but kept her pace.
“Yeah, well, ya know when Mr. Cabbage died about a week ago his house was for sale.” She continued glancing at me.

Mr Cabbage grew, as his name implied, cabbages during his younger days. He did die from old age and I think I only met him three times. He seemed grumpy but he always greeted me with a smile when I saw him in town.
“Yeah, I met him. Sorry he died.” I grumbled, looking at the ground.
Applejack nodded. We kept walking and the dirt road seemed to lack the apple trees and looked more like Whitetail Woods despite it being miles away from Ponyville.
“Well, his house was on sale after that with no buyers. So Ah took a chance an’ bought it. All Ah need is for ya to sign the deed an’ the house is yers.” Applejack explained with a bright smile.
With that she stopped, still wearing her smile. I stopped by her side and looked at whatever she looked at. Sadly, my smile didn’t really match hers… I wasn’t really wearing one.
“Well, whaddya think?” Applejack asked, glancing at me.
I looked at the house for a while, not saying anything. I licked my lips, not taking my eyes of the house.
“A question.” I said, drumming my fingers on my legs. “Did Cabbage die of old age or did they file the house for murder?”
Applejacks smile turned to a frown while huffing at my attempt to make a joke. She walked to the house entrance while I doubtfully followed. The house itself wasn’t really that bad but I was surprised that the wind didn’t make it fall apart. It was worn down, like; The-old-house-on-the-old-road-that-no-one-cared-to-repair-worn. To put it simply: It was ruined. To give Cabbage credit… the house was fairly big. I opened the door carefully to not risk taking it off its hinges. I was immediately welcomed by a wind of rotten stench of moldy old wood. I almost gagged while AJ didn’t react. She kept her trot as she talked about the deal of the house.
“It’s a little down but Ah think that ya have what it takes to repair it. It is big enough for ya to live, two stories to use and lots of space for any furnishing ya’ve planned.” She spoke and I saw her ascend the stairs that I worried would collapse under her.
When I heard her from the upper floor I walked to the kitchen. I pulled my notebook from my pants thigh-pockets and a pencil from my chest-pocket and started writing. The kitchen gave me no room for comfort. The faucet rumbled when I turned it on and a brown liquid poured from the crane. Water with rust. A sign that the pipes were in bad shape. I opened the cupboard where the pipe connected to the sink. It granted me just as little comfort when I noticed that they were rusted to the point that they leaked. I stroked my hand only to have some of the pipes crumble and water splashing on my hands. Frowning I wiped my hands on my pants and wrote it down along with the sight of leakage from upstairs visible on the brown stain on the roof. The salvageable in the kitchen was the stove that surprisingly looked like the old ones from the late 1800’s. Took a moment for me to get the name into my head: a wood burning iron stove.

I moved on to the living room. Flipping the next page I took notes. The flooring creaked and was as moldy as the rest of the house. The couch in front of the fireplace looked like it was about to fall over by a simple touch but the fireplace itself looked as good as the stove in the kitchen. Made from what looked like white rock with polished finish and various etchings of flowers. It was covered with ashes on some places but nothing that couldn’t be cleaned off. Paintings and such was taken away to his family and they left only that which couldn’t be saved.
Something that caught my eye was the door down to the cellar. Something I had to check later. Applejack descended from the stairs and looked at me when I exited the living room. I had to make sure to make additional notes of the upper floor when I get the chance later today.

We stepped outside and looked at the house, oddly enough from the same position we found each other doing about an hour ago before entering. I looked through my list of things to do on the house. Sadly, it was enough to get me occupied for the next three weeks by myself. I wanted a challenge. I’d say that she got me more than I bargained for. But in a way I couldn’t help but to smile.
“Well, Ben, Ah have to say that this is what ya wanted.” She said proudly as she smiled at me.
I smiled back and handed her the notebook. She looked at it, then at me.
“The hay’s this?” she asked as she grabbed the notebook.
I looked at the chimney. The bricks looked like it was ready to crumble.
“Just a little rundown on what I saw on the lower level. All I’ve written is what I need to take care of. Replacements of piping which I will need a hand with, removing the floors and check the upper level.” I said as I grabbed my notebook.
She looked at me for a short while wearing a straight face. I smirked at her while folding the notebook and placed it in my pocket.
“How much did you pay for the house anyway?” I asked as we started to walk away. Applejack stared at the road while walking.
“’bout 700 bits.” She said causing me to trip on a rock on the road and almost kiss the road.
“700 bits?!” I asked in disbelief. She nodded without a reaction.
“But Ah did ask for help iffin ya need it.” She continued, smiling.
“Well, did they accept it? At that price?” I asked a little skeptically.
“Eeyup.” She responded simply.
I stopped for a while, thinking. 700 bits was a little more than the house was worth but if it included getting help on the behalf then it could be worth it.
“Fantastic. Let’s get to town.” I said and quickened my pace.
Nodding, Applejack trotted next to me as we began our walk to town.


(About two hours later…)


I pulled my cart of supplies from Sweet Apple Acres to my soon to be home. Having just signed over the ownership from Cabbage to me (and I swore I heard someone snicker at the office when I signed the deed) I went to the farm to pick up the things I needed; My drawing table, hammer, crowbar measuring tools, various of drawing equipment and finally my tools. Setting the cart aside I set my drawing table up and grabbed my notebook. Time for a scan of the upper level.

Leaving the door open to vent out the moldy stench I walked up the stairs that creaked under my weight combined with the rotting of the wood. The upper floor was in no better condition than the lower. The tapestry hung and seemed to peel away by a simple pull; the floor creaked here as well. I pulled my notebook out and began writing. The bathroom made me gag and I could almost taste bile. Not even bothering to check the toilet, I moved on.
Following the corridor down to the bedroom that seemed to be in just as bad of a state. The bed was of metal that had its share of rust forming. Noting it down I was snapped by the following *Crack!*
“Oh?” I muttered confusedly as I lifted my left foot to where the noise came from. A floorboard broke under my foot. Another crack sounded when I backed away.
“Oh.” I said as the next crack escalated and gave in when I fell through the floor.
“OH!” I yelped as I landed on the couch that gave in and slammed into the floor with a heavy thud. Debris fell on my face as well as dust. I coughed violently and squinted as the rotten wood fell in my eyes. As the splinters kept raining I thought of a possible detail; removing the upper level.
“Okay.” I said as the splinters stopped falling. Removing the upper floor. Should be easy enough. Hiring a few pegasi to do the heavy lifting. No problem.
“Okay.” I said again when I got up to a sitting position. Wincing as my back pained after the fall. Damn couch was harder than it looked.

I made my way to my cart to grab my sketchbook, pencil and eraser. I walked around the house, staying on one side to draw, then moving to the next and doing the same until I had a rough sketch of the entire house. Clean-drawing on the draw board to make a proper image of the house and possibly the finished results. I set up the drawing board, placing the papers and the sketch on the side.
Now I began my favorite part: design. I made a clean sketch from the sketchbook. All sides drawn nice and easy. Afterwards I placed a second paper over the first to draw only the lower level. Making adjustments to see how I could place the bedroom and bathroom. The piping had to be dug up and checked and if I was going to make a new bathroom it was for the best to get pipes for both bathroom and kitchen.

A strong gust almost blew away the papers and surprised me since it was going to be no winds today. It all came clear at the greeting: “’Sup, Ben?”
Hovering behind me was Rainbow Dash with a smile. She landed softly and looked me being sprawled over the table to keep the sketches from blowing away. I sighed when I saw that they didn’t leave the table. I looked back at her to find her at the table.
“Just sketching on the house. Thinking in removing the upper floor and build out one of the sides.” I explained as I continued sketching.
Rainbow looked at the papers, raised an eye-brow and then looked at me. She looked at me sketching which couldn’t help but chuckle at. She looked curiously at me and seemed to be interested.
“Dude, how do you draw so well?” She asked, impressed, as I finished up.
I smiled at her and looked at the house. I looked at my sketches and made for the cart to grab a crowbar. Rainbow cocked her head.
“Dude, I only asked you a question.” She joked as I walked to the house.
“I’m going to check the floor. I got the house just this morning so I’m going to renovate it as a personal project.” I said as put the crowbar on the floor and pulled.
As I suspected, the floor wasn’t rotten; it was falling apart. Rainbow followed me but doubled back by the steps. She frowned. 
“Dang, it reeks in here!” She exclaimed as she seemed to gag.
I chuckled and went to the next floorboard. Not as rotten but certainly in a bad shape. I looked at the walls and tore down the wallpaper on a section to check. The walls didn’t look as bad but could go for an isolation to keep the heat to the inside. The outside looked worn and had to be replaced with new wood. The framing had to be checked for rot so that the whole damn thing doesn’t fall apart on me.
I could ask a unicorn to make a spell to renew the wood… is it even possible? Could save me loads of time and effort. And money, too. I walked out to my drawing board again and took notes on things that needed to be bought, checked and replaced. Equipment for a new bathroom. I’m really glad that I saved up bits for this. Beside me Rainbow started to get bored.
“Look, Bennet, as much as I love to see you draw, I’m getting bored. See ya.” She said as she started to take off… And is she calling me ‘Bennet’?
“Benjamin.” I said to stop her mid-flight. “It’s Benjamin. Not Bennet.”
Rainbow looked at me for a short while. She then shrugged.
“Eh, Bennet sounds better.” She said and took off.
I looked at the spot she used to be for a few seconds and then returned to the table. When are they going to get my name right? This is why I ask them to call me Ben. It’s not that hard. I went back inside to remove the flooring. A four hours’ work made complete which both surprised and didn’t. The floor practically fell apart. With windows and door open I barely smelt the scent of rotten wood.
The windows themselves were dirty but the wood was surprisingly in good shape. Only needed to replace the padding, clean the glass and paint the frame. The couch could become a good base for a bonfire… doubtful but fun.
The ground for the house was gravel. Looking into the old teachings I knew that concrete was the best alternative as a base. I looked through the doorway on the gravel. Placing a metal railing connected to the fireplace would help with heating under the new flooring. My stomach growled and I smiled at the timing. I needed to pick up a few things in town anyway; amongst the list was the same herbal remedy I used at the contest yesterday.


***


A quick bite at Sugarcube Corner and I went to my next destination. Getting concrete delivered to my home and then the iron railing. The name of the former still caused me to stifle a laugh: Rock Hard… I found it funny the first time I got here.
The stallion in question was a unicorn with dirt brown coat and his mane was a lighter shade of grey from older age. He looked at me with a smile as I walked in with notebook in readied hand.
“G’mornin’, Ben. How may I help ya?” he asked in what I could describe as an Australian accent.
I walked to him and gave him the description. He read it through and smiled as the list went on.
“Tell ya what.” He said as he went under the reception and placed the order-receipt. “Give me a detailed list on what ya need and I’ll have them delivered tomorrow.”
I nodded and cleared my throat.
“I don’t have the proper measurements of the pipes but I need concrete and metal railing.” I said and he wrote it down.
“The piping is of no concern. When my dad built his house he kept record of the measurements of the piping so I have you covered.” He smirked as he finished writing.
I stared at him for a few seconds before smiling and placed the notebook in my pocket. I walked out just as I heard him talk to his co-workers. That took care of that. Now to order wood.

The wood-works was not far from Rock Hards’ shop. Going inside and order should be easy enough. The chief was a mare this time. She was cataloguing the wood when she looked at me. She was a middle-aged unicorn with brown coat and black mane that seemed worn and uncombed. I gave her a wave as a greeting and she motioned one of her colleagues to help me out. It was a young mare with a blue coat. She looked between me and her boss with a slight frown.
“You have to excuse Pine Leaf but she’s focused on getting new orders so she’s counting.” She explained as we looked at her boss.
The mare shook her head and turned to me.
“Anyway, Ben. ‘Sup?”
I took out my notebook and gave her the detailed explanation and she wrote it down. That took care of the wood. And only a few places left.


***


Close to evening I was back to resume my work on the house. Deconstructing the upper floor was a bit of a challenge but manageable. And by the time it was night I had removed the stairs. No need for an upper level if I live alone. I did a thorough check of the beam that looked good enough to be reused.
It was long into night when Applejack walked to me with a lantern in her mouth.
“Evenin’, Ben. Are ya good?” She asked with the lantern dangling as she spoke.
I nodded and looked at the work I manage to do until now. Tomorrow was going to be the removal of the upper floor, floor base and digging up the pipes. Next was going to be placing the floor. But for now I decided to get some sleep.

Applejack and I walked the roads in silence save for the occasional metallic clink of the lantern in Applejacks mouth.
“Wake me up when you do tomorrow, would you kindly?” I asked when we were near the door to Sweet Apple.
Applejack set down the lantern and blew out the light.
“Why’s that?” She asked when we walked in.
I smiled wide.
“More time for me to work on the house. What else?” I raised my eyebrows with a wide smile.
Applejack shook her head with a chuckle. We walked up the stairs to our rooms. I found Apple Bloom already passed out on her bed. I soon followed when I lay down on my hay bed.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Like she promised, she woke me up short after 4 in the morning. A quick breakfast, bagging a few vials of my medicine and I was on my way to my house with shovel in hand. It was a misty morning and slight shill in the air. I placed the bag gently on the cart and downed the vial of herbs to dig up the pipes. The vials worked a bit like a mix of Red Bull and Gainomax except that it tasted nowhere near as good.

Three vials and about two hours later and I managed to dig up the pipes. Like I suspected they were blocked by roots and had to be replaced. And just in time to see Rock Hard and his co-workers with the concrete. I walked over to my cart to pick my breakfast; a red apple and a light sandwich with my herbal tea in a thermos.
Rock Hard motioned his workers to move to the piping and the others to the concrete. They got to work and I told them what to do and how I wanted it. Sure, this was a personal project but with my heart I could only do so much. Thank God for the generosity and kindness these ponies had.

It was a bit before lunch when they were finished and even an hour before the pegasi workers came to help remove the roof and the upper floor. The manager of the group was a slightly muscular mare with sky-blue coat and white mane that followed the chart I drew them. I had just helped a little. The cart that had the tossed wood was drawn by a stallion I knew from before.
It was now one in the afternoon when I looked at the now missing upper level. Now my real work began. I looked inside and ran a careful stroke at the concrete. It was not dried and couldn’t dry until a few more hours.

“Hey, Ben? Could’ya help me out?” Applejack called from behind me.
Wiping my finger on my pants I nodded.
“The concrete needs a few more hours to dry so I could use a few hours to kill.” I responded and followed her.
What she needed help with was fixing the fence to the pigs. And Mac was busy working the fields. And since I’m a creature who can hold a nail and hammer it I was the best choice… where were Apple Bloom anyway?


***


I returned to the house to continue. It was now 2:30 pm and I was determined to get as much done as possible before the end of the day. The floorboards were just next to the doorway as well as my new door. I walked in only to stop dead in my tracks. On the newly dried concrete was imprints of hooves… foal hooves. And from the kitchen area I heard the voices of little fillies.
“You really think this is a good idea, Apple Bloom?” the voice of Scootaloo sounded.
Small clopping of hooves on the dried concrete told me exactly where and who this was.
“Ben can’ build this house by himself. That’s why we help’im.” Apple Bloom’s voice said as the three fillies came to view.
“Yeah, we could be ‘the Cutie-Mark Crusaders house building helpers’!” Sweetie Belle chimed happily.
I stared at them and at the hoof-prints on my floor. Only managing a sigh.
“Oh, hiya, Ben!” Apple Bloom’s voice happily greeted.
I looked at them and only whispered: ‘Oh bloody hell’. As I searched for words. They were dirty by the concrete that still remained on their hooves when they approached me. I kneeled down to their level and looked at the three fillies that each had an expression of happiness, awkwardness and uneasiness.
“Bloomy.” I started and took deep breaths to calm my nerves. “Why are the three of you in my house, on the newly dried concrete and covered in concrete?”
They looked at each other when Apple Bloom smiled wide.
“We wanted to help ya! Ah heard from Applejack that ya got this house and we wanted to help ya build it!” Apple Bloom happily answered.
If it weren’t for the fact that she was so damn cute I would’ve hugged them. But they were covered in concrete that was going to be the base of the house. I ushered them to get out and they obliged. I looked at the floor again with a sigh. I was going to cover it anyway so why bother being irritated.
They played a little in a small tub of water I had nearby when I helped out with the concrete and as they did I approached them.
“Okay, before I start I wanted to ask you what you could help with. You’re not really that big to lift heavy objects.” I said with my arms crossed.
They stopped playing to look at each other. At least they were clean enough.
“Apple Bloom thought that minor things could be of use like if you needed us to fetch stuff while you were busy.” Sweetie Belle answered while Scootaloo just shrugged.
I thought about that. I had errands around town that needed taken care of. I was going to tear down the outer walls to isolate and get wallpaper. I started to smirk when that thought came to mind. They could run those errands for me while I work on the house, decreasing the time it would take for me to effort the project.
“That doesn’t sound so bad. But help around the house is needed but I do have a few thing I need taken care of in town. You three could help me out on that.” I explained.

“Okay!” they chorused happily.
I smiled and picked up my notebook. They stepped out of the tub and shook themselves dry, giggling in the process. I wrote down the needed things in town, where to find them and where they should have the objects delivered. I tore out the page and handed them to the little fillies who read it.
“This is what I need you to do. Tell the shop to deliver the listed things here. I pay you 20 bits each if you can do this.” I told them and at the sounds of bits they each looked at me.
With that they galloped to Scootaloo’s scooter and the wagon attached to it. They cheered as they sped off whereas I only laughed. Better get to work then. More time to work on the floor and to make an extra room for the bathroom.

It was after a few hours when I was almost finished with the floor when the sounds of flapping wings caught my attention. I looked out to see an orange pegasus mare with red mane and tail land in front of the door. She peered inside when I placed the next floorboard down. What I was thankful for was that Equestria had laminate flooring. Easier and smoother to walk on.
I gave her a wide smile even if I was tired.
“Hey, Miss Grace. How may I help you?” I asked even if I could guess why she was here.
She looked around the house and then at me. Her purple eyes immediately recognizable.
“Hello, Ben. I was wondering why my daughter was on her scooter in town with her friends.” She asked.
I placed the next floor and slid it to the next. I got up, my back popping on the right places and my knees soon followed.
“Well, it’s a beautiful autumn day and my guess is that they do as little fillies do when it’s a beautiful day.” I deadpanned, walking out of the house to work the stiffness out of my body.
Grace, or as her full name was, Autumn Grace followed me when I took the crowbar and my saw from my cart. I walked to the back and pried some of the planks that covered the back where the stairs used to be connected.
Autumn followed me around the house and licked her lips thoughtfully.
“Yes, but not many fillies her age go from store to store ordering building equipment. And I’ve been around the sky long enough to know that you’re the only one building.” She sat on her haunches as she waited for me to answer.
I removed the plank before answering with a grunt.
“Your daughter alongside her friends wanted to help me out so I gave them a task fitting for them. I need to get this house done as soon as possible so I asked them to get the stuff I need and get it delivered here. Don’t worry, I pay them.” I said and pried another wood off.
She was quiet for a moment but I couldn’t help to think that she raised her eyebrows in disbelief of what I had told her. I took out my measuring stick to make a measure of how much I needed to remove to get a proper bathroom set up. I walked to the other side and took the last vial of herbs and went to work. Autumn still sat there as I worked.
“How much are you paying them?” She asked as I took a screwdriver and screwed the beam into place.
I took the next beam to the other side and bounded it with the next.
“About 20 bits per. You can tell Scoots to spend them wisely. I simply wanted to give them a little something for helping out.” I said as I screwed together the next beam.

She shook her head and flexed her wings, ready to take off. I saw her fly away but waved to me as she disappeared into the clouds. I decided to keep going until nightfall again. And at that time I had managed to complete the flooring in the living room, kitchen and half the bedroom. Tomorrow was going to be the piping and hopefully the isolation and replacing the outer wall.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Waking up as usual, I took a quick breakfast and quickly got to my house. The mist was just as thick. I had my lantern ready just in case. I looked at the house. Connecting the piping from the kitchen and the bathroom was on the agenda. Better get to it. I took out the vial of herbs and drank it down, cringing at the taste.
I placed the empty vial on the cart and looked inside the bag. I only had one vial of herbs left and four of Zecora’s medicine. Hopefully I had to make do until Celestia sent answers to Twilight.
I took my tools to the other side and got to work. For being early autumn it was fairly good weather and warm enough to work. The sink had to be replaced and rebuilt. So that had me for a few hours yesterday. And now I had that bit of fun to do. The connected pipes looked good and I got to the bathroom. I focused on getting the shower built.

It took me until breakfast but I wanted to get this done before eating. The last vial was devoured and I had enough energy to build the walls around the bathroom. I was just to connect the piping to the bathtub when I heard a high-pitched:
“Good morning, Ben!”
I yelled out loud and looked at Pinkamena who stood smiling behind me. I placed a hand on my chest and tried to calm down my beating heart.
“Pinkie! Please, think of my heart.” I breathed.
She smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of her head.
“Oops. Sorry. Forgot about that.” She apologized and closed in on me as I kept working.
She glanced over my shoulder as I wrenched the piping, connecting it to the water supply. I smiled all the while. I don’t know why but it was always something like this that made me relax. Something to do with my hands always had a relaxing aura to it. It was also surprising that Pinkamena focused her attention on what I did. Every other time I saw her she usually bounced in place or ran around with unnatural amount of energy. I finished up and sat down to catch my breath.
My chest started to ache slightly when the herbs effects wore off. Pinkamena seemed to notice this for some strange reason since I showed no signs of being in pain. She disappeared for a few seconds and came back with a vial in her teeth.
“How did you…?” I asked as I grabbed the vial.
“You had your eyes tight shut and looked really tired so I got an itchy ear and tingly hooves that told me somepony was in pain and you were nearby so I took the chance.” She explained as I drank down the vial.
I nodded my thanks and thought about this.
“I’m not unthankful, Pinkie, but why did you come here?” I asked as I got to my feet and felt the knees pop.
Pinkamena thought for a few seconds and then smiled so wide that I was afraid her face was going to split in half.
“I haven’t seen you in days so I was wondering where you had gone so I met Applejack in town and asked her where you were and she told me that you worked on your house and that you don’t eat properly so I decided to get some breakfast for you.” She said in one breath and walked with me following.
She led me to the front of my house and what caught my eyes was the cart of food that stood parked just next to my door. She bounced to the cart and offered pretty much a lunch for three. I walked to her cart and felt my stomach growl.
“I don’t have a table. Sorry about that.” I said a little embarrassed.
Pinkamena shook her head and pulled out a blanket.
“No problemo, Beno. We can have a picnic, instead!” She grinned as she placed the numerous amounts of food on the blankets.
We sat down and started eating. I ate the pancakes that tasted just as good as if they were made by the restaurants I visited in London. She offered me a cup of coffee and I obliged. I took a sip as I kept eating. By the time I had finished a third of my breakfast Pinkamena had already finished hers. She was looking at the house curiously.
“So, you made this yourself?” She asked with her head tilted.
I swallowed and nodded.
“I’d be lying if I said yes and no.” I said and drank down my coffee.
She made ‘Huh?’ that made me chuckle at how cute it sounded. So I elaborated:
“I removed the wood from inside myself but the upper floor was removed by the pegasi builders. Applejack got me this house about a few days ago. By then it was a two story one. I got help with the piping and laying base of the floor. I can only do so much considering my condition.”
She nodded after almost every word. So much that I thought she was going to get a concussion. I kept looking at the house with a smile when I was thinking of how I was going make the roof. I might need help from the pegasi again but it wouldn’t be too much.
I stood up and thanked Pinkamena for the breakfast. I helped her out as compensation for the kind gesture and the delicious breakfast. She attached herself to the cart and zoomed off. It was now closer to lunch so the breakfast was more like brunch.

Isolation was easy to set in but now without my herbs I had to take it easy, increasing the time it took for me to make the required progress. The option to get the pegasi to help got the better judgment. Only decided to make a bed that I since a whole year back.
So off to town and get the help… Joy.


***


The builders’ office was under activity but short story was that they could loan me four pegasi to help out. Giving him my thanks and a bag of bits I left to return home. Connecting the piping all day made me wonder on the furnace. It was located in the basement and that was the only place I haven’t checked.
I guess I could go see Zecora while I’m up and about.


***


Zecora’s hut was inside Everfree Forest. A forest that had many ponies spooked. I didn’t blame them. I was inside the forest a few months after arriving here and during the time I met with creatures I only read in mythology. But I did get a map to her hut, thank goodness for that. Why she lived here I questioned once. Turns out that certain herbs and plants only grow here.
Her hut came into view and the masks decorating it as well. I knocked on the door and various scents oozed from the hut as the door opened. The zebra mare with a Mohawk peeked outside and looked at me, a wide smile forming on her muzzle.
“Ah, Ben, my friend. How may I help you on this days end?” she asked in a rhyme-like question. An exotic accent I could guess was Swahili. If that country existed here.
She let me into her hut, several scents causing me to get a slight headache. She was cooking up some herbal remedy in the middle of the room that smelled somewhat sweet in contrast to the other smells in the room.
“I’ve rarely seen you around this time. What brings you to this home of mine?” She asked again as she stirred her pot.
I looked around the hut. I’ve been here a few times and the thing that catches my attention is the masks she had around the house. Reminded me of tiki-masks.
“I need some of your potions. The usual.” I said, not taking my eyes of a particular mask colored green.
Zecora’s hooves sounded behind me as well as the sound of glass bottles. I turned around to see her laying a few bottles in a basket. Two of the bottles were slightly bigger than the others.
“A stronger batch I made for you. But a warning I have too. The potions for working will work better than before. It can, however, leave you sore. Take only a sip, nothing more.” She explained and put a hoof on the bigger bottle.
I nodded. A stronger potion but with a kickback….
“The other potion should work just as well. Only if to you I sell. You are a friend I hold dear, but for your health I always fear. I may have many friends since arriving in Ponyville. But I do not want your life to end against your will.” She explained as she closed her distance.
Being the only one of her species I felt a connection. I had the same connection with Spike. Him being the only dragon, me being the only human. Soon to be back in my own world. I couldn’t help but feel a slight tug on my heart when I thought about coming back home.
“Zecora…” I began to try and find the right words. She turned to me curiously. “If I said that I was going to return to my own world… what would you say?”
At this she looked down on the floor, saddened. Her ears were splayed back and she gave sighed.
“Though I am sad to hear that you’re going to leave, it’s both sad and good news I receive. I hold you very close to my heart, and to tell you the truth, I will be sad to see you depart.” She said in a low voice but looked at me to meet my eyes. “But if it is what you want, I will hold you no grudge. I will be sad, but hold you back I shan’t and missing you will be a tough way to trudge.”
I smiled bitterly and knelt down to give her a hug. I will miss a lot but at least I will come home. We broke the hug and I took the basket, leaving a small pouch of bits. She waved me off as I continued back to Ponyville.


***


It was close to nightfall when I returned to my house. The pegasi had worked on most of the roof and looked almost ready to move in. I had only few things left and probably a few days to do them. The furnace had to be checked tomorrow and the bathroom had to be properly set up. Furniture… if I had time I had to talk to Rarity about cloth for them.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I decided to wake up earlier today just so I could finish the house. I had almost everything ready and only needed to check few things. The potion Zecora made for me worked like she said and only after two sips I felt the energy coursing through my body. Finishing the isolation was made well after breakfast and well into lunch until I noticed how hungry I actually was.
The pegasi finished the roof and paid well for it. I made a quick break with a packed apple. I looked at the house with pride and sighed in content. I took the lantern in hand and lit it. The cellar had to be checked out.

Despite the darkness and the musty smell it was a pleasant coolness to the place. A few cobwebs and a few spiders but nothing that couldn’t be cleaned out… despite my few freak-outs. The compartment with the furnace was in good condition and the furnace itself looked old but not new either. Had to check for warm and cold water later.
“Ben?” the muffled voice of Fluttershy was heard from outside.
I guess it was only a matter of time until she was coming to check up on me. I continued my exploring of the cellar. It was big. Maybe half the size of an apartment. Could be used as storage or even a small brewery.
The glint of light on my left caught my attention. It looked like a cellar door… huh. How come I never noticed it before?
“Ben? Are you here?” Fluttershy again called. It sounded like she was on the other side. Maybe by the door.
The cellar door on the other hand had a lock. I set down my lantern and tried to open it but it was rusty enough that I didn’t have to pry it but hard enough to give me a challenge.
“BEN!”

*Thud!*

“Son of a bitch!” I cursed as the sudden voice of Fluttershy caused me to bang the back of my head against the door.
I finally got the damned door open and looked at the green eyes of Fluttershy who seemed to blush at the distance we now had between each other. I groaned and rubbed the back of my head as the pain flared.
“Sorry. I didn’t know you were here.” She said meekly as she landed on the ground.
I stepped out of the cellar, squinting my eyes with the sudden light from the sun blinded me.
“I was checking my cellar. Thought that I needed to replace the furnace.” I explained shortly.
I walked to the front and opened the door to my house. I walked to the sink to check if I had water. It flowed to my joy. Both warm and cold water although the warm water had to take a while to warm up. Otherwise it was perfect. Thank the ponies that helped me and Zecora’s potions.
Fluttershy’s hooves sounded against the floor as she looked around. I gave her a smile when her eyes kept looking at the walls. The only thing my kitchen needed was cupboards. Otherwise it was almost perfect.
“You manage to remake the house yourself?” Fluttershy asked rather shocked and impressed.
I shook my head. The walls needed wallpaper and I needed to either make or build furniture. Building them would be fun.
“I did get help. Other than that it’s hours of work I spent alone.” I said in short. Got me thinking how fast I actually made this done with some help. Thank God it wasn’t a house from my world. That would’ve taken weeks.

At this she seemed to smile.
“That’s wonderful. You finally have a house to live in.” She said and fluttered into the air with pure bliss on her face.
I however… didn’t smile.
“Yeah. But not for long.” I whispered.
This caused Fluttershy to land on the ground and look at me in confusion.
“What do you mean? If you don’t mind telling me.” She looked me straight in the eyes this time.
She heard that… damn it. I took a deep breath. Better pull the cat out the bag. It could only be kept a secret for so long.
“I’m going home. To my world.” I said, kneeling down to her level.
At this, she looked at me in shock, backing a few steps.
“Your world?” She faced the ground, hurt as she looked for words. “Why?”
I sighed. Why did it tug on my heart so much when I thought that I was going to return home? I was happy. Shouldn’t I feel happy about it?
“I miss my world. I have my own family who’re waiting for me. I need to come back to them.” I told her only for her eyes to start watering.
Her lower lip was trembling. This almost broke my heart but I had already chosen.
“But…” she began only to sniffle. “… What about your family here? Us? Your friends?”
She tried to regain composure through this.
“I have people waiting for me back home, too. I have friends I miss a lot and even a girlfriend who must’ve been heartbroken when I disappeared. I need to return to them.” I explained with more force than I intended. “To make sure that I’m alright.”
At the word ‘girlfriend’ she almost broke down. I knew she had a crush on me. But I didn’t want to hurt Madeleine by doing this. She had a few things in common with Fluttershy. At this point, Fluttershy was sitting on her haunches, tears falling from her eyes by what I had said.
“But…” she sniffled again, breaking into sobs. “… I love you.” She said and sobbed more. “I love you, Ben. What if you can’t return? If you had to stay here?”
I sighed, rubbing my hand on my chest.
“I’m sorry.” Was all I could say. “But my decision is final. And Celestia already said she could bring me back. I just wanted to return now.”
At this she closed her eyes and took off. About a few meters she turned to me for a few seconds before flying away without pause. I could only stand here. The idiot I was. I broke her heart but I had to tell her as it was. Even if she hated me… I wouldn’t be around to hear or see it. I sighed and walked in to my house, getting a few things done before night.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________	

It was a harsh day. The entire day I spent getting final things set up took its toll. The conversation with Fluttershy weighed down my conscience and made me feel even worse. It was now short into nightfall when I saw Applejack trotting towards me. The closer she got, the more I could see… tears? She stopped in front of me with the look of hurt and anger. She breathed a few times before finally breaking the silence.
“Ah talked to Twilight earlier today.” She said, her voice cracking slightly. If I could guess, she had been crying for a few hours. ”She told me about that there letter ya wrote to the Princess.”
I breathed hard. Looking at her, the expression of hurt. This hurt more than Fluttershy. She breathed hard, huffs coming from her nose as she tried to choose between anger and sadness.
“Ben.” She swallowed, shaky breaths escaping her. “Ah thought ya didn’ mean what ya told me a week ago. About wanting to return home.”
She sniffled and tried to fight back her sobs. If she knew, did the rest of the Apples knew? She looked at me, snorting as tears matted her fur.
“Why on Celestia’s green lands didn’ ya tell me about this?! That ya planned on makin’ the letter an’ go home?” She practically yelled at me. “Ah thought Ah was yer sister! An’ this is how Ah get treated?”
She bit down hard to compose herself. I could only look at her with tears of my own. I just stood silent like an idiot as she was on the verge of breaking down.
“Because I wanted to make sure I could go back.” I said. She glared at me, forcing me to continue. “I told you that I wanted to return home.”
She stomped her hoof on the ground.
“But not telling me?! Holding this away from yer family?! After everythin’ we done fer ya?! Giving ya a home? A job?” She paused to collect herself. “Ah would have been fer ya returnin’ home but only if ya told me after ya wrote that Celestia darned letter! Not this long after!”
I was going to answer but she forced her words on me.
“Ya know how Ah found out?” She asked. “Ah visited Twi earlier and she were tired. Tellin’ me about all the things she had studied but Ah knew this was only a small part. Ah made her spill the beans. Be glad that the others don’ know.”
She started to shake with anger and my chest started to hurt. In pain I became angered.
“I. Had. No. Choice!” I yelled. She didn’t waver so I continued. “Do you know why I didn’t tell you? Because you would’ve stopped me!”
She cocked her head. I kept going, tears burning my eyes.
“I can’t live long here! I need a surgery to be able to become healthy. In a whole year they found squat. What would you rather have me do? Stay here and live till 40? Or return home knowing that I could live to 70?” I sat down as my chest hurt.
I drank the remedy down and looked at her. Her face had softened.
“If I stay…” I breathed slowly and sniffled. “… I may never live to see Apple Bloom grow up and get married. Neither you nor Mac either. Sure I’ll be gone either way. But at least I’ll be alive. I. Don’t. Want. To. Die.” I explained.
We both sat there. Not looking at each other for the longest moments until Applejack cleared her throat.
“But when ya go…” She searched for words. “What will Ah tell the others?”
I shook my head, wiping a few tears away.
“I don’t know. I don’t care. You can hate me all you want. But my decision is final. I won’t be here for you to hate anyway.” I said, my voice low and now devoid of emotion.
When Applejack was going to respond she stopped as the sounds of galloping hooves made us look to the road. There, Twilight galloped full speed. Her face was desperate and by her side she levitated a scroll. She stopped in front of us and panted, her eyes locked onto me.
“Ben!” She raised her voice as she panted. I stood up and noticed that her eyes had tears. “Celestia! She…”
She panted again as I took the scroll.

“She had sent a response…”
	
> Chapter 6: Good news, bad new
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The landscape went past us. The rattling of the train cart filling the silence between me and Twilight who sat in front of me. She looked out the window, sad eyes looking at the nature going outside. It was just past morning, about… 6:30, according to my pocket-watch. In my hand I held the scroll Twilight received from Celestia yesterday eve. I rolled out the scroll to once again read the letter;



“Dear Twilight Sparkle.
I apologize for not responding earlier. Royal duties have prevented me from such. I suspected that he was going to request that but I was surprised that he took this long to do it. Have him visit me first thing tomorrow morning. I want you to accompany him on this since I believe that he would need your support on this matter. I hope you can understand.
Your proud teacher,
Princess Celestia of Equestria.”



I rolled together the scroll and held it in my hands. Looking up I saw that Twilight didn’t move. She blinked a few times but kept her eyes at the window. It felt like she was avoiding my eyes. Her face was wearing the same sad expression she wore when we met at the train station.
“You don’t look very happy.” I said after a long silent hour.
Twilight glanced at me but kept her face to the window. She sighed.
“Because I’m not.” She said. She finally shifted her position to look at me. “One of my best friends is going away forever and I’m going to be there to see him leave.”
I straightened my back a little to see around the cart. Only a handful of ponies were here and most of them slept. I played around with the scroll a little at what Twilight had just said.
“Maybe be happy that I’m going home?” I asked hopefully. ”I’m going home to my own family.”
Twilight’s expression didn’t change. She kept her eyes to the floor. The only moving on her part was the occasional turn the train did. I did like she did; looking out at the passing landscape. The first time I arrived here I took the train to Ponyville. I was amazed at first in how beautiful everything looked. Now I’ll be leaving this entire place behind. And that tugging on my heart was present again. I wanted to go home but why didn’t my heart agree with me?
“I can understand that, Ben. But what about Applejack and her family? All the times I’ve seen you hang out with her. The way you act as a brother to Macintosh. The love for Apple Bloom. Are you just going to dismiss it all?” She said with a low voice, almost as a whisper.
I looked at her when she said this. True, I’d be leaving a lot behind. And this morning was a clear sign of it. Applejack had woken me up at sunrise. Her voice ragged when she greeted me. The short breakfast I had with Macintosh and her as she walked with me to the train station. We had just separated with a warm hug as Twilight and I boarded. Applejack never left the station until we were out of sight. All the time she had tears in her eyes.
She did promise to tell the others of what had happened. I hope she will be alright. Twilight had a sigh escape her when she looked at my vacant expression.
“You had a lot of ponies who liked you. Friends and even some mares who were interested.” She whispered and put on a false and strained smile.
Mares interested in me? Doubtful that they were going to fall for a human.
“If I did it would be cheating.” I said causing her to look confused. “I have a girlfriend back home. How do you think she would react? ‘Hi, Addie! Sorry I was gone for so long. But I was transported to a planet with colorful, socializing talking ponies and accidentally got romantically involved with one. Can you forgive me?’” I dramatized with false emotions.
I snorted at my own bad joke.
“Sorry, Twilight. But I have all I need back in my world.”
Twilight nodded and looked out the window, allowing long minutes of silence.


***


We had just arrived in Canterlot. Twilight’s face had not change until she saw a white unicorn stallion with blue mane and tail. He wore a purple armor with gold trim. His cutie-mark was a blue shield with Twilight’s star with three stars above. Twilight galloped almost full speed of the train and hugged him.
“Shiny! Why are you here?” Twilight beamed with the first change of emotion I’ve seen since we left.
Shining Armor was smiling at Twilight then at me. First time I met him he escorted me to Celestia’s chambers. He was okay by my book.
“Mr. Fields. Long time no see.” He said with the same bit of pride from when I last saw him. I shook his hoof.
“Major Shining Armor. It certainly was a long time ago.” I replied but he seemed to chuckle at ‘Major’.
“Yes. Although it’s ‘Captain’ now.” He said, puffing out his chest in pride.
Twilight looked at me as if I didn’t know this. I let his hoof go and he turned to leave.
“Well, I think congratulation is in order.” I said while following him.
He chuckled.
“Thanks. Now my duties is defending the safety of the Canterlot walls, political manure and escorting dignitaries around.” He stopped to look back at us. “No offence.”
“None taken.” Twilight and I said in unison.
We kept our pace on our way to the castle. Twilight broke the silence.
“So, Shiny, why were you escorting us?” She asked and walked to stand besides Shining.
He spoke up as I just looked around. It’s been a year since I walked these streets. How time flies.
“When I heard that the Princess wanted somepony to escort a human to the castle there were volunteers but as soon as I heard that my little sister was with him I took the chance. Wanted to catch up with my little Twily.” He wrapped a fore hoof around Twilights neck and nuzzled her playfully.
She seemed to lighten up at this. I however wasn’t. That constant nagging in my mind about what I would leave behind. The tugging in my heart. I wanted to go home so badly but the more the thought got to my mind, the more I felt sad. I must’ve blanked since Twilight and Shining both tried to get my attention.
Snapping back to them Shining cleared his throat.
“So what is this business you have with the Princess?” He asked as we passed the gates to the castle.
Twilight’s eyes almost pleaded to me that I wouldn’t answer.
“Celestia said that she could take me home. That is why we’re here.” I answered despite Twilight’s plea.
At this she lowered her head and her ears splayed backwards. Shining nodded with eyebrows raised.
“Huh… Never knew the Princesses could do that. But then again, I never asked.” He chuckled but cleared his throat when he saw Twilight’s sad expression. “Anyway, we are close to the throne room. Wait here.”
He opened the doors and closed them, leaving me and Twilight with two guards standing on each side, their face unemotional. The silence couldn’t be more awkward right now. I looked around since I had nothing better to do. I was nervous and more or less excited that I was going to return home. The hall was as white and polished as the day I first arrived.
Beside me Twilight sighed. I looked at her but she didn’t return the look. Okay, I wasn’t all that happy. I never got to say good bye to Apple Bloom. Or the others for that matter. But I bet they’ll do alright. Give or take two months and they will act like I never existed.
“Well, final destination.” I said in hopes that we could break the uncomfortable silence.
This caused Twilight to sigh again. ‘Good job, Benny. Make things worse.’ I thought, mentally slapping myself. She finally looked at me. Not crying but she seemed to be close to.
“I just can’t believe that you would go through with this.” Twilight said quietly. “After everything you’ve done for us. After everything we’ve done for you.”
I looked at her and nonchalantly placed my hands in my pocket.
“All good things come to an end, Twi. You have to expect me to miss my family. And I can’t wait to see them again.” I said, a small smile creeping on me as I thought of the things I would do.
Hug my family and apologize to my father for what I said to him. Perhaps asking Addie to a date if she didn’t move on. Hang out with my friends. Get that surgery so that I could work out and hopefully do better work on the farm.

The door opened and Shining Armor motioned us to enter. We did but I kind of rushed in. The throne room was just as impressive as the rest of the castle. A room that looked as big as the inside of the cathedral of Notre Dame. Red carpet leading us to the golden throne. On our sides the dirt glasses of various historical events guided us through colors made by the light of the sun. And the God herself was looking at us. I found myself smiling at her beauty.
Celestia. The princess of the sun and one of the two ruling sisters of Equestria sat on her throne and looking at us with a warm smile. Her magenta eyes locked into my green. Her aurora colored mane and tail flowed around her pearl-white coat. I found myself kneeling down in a deep bow before her.
Beside me, Twilight did the same. Celestia rose from her seat to greet us.
“Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student. It is good that you could be here.” She spoke in a manner that reminded me of a good mother and a queen. Twilight got to her hooves and Celestia turned to me. I was still bowing before her. “And Benjamin Fields. It is good to see you as well. I’m glad that your time in Ponyville has been delightful.” She spoke to me and warmth spread in my chest at her voice.
I got up to meet her eyes. She was more than a few centimeters taller than me. Then again, I was shorter than most boys my age. She waited to speak, like she was expecting me to speak. I took a deep breath.
“You know why I’m here.” I said, earning a glare from Twilight.
Celestia nodded and gave Twilight a reassuring smile to say that it was okay for me to speak my mind. She turned grim for a short second for some reason.
“Yes. Your wish to return home…” she pondered on this. She was searching for something and it didn’t bode well. “… We’re waiting for my sister to join us. This will take both our magic to perform.” She explained and turned to move.
We followed her to the corridor leading us through the castle. On our way to one of the rooms an alicorn of night-blue color with the same flowing mane dyed the color of the same night she created. Celestia’s sister, Luna. She looked drowsy when she looked at us. Luna slept the day and being awake at this hour must be taxing. 
Maybe the reason Celestia wanted us to be here this early was for her. She greeted us in a formal manner I’ve seen since before.
“Twilight Sparkle. Good morning.” She turned to me. “And the human, Benjamin Fields. A good morning to you too.”
I nodded, earning a nudge from Twilight.
“Oh, um… Good morning, Princess.” I greeted with a bow.
Luna gave me a nod and joined Celestia on our walk through the castle that seemed to prolong my return home. Twilight had trotted to Celestia’s side to discuss something when Luna closed her distance to me.
“What, pray tell, is our business on? Tia told us little but she seemed to say that it involved you.” Luna whispered to me.
Celestia and Twilight was in deep conversation to hear us which was good.
“I wrote a letter to her about me wanting to go home. I hope she can deliver.” I said which made her falter a bit in her sleepy state.
She looked between me and Celestia.
“You wish to return home? The time we saw you at Nightmare Night you seemed to enjoy your stay. What caused this change of heart?”
“Home sickness.” I answered plain and simple.
She raised her eye-brow but not wanting to delve deeper.

We passed one of the rooms when one caught my attention. I stood in the doorway and looked inside. It smelt sterile and one lone memory came to mind.


(-***-)


“Doctor, look. He’s showing signs of recovering.” A female voice said.
I was still in darkness. I was alive, that much for certain. Unconscious, maybe, but alive. My heart still beating, but pain getting the better of me. There were voices. A man and a woman.
“Good. The princess was getting worried.” The male voice spoke up.
Sounds of hooves against the floor. Hooves again.  Were there no one who walked normally? Did they say “princess”? The other one started to talk with a very soothing and motherly voice.

“I’ve never seen something like that before. What is he?” she asked and a warm set of breathing was felt on my left arm.
I opened my eye to see a clean-carved roof made of marble. Eye? The right one was covered with something. Smell of clean and sterile lubricant… and horses? There were voices, now more focused.
“Gentle Care, he’s waking up!” the woman said, hopeful.
I looked to the left, not seeing a woman, but faced with a pearl-white pony-muzzle. I looked at the pony for a long moment before I winced as a pain worked through my neck. The pony’s eyes showed concern.
“Oh dear, are you alright?” she asked making me rear back in surprise.
The pony talked. The pony just freaking talked! She looked just as surprised as me.
“Lightspeed, tell the princess that the creature is awake.” The male said and a pony with wings clad in gold armor saluted with his hoof before galloping away.


(-***-)


Twilight tapped my thigh, waking me from my road through memory lane. She looked concerned.
“Is everything alright, Ben?” She asked.
I noticed that the princesses had stopped to look at me. I looked into the room again.
“This was the room I woke up in after I arrived here. The infirmary.” I said as I absentmindedly stroked my hair, remembering that I was wounded on arrival.
Celestia nodded. Twilight looked between her and me then inside the room.
“How injured were you?” She asked, awaiting a list of grim details.
I looked at the roof, thinking.
“I was almost dead: Several broken bones, scorched skin and the hair on my head was burnt off. Had to regrow it before coming to Ponyville. I think I stayed a whole month here. Took me a week to walk by myself.” I explained, remembering the pain I had when I woke up. I honestly thought that I was going to be blind on my right.
Celestia and Luna turned to walk and I followed suit.
“When my guards told me about your arrival I was surprised.” Celestia explained while walking. “Not only since I have enchanted the castle to not be struck by lightning but how it had struck in my garden. And the state you were in. I feared that you would die.”
She had looked down at the garden where I had “landed”. There was a platform near some bushes that was decorated with Celestia’s and Luna’s cutie-marks; half of the sun, and half of the moon.
She kept her walking until we reached the supposed destination. The guards standing there were both unicorns and as statue-like as the ones guarding the doors to the throne room. Celestia’s horn glowed gold as the doors opened. The room was filled with various books but what was most eye-catching was the etchings on the floor in the middle of the room. It was made of crystal and had runes etched around it. Celestia closed the curtains and looked to the guards.
“Leave us.” She ordered gently.
The guards saluted and walked out, closing the doors behind them. We were now in darkness, only illuminated by the horns of the princesses. Celestia turned grim when she looked at me.
“Benjamin.” She said as she looked at the crystal we stood on. “The reason we are here is that I found out how you came here. We ask you not to be angered.”
The pit of my stomach turned to ice.
“Don’t tell me that you’re not going to let me go. You told me I could return home!” In anxiousness I shouted. The words she said was just words but it made me nervous.
Celestia raised a hoof to let her speak.
“We never said that you couldn’t. I just asked that you wouldn’t become angered.” She said making me calm down.
She breathed as a tension formed. A slight tingling formed in my chest as their magic worked on me. Twilight closed her eyes and tears formed in her eyes. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes but I didn’t disappear.
“Benjamin.” Luna began as she looked at her sister. “After you wrote the letter to my sister, she made a discovery. We learned how you came to be here with us. The reason Twilight Sparkle is with you is for what we are about to show you.”
The crystal lit up, showing a green garden I recognized all too well. My uncle’s garden. Four men were sitting on garden chairs. I recognized my younger self and my father. His face untrimmed and his hair unkempt. Twilight had now opened her eyes, now surprised at me still being with them. I knew this scene but confusion still got the better of me.
“Celestia, what is going on? What are you trying to show me?” I asked, almost feeling my heart beating faster in a slight fear.
Celestia sighed as she looked into the crystal.
“When you wrote to me about wanting to go home, I told Luna that we could do it. However…” she looked at me, saddened. “… I did not expect this to happen.”
My heart dropped as the persons moved… more accurately, my father moved.
“Ever since Lucy died I don’t have the strength to move on.” My father said, pained. “I feel pathetic.”
I felt my chest burn at these words. My younger self looked at him, clearly angry.
“Dad! Don’t you dare start that shit!” He growled as he got to his feet. “I’ve already heard you say that same bullshit the whole week!”
My uncle and my cousin looked at him, at me.
“Why not?” My father muttered. “That’s just what I’ve become after your mum’s passing. I can’t take care of the farm. Can’t tell your brother to help. You being angry at me. I’m just pathetic.”
My younger got to his feet and my cousin tried to calm me down. He grabbed my shoulders, talking calmly.
“Stop saying that you’re pathetic, you prick!” he almost shouted. Shaking free of my cousin’s grasp.
My cousin grabbed my younger’s shoulders again in an attempt to make him calm down.
“Benny, calm down.” He soothed but went unsuccessful at his rage.
They shuffled until my younger got free, his eyes burning.
“You, shut up!” He turned to my father. “Continue your self-ranting, and eventually it comes as truth!”
At this point I was rubbing my chest. Not from the heart's pain. But from the pain I felt reminiscing this. To my right, Twilight looked just as pained.
“Ben! Stop saying that to your father!” My uncle shouted. My father looked saddened at my younger’s ranting.
No more. Please God, no more.
“Richard, shut the hell up!” my younger shouted back. He then leaned to come face to face with my father. I swallowed as regret got the better of me. I looked away. “Because in my eyes, you are pathetic!”
There it was… the words. Relived through my nightmares and manifested into a crystal mirror. Twilight looked at me, clearly hurt by the words I told my father that day. I really hope that he can forgive me after this. A low rumble of thunder echoed through the room. I remembered. It was going to rain that day. Despite having to face my father’s distraught face I had to look. It had started to rain. My uncle and my cousin got up to get inside.
My younger followed only to stop dead when he noticed that dad didn’t follow. Looking back he saw him sitting there in the rain. His face bearing pain. My younger ran to him, almost slipping in the wet grass.
“Dad! C’mon! We need to get inside!” My younger shouted over the rumbling of thunder.
My father just shook his head weakly.
“Why? I’m pathetic. You said it yourself. Why not leave your pathetic father in the rain?” He mumbled sadly.
My younger did something that made Twilight jump: He punched dad in the face. The face of sadness now became the face of hurt surprise. He looked at my younger who huffed and grabbed his chest.
“Stop talking shit and get up!” He snarled and pulled my father to his feet. ”You may be pathetic, but you’re still my dad. Now, come on and move your ass before we become drenched!”
That had cleared dad’s resolve as they both made a brake for the house. I glanced at Twilight who looked at the scene with surprise at how this used to be me. I remember being this foulmouthed in my younger days.
My dad slipped in the mud as the rumble of thunder got closer. The crack of lightning was distant. My younger grabbed my father’s arm and guided him. The roof to the cellar was in view and in a heavy motion he shoved father so that he had to catch himself from hitting the wall. He looked at me.
“Dad, run!”

*Crack-boom!*

In a flash of white that blinded us I knew what happened. I closed my eyes to expect where this was going…  As expected; when I opened my eyes there were nothing in my place. I was gone. My dad walked out from the cellar opening when the rumbling of thunder faded and so did my uncle and cousin. Dad looked around for me. Carefully at first but later turned to frantic turns as he started calling my name.
“Ben?” He called. Uncle and cousin called out but it was to the point where my dad started sobbing. “Ben? Ben, please!”
I looked to Twilight who had her ears folded and her eyes started to tear. So did mine. I watched as dad’s eyes stared up into the sky… to me. He kept calling after me with little result until uncle comforted him. I closed my eyes and sighed deep. The sound of my dad died off when I felt all eyes on me. I opened my eyes to level with Celestia’s. Her eyes showed a genuine warmth and concern for me.
“The thunder, as you could see, was not a normal occurrence. The power I traced from it revealed it to be born from chaos. Chaos from a certain individual who still had influence before being freed from his prison.” She explained and looked to Twilight who rubbed her eyes from tears. “A certain mad God you and your friends defeated, Twilight.”
It didn’t surprise me. The God she was referring to was Discord. A being called draconequus that ruled millennia ago. If remembered correctly, when he broke out he transported me by mistake. And the fun part was that I wasn’t chosen. It was by pure accident that I was struck. Celestia cleared her throat.
“I still remember it today.” She said, her eyes traveling to the roof in reminisce. “It was right after Twilight and her friends sealed Discord. During the ceremony…”


(-***-)


It was a day to celebrate. The pride I felt from the accomplishment you and your friends did, Twilight, made me feel like a parent. And as a teacher I felt more joy than I have ever thought possible. As I looked over the crowd a wide smile formed on my muzzle and I gave a sigh of relief. It was, however, short when a familiar feeling. But it was impossible! Discord was sealed so what…
A sudden rumble of thunder sounded outside, bringing the cheer to a halt. I looked outside to see the dark clouds form just over the courtyard. Concern painted my face and I was almost prepared to light my horn should anything dangerous appear.
“I thought you didn’t plan a storm today.” I heard Twilight say to Rainbow Dash, even she felt the worry of the situation.
Without even looking at her friends I could see their anxiety.
“We didn’t.” Rainbow hissed.
I looked to the crowd. Restlessness was spreading fast and only short of panic.
“Now, now, my little ponies.” I announced, trying my best to direct the situation away from a chaos that could occur. “Calm down. It’s nothing to worry about. Whatever might happen, we have our pegasi guard to help should…”
My speech was drowned out when a flash of lightning illuminated the hall and the sound of a crash echoed. Screams erupted from the crowd and my eyes narrowed at what could have landed. Strange enough; What I felt was nothing. No magic signature or residue of chaos. I motioned to a nearby guard and he quickly came close.
“Take a few of your guards and check the crash. Be prepared.” I ordered through the screams and he nodded and galloped out. Now to calm down the guests. “Everypony! Calm down!” I bellowed.
The screams and clopping of hooves slowly died down. Amazingly, you and your friends where the only ones to remain calm, save for a trembling Fluttershy who hid beneath Rainbow Dash.
“I’ve sent guards to check for whatever creature or disaster that might have arrived. Please, remain calm.” I assured as gently as I could.
Their faces said otherwise but did as I pleaded. Despite my calm exterior, I was nervous. Something so unexpected right after Discord worried me. But no longer than a few minutes after I sent the Corporal, one of the pegasi soldiers came galloping back. His face showed… concern? But it was a different type of concern. He showed no apprehension over his fellow soldiers and no blood, no wounds. He came close and the silence that followed would’ve been enough to hear the sound of a flower petal fall. I ducked my head to make it easier for him.
“Princess, a creature has landed in the garden.” He reported, but there was something else in his voice.
“Is it dangerous? Has it made harm?” I whispered back.
I saw Twilight’s friends trying to listen in on the conversation with much curiosity.
“No, ma’am. It’s wounded.” He answered barely above a whisper.
I opened my mouth to answer but my words fell silent. Wounded? What did he mean? And his calmness. Was the creature not harmful? I closed my eyes and took a breath to calm my nerves through this new development. When I opened them, I looked to the guard.
“Show me to the creature at once.” I commanded.
The guard saluted and walked before me. I took a glance to the crowd now silent like a graveyard.
“It appears that whatever came through is not of any danger.” I explained. “Please, everypony, calmly walk home and leave this matter to us. Go in peace.”
Worry still panted their faces but one after one they headed to the exit. The only one remaining was Twilight until even she disappeared.

***


The thing that struck me was the cracked stone-work colored black. In the middle, circled by guards, was the broken and burned form of your body, Ben. I felt a slight shiver run down my spine once I tucked in my wings and stepped onto the grass. The guards saluted and stood clear of my way.
“What is going on?” I asked, surprised by your condition.
The Corporal I sent spoke up, unconcerned.
“Princess Celestia. We found this thing lying on the ground after the thunder storm.” He said, referring to your body.
I didn’t reply. Instead I walked closer to you and was struck by how wounded you were; your skin was burnt in places where I could almost see your flesh. I saw blood all around and bones sticking out and your head bald and burned. The sight was from horrific and broke my heart. When you lifted your arm, wincing in pain as you tried to pet my muzzle. Your hand was bloody and left a trail of blood mixed with soot on my muzzle as it fell down and you looked short of blacking out. The only thing I could do in a fit of concerned panic was call out an order to the soldiers:
“He’s severely wounded. Get him to the infirmary at once!”
“But princess-“ the Corporal started only to be interrupted by my look.
“He’s going to die. Get him treated!” I retorted, this time louder.
He instantly saluted and called out an order to the troops who instantly got to work. I only sat down next to you and whispered:
“You’re going to be okay. Just hang in there.”


(-***-)


Celestia and Luna had both waited for my reaction to her story. I let it sink in on my arrival and a glance towards Twilight showed her slightly paler under her coat, clearly shaken by her story and description on my wounds. I looked at them with a comprehending face.
“Hard to believe it’s been a whole year since then, huh?” I said with my hand in my pants.
Celestia nodded with a gentle smile. I smiled back until I noticed her smile fading into a neutral expression.
“Benjamin. There is more we would like you to see. Do you think that you could manage it?” Celestia asked, deep care in her voice.
I exhaled but my breath hitched in my throat.
“Is it bad?” I asked, my voice going to concern.
They nodded and their horns flared again. The crystal showed a beautiful sunny day in Emmerdale. The cemetery to be precise. Wait a minute. Why the cemetery? The church already had people in black suits and dresses as they entered. One girl made me choke up. She was in her eighteens and dressed in a beautiful dress. Her hair was charcoal black and behind her blue glasses her blue eyes were puffy and bloodshot. Oh God, I just wanted to hug her. She was skinny, way skinnier than the last time I saw her.  I recognized her but my worry came when I noticed her state. Twilight choked out a question.
“Who- who is… um, were that female?”
I didn’t meet her gaze. I only stared at the girl who hugged my little sister, a girl in her early teens with brown hair and brown eyes. The girl cried silently in her hug before entering the church with an older man and my father.
“Madeleine Crawford.” I croaked, my voice almost breaking at the sound of her name. “My girlfriend.”
At this she sighed sadly as she kept her eyes at me. I just looked at Madeleine when she sat on the front rows. I knew several of the boys and girls in the church. My classmates. Wait… my family? My friends? But one sight hit me harder than AJ’s buck… and that says a lot. On the alter stood a picture of me smiling with slightly longer hair. The priest stood up on the podium, saying his prayer on me that my soul would find peace. My eyes widened and I almost hit the floor in shock until Twilight caught me.
I shook, almost felt like vomiting and my heart pounding in my ears.
“Oh my God…” I whispered. My hand covering my mouth. “Oh my God, they think I’m dead.”
I looked to Celestia and Luna who both looked at me with concern.
“H-how long after is this?” I asked barely hearable.
Luna looked to her sister and then into my eyes. She let a breath.
“Approximately one and a half month after you came here.” She answered and this time I did fall to the floor eliciting a gasp from Twilight.
They must have given up search and done the only thing logical. Cold, yes, but having a search after a thunderstorm could only yield one viable option in my world. And that is what I’m looking at.
The fifteen minutes he spoke was ended by a song I recognized. Keane with the song Bad dream. They stood up to place roses in front of my picture. My eyes were still on Addie as she removed her glasses to wipe away the tears. Her friend, a girl with blond hair and brown eyes with a black dress held her. I felt my knees shaking but wanted to stand up just to see that they were strong. That I was alive. My tears seeing her in this state only increased my resolve. Twilight’s hoof touched my hand in comfort but I almost didn’t feel it.
Seeing her like that… she was so beautiful. Despite being so skinny, so sad. She had that alluring aura that made me fall for her the first time I met her. The way she looked, to think that this affected her so much after my supposed death.

I started to tremble when I saw my siblings place roses on the alter. My brother had tears but not really showing any big hints on sadness. My sister was in front of him, crying. I closed my eyes. I didn’t want to see this. I had to but deep down I didn’t want to. I’ve seen Addie suffer once. Albert and Elizabeth as well. I didn’t need to see them suffer again. They started to enter the microphone in front of the alter to say their good-byes and give their love-filled speeches on the apparently good deeds I had done before passing.
Each word hoping that I had found peace. Each word filling me with pain that I had to listen to them. When it had come to Victor and a few more of my friends the words got more meaning. The ones left now were Addie and my dad. Addie rose from her seat and took position in front of the mic. Her black dress flowed beneath her, making her look like a royalty worthy of Queen Elizabeth II. Her breathing echoed and she was having trouble speaking. Just seeing her crying drained me and all I wanted was to hold her close to tell her I was alright. She eventually came around and cleared her throat but she still sounded ragged.
“Ben… Ben was…” She sniffled and looked at my picture. My smile giving her a sad one “Ben was very special. The first time I met him he passed our corridor and stopped to look at me.” She giggled sadly at the memory. “I was too busy reading and he eventually walked away. But he kept doing the same thing until I decided to get lenses and try to read.” She removed her glasses and I got a better look at her beautiful blue eyes. Her breathing was shaky “I… I had gotten lenses that were too weak and got a migraine for straining my eyes. He decided this time to sit down next to me. For the longest time he looked at me and asked if something was wrong.
“I looked at him and answered: ‘Got new lenses and need to get used to them.’ He had stayed like that after a short while when I rubbed my temples he asked: ‘Headache?’ fearing that it was because of him. I answered that my lenses were too weak.” She sighed as she looked up. Tears falling. “He said something I never thought: ‘You look better with glasses.’ Surprised I looked at him. He was blushing, gestured embarrassed and explained that it showed my eyes and enhanced my face.” She giggled but I knew that she was hiding her sobs. I knelt down and brushed her face to try and dry the tears, only to brush the surface of the crystal.
She stopped giggling and started crying. I lowered my head. She was crying. She was freaking crying and I couldn’t do a damn thing about it! Twilight walked to my side to comfort me. Addie had composed herself.
“I never thought he would say that. I never realized that I was blushing at this. We talked for long and he eventually told me that he had a crush on me but never dared to say it. Our first date was perfect. He was… he was…” She searched for words as her breathing was cut short by sobs. "… More than anything I could hope. Kind. Gentle despite his exterior. He was just… perfect. He told me about his condition but it never stopped him from working. Now…” Her hair gently brushed the mic as she sighed. “… I have to say good-bye to him.” She once again looked at my photo. “Good-bye, Ben. Hope you find peace. I see you there one day.” She cried as she left the microphone and too her seat next to her parents who did their best to comfort her.
I was still on my knees, crying like a child at her words. Peace? I looked at Twilight who was crying as well. This isn’t the peace I had wanted. I was stopped short when my father took the mic. My shoulders slumped as my breath escaped me. He was breathing softly as he tried to find words. He was dressed in dark blue with his dark hair combed back and his beard shaved clean.
“I… I don’t know what to say.” Dad said as he sighed. I straightened myself. Not really standing up. “So short after Lucy’s death.”
He took a few more minutes to think before sniffing.
“I had gone through a rough depression after her death and it took its toll on Ben. I had called myself things and he got upset. It took its real toll when he had woken up earlier every day to take care of things even with his heart.” Dad fiddled with his right hand as he was thinking. “He eventually had enough when I started saying that I was pathetic.”
I gritted my teeth. “Stop saying that.” I muttered.
“But he was right about it.” He said, making my jaw go slack. “I had been depressed but letting me say that to my children was a bad choice. Ben took it the hardest since he was the one working the hardest to keep the farm up and even with the help of Elizabeth and despite Albert not helping he did his best to do his best.”
Dad sighed hard and I saw his calm demeanor break as he remembered the weeks after mum’s death.
“Just a few days before I decided to visit my brother I had spoken with Ben and ranted on how I was still worthless. I didn’t have the energy to manage our farm and it showed. Through this he snapped at me and went outside. Didn’t come inside until the morning after.” Dad wiped his mouth as tears welled up in his eyes. “I know he didn’t mean what he said. He wanted to tell me to stop but his anger stopped him from thinking clearly. He finally got his say when he eventually said that I was pathetic.
“When saving me despite everything I said to him I got my eyes opened. The fact that it had to take the death of my son to realize it is… cruel.” His voice croaked as he started to break down. “Ben… my Benny. I’m sorry for everything.” He slid his hand on the mic, creating a scratching noise. “I know you didn’t mean it and I never meant to hurt you or your siblings with my words. Please forgive me.”
His words cut me and I looked away.
“Because… I forgive you.” His voice made my eyes sting as tears wanted to force their way out. Eventually I closed my eyes and let my tears flow free. The room fell silent as the magic left my chest and the crystal turned dull. I was left on my knees for a long while until I finally had the strength to stand and even then it took some effort to walk.


***


I paced the room. The glass of water on the table left untouched as Twilight, Celestia and Luna saw me pace in front of them trying to control the maelstrom of emotions that raged within me. Dead. They thought I was dead. Don’t mind go look for me for longer than 2 months, hell, give them 2 years. They declared me DEAD! My chest burned but I never bothered to take my medicine. After what I had seen I couldn’t care less. I coughed hard but stopped Twilight from nearing me. After the coughing fit I wheezed and took a sip from my medicine. I stared at Celestia when she walked towards me. Her ears flat against her skull and eyes sorry.
“Ben, please calm down.” She pleaded, seeing and hearing my labored breathing.
She took a few more steps towards me.
“Calm down?” I asked, looking confused.
She stopped short of a meter before me.
“Calm down?” I growled and clenched my fists. “My family thinks I’m DEAD! And you want me to calm down?!” I shouted.
Twilight stepped forth but was stopped by Celestia who looked me in the eyes.
“Ben, please. You have to calm down. Think about your heart.” She pleaded. “I know this is too much to take in but if you calm down we can talk.”
I wrinkled my nose. I didn’t believe her.
“Bullshit!” I growled, making her cock her head. “How would you react if your family thought you were dead?!”
Twilight stepped in front of Celestia as I yelled at her.
“Ben! Calm down! Listen to the Princess-” Twilight tried but I cut her short.
“Twilight, shut up! Don’t defend her!” I yelled and grunted as my heart pounded, making me kneel and cough.
Twilight yelped in fright. Celestia neared me while I tried to get my breathing under control.
“Ben, let me help.” Celestia said as she lit her horn. Warmth was spreading through my chest and easing the pain.
I carefully placed my hands on her neck, the feeling of her mane was soothing, as was her silky fur. She raised her head and looked into my eyes. Sadness looking into resignation.
“Please.” I pleaded through a whisper, barely hearable to the others. “Tell me you have some good news.
“We are able to open a portal to your world.” She started explaining in the most caring tone I had ever heard. “So we had a theory on what happened and decided to make you the medium to confirm our suspicion. By imitating some of Discord’s power we can send you back.” She grimaced slightly, as if her next news would hurt. “It will take time. By my estimate it’s going to take 30 years to fully open the portal.”
If I had more energy, it would have seeped away. I looked to the floor as if I could find something to help me put my mind right. 30? I’ll be lucky if I could survive even half of that.
“Thirty?” I asked quietly. “Princess… I won’t even live that long. What will I do?”
This question made Celestia smile sadly but reassuringly. Her smile gave comfort for an unknown reason. Twilight kept looking between us. Luna, more or less, expected me to act hostile from the way my hands were on her sister’s neck.
“We are trying to get a hold of Doctor Gentle Care. So far without luck but we keep looking. He’s educating outside of Equestria at the moment.” She explained. “If anypony can help you with a surgery, it’s him. And we’re doing anything in our power to help out.”
I looked at her. I stood up, shakily. At least it’s a good start. Gentle Care was one of the ponies that treated me when I first came here. After some time I found out that his area of expertise was around the heart. Also, one of the kindest souls I’ve met. Didn’t know he educated outside the border.
“It is also one more thing; The portal is big enough to send letters. Should you want to tell your family about your whereabouts you just send a letter to us and we take care of the rest.” Luna added and looked at her sister with a smile.
I don’t know what to say or react. I can tell my family I’m alive. That I’m not dead. I sighed in relief and gave them my best smile. Twilight walked up to me and nuzzled me. I nodded to them and began walking out. Twilight trotted to my side but stopped short when I looked back at the princesses.
“If what you said is true, Luna… I thank you both deeply…” I sighed before opening the door. “… Give me a letter on the updates of the portal, okay?”
I saw Celestia nodding with a very caring smile before I carefully closed the door.





The train clattered as it lightly rocked me. I found myself in the same sitting position I had on the road to Canterlot. Instead of a scroll in my hands I just had my hands clasped together, staring at the floor. Few hours. In just a few hours, my hope to return had been stomped and kicked into the trashcan. But, at least there was hope of returning. Everything actually seemed to smile in my favor, for once. All my hopes and wishes…
“Ben?” Twilight called from the seat in front of me. I looked up at her. Her face was sad, apologizing. “I’m really sorry for what happened.”
I looked down at the floor again.
“It’s okay.” I said, more to myself than her. “I just need to survive, that’s all. Just hold on.”
This made her go quiet. I was… disappointed. But there was still that hope that I could return. And even send a message to my family, hell, even my friends. After all of this, I was actually smiling.
“I mean that I didn’t know this happened to you. Seeing you like that. I wish there was something I could do.” She explained as she put her hoof on my hands.
I looked at it for a few seconds and looked out the window. It must be shortly after noon.
“There is.” I said, not tearing my eyes from the window. “To hang out with my friends. To be with Addie. Help my family.”
I sighed and looked at Twilight who still had her sad expression. I gave her a sad smile.
“I guess I’m yours now. You’re my friends. Applejack is my family. But I still miss Addie…” I rubbed my face in my hands and breathed, feeling my warm breath. “On Earth I used to comfort Addie whenever she was saddened. Seeing her cry like that. Over me. And not a single thing I could do about it.” I explained, the stinging in my eyes telling me that tears were coming. “My siblings were strong enough to manage but Madeleine wasn’t. You saw her.”
I looked out, my lip trembling as the mere mention on Madeleine made me want to cry. I swallowed hard and met Twilight’s eyes again. That made few tears fall and at her folded ears I swallowed thickly.
“Listen…” I began and sighed as my eyes fell to the floor. “You still have the group-shot in the library? The one with Spike?”
Twilight shifted her seat to the one beside me and nuzzled me in comfort.
“Of course.” She answered softly. She later tilted her head. “Why?”
I looked outside. We were almost in Ponyville.
“I want you to copy that picture and the family picture of the Apples. I… want to send a letter to my family. Let them know where I am and who’s taking care of me. Can you do it?” I asked, my smile wavering.
The only answer she gave was a sad smile and a nod. At this I held her close and let out a deep breath into her neck, her soft fur acting as the only comfort in this moment.





All of them had assembled at the station when we arrived. Their face in melancholy but shocked when they spotted me with Twilight. Applejack smiled but soon fell when they saw my sad expression. I looked at them shortly then walked away. I heard Twilight explain the situation and soon enough I heard sad gasps from them.
The sound of trotting hooves told me that Fluttershy had caught up. She looked at me with sympathetic eyes and nuzzled my hand to comfort me in the same manner Twilight had on the train. I sighed and walked away from them. I needed to go away. I… just needed to be alone.
	
> Interlude: He's still alive?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

If someone ever told you that farm work was hard, you never tried. And as William Fields got out of his tractor, he too felt it. His son, Albert hunched over and panted. Wet spots of sweat on his shirt and his dark brown hair clamped to his skull. Today was a warm day, even for late September. William stood next to him, breathing heavily as they looked to the fields they yet had to work on. On the fields next to them was a recently plowed potato field and, judging by Albert’s mudded hands, was their recent accomplishment. 

“You did good, son. Nice work.” He said and patted Albert on the shoulder, eliciting a pained groan. “We’ll work the cornfield later. Take a breather.” Upon looking at his son, however, he chuckled.
Albert moaned in exhaust in the mere thought. His muscles ached, his fingers burned and his legs barely held him up. He looked around. So much had been done since they started Monday. Being Thursday, he felt like falling asleep just thinking about the 100 or more things they had to do by the end of the month.
“Can’t believe Ben managed to do this day in and day out with you, while having an injury. I can’t feel my fingers.” Albert said after straightening, his back popping as he did.
Will’s smile faded when he thought about it. Ben never complained. Even when he worked close to keeling over. The farm was his life. Helping his family was his passion. He missed Ben’s attitude. His spark and dedication. He felt a twinge of pain in his heart when he realized that it’s been more than a year since Ben’s death. He let out a melancholy sigh at the thought and brought an arm around Albert’s shoulder.
He looked towards the house as if expecting to see Ben descend the stairs with his bottle of water by his belt. A bit of a signature was that Ben never got to work without his green silicone bottle. A gift from Lucy when Ben turned 16 and started riding his bike to school instead of his scooter. Whenever he asked he said: “Now I have a reason to stay healthier.” Followed by a laugh.

He smiled at the memory and Albert felt the nostalgia. A flash of green fire appeared at the end of the doorstep and left something on the ground. His eyebrows lifted in confusion and slowly started towards the house, Albert limping after if his shuffling in the dirt path was any indication.
When he stopped at the end of the stairs and looked on the ground. Just looked… then raised an eye-brow. On the ground was a scroll. Wrapped in a purple ribbon and with a red seal. He picked it up and eyed it.
“The hell is that?” Albert asked once he stood next to his dad.
Will twirled it in his hand.
“Looks like a scroll. Question is: Where did it come from?” He returned the question.
He removed the ribbon with a smirk. The smirk died when he unfurled the scroll. The pictures on the scroll turned him pale and weak. His breathing picked up as his hand covered his mouth.
“Is that Ben?” Albert asked in disbelief.
“Oh, my God! Oh, my God!” He repeated, tears now visible and a smile creeping its way to him. “Beth? BETH! GET OUT HERE!”
From inside the house Albert could hear a female groan and footsteps. Not three second after the door opened, revealing a young teen girl with black hair tied in a pony-tail. She looked annoyed.
“What? Dinner’s almost ready, what’s the hurry?” she asked, huffing but softening at her father’s teary eyes.
“Come, come! Look, look, look!” He excitedly waved his hand.
As she did she gasped and her eyes opened wide. The picture indeed had Ben, smiling wide and true. What seemed odd was the creatures on them; ponies. But stranger. They had big intelligent eyes, sentient smiles and, judging by the smile adorning Ben, they seemed to actually care for him.
Will read the scroll that indeed had Ben’s handwriting.



Dear family. If you’re reading this then Celestia managed to get the letter through. I know I’ve been gone for about a year but I’m far from dead. Still have my heart-injury but I fare better here than where you are. I know you have questions on where I am and what happened so I’m going to explain no matter how ridiculous it sounds:
The thunderstorm that happened a year ago was the result of a God named Discord and as his namesake suggest; He’s the God of Chaos and his power leaked into our world until he was stopped by the ponies (yes they are, honest to God, ponies) you see on the picture bellow (Sadly, Twilight didn’t have a longer scroll so I take it in the next letter). They are also the ones who take care of me. The one on the picture took me in and let me live with them while staying here. Let me introduce you to them:



Their gazes shifted to the ponies on his either sides. On his left was a big red stallion with dark blond mane and tail. His green eyes showed cheer and judging by how his hoof was draped over a kneeling Ben and the sheer smile on his muzzle he was very fond of Ben.
The next was a filly perched on Ben’s shoulder. Her red mane and pale olive coat clearly visible on Ben’s dark hair. But most noticeable was her pink bow. Her smile almost split her face when her hooves were placed on Ben’s head showed her affection, evident in her amber eyes.
Probably the most noticeable was the smiling green eyed mare on his right. Her fore-and back legs crossed she gave the camera a smirk, Ben’s left arm draped over her. The tan coat and blond hair tied she seemed to radiate a warmth. What made her stand out was the Stetson on her head.
The final pony on the picture was an elder green mare with greyed mane and tail tied in a bun. Despite her old appearance she gave a motherly smile.
What William noticed was how Ben gave the camera a very toothy grin. A grin he hasn’t seen since Lucy before Lucy’s death. When Ben was happy.



On the picture you see Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, Applejack and Granny Smith. Big Macintosh or just Big Mac is the oldest of the siblings. He’s very calm but also very quiet. Kinda reminds me of you, Albert, just more for working. He and I, more often than not, tend to work together. While not going along at first he soon warmed up to me. And actually treated me as family. The filly on top of me is the youngest, named Apple Bloom. She’s still in grade school but she’s a big help on the farm I’m working for. Though the last to trust me she and I get along more than the others, funny enough. She reminds me of you, Elizabeth.
The mare with the Stetson kinda sticks out like a sore thumb. She was the one who welcomed me to this farm and we get along just fine… at times. Turns out we’re both the same; Stubborn, hard-headed and too proud to admit to fault. But she’s one of the kindest and hardworking ponies I’ve met and, judging by the town I now live in, that says a lot. Her hat was not a gift from her family; it was funny enough won in a contest. The last one is the grandmother of this family; simply named Granny Smith. She’s the kindest elder I have ever met (Please don’t tell Grandpa Arnold I said that) and have done everything she could to make me comfortable here. Don’t ask me how old she is because these ponies live WAY longer than normal.
I have a lot more to write but I’ll save that for the next letter. As for how to come back… Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are working with a portal to send me back to you… unfortunately; it’s going to take 30 years to fully open the portal back to you. But I will be able to send letters to you on how I’m doing. Still love you all. And Dad… sorry for what I said. I was angry but I went too far.



Will stared at the letter with tears in his eyes but a big smile on his face. Next to him, Elizabeth did the same. Albert let out a sigh of relief on knowing that Ben was alive and well.
“He’s alive.” Will said, looking up at the clear sky. “My boy is still alive.”
There was no feeling in the world that could describe the happiness he was feeling right now. Lucy leaned onto Albert with tears in her eyes but a smile. Albert, suddenly feeling more tired than before sighed but noticed something by the end of the scroll.
“Look.” He said; pointing with a shaky hand on the last paragraph on the scroll.
Will was snapped out of his relief on a small but oddly shaky writing at the end. As if it was written with heavy sadness



And if you see Madeleine, tell her I…



> Correspondence
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Beloved Ben.
You have no idea how glad we were to receive your letter. I feared the worse when you just disappeared. But now that I know that you’re alive we can all relax. As for what you said… I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have talked down to myself like I did. And to be honest I had both your word and your slap coming. It snapped me back and I’m glad I did. We are doing well on the farm but, no offence to Al, but we can’t get enough done without you. But we manage. We told Addie and while she took it hard she said that she understood why you wanted it. I know it wasn’t easy for you either. But if this letter gets to you then know that you should’ve seen our faces when the letter appeared out of thin air. Speaking of; your siblings want to write too.

Hey, Ben. Hope your ticker’s still ticking. And that your new friends are treating you well. I miss you, a lot. My little brother is strong but can be reckless. Watch yourself. I don’t want the next letter to be about your death. Love you. Albert.

Hey, bro! Saw the picture. Bloom is ADORABLE! I really miss you, too. Hope to see you soon… even if it takes forever. Love you. Betty.

So, thirty years. I’ll wait. We wait. Even if I’m a stubborn old man in the old folk’s home I’ll wait for you, son. And know that we all love and miss you. Your friends wanted to write to you too but we can wait till the next letter. Patricia miss you especially. Until then, take care.
With love, The Fields.



I held the letter close to my chest, warm trickles of tears fell from my face when I read the letter and I gave a painful sob. Leaning onto the house and staring into the setting sun painted the sky orange, red and pink. My chest ached but with a different pain. A pain of loss. I missed them… My God did I miss them.